Facility Rockstars

Don Bezek, Director of Global Health and Safety at Griffith Foods, shares his core philosophy that safety is ultimately about serving and protecting people, a principle embodied in his company's motto, "Nothing you do here will be as important as going home to your family and loved ones".

Don discusses how Lean principles can be powerfully applied to health and safety, viewing injuries as the ultimate form of waste. He explains how tools like Kaizen events, tiered meetings, and root cause analysis help engage employees and create a safer work environment. A key theme is the importance of closing the communication loop with employees; Don details how Griffith Foods implemented a multilingual, QR-code-based system with their partner, Origami Risk, to make it easy for employees to report concerns and see tangible results. The conversation also explores the unique cultural nuances of managing safety on a global scale, the specific challenges of the food industry, and Don’s advice for aspiring HSE professionals.

Takeaways:

• Make Your People-First Philosophy Visible. A core principle of a strong safety culture is visibly and consistently communicating that people are the top priority. An effective way to do this is to post a clear, simple message at every plant entrance, such as, "Nothing you do here will be as important as going home to your family and loved ones". This constantly reinforces the company's values.
• Create an Easy and Closed-Loop Reporting System. Employees will tell you how to improve your factory if you make it easy for them to speak up and prove that you're listening. Implement a simple reporting tool, like a QR code posted in work cells, that allows any employee to quickly report unsafe conditions or positive behaviors. Crucially, you must follow up on these submissions and communicate the actions taken, thereby closing the loop and preventing "empty promises".
• Integrate Lean Principles Directly into Safety. Frame safety improvements through the lens of lean manufacturing by treating employee injuries as the ultimate form of
   waste. Use lean methodologies like Kaizen events to make incremental improvements and root cause analysis to find permanent "hundred-year" fixes instead of just retraining or counseling an employee.
• Incentivize Proactive Engagement, Not Just a Lack of Incidents. Shift your culture from being reactive to proactive by changing how you measure daily success. Instead of defining a "good day" as one with no incidents, require teams to also submit a proactive report—like an unsafe condition or a positive safety observation—to be considered "green" for the day. This actively encourages employees to look for opportunities to improve.
• Measure Culture with a Safety Perception Survey. Go beyond compliance audits to understand the "touchy-feely" aspects of your safety culture. Implement a brief, accessible survey (e.g., via QR code) that asks questions about leadership, communication, and employee feelings about safety. Use the results to create a
   "Start, Stop, Continue" action plan unique to each facility, addressing weaknesses and reinforcing strengths.
• Prioritize Soft Skills and Mentorship for Leaders. In today's world, technical safety answers can be found quickly, but influencing people requires strong soft skills. Focus professional development on areas like
   servant leadership, communication, and time management. Additionally, seek out two mentors: one who is a safety expert and another from a different department who can help you navigate your company's unique internal culture.

Quote of the Show:

•  “People will engage if they’re being heard.” 

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donbezek/ 
• Website: https://griffithfoods.com/ 

Doug Blake, founder of Rez-Stone Industrial Flooring and the Director of Industrial Flooring at Kaloutas, shares decades of experience, moving beyond the simple "paint it ain't" philosophy to dissect the complex world of high-performance flooring solutions. He covers everything from the critical importance of proper joint repair to minimize downtime and equipment damage to selecting specialized systems like ESD, Novolac, and Vinyl Ester for unique environments in pharmaceutical, food and beverage, and defense facilities. Doug emphasizes a solutions-based approach, stressing the need for thorough inspection, asking the right questions, and understanding the science behind moisture mitigation and surface preparation to ensure a long-lasting, safe, and compliant floor.

Takeaways:

• Treat Floor Repairs Industrially: Don't just patch failing joints. To create a lasting solution, you often need to cut out the damaged area entirely, rebuild it with a heavy-duty mortar, and then re-cut and fill a new, clean joint to prevent recurring failures.
• Question the Specs: Whether it's a new build or a renovation, don't automatically assume the provided flooring specification is right for your facility's use case. Push back and ask contractors why a specific system was chosen to ensure it's not over-engineered or insufficient for your needs.
• Prioritize Moisture Testing: Moisture vapor is the number one cause of flooring failures. Before installing any non-breathable system like epoxy, insist on a discussion about moisture and recommend professional testing to avoid costly blisters and delamination down the road.
• Ask for Real-World Examples: Instead of relying on small test patches or manufacturer samples, ask a potential flooring contractor to show you a real, completed project in a similar environment that is several years old. This provides tangible proof of the system's long-term performance.
• Verify Surface Preparation Methods: The longevity of a flooring system is highly dependent on the mechanical bond to the concrete. Ask your contractor about the Concrete Surface Profile (CSP) they plan to achieve and ensure their prep method (e.g., shot blasting vs. diamond grinding) is appropriate for the specified system.
• Plan for Rapid Return to Service: When downtime is costly, discuss fast-curing materials and multi-crew installation plans with your contractor. While some materials may cost more upfront, the savings from getting your operations back online sooner can be substantial.

Quote of the Show:

•  “Paint it ain’t.” 

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-blake-4871bb12/ 
• Email: [email protected] 
• Phone number: (978) 697-3551
• Website: https://www.kaloutas.com/ 

Ben O'Donnell, the Innovation and Facilities Engineer at Novia Corporation, shares his journey from a six-year-old welder to a hands-on innovator in the metal fabrication industry. He shares his profound belief in the power of long-term solutions over short-term fixes, illustrating his philosophy with real-world examples of process and product innovation at his company. The conversation also explores the critical role of self-confidence in career growth, the importance of listening to and empowering coworkers, and practical strategies for training new talent in the industry. He also provides a compelling look at how a mindset focused on continuous improvement and genuine problem-solving can lead to significant advancements in efficiency, quality, and overall job satisfaction.

Takeaways:

• Advocate for Long-Term Solutions: While acknowledging the occasional necessity of a "bandaid" fix, consistently push for comprehensive, long-term solutions that address the root cause of a problem, even if it requires a significant upfront investment.
• Re-evaluate Longstanding Processes: Regularly examine and question procedures that have "always been done that way." Introducing new technologies or materials can dramatically increase efficiency, reduce costs, and improve the final product's quality.
• Amplify the Voices on the Floor: Actively seek feedback from the individuals performing the day-to-day work. They often have the clearest insight into recurring issues, and addressing their struggles can lead to widespread improvements.
• Cultivate Confidence: Recognize that self-belief is a game-changer. Finding confidence, even through seemingly unrelated experiences, can fundamentally improve your approach to challenges and your ability to trust your own judgment.
• Turn Customer Issues into Opportunities: When a customer encounters a problem with a product, view it as a chance to connect with them directly, collaborate on a solution, and ultimately build a stronger, more positive relationship.
• Prioritize Aptitude and Attitude in Hiring: When bringing new people into the industry, focus on their work ethic and personality. Skills can be taught, but innate qualities like drive and a willingness to learn are harder to instill.
• Innovate to Make Work More Enjoyable: A key aspect of innovation is eliminating tedious, labor-intensive tasks. By improving or removing these annoying parts of the job, you can boost morale and allow your team to focus on more impactful work.

Quote of the Show:

• "I like getting the feedback directly from people whose voices aren't always heard and trying to work with them to solve the issues that they have." 

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-o-donnell-b2a059226/ 
• Email: [email protected] 
• Website: https://noviacorp.com

Michael Manning, a seasoned facilities management professional who currently serves as the Facilities Manager at Omega Optical, shares his invaluable insights on transforming a facilities department from a cost center into a key driver of business strategy. Michael takes us on a journey from the boiler room to the boardroom, detailing how effective communication, data-driven decisions, and proactive planning can elevate the role of any facilities team. He discusses the critical importance of building a strong, empowered team founded on trust and advocacy, shares gripping stories of handling on-site emergencies, and offers practical advice on everything from implementing a CMMS to championing real-world sustainability initiatives that make a tangible impact.

Takeaways:

• Advocate for Your Team in the Boardroom: Don't just ask for a new boiler; present the data. Use maintenance records and invoices to build a business case that shows the long-term value of preventative maintenance and crucial upgrades, turning your department into a strategic partner.
• Build Trust First, Make Changes Later: When taking over a new team, spend time observing and listening before implementing changes. Announce that you trust their expertise and are there to make their jobs easier. This builds immediate goodwill and opens lines of communication.
• Involve Your Team in Change: When a change is necessary, bring the affected team members into the conversation early. Explain the "why" behind the decision and ask for their input to ensure a smoother transition and greater buy-in.
• Create a "Macro View" During Emergencies: In a crisis, your most important job as a leader is to step back. Trust your trained team to handle the immediate cleanup and focus your energy on coordinating the next steps, like scheduling cleaning crews, managing communications, and mitigating further damage.
• Champion Your Unseen Heroes: Make a conscious effort to introduce your custodial, grounds, and maintenance staff to upper management. Highlighting their contributions and years of institutional knowledge ensures they feel seen, valued, and appreciated.
• Seek Out Knowledge Relentlessly: You don't need to be an expert in everything. When an HVAC tech or an electrician is on-site, ask questions. Show genuine interest in what they do. This not only broadens your own knowledge base but also builds stronger relationships with your vendors.

Quote of the Show:

• "The more information that the board members or even the CEO or the top executive level know, the better you can prepare and do that preventative maintenance."

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-manning-8a033a16b/ 
• Email: [email protected] 
• Website: https://omega-optical.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 

Carrie Battafarano, Maintenance Manager at Noria, shares her extensive experience in facilities and project management within the convenience store industry. She emphasizes the importance of not making assumptions and asking the right questions to solve problems effectively, a lesson she learned through trial and error. Carrie highlights the strong, trust-based relationship between the facilities and operations departments at Noria, which is built on open communication and consistently showing up to resolve issues. She also discusses her team's approach to prioritizing tasks, focusing on safety and sales, and managing a large number of sites across multiple states through a combination of in-house technicians and a trusted pool of vendors.

Takeaways:

• Never make assumptions. When a problem arises, it's crucial to ask questions and dig deeper to understand the root cause before dispatching technicians or vendors. This avoids sending the wrong person with the wrong skillset, which saves time and money.
• A strong relationship between facilities and operations is built on trust and communication. Consistently showing up, communicating effectively, and delivering results are key to fostering a collaborative environment where both departments can work together to solve problems.
• Prioritize tasks based on safety and sales. Safety is always the top priority, followed by issues that impact sales. Communicating why a smaller issue might need to take a backseat to a more critical one helps manage expectations.
• Utilize a combination of in-house teams and trusted vendors. Noria has a robust in-house team of technicians for various trades, which allows for timely responses. They supplement this with a carefully selected pool of vendors who understand their expectations and standards.
• View facilities from a consumer's perspective. To maintain high standards of cleanliness and overall experience, it's important to see the stores as a customer would. This helps in identifying areas that need attention and ensuring a welcoming environment.
• Trust and empower your team. A manager cannot do their job without a reliable team. Trusting your team members, supporting them, and fostering an environment where they can lean on each other is essential for success.

Quote of the Show:

• "My best piece of advice is to trust in your team members and hire a team that works well together. I think that's the most important piece. You cannot do your job without your team.” 

Links:

• Email: [email protected] 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrie-battafarano-82ab3a59/ 
• Website: https://nouria.com/ 

Don Watson, Senior Vice President of Global Real Estate, Facilities, and EHS at Oracle, shares his insights on universal design. He introduces universal design as a framework for creating truly inclusive and productive environments that go beyond basic ADA compliance to serve people with diverse abilities. Centered on his core philosophy of "people, people, people," Don explains how this approach enhances everything from safety and wellness to human performance by removing physical and social barriers. Drawing from a career that began in chemical engineering, he provides practical, often low-cost strategies for implementation and highlights the importance of embedding these principles into an organization's design standards from the start.

Takeaways:

• Universal design creates inclusivity beyond compliance. It is a mindset shift focused on designing environments that are healthier, safer, and more productive for everyone by removing physical and social barriers. This approach intentionally goes beyond the baseline requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to create a workplace where anyone can thrive.
• Implementation can start with low-cost, high-impact changes. Many principles of universal design can be put into practice with little to no financial investment. Simple adjustments, such as arranging items on a shelf vertically instead of horizontally or ensuring an accessible-height desk is not used for storage, can make a significant and immediate impact.
• The most effective strategy is to embed universal design into your standards. To avoid costly retrofits, the goal should be to build the principles of universal design directly into your organization's official design standards. This ensures that every new project is inherently designed to be inclusive from its inception.
• The core of facilities management is "People, People, People." Don's guiding principle is that despite advancements in technology, the profession is fundamentally about human interaction. Understanding the needs of people—from customers to colleagues—is crucial for delivering successful facilities.
• Seek direct feedback from your users. One of the most powerful ways to identify barriers is to ask for help. Inviting members of an employee resource group for people with disabilities to walk through a facility with you will provide invaluable, real-world insights that you can act on immediately.
• Embrace a non-linear career path. Don's journey from a chemical engineer to a senior vice president in global real estate illustrates that careers often take unexpected turns. He advises professionals to stay open to change, own their career planning, and understand that their skills can apply across different industries.
• Mentorship is a continuous, two-way learning process. Professionals should seek out mentors for guidance while also making an effort to mentor others. Don emphasizes that he has learned a great deal from the students he has mentored, highlighting that the relationship is mutually beneficial.

Quote of the Show:

• “I absolutely believe that creating a facility based on universal design principles, where the 'true north' is a truly inclusive environment, that allows you to bring your full self to work and thrive every day.”

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donwatson94/ 
• Website: https://www.oracle.com/ 

Shoutouts: 

• Merck: https://www.merck.com/ 
• Stepan Company: https://www.stepan.com/ 
• Andrew Houghton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-d-houghton/ 
• Disability Inclusion Solutions: https://disabilityinclusion.com/ 
• Michael Perry: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelperry01/ 
• Progressive AE: https://www.weareprogressive.com/ 
• Nora Vele: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nora-vele-214ab77/ 

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/WnqL6MkgcVQ 
• 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 

Bruce Boyd, the Director of Engineering and Maintenance at Sconza Candy Company, to discuss his extensive experience in the wine and candy industries. Bruce shares his most significant lesson learned: you cannot effectively manage a maintenance department from a desk. He details his journey from managing a large, unionized team at E&J Gallo Winery to his current role, emphasizing the importance of being on the floor to support the team, understand the challenges firsthand, and build strong relationships. The conversation covers the critical role of a skilled maintenance planner, strategies for developing talent through apprenticeships, and the power of empowering technicians to drive continuous improvement. Bruce also provides a candid look at managing MRO parts inventory, the challenges of implementing large-scale change, and the necessity of having "managerial courage" to align with leadership on what success truly looks like.

Takeaways:

• Lead from the Floor: The most critical lesson for maintenance managers is to get out of the office and be present on the floor. Direct interaction with team members is essential for providing support, understanding issues, and avoiding the misinterpretations that can happen through texts and calls.
• Develop Talent from Within: Facing a shortage of skilled trade workers, creating apprenticeship and internship programs with local trade schools and high schools is a powerful way to build a talent pipeline. Promoting from within fosters loyalty and taps into existing potential.
• A Good Planner is a Game Changer: An effective maintenance planner, especially one with a background in manufacturing and maintenance, is crucial. They ensure work orders are clear and detailed, which helps supervisors audit work and drives efficiency, acting as a quarterback for the team.
• Build Confidence to Right-Size Inventory: Maintenance technicians often hoard parts in their toolboxes when they lack confidence in the storeroom's inventory. To solve this, focus on building a reliable MRO system, understanding the frequency of use, and empowering a parts buyer to ask clarifying questions rather than just fulfilling orders.
• Empower Technicians as CI Engineers: Treat maintenance technicians as continuous improvement engineers. Encourage them to look beyond the immediate task on a work order to inspect upstream and downstream, identify potential future failures, and educate machine operators to prevent recurring issues.
• Exercise Managerial Courage: It is vital to have open and sometimes difficult conversations with your own managers about expectations. Clearly articulate what the department needs to succeed and ensure there is alignment, even if it means questioning initial directives like "reduce inventory" by asking "how do you know it's not right-sized already?".
• Manage Change with Consistent Communication: When implementing significant organizational changes, such as restructuring PM and troubleshooting teams, dedicating enough time for consistent communication is paramount. Gaps in communication allow team members to form their own interpretations, which can sink the initiative.

Quote of the Show:

• “No matter how big your department is specifically around maintenance, you can't manage it from your desk. You have to be out on the floor.”

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bruce-boyd-b6441114/ 
• Website: https://sconza.com/  
• Email: [email protected] 

Shoutouts: 

• EJ Gallo Winery: https://www.gallo.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/ASGidlj0nOw 
• 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 

Zach Stublaski, an EHS Manager at Ocean Spray with over 20 years of real-world experience, shares his incredible journey through farming, the US Army as a military intelligence expert, serving as a deputy sheriff, working for OSHA, and his time in the oil and gas industry. He explains how this diverse background unexpectedly converged, providing him with a unique skill set for hazard recognition, problem-solving, and de-escalation. Throughout the conversation, Zach emphasizes that effective, transparent communication is the cornerstone of any successful EHS program and the key to building a proactive safety culture where employees understand the "why" behind every protocol.

Takeaways:

• A Diverse Background is a Strength: Zach's experiences—from handling machinery on a farm to structured risk assessment in the military and impartial investigation in law enforcement—all contributed to his effectiveness as an EHS leader.
• Master "Verbal Judo": A key skill learned in the police academy was "verbal judo," a method of talking to people to de-escalate tense situations and find common ground. This is crucial when interacting with individuals who may be upset or resistant to change.
• Always Communicate the "Why": To get buy-in and overcome resistance to new policies, it is essential to be transparent and communicate why a change is being implemented. Sharing real-world examples helps people understand the importance of following safety protocols.
• Build Credibility from the Ground Up: Having a hands-on background as a welder and mechanic helps build credibility with operational teams because it shows an understanding of their daily challenges.
• View OSHA as a Resource: Instead of being feared, OSHA should be seen as a valuable resource. Their visit provides a "second set of eyes" to help companies find weaknesses and ultimately keep their workers safer.
• Proactive Safety Prevents Backsliding: You cannot remain idle in safety; if you aren't constantly pushing forward and being proactive, the program will get worse. Zach equates it to walking up an escalator that is going down—you have to keep moving to make progress.
• Seek to Understand, Not Just Respond: When dealing with people, especially during a conflict, it's critical to listen to understand their perspective rather than just listening to form a response.

Quote of the Show:

•  “It’s one team, one fight. We’ve all got to chip in and work together.” 

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-stublaski-72536411/ 
• Website: https://www.oceanspray.com/ 
• Email: [email protected] 

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/KvhqWeomaWs 
• 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 

Jeff Chierepko, Vice President of Global Facilities Management and Special Projects at Sig Sauer, shares his extensive career journey, emphasizing lessons learned, such as the importance of listening, continual learning, questioning assumptions, and problem-solving with a solutions-oriented mindset. He highlights the significance of understanding and respecting diverse cultures, effective communication, and building a cohesive team. 

The discussion also covers Sig Sauer's strategic approach to global operations, emphasizing the integration and collaboration across various functions, including engineering, safety, and security. Jeff provides a behind-the-scenes look at the Sig Experience Center (SEC), showcasing its successful design, customer experience, and how it represents the company's innovative spirit. He concludes with advice for those in similar roles, stressing the importance of delegation, training, and maintaining open communication within and outside the organization.

Takeaways:

• Present Solutions, Not Problems. Approaching leadership with potential solutions, rather than just problems, is a valuable strategy. This mindset shifts focus from merely identifying obstacles to actively creating answers, which contributes significantly to professional growth and demonstrates value within an organization.
• Respectfully Challenge the Experts. Blindly following expert advice can lead to inefficiency. In one example, an expert claimed a specific velocity-measuring device would never work in a particular application. After years of accepting this, a simple call to the manufacturer revealed that placing a piece of printer paper over the device would solve the issue. The lesson is to question everything and seek alternative solutions, even when dealing with seasoned professionals.
• Empower Teams Through Delegation. To effectively manage and foster growth, leaders must delegate and trust their people. Giving team members the freedom "to really just go out and prove" themselves allows them to develop new skills and take ownership. This approach is the only way team members will learn, and it allows leaders to focus on other strategic initiatives.
• Foster Deep Collaboration Between Facilities and EHS. The relationship between Facilities and Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) is critically important, especially in hazardous or highly regulated industries. When designing facilities for complex processes, such as those involving explosives, the deep knowledge of both facilities and EHS must be integrated from the beginning to ensure safety and compliance.
• Build Bridges Through Cultural Authenticity. When working globally, building personal connections is key. Instead of making a "pathetic attempt" at speaking a local language, it's better to be honest and authentic. A simple, genuine gesture, such as including one's father in a video call with an international partner, can break down barriers and create a lasting personal bond.
• Proactively Break Down Silos. Don't wait for another department to solve communication issues. Taking the initiative to create a forum, such as a quarterly summit, can resolve recurring breakdowns between siloed teams. Such meetings can reveal redundant work and foster collaboration, proving that anyone can step up to improve cross-departmental communication.
• Maintain a "Tour-Ready" Standard of Excellence. Adopting a philosophy of being "always be tour-ready" ensures that all areas of a facility—not just public-facing ones—are maintained to the highest standard. This commitment to excellence in even unseen "backstage" areas reflects deep operational integrity and contributes to a culture of quality and lean performance.

Quote of the Show:

•  “Never think that you know everything, and don't just blindly follow people.”

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-chierepko-2126964b/ 
• Website: https://www.sigsauer.com/ 

Shoutouts: 

• IFMA Boston: https://ifmaboston.org/ 
• Association of Facilities Engineering (AFE) Chapter 33: https://www.afechapter33.org/ 
• Sig Sauer Academy: https://sigsaueracademy.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/dEdiS6lvLAE 
• 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 

Agata Gojzewska, Senior Facilities Manager at CBRE, shares her extensive experience in real estate and facilities management, emphasizing the importance of building relationships before they are needed. She discusses the unpredictability of the facilities world, stressing the necessity of having plans A, B, and C, and illustrates this with anecdotes from her career. Agata highlights the evolving role of facilities management from a reactive, behind-the-scenes function to a proactive, client-focused service, emphasizing hospitality and strategic partnership. She also touches on the challenges of managing facilities with varying office attendance and the integration of occupancy sensors for better space planning. Agata recounts her professional journey, starting from her roots in Poland to her current role, and offers advice on building a strong network in the industry.

Takeaways:

• Build Relationships Proactively: Ensure to establish and nurture relationships with key stakeholders and service providers before you actually need their assistance. This approach ensures smoother collaborations in times of need.
• Be Prepared for Anything: In the facilities management world, unpredictability is the norm. Develop contingency plans (Plan A, B, C) to tackle unexpected challenges efficiently.
• Develop Problem-Solving Skills: Having a solid plan is crucial, but being able to pivot and make quick judgments is equally important. Continuous improvement in problem-solving abilities is vital.
• Maintain Transparency with Clients: Keep clients informed about ongoing issues and updates to avoid surprises. This transparency helps in maintaining trust and mitigating misunderstandings.
• Participate in Onboarding: Integrate facilities management into the onboarding process to provide new employees with a comprehensive tour and understanding of the work environment. This fosters better initial relationships and smoother transitions.
• Present a Strong On-site Presence: Establish daily on-site visibility to foster better relationships and strategic partnerships with other teams and clients. This helps facilities management be seen as a strategic partner rather than just a maintenance function.
• Engage in Continuous Learning and Networking: Attend webinars, participate in networking events, and continuously seek opportunities for professional development. Building a robust professional network and updating your skill set are keys to long-term success.

Quote of the Show:

• “Building relationships is important, but it’s even more important to build them before you need them.” 

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/agata-gojzewska-cfm-345331a4/ 
• Website: https://www.cbre.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/5hJSdaamoKw 
• 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