Our special guest today is Michael Zechello, the Manager of Facilities Engineering at MathWorks. With nearly three decades in facility management, Zechello shares his journey from a construction superintendent to a key player in maintaining the infrastructure of critical facilities. 

He emphasizes the importance of hiring the right staff and creating a supportive team environment. Zechello discusses MathWorks' comprehensive hiring process, the value of a 'buddy system' for new hires, and the company's unique offerings, including free meals and state-of-the-art gym facilities, which contribute to a positive work culture. Challenges like finding qualified HVAC technicians are also addressed. 

Moreover, Zechello highlights the significance of vendor relationships through quarterly business reviews, offering insights into the collaborative efforts that ensure facility excellence. This episode not only explores best practices in facility management but also underscores the importance of team dynamics and vendor partnerships in creating a successful operational environment.

Takeaways:

• Ensuring you have a competent and trustworthy team is crucial. Invest time in hiring processes that include thorough background checks and interviews. A good team can significantly enhance facility operations and lead to smoother management.
• Emphasize a rigorous hiring process that may include phone screenings, comprehensive day-long interviews, and interactions with various team members. This ensures candidates are not only technically fit but also align well with the company culture.
• To facilitate smoother integration and foster a supportive work environment, pair new employees with experienced staff. This can help newcomers navigate the company culture and systems more effectively while promoting camaraderie.
• Adopting a high standard, akin to a five-star hotel, for the cleanliness and maintenance of your facilities can create a positive impression on clients and a pleasant work environment for employees. Regular maintenance and refresh projects are key.
• Utilize professional networks like LinkedIn to find potential candidates. This platform can broaden your reach and help you connect with individuals who possess the specific skills and experience your facility management team needs.
• Offer amenities that support a healthy lifestyle, such as providing healthy food options and access to a fitness center. This not only benefits the physical well-being of your staff but also contributes to a positive and productive work environment.
• Establishing and maintaining professional relationships can be incredibly beneficial. Whether it's through industry associations like IFMA or past work connections, networking can lead to fruitful partnerships, vendor recommendations, and recruitment opportunities.

Quote of the Show:

• “Our most important customer is our staff.” - Mike Zechello

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-zechello-8344a5bb 
• Website: https://www.mathworks.com 
• IFMA Boston (Website): https://ifmaboston.org 

Ways to Tune In:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0M2XB78b09i5vkWy1eHsxb 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/facility-rockstars/id1729458441 
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/60bbc4f3-a123-47ca-9a83-eade102c5859/facility-rockstars 
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/facility-rockstars-5616662 
• YouTube: https://youtu.be/sL0PkocP4Wo

Facility Rockstars is sponsored by Kaloutas, operating the way you operate in order to make your life easier. Learn more at: https://www.kaloutas.com