In Episode 448 of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast as he delves into the essential strategies for developing self-sufficient technicians in the building automation industry. Discover a comprehensive framework designed to minimize repeat support calls by addressing common gaps in technician training and knowledge. Episode Highlights: Introduction to Self-Sufficiency: Phil outlines what it means to be a self-sufficient technician, emphasizing the ability to execute job roles efficiently, troubl...
Feb 12, 2024•29 min•Ep. 448
Episode Description: Dive into the intricacies of building automation programming with Phil Zito in Episode 447 of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast. This technical episode takes a deep dive into the art and science of writing effective building automation programs, focusing on sequences of operations, design patterns, and translating complex sequences into graphical programming interfaces. Episode Highlights: Introduction to Building Automation Programming: Phil sets the stage for a comprehen...
Feb 07, 2024•47 min•Ep. 447
Welcome back to the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast with your host, Phil Zito, in Episode 446. After a brief hiatus, Phil dives back into the world of smart buildings, sharing his recent experiences, insights from industry trade shows, and addressing the critical issue of workforce development in building automation. This episode takes listeners on a journey through the whirlwind of trade shows like AHR, Honeywell Momentum, Niagara Summit, and Controls-Con, offering firsthand observations on ind...
Feb 05, 2024•50 min•Ep. 446
In this insightful episode of the Smart Buildings Academy podcast, Chief Talent Officer Rachel Zito sits down with the Academy's visionary founder and CEO, Phil Zito, for a deep dive into his entrepreneurial journey and the evolution of the Smart Buildings Academy (SBA). Episode Highlights: Kick off: The Journey Unveiled - Phil shares his motivations behind opening up about his journey and what he hopes listeners will gain from this episode. SBA History: From Concept to Reality - Discover the in...
Dec 11, 2023•59 min•Ep. 445
In this enlightening episode of the Smart Buildings Academy podcast, we were joined by Phil Zito, CEO of Smart Buildings Academy. Together, we explored the critical aspects of creating effective training programs in the building automation industry. Episode Highlights: Insider Insights: Phil shares his valuable experience and knowledge on developing impactful training programs. The Hidden Costs: Unveil the often unseen expenses involved in creating comprehensive training materials. Quality Matte...
Dec 04, 2023•33 min•Ep. 444
In this insightful episode of SBA 443, we dive deep into the intricacies of building and managing a Remote Operations Center (ROC) specifically designed for building automation teams. Our discussion is grounded in the practical experiences and successes of SBA in this field, offering listeners a blend of theoretical knowledge and real-world application. We begin by defining what a Remote Operations Center is and its significance in the realm of building automation. The episode highlights the key...
Nov 13, 2023•32 min•Ep. 443
🎧 Dive into the dynamic world of building automation with Phil Zito in our latest podcast episode "SBA 442: Ask Me Anything"! Phil, an acclaimed expert in the field, opens the floor to listeners, answering questions on a wide array of topics. Whether you're new to the industry or a seasoned professional, this episode is packed with valuable insights. In This Episode, You'll Discover: Sales Strategies: Uncover effective techniques to enhance your building automation sales. Project Management: Le...
Oct 25, 2023•56 min•Ep. 442
In episode SBA 441, we're joined by Derek Wright from D&L Controls, who offers an intimate look into the journey of his organization. From its humble beginnings to the present, and aspirations for the next two years, Derek gives listeners a roadmap of D&L's evolution. Hiring practices take center stage as he reveals what qualities stand out in potential candidates, followed by an engaging discussion on preserving company culture amidst rapid growth. The episode doesn't shy away from chal...
Oct 16, 2023•52 min•Ep. 441
In this episode of SBA440, delve deep into the intricacies of talent management in the building automation industry. From understanding the profound impact of organizational culture to navigating the challenges of corporate-imposed pay constraints, we'll explore innovative strategies to reengage disengaged staff and dissect a real-world case study of ThermoTech Automation Solutions. Discover actionable insights to elevate employee engagement and retention in a rapidly evolving sector. Tune in an...
Oct 11, 2023•38 min•Ep. 440
Dive into the world of energy management with Nathan Miller, the driving force behind UHAT's facility initiatives. In this episode, we journey through Nathan's personal career evolution and uncover valuable insights from his transition into the owner space. Discover how UHAT is setting facility standards, the synergy between IT and Building Automation Systems (BAS), and the thought process behind their preventative maintenance program. With a keen eye on the future, Nathan also reveals his bigge...
Oct 09, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 439
Are you frustrated with the revolving door of talent in the building automation sector? Ever trained an employee only to watch them be lured away by a competitor? If these scenarios sound familiar, our latest podcast episode is for you. Why Employee Retention Matters In the rapidly advancing world of building automation, maintaining a skilled and dedicated workforce isn't just an HR concern—it's a core business imperative. The cost of replacing a trained technician can range from 50% to 200% of ...
Sep 15, 2023•36 min•Ep. 438
Employee and leadership challenges are some of the most difficult issues business owners and managers face. Often times you advance in your career because of your skills in a specific area. Your team or business grows and now you have people. People are awesome, they bring life to a team and business. But they are also complicated. In this episode of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast, our co-owner Rachel Zito and I discuss her efforts in leading our talent and culture initiatives at SBA....
Sep 08, 2023•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 437
Hello SBA listeners! 🚀 Reconnect with us in this powerhouse episode, where we dive deep into our newest evolutions and the growth of the SBA community. If you've ever felt like a cog in the building automation industry's machine, you're in for a treat. Highlights Include: SBA’s New Horizons: Discover how we're reshaping our vision. From introducing dynamic team members to revealing our innovative Workforce Development Cohort, we're on a relentless pursuit of excellence. Sales Strategy Snapshot:...
Aug 25, 2023•31 min•Ep. 436
Prepare for an adventure as we roll out the 435th episode of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast, imaginatively titled "SBA 435: Highway Heroes - Untold Stories from a Traveling Building Automation Repairman." In this episode, we have our Corporate Trainer, David Perkins, as your travel guide. David has spent countless hours on the road, moving from site to site, unraveling and fixing complex building automation and mechanical issues that have left others in the field scratching their heads. Now...
Jul 03, 2023•43 min•Ep. 435
Get ready for a thrilling ride as we present the 434th episode of our popular Smart Buildings Academy podcast, titled "SBA 434: In the Maintenance Zone - Exploring Best Practices for BAS Upkeep." Leading the discussion will be our corporate instructor, David Perkins. Drawing from his extensive experience on the maintenance frontlines, David will share a captivating mix of success stories and horror tales that illustrate the stark realities of Building Automation Systems (BAS) maintenance. But it...
Jun 30, 2023•45 min•Ep. 434
Clear your schedules for the 433rd episode of our Smart Buildings Academy Podcast! This time, we're bringing in the big guns with our distinguished corporate instructor, Michael Roper, taking the lead. The episode is masterfully titled, "The Art and Science of Valve Sizing - Decoding the Mystery." Get ready to immerse yourself in the fascinating universe of valve types, their sizing, and the critical decision-making that goes into selecting the right valve. This episode is all about breaking dow...
Jun 28, 2023•22 min•Ep. 433
At last, the wait is over! Episode 432 of the Smart Buildings Academy's Podcast is finally here! We sat down for an incredible roundtable discussion on Wednesday, June 7th, in an episode we've titled, "Growth and Grit: Our Workforce Development Endeavors Revealed". In this discussion, we peeled back the layers on our trailblazing, fully online, 11-week workforce development program. Yes, we've been busy transforming ordinary postal workers and hotel lobby clerks into proficient building automati...
Jun 26, 2023•56 min•Ep. 432
We're excited to share with you that our esteemed Director of Sales, Julian Palacios, has guest hosted an insightful episode of our podcast series, titled "Seal the Deal: Winning Strategies for Securing Service Agreements". In this episode, Julian illuminates his tested framework for identifying, proposing, and landing profitable building automation service agreements with commercial clients. Leveraging his extensive experience, Julian demystifies the potential risks and challenges one might enc...
Jun 24, 2023•51 min•Ep. 431
🎙️ New Episode Alert! 🎙️ We are thrilled to bring you the 430th episode of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast - a podcast that explores the technologies and people driving the smart buildings industry. 👷♂️ Joining us this time is none other than industry veteran, Michael Roper. With his extensive knowledge and experience in the HVAC industry, Michael will be providing us with invaluable insights on the topic - "The Cold, Hard Facts: Understanding and Mastering Chiller Sequences". 🏢 This ep...
Jun 02, 2023•37 min•Ep. 430
Don't miss out on our latest episode airing on Friday, May 26th at 9 AM CST. Titled "The Current State: How Electrical Fundamentals Drive Building Automation," this session promises to shed light on the crucial role of electrical fundamentals in the realm of building automation. Led by our seasoned instructor, Michael Roper, this discussion aims to provide building automation professionals with a solid understanding of core electrical concepts. Michael will unpack the often complex and challengi...
May 26, 2023•38 min•Ep. 429
On episode 428 of the Smart Buildings Academy (SBA) podcast, SBA instructor David Perkins demystifies the world of BACnet MS/TP. This episode, titled "BACnet MS/TP Explained: Its Influence and Importance in Building Automation," dives deep into the technicalities, impact, and relevance of the BACnet MS/TP protocol in the realm of building automation. David dissects how the BACnet MS/TP, a key protocol within the BACnet suite, operates, shedding light on its intricacies and structure. He will gui...
May 24, 2023•56 min•Ep. 428
Mark your calendars! Monday, May 22nd at 3:30 PM CST, we have a new episode of The Smart Buildings Academy Podcast for you. Dive into the dynamic synergy of sales professionals and building automation system (BAS) technicians, and discover how this potent combination can revolutionize your approach to building automation challenges. In this episode, we explore how salespersons can harness the technical expertise and respect of technicians to effectively meet building owners' needs. Listen in as ...
May 22, 2023•38 min•Ep. 427
Did you miss our special episode on May 19th? Don't worry, it's right here waiting for you. This one's all about summer at Smart Buildings Academy (SBA) and we promise it's full of sizzle! First up, we introduced our new podcast lineup, featuring four fresh voices that are now part of the conversation. Plus, we unveiled our upcoming workforce development initiative - it's set to transform the next generation of building professionals. We also revealed our exciting plans for revamping and expandi...
May 19, 2023•26 min•Ep. 426
If you missed our live show on Friday, May 12th, don't fret! "Creating Smart Spaces: Enhancing Occupant Comfort with Building Automation," is right here for you to dive into. In this episode, we explored the magic of building automation systems in transforming ordinary facilities into smart spaces that prioritize occupant comfort and satisfaction. You'll discover how these innovative systems tailor environments to individual needs, boost productivity, and promote overall well-being. From industr...
May 12, 2023•32 min•Ep. 425
In this insightful episode, we ventured into the transformative world of predictive maintenance and how it can revolutionize your facility management approach. We dissected the concept of moving from reactive to proactive maintenance, making your operations more efficient and cost-effective. Starting with a clear definition of predictive maintenance, we compared it with reactive and preventive maintenance, highlighting its unique benefits and the vital role it plays in modern facility management...
May 10, 2023•30 min•Ep. 424
In this enlightening episode, we delved into the fascinating world of smart buildings and sustainable practices. We explored how the latest innovations in building technology can transform your facility into an energy-efficient haven. We kicked off the conversation by defining smart buildings and highlighting their evolution. We then uncovered key sustainable practices like energy efficiency, conservation, water management, waste reduction, and indoor environmental quality enhancement. But that'...
May 08, 2023•31 min•Ep. 423
🎧 Tune in to a game-changing podcast episode that's already rocking the world of sustainable buildings! 🌿🏢 🔊 Presenting: "SBA 422: Zeroing in on Net-Zero: Unpacking ASHRAE 228-2023" – a must-listen for all building pros! We had a blast going LIVE on Monday, April 24th, and now you can catch the episode! 📅⏰ Join the conversation as we dive into ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 228-2023 – the ultimate guide to evaluating Zero Net Energy and Zero Net Carbon Building Performance! 🌱🔋 In this can't-miss ep...
Apr 24, 2023•28 min•Ep. 422
🎧 BAS Implementation 101: Strategies for a Seamless Rollout 🚀 Get ready to level up your BAS implementation game! In this episode, we're dishing out the top strategies for a smooth and successful rollout. We'll walk you through crafting the perfect timeline, assembling your all-star team, mastering communication, and planning for those pesky curveballs. So grab your headphones, and let's dive into the tips and tricks that'll have you rocking your BAS implementation like a pro! 🌟💪 Tune in now...
Apr 19, 2023•34 min•Ep. 421
🚀 Recorded live on 4-17 at 12PM PST: SBA 420 - The BAS Selection Bible: Your Go-To Guide for Evaluating and Choosing the Right System! 🏢 Hey, fellow BAS enthusiasts! Ready to make informed decisions about your building automation system? We've got you covered with our latest podcast episode, where we dive into the crucial aspects of selecting the right BAS solution, featuring insights from Phil Zito! 🎧 Join us as we explore: 🔑 Key BAS features, such as energy management, occupant comfort, in...
Apr 17, 2023•33 min•Ep. 420
In this episode, we'll guide you through the BAS Blueprint, providing you with the essential steps to evaluate systems, set goals, and budget for your facility. 🛠️ We'll walk you through conducting a thorough needs assessment 📋, engaging key stakeholders 🤝, setting SMART goals 🎯, and evaluating your existing infrastructure 🔍. Plus, we'll discuss budget considerations, project timelines, and how to coordinate with vendors and contractors for a seamless BAS implementation. 🔄 Don't miss this ...
Apr 14, 2023•28 min•Ep. 419
