The Modern Facilities Management Podcast

In this episode of The Modern Facilities Management Podcast, Griffin sits down with Cyrus Patterson, Facilities Director at the John A. Burns School of Medicine at the University of Hawaii.

Cyrus shares his incredible journey—from growing up on job sites, to serving as a Marine Corps combat engineer and facilities maintenance officer, to leading facilities for Hawaii’s only medical school.

He opens up about the leadership lessons the military instilled, the importance of mastering the basics, and how humility and lifelong learning shaped his transition into civilian construction and facilities roles.

Griffin and Cyrus dive deep into:

• The unique challenges of facilities management on the most isolated islands in the world

• How long lead times, labor shortages, and logistics shape planning, procurement, and execution

• Managing expectations, communicating risk, and building alignment across campus stakeholders

• The true value of investing in resilient, sustainable materials—especially in constrained environments

• Navigating budget pressures and advocating for long-term thinking

• Career transitions, mentorship, resilience, and finding purpose in public service

A powerful blend of leadership, storytelling, and practical FM insights—this episode is packed with lessons for facilities professionals in any environment.

Enjoy!

In this episode of the Modern Facilities Management Podcast, Griffin welcomes back Lonnie Pilgrim, Director of Operations & Maintenance for the Fort McMurray Public School Division in Alberta. Previously featured in Episode 101 for his crisis management expertise, Lonnie returns to discuss best practices in capital project management.

Lonnie breaks down capturing daily maintenance data to annual lifecycle reporting, FCA cycles, emerging issues, and the metrics that ultimately built the case for the project approval.

The conversation dives deep into best practices for capital project planning, including:

• How to demonstrate need using real maintenance and cost data

• Mistakes to avoid in early project design

• Ensuring operational efficiency post-construction

• Standardizing equipment to streamline future maintenance

• Building strong relationships with architects, GCs, and stakeholders to ensure a smooth turnover

Enjoy!

In this episode of The Modern Facilities Management Podcast, Griffin Hamilton sits down with Nick Queensland, a a healthcare facilities leader with more than 25 years of experience at Mayo Clinic, Luminis Health, and Johns Hopkins.

Griffin and Nick dig into the realities of change management in hospital facilities—why buy-in matters, how to communicate effectively with stakeholders, and why reinforcing change is just as important as implementing it.

Nick also reflects on the evolving expectations in healthcare facilities and the importance of engaging teams at every level.

If you’re looking to grow your career or lead change in facilities management, this episode is packed with practical insights and hard-earned lessons.

Key Topics Covered

• Navigating a 25+ year career in hospital facilities

• The importance of understanding your role in healthcare

• Leadership philosophies and developing future FM talent

• Change management: buy-in, communication, and reinforcement

• Engaging stakeholders across clinical and non-clinical teams

• How expectations in hospital facilities have evolved

• Building team culture during times of change

Enjoy!

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.

In this episode, Jessica Wicks, Brand President of DUCTZ, joins us to discuss why proactive maintenance planning is vital to facilities management. She explains how deferred maintenance directly affects indoor air quality, energy efficiency, and overall building performance.

Jessica also shares how HVAC systems play a pivotal role in sustainability, and offers practical insights on selecting the right maintenance partners. From coil cleaning to air duct restoration, this conversation underscores the importance of consistency and accountability in creating healthy, efficient buildings.

Takeaways:

• Maintenance plans should include walkthroughs and system inventory checks.

• Deferred maintenance leads to costly breakdowns and potential health risks.

• Indoor air quality depends on consistent HVAC upkeep.

• Energy efficiency is tightly linked to system cleanliness.

• Coil cleaning helps extend HVAC lifespan.

• Facilities managers must prioritize proactive care to avoid disruptions.

• Vendor selection plays a major role in maintenance success.

• AI and technology are supporting skilled trades and ensuring long-term job stability.

00:00 – Introduction to Jessica Wicks and DUCTZ
04:59 – The Importance of Maintenance Plans
09:45 – Impact of Deferred Maintenance on Indoor Air Quality
14:27 – Energy Efficiency and Maintenance Strategies
19:17 – Challenges in Maintaining Occupied Buildings
20:12 – Selecting the Right Vendor

About DUCTZ:

Founded in 2002, DUCTZ is the nation’s leading brand for HVAC and air duct cleaning. Since air duct cleanliness is directly tied to indoor air quality, DUCTZ technicians provide thorough services that improve system efficiency and safety. DUCTZ emphasizes long-term relationships with residents and businesses through exceptional service. In addition to air duct cleaning, the company offers HVAC restoration, dryer vent cleaning, coil cleaning, and exhaust cleaning.

In this episode of the Modern Facilities Management Podcast, host Griffin Hamilton sits down with Michelle Sujka to discuss her journey into facilities management.

Michelle shares how relationship building, self-reflection, and embracing discomfort have shaped her growth in a male-dominated field. She also highlights how COVID-19 offered a moment for personal and professional reset, and how her podcast, I’m Done Apologizing, empowers women to step into leadership with confidence.

Takeaways:

• Building strong relationships is foundational to success in facilities management.
• Self-reflection and vulnerability fuel personal growth.
• Networking and mentorship are essential career tools.
• Women should apply for roles even before they feel 100% qualified.
• Having allies and diverse perspectives strengthens the industry.

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction to Michelle Sujka
02:45 – Transition from Higher Education to Facilities Management
05:40 – The Power of Relationship Building
09:00 – Self-Reflection and Growth
11:50 – Empowerment Through Podcasting
15:00 – Women in a Male-Dominated Industry
18:00 – COVID-19 as a Moment for Reset

In this episode of the Modern Facilities Management Podcast, Griffin Hamilton speaks with Billy Holder about his extensive journey in the facilities management and construction industry.

They discuss the significant changes in the industry over the past year, the core problems faced by facilities managers, particularly regarding time management and inspections, and how innovative technology, including AI, is being utilized to address these challenges.

Billy shares insights on the importance of networking and the impact of organizations like IFMA on his career, emphasizing the need for professionals to embrace technology to stay competitive in the evolving landscape.

Enjoy!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

04:53 Identifying the Main Problem

10:06 Innovative Solutions in Facilities Management

15:09 The Role of AI in Facilities Management

19:51 Embracing Technology and Future Trends

24:55 Networking and Career Impact

On this episode, Griffin Hamilton interviews Micah Remley, CEO of Robin, a workplace management platform.

Micah and Griffin dive into the evolving landscape of workplace management, particularly in the context of hybrid work environments.

They discuss the challenges and strategies for returning to the office, the importance of data in managing facilities, and how to create a workplace that fosters collaboration and productivity.

Micah emphasizes the need for intentionality in office design and operations, drawing parallels with the hospitality industry to enhance employee experience.

Key Takeaways:

• Hybrid work has created a disconnect between employee and management expectations.
• Team days can significantly improve collaboration and office attendance.
• Data analytics is crucial for understanding office usage and employee behavior.
• The role of facilities managers is evolving to include more strategic planning and data analysis.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Workplace Management

02:03 The Evolution of Hybrid Work

05:09 Challenges of Returning to Office

09:58 Leveraging Data and Tools for Facilities Management

20:02 The Future of Workplace Experience

On this episode of the Modern Facilities Management Podcast, Griffin Hamilton interviews John Price, a Facilities Director at Elevate Eye Care.

They discuss John's journey into facilities management, the challenges of leadership, including imposter syndrome, and the importance of curiosity and servant leadership.

The conversation also explores the integration of AI in facilities management and its potential impact on the industry. John shares his insights on team development, the role of technology, and the future of human-AI collaboration.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Leadership in Facilities Management

02:49 The Journey into Facilities Management

05:47 Understanding Imposter Syndrome in Leadership

08:45 The Role of Curiosity in Leadership

11:42 Servant Leadership and Team Development

14:34 Embracing AI in Facilities Management

20:32 The Future of AI and Human Collaboration

On this episode of the Modern Facilities Management Podcast, host Griffin Hamilton sits down with Michael LoVaglia, Director of Facilities Management and Real Estate for Canvas Worldwide.

Michael shares his journey into the facilities management industry, highlighting the unique blend of creativity and technical skills required in the field.

They delve into the concept of the "third space" and discuss how companies can create dynamic work environments that encourage collaboration and innovation.

Tune in to discover insights on balancing work-life dynamics, the evolution of workspace design, and the importance of having a dedicated personal workspace.

Enjoy!