Facility Rockstars

In this episode of Facility Rockstars, host Jay Culbert interviews Kim Dougherty, an experienced operations professional. She shares her insights into the use of integrated ticketing systems in operations and facilities management. Kim discusses the challenges of working in environments where ticketing systems are siloed across different departments like IT, HR, and lab groups. She emphasizes the importance of having interconnected systems to improve efficiency and data accuracy. 

The conversation also covers the significance of asking the right questions when selecting a system, ensuring it captures all necessary data and the benefits of making these systems user-friendly and accessible. Kim concludes with advice on gaining buy-in from senior leadership and the importance of having confidence in your professional knowledge.

Takeaways:

• Utilize centralized ticketing systems: Implement a unified ticketing system across departments (IT, facilities, HR, lab groups) to improve communication, reduce silos, and streamline asset tracking.
• Ensure system interoperability: Choose systems that integrate seamlessly with existing infrastructure to ensure consistent and accessible data across departments, reducing redundancies and inefficiencies.
• Emphasize data-driven decisions: Use accurate records of asset age, condition, and utilization to justify budgeting and procurement decisions.
• Facilitate user-friendly processes: Simplify system use with mobile apps, QR codes, and single sign-on features to encourage regular adoption.
• Promote and reward system adoption: Use incentives (e.g., company swag) and ongoing training (e.g., videos, PowerPoint presentations) to encourage adoption.
• Engage senior leadership for buy-in: Secure commitment from senior management to enforce system use and drive accountability.
• Optimize the onboarding process: Integrate system training into new hires’ onboarding to ensure effective use from day one.

Quote of the Show:

•  "I just have to have faith that I don't need to question myself. I've been there, I've done that. I just need to be confident in what I know and who I am."

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-dougherty-190b686/ 

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/barL2EfHimw
• Facility Rockstars Newsletter: https://subscribe.kaloutas.com 

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 

In this week's episode of Facility Rockstars, host Jay Culbert interviews Pete Damiano, Vice President of Facilities and Engineering at Breakthrough Properties. They discuss the importance of effective communication and understanding different communication styles in both professional and personal contexts. Pete emphasizes the generational differences in communication methods and the significance of adapting to these variations. He shares his experiences and best practices for improving communication within teams and across different functions. 

The conversation also covers strategies for addressing the industry's shortage of skilled labor, highlighting the use of hybrid models with third-party engineering firms and in-house workforce. Pete reflects on his background, including his education at Mass Maritime Academy, and the valuable network and community it provides. 

Takeaways:

• Effective Communication is Key: Emphasize the importance of understanding and adapting to different communication styles within your team and organization to improve day-to-day interactions and overall productivity.
• Address Communication Breakdowns Directly: When communication issues arise, tackle them head-on. Encourage your team to discuss mishaps openly and find ways to improve moving forward to avoid future miscommunications.
• Lead by Example: Demonstrate the communication standards you expect from your team. Show them how effective communication is done, and provide guidance in critical situations to reinforce these practices.
• Empower Your Team: Make sure your team feels comfortable communicating across different functions and departments. Encourage them to reach out directly to relevant parties to solve issues, which increases efficiency and builds confidence.
• Make Face-to-Face Interactions Count: Follow up face-to-face meetings with written communication (emails) to ensure clarity and retain a record of what was discussed. This helps reinforce understanding and provides a reference point.
• Innovate for Efficiency: Implement innovative solutions, like the SmartStack system mentioned, to reduce operational costs and improve efficiency. Stay open to adopting new technologies that can offer significant returns on investment.
• Network and Leverage Connections: Utilize trade groups and professional networks to connect with others in your industry. This can open up opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing, enhancing your team's capabilities and your personal growth as a leader.

Quote of the Show:

• “If you expect a certain level or type of communication from your team, lead by example and show them how it’s done.”  

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-damiano/ 
• Website: https://www.btprop.com/ 

Shoutouts: 

• IFMA: https://www.ifma.org/
• BOMA: https://www.boma.org/ 
• AEE: https://www.aeecenter.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/csJJOLCDTvE
• Facility Rockstars Newsletter: https://subscribe.kaloutas.com 

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 

In this week’s episode of Facility Rockstars, we’re joined by Jeffrey Houle, John Mullen, and Matt Twerdy from Collins Aerospace. The conversation explores key principles for building a successful and safe work environment, including fostering a culture of learning and trust, moving away from a blame-and-punish mentality, and prioritizing continuous safety improvements.

The team shares practical insights into how they've implemented the Human Operations Performance (HOP) system within their organization. They discuss the shift from a punitive culture to one focused on learning and improvement, and emphasize the critical role of leadership and collaboration in driving these changes. The episode also covers the steps involved in rolling out HOP, highlighting the importance of patience, preparation, and identifying internal advocates to champion the effort. Finally, the discussion underscores the need for ongoing communication and proactive planning for potential failures to ensure safe and efficient operations.

Takeaways:

• Gain a deep understanding of the philosophy: Whether it’s the HOP (Human and Organizational Performance) philosophy or another approach, leaders should invest time in learning its core principles. This foundational knowledge is crucial for effective implementation and integration with existing tools and practices.
• Encourage diverse perspectives: Invite team members from different roles and expertise levels to share their insights. By including a variety of viewpoints, leaders can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the work environment and potential challenges, fostering collaborative problem-solving and supporting the HOP philosophy’s emphasis on improvement.
• Adopt HOP as a mindset shift, not a program: HOP should be viewed as a philosophy that focuses on continuous learning and adaptation. Leaders should seamlessly integrate HOP principles into existing practices, creating a culture of ongoing improvement rather than treating it as a standalone initiative or program.
• Plan for potential failures: While preparing for success is key, leaders should also proactively plan for potential failures. By identifying possible points of failure in advance (e.g., project components that may fail), leaders can develop contingency plans to ensure teams are equipped to handle challenges without compromising safety or quality.
• Engage regularly with frontline workers: Regular conversations, site visits, and collaborative planning sessions with those closest to the work help leaders understand the practical realities workers face. This builds trust and provides valuable insights for making informed decisions.
• Emphasize the principle of ‘Blame fixes nothing’: In leadership strategy, the focus should be on understanding the context and systemic factors contributing to issues, rather than blaming individuals. This approach promotes a learning culture where team members are encouraged to report problems and engage in solution-building.
• Respond thoughtfully, not impulsively: Leaders should take the time to understand a situation, gather relevant information, and engage in meaningful dialogue before responding to challenges. Reacting impulsively can lead to blame and punishment, which undermines trust and stifles opportunities for improvement.

Quote of the Show:

•  “You have to start small to go big.”

Links:

• John Mullen 
  • Email: [email protected] 
• Jeffrey Houle
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-houle-4b56bb35/ 
  • Email: [email protected] 
• Matt Twerdy
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-twerdy-mba-csp-chmm-9661132a/  
  • Email: [email protected] 

Shoutouts: 

• Collins Aerospace: https://www.collinsaerospace.com/  
• HOP Hub: https://www.hophub.org/ 
• Todd Conklin
  • PreAccident Investigation Podcast: https://preaccidentpodcast.podbean.com/ 
• Learning Teams 
  • WAI = Work As Imaged
  • WAD = Work As Done

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/ECVpKH_PUMU
• Facility Rockstars Newsletter: https://subscribe.kaloutas.com 

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 

In the second part of this insightful episode series, we’re bringing back Matt and Sal, both of whom work for BlueBean and are former Navy SEALs. Matt and Sal discuss strategies to optimize team performance based on insights from Navy SEAL operations and business experiences. They emphasize the importance of stacking high performers in critical teams rather than spreading them thinly, thus maximizing overall performance. 

They also highlight how mastering the basics is crucial for fostering innovation, drawing parallels to the SEALs' rigorous training methods. Additionally, they introduce Bluebean, a business payment automation platform designed to simplify and automate purchasing, payment, and expense management tasks, saving time and reducing stress for employees. The conversation also touches on their involvement with Swim With a Mission (SWAM), a non-profit organization dedicated to ending veteran suicide by funding various supportive services and resources for veterans and their families

Takeaways:

• Stack your most critical teams: Allocate your top performers to your most crucial tasks and missions. Instead of spreading talent thinly across all teams, focus on forming high-performing groups for your key priorities to maximize effectiveness.
• Get to know your people: Understand the strengths and weaknesses of each individual in your team. This knowledge allows you to utilize them in roles where they can excel and contribute the most.
• Be deliberate about allocating talent: Resist the urge to evenly distribute talent in hopes of raising overall team performance. High performers working together in well-defined structures can achieve far more significant results.
• Prioritize your highest priority tasks and missions: Focus the efforts of your best people on the most critical tasks that you cannot afford to fail. This ensures that your top talent is always driving your most important objectives.
• Master the basics: Ensure that your team has a strong foundation in basic skills and processes. Mastery of these basics allows for smoother operations and provides a stable platform for innovation.
• Focus on developing breakthroughs and innovative concepts: Once the basics are ingrained, free your team to innovate. Sound fundamentals liberate your team to create and implement groundbreaking ideas and strategies.

Quote of the Show:

•  “Managing teams successfully is getting to know each individual and their strengths and weaknesses.” 

Links:

• Matt Anthony 
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-anthony13/ 
  • Website: https://bluebean.ai/ 
• Sal DeFranco
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/salvatoredefranco/ 
  • Website: https://bluebean.ai/ 

Shoutouts: 

• Swim with a Mission: https://www.swam.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/mq1ovLs8-30
• Facility Rockstars Newsletter: https://subscribe.kaloutas.com 

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 

In this episode of Facility Rockstars, host Jay Culbert interviews former Navy SEALs Sal DeFranco and Matt Anthony, who draw on their military experiences to discuss leadership, teamwork, and innovation. 

They emphasize the importance of surrounding oneself with motivated and trustworthy team members to maintain focus on the mission. Matt highlights the value of taking bold, audacious steps and overcoming 'analysis paralysis,' while Sal stresses the need to work with individuals who share the same level of commitment and ethic. 

They delve into BUDS (Basic Underwater Demolition SEAL) training, discussing its phases and challenges, and how it shapes resilience and team cohesion. They also touch on lessons applicable to the business world, such as long-term focus, the importance of challenging experiences, and building strong, reliable teams. They conclude by introducing a three-tier framework for creating high-performance teams: hard times make hard teams, stack your critical teams, and drive innovation by mastering the basics.

Takeaways:

• Surround Yourself with Committed Individuals: Build a team of dedicated and passionate members to enhance focus and reduce doubts about commitment.
• Focus on Important Tasks: Delegate or eliminate distractions to prioritize core objectives and free mental space.
• Embrace Innovation and Adaptability: Foster an environment that encourages creative thinking and adaptability to changing circumstances.
• Be Audacious: Lead with boldness; take initial steps toward ambitious goals to overcome over-planning and drive progress.
• Start Small but Start: Combat inertia by encouraging small initial steps that can build momentum toward larger objectives.
• Practice Selflessness: Promote a culture where collective goals take precedence over individual achievements, fostering trust and collaboration.
• Build Resilient Teams Through Challenges: Create rigorous activities and challenges to strengthen bonds and resilience within the team.

Quote of the Show:

•  “Surround yourself with people who care as much as you do.” 

Links:

Matt Anthony 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-anthony13/ 
• Website: https://bluebean.ai/ 

Sal DeFranco

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/salvatoredefranco/ 
• Website: https://bluebean.ai/ 

Shoutouts: 

• Battlegrounds Coffee: https://battlecoffee.com/ 
• OmegaPath Solutions

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/WZuFT7Odlfo
• Facility Rockstars Newsletter: https://subscribe.kaloutas.com 

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 

This week's episodes of Facility Rockstars features experts Harvey Handy, David Vansteenburgh, and Tony Burke! They discuss key aspects of facilities management, emphasizing the importance of communication, honesty, teamwork, and respect. 

Key topics include technician training, planning and scheduling, team culture, cross-functional learning, building automation, asset management, and safety protocols. They each advocate for hands-on experience and mentorship to foster a skilled workforce. They also highlight the significance of safety, adaptability, and creating a strong team bond through challenging situations. The script underscores the value of mentorship and open communication for career development in facilities management.

Takeaways:

• Prioritize Communication: Effective communication with your clients, staff, management team, and entire facilities group is critical. Keep everyone on the same page and ensure they understand the goals. Honesty plays a significant role in fostering a positive and productive environment.
• Build a Strong Team: The lesson that 'teamwork makes the dream work' holds true. Motivated and strong teams can accomplish great things and provide better solutions for clients. Invest in building a cohesive and highly motivated team.
• Respect and Courtesy: Being courteous and respectful to clients and others helps build long-lasting relationships. These relationships are vital as you never know when paths may cross again or when you might end up working with the same people in the future.
• Leverage Diverse Expertise: Bringing together specialists who offer unique perspectives and deep knowledge can provide a comprehensive view of the issues at hand. Diverse teams enable more effective problem-solving and innovation.
• Continuous Client Communication: Throughout the planning and scheduling processes, continuously communicate with your clients to ensure they are informed and agreeable to timelines and availability of parts. Clear communication mitigates misunderstandings and aligns expectations.
• Maintain Accessibility: Ensure that knowledgeable team members are always available for consultation. A culture where team members can freely. reach out for help at any time promotes confidence and reliability within the team.
• Honesty with Clients: Always be truthful with your clients. Your role is to solve their problems, and this requires a foundation of trust and transparency. Misleading your clients only erodes trust and damages long-term relationships.

Quote of the Show:

•  “Having a strong and motivated team drives productivity and helps deliver facility solutions to our clients faster.” 

Links:

Harvey Handy

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harvey-handy-100b5b28/ 
• Email: [email protected] 

David Vansteenburgh 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-vansteenburgh-a17ba821a/ 
• Email: [email protected] 

Tony Burke

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-burke-1ba8a768/ 
• Email: [email protected] 

Company Website: 

• https://www.us.jll.com/ 

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 
• Facility Rockstars Newsletter: https://subscribe.kaloutas.com 

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 

In this episode of Facility Rockstars, host, Jay Culbert interviews Paul Donhauser, Vice President of Global Real Estate Facilities Operations, Environment, Health, Safety, and Aviation at Boston Scientific. Paul shares insights from his 30-year career, highlighting the importance of embracing opportunities, building strong networks, and achieving success in various aspects of facilities management.

He discusses his journey from Maritime Academy to facilities management, the development of a global facilities master plan, and the creation of a scalable organizational model through centers of excellence. He also addresses the integration of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) practices within his organization, the management of large capital projects, and the challenges of aligning facilities operations with business growth.

Additionally, he offers advice for aspiring facilities directors and shares personal insights into his future projects, including starting a brewery and acquiring a farm. 

Takeaways:

• Say Yes to Opportunities: Be open to new projects and tasks to build trust and establish yourself as a go-to person. Generating wins, regardless of size, is vital for career advancement.
• Build and Leverage Networks: Create both internal and external networks. Develop relationships within your organization for political capital, and connect with industry professionals for knowledge and skills.
• Develop Critical Skills: Enhance your academic qualifications with relevant certifications and continuous learning. Gain experience in various roles, such as design, construction management, and commissioning, for a well-rounded perspective.
• Create Political Capital: Be responsive, positive, and proactive in problem-solving. Help others to build alliances, creating allies who support your initiatives, which is essential for advancing significant projects.
• Organize Through Centers of Excellence: Structure your team into centers of excellence focused on specific areas like facilities operations and capital projects. This promotes specialization and the sharing of best practices.
• Implement a Structured Capital Planning Process: Establish a capital planning process aligned with the fiscal calendar. Allocate funds based on clear categories to ensure efficient resource allocation and readiness at the start of the fiscal year.
• Embrace Change and Complexity: Acknowledge that new regulatory requirements, such as ESG, can add complexity. Address these challenges by allocating resources, hiring specialists, and collaborating with peers in the industry.

Quote of the Show:

•  “Be the go-to person for all things facilities. Generate wins no matter what size they are and build that internal network.” 

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pauldonhauser/ 
• Website: https://www.bostonscientific.com/en-US/home.html 

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/xtSeqKE1zr8
• Facility Rockstars Newsletter: https://subscribe.kaloutas.com 

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

In this episode host Jay Culbert interviews Matthew Twerdy, Director of Environment, Health, and Safety at Collins Aerospace. With over 25 years of experience, Matt highlights the importance of humility and listening in leadership, discussing the 'HOP' (Human and Organizational Performance) philosophy. They cover HOP principles like human fallibility, the futility of blame, the importance of context, continuous learning, and the impact of leadership response.

Matt shares insights on fostering collaboration in EHS and facilities, integrating pre-work with contractors, and driving cultural and psychological safety. He reflects on his career journey from environmental sciences to his current role and emphasizes the value of lateral moves for growth. 

Takeaways:

• Prioritize Humility and Listening: Effective leaders should be truly humble and attentive to their workforce. Avoid jumping to conclusions and keep an open mind to understand the context before making decisions. This encourages a culture of open communication and trust.
• Leadership Response Matters: Leadership reactions significantly impact the organization's culture. Focus on responding rather than reacting. Leaders should listen, remain curious, and avoid operating with biases to foster a positive and resilient work environment.
• Blame Fixes Nothing: In performance management and problem-solving, avoid the blame game. Blaming does not address the root causes and hinders learning and improvement. Focus on understanding the context and collaborating on solutions.
• Enhance Collaboration: Cross-functional collaboration drives success. Whether in facilities management, EHS compliance, or other areas, cultivating close working relationships and dialogue between different teams enhances organizational efficiency and safety.
• Embrace Continuous Learning: Make continuous improvement a core principle. Encouraging a culture of learning and context discovery helps organizations adapt, grow, and innovate continuously. Adopt approaches like HOP (Human and Organizational Performance) for better insights and improvements.
• Create Psychological Safety: Build an environment where employees feel safe to voice concerns and report issues without fear of retribution. This kind of environment promotes honesty, quick problem resolution, and innovation.
• Promote Employee Empowerment: Empower employees to actively participate in identifying hazards and suggesting improvements. Tools like the 'Report It, Don't Ignore It' program enable employees to take ownership of safety and quality, driving a proactive culture.

Quote of the Show:

•  "Don't hesitate to take a lateral move to gain experience for your career and grow as a leader."

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-twerdy-mba-csp-chmm-9661132a/  
• Website: https://www.collinsaerospace.com/ 

Shoutouts: 

• HOP Hub: https://www.hophub.org/ 
• Todd Conklin
  • PreAccident Investigation Podcast: https://preaccidentpodcast.podbean.com/ 
  • Pre-Accident Investigations Book: https://www.amazon.com/Pre-Accident-Investigations-Todd-Conklin/dp/1409447820
• Sidney Decker: https://sidneydekker.com/ 
  • The Field Guide to Understanding ‘Human Error’ https://www.amazon.com/Field-Guide-Understanding-Human-Error

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/bi9Iih3ZlNg
• Facility Rockstars Newsletter: https://subscribe.kaloutas.com 

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 

In this episode of Facility Rockstars, host Jay Culbert interviews Drew Rees, the Director of Facilities at Dutch Bros Coffee. Drew shares his insights on servant leadership, emphasizing its true meaning of setting conditions for success rather than doing everything for others. He discusses his approach to facilities management, including prioritizing quality, speed, and pricing based on circumstances, and the importance of right-sizing service providers. 

Drew also talks about the growth of Dutch Bros Coffee, the challenges and strategies of managing a rapidly expanding facility network, and the implementation of innovative solutions like AI to streamline operations. The episode concludes with Drew reflecting on his career journey and the satisfaction he finds in fostering career development within his team.

Takeaways:

• Servant Leadership: Drew emphasizes that true servant leadership is about setting the conditions for others to succeed, rather than doing everything for them. Leaders should focus on empowering their teams, much like the Sherpas who help climbers by creating favorable conditions rather than dragging them up the mountain.
• Rapid Growth Management: With Dutch Bros opening a new shop every other day, Drew highlights the importance of agile management and the ability to pivot quickly. Leaders in high-growth environments should ensure they have robust processes and adaptive teams to manage the fast pace.
• Initial Training for New Hires: When onboarding new team members, Drew advises explaining the fundamental trade-offs in the business. For facilities, it’s the balance of speed, quality, and price. Leaders should clearly communicate the strategic priorities and operational constraints to set realistic expectations and guide decision-making.
• Right-Sizing Service Providers: Drew’s approach to right-sizing service providers ensures they are neither overwhelmed nor underwhelmed. Leaders should match the capabilities of their service providers with the needs of the business, aiming to be a top-priority client to ensure the highest level of service.
• Automation for Efficiency: By automating simple but critical tasks (like lighting control), Drew saves money and reduces the cognitive load on employees. Leaders should leverage technology to optimize operational efficiencies and allow staff to focus on higher-value tasks.
• Staggered Rollouts of New Technology: Drew advocates for a staged approach to technology rollouts to mitigate risk. Leaders should pilot new technologies with small groups to identify and resolve issues before wider implementation, ensuring smoother transitions and higher success rates.
• Building a Foundational Culture: As Dutch Bros scales rapidly, Drew stresses the importance of creating strong foundational processes and culture. Leaders should establish and nurture a solid organizational foundation, giving team members a sense of purpose and ownership in their contributions.

Quote of the Show:

•  “This is the career quicksand you're never getting out of it. Once you're in facilities, you better just accept your fate and do the best you can, because you're going to be a facility manager until the day you retire.” 

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drew-rees-5368821/ 
• Website: https://www.dutchbros.com/ 

Shoutouts: 

• EcoTrack: https://ecotrak.com/ 

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/ZTEPTXxO9uE
• Facility Rockstars Newsletter: https://subscribe.kaloutas.com 

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 

In this episode of Facility Rockstars, host Jay Culbert interviews Mike Temple, Director of Facilities and Engineering at Recipharm. With over a decade of experience in biotech and pharma, Mike shares his journey from a young engineer to a thought leader who challenges norms in highly regulated industries. He emphasizes the importance of questioning standard practices, effective time management, and fostering a safety culture.

Mike offers valuable insights on handling regulatory audits, utilizing data-driven safety metrics, and integrating new systems into existing operations. The conversation also touches on personal anecdotes about mentorship, networking, and professional growth, concluding with a glimpse into Mike’s hobbies and interests outside of work.

Takeaways:

• 
  Questioning the Status Quo: Embrace the practice of questioning standard procedures. Challenge established norms to foster innovation and improvements. For example, Mike found that questioning why things are done a certain way in highly regulated fields can lead to impactful changes and improvements in processes and outcomes.
• Show Interest to Prompt Thinking: Demonstrating a deep interest in the reasoning behind current practices can trigger valuable discussions and insights. It shows that you are invested and allows others to think critically about potentially outdated methods.
• Develop a Professional Network: Cultivate a network of colleagues, mentors, and industry contacts. Engage in events and informal settings to build relationships that can provide support, advice, and opportunities for collaboration, as seen through Mike's experience at industry events and alumni networks.
• Mentorship Benefits: Seek out mentors who can offer guidance and share their experiences. Mentors can provide critical feedback, help navigate career challenges, and offer insights into industry-specific issues. Mike's relationship with his mentor helped him gain confidence and learn valuable lessons.
• Effective Team Communication: Foster clear and open communication within your team. Utilize different methods (meetings, emails, informal talks) to ensure all team members and stakeholders are aligned, as Mike does with his operations team.
• Integrate Safety into Processes: Make safety an integral part of your operational processes to ensure it is always followed. Mike emphasizes ingraining safety measures into standard procedures to make them non-negotiable and part of the organization’s culture.

Quote of the Show:

•  “If you’re able to do the little things right it builds those winning habits and will positively impact your career.” 

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-temple-mba-48ab6759/ 
• Website: https://www.recipharm.com/ 

Shoutouts: 

• ISPE Boston Product Show; https://ispe.org/boston-area-chapter/events/ispe-boston-product-show  

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/WDRxfiHeWD0 
• Facility Rockstars Newsletter: https://subscribe.kaloutas.com 

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