#059 Ernie Jackson – Director of Property & Facility Services at Plaza Companies

#059 Ernie Jackson – Director of Property & Facility Services at Plaza Companies

What can building operations leaders learn from the fundamentals (blocking and tackling) of property operations? How do strong vendor, tenant, and industry relationships create measurable value in commercial real estate? Why is preventive maintenance still one of the biggest missed opportunities in building management? Ernie Jackson is director of property and facility services at The Plaza Companies in Phoenix. He has over 40 years in commercial real estate. He started out in the janitorial business, taking over the family company, doubling its size, and then sold it in 1998. The business grew to 400 employees and $5 million in revenue. Ernie moved into property management in 2000 and has led operations ever since. Ernie's also deeply involved with the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA). He speaks to its role in education, advocacy, and operational standards, as well as the support it provides to its members. BOMA has been instrumental in supporting Ernie during a period of profound loss when his son, Quinton, passed away in 2009. That loss sparked a spiritual journey for Ernie, leading him to become a published author, life coach, and public speaker on grief, forgiveness, and the economic value of BOMA. Listen to Ernie Jackson's insights on "The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey" in your favorite podcast app. In this episode: 01:34 Introduction 03:20 Early Career Lessons 10:18 Building the Right Team 11:24 Moving Into Management 14:59 BOMA's Business Value 18:46 Loss and Perspective 26:27 Tenant Connection Value 33:20 Blocking and Tackling 39:15 Preventive Maintenance Discipline Connect with Joe: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-havey-cem-leed-ap/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-havey-cem-leed-ap/] Connect with Ernie Jackson: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erniejacksonpropertymanagementandauthor/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/erniejacksonpropertymanagementandauthor/] If you enjoyed the podcast, please leave a review of "The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey" on Apple and Spotify!

#058 Ime Ojebuoboh – Associate at Rider Levett Bucknall

How can healthcare buildings be designed to adapt to changing clinical needs? What does future-proofing really mean for healthcare facilities? How can project teams balance patient experience, operational efficiency, and long-term value? Ime Ojebuoboh's is an Associate at Rider Levett Bucknall – a global consultancy shaping the future of the built environment. Originally from Nigeria, Ime moved to Colorado at 19. Since starting his career in healthcare in 2012, he has developed a perspective centered on how facilities can more effectively serve both patients and providers. Ime is focused on guiding complex healthcare projects from concept to completion, helping align vision, strategy, and execution. Known for his thoughtful, grounded approach, Ime brings a strong emphasis on collaboration, adaptability, and long-term value. His work centers on translating the evolving demands of healthcare delivery into resilient, high-performing buildings designed for flexibility, safety, and improved patient outcomes. Listen to Ime's insights on "The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey" in your favorite podcast app. In this episode: 02:58 Move to Colorado From Nigeria 05:10 Starting in Healthcare 06:48 Complex Project Collaboration 12:37 Balancing Patient Experience With Codes 16:57 Future-Proofing Healthcare 19:24 Designing for the Future 23:34 Owner Representative Role 27:10 Final Thoughts Connect with Joe: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-havey-cem-leed-ap/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-havey-cem-leed-ap/] Connect with Ime Ojebuoboh: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ime-ojebuoboh [http://www.linkedin.com/in/ime-ojebuoboh] If you enjoyed the podcast, please leave a review of "The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey" on Apple and Spotify!

#057 Rada Doytcheva – Principal and Head of Design at RADA Architects

How can healthcare design reduce costs while improving patient and staff experience? What does "building better lives by design" look like in real spaces people use every day? Are sustainability certifications missing the bigger question of whether we should build new at all? Rada has been described as a "Messenger of Modernity." She is the Founding Principal and Head of Design at RADA Architects, a Chicago-based firm focused on creating "better lives by design." Rada grew up in Bulgaria. Her father was a pioneer of modernist healthcare design in Eastern Europe. She brings a global perspective shaped by her European roots and decades of experience across three continents. Rada is an expert in healthcare, education, and community-focused projects. She is known for rational, human-centered design and for leading complex projects with clarity and purpose. Rada is a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects, and her work has earned recognition including Crain's Notable Women in Construction and Design. Listen to Rada Doytcheva's insights on "The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey" in your favorite podcast app. In this episode: 00:00 Early Influences 07:20 Healthcare Design Legacy 11:43 European vs U.S. Design 18:12 Global Practice Insights 21:32 Better Lives by Design 29:06 Sustainability & Certifications 35:13 Innovation in Healthcare Connect with Joe: Website: https://www.ecube.com/ [https://www.ecube.com/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-havey-cem-leed-ap/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-havey-cem-leed-ap/] Connect with Rada: Website: https://www.rada-arch.com/ [https://www.rada-arch.com/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rada-doytcheva-phd-faia-mba-leed-ap-994a6542/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rada-doytcheva-phd-faia-mba-leed-ap-994a6542/] If you enjoyed the podcast, please leave a review of "The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey" on Apple and Spotify!

#056 Ryan Bonner – CEO and Co-Founder of Vertix Builders Inc.

How are outpatient surgery centers reshaping healthcare construction? What challenges do hospitals face with evolving codes? How can builders navigate regulatory complexity while retaining top talent? Ryan Bonner answered these key questions, on the future of healthcare buildings, on the recent episode of The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey. Ryan is the CEO and co-founder of Vertix Builders Inc., a Denver-based general contractor. His company specializes in healthcare facilities and experiential projects like zoos and museums. Under his leadership, Vertix has been recognized as one of the fastest-growing large companies by the Denver Business Journal. It is also the youngest firm to win General Contractor of the Year from the American Subcontractor Association—an honor they've received three times in just ten years. A serial entrepreneur from childhood, Ryan holds an engineering degree from University of Colorado. He emphasizes company culture, innovation, and sustainable growth, and champions global health initiatives through Vertix Health Charities. Listen to Ryan's insights on "The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey" in your favorite podcast app. In this episode: 01:25 Introduction 02:45 Childhood entrepreneurship 04:15 Roots of Vertix Builders Inc. 08:13 Culture and retention 09:55 Vertix Health Charities global work 15:10 Outpatient surgery center trends 18:00 Hospital tech and code challenges 21:45 Skilled labor recruitment 25:20 Managing the "Authority Having Jurisdiction" (AHJ) complexity 27:55 Longevity trends in healthcare 29:25 Final thoughts Connect with Joe: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-havey-cem-leed-ap/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-havey-cem-leed-ap/] Website: https://www.ecube.com/ [https://www.ecube.com/] Connect with Ryan: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-bonner-84785922/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-bonner-84785922/] Website: www.vertixbuilders.com [http://www.vertixbuilders.com/] Charity: www.vertixhealth.org [http://www.vertixhealth.org/] If you enjoyed the podcast, please leave a review of "The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey" on Apple and Spotify!

#055 Jay Stein – Co-founder of E Cube, Energy Technology Consultant, and Blogger

How are today's building systems adapting to the transition to new refrigerants, electrification initiatives, and indoor air quality standards? Where are the biggest inefficiencies in how buildings use energy, and how can they be addressed without compromising occupant comfort, reliability or efficiency? Jay Stein explored these urgent questions on a recent episode of The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey. Jay has shaped energy technology for more than four decades. He began in the late 1970s as a laborer installing solar water heating panels and quickly moved into design, management, and analysis. In 1990, Jay co-founded E Cube with Jack Wolpert and became its first employee. Under his early leadership, the firm laid the groundwork for innovations that continue to influence energy solutions today. In 1997, Jay joined E Source, a leading organization helping utilities implement energy efficiency programs. He led the research department and played a key role in the company's growth before selling his stake in 2019. Today, Jay continues to shape the field through his blog, Energy Technology Revolution, and through consulting work with nonprofits, government agencies, policymakers, and businesses. Listen to Jay's insights on The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey in your favorite podcast app. In this episode: 01:33 Introduction 03:30 Oil Crisis of the 1970s 06:30 Co-founding E Cube in the 1990s 11:57 Work at E Source 14:05 Refrigerant Transition 18:37 Indoor Air Quality 23:50 Electrification 32:50 Future of Building Systems 36:15 Final Thoughts Connect with Joe: Website: https://www.ecube.com/ [https://www.ecube.com/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-havey-cem-leed-ap/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-havey-cem-leed-ap/] Connect with Jay: Blog: https://energytechnologyrevolution.com [https://energytechnologyrevolution.com/] If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a review of The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!