Shows
Facilities in FocusFacilities Management Needs the Next Generation – How Can Schools HelpWhat if your first job could set the stage for a long-lasting career? As the facilities industry faces a significant labor shortage, one school district is preparing the next generation to take over the reigns. Host Mackenna Moralez talks with Keith Watkins, director of facilities III for the City School District of New Rochelle on how student apprenticeship and youth employment programs not only teach teenagers valuable life and trade skills, but also address the industry’s looming workforce gap. From mentoring 14–18 year-olds on everything from cleaning and HVAC basics to shadowing electricians, Keith explains how early exposure to faci...
2025-12-0936 minFacilities in FocusHow Houston ISD Protects Students Inside and OutWhat does it really mean to keep students safe in schools? In this candid conversation, host Mackenna Moralez talks with Alishia Jolivette, chief of facilities and maintenance operations for Houston Independent School District on how safety is about more than just securing doors, it’s about creating an environment where students feel protected, comfortable and able to learn. Alishia shares how her team goes beyond locks and alarms to focus on everything from air and water quality to hurricane preparedness and mental health. With insights into student-led initiatives and the constant behind-the-scenes work that keeps campuses, Alishia shows how fa...
2025-11-2536 minFacilities in FocusRetrofitting College Buildings for AccessibilityAccessibility on college campuses goes far beyond code compliance, it’s about dignity, independence and creating a true sense of belonging. In this episode of Facilities in Focus, host Mackenna Moralez talks with Lawrence Group leaders Mike Flynn and Javier Esteban about the art and complexity of retrofitting for accessibility. With examples ranging from residence halls to libraries, they explain how facilities leaders can design spaces that serve students of every ability—today and in the future. “Accessibility cannot be an afterthought. It has to be part of the process,” Javier says. The Facilities in Focus podca...
2025-11-1141 minFacilities in FocusDeferred Maintenance Challenges and Solutions for School FacilitiesDeferred maintenance is a reality for every facility manager, but what happens when the stakes are thousands of students’ health and safety? In this episode of Facilities in Focus, host Mackenna Moralez sits down with Machion Jackson, deputy superintendent of operations for Detroit Public Schools Community District about how transparency, creativity and community engagement have helped her team prioritize critical repairs and reinvest in Detroit’s schools. Her insights offer practical strategies and inspiration for facility managers everywhere. “School buildings are stabilizers of neighborhoods—they’re the beacons of communities,” Machion says. “If left unattended, deferred maintenance doesn’t just aff...
2025-10-2840 minFacilities in FocusWhat’s Behind the Construction Tape in Higher Education Facilities?What does campus construction have to do with student success? In this episode of Facilities in Focus, host Mackenna Moralez speaks with Gretchen Catlin, chief facilities and general services officer for the University of Maine System how strategic facilities planning impacts everything from housing shortages to collaborative learning spaces. She also offers unique insights into construction trends that currently surround education facilities. Packed with real-world examples, creative solutions and even a few surprising stories from behind the scenes, this conversation sheds light on why facilities management is at the heart of higher education’s future. “If you build...
2025-10-1436 minFacilities in FocusHow Chicago Public Schools Raised the Bar for Healthy SchoolsHow does one of the largest school districts in the country transform its facilities operations to meet the highest standards of health and sustainability? In this episode of Facilities in Focus, host Mackenna Moralez sits down with Sara Porter of Healthy Schools Campaign and Chicago Public Schools leaders Rob Christlieb and Brian Martin to discuss how the district made history by being the first in the nation to achieve Gold Certification under the Healthy Green Schools & Colleges Standard. Porter, Christlieb and Martin share how they reached this milestone, what it means for students and staff and how sustainable practices...
2025-09-3032 minFacilities in FocusThe Craziest Things Found in Education FacilitiesFacilities in Focus is back with an exciting previous of season three! Mackenna Moralez kicks things off solo this week, with a sneak peak of the upcoming season covering education facilities. While all facilities bring on unique challenges, there is also a wild, weird and unexpected side of facilities management when it comes to overseeing schools. From taxidermy animals to pipes flooding the hallways, Alishia Jolivette, Gretchen Catlin, John Rimer and Machion Jackson share their downright bizarre stories from the field. Stay tuned for more important topics on the horizon this season. Bi-weekly episodes premier Sept. 30. ...
2025-09-2334 minFacilities in FocusLeveling Up Your Facilities Management Game with John RimerWelcome back to a special bonus episode of Facilities in Focus! Mackenna Moralez sits down with the king of NFMT himself, John Rimer of FM360, to talk all things NFMT Remix. With nearly 30 years in facilities management, John shares stories from the field, insights of the industry’s future and why shows like NFMT Remix are essential for personal and professional growth. Whether you’re a seasoned FM or just getting started, this episode is filled with actionable advice and laughs you won’t want to miss. Ready to be inspired, connect with peers and return to work en...
2025-08-2634 minFacilities in FocusThe Double-Edged Sword of IoTWelcome to the season finale of the second season of Facilities in Focus! If you’re still thinking that IoT is just a buzzword, Greg Christensen, host of the CMMSRadio podcast is sure to change your mind. In this episode of Facilities in Focus, Mackenna Moralez talks with Christensen as they break down how smart sensors and connected systems are changing the way facility managers work every day. Filled with “aha!” moments that make you think, “why aren’t we doing that yet?” This episode is for every facility professional who wants to stay ahead in the technology g...
2025-08-1239 min
Kentucky News and Info Tracker - DailyKentucky Faces Week of Major Legal, Economic, and Community Developments: From Court Cases to Billion-Dollar InvestmentsListeners, Kentucky faces a week marked by major legal, economic, and community developments. Topping the headlines, Steve Lawson, convicted for his role in the murder of Crystal Rogers, will learn his sentence today in Warren County while sentencing for other defendants is scheduled for later this month, drawing continued public attention, according to WHAS11. In a significant policy update, last week saw state lawmakers finalizing Senate Bill 10, which reforms retiree health benefits for County Employees Retirement System participants, raising monthly subsidies and extending employee contributions. These changes, signed into law by Governor Beshear, are set to take effect for the...
2025-08-0703 minFacilities in FocusOver 1,000 Guns Confiscated - A Wake-Up Call for Hospital SafetyThere has been a rise in workplace violence incidents within the healthcare industry since the pandemic first began in 2020. Duke University Health recently installed weapon detection systems at all of their locations to ensure the safety of their buildings. In this episode of Facilities in Focus, Mackenna Moralez talks with Mary Martin, chief operating officer for Duke University Health about what lead to the installation of the weapon detection systems and why more hospitals should implement safety precautions. With candid stories, expert insight and a heartfelt discussion on workplace violence prevention, this episode is a must-listen for anyone concerned...
2025-07-2924 minFacilities in FocusWill Updated Technology Get Employees Back in the Office?Five years have passed since the COVID-19 pandemic first sent people packing their desks to work from home. In recent weeks, more companies – and even the federal government – have mandated that employees return to the office full-time. Mackenna Moralez sits down with Alex Carlson, vice president of facilities management services, Fine Tune Expense Management on how facilities managers are being tasked with incentivizing employees to return to the office with new technology. Whether you work in-office, hybrid or remote, the conversation will have you thinking differently about the spaces where we work – and who makes them work. "We need...
2025-07-1538 minFacilities in FocusThe Robotic Evolution in GroundskeepingRobots are no longer a thing of the future. They vacuum our floors, help pick and package our goods and now they are mowing lawns. It almost seems too good to be true. In this episode of Facilities in Focus, Mackenna Moralez is joined by Michael Kashuba, the director of parks and recreation of the city of Amarillo. They discuss how the parks department is transforming turf management by using autonomous robotic mowers. With stories about real-time alerts and security features, Kashuba shares how robotics have become a force multiplier within the department. The episode is a must-listen for...
2025-07-0130 minFacilities in FocusA Gen Z Take on Technology and TradesMackenna Moralez is joined by Gavin Ventresca, project management specialist for Boeing. Backed with a bachelors degree in architecture and facilities management, Ventresca’s entry into the industry differs from the typical facility manager. During their conversation, Ventresca discusses how he views technology as just another tool in the toolbelt and advises what new FMs can gain by embracing change. From debunking lazy Gen Z myths, to embracing mistakes as learning moments, this conversation is for anyone curious about the future of facilities management, the power of technology and what it means to build a career you love. "I...
2025-06-1730 minFacilities in FocusIs There a Moral Code Behind Using AI?Welcome back to Facilities in Focus! Mackenna Moralez is joined by Building Operating Management’s Facility Influencer and industry expert Shawn Black to kick off the second season. The pair discusses AI and the promises and pitfalls of the emerging technology and how it is already shaping our lives. Whether you’re a techie, a skeptic or just AI-curious, this conversation will leave you thinking long after it ends. “We can’t afford to wait until AI causes harm to start asking the hard questions—we need to build accountability into the system from the start,” Black says during t...
2025-06-0342 minFacilities in FocusBonus Episode: Cat Antenucci: Facility Champion, Leader and Running the ShowWelcome back to a bonus episode of Facilities in Focus! Host Mackenna Moralez sits down with Cat Antenucci, one of the 2024 Facility Champions award recipients. Cat discusses her dynamic journey from maritime engineering school to assistant director of engineering for Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa. She shares how her early exposure to facilities maintenance and engineering fueled her rise in a male-dominated industry, the confidence she brings to leadership and how she builds trust and respect with her team. Listeners of all ages will gain insight on the importance of embracing challenges and the empowering impact of...
2025-05-1338 minFacilities in FocusBonus Episode: The Scary Side of TechnologyWelcome back to Facilities in Focus! After wrapping up our first season on emergency preparedness, we’re diving headfirst into season two, and this time it’s all about technology and its impact on the facilities management industry. Before we jump into the new season, we’ve got a special tech horror story special for you! Host Mackenna Moralez is joined by Michael Kashuba, Shawn Black and Alex Carlson as they share their most embarrassing and horrifying encounters with technology. You’ll laugh, you’ll gasp and you might even just feel better about your ow...
2025-04-2912 minFacilities in FocusAre We Ready for the Next Pandemic?In the season finale of Facilities in Focus, Mackenna Moralez talks with Brian Forde Jr., the chief operating officer for Boston Public Schools about the unprecedented operational challenges schools faced during the early days of the COVID-19. He describes the measures that were taken to maintain safety for all students and their facilities and whether or not education facilities are ready for the next pandemic. "It wasn’t just about responding to COVID; it was about setting a new standard for resilience and preparedness across our schools," Forde says during the podcast. This concludes the firs...
2025-04-1538 min
Asset Champion Podcast | Physical Asset Management | Facility Management | Facilities Maintenance and OperationsEp. 150: "Understand What Could Be" – Facilities Management Innovation and Optimization with Darrell Rounds FMA, C.E.M. of StellantisDarrell Rounds FMA, C.E.M. is Director of Facilities Management for North America Manufacturing Operations at Stellantis where he is passionate about leveraging global cross functional collaboration, lean implementation, project management, problem solving, and data analysis. Mike Petrusky asks Darrell to share about his current role and perspectives on the state of the facilities management industry as they catch up on their recent discussions, offering inspiration for FM leaders in all organizations. Darrell emphasizes the importance of taking care of people in any enterprise to ensure business success and recognizes the challenge of workforce availability in today's marketplace...
2025-04-1118 minFacilities in FocusA Firsthand Recount of Surviving the Maui WildfireIn this episode of Facilities in Focus, Mackenna Moralez speaks with Maureen Roskoski, Vice President of FEA about her first-hand experience in the Maui wildfires of 2023. Maureen recounts how she was stranded without communication or clear evacuation routes, and how she relied on emergency preparedness practices from her professional expertise in facilities management. Throughout the discussion Maureen offers actionable advice for facility managers to enhance resilience, emphasizing the growing importance of disaster planning amid climate change. "Facility managers are often the first responders before the fire and police arrive,” Maureen says during the podcast. “They need to be re...
2025-04-0131 minFacilities in FocusHow Facility Managers Can Avoid CyberattacksIn this episode of Facilities in Focus, Mackenna Moralez talks with cybersecurity expert and former FBI operative Eric O’Neill. Eric shares insights of his career and why it is important for facility managers to have strong cybersecurity practices within their operations. “Cybersecurity may seem esoteric and mystical, but it’s really just the new battleground between attackers and defenders,” O’Neill says during the podcast. The Facilities in Focus podcast publishes bi-weekly episodes. The first season will cover emergency preparedness. For comments or to be a guest on Facilities in Focus, please...
2025-03-1830 minFacilities in FocusHow Mount Horeb Area School District Prevented an Active Shooter EventIn the spring of 2024, the Mount Horeb Area School District in Mount Horeb, Wisconsin prevented an active shooter incident with security processes that they had in place. In this episode of the Facilities in Focus podcast, Mackenna Moralez speaks with Dr. Steve Salerno, superintendent of the Mount Horeb Area School District about the district’s response to the incident, highlighting the importance of preparation and proactive security measures. “It’s about being proactive instead of reactive because not having a system in place can lead to unnecessary tragedy,” Salerno says during the podcast. To reach out to Saler...
2025-03-0431 minFacilities in FocusHow the Caesars Superdome Rebuilt After Hurricane Katrina2025 marks the 20th anniversary since Hurricane Katrina left a devastating impact on the city of New Orleans. In this episode of Facilities in Focus, Mackenna Moralez interviews Doug Thornton, executive VP of stadiums and arenas at ASM Global, which oversees the New Orleans Superdome. Thornton recounts his experience being at the forefront of opening the Superdome as a place of shelter during the hurricane and reflects on how the community came together to rebuild after the storm had passed. “Everybody was impacted, and they were in the proverbial same boat,” Thornton says during the podcast. “For once, it didn’...
2025-02-1830 minFacilities in FocusHow Joplin School District Recovered After the 2011 TornadoIn this episode Facilities in Focus, Mackenna Moralez speaks with Dave Pettit, director of facilities of Joplin Schools about the community’s journey of resiliency and recovery following the devastating 2011 tornado that ravished the town and killed 158 people. In the episode, Pettit reflects on the emotional and physical scars left behind and describes lessons that were learned in the aftermath of the natural disaster.
“What defines us is not the tornado, but the resiliency of the human spirit,” Pettit says in the episode. “It's about how our community came together to rebuild—new schools, businesses, and lives. We can't cho...
2025-02-0434 minFacilities in FocusIntroducing Facilities in Focus
The Facilities in Focus podcast, brought to you by FacilitiesNet, covers all aspects of facilities management. Host Mackenna Moralez engages with a wide range of guests, including facility managers, delving into the lessons they learned from these events and what advice they have for fellow managers who may be experiencing similar challenges.
https://facilitiesnet.com
For comments or to be a guest on Facilities in Focus please email FNpodcast@tradepress.com
2025-01-1503 min
Center for Congregations PodcastCaring for Your Congregation's BuildingNathan Parr, Facilities Stewardship Specialist with Smart Church Solutions, joins Dr. Terrance Bridges and Matt Burke of the Center for Congregations to discuss the challenges and solutions with facility management of congregational buildings. Nathan shares practical tips for congregations to assess and quantify the issues and costs for maintaining facilities.ResourcesSmart Church Solutions (organization)FacilitiesNet (web resource)Church Facility Management Solutions (Facebook Group)Church Facility Maintenance (article)Preserving Black Churches (organization)
2024-03-1354 min
Asset Champion Podcast | Physical Asset Management | Facility Management | Facilities Maintenance and OperationsEp. 78: How to Achieve Operational Excellence and the Digital Transformation of Asset Management in 2022 with Cody Gray of iOFFICE + SpaceIQCody Gray is Director of Product and Design for the iOFFICE + SpaceIQ Asset Division where he leads the teams developing the ManagerPlus and Hippo CMMS products to meet the needs of the asset management community. Mike Petrusky recently hosted a presentation with Cody at a FacilitiesNet virtual event called "How to Achieve Operational Excellence in Your Facilities". The asset management landscape continues to evolve with the integration of safety, risk, and asset reliability top of mind for industry leaders. Mike and Cody shared updates on the state of the EAM and CMMS marketplace and the availability of new digital...
2022-03-2518 min
The State of EnergyTesla’s Musk Says U.S. Electricity Production Needs to Double to Power Transition to EV VehiclesSend us a texthttps://one-tank.com/https://fox8.com/news/coronavirus/local-school-district-calling-on-national-guard-to-drive-kids-to-school-amid-bus-driver-shortage/https://www.npr.org/2021/09/15/1037307027/massachusetts-calls-national-guard-school-bus-driver-shortage-bakerhttps://finance.yahoo.com/news/u-haul-buys-another-million-122500302.htmlhttps://www.reuters.com/business/energy/global-natgas-price-surge-looms-united-states-this-winter-2021-10-04/https://www.barrons.com/articles/tesla-elon-musk-electric-vehicle-production-51633202912https://www.facilitiesnet.com/energyefficiency/article/Affordable-Resilience-With-Propane-Generators--19384https://www.qnergy.com/
2021-10-0827 min
Die SicherheitsphilosophenFolge 31: Super Bowl-Finale-Folge💙 Unser Merchandise 💙
► Der erste Jahresrückblick der Sicherheitsbranche! Chronik der Sicherheit der Jahre 2018 bis 2020: https://www.hugendubel.de/de/buch_kartoniert/florian_horn-mein_kleines_jahrbuch_der_sicherheitsbranche-40027026-produkt-details.html?searchId=215964294
► Security Management für Hotelbetriebe: https://amzn.to/3oWs8nB
► Digitalisierung und Medienarbeit im Sicherheitsgewerbe 2.0: http://members.mission-weiterbildung.de/s/MissionWeiterbildung/security-digitalisierung-medienarbeit
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💚 Inhalt 💚 Realtalk: Herzlich Willkommen zur Super Bowl-Folge! Zunächst sprechen wir über die freiwillige Ausreise von Clan-Mitgliedern (07:03) und das Versagen deutscher Behörden in der Umsetzung von Corona-Regeln an Flughäfen (14:39). Auch die Berliner Polizei ist jetzt digital unterwegs (33:14), nachdem deutsche Behörden erheblichen Einfluss a...
2021-02-081h 25
The Safety Pro PodcastMeasuring Facility Safety & Health How WELL Promotes Workplace Safety, Health, and Confidence from FacilitiesNet The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) created the WELL Health-Safety Rating application and label for buildings. The rating program focuses on 25 features for health and safety in buildings. Organizations can earn this designation by achieving compliance with 15 of the 25. This rating for buildings is flexible, scalable across varying building types, and easily applied across an extensive portfolio of properties. The WELL Health-Safety areas of focus are: Cleaning and Sanitation Procedures Emergency Preparedness Programs Health Service Resources Air and Water Quality Ma...
2020-12-0217 min
Workplace Innovator Podcast | Enhancing Your Employee Experience | Facility Management | CRE | Digital Workplace TechnologySPECIAL: An Inspirational FM Story with Darrell Rounds, FMA, C.E.M. of General Motors (Preview of the "Asset Champion Podcast")Darrell Rounds, FMA, C.E.M. is Operations Group Manager at General Motors in Detroit, MI where he is a leader of all things Facilities Management for GM's World HQ at Renaissance Center and 30 regional sites across the U.S. Mike Petrusky asks Darrell about his career journey in facilities operations and asset management which leads to a broad-reaching discussion around "starting with why", strategic decision-making and recognition of the fact that people are the greatest assets in our organizations. Darrell offers recommendations for music and books and shares inspirational quotes to help FM and asset leaders navigate the...
2020-06-2920 min
Asset Champion Podcast | Physical Asset Management | Facility Management | Facilities Maintenance and OperationsEp. 7: An Inspirational Facility Management Story with Darrell Rounds, FMA, C.E.M. of General MotorsDarrell Rounds, FMA, C.E.M. is Operations Group Manager at General Motors in Detroit, MI where he is a leader of all things Facilities Management for GM's World HQ at Renaissance Center and 30 regional sites across the U.S. Mike Petrusky asks Darrell about his career journey in facilities operations and asset management which leads to a broad-reaching discussion around "starting with why", strategic decision-making and recognition of the fact that people are the greatest asset in your organization. Darrell offers recommendations for music and books and shares inspirational quotes to help FM and asset leaders navigate the...
2020-06-2620 min