In this episode of The Modern Facilities Management Podcast, host Griffin Hamilton sits down with Jay Fiske, President of Powerhouse Dynamics, to explore how IoT (Internet of Things) is transforming the food service and retail industries. Jay shares the fascinating journey of Powerhouse Dynamics—from a scrappy four-person startup to an acquisition by Middleby, one of the world’s largest commercial food service equipment manufacturers.

They dive deep into how simple IoT sensors and data streams—like temperature, energy, and door sensors—can unlock massive operational efficiencies, prevent costly equipment failures, and optimize energy use. Jay also explains how facilities teams can start small, measure ROI, and scale their use of connected technologies without adding to their workload.

Key Takeaways:

• What IoT really means and how it drives actionable insights.
• Real-world examples of how connected devices improve efficiency, safety, and sustainability.
• How AI and automation are redefining facility management and reducing labor burdens.
• A look ahead at the next 3–5 years of connectivity, automation, and AI in the facilities world.

About the Guest:

Jay Fiske is President of Powerhouse Dynamics, a Boston-based IoT company whose platforms—Open Kitchen and SiteSage—help multi-site operators manage critical infrastructure like HVAC, refrigeration, and cooking equipment through cloud-connected automation.