Facility Voices

Latest Episodes:

Developing a Security Plan – Tools and Resources Jan 29, 2024

Show notes

In this engaging episode of Facility Voices, David is joined by Kristian Gonzales, Sales Manager for Zona FACTA. With a Navy background and specialized expertise in security operations, Kristian offers invaluable insights into developing security plans for Facilities Managers.

Kristian and David discuss all sorts of facility management topics, from hashing out security plans and sizing up threats to tackling cybersecurity, compliance, and training. Through candid conversations and practical advice, Kristian shares knowledge and strategies essential for navigating the complexities of security planning effectively.

Whether you're a seasoned facility manager, an industry professional, or simply curious about the field, this episode delivers valuable insights and actionable tips to elevate your understanding and approach to security planning.

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Kristian Gonzalez, a seasoned professional with 9 years of experience in the Navy, was born in Puerto Rico and raised in Colorado. In his current role at Zona Facta, Kristian thrives in sales, fueled by a passion for human interaction and an 'old school' love for communication and connection. As a father to three beautiful children, who are his daily motivation, Kristian brings a unique blend of personal and professional insights to his work. To him, security is not just a profession; it's a commitment to safeguarding the peace and well-being of others, reflecting a profound understanding of its impact on people's lives.

Thanks for listening. Follow David Trask on LinkedIn to share feedback. Visit the ARC Facilities LinkedIn page
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The views and opinions expressed by third-party guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of ARC Facilities and ARC Document Solutions. We provide a platform for diverse perspectives and discussions and ARC Facilities/ARC Document Solutions assumes no responsibility or liability for the accuracy or completeness of the content provided by our third-party guests.

Giving Back – Educating the Next Generation of FM Professionals Jan 19, 2024

Show notes

Richard Gunpat, Mechanical Engineer at the Airports Authority of Trinidad and Tobago joins Facility Voices host, David Trask, for an inspiring discussion of sustainability in Facilities Management.

The conversation highlights Richard's extensive 20-year career in facilities management, and his dedication to giving back to the industry through his involvement with IFMA, ASHRAE, and his recent recognition with the IFMA Emerging Professional Award. With extensive experience in energy consulting, aviation, and achieving certifications like FMP and CFM, Richard emphasizes the importance of collaboration, sustainability, and staying updated on industry trends.

Richard also shares some of his impactful initiatives, such as winning the Sustainability Facilities Professional Scholarship and actively contributing to the scholarship committee. He discusses the challenges and rewards of implementing sustainability measures, emphasizing the role of technology, including Building Management Systems (BMS) and Facility Condition Assessments (FCA).

The podcast concludes with a look into Richard's future goals, aspiring to become a global FM consultant to support companies in achieving their FM and sustainability targets. You won't want to miss out on Richard’s inspiring story and his insights into the future of FM sustainability.
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Richard Gunpat is a highly experienced executive leader and consultant with over twenty (20) years of experience locally and regionally in facility management, engineering, project management, energy management, and aviation. As a creative and forward thinker, he is highly able to inspire others and drive strategic action. He currently provides strategic and technical oversight inclusive of LEED consulting for airport-related buildings and mechanical systems at the Airports Authority of Trinidad and Tobago.
Richard, a Mechanical Engineer by profession also holds various prestigious credentials from leading global organizations to include the CFM, PMP, LEED AP BD+C and ASHRAE BCxP. He volunteers with IFMA, GBCI and ASHRAE in several leadership roles and holds true to being a valued servant leader. He continues to lead the way and gives back, having won the IFMA Emerging Professional Award 2023 and selected as an exam subcommittee member for the new ASHRAE Certified Decarbonization Professional (CDP) Program to be launched in 2024.

Making the Switch: Changing to New Facility Technologies Jan 16, 2024

Show notes

This week’s guest, Josh Ashlock, Director of Building Systems at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center shares his experience with the challenges and triumphs within healthcare facilities.

Josh's passion for healthcare and his unwavering commitment to the facilities management profession shine through as he walks us through the history of his career. As a husband of 28 years and with 23 years of experience in facilities, Josh brings a unique perspective, discussing how his personal life has influenced and inspired his approach to managing complex facilities.

Josh examines the shift from old-school systems, highlighting the benefits of jumping headfirst into the latest innovations. Whether he's juggling high voltage systems or untangling the web of building automation, Josh breaks down how facilities are the unsung heroes in the healthcare scene. He delves into the intersection of technology, facility management, and healthcare, offering perspectives enriched by his wealth of experience and dedication to shaping the future of healthcare facilities.

Don't miss out on this captivating conversation about the ever-evolving realm of healthcare facility management and the remarkable contributions Josh is making at the MD Anderson Cancer Center.

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Josh has served as a facilities leader in institutions such as municipal, education, senior living, and for the last 10 years in healthcare. Josh began his career in the mechanical trades as a mechanical contractor and stationary engineer and worked his way into leadership roles in facilities management in 1999. Josh holds a Doctorate in Business Administration with an emphasis on leadership from Liberty University. Josh is also a Certified Healthcare Facilities Manager and a Certified Healthcare Constructor through the American Society of Healthcare Engineers. His passion is to grow our next generation of facilities workers and leaders.

Managing Up Empowers a Modern Facilities Team Jan 09, 2024

Show notes

Facility Voices podcast host, David Trask, is joined by Tia Freiburger, the Senior Manager of Facilities and Operations, Corporate Real Estate at Under Armour.

Tia shares her extensive background in collegiate recreation and facilities, and her transition to corporate America in 2019. As the Senior Manager for Facilities and Operations at Under Armour Tia walks us through the unique challenges and responsibilities of overseeing corporate headquarters, including managing service vendors, venue spaces, offices, gyms, kitchenettes, cafes, a basketball court, a stadium, and even a lab for testing equipment.

Tia also discusses her experiences during the pandemic and reflects on the new challenges of facility operations in response to ever changing circumstances. She discusses how this experience helped prepare her for Under Armour's current move to a new campus, highlighting how important developing standard operating procedures, creating diverse signage for various user groups, and navigating scheduling complexities is in a new space.

This episode is a great listen as it highlights the importance of teamwork, customer service, and adapting to unforeseen challenges.

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Tia began her career in collegiate recreation while in her undergrad at the University of Northern Iowa. She completed her graduate degree at the University of Tennessee and completed a Graduate Assistantship within the Recreation Department. She started her professional career at Florida Gulf Coast University working as the Coordinator of Facilities, Marketing, and Special Events. She then moved onto Towson University where she was the Associate Director of Facilities and Operations. After opening a large-scale expansion, Tia moved onto Under Armour where she is the Senior Manager for Facilities and Operations.

How Technology Is Revolutionizing Training for Facilities Maintenance Professionals Dec 31, 2023

Show notes

Explore the world of facilities management on Facility Voices. This week’s episode spotlights the technological revolution in training for professionals. Join guest speaker Dan Clapper, Market Director at Interplay Learning, as he shares his insights into their innovative approach.

Dan's journey from a family-owned HVAC business to Interplay Learning unfolds, revealing his industry-rich experiences. Dan explains how Interplay Learning is reshaping technician training with immersive, online simulations that ensure safety and competence. In a time of skilled worker shortages, this method proves vital.

David and Dan delve into the challenges of finding skilled talent and discuss alternative pathways for workforce development. The conversation extends to technology's evolving role in assessing skills and targeted training.

Discover how effective training not only aids recruitment but also fosters employee retention, boosting morale and self-confidence. Tune in to Facility Voices for a glimpse into the transformative power of training in shaping the future of facilities management.

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Dan Clapper serves as the HVAC and Facilities Maintenance Market Director for Interplay Learning. Dan brings 25 years of experience to Interplay in a variety of roles across the HVAC market. Over the years in this space, Dan has developed a passion for helping trade professionals grow their businesses and their people. From installing boilers and HVAC equipment with his father as a teenager to sales, design, and distribution at the wholesale level, to training thousands of HVAC professionals across the country at the manufacturing level, Dan has a unique perspective on best practices.
With tens of millions of people in the US who make less than $15/hr, HVAC and Facilities teams can build a pipeline of talent if they had better in-house training infrastructure. At Interplay, Dan now helps business owners and facilities leaders leverage 3D simulation-based training to help attract new talent to the industry and upskill them faster and more efficiently than ever before.

Revitalizing Historical Sites: Creating a Modern Community Site Dec 19, 2023

Show notes

In this week’s episode of Facility Voices, Cale Burch, the Director of Engineering at Holladay Properties, sits down with David Trask to share his fascinating career journey. Starting with Cale’s 28-year career in the army, where he coordinated logistics for 22 fire bases, to his transition into civilian life and facilities management, to the exciting transformation of the Factory at Franklin into a vibrant destination. He explores how his military experience equipped him to manage everything from power generation to logistics, setting the stage for a successful career in the civilian world.

Cale provides insights into the challenges and rewards of repurposing historical properties, focusing on The Factory at Franklin, a 1929 stove factory turned retail space. He discusses the unique aspects of managing a property on the historical register, dealing with unexpected discoveries like original railroad tracks, and the importance of preserving and incorporating the site's rich history into its modern identity.

We also get a sneak peek into Cale's side project—an upcoming book on facilities management. He highlights the need for resources guiding individuals interested in entering the field and shares his expert tips for bridging the gap. You wont want to miss this episode! Stay tuned for more engaging conversations on Facility Voices.
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Cale Burch is a former Green Beret Sergeant Major with nearly three decades of service in the U.S. Army and eleven combat tours in the Middle East. He now serves as the Director of Engineering for The Factory at Franklin in Franklin, TN with Holladay Properties. Cale has 16 years of combined experience in facilities engineering, executive leadership, general maintenance, luxury hospitality, acquisitions, and asset management.

A Servant Leadership Approach to Managing Facilities Dec 11, 2023

Show notes

Welcome to this week's episode of Facility Voices, with guest Peter Palacios, Director of Information Services at the University of North Texas.

In this informative conversation with David Trask, Peter shares his evolution from a student-employee to a key player in facilities management, delving into the challenges and joys of overseeing information resources in support of planning, design, construction, and operation on a large and dynamic campus.

Peter's insights into leveraging data and building partnerships shed light on the multifaceted world of facilities management, demonstrating how the University of North Texas navigates the complexities of managing a vast campus, handling aging infrastructure, and addressing the impact of growth on facilities. Peter's thoughtful approach to collaboration and information utilization provides valuable lessons for FM professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Tune in to Facility Voices for a captivating conversation that explores the diverse and ever-evolving landscape of facilities management.
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Peter Palacios is the Director of Facilities Information Services at the University of North Texas (UNT). His journey in facilities management began at UNT as a student employee in the department, working to support his academic goals. With over 15 years of progressive experience in various roles, Peter specializes in matching facility management needs with novel technology solutions that support achieving operational excellence and position the department for future success.

Preparing for the Future Today: Strategies to Enhance Planning & Operations Dec 03, 2023

Show notes

Welcome to this week’s episode of Facility Voices: Preparing for the Future Today, Strategies to Enhance Planning & Operations. In this episode Chance Sullivan, Assistant Director of Facilities and Services at the University of Rochester, shares his advice and recommendations on streamlining operations planning. Chance details how his first job working at a golf course inspired him to pursue a career in Facilities, leading him to his current role overseeing asset management, safety compliance, and workforce development.

You’ll learn about the challenges of managing a university and gain insights into addressing deferred maintenance and capital issues. Chance also shares how the University of Rochester is embracing technology to optimize processes and discusses the cultural shift required for adopting new technologies, emphasizing the importance of creating a supportive environment for the workforce during this transition.

Tune in for an engaging conversation on the intersection of technology, facility management, and the future of infrastructure. If you're interested in the dynamic world of facilities, this episode of Facility Voices with Chance Sullivan is a must-listen.

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Chance Sullivan, a seasoned professional in the facilities industry, commenced his career as a Mechanical Contractor before transitioning to the "building owner" side. His expertise expanded while working at a macro brewery in NYS, where he concentrated on overseeing utility infrastructure, including industrial ammonia, steam, and CO2 plants. His primary goal was to ensure the safety, reliability, and efficiency of these critical systems.

Subsequently, Chance took on the role of Preventative Maintenance Manager at the University of Rochester, leveraging his experience to enhance maintenance practices. Today, he holds the position of Assistant Director of Facilities and Services, with a focus on Asset Management, Safety/Compliance, and Trades Workforce Development. His journey reflects a progression through various roles, showcasing his dedication to optimizing facility operations and contributing to the industry's advancement.

Building an Optimized Deferred Maintenance Program Nov 27, 2023

Show notes

In this episode of Facility Voices David Auton, VP of Service Excellence, Engineering, and Maintenance at C&W Services, joins host David Trask for a discussion on how to optimize deferred maintenance programs. Auton provides valuable insights into his role, underscoring the significance of introducing new solutions, fostering innovation, and driving quality improvements in facility maintenance.

The discussion explores the challenges of deferred maintenance, differentiating between backlog and deferred maintenance and emphasizing the chosen risk-based strategy behind deferred maintenance. Auton highlights the impact on operational risks and costs, discussing strategies like outsourcing and leveraging technology for automation. Trask and Auton also discuss the root causes of this need, from resource limitations to the aging workforce, and the impact on organizations' operational risks and costs.

They conclude with shared insights into evolving facility management landscapes, considering shifts in space utilization and the growing importance of maintaining building quality amid changing occupancy patterns.

You won’t want to miss this insightful exploration of today’s facility management realities and the valuable advice Auton shares on how you can optimize your own deferred maintenance program.
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In 2016, David joined C&W Services, bringing nearly 22 years of facility services experience. As an acomplished director, David offers a management approach deeply rooted in analytics.

Boasting a Six Sigma certification as a Master Black Belt and holding IFMA certifications in facility management and sustainability, David is a Certified Reliability Leader, showcasing his dedication to excellence.
His extensive career experience spans over 35 years in Service and Engineering, marked by a diverse technical foundation in innovative solutions, global patents, and electrical engineering.

David's professional journey includes impactful roles at renowned organizations such as CBRE, Johnson Controls, Northwestern Mutual, GE Healthcare, and Marquette Medical Systems.

Building an Employee Retention Program Nov 17, 2023

Show notes

In this week’s episode of Facility Voices, Bert Gumeringer, Senior VP of Facility Operations at Texas Children’s Hospital, sits down with the host of Facility Voices, David Trask, to share his insights into Texas Children's unique challenges, and the innovative employee retention program that's making waves. From personalized welcome letters to one-on-one sessions with executives, this program goes beyond the norm, fostering a strong connection between leadership and staff.

Bert reflects on the impact of COVID-19 on Texas Children's and how the organization invested in its employees during challenging times. From financial bonuses to maintaining a strong connection with remote workers, the hospital prioritized the well-being of its staff, creating a sense of loyalty that extends beyond the workplace. Bert emphasizes the importance of an organizational culture that fosters growth, development, and a sense of belonging. He shares stories of employees who started at entry-level positions and, through opportunities provided by Texas Children's, rose to managerial roles in various departments. Bert reveals the unique family atmosphere within the organization, where employees feel part of something bigger than just a job.

Join us for an engaging conversation that goes beyond facility management, showcasing the human side of running a major healthcare institution.
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Bert M. Gumeringer is the Sr. Vice President for Facilities Operations at Texas Children’s Hospital located in Houston, Texas. He is a Fellow of the American Society of Healthcare Engineering (FASHE) and a Certified Healthcare Facility Manager (CHFM).

In his current role, Bert is responsible for more than 10 million sf of space, 953 licensed beds and 1,200 FTE’s in the departments of Facilities Engineering, Environmental Services, Organizational Resilience, Patient Escort, Security Services, Supply Chain Management, Sustainability, Visitor Management Services, Parking and Valet Parking and at Texas Children’s. Bert has over 35 years of healthcare related experience with his last twenty years at Texas Children’s H

Bert served as a Life Safety Code Consultant for Joint Commission Resources, is a member of the National Fire Protection Association and the ASHE Faculty teaching the CHFM Preparation, CHC and Healthcare Construction Management programs. Bert previously served as the President of the Texas Association of Healthcare Facilities Management (TAHFM) and is a lifetime member of TAHFM and ASHE.

He holds a Master’s of Business Administration degree from the University of Phoenix and a Master’s of Science degree in Industrial Technology from the University of North Dakota.

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