Advertise on podcast: The Modern Facilities Management Podcast

A bad process that you automate is still a bad process. It's just faster, and now it has a timestamp on it. Griffin Hamilton and Yvonne Harrison of CamCode pick up part two of their conversation on automation, moving from clean data into the three pillars that decide whether a rollout actually sticks: standardized process, a real link between the asset and its record, and people who want to use it. What you'll learn: - Why standardizing the workflow has to come before automating it, walked through with an inspection example where seven technicians each have their own method, their own vocabulary, and their own way of capturing data - What bridging physical to digital means in practice, and why printed labels fail first in wash-down, outdoor, and high-heat environments, taking the asset history with them - The three reasons adoption stalls: users don't trust the data, the process feels more complicated than what they had, and nobody showed them the win - Why implementations slip from four months to eighteen, and the front-end work that keeps a go-live date honest - Yvonne's closing sequence: visibility, identification, data integrity, process standardization, and only then automation About Yvonne: Yvonne Harrison leads the facilities and asset management market at CamCode, best known for durable asset identification. She has sat on every side of a software implementation: technician building hierarchies, sales, and now the partner side doing field walk-downs and audits. Four years at IBM as an asset lifecycle management SME shaped how she thinks about the whole asset life cycle, from online to disposal. This is part two. If you missed part one on asset visibility and data integrity, start there. Connect with the show: ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ⁠FlowPath⁠ Host: Griffin Hamilton ([email protected]) The Modern Facilities Management Podcast is presented by FlowPath, facility management software built for modern FM teams. Learn more at getflowpath.com. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating and review. It helps other FM professionals find the show

Most automation projects don't fail because the software was wrong. They fail because nobody could answer a simpler question first: is our asset data actually trustworthy? Griffin Hamilton sits down with Yvonne Harrison of CamCode for part one of a two-part conversation on what has to be true before you automate anything. You know what you have, and everyone in the building calls it the same thing. What you'll learn: - Why "you can't automate if you can't locate" is the first test of any automation project, and the four failure patterns that give it away: missing assets, duplicate records, inconsistent naming, and disconnected systems - How to stop chasing a perfect asset register and build a consistent one instead, using audits, standardized identification, and a hierarchy that reads the same in every building - How often to reconcile physical assets against the register, and why the answer changes for high-acquisition organizations versus education, where funding cycles drive a three-year audit - Why data ownership has to be assigned by function, so the safety team, the sustainability analyst, and the asset manager can each pull their slice of the same record About Yvonne: Yvonne Harrison leads the facilities and asset management market at CamCode, best known for durable asset identification. She spent four years at IBM as an asset lifecycle management SME and has worked implementation, sales, and hands-on hierarchy setup across roughly a decade in the space. She has seen what happens when a go-live date meets a spreadsheet nobody has audited. Part two picks up with process standardization, connecting physical assets to digital workflows, and the adoption problem that sinks most rollouts. Connect with the show: LinkedIn FlowPath Host: Griffin Hamilton ([email protected]) The Modern Facilities Management Podcast is presented by FlowPath, facility management software built for modern FM teams. Learn more at getflowpath.com. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating and review. It helps other FM professionals find the show

Jay Fiske, President of Powerhouse Dynamics, returns to the Modern Facilities Management Podcast for a deep dive into energy management for multi-site retailers and food service operators. Jay breaks down the Internet of Things without the jargon, explains why energy is quietly becoming one of the most controllable line items on the P&L, and unpacks the shift from passive procurement toward proactive, demand-side management. With energy costs climbing 4–5% year over year (and spiking 20–30% in some markets), he makes the case for why so many enterprises are finally moving from "voluntold to find savings" to a real strategy. The heart of the conversation is measurement. Jay walks through the IPMVP framework and the concept of weather normalization — why you can't just compare last July's bill to this July's, and how to prove the true impact of an energy-saving investment by measuring a building against itself. It's the difference between getting lucky with a cool summer and actually knowing your technology works. Whether you manage two locations or two thousand, this episode will help you become a savvier consumer of energy initiatives and build a business case your leadership team can trust. In this episode: What IoT really means (and why the term shouldn't intimidate you)The real drivers behind rising energy costsProcurement vs. SOPs vs. active controls vs. AIThe IPMVP methodology and weather normalization explainedHow to properly measure and present energy savings 📚 Learn more about the IPMVP framework Jay references: https://evo-world.org/en/products-services-mainmenu-en/protocols/ipmvp Make sure to check out our main sponsor: https://www.getflowpath.com/

Neil Simons of RC Mowers joins Griffin to talk remote-controlled and autonomous mowers, and how they tackle the labor and safety problems every facilities team faces. Takeaways: RC vs. autonomous: RC mowers keep an operator safely off steep slopes; autonomous mowers run on their own and lay down clean commercial stripes — one operator can run several at once.Labor multiplier, not job-killer: No customer has cut staff. Crews get freed from open-field mowing to focus on higher-value work like trimming, edging, and pruning.Safety first: Removing operators from machines on dangerous slopes prevents accidents. Neil's advice — listen to the boots on the ground; they know when a job feels unsafe.Curb appeal counts: Well-kept grounds shape first impressions for campus tours, recruiting, and hiring.What's next: AI and better cameras will let mowers cut within inches of trees and fences, closing today's precision gap.Resources: RCMowers WebsiteLinkedInRCMowers YouTube

Ryan Chan didn't set out to build software. He was a chemical engineer at a manufacturing plant, watching technicians write work orders on paper, walk back to the office, and retype it all into a desktop system nobody wanted to use. That frustration became UpKeep. Eleven years later it's a 150-person company that's raised $50M, and Ryan's still obsessed with the same thing: making tools the shop floor actually loves to use. In this episode, Ryan and Griffin get into what's changed across a decade in facilities, and what hasn't. They talk about why the only real constant is change, from COVID to tariffs to AI, and what separates the teams that thrive from the ones that stall. A few things we covered: Why "permission to fail" is the culture trait best-in-class teams shareThe one person in every org you should unleash on new tech (hint: the tinker)How to roll out change the right way: single person, to single site, to full orgWhy AI won't climb a ladder or turn a wrench, and why that makes technicians more important, not lessThe difference between using AI as a search bar and using it as a second brain that does real work Whether you run a facilities team or you're just trying to figure out where AI actually fits in the physical world, there's a lot here. UpKeep is the CMMS platform trusted by 4,000+ companies to manage maintenance, safety, and reliability. With built-in AI tools that customize the platform to each organization’s workflows, the platform empowers maintenance teams to reduce downtime and extend asset life — which is why UpKeep is the CMMS chosen by organizations like McDonald’s, Caterpillar, and Chevron. Curious to learn more? Follow ⁠Ryan on LinkedIn⁠ or reach him directly at ⁠[email protected]⁠

In this episode, Griffin sits down with Peter Costanzo of ROI Consulting Group to explore how facilities management technology is rapidly evolving—and why the industry is finally hitting an inflection point. Peter shares his unexpected path into FM tech and what’s kept him in the space for over two decades: the increasing complexity, opportunity, and impact of technology on building operations. From the growing role of IT and HR in facilities decisions to the rise of workplace experience as a priority, facilities teams are becoming more integrated than ever before. The conversation dives into major trends shaping the future of FM, including AI, predictive maintenance, and the explosion of sensors. Peter highlights how falling sensor costs and improved connectivity are making smarter buildings more accessible—and how large players like Siemens, Schneider Electric, and Autodesk are investing heavily in this space. They also discuss common challenges, like outdated systems, overwhelming technology choices, and implementation failures. A key theme: success with FM tech isn’t just about buying the right tools—it’s about long-term thinking, cross-functional collaboration, and actually using the systems to their full potential. If you’re trying to make sense of where FM technology is headed—or where to even begin—this episode offers a grounded, real-world perspective on what’s changing and what it means for facilities teams moving forward. Resources: ROI Consulting Group Peter Costanzo LinkedIn

Adam Cronk joins The Modern Facilities Management Podcast to share his journey from the U.S. Air Force into leadership roles across fitness and hospitality facilities. He dives into how military structure shaped his leadership style—and the challenges of adapting to corporate environments. The conversation explores a major shift in how facilities teams are viewed: from siloed “fix-it” departments to strategic operators that directly impact business outcomes. Adam breaks down why facilities, cleanliness, and people form the core triangle of customer retention—and why maintenance teams must be embedded in operations, not hidden behind the scenes. He also shares practical insights on: Hiring for culture over technical skill Building trust through a strong “say-do” ratio Elevating facilities leaders by stepping into cross-functional roles Learning leadership lessons from both great—and terrible—examples This episode is a must-listen for facilities leaders looking to drive impact, build stronger teams, and secure a seat at the table.

In this episode, Griffin Hamilton sits down with Ben Moller, VP at Modelve, to discuss how facilities teams can move from reactive asset replacement to long-term, data-driven capital planning. They explore leadership buy-in, scenario planning, and how using existing CMMS data can help organizations make smarter asset investment decisions, even with limited budgets.  Key Takeaways• Leadership buy-in is essential for long-term asset strategy• Start with the data you have and improve iteratively• Scenario planning creates better, more transparent decisions• Strong asset plans support grants, bonds, and future funding If you're interested in learning more about Modelve, check out their website and contact Ben here.

In this episode, Griffin Hamilton speaks with William Gordon, Regional Business Coach at 1-800-WaterDamage, who brings over 40 years of experience in property restoration. The conversation focuses on how facilities teams can better prepare for emergencies, respond effectively when disaster strikes, and recover faster, whether the incident affects a single building or an entire region. Key Takeaways: Preparation matters more than the plan itself. You can’t predict every scenario, but thinking ahead and documenting response steps dramatically reduces damage and confusion.Document critical information and make it accessible. Water shutoffs, emergency contacts, and vendor info should be easy to find and available to every shift, not just one person.Have a trusted restoration partner before you need one. Restoration vendors deal with these situations daily and bring experience, resources, and vendor relationships you don’t want to scramble for mid-crisis.Speed and clear communication reduce impact. Calling for help early, designating a single point of contact, and coordinating updates across stakeholders prevents chaos and delays.Regional disasters require a different mindset. In hurricanes, fires, or earthquakes, infrastructure and supply shortages change priorities, preexisting relationships help your building get back online faster.This episode is a practical guide for facilities leaders looking to minimize risk, protect occupants, and recover quickly when emergencies inevitably occur.

In this episode of The Modern Facilities Management Podcast, Griffin Hamilton is joined by Micah Jacob, a Melbourne-based Facilities Manager with over a decade of global FM experience across Australia, Europe, and large multinational portfolios. Micah’s journey into facilities management is anything but traditional. Originally trained in computer science, his career path took an unexpected turn—from a mailroom role to managing complex FM contracts across energy, banking, retail, and commercial real estate. Along the way, he’s worked with some of the largest global FM providers, gaining a rare, cross-functional perspective on how facilities management has evolved over the last 12 years. Together, Griffin and Micah explore: How a technical and systems-thinking background can shape better FM decision-making The expanding role of facilities teams post-COVID, from operations to strategy Why emotional intelligence and stakeholder psychology are now critical FM skills Global differences in FM best practices across Australia, the U.S., Europe, and the Middle East The promise—and challenges—of IoT, data, and predictive maintenance in facilities Why adaptability beats “cause and effect” thinking in complex FM environments Micah also shares insights into mentorship, continuous learning, and his upcoming book project focused on complex systems thinking—bridging human psychology, infrastructure, and long-term outcomes in facilities and beyond. Enjoy!

In this episode of the Modern Facilities Management Podcast, Griffin welcomes back Lonnie Pilgrim, Director of Operations & Maintenance for the Fort McMurray Public School Division in Alberta. Previously featured in Episode 101 for his crisis management expertise, Lonnie returns to discuss best practices in capital project management. Lonnie breaks down capturing daily maintenance data to annual lifecycle reporting, FCA cycles, emerging issues, and the metrics that ultimately built the case for the project approval. The conversation dives deep into best practices for capital project planning, including: How to demonstrate need using real maintenance and cost data Mistakes to avoid in early project design Ensuring operational efficiency post-construction Standardizing equipment to streamline future maintenance Building strong relationships with architects, GCs, and stakeholders to ensure a smooth turnover Enjoy!

In this episode of The Modern Facilities Management Podcast, Griffin Hamilton sits down with Nick Queensland, a a healthcare facilities leader with more than 25 years of experience at Mayo Clinic, Luminis Health, and Johns Hopkins. Griffin and Nick dig into the realities of change management in hospital facilities—why buy-in matters, how to communicate effectively with stakeholders, and why reinforcing change is just as important as implementing it. Nick also reflects on the evolving expectations in healthcare facilities and the importance of engaging teams at every level. If you’re looking to grow your career or lead change in facilities management, this episode is packed with practical insights and hard-earned lessons. Key Topics Covered Navigating a 25+ year career in hospital facilities The importance of understanding your role in healthcare Leadership philosophies and developing future FM talent Change management: buy-in, communication, and reinforcement Engaging stakeholders across clinical and non-clinical teams How expectations in hospital facilities have evolved Building team culture during times of change Enjoy!

In this episode of The Modern Facilities Management Podcast, host Griffin Hamilton sits down with Jay Fiske, President of Powerhouse Dynamics, to explore how IoT (Internet of Things) is transforming the food service and retail industries. Jay shares the fascinating journey of Powerhouse Dynamics—from a scrappy four-person startup to an acquisition by Middleby, one of the world’s largest commercial food service equipment manufacturers. They dive deep into how simple IoT sensors and data streams—like temperature, energy, and door sensors—can unlock massive operational efficiencies, prevent costly equipment failures, and optimize energy use. Jay also explains how facilities teams can start small, measure ROI, and scale their use of connected technologies without adding to their workload. Key Takeaways: What IoT really means and how it drives actionable insights.Real-world examples of how connected devices improve efficiency, safety, and sustainability.How AI and automation are redefining facility management and reducing labor burdens.A look ahead at the next 3–5 years of connectivity, automation, and AI in the facilities world. About the Guest: Jay Fiske is President of Powerhouse Dynamics, a Boston-based IoT company whose platforms—Open Kitchen and SiteSage—help multi-site operators manage critical infrastructure like HVAC, refrigeration, and cooking equipment through cloud-connected automation.

In this episode, Jessica Wicks, Brand President of DUCTZ, joins us to discuss why proactive maintenance planning is vital to facilities management. She explains how deferred maintenance directly affects indoor air quality, energy efficiency, and overall building performance. Jessica also shares how HVAC systems play a pivotal role in sustainability, and offers practical insights on selecting the right maintenance partners. From coil cleaning to air duct restoration, this conversation underscores the importance of consistency and accountability in creating healthy, efficient buildings. Takeaways: Maintenance plans should include walkthroughs and system inventory checks. Deferred maintenance leads to costly breakdowns and potential health risks. Indoor air quality depends on consistent HVAC upkeep. Energy efficiency is tightly linked to system cleanliness. Coil cleaning helps extend HVAC lifespan. Facilities managers must prioritize proactive care to avoid disruptions. Vendor selection plays a major role in maintenance success. AI and technology are supporting skilled trades and ensuring long-term job stability. 00:00 – Introduction to Jessica Wicks and DUCTZ04:59 – The Importance of Maintenance Plans09:45 – Impact of Deferred Maintenance on Indoor Air Quality14:27 – Energy Efficiency and Maintenance Strategies19:17 – Challenges in Maintaining Occupied Buildings20:12 – Selecting the Right Vendor About DUCTZ: Founded in 2002, DUCTZ is the nation’s leading brand for HVAC and air duct cleaning. Since air duct cleanliness is directly tied to indoor air quality, DUCTZ technicians provide thorough services that improve system efficiency and safety. DUCTZ emphasizes long-term relationships with residents and businesses through exceptional service. In addition to air duct cleaning, the company offers HVAC restoration, dryer vent cleaning, coil cleaning, and exhaust cleaning.

In this episode of the Modern Facilities Management Podcast, host Griffin Hamilton sits down with Michelle Sujka to discuss her journey into facilities management. Michelle shares how relationship building, self-reflection, and embracing discomfort have shaped her growth in a male-dominated field. She also highlights how COVID-19 offered a moment for personal and professional reset, and how her podcast, I’m Done Apologizing, empowers women to step into leadership with confidence. Takeaways: Building strong relationships is foundational to success in facilities management.Self-reflection and vulnerability fuel personal growth.Networking and mentorship are essential career tools.Women should apply for roles even before they feel 100% qualified.Having allies and diverse perspectives strengthens the industry. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to Michelle Sujka02:45 – Transition from Higher Education to Facilities Management05:40 – The Power of Relationship Building09:00 – Self-Reflection and Growth11:50 – Empowerment Through Podcasting15:00 – Women in a Male-Dominated Industry18:00 – COVID-19 as a Moment for Reset