The Modern Facilities Management Podcast

Bob Miller: Facilities Management in Hospitality

On this episode of the Modern Facilities Management Podcast, Griffin Hamilton speaks with Bob Miller, the General Manager at Camp Margaritaville. They discuss Bob's journey in the hospitality industry, the importance of communication in enhancing guest experiences, and the unique challenges of facilities management in hospitality. Bob shares insights on preventative maintenance strategies, balancing emergencies with planned maintenance, and the significance of key performance indicators in ensuring operational efficiency. The conversation highlights the critical role of teamwork and communication across departments to deliver exceptional guest experiences.Enjoy!

Gerrayl Bryson: From Military to Facilities Management

In this episode of the Modern Facilities Management Podcast, Griffin Hamilton interviews Gerrayl Bryson, a Facilities Supervisor for the Nevada Department of Veterans Services. Gerrayl shares his journey from military service to civilian life, highlighting the skills and experiences that have shaped his career in facilities management. He discusses the unique challenges and rewards of managing facilities for veterans, the importance of safety culture, and the need for sustainability in aging facilities. TakeawaysThe importance of finding purpose in civilian life after military service.Facilities management is crucial for enhancing residents' daily experiences.A culture of safety is built through communication and empowerment.Reporting near misses can prevent future incidents.Embracing change and ambiguity is vital in facilities management.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Jeral Bryson02:33 Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life07:47 Unique Aspects of Managing Veteran Facilities10:10 The Impact of Facilities Management on Residents12:15 Balancing Immediate Needs with Long-Term Goals14:12 Sustainability and Future Planning15:36 Building a Culture of Safety19:49 Understanding and Reporting Near Misses20:00 Advice for Aspiring Facilities Managers21:22 Influences on Career Development

Steven Atkins: Healthcare Facilities Management

In this episode, Griffin Hamilton speaks with Steven Atkins, the Director of Facilities Management at Methodist University Hospital. They discuss Steven's journey into healthcare facilities management, the unique challenges faced in this sector, and the importance of compliance and paperwork. Steven shares insights on documenting tribal knowledge, emergency preparedness, and building a culture of safety. The conversation also delves into sustainability efforts and capital projects, emphasizing the role of optimization in achieving energy efficiency and cost savings. Key TakeawaysHealthcare facilities management involves navigating complex regulations and compliance requirements.Capturing tribal knowledge is crucial for maintaining operational efficiency in aging facilities.Emergency preparedness requires a multidisciplinary approach and regular drills.Sustainability initiatives can lead to significant cost savings and improved operational efficiency.Building trust with administration is essential for successful emergency management programs.

Michel Theriault: Advocating for FM

SummaryIn this episode, Griffin Hamilton is joined by industry veteran Michel Theriault to unpack a recurring pain point in facilities management: the lack of fit-for-purpose tools and the undervaluation of FM’s strategic role. With decades of experience in in-house, outsourced, and consulting environments, Michel shares compelling insights on:Why many organizations still use subpar or misaligned systems (like IT helpdesks) to manage complex FM needsThe consequences of not advocating for specialized FM software (like CMMS or CAFM platforms)How poor interdepartmental collaboration—especially with IT—can derail initiatives for yearsThe importance of positioning FM as a strategic function, not just a tactical onePractical advice for facility managers to gain business fluency, advocate for better tools, and communicate their impactThe value of professional developmentInterested in learning more? Reach out to Michel on LinkedIn

#135 David Stephenson: Smart Building Technology

This weeks guest is David Stephenson, Studio Principal (Smart Building Studio) at Little Diversified Architectural ConsultingIn this episode, Griffin and David talk about the evolution of smart building technology and its implementation in facilities management. David shares his extensive experience in the industry, discussing the challenges faced by facility managers, the importance of change management, and best practices for technology adoption. If you'd like to learn more about Little's Smart Building Studio, check out their brochure here. 00:00 Introduction to Smart Building Technology03:01 David's Journey in Facilities Management05:48 Challenges in the FM Industry09:01 Best Practices for Change Management12:01 Implementation Strategies for Technology15:04 Integrating Smart Building Technologies18:06 Taking the First Steps in Tech Adoption