Watching Paint Dry

Heidi Duffy is an Asset Manager at Meridian, a full-service real estate developing and investing company. At Meridian, Heidi is responsible for analyzing the qualifications of prospective tenants, driving lease negotiations to secure profitable returns for Meridian's portfolio, and overseeing the Western portfolio assets.

Heidi is the Vice President of the Building Owners & Managers Association (BOMA) of Oakland/East Bay Medical Office Building Special Interest Group and chairs their Annual Medical Office Summit. She graduated from California State University East Bay with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business.

Think back to when you were a kid. What did you want to be when you grew up? The answers are usually the same. Doctor, firefighter, maybe a lawyer, or an astronaut. Many kids also dream of growing up to be artists. But, what if there was a job that would value your problem-solving skills, your outgoing nature, and your creativity equally?

According to Heidi Duffy, this job does exist—and it's called asset management. At Meridian, Heidi handles the company's Western portfolio assets, creates value lines, and oversees tenant improvements. Although Heidi started working at Meridian fairly early in her career, beginning as an office manager and then working in the marketing department, it took her some trial and error before she landed in asset management. Was all the pivoting worth it? For Heidi, the answer is simple: yes.

On this episode of Watching Paint Dry, Greg Owens sits down with Heidi Duffy, Asset Manager at Meridian, to talk about the world of asset management. Together, they discuss the importance of getting creative when adding value, the market in Tucson, and Meridian's two main business lines. Plus, Heidi shares how she got started in the industry and how you can, too.

Joe Williams is the President of Package Unit Pros, a company of commercial light HVAC experts. Their focus on light commercial HVAC removes additional worries and overstretched responsibilities, solely focusing on what they do best: giving their customers direct consultation and maintenance on the units needed. Joe has worked in the construction and HVAC for more than 20 years, designing and overseeing projects of up to $1 million.

Before Package Unit Pros, he was the General Manager at a mechanical contracting company.

Service is the basis of every industry. From fashion to HVAC, these industries are built on performing expert services to benefit and enhance their customer's lives. Joe Williams, President of Package Unit Pros, is no stranger to providing brilliant client services—and he believes that doing one thing well is the key to success.

In the week's episode of Watching Paint Dry, host Greg Owens sits down with Joe Williams, President of Package Unit Pros. They discuss the benefits of trade as a career path, how Package Unit Pros has adjusted their business to keep their customers and employees safe, and the importance of small business in reviving the economy. Joe also shares his advice for anyone interested in the construction or HVAC industries. Stay tuned.

Christian Grzywinski is a Project Manager at Therma, California's premier mechanical solutions provider. As part of the Therma team, Christian works to provide customer solutions for mechanical designs and constructions.

Before joining Therma, he was a Project Engineer for ACCO Engineered Systems and a Project Manager at Chris Plumbing and Allied Air Conditioning and Heating Co. Christian graduated from UC Berkeley with a degree in Rhetoric before finding his career in the HVAC world.

HVAC companies have become even more important in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Air quality is important not only for the comfort but for the health of a building's occupants. And now, different methods and products are being developed to accommodate growing needs, making it a broad field.

Take Therma, for example. A company based throughout Southern California, Therma covers that broad field from plumbing services to AC repair, to sewer inspections—and more.

On this episode of Watching Paint Dry, Christian Grzywinski of Therma joins Greg Owens to offer his personal insight as a project manager. Christian discusses his own entry into the field, Therma's specialties, and the newest innovations in the industry. He also talks about the opportunities available for up-and-coming workers in HVAC companies. Listen in to hear all of this and more!

Hafsa Burt is the President and Managing Principal of HB+A Architects, a firm focused on environmental sustainability and blending avant-garde design with a strong commitment to the bottom line. Hafsa's approach to design and space management doubles down on reducing waste and improving workspace balance.

Hafsa is a frequent speaker on indoor air quality and how it relates to architecture and is considered an industry expert on healthy building practices. She has been awarded the title of ENR's Top 20 Under 40 and the American Institute of Architects' Young Architects Award.

What do you think is most important: functionality or trends?

Over the last year in particular, companies are quickly reimagining their workspaces and beginning to utilize functionality features over inspiring design. Hafsa Burt, President of HB+A Architects, believes in designing environmentally sustainable buildings where dedicated workspaces marry intentional design.

In this week's episode of Watching Paint Dry, host Greg Owens sits down with President and Managing Principal of HB+A Architects, Hafsa Burt. They discuss functionality over trends, environmentally sustainable buildings, and how COVID-19 regulations will change office floor plans. Hafsa also shares her tips for creating a better work-from-home office layout and how students can learn more about the architectural industry. Stay tuned.

Peter Ankerstjerne is Chief Strategy Officer at Planon and the Chairman of the Board of the International Facility Management Association (IFMA). Planon is the leading global provider of innovative real estate and facility management software, proven best practices, and professional services that support building owners, occupiers, and service providers.

Before joining Planon, Peter was the Global Lead of Facility Management and Experience Services at JLL, the Head of Facility Management and Workplace Experience for PxWe at WeWork, and the Group Chief Marketing Officer at ISS A/S. For over 27 years, Peter has sharpened his expertise in leadership, team management, inclusion, and marketing.

Facility Management is a $1.1 trillion industry and growing. More than ever, companies have started to take an interest in how they can improve workplace interaction and productivity.

Among the many things 2020 has taught us, one of the most valuable lessons we've learned is that the hybrid work-from-home model is effective for productivity—and creating a sustainable workspace is critical to the current population. Peter Ankerstjerne, Chief Strategic Officer of Planon, knows the importance of creating a co-working environment and just how companies can use data to put their offices to better use.

In this week's episode of Watching Paint Dry, host Greg Owens is joined by Peter Ankerstjerne, Chief Strategic Officer of Planon, and Chairman of the Board of IFMA. They discuss the future of remote work, how data can help businesses become sustainable, and why the workplace will become an even bigger social hub in the next ten years. Peter shares why co-working spaces are needed more than ever during the pandemic and the unique opportunity hotels and resorts have to step into the co-working industry.

Rocky Singh Kandola is the Founder and CEO of Hair Maiden India, a world-leading company in high-quality hair & dedicated customer service. Hair Maiden India connects business owners to the products they need to help their customers maintain and create new hairstyles. Rocky has connected with hundreds of beauticians and hair care companies that wish to push the barrier of using and styling human hair.

Rocky is a successful businessman, entrepreneur, and felon. He's had near-death experiences, lived his youth in and out of facilities, and has been the victim of an attempted murder. Despite the odds stacked against him, he's persevered and shares his story of incarceration, opportunity, business, and growth in his upcoming book. He loves to travel and speaks 4 different languages.

The human hair extensions and supply industry has experienced an incredible amount of growth recently, with forecasts of the industry increasing by USD 2.42 billion during 2020-2024. Rocky Singh Kandola, the Founder of Hair Maiden India, is no stranger to transformation, going from near-death experience after the other to successful entrepreneur. How, exactly did Rocky turn things around?

In this week's episode of Watching Paint Dry, Greg Owens and Katrina Stevenson are joined by Rocky Singh Kandola, the Founder of Hair Maiden India. Rocky shares his life story, why Hair Maiden India is special, and a message of hope for troubled kids and their parents. Rocky discusses what it means to have an entrepreneurial spirit from an early age, how to market your business, and the importance of facing challenges with an opportunistic mindset—and how it made all the difference.

Joe Peterson is the Head of Global Workplace Programs for Snowflake, a data platform that utilizes cloud data to help thousands of organizations harness and analyze their data for direction and growth. Joe worked in food and beverage management for more than 12 years before starting his current position in April of 2020 with a unique combination of facility, food and beverage administration, and consulting. With his expertise, he has helped organizations structure their initiatives and come out on top with better recipes and building processes.

Facility Management is changing faster than you can order an Uber. When the pandemic first started, countless companies had to shift from the office to their homes—but that didn't stop Joe Peterson from transforming his career as the Head of Global Workplace Programs.

Joe's background in large-scale food management and as a consultant gives him the edge to see where the office space is going and how to direct the company's initiatives. With a little elbow grease and a chef's coat, Joe is taking what it means to be a chef and merging it with facility management in the best ways possible.

In this week's episode of Watching Paint Dry Podcast, host Greg Owens interviews Joe Peterson, Global Workplace Programs at Snowflake. They discuss what it was like interviewing and creating a safe environment during the pandemic, what space reallocation will mean for the future of office floor plans, and his plans for restructuring their offices. Joe also shared how he and his team are creating better dining experiences and maintaining the facility. Stay tuned!

John Fahmy is the Vice President of Operations and Sales at Planned Companies, a conglomerate that provides industry-leading janitorial, maintenance, security, and concierge services for commercial and residential properties. With over 10 years of management experience, John is an expert at senior level negotiation, project planning, and scheduling.

Before joining Planned Companies, John was the Director of Operations at 39th Avenue Holding LLC. He has a consistent track record as a team trainer, relationship builder, and operational leader.

What is the secret to achieving success in the facility management industry? According to John Fahmy, the Vice President of Operations and Sales at Planned Companies, the answer may be simpler than you think: start from the bottom.

John first began his career as a front desk agent for a hotel in New York. After transitioning into sales, and then back into hospitality, John eventually joined Planned Companies as an Executive Director. As he says, it was his early experience that taught him the empathy he needed to be successful in his leadership roles. So, what is John's advice to listeners looking to break into the industry? Start small, and work your way up.

Join host Greg Owens in this week's episode of Watching Paint Dry as he interviews John Fahmy, the Vice President of Operations and Sales at Planned Companies. Together, they talk about how Planned Companies pivoted during the global pandemic, the impact of remote work on daily business operations, and what it's like to work in California right now. John also shares his sage advice to listeners looking to join the facility management industry. Stay tuned!

Primo Orpilla is the Principal and Co-Founder of Studio O+A, a San Francisco design firm that strives to create an environment that translates any company's culture into a tactile experience. Primo has worked in workplace strategy and design for more than 30 years, becoming a thought leader on what it means to translate culture and innovation. He has worked with countless companies like Facebook, Microsoft, Slack, Nike, and many more to bring innovation and seamless design to their offices.

After his years of teaching design education, Primo is convinced that the next generation of designers will influence politics, the arts, and social justice.

When you walk into an office space, what is the first thing that comes to mind?

Primo Orpilla is redesigning how we think about our work environment and what it means to innovate while reflectively analyzing our core values and culture. Creating an atmosphere that lends itself to its occupants is the basis of a balance between form and function in workplace planning—and it's more important than you might think.

In this week's episode of Watching Paint Dry, host Greg Owens sits down with Principal and Co-Founder of Studio O+A, Primo Orpilla. They discuss what it means to create a space that reflects a company's vision, what defines a space, and the future of workplace planning. Primo reveals what it means to blend the old and new of a company and why leaving a part of the past untouched is imperative for creating a strong culture. Stay tuned.

Badreddine Benabdallah is a Facilities and Workplace Expert at BUILDEENG. BUILDEENG is a real estate and project management consulting agency that specializes in supporting clients as they transform, improve, and upgrade their facility and processes. At BUILDEENG, Badreddine leads and supports facility management outsourcing projects, managing change, transition, transformation, and stabilization.

Badreddine has a consistent track record of successfully employing the best practices for facility management with a broad range of expertise in real estate, workplace management, facilities management, building operations and maintenance, and more.

How do you create a safe and comfortable environment for your employees? A survey or a few case studies can provide a few insights on what makes employees feel comfortable at work. But that's not always the case; sometimes, you need a consultant with over ten years of experience in creating a stable and productive environment for countless employees.

Badreddine Benabdallah has worked with numerous clients on an international stage to improve and assist companies on both a large and smaller scale. At BUILDEENG, he's provided customers with profile consolidation to upgrade and transform their facility—and, eventually, exit their building with ease of mind.

In this week's episode of Watching Paint Dry, host Greg Owens welcomes experienced Workplace and Facilities Expert, Badreddine Benabdallah. They discuss the differences and similarities between France and the US around the pandemic, the future of work-from-home, and creating a safe environment for employees returning to the office. Badreddine also shares his thoughts on how the shift of employees moving away from the city will create a new work culture.