Facility Voices

Latest Episodes:

Game-Day Gold: Key Takeaways in Stadium Operations, Event Management and Guest Experience Aug 16, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of Facility Voices, David Trask is joined by Fletcher Coffman, Senior Director of Operations at the Washington Commanders. Fletcher shares insights into his role, overseeing engineering, facilities, logistics, and more within the organization. They discuss the Commanders' recent transition to a new ownership group and the exciting improvements in store for the team. Fletcher highlights the importance of enhancing the fan experience and community impact as the team prepares for the future.

Fletcher also talks about the unique challenges of managing a stadium that hosts a wide variety of events, from NFL games to major concerts, and the meticulous planning involved in ensuring every event runs smoothly. Whether it's coordinating with local law enforcement or preparing for a back-to-back concert weekend, Fletcher's team is always working to improve the experience for event atendees.

Tune in to learn more about the behind-the-scenes efforts that keep a major sports venue running and the future plans for the Washington Commanders.
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Fletcher Coffman has an extensive background in operations and facilities management. With experience at various organizations such as Washington Commanders, The George Washington University, City of Round Rock, and West Virginia University Student Recreation Center, Fletcher has held roles such as Senior Director of Operations, Director of Athletics Facilities, and Director of Operations. Fletcher holds a Master of Science in Sport Administration/Management from West Virginia University and a Bachelor of Arts in Sport Administration/Management from Bethany College.

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.

Start Now: A Guide to Building or Enhancing Your Emergency Management Program - Part 3: Training Aug 09, 2024

Show notes

Scott Ployer, President & CEO of the National Property Management Strategies Group, concludes our "Start Now" series with the third and final part. In this episode, Scott focuses on the crucial aspect of training for facilities teams.

He underscores the importance of comprehensive training in emergency management, highlighting common challenges organizations face and detailing the essential OSHA-mandated safety training requirements. Scott discusses the significance of meticulous documentation and effective risk assessments, offering practical advice on prioritizing training based on specific risks and past incidents.

Additionally, Scott delves into the growing emphasis on mental health in the workplace, providing insights into how companies can better support their employees' well-being. Covering topics from OSHA compliance to mindfulness in the workplace, this episode offers invaluable guidance for facility managers aiming to enhance their emergency preparedness and support their teams.
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Scott Ployer is a seasoned real estate and property management executive with 36 years of experience in managing residential, commercial, industrial, office, and government properties. He has a proven track record of implementing cost-saving initiatives and serving in high-responsibility roles, including as a Receiver’s Administrator for the U.S. Bankruptcy Court and federal banks. Ployer holds numerous industry-specific certifications and licenses, showcasing his extensive expertise and commitment to excellence.

Exploring Facilities Management Through Facilithon Aug 05, 2024

Show notes

In today’s episode David sits down with the two winners of the 2024 Facilithon Competition: Anderson Reynolds, the first-place national finalist in the high school division, and Toby Styron, the first-place national finalist in the post-secondary division.

Anderson, fresh out of high school, shares how his diverse educational experiences, including participation in SkillsUSA and various construction programs, led him to excel in Facilithon. Toby, currently enrolled in the electromechanical technology course at Texas State Technical College, talks about how his early work experiences and the encouragement from his instructors steered him towards facilities management.

In the Facilithon Competition, participants from across the country are challenged to respond to real-world facilities management scenarios. Anderson and Toby discuss their experiences tackling problems ranging from financial planning for amusement parks to emergency responses in hospital settings. They highlight the importance of quick thinking, comprehensive knowledge, and the support of mentors in navigating these challenges.

Join us as we discuss the valuable lessons learned from these experiences, the excitement of competing at the national level, and how these young leaders plan to apply their skills in their future careers. Whether it's managing a hospital's fire sprinkler system or finding innovative solutions for an amusement park, Anderson and Toby's stories demonstrate the diverse and dynamic world of facilities management.

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Anderson Reynolds graduated from high school in the Denver Metro area in the spring of 2024. Throughout high school he participated in leadership, career exploration, and CTE programs, including a construction management program and later SkillsUSA. Through these programs he has acquired certifications in construction safety and sustainability, while representing his community as the state secretary for SkillsUSA Colorado from 2023-2024, where he attended two SkillsUSA national conferences as a competitor. At the 2024 national conference, he participated in Facilithon, where he took gold in the high school division.
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Toby Styron Jr. from Roscoe, West Texas, began working at 12 at Day Sign Co. in Abilene, learning business and leadership under Jake Day's mentorship. His diverse career includes roles as a foreman, welder, plumber, jailer, and contractor. The first in his family to graduate high school and college, he earned degrees from Texas State Technical College Sweetwater and Texas Tech University. Initially pursuing a medical career, Toby found his passion in the trades, mastering welding. With experiences across the country, he is proud of his achievements and dedicated to inspiring others to strive for their best.

Start Now: A Guide to Building or Enhancing Your Emergency Management Program - Part 2: Insurance Jul 30, 2024

Show notes

In part two of our series, "Start Now: A Guide to Building or Enhancing Your Emergency Management Program," Scott Ployer, President and CEO of National Property Management Strategies Group, explores the vital role of insurance in facilities management.

With insurance premiums skyrocketing, Scott offers strategies to help companies mitigate these costs by fostering a safety-first culture and conducting thorough risk assessments. He highlights the importance of regularly updating standard operating procedures and leveraging resources from insurance carriers to minimize claims and enhance safety programs.

Scott’s insights offer actionable advice to help you stay ahead of potential risks and ensure your organization is ready for any crisis. Discover how climate change impacts insurance, the benefits of voluntary risk assessments, and best practices for updating company policies annually.
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Scott Ployer is a seasoned real estate and property management executive with 36 years of experience in managing residential, commercial, industrial, office, and government properties. He has a proven track record of implementing cost-saving initiatives and serving in high-responsibility roles, including as a Receiver’s Administrator for the U.S. Bankruptcy Court and federal banks. Ployer holds numerous industry-specific certifications and licenses, showcasing his extensive expertise and commitment to excellence.

Empowering Facilities Management through Trade Schools, FCAs, and Sustainability Jul 18, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, we chat with Sean Tracy, the Director of Facilities at AdventHealth Castle Rock. With 20 years in healthcare facilities management, Sean takes us through his career journey, from trade school to spearheading sustainability efforts. He explains why trade schools are so valuable and how Facility Condition Assessments (FCA) help in planning for the future.

Sean shares the innovative measures he's implementing to reduce energy use, including solar and wind energy. He also describes how grants can support sustainability projects and the benefits of adopting electric vehicles for energy efficiency. With a forward-looking vision for the industry, Sean emphasizes the importance of proactive sustainability practices and the crucial role of facilities teams.

Tune in for an engaging look at the future of healthcare facilities management and sustainability.
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Sean Tracy has 20 years’ experience in healthcare facilities management and is currently the facilities director at Castle Rock Adventist Hospital. Sean holds a bachelor’s in healthcare administrations from Colorado State University and is currently finishing his master’s degree. Sean is also a Certified Healthcare Facilities Manager through the American Society of Healthcare and serves as this year’s president for the Colorado Association of Healthcare Engineers and Directors. He is passionate about providing a facility that provides a high level of care while increasing sustainability.

Start Now: A Guide to Building or Enhancing Your Emergency Management Program - Part 1: OSHA Jul 17, 2024

Show notes

In this special three-part series, "Start Now: A Guide to Building or Enhancing Your Emergency Management Program," Scott Ployer, President and CEO at National Property Management Strategies Group, provides valuable insights and practical advice for Facilities Managers across industries. In the first episode, Scott delves into the essential role of OSHA, discussing its functions, the latest updates for 2024, and tips for maintaining workplace safety. Listeners will learn about new reporting methodologies, addressing workplace violence, the importance of reporting near misses, and the difference between hard hats and safety helmets. This series is a must-listen for facility managers and safety professionals looking to enhance their emergency management programs. Tune in and stay informed on the latest in occupational safety.

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Scott Ployer is a seasoned real estate and property management executive with 36 years of experience in managing residential, commercial, industrial, office, and government properties. He has a proven track record of implementing cost-saving initiatives and serving in high-responsibility roles, including as a Receiver’s Administrator for the U.S. Bankruptcy Court and federal banks. Ployer holds numerous industry-specific certifications and licenses, showcasing his extensive expertise and commitment to excellence.

Setting the Bar in Facilities: A Profile in Excellence with the Juilliard School Jul 15, 2024

Show notes

In today's discussion, Paul Sutter, Associate Vice President of Facilities and Capital Projects at the Julliard School, takes us behind the scenes at this world-renowned performing arts education institution.

From overseeing a vast array of facilities within Lincoln Center to maintaining impeccable standards for students and staff, Paul shares his journey from golf course superintendent to managing one of the most prestigious arts institutions globally.

Discover how Juilliard's facilities team tackles unique challenges, such as maintaining acoustical perfection in practice rooms and creatively repurposing spaces to meet the institution's growing needs. Gain insights into their innovative approach to facilities management, where they balance the demands of a vibrant arts campus within an historic urban environment.

Whether you're involved in facilities management or simply fascinated by the inner workings of iconic institutions, Facility Voices provides a behind-the-scenes look at the critical role facilities play in supporting excellence in education and the arts.
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Paul Sutter is the Associate Vice President for Facilities and Capital Projects at the Juilliard School, where he oversees the management of its facilities and capital departments. With three decades of experience, Paul has expertly handled a diverse range of non-profit facilities, including the renowned Brooklyn Bridge Park and the historic Park Avenue Armory. His extensive background in managing world-class urban parks and cultural institutions uniquely positions him to support the Juilliard School, the premier performing arts school globally.

Reimagining Resilience: A Contemporary Approach to Emergency Management & Business Continuity Jul 08, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, David sits down with Dr. Walter Lamar, Executive Director of Health, Safety, and Environmental for the University of Miami Health Care System. Dr. Lamar shares his extensive background in emergency management and public health, providing a unique perspective on managing safety functions across diverse communities in South Florida.

Learn about the innovative approaches Dr. Lamar and his team employ to ensure the safety and well-being of thousands of employees and patients, the importance of effective communication in emergency situations, and the critical role of business continuity in healthcare. From discussing the impact of AI on emergency management to exploring the differences between disaster response, emergency management, and business continuity, this episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone involved in facility management and emergency planning.

Tune in to learn how to think differently about safety, coordination, and collaboration in the ever-evolving world of facility management.
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Dr. Lamar, Ph.D. in Public Safety with a specialization in Emergency Management, is a Certified Emergency Disaster Professional (CEDP) and Master Business Continuity Professional (MBCP). As Executive Director of Occupational Health, Safety, and Compliance for the University of Miami Health System, he oversees health, safety, and continuity compliance across UHealth facilities in South Florida. He has extensive experience in Business Continuity, Emergency Management, and Risk Management and has played a key role in major federal regulatory inspections.

Safety First: Fostering a Culture of Continuous Safety in the Workplace Jun 28, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, David is joined by Scott Ployer, President and CEO of National Property Management Strategies Group. Scott shares his 38-year journey in facilities management, construction, development, and safety, along with insights into his consultancy work with various organizations on strategic planning, process improvement, and safety programs.

Scott emphasizes the significance of embedding safety within company culture, highlighting how a proactive approach can mitigate risks and enhance overall operational efficiency. Scott provides practical tips for maintaining a safe and compliant workplace, drawing from his extensive experience in managing diverse facilities.

Tune in for an engaging and informative discussion on all things facilities management, and learn how to elevate your organization’s safety standards and operational excellence.
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Scott Ployer is a seasoned real estate and property management executive with 36 years of experience in managing residential, commercial, industrial, office, and government properties. He has a proven track record of implementing cost-saving initiatives and serving in high-responsibility roles, including as a Receiver’s Administrator for the U.S. Bankruptcy Court and federal banks. Ployer holds numerous industry-specific certifications and licenses, showcasing his extensive expertise and commitment to excellence.

Facilities Maintenance Software: Empowering Your Team for Success Jun 21, 2024

Show notes

Maria Johnson, a seasoned leader in the restaurant facilities and construction industry, shares her inspiring journey from emigrating from Venezuela to the United States as a child, witnessing her parents' hard work, and pursuing her own career in the restaurant and retail industry. Rising from a secretary to VP of Development, Maria emphasizes the importance of education, determination, and leveraging opportunities.

Maria and David explore the complexities of implementing CMMS platforms in facilities management. Maria offers practical advice on selecting the right system, emphasizing the need for thorough vetting, training, and ongoing support. She highlights the benefits of CMMS platforms in tracking asset lifecycles, scheduling maintenance, and improving operational efficiency. They discuss the challenges companies face with outdated systems and the importance of adaptability and vendor collaboration.

Throughout the conversation, Maria underscores the necessity of setting up systems for success and maintaining open communication with all stakeholders. This episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone in facilities management looking to optimize their processes and embrace modern technologies.
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Maria Johnson is an accomplished construction and facilities executive with over 25 years of experience in the restaurant and retail industry. Born in Venezuela and raised in the U.S., she drew inspiration from her parents' sacrifices and hard work in minimum-wage jobs. Maria began her career as a secretary and steadily rose to the role of VP of Development. Her dedication to fostering organizational growth, rebranding, and infrastructure maintenance has been a driving force throughout her career.

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