Watching Paint Dry

Katie Mitchell is the Senior Property Manager at Matrix Group, Inc., a commercial real estate company that services the Denver Metropolitan area. At Matrix Group, Inc., Katie trains and supports her team, implements processes to maximize productivity and streamline customer service, and collaborates closely with multiple departments.

Katie is a credentialed real estate professional with over five years of commercial property management experience. She has obtained LEED GA and BOMA RPA certifications and is a licensed broker in California and Colorado.

Is your career heading in the direction you want it to? Have you ever wanted to take some time off, travel, and gain a new outlook on your professional life?

Before settling down in Colorado, Katie took an 11-month sabbatical with her husband to cycle across Europe, backpack in India, and live in a camper van in South America. Traveling allowed her to adjust to the challenges of the pandemic, see a new perspective, and bring value back to her team in the real estate industry. According to Katie, you can travel, too — as long as you map out your priorities and plan accordingly.

In this episode of Watching Paint Dry, Greg Owens talks with Katie Mitchell, Senior Property Manager at Matrix Group, Inc., about her career, her travels, and the effects of COVID-19 on the facilities management industry. Katie shares how small businesses are making a comeback following the pandemic, the value that travel can bring to your personal and professional life, and the best ways you can get a career started in the property management industry. Stay tuned.

Joe Annino is the Engineering Manager at GSH Group, a leading facilities management company that provides clients with custom-tailored services, products, and resources. At GSH Group, Joe is responsible for the organization and support of stationary engineers and staff in commercial office buildings, campus facilities, and industrial complexes. He also created a four-year academy program for GSH Group that includes educational courses on HVAC/R, electrical, motor controls, pneumatics, building monitoring systems, safety, communication, and customer service.

Joe's specialties in facility management, stationary engineering, building maintenance, business management, strategic planning, and energy conservation have led him to successfully implement processes that enhance efficiency. He is currently a part of the International Facility Management Association (IFMA), which has designated him as a Facilities Management Professional in Operations and Maintenance.

As companies start to open back up, there are certain challenges — and opportunities — forming for the facilities management industry. What are these changes, and how will they affect the future of the industry?

Joe Annino is working with clients to craft a customized plan for reopening. According to Joe, this looks different for every business; however, they all have something in common: developments in technology, systems, and processes as we prepare for the post-pandemic world.

In this episode of Watching Paint Dry, Greg Owens is joined by Joe Annino, Engineering Manager at GSH Group, to talk about the changes taking place in the facilities management industry. Joe discusses his own career path in the industry, how companies are trying to be more efficient following the pandemic, and the best steps for getting your career started in facilities management. Stay tuned!

Nicole Price is the Associate Director of Cushman & Wakefield, a leading global real estate services firm. With over a decade of experience in the real estate industry, Nicole has made a positive impact on both her clients and her community, and she is living out her childhood dreams of being a rockstar — in her own way.

In addition to her role at Cushman & Wakefield, Nicole is a Board Member at Lake Merritt-Uptown District Association and BOMA (Building Owners and Managers Association) Oakland/East Bay. She is also a Board Member and Director at Large for the nonprofit, urban university. She holds a degree in business administration and marketing from DePaul University and an MBA from California State University-Long Beach.

Since the pandemic, many industries have been facing challenges, the real estate industry included. However, as we move further into 2021, there are new opportunities arising for those in facilities management areas.

As someone who has over a decade of experience in real estate, Nicole Price has an awareness of industry trends and what it means for workers in these areas. According to Nicole, there is an increasing demand for real estate services, and there are plenty of technological innovations moving the industry forward. So, how will the real estate and facilities management fields grow following COVID-19? And how can you get your career started?

In this episode of the Watching Paint Dry podcast, Greg Owens sits down with Nicole Price, Associate Director of Cushman & Wakefield, to talk about impacts on the real estate and facilities management industries. Nicole discusses how the industries will transform in a post-COVID world, the resources she turns to for continued education, and how you can utilize networks, associations, and programs to begin your career in the industry. Stay tuned.

David Brown is a contractor in the Sales and Estimating department at Metcon. Through Metcon, David is helping provide pre-construction and tenant improvement work. Metcon specializes in building success for corporate offices, life science, industrial spaces, retail, and building repositioning.

What does it take to get into the construction industry — especially when you have no prior experience? And what opportunities are arising out of the pandemic?

David Brown is sharing the steps that anyone can take to start their career in construction management. According to David, you have to love what you do if you want to succeed. In his experience, there have been many challenges and educational moments. But, there are also plenty of opportunities stemming from advancements in medicine and technology. As the world begins to reopen, David predicts that the construction industry will thrive on many new projects.

In this episode of Watching Paint Dry, Greg Owens is joined by David Brown, from Sales and Estimating at Metcon. David talks about his career advancement in the construction industry, how he navigates projects and communicates between multiple departments, and his strategies for educating clients on the construction process. Plus, David shares how you can get your career started in the industry. Stay tuned!

William (Bill) Wells is the Facilities Manager for Napa Valley Community Housing (NVCH), a nonprofit organization whose mission is to develop, preserve, and manage affordable homes. Through their Resident Services Program, NVCH also teaches successful life and leadership skills.

Bill has 15 years of experience in new construction, facilities, project management and estimating, and tenant improvement. Before joining NVCH, Bill worked as the Capital Manager for Burbank Housing, the Project Manager for Imperial Contracting, and the Assistant Superintendent for CalAtlantic Homes.

The pandemic, California wildfires, and other natural disasters have made companies and their employees learn to adapt. This is especially true for the facilities management industry, whose employees have learned to work under stringent restrictions, continue efforts with limited materials, and prepare for future hardships. So, how is the facilities management industry continuing to benefit communities despite these circumstances? And how can you get your start in the industry?

As a facilities manager, Bill Wells is providing stability for families in Napa Valley through an affordable housing service. According to Bill, your role is more than just a title: you should always be working towards growth for yourself, your company, and your community. The key to doing so? Seek out training and education — even after you've been hired.

In this episode of Watching Paint Dry, Greg Owens sits down with Bill Wells, Facilities Manager for Napa Valley Community Housing (NVCH), to discuss the challenges and opportunities in the facilities management industry. Bill talks about his experience building community outreach, the future of the housing market, and how you can start — and develop — a career in the facilities management industry. Stay tuned.

Andrew Gardner is the Director of Marketing and Business Development at Peacock Construction. As a creative thinker and long-term strategist, Andrew drives brand strategy and growth at Peacock Construction. He began his construction career in project management, estimating, and developing an appreciation for the intricacies of construction. He now uses this knowledge to develop partnerships with new clients and look after existing partners at Peacock Construction.

Andrew is also the Chair of the Emerging Professionals Committee at BOMA San Francisco and the Chair of the Young Leaders Programs Committee at CoreNet Global's Northern California Chapter.

Construction is a long-lasting industry with immense opportunities to develop your career. For Andrew Gardner, the industry has allowed him to connect with a variety of people and establish a strong sense of community. There are plenty of different roles and possibilities within construction, and Andrew is here to share all of the details with you.

Andrew began his career in project management, where he was the intermediary between the owner, subcontractors, architects, and everyone else involved in the project. He then built on this knowledge to become a marketing and business development expert. So, what's the key to figuring out where you fit in? According to Andrew, the best thing you can do for your career is to just get started — even if you don't know exactly what you want to do.

In this episode of Watching Paint Dry, Greg Owens is joined by Andrew Gardner, Director of Marketing and Business Development at Peacock Construction, to discuss everything you need to know about the construction industry. Andrew shares how he landed his current role, his steps for overcoming current challenges, trends to look for in the industry, and how you can get your career started. Stay tuned.

Nils Welin is a highly accomplished serial entrepreneur and the CEO of ProGuard Security Services, a company that provides personalized and professional security services to the San Francisco Bay Area. He is also the Founder of EON Venture, a specialized investment company that provides strategic growth and business development guidance. Nils currently serves as a Board Member at the California Association of Licensed Security Agencies, Guards & Associates (CALSAGA) and is a Board Member at the Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows Foundation (SAF).

Nils is an authority in sales and marketing with the expert ability to develop new teams and companies. He is skilled in generating ROI by focusing on the strengths within a company and applying new strategies.

As the pandemic swept through the world and enforced change, in more ways than one, industries have adapted and found new strategies for growth. For the security services industry, there has been an increasing demand as tensions rise in regards to COVID-19, racial injustice, and political unrest. How is the industry changing, and what are the plans for future growth?

Nils Welin is in the security services industry in the San Francisco Bay Area, and he has witnessed the challenges and transformations taking place over the past year. As the pandemic shut down businesses and increased health and safety risks, security companies began focusing on training, protective equipment, and workplace adjustments. Now, Nils and his team are looking ahead at the future of technology to aid their development plans.

In this episode of Watching Paint Dry, Greg Owens is joined by Nils Welin, serial entrepreneur and CEO of ProGuard Security Services, to talk about changes taking place within the security industry. Nils discusses the obstacles his company's faced, security robots and the future of technology, and how you can start your career in the security services industry. Stay tuned!

Alyssa Cooper is the Manager of Facilities and Asset Management at Philz Coffee. Alyssa has been in the facilities management industry since 2013, where she began her career as a Facilities Coordinator for The Taubman Company. She sharpened her expertise in facilities management as the Repair and Maintenance Analyst for Gymboree and the Facilities Maintenance Coordinator at Cycle Gear Inc. before joining Philz Coffee. Alyssa is skilled in project management, departmental goal-setting, and advanced problem solving.

The facilities management industry is more than just maintenance and project management; collaboration and team support are important aspects of any facilities management role. So, how exactly can a facilities manager help your company? And how can you get your foot in the industry's doorway?

With experience on both the facilities management side and retail side of operations, Alyssa Cooper's approach is people-oriented. What does this mean? You have to be an advocate for your vendors and a support system for your whole team. And, when you position people first, the industry will reward you.

Listen to this week's episode of Watching Paint Dry, as Greg Owens talks with Alyssa Cooper, Manager of Facilities and Asset Management at Philz Coffee, about the detailed roles within the facilities management industry. Alyssa discusses Philz's development through the pandemic, what she has learned throughout her career, and her advice for anyone looking to get their start as a facilities manager. Stay tuned.

Mark Schmidt is the Owner of Unicorn Group, a company that provides professional print-to-mail solutions for local businesses and nonprofits. After working in the corporate world for 12 years and completing his MBA in marketing, Mark began his entrepreneurial career by purchasing a local business: Unicorn Printing. To take it further, Mark purchased two direct mail marketing companies, Guarantee Mailing Services and Mail Communications, and consolidated these three companies into Unicorn Group.

At Unicorn Group, Mark and his team help businesses and nonprofits save time, make money, and get better results. In 2011, Unicorn Group was named San Rafael's Small Business of the Year.

Being an entrepreneur requires problem solving, creativity, and the desire to learn. But what resources are out there to keep developing on both a personal and professional level? And how can you build a career in any industry—even when you don't have prior knowledge?

Before Mark Schmidt began his career in the printing industry, he worked in the chemical engineering and marketing fields. But this didn't slow him down: because of his wide range of experience, Mark knows how to continue challenging yourself as a leader and entrepreneur no matter what industry you're in.

In this episode of Watching Paint Dry, Greg Owens sits down with Mark Schmidt, Owner of Unicorn Group, to talk about the ways you can grow as an entrepreneur. Mark discusses new technologies, the most effective ways to challenge yourself, and how to bring creativity into the workplace. He also shares insight from his own experience as he leads, learns, and innovates within the printing industry. Stay tuned.

Michael Yorker is a Facilities Management Consultant with over 22 years of experience in facilities management. He specializes in risk mitigation, team development, safety, and relationship building. As a leading facilities management consultant, Michael has overseen the management, scaling, and renovation of facilities up to 150,000 square feet, including both domestic and international company relocations. Currently, he's a Facilities Management Domain Advisor for Sensfix, where he provides insights for the development of a new facilities CMMS software.

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed workplace routines all over the world; however, there are some benefits that come along with those adjustments. Within the facilities management industry, what changes are taking place? What does the future of the industry look like, and how can you get involved?

Facilities management consultant Michael Yorker has learned how to navigate the many adjustments within the industry. From safety precautions to remote work, to new technologies, Michael has worked through the changes happening within facilities management careers—and he's here to share his expert advice with you.

In this episode of Watching Paint Dry, Greg Owens is joined by Michael Yorker, Facilities Management Consultant. Together, they discuss how life has transformed during the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically within the facilities management industry. Michael talks about what it's like to be a facilities management consultant in the age of the coronavirus, his favorite technological advancements, and how you can begin a career in the industry. Stay tuned.