Neil Simons of RC Mowers joins Griffin to talk remote-controlled and autonomous mowers, and how they tackle the labor and safety problems every facilities team faces.Takeaways:RC vs. autonomous: RC mowers keep an operator safely off steep slopes; autonomous mowers run on their own and lay down clean commercial stripes — one operator can run several at once.Labor multiplier, not job-killer: No customer has cut staff. Crews get freed from open-field mowing to focus on higher-value work like trimming, edging, and pruning.Safety first: Removing operators from machines on dangerous slopes prevents accidents. Neil's advice — listen to the boots on the ground; they know when a job feels unsafe.Curb appeal counts: Well-kept grounds shape first impressions for campus tours, recruiting, and hiring.What's next: AI and better cameras will let mowers cut within inches of trees and fences, closing today's precision gap.Resources:RCMowers WebsiteLinkedInRCMowers YouTube

Ryan Chan didn't set out to build software. He was a chemical engineer at a manufacturing plant, watching technicians write work orders on paper, walk back to the office, and retype it all into a desktop system nobody wanted to use. That frustration became UpKeep. Eleven years later it's a 150-person company that's raised $50M, and Ryan's still obsessed with the same thing: making tools the shop floor actually loves to use.In this episode, Ryan and Griffin get into what's changed across a decade in facilities, and what hasn't. They talk about why the only real constant is change, from COVID to tariffs to AI, and what separates the teams that thrive from the ones that stall.A few things we covered:Why "permission to fail" is the culture trait best-in-class teams shareThe one person in every org you should unleash on new tech (hint: the tinker)How to roll out change the right way: single person, to single site, to full orgWhy AI won't climb a ladder or turn a wrench, and why that makes technicians more important, not lessThe difference between using AI as a search bar and using it as a second brain that does real workWhether you run a facilities team or you're just trying to figure out where AI actually fits in the physical world, there's a lot here.Follow Ryan on LinkedIn or reach him directly at [email protected]

In this episode, Griffin sits down with Peter Costanzo of ROI Consulting Group to explore how facilities management technology is rapidly evolving—and why the industry is finally hitting an inflection point.Peter shares his unexpected path into FM tech and what’s kept him in the space for over two decades: the increasing complexity, opportunity, and impact of technology on building operations. From the growing role of IT and HR in facilities decisions to the rise of workplace experience as a priority, facilities teams are becoming more integrated than ever before.The conversation dives into major trends shaping the future of FM, including AI, predictive maintenance, and the explosion of sensors. Peter highlights how falling sensor costs and improved connectivity are making smarter buildings more accessible—and how large players like Siemens, Schneider Electric, and Autodesk are investing heavily in this space.They also discuss common challenges, like outdated systems, overwhelming technology choices, and implementation failures. A key theme: success with FM tech isn’t just about buying the right tools—it’s about long-term thinking, cross-functional collaboration, and actually using the systems to their full potential.If you’re trying to make sense of where FM technology is headed—or where to even begin—this episode offers a grounded, real-world perspective on what’s changing and what it means for facilities teams moving forward.Resources:ROI Consulting GroupPeter Costanzo LinkedIn

Adam Cronk joins The Modern Facilities Management Podcast to share his journey from the U.S. Air Force into leadership roles across fitness and hospitality facilities. He dives into how military structure shaped his leadership style—and the challenges of adapting to corporate environments.The conversation explores a major shift in how facilities teams are viewed: from siloed “fix-it” departments to strategic operators that directly impact business outcomes. Adam breaks down why facilities, cleanliness, and people form the core triangle of customer retention—and why maintenance teams must be embedded in operations, not hidden behind the scenes.He also shares practical insights on:Hiring for culture over technical skillBuilding trust through a strong “say-do” ratioElevating facilities leaders by stepping into cross-functional rolesLearning leadership lessons from both great—and terrible—examplesThis episode is a must-listen for facilities leaders looking to drive impact, build stronger teams, and secure a seat at the table.

In this episode, Griffin Hamilton sits down with Ben Moller, VP at Modelve, to discuss how facilities teams can move from reactive asset replacement to long-term, data-driven capital planning.They explore leadership buy-in, scenario planning, and how using existing CMMS data can help organizations make smarter asset investment decisions, even with limited budgets. Key Takeaways• Leadership buy-in is essential for long-term asset strategy• Start with the data you have and improve iteratively• Scenario planning creates better, more transparent decisions• Strong asset plans support grants, bonds, and future fundingIf you're interested in learning more about Modelve, check out their website and contact Ben here.

In this episode, Griffin Hamilton speaks with William Gordon, Regional Business Coach at 1-800-WaterDamage, who brings over 40 years of experience in property restoration. The conversation focuses on how facilities teams can better prepare for emergencies, respond effectively when disaster strikes, and recover faster, whether the incident affects a single building or an entire region.Key Takeaways:Preparation matters more than the plan itself. You can’t predict every scenario, but thinking ahead and documenting response steps dramatically reduces damage and confusion.Document critical information and make it accessible. Water shutoffs, emergency contacts, and vendor info should be easy to find and available to every shift, not just one person.Have a trusted restoration partner before you need one. Restoration vendors deal with these situations daily and bring experience, resources, and vendor relationships you don’t want to scramble for mid-crisis.Speed and clear communication reduce impact. Calling for help early, designating a single point of contact, and coordinating updates across stakeholders prevents chaos and delays.Regional disasters require a different mindset. In hurricanes, fires, or earthquakes, infrastructure and supply shortages change priorities, preexisting relationships help your building get back online faster.This episode is a practical guide for facilities leaders looking to minimize risk, protect occupants, and recover quickly when emergencies inevitably occur.

In this episode of The Modern Facilities Management Podcast, Griffin Hamilton is joined by Micah Jacob, a Melbourne-based Facilities Manager with over a decade of global FM experience across Australia, Europe, and large multinational portfolios.Micah’s journey into facilities management is anything but traditional. Originally trained in computer science, his career path took an unexpected turn—from a mailroom role to managing complex FM contracts across energy, banking, retail, and commercial real estate. Along the way, he’s worked with some of the largest global FM providers, gaining a rare, cross-functional perspective on how facilities management has evolved over the last 12 years.Together, Griffin and Micah explore:How a technical and systems-thinking background can shape better FM decision-makingThe expanding role of facilities teams post-COVID, from operations to strategyWhy emotional intelligence and stakeholder psychology are now critical FM skillsGlobal differences in FM best practices across Australia, the U.S., Europe, and the Middle EastThe promise—and challenges—of IoT, data, and predictive maintenance in facilitiesWhy adaptability beats “cause and effect” thinking in complex FM environmentsMicah also shares insights into mentorship, continuous learning, and his upcoming book project focused on complex systems thinking—bridging human psychology, infrastructure, and long-term outcomes in facilities and beyond.Enjoy!

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 dataMistakes to avoid in early project designEnsuring operational efficiency post-constructionStandardizing equipment to streamline future maintenanceBuilding strong relationships with architects, GCs, and stakeholders to ensure a smooth turnoverEnjoy!

In this episode of The Modern Facilities Management Podcast, Griffin Hamilton sits down with Nick Queensland, 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 CoveredNavigating a 25+ year career in hospital facilitiesThe importance of understanding your role in healthcareLeadership philosophies and developing future FM talentChange management: buy-in, communication, and reinforcementEngaging stakeholders across clinical and non-clinical teamsHow expectations in hospital facilities have evolvedBuilding team culture during times of changeEnjoy!

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 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.