The Modern Facilities Management Podcast is your premier resource for insights, trends, and best practices in the ever-evolving world of Facilities Management. Hosted by Griffin Hamilton, this show features conversations with thought leaders, service providers, and tech innovators who are shaping the future of FM. From navigating new technologies like AI and IoT to optimizing operational efficiency and sustainability, we dive deep into the challenges and opportunities facing facility managers today. Whether you're a seasoned FM professional or new to the field, this podcast offers actionable takeaways to help you elevate your facility operations and stay ahead in a rapidly changing industry.
The Modern Facilities Management Podcast is your premier resource for insights, trends, and best practices in the ever-evolving world of Facilities Management. Hosted by Griffin Hamilton, this show features conversations with thought leaders, service providers, and tech innovators who are shaping the future of FM. From navigating new technologies like AI and IoT to optimizing operational efficiency and sustainability, we dive deep into the challenges and opportunities facing facility managers today. Whether you're a seasoned FM professional or new to the field, this podcast offers actionable takeaways to help you elevate your facility operations and stay ahead in a rapidly changing industry.
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!
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.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Jeral Bryson
02:33 Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life
07:47 Unique Aspects of Managing Veteran Facilities
10:10 The Impact of Facilities Management on Residents
12:15 Balancing Immediate Needs with Long-Term Goals
14:12 Sustainability and Future Planning
15:36 Building a Culture of Safety
19:49 Understanding and Reporting Near Misses
20:00 Advice for Aspiring Facilities Managers
21:22 Influences on Career Development
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 Takeaways
Summary
In 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 needs
The consequences of not advocating for specialized FM software (like CMMS or CAFM platforms)
How poor interdepartmental collaboration—especially with IT—can derail initiatives for years
The importance of positioning FM as a strategic function, not just a tactical one
Practical advice for facility managers to gain business fluency, advocate for better tools, and communicate their impact
The value of professional development
Interested in learning more? Reach out to Michel on LinkedIn
This weeks guest is David Stephenson, Studio Principal (Smart Building Studio) at Little Diversified Architectural Consulting
In 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 Technology
03:01 David's Journey in Facilities Management
05:48 Challenges in the FM Industry
09:01 Best Practices for Change Management
12:01 Implementation Strategies for Technology
15:04 Integrating Smart Building Technologies
18:06 Taking the First Steps in Tech Adoption
In this episode of the Modern Facilities Management Podcast, Griffin Hamilton interviews John Kunzier, president of Invisible Sun Technology. They discuss the importance of technology in facilities management, particularly IoT solutions that enhance efficiency and productivity.
John shares insights on the challenges of tight margins in the industry and how small changes can significantly impact the bottom line. The conversation also covers innovative technologies like Proof of Presence, which improve service delivery and shift management from reactive to proactive. John emphasizes the value of data in justifying operational decisions and the importance of curiosity in driving career development.
Enjoy!
00:00 Introduction to John Kunzier and Invisible Sun Technology
02:50 The Importance of Technology in Facilities Management
05:58 Understanding Margins and Cost Efficiency
09:04 Innovative Solutions: Proof of Presence Technology
12:09 Shifting from Reactive to Proactive Management
14:55 Addressing Employee Concerns with Monitoring Technology
17:49 The Value of Data in Facilities Management
21:01 Curiosity as a Driving Force in Career Development
In this episode of The Modern Facilities Management Podcast, Griffin sits down with Dr. Tim Unruh, Executive Director of the National Association of Energy Service Companies (NAESCO) and former Deputy Assistant Secretary for Renewable Power at the U.S. Department of Energy.
Dr. Unruh breaks down how Energy Service Companies (ESCOs) are helping public institutions like K–12 schools, universities, and municipalities fund infrastructure improvements without upfront capital—while reducing energy costs, improving occupant comfort, and creating long-term operational resilience.
If energy efficiency, capital planning, or deferred maintenance are top of mind for your organization, this is a must-listen conversation.
Resources
National Association of Energy Service Companies (NAESCO)
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) (DOE)
Energy Savings Performance Contract Campaign (SCEP, DOE)
Energy Services Coalition (ESC)
National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO)
In this episode of the Modern Facilities Management Podcast, Griffin Hamilton interviews Scott Christopher, Senior Director of Facility Operations at the historic Fox Theatre in Atlanta, GA.
Scott shares insights into his extensive career in facilities management, the unique challenges of maintaining a 95-year-old venue, and the importance of balancing historical preservation with modern technology. He discusses operational strategies for maintenance, sustainability efforts, and the impact of mentorship on his career.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Fox Theater and Scott Christopher
11:50 Operational Strategies for Maintenance and Repairs
20:38 Sustainability Efforts and Waste Management
27:05 Mentorship and Career Impact
Enjoy!
In this episode of the Modern Facilities Management Podcast, Griffin Hamilton interviews Brandon Gorman, a facilities manager at Omnicell.
They discuss Brandon's journey into facilities management, the importance of technology in the industry, and the challenges of implementing new software solutions.
Brandon shares his experiences in overcoming resistance to change, the role of AI in enhancing efficiency, and the significance of mentorship in his career development.
Enjoy!
In this episode of the Modern Facilities Management Podcast, Griffin Hamilton interviews Chuck Ridgeway, Automation Technology Manager at Horner Automation
They discuss the importance of automation in facilities management, the hesitations surrounding its adoption, and the critical role of data in driving efficiency and sustainability.
Chuck shares insights on starting small with automation initiatives, the significance of intelligent systems, and the future of machine learning in the industry.
Enjoy!
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Automation in Facilities Management
04:05 Understanding Automation and Its Misconceptions
06:15 Starting Small: The First Steps in Automation
08:05 The Role of Data in Automation
11:50 Leveraging Existing Technology for Data Collection
15:14 Looking Ahead: Machine Learning in Facilities Management
17:09 Key Takeaways and Final Advice
In this episode of the Modern Facilities Management Podcast, host Griffin Hamilton sits down with Rich Rodgers, Director of Facilities at Ballpark Village in St. Louis, to discuss best practices in vendor relationships and the importance of effective facility leadership.
Rich shares his unique career journey—starting as a police officer before transitioning into facilities management, navigating the challenges of managing Motel 6 locations, and eventually taking on leadership roles in large-scale property management. His experience in turning around struggling properties provides valuable lessons on building vendor partnerships, cost management, and strategic facility improvements.
Key takeaways include:
In this episode of the Modern Facilities Management Podcast, host Griffin Hamilton welcomes Chris Gist, a portfolio leader at Trane with over 22 years of experience in HVAC and building controls. Chris shares his wealth of knowledge on the rapid advancements in HVAC technology and how they are shaping the future of facilities management.
Key takeaways from the episode include the importance of starting with quick wins to build momentum for technological upgrades and energy savings, the potential of data analytics to identify root causes of equipment issues, and the evolution of facility managers into data-driven decision-makers. Chris highlights how small projects can lead to significant improvements and fund larger initiatives over time. He also discusses the sustainability goals driving the adoption of smart building technologies and the need for businesses to leverage existing systems while transitioning toward fully connected ecosystems.
The conversation dives into the growing importance of data, AI, and machine learning in optimizing building performance, reducing energy consumption, and modernizing older facilities. Chris provides valuable insights into the challenges of retrofitting legacy systems and the critical role of connected ecosystems in achieving operational efficiency.
This episode is packed with actionable insights for facility managers looking to embrace innovation and stay ahead in an evolving industry.
Interested in closing the skills gap? Check out our friends at Interplay Learning!
On this episode of the Modern Facilities Management Podcast, Griffin Hamilton interviews Dave Tibbetts, the Chief Safety Officer at Highwire. They discuss the evolving landscape of safety management, particularly in relation to contractor relationships and risk mitigation.
Dave shares insights from his career journey, the importance of understanding contractor risks, and the emerging concept of Serious Injury and Fatality (SIF) potential. The conversation emphasizes the need for data-driven approaches to safety metrics and the importance of fostering partnerships with contractors to improve safety outcomes.
Enjoy!
Chapters
00:00
Introduction to Safety Management and Contractor Relationships
06:10
Understanding Contractor Risks
11:57
The Concept of SIF Potential
17:52
Engaging Contractors in Safety Conversations
24:07
Personal Influences in Safety Career
Interested in closing the skills gap? Check out our friends at Interplay Learning!
On this episode of the Modern Facilities Management podcast, Griffin Hamilton speaks with Richard Boothman and Jamie Tuinstra from Modine about their experiences in the heating industry, the transition from the UK to the US market, and the importance of heating efficiency and fuel sources.
They discuss the challenges and opportunities in the market, the significance of preventative maintenance, and emerging technologies such as air to water heat pumps.
Enjoy!
Chapters
00:00
Introduction to Modine and Its Leaders
02:59
Transitioning from the UK to the US Market
06:00
Understanding Modine's Market Position and Product Offerings
09:04
Heating Efficiency and Fuel Sources
12:02
Evaluating Equipment for Future-Proofing Facilities
14:53
The Importance of Preventative Maintenance
17:51
Emerging Technologies in Heating Systems
24:09
Personal Influences and Career Reflections
Interested in closing the skills gap? Check out our friends at Interplay Learning!
