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)

NAESCO ESCO Members

NAESCO Accredited Members

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!