In part two of our series, "Start Now: A Guide to Building or Enhancing Your Emergency Management Program," Scott Ployer, President and CEO of National Property Management Strategies Group, explores the vital role of insurance in facilities management. With insurance premiums skyrocketing, Scott offers strategies to help companies mitigate these costs by fostering a safety-first culture and conducting thorough risk assessments. He highlights the importance of regularly updating standard operatin...
Jul 30, 2024•20 min
In this episode, we chat with Sean Tracy, the Director of Facilities at AdventHealth Castle Rock. With 20 years in healthcare facilities management, Sean takes us through his career journey, from trade school to spearheading sustainability efforts. He explains why trade schools are so valuable and how Facility Condition Assessments (FCA) help in planning for the future. Sean shares the innovative measures he's implementing to reduce energy use, including solar and wind energy. He also describes ...
Jul 18, 2024•24 min
In this special three-part series, "Start Now: A Guide to Building or Enhancing Your Emergency Management Program," Scott Ployer, President and CEO at National Property Management Strategies Group, provides valuable insights and practical advice for Facilities Managers across industries. In the first episode, Scott delves into the essential role of OSHA, discussing its functions, the latest updates for 2024, and tips for maintaining workplace safety. Listeners will learn about new reporting meth...
Jul 17, 2024•28 min
In today's discussion, Paul Sutter, Associate Vice President of Facilities and Capital Projects at the Julliard School, takes us behind the scenes at this world-renowned performing arts education institution. From overseeing a vast array of facilities within Lincoln Center to maintaining impeccable standards for students and staff, Paul shares his journey from golf course superintendent to managing one of the most prestigious arts institutions globally. Discover how Juilliard's facilities team t...
Jul 15, 2024•31 min
In this episode, David sits down with Dr. Walter Lamar, Executive Director of Health, Safety, and Environmental for the University of Miami Health Care System. Dr. Lamar shares his extensive background in emergency management and public health, providing a unique perspective on managing safety functions across diverse communities in South Florida. Learn about the innovative approaches Dr. Lamar and his team employ to ensure the safety and well-being of thousands of employees and patients, the im...
Jul 08, 2024•27 min
In this episode, David is joined by Scott Ployer, President and CEO of National Property Management Strategies Group. Scott shares his 38-year journey in facilities management, construction, development, and safety, along with insights into his consultancy work with various organizations on strategic planning, process improvement, and safety programs. Scott emphasizes the significance of embedding safety within company culture, highlighting how a proactive approach can mitigate risks and enhance...
Jun 28, 2024•33 min
Maria Johnson, a seasoned leader in the restaurant facilities and construction industry, shares her inspiring journey from emigrating from Venezuela to the United States as a child, witnessing her parents' hard work, and pursuing her own career in the restaurant and retail industry. Rising from a secretary to VP of Development, Maria emphasizes the importance of education, determination, and leveraging opportunities. Maria and David explore the complexities of implementing CMMS platforms in faci...
Jun 21, 2024•29 min
Leni Rivera, Owner of WorkplaceXperience, takes Facility Voices listeners on a compelling journey from her beginnings as an actor with a degree from NYU to her current role as a workplace experience advocate. With a background in the performing arts, Leni developed a deep understanding of human behavior, a skill she seamlessly transitioned into creating environments that support people. Her career has taken took her around the globe, from managing interior design companies in the UAE to overseei...
Jun 17, 2024•36 min
In today's episode, David sits down with Josh Bracket, the System Regulatory Director of Facilities Services at Banner Health. Josh shares his unique journey from being an EMT driver to leading regulatory efforts at one of the most innovative healthcare systems in the U.S. He discusses the crucial role of code flexibility and risk assessments in achieving significant cost savings without compromising patient safety and highlights how continuous evaluation and cross-training are vital to effectiv...
Jun 07, 2024•37 min
In today's episode, David is joined by Mike Smith, Senior Facilities Maintenance Manager at Saddle Creek Logistics Services. Mike's journey in maintenance began as an Air Force Mechanic, where he honed his skills keeping crucial equipment operational and efficient. From there, he transitioned into his current role, where he oversees the maintenance operations for Saddle Creek Logistics Services. Mike shares the nuances of the facilities management industry, contrasting the dynamics of outsourcin...
Jun 03, 2024•30 min
In this episode of Facility Voices, David sits down with Dr. Louis Fletcher, Executive Director for Facilities and Operations at School District 49 in Colorado Springs. Dr. Fletcher, with his extensive background in the Air Force and higher education, provides invaluable insights into the multifaceted role of facilities management in education. From dealing with snow delays to tackling deferred maintenance, Dr. Fletcher discusses the challenges and innovations shaping the landscape of facilities...
May 24, 2024•35 min
This week David is joined by Melissa Petracca, Facilities Manager, and Jim Campoli, Senior Director of Operations and Services at Matheny Medical and Education Center. Melissa and Jim share their unique journeys into facilities management, detailing the complexities and challenges they face at Matheny, a 101-bed specialty hospital and special needs school in New Jersey. Hear how Melissa grew from front desk receptionist to Facilities Manager, confronting the distinctive operational challenges of...
May 17, 2024•29 min
In this episode of Facility Voices we hear from Jeremiah Johnson, COO at Muskego-Norway School District, as he shares his career path from custodian to district leader, offering insights into workforce retention strategies and innovative initiatives. Learn about the Muskego-Norway School District, serving around 5,000 students across six schools in southeastern Wisconsin, and their efforts to revitalize trade programs and develop cutting-edge facilities, all aimed at enhancing student learning. ...
May 10, 2024•27 min
Steve Lindas, an Apprenticeship Training Representative for the Florida Department of Education talks about his career – from apprenticing in faux painting to shaping apprenticeship programs for the state in this week’s Facility Voices podcast. Steve provides a window into Florida's approach to registered apprenticeship, revealing how these programs provide valuable skills and serve as a ladder for career advancement, challenging perceptions, and paving the way for success in skilled trades. Dis...
May 04, 2024•34 min
Scott Mason, Executive Director of Business Development at DNV Healthcare, takes Facility Voices listeners on a compelling journey from his beginnings as an electronics technician in the Navy to his pivotal role in strategic asset management and accreditation within healthcare facilities. Scott shares his wealth of expertise, offering a unique perspective on the intricate task of assessing and managing risk in healthcare facility management. Drawing from his extensive experience in life safety, ...
Apr 26, 2024•33 min
In this episode of Facility Voices we hear from industry leader Shane Sullivan, VP of Sales at Nephros, as he shares the critical importance of water quality management in healthcare and beyond. Drawing from over 25 years of experience in facilities and maintenance, Shane guides us through his career journey, spanning from biopharmaceutical and university research environments to his current position at Nephros, a medical device company specializing in filtration solutions. He sheds light on pre...
Apr 18, 2024•29 min
In this episode of Facility Voices, Andy Gager, CEO of AMG International Consulting, shares insights from his extensive background, spanning from manufacturing to consulting, and offers a unique perspective on the intersection of operations, maintenance, and facilities management. Andy explores and elaborates on the pressing issues facing the industry today, from the impact of technology advancements to the critical importance of effectively managing changes. He also discusses the importance of ...
Apr 12, 2024•37 min
In this episode of Facility Voices, Andrew Akard, Vice President of Facilities at Tinker Federal Credit Union, talks about technology in facilities management and shares some of the innovative approaches employed at Tinker. Andrew emphasizes the importance of clearly articulating objectives and collaborating with other departments to ensure successful technology integration. He highlights the significance of effective communication with leadership and the need to tailor messages to specific audi...
Apr 05, 2024•32 min
In this episode of Facility Voices, Michael Wood, Senior Director of Facility Support Services at Parkland Health, shares his extensive expertise garnered over three decades in the industry. As the Director of Facility Support Services, Michael orchestrates operations across a vast 7-million-square-foot campus, navigating the day-to-day challenges inherent in sustaining essential systems at one of the busiest healthcare facilities in the United States. He also calls attention to the pivotal role...
Mar 30, 2024•32 min
In this episode of Facility Voices, Raymond Perrier, Training and Business Development at Prime Power Services, joins David to discuss the power of cross-training within organizations. Raymond, a seasoned expert in facility operations, shares firsthand experiences of implementing cross-training initiatives, highlighting how he bridges the gap between departments and cultivates a culture of collaboration. From technicians gaining insight into sales processes to employees pursuing external trainin...
Mar 25, 2024•33 min
In this episode Carolyn McGary, National Director of FM Pipeline, and Jim Zirbel, Chairman at FM Pipeline, discuss the role of development programs in the facility management industry. Carolyn shares her passion for mentoring the next generation, and Jim brings his entrepreneurial spirit to the conversation, discussing his work in the built environment technology space. Their discussion explores the importance of engaging and empowering young people, with Carolyn and Jim sharing insights from th...
Mar 19, 2024•34 min
In this episode of Facility Voices Lindsey Brackett, Chief Empowerment Officer at Legacy FM, shares her inspiring journey and expert advice on training a facilities team. Lindsey recounts her journey from structural engineering to founder of Legacy FM, a company focused on preserving institutional knowledge in the face of an aging workforce crisis. Through Legacy FM, Lindsey empowers the next generation by capturing and sharing legacy knowledge through custom training programs. Lindsey provides ...
Mar 09, 2024•38 min
In this episode of Facility Voices Lisa Trayter, Director of Facilities and Transportation at Yough School District, communicates her wealth of knowledge accumulated over years of experience managing facilities and transportation. Discover how Lisa climbed the ladder from an administrative assistant to her current role overseeing five school buildings. Lisa shares her leadership perspective, emphasizing the importance of nurturing individual superpowers and personalities within her team. With a ...
Mar 05, 2024•32 min
Join Shalita Myrick, Principal Facilities Project Manager at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, in this episode of Facility Voices as we traverse unconventional facility career paths, what it’s like working in healthcare facilities, and the power of mentorship. Shalita shares her facilities management trajectory, starting from a background in political science and B2B sales, and discusses how her experiences working with impactful women in the public policy sector ultimately led ...
Feb 26, 2024•29 min
Santiago Chambers brings over 30 years of seasoned expertise from his naval service to his current role as Director of Plant Operations at Los Alamitos Medical Center. In this installment of Facility Voices, he reflects on his extensive experience spanning both healthcare facilities and the United States Navy. Santiago takes us through his journey from the military to facilities management, highlighting the value of teamwork and a positive mindset. Additionally, he delves into strategies for add...
Feb 16, 2024•34 min
In this episode of Facility Voices, Andrew Sileo, Davidson's town Arborist, shares his journey in the dynamic world of urban forestry. Andrew's passion for trees began in high school with the FFA program, leading him to become a certified arborist with over 6 years of experience. In his current role, Andrew oversees all of Davidson’s public vegetation, spanning many facility campuses and emphasizing the vital role trees play in our communities. Discover how Davidson's "Tree City USA" certificati...
Feb 09, 2024•31 min
In this episode of Facility Voices, David welcomes Diana Ferrer-Schwartz, Chief Administrative Officer at the New York City Department of Education Division of School Facilities. Diana, with her extensive background in facilities management and administration across the education sector, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the discussion as she explores the challenges and initiatives shaping the facilities landscape in one of the world's largest school systems. From juggling a whoppin...
Feb 03, 2024•26 min•Season 2Ep. 5
In this engaging episode of Facility Voices, David is joined by Kristian Gonzales, Sales Manager for Zona FACTA. With a Navy background and specialized expertise in security operations, Kristian offers invaluable insights into developing security plans for Facilities Managers. Kristian and David discuss all sorts of facility management topics, from hashing out security plans and sizing up threats to tackling cybersecurity, compliance, and training. Through candid conversations and practical advi...
Jan 30, 2024•25 min•Season 2Ep. 4
Richard Gunpat, Mechanical Engineer at the Airports Authority of Trinidad and Tobago joins Facility Voices host, David Trask, for an inspiring discussion of sustainability in Facilities Management. The conversation highlights Richard's extensive 20-year career in facilities management, and his dedication to giving back to the industry through his involvement with IFMA, ASHRAE, and his recent recognition with the IFMA Emerging Professional Award. With extensive experience in energy consulting, av...
Jan 19, 2024•32 min•Season 2Ep. 3
This week’s guest, Josh Ashlock, Director of Building Systems at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center shares his experience with the challenges and triumphs within healthcare facilities. Josh's passion for healthcare and his unwavering commitment to the facilities management profession shine through as he walks us through the history of his career. As a husband of 28 years and with 23 years of experience in facilities, Josh brings a unique perspective, discussing how his personal li...
Jan 17, 2024•33 min•Season 2Ep. 2
