The Modern Facilities Management Podcast

Cyrus Patterson: Brilliance in the Basics

In this episode of The Modern Facilities Management Podcast, Griffin sits down with Cyrus Patterson, Facilities Director at the John A. Burns School of Medicine at the University of Hawaii. Cyrus shares his incredible journey—from growing up on job sites, to serving as a Marine Corps combat engineer and facilities maintenance officer, to leading facilities for Hawaii’s only medical school. He opens up about the leadership lessons the military instilled, the importance of mastering the basics, and how humility and lifelong learning shaped his transition into civilian construction and facilities roles. Griffin and Cyrus dive deep into: * The unique challenges of facilities management on the most isolated islands in the world * How long lead times, labor shortages, and logistics shape planning, procurement, and execution * Managing expectations, communicating risk, and building alignment across campus stakeholders * The true value of investing in resilient, sustainable materials—especially in constrained environments * Navigating budget pressures and advocating for long-term thinking * Career transitions, mentorship, resilience, and finding purpose in public service A powerful blend of leadership, storytelling, and practical FM insights—this episode is packed with lessons for facilities professionals in any environment. Enjoy!

Lonnie Pilgrim: Navigating Capital Projects & Future-Proofing School Facilities

In this episode of the Modern Facilities Management Podcast, Griffin welcomes back Lonnie Pilgrim, Director of Operations & Maintenance for the Fort McMurray Public School Division in Alberta. Previously featured in Episode 101 for his crisis management expertise, Lonnie returns to discuss best practices in capital project management. Lonnie breaks down capturing daily maintenance data to annual lifecycle reporting, FCA cycles, emerging issues, and the metrics that ultimately built the case for the project approval. The conversation dives deep into best practices for capital project planning, including: * How to demonstrate need using real maintenance and cost data * Mistakes to avoid in early project design * Ensuring operational efficiency post-construction * Standardizing equipment to streamline future maintenance * Building strong relationships with architects, GCs, and stakeholders to ensure a smooth turnover Enjoy!

Nick Queensland: Change Management in FM

In this episode of The Modern Facilities Management Podcast, Griffin Hamilton [https://www.linkedin.com/in/griffin-hamilton/] sits down with Nick Queensland [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-queensland-mba-fma-chfm-38229298/], a a healthcare facilities leader with more than 25 years of experience at Mayo Clinic, Luminis Health, and Johns Hopkins. Griffin and Nick dig into the realities of change management in hospital facilities—why buy-in matters, how to communicate effectively with stakeholders, and why reinforcing change is just as important as implementing it. Nick also reflects on the evolving expectations in healthcare facilities and the importance of engaging teams at every level. If you’re looking to grow your career or lead change in facilities management, this episode is packed with practical insights and hard-earned lessons. Key Topics Covered * Navigating a 25+ year career in hospital facilities * The importance of understanding your role in healthcare * Leadership philosophies and developing future FM talent * Change management: buy-in, communication, and reinforcement * Engaging stakeholders across clinical and non-clinical teams * How expectations in hospital facilities have evolved * Building team culture during times of change Enjoy!

Jay Fiske: Turning Data into Action with Connected Kitchens and Smart Facilities

In this episode of The Modern Facilities Management Podcast, host Griffin Hamilton sits down with Jay Fiske, President of Powerhouse Dynamics, to explore how IoT (Internet of Things) is transforming the food service and retail industries. Jay shares the fascinating journey of Powerhouse Dynamics—from a scrappy four-person startup to an acquisition by Middleby, one of the world’s largest commercial food service equipment manufacturers. They dive deep into how simple IoT sensors and data streams—like temperature, energy, and door sensors—can unlock massive operational efficiencies, prevent costly equipment failures, and optimize energy use. Jay also explains how facilities teams can start small, measure ROI, and scale their use of connected technologies without adding to their workload. Key Takeaways: * What IoT really means and how it drives actionable insights. * Real-world examples of how connected devices improve efficiency, safety, and sustainability. * How AI and automation are redefining facility management and reducing labor burdens. * A look ahead at the next 3–5 years of connectivity, automation, and AI in the facilities world. About the Guest: Jay Fiske [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayfiske/] is President of Powerhouse Dynamics, a Boston-based IoT company whose platforms—Open Kitchen and SiteSage—help multi-site operators manage critical infrastructure like HVAC, refrigeration, and cooking equipment through cloud-connected automation.

Jessica Wicks, Brand President of DUCTZ

In this episode, Jessica Wicks [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-wicks-b69b4425/], Brand President of DUCTZ [https://www.ductz.com/], joins us to discuss why proactive maintenance planning is vital to facilities management. She explains how deferred maintenance directly affects indoor air quality, energy efficiency, and overall building performance. Jessica also shares how HVAC systems play a pivotal role in sustainability, and offers practical insights on selecting the right maintenance partners. From coil cleaning to air duct restoration, this conversation underscores the importance of consistency and accountability in creating healthy, efficient buildings. Takeaways: * Maintenance plans should include walkthroughs and system inventory checks. * Deferred maintenance leads to costly breakdowns and potential health risks. * Indoor air quality depends on consistent HVAC upkeep. * Energy efficiency is tightly linked to system cleanliness. * Coil cleaning helps extend HVAC lifespan. * Facilities managers must prioritize proactive care to avoid disruptions. * Vendor selection plays a major role in maintenance success. * AI and technology are supporting skilled trades and ensuring long-term job stability. 00:00 – Introduction to Jessica Wicks and DUCTZ 04:59 – The Importance of Maintenance Plans 09:45 – Impact of Deferred Maintenance on Indoor Air Quality 14:27 – Energy Efficiency and Maintenance Strategies 19:17 – Challenges in Maintaining Occupied Buildings 20:12 – Selecting the Right Vendor About DUCTZ: Founded in 2002, DUCTZ is the nation’s leading brand for HVAC and air duct cleaning. Since air duct cleanliness is directly tied to indoor air quality, DUCTZ technicians provide thorough services that improve system efficiency and safety. DUCTZ emphasizes long-term relationships with residents and businesses through exceptional service. In addition to air duct cleaning, the company offers HVAC restoration, dryer vent cleaning, coil cleaning, and exhaust cleaning.