Beyond Buildings: Exploring Facilities Management

In this episode of "Beyond Buildings: Exploring Facilities Management," Maciel Pais and Brian Gregory explore the impact of humor on team dynamics, the importance of budgeting and forward-thinking in school resource management, and integrating IT with facilities departments. Brian interviews Maciel Pius, the IT and digital learning director at Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School, who transitioned from a 17-year teaching career during the pandemic. They discuss the benefits and challenges of adopting technology solutions like FMX, the role of AI tools in education, and the positive impacts of structured processes on productivity.

00:00 Teacher transitioned to IT director for impact.

05:27 Teaching was rewarding, missed daily interaction.

07:33 Transitioning roles, embracing change, motivating others positively.

11:56 AI as a valuable tool for teachers.

13:05 Education shifted from traditional assessment to support.

18:55 Respect the process for faster support.

21:55 Using humor to ease frustration in troubleshooting.

24:40 Maintaining aging buildings requires careful infrastructure planning.

27:34 Collaborative effort led to successful FMX implementation.

30:30 Embrace rapidly changing technology for better life.

In this episode, our host, Brian Gregory, sits down with Julius Carter, Director of Facilities at Issaquah School District. Together, they discuss the power of data and preventive maintenance in a school district and how AI can help make a facility leader's job easier. They cover:

[00:00:42] Julius's background in maintenance and operations
[00:02:48] The importance that structurally sound buildings play in a student's success
[00:04:31] The power of data and the role it plays in Julius's day-to-day
[00:12:20] The murder and ice cream paradox: Correlation vs. causation
[00:16:38] Julius's thoughts on AI and how it can be leveraged to enhance the impact that you're making for your district
[00:22:11] Julius's advice to those considering entering the K-12 facilities management field

In this episode, our host, Brian Gregory, sits down with Darin Porter, former Director of Facilities at Wheelersburg School District. Together, they discuss the power of clear, effective communication in facilities and maintenance management. They cover:

• [00:00:42] Darin's background and transition from construction to facilities and maintenance management in public education
• [00:02:30] The experience moving from the Iron Worker's Union to public education
• [00:03:55] How Darin and Brian met and formed an incredible relationship (after some bumps in the road)
• [00:07:00] How Darin defines effective communication and why it's so important to any industry
• [00:09:40] Example of how poor communication can negatively effect a team or organization
• [00:11:20] The impact of technology on communication and Darin's time at Wheelersburg School District
• [00:13:30] The training Darin and his team went through to provide the best learning environment possible for students
• [00:15:25] "Hallway Hijacking" and why it's not effective for your team
• [00:18:22] Example of how strong communication had a positive impact
• [00:20:37] How to effectively communicate with external vendors and those outside of your team
• [00:23:15] Advice from Darin for someone entering the facilities management industry

In this episode, our host, Brian Gregory, sits down with La Shawn Harrison, Space Planning Program Manager at Tesla. Together, they discuss the importance of diversity in facilities management and the value of gaining certifications in facilities management. They cover:

[00:00:35] La Shawn's background and her journey from interior design and property management to facilities management
[00:02:40] La Shawn's experience working as a female in a predominantly male industry
[00:03:33] How unique backgrounds can be applied to a facilities management role
[00:06:21] Common challenges La Shawn faces in her day-to-day
[00:09:00] Diversity and inclusivity in facilities management
[00:11:11] La Shawn's role in Women in Facilities Management (WIFM)
[00:14:05] The importance of gaining facilities management certifications
[00:17:06] Advice for those entering the facilities management industry

In this episode, our host, Brian Gregory, sits down with John Carrillo, Chairman of the Global FM organization. Together, they discuss the impact and importance of digitization and technology in the FM industry. They cover:

[00:01:03] John's background and how he transitioned from architecture to facilities management

[00:03:56] The impact joining an organization like IFMA had on John and why this is so important

[00:05:48] Impactful moments in facilities management history and John’s predictions for what may be coming down the road

[00:09:06] How to increase your team’s resilience

[00:15:16] The impact digitization has on sustainability

[00:17:15] John’s view on facilities management and why he’s so passionate about this field

[00:18:30] How larger companies are leveraging new, advanced technology to drive their operations and businesses forward

[00:28:35] Advice for those looking to enter the facilities management field