Operate Intelligently Podcast

Staying Positive Amid COVID Fatigue (Ep. 127)

Mon, 09 Nov 2020 13:52:55 GMT

Josh is joined by Mary Beth Ormiston, operations and risk management expert, to discuss the current landscape with COVID in operations and tactics for staying positive during COVID fatigue.

Show Notes:

Contact Mary Beth at Mbormiston@gmail.com

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Avoiding Profit Killers in Maintenance (Ep. 126)

Tue, 08 Sep 2020 12:51:59 GMT

Josh and Paul Lachance tackle an interesting topic: profit killers in maintenance. Learn more about what profit killers you could be avoiding today.

Show Notes:

Blog: 4 Methodologies to Help You Avoid Profit Killers

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All About Strategic Asset Management (Ep. 125)

Mon, 17 Aug 2020 12:00:30 GMT

Josh is joined by Ashay Prabhu, VP of Strategic Asset Management at Dude Solutions and co-founder of Assetic, to talk about strategic asset management and moving to long-term planning for budgeting for assets and infrastructure.

Show Notes:

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Our Process for Product Innovation (Ep. 124)

Mon, 03 Aug 2020 12:11:14 GMT

Josh is joined by three product experts at Dude Solutions: Kyle Adamo, Braden Witt and Sarmad Sarsam to share more around the processes for innovating on software products and how we use client feedback along the way.

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Shaping Your Work Identity (Ep. 123)

Mon, 20 Jul 2020 14:54:19 GMT

A few months ago, Josh sat down with Leslie Douglas, Sr Sales Manager at Dude Solutions, to dive into how you can shape your work identity and connect your purpose and passions to the work you do. Find out how you can focus on permission, purpose and plan to build your work identity.

SHOW NOTES:

Follow Leslie on LinkedIn or Instagram

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Asset Management Advice for Local Government (Ep. 122)

Mon, 29 Jun 2020 12:53:28 GMT

Josh is joined by Seth Robertson, Director of Funding & Asset Management for WithersRavenel, to discuss improving infrastructure in our cities and best practices for asset management.

SHOW NOTES:

WithersRavenel
NC Local Government Commission
Reach out to Seth: srobertson@withersravenel.com

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Our Actions Against Racism (Ep. 121)

Fri, 19 Jun 2020 11:15:26 GMT

Josh and Ashylnd Johnson, Client Success Manager at Dude Solutions, talk about how we’re taking steps as a company to be more proactive about supporting racial equality. They discuss the seven actions Dude Solutions is taking, as well as how our Hues of Dude resource group is helping.

SHOW NOTES:

Black Lives Matter: How Dude Solutions is Taking Action blog
Blacks in Technology
Reach out to Ashlynd: ashlynd.johnson@dudesolutions.com

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Disaster Cleanup in Alaska (Ep. 120)

Mon, 15 Jun 2020 13:31:04 GMT

Josh talks through earthquake recovery procedures in Alaska with Shannon Rasic, Business Development Manager at Anchorage Public Schools, after their 7.1 magnitude earthquake in late 2018. They discuss how their work order system helped with clean up procedures, as well as best practices for emergency preparedness.

SHOW NOTES:

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What to Know About Water Quality (Ep. 119)

Mon, 01 Jun 2020 12:54:29 GMT

Josh talks with Erica Walker, Director of Environmental Policy & Programs at 120Water, about managing water quality and testing. They discuss the risks of facilities not being used during COVID-19 with disinfection and corrosion and ways to help with flushing, metals testing and building your water management plan.

SHOW NOTES:

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Facility Security Best Practices (Ep. 118)

Mon, 18 May 2020 12:16:09 GMT

Today, Josh is joined by Paul Timm, Vice President of Facility Engineering Associates, to discuss facility safety best practices, how to protect your security staff, how to reopen buildings securely, as well as visitor management tips.

SHOW NOTES:

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Meet Our First Excellence Award Winner! (Ep. 117)

Wed, 06 May 2020 12:42:08 GMT

Josh welcomes a very special guest, our first Dude Solutions Excellence Award winner: Curtis Orndorff, Manager of Building Maintenance at Frederick County Public Schools. This award recognizes a client for demonstration of operations excellence, innovation in the industry and important core values such as service, collaboration, integrity and ingenuity. Curtis was selected from 31 nominees by a committee of Dudes from across the company as well as members of our Client Advisory Board.

They talk about Curtis’ history with The Dude since 2012, his school district, work and more.

SHOW NOTES:

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Operating a Zoo During COVID-19 (No, Really!) (Ep. 116)

Mon, 27 Apr 2020 12:26:19 GMT

Josh spent Earth Day interviewing Tony James, Director of Facilities at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, to talk about what it’s like operating a zoo during a pandemic. He shares tips for keeping staff roles flexible, promoting open communication and more.

SHOW NOTES:

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A Plan for After-Hours Events (Ep. 115)

Tue, 21 Apr 2020 12:26:14 GMT

Josh speaks with Paul Anastasi, Interim Director of Facilities for Northbridge Public Schools in Massachusetts, about organizing after-hours events systems with the time you may have during COVID-19. They also talk through tips for saving energy and money when not hosting events.

SHOW NOTES:

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Technology to Unlock COVID-19 Efficiency (Ep. 114)

Mon, 06 Apr 2020 14:46:00 GMT

Josh is joined by Chris Phillips, Development Services Director for the City of Mount Vernon, WA, to talk about how they’ve been using technology to streamline their planning and permitting processes, inspections and overall communications before and during COVID-19.

SHOW NOTES:

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Facilities Department Tips During COVID-19 (Ep. 113)

Mon, 30 Mar 2020 12:55:56 GMT

Josh talks with Keith Watkins, Assistant Director of Facilities for City School District of New Rochelle in NY, about COVID-19 protocols when it comes to products and equipment they use to clean, putting their plans into practice and general tips for facilities departments.

SHOW NOTES:

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COVID-19 Learnings from School Front Lines (Ep. 112)

Tue, 24 Mar 2020 12:36:26 GMT

Josh does his first social distancing podcast with Ken Wertz, Executive Director of MFAA (Massachusetts Facilities Administrators Association), and Dr. John Marcus, Superintendent of Stoughton Public Schools. They talk about cleaning and communication best practices, meals for students, and other protocols around the COVID-19 pandemic.

SHOW NOTES:

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Cleaning for Coronavirus & Other Outbreaks (Ep. 111)

Mon, 09 Mar 2020 12:41:19 GMT

Josh chats with Greg Lookabaugh with The King’s Cleaning about cleaning tips and best practices for epidemics and pandemics like the COVID-19 virus and the critical part custodial services plays.

SHOW NOTES:

3 Steps to Prepare for Coronavirus blog

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Electrifying Your Fleet (Ep. 110)

Mon, 24 Feb 2020 14:36:07 GMT

Josh catches up with Eric Foellmer, Director of Marketing for XL Fleet, about vehicle electrification that’s helping fleets have better energy efficiency and sustainability. Learn about this innovative technology for creating hybrid vehicles.

SHOW NOTES:

XL Fleet website or reach out via info@xlfleet.com

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Insights from Our Operations Report (Ep. 109)

Mon, 10 Feb 2020 13:42:26 GMT

Hear from Josh and Taylor Furst, Implementation Specialist, about what insights you can draw from our recent Senior Living Operations Report – from market trends to planning ahead and more on overcoming operational challenges.

SHOW NOTES:

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Evolving with Changing Technology (Ep. 108)

Mon, 27 Jan 2020 13:42:55 GMT

Welcome Josh Peach as our new podcast host and hear from a returning podcast guest, Paul Lachance, to talk about just how technology has changed and how your team can keep up to speed on all things operations technology.

SHOW NOTES:

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Repost: Efficiency Tips for the North Pole (Ep. 87)

Mon, 16 Dec 2019 14:04:51 GMT

REPOST: Brian and Paul take a trip to the North Pole to talk about ways Santa and his team of elves can improve their operations with new technology. Happy holidays, everyone!

SHOW NOTES:

Modernizing Operations in the North Pole infographic

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Proactive Crisis Management (Ep. 107)

Mon, 25 Nov 2019 13:49:36 GMT

Hear what David Marcus, Campus Business Manager for de Toledo High School, has to say about a proactive approach to crisis management during this Dude University interview. He also shares what he’s looking forward to next in operations management.

SHOW NOTES:

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Gov Gab: City of Austin, TX (Ep. 11)

Tue, 12 Nov 2019 12:39:36 GMT

In Episode 11, you'll hear from Mayor Steve Adler about why Austin is unique, why it's grown so much and other insights on what it's like to serve as mayor.

Here's a note from Steve:

Hi, I’m Steve Adler, and I am proud to be Austin’s 52nd Mayor and the first to serve under our new 10-ONE council system. Being selected mayor is the greatest honor I’ve ever received.

Austin is magical place with a special spirit and soul. We value diversity, creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, our natural environment, and a laid back attitude. In Austin, everyone is good enough and no one is too good. Here you’ll find friendly neighbors.

It is my goal to move our city forward in a way that is inclusive, innovative and intentionally improvisational. Social innovation, social entrepreneurship, equity and access are becoming an ever greater part of our lives as we seek to manage the incredible growth that follows from being such a wonderful place to live.

Austin’s future is bright and we need everyone to be actively involved as we move forward. Please let me hear from you and please let me and my office know if we can provide support or assistance. http://www.austintexas.gov/department/mayor

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Data for Smarter Decisions (Ep. 106)

Mon, 28 Oct 2019 13:07:46 GMT

We’ve got another quick interview from Dude University 2019. This one is with John Dufay, Executive Director of Operations for Albuquerque Public Schools, to talk about how he uses data for decision-making and budgeting to improve their operations.

SHOW NOTES:

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Wisdom from a CEO (Ep. 105)

Tue, 15 Oct 2019 11:48:50 GMT

Joshua Peach does a mic takeover for the podcast, interviewing Dude Solutions CEO Ed Roshitsh about what it’s like being a CEO, why he moved his office and what keeps him up at night.

SHOW NOTES:

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Using Drones for Smarter Operations (Ep. 104)

Mon, 30 Sep 2019 12:28:15 GMT

Check out this interview with Bobbi Antonucci, Systems Analyst of Horry County Schools, to see how they’re using technology, specifically drones, to help with natural disaster clean-up and more. She breaks down how to get affordable drones, how to use them and then process data from them.

SHOW NOTES:

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Working Across Generations (Ep. 103)

Mon, 09 Sep 2019 13:10:59 GMT

Mary Beth Ormiston joins us again to talk about the current landscape of the workforce that has five generations working together for the first time in history. She talks about the differences and similarities of each group and calls out common values that can help us all work together better.

SHOW NOTES:

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Gov Gab: City of Crescent, OK (Ep. 10)

Tue, 03 Sep 2019 13:08:15 GMT

Episode 10 features the City Manager from the City of Crescent, Oklahoma, Ryan Wallace. This episode takes us on a journey from Ryan's professional career in the private sector prior to relocating to Oklahoma to be closer to family. From there, Ryan got involved in Crescent's Fire Department about 10 years ago and from there has helped in various roles, including his current one as the City Manager.

We get into topics around managing the Oklahoma weather, embracing technology, working with council, ideas on brining in new businesses, and much more.

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Special Series: The Future of Operations (Ep. 102)

Mon, 26 Aug 2019 12:43:45 GMT

Today, we finish our special series with a chance to look into the future of operations, of data and of Dude Solutions. Hear what longtime Dude clients and employees are most excited about with that future.

SHOW NOTES:

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Special Series: What Makes The Dude Different (Ep. 101)

Mon, 12 Aug 2019 12:44:29 GMT

We’re back with the second episode in our special 3-part series on Year of The Dude (our 20th birthday), and this one is all about what makes The Dude unique from our clients to employees to our work and data. Hear thoughts (and even a song) from long-time Dude Solutions employees and clients.

SHOW NOTES:

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Special Series: History of The Dude (Ep. 100)

Mon, 29 Jul 2019 14:50:19 GMT

It’s Episode 100! Celebrate with us by enjoying this special three-part series as a part of the Year of The Dude (our 20th birthday year). This first episode will tell you everything you need to know about the history of Dude Solutions. You’ll learn about where our name came from, how the company got started and even a few funny and heartwarming stories, all from long-time Dude employees.

SHOW NOTES:

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The Future of Workspaces (Ep. 99)

Mon, 08 Jul 2019 12:31:46 GMT

Brian is joined by Frank Cottle, Chairman and Founder of Alliance Virtual Offices, to look into the future of what workspaces will be like and how that affects facilities and operations teams.

SHOW NOTES:

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Embracing Authentic Leadership (Ep. 98)

Mon, 24 Jun 2019 12:57:27 GMT

Join Brian and Cynthia Berry, Director of Enterprise Safety and Security, Center of Excellence, for Adtalem Global Education, to get the highlights and key takeaways from her Dude University session on authentic leadership for women (and men).

SHOW NOTES:

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Gov Gab: City of Cortez, CO (Ep. 9)

Mon, 17 Jun 2019 12:19:54 GMT

Join Brian's interesting conversation with Mayor Karen Sheek of the City of Cortez, CO.

Karen Sheek is a retired educator, former business owner, volunteer, mother of two and has been the mayor of Cortez since 2016, a role she sought after serving on the City Council. She moved to the area with her husband, John, in 1975 after he was hired as a park ranger at Mesa Verde National Park. “We liked the area and it was close to my family that lived in Phoenix, so we stayed,” she said. “Cortez became our home.”

She taught thousands of students at Cortez Middle School over 30 years, and was co-owner of the catering company Seas’nings, LLC, and the Seas’nings at 319 venue for private parties and full-service afternoon teas. To relax, Sheek enjoys reading and gardening.

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Creating a Data-Driven Culture (Ep. 97)

Mon, 10 Jun 2019 13:07:03 GMT

We’ve got our first Dude University speaker interview to share with you and it’s all about building and sustaining a data-driven culture with tips from Frederick County Public School’s CMMS Data Quality Specialist Travis Tracey.

SHOW NOTES:

Frederick County Schools Case Study

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Gov Gab: City of Scottsdale, AZ (Ep. 8)

Mon, 03 Jun 2019 12:34:40 GMT

This week on the Gov Gab series, Brian speaks with Mayor Jim Lane of the City of Scottsdale, AZ about making changes, leadership and more.

Mayor W. J. “Jim” Lane served for four years on the Scottsdale City Council beginning in June 2004, and began his first term as Mayor in January 2009. He was re-elected to the Mayor’s Office in 2012 and began his third term in January 2017.

Mayor Lane served on the 2002 Scottsdale Fire & EMS Advisory Committee, which was convened to evaluate and make recommendations to the city regarding the desired level of fire and emergency medical services relative to cost.

His community service also includes six years on the Scottsdale Paradise Valley YMCA Board of Management. He chaired the 1999 Kids Campaign annual fundraising effort and is currently an emeritus board member.

Mayor Lane currently represents the city as a member of the Flinn Foundation Arizona Bioscience Roadmap Steering Committee. He is the current President of the Arizona Municipal Water Users Association, a member of the Governor’s Arizona Workforce Committee, member of the Executive Committee of the League of Arizona Cities and Towns, and a Chairman of the Maricopa Association of Governments Economic Development Committee. He is a former Chairman of the MAG Regional Council and former President of the MAG Executive Board. Mayor Lane also serves on the Scottsdale Leadership Advisory Board, Arizona Game and Fish Appointment Recommendation Board, he is a member of the Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations and an Honorary Member of the Taliesin West Board of Stewards. Mayor Lane is also a member of the Municipal Tax Code commission.

He came to Scottsdale from New Jersey in 1973 to take a position with KPMG (Peat Marwick), an international CPA firm. He worked as an Arizona CPA for 20 years with five of those years in public accounting as a financial statement auditor.

Mayor Lane has owned and operated businesses in construction, mining, computer technology, telecommunications, regional aviation and financial consulting. Mayor Lane is also a former Adjunct professor of Business and Accounting at Scottsdale Community College.

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia. He and his wife Joanne have three adult children (Bill, Scott and Nancy) along with seven grandchildren (Megan, Aislinn, Madison, Carson, Caleb, Brooklynn and Cole).

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Inside Dude University 2019 (Ep. 96)

Tue, 28 May 2019 12:30:59 GMT

What was Dude University 2019 like? Whether you were there or not, we give you a sneak peek (or listen) into the highlights of our recent user conference.

SHOW NOTES:

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Gov Gab: City of Fort Wayne, IN (Ep. 7)

Mon, 20 May 2019 14:07:34 GMT

We have a great chat with Mayor Tom Henry from the City of Fort Wayne, Indiana who talks about his journey into local government, his 20-year run on the Fort Wayne Council and his current 3rd term as Mayor of the City. Mayor Henry shares some tremendous stories about the city and its growth, as well as him learning from other mayors across the state and the many challenges they face as a fast-growing city.

Mayor Tom Henry's Biography (https://www.cityoffortwayne.org/meet-the-mayor.html)

Tom Henry is serving in his third term as Mayor of Fort Wayne. Leading Indiana’s second largest city, Mayor Henry is making government the best it can be for residents and businesses by demonstrating a commitment to engagement, innovation, and performance.

Mayor Henry has a strong record of successes in neighborhood infrastructure improvements, downtown development, job creation, business expansions, advances in public safety, and enhancements to the City’s world-class park system.

Before being elected Mayor, he served from 1983-2003 on Fort Wayne City Council, representing northwest Fort Wayne.

Mayor Henry has lived in Fort Wayne almost all his life and began his career in the private sector as CEO of a group purchasing organization serving hospitals. He then went on to become a successful small business owner of a local insurance agency and healthcare consulting firm.

Highlights of successes under Mayor Henry’s leadership since he took office January 1, 2008:

Completion of the Harrison Square downtown development (Parkview Field, Courtyard by Marriott hotel, and The Harrison mixed-use facility with housing and retail)
Light Lease Settlement between the City of Fort Wayne and Indiana Michigan Power
Creation of the Legacy fund to provide catalytic investment, leverage additional resources, and benefit residents. The fund is expected to grow to over $62 million at the end of 2025.
Purchase of Aqua Indiana’s southwest water utility that allows for all City residents to have City Utilities water
Completion of the Ash Skyline Plaza downtown development project that includes the national corporate headquarters for Ash Brokerage, a residential component and parking garage. The total project investment is more than $100 million.
Since 2012, 21,600 jobs have been retained, nearly 6,900 jobs have been created and there has been a total private investment of more than $2.3 billion
A commitment to public safety, which has included multiple academy classes for the Fort Wayne Police and Fire departments and enhanced technology to better serve and protect the public.
Creation of the Fiscal Policy Group that resulted in additional funding for more police officers and firefighters, maintenance projects throughout the Parks and Recreation system, and a record amount of neighborhood infrastructure improvement projects in all four quadrants of the City. Since 2014, $130 million has been invested in neighborhoods.
Completion of the first-ever Riverfront Development Study to provide an outline for the opportunity for a world-class river development in the heart of the city. The first phase of construction on riverfront development started in 2017.
Completion of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Bridge in downtown Fort Wayne
The successful merger of Fort Wayne and Allen County 911 communications services
Expansion of the 311 call center to provide efficient and effective services to residents and businesses
The SmartGov transparency initiative, using new methods and technologies to make government more open, effective and responsive
Expansion of the greenways and trails system to over 100 miles

A 1970 graduate of Fort Wayne Central Catholic High School, Mayor Henry earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology and his MBA from the University of Saint Francis. He is also an Army veteran.

One of 17 children, Mayor Henry and his wife, Cindy, have been married since 1975. They have two grown children and four grandchildren and are members of Most Precious Blood Church.

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Repost: World FM Day (Ep. 72)

Mon, 13 May 2019 14:44:20 GMT

We’re back with a repost of last year’s World FM Day podcast to celebrate this momentous day and week!

SHOW NOTES:

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Gov Gab: Town of Needham, MA (Ep. 6)

Mon, 06 May 2019 12:00:56 GMT

Brian talks with Kate Fitzpatrick, Town Manager of Needham, MA, about how she got her start in local government, what they're doing to encourage women to join in and how she organizes her day. Kate has over 20 years over experience in varying roles at the Town and shares many stories of her journey growing with Needham.

You can check out the Town of Needham website here - http://www.needhamma.gov/

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Dude University Preview (Ep. 95)

Mon, 29 Apr 2019 12:01:23 GMT

Guess what time it is?! Dude University, our annual user conference, is about to kick off on May 5, so we’re giving you a sneak preview into this year’s event, the history of the conference and other fun facts from Kate Donnelly, Client Marketing Manager, and Nick Pendergraft, Training Manager, at Dude Solutions.

SHOW NOTES:

Dude University website

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Gov Gab: City of Durango, CO (Ep. 5)

Mon, 22 Apr 2019 12:28:08 GMT

Join this interesting and uplifting conversation with Brian and Mayor Sweetie Marbury of Durango, CO.

Sweetie discovered Durango as a skier in 1974 and moved to Durango in 1975. An area teacher for over 37 years, Anita "Sweetie" Marbury graduated from the University of Houston with a bachelor's degree in speech/drama and Adams State College with a master's in secondary education. She was honored to be selected to the Colorado State Thespians Hall of Fame for career achievements in 2006 and she was the featured teacher for San Juan County Kids magazine in 2010.

Sweetie has a broad range of experience serving on city boards and commissions. She has served on the City of Durango Parks and Forestry Board, the Comprehensive Land Use Code Plan Advisory Committee, the Residential Infill Design Standards Technical Committee, Established Neighborhood Design Review Board, LUDC Technical Committee on Accessory Dwelling Units. In addition, she has been a member of Durango High School Booster Club, Babe Ruth Board, League of Women Voters, AAUW, Durango Art Center Board, Kiwanis, Women's Resource Center, and a Salvation Army bell ringer.

Sweetie was instrumental in saving Brookside Park in Durango from being sold for private development. Her primary focus is improving recycling, smart growth through infill, and protecting neighborhoods of Durango. Her interests are her 1950 international pickup truck, hiking, and gardening. Her son Dru English and his family live in Durango.

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Gov Gab: City of Marshfield, MO (Ep. 4)

Mon, 08 Apr 2019 12:01:43 GMT

Learn some words of wisdom from City Administrator John Benson of City of Marshfield, MO on this episode of our special Gov Gab podcast series.

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April Fools' Outtakes (Ep. 94)

Mon, 01 Apr 2019 12:42:21 GMT

Join us as we have a bit of fun on this April Fools’ Day with a few outtakes from the past year of podcast recording.

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Tips for Managing Stress (Ep. 93)

Mon, 18 Mar 2019 13:05:48 GMT

We’ve got another podcaster on with us this week, Dan Lowry of the Learning FM Podcast, who is also the Director of Facilities for Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, OK. He’s on the show to share some super useful tips for managing stress on a personal and professional level.

SHOW NOTES:

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Gov Gab: City of Eagan, MN (Ep. 3)

Mon, 11 Mar 2019 13:28:16 GMT

On episode 3 of the Gov Gab podcast series, we sit down with Eagan, Minnesota Mayor Mike Maguire. We have a wide-ranging conversation about how he progressed from being on the Council to running for Mayor, as well as, many discussions around long-range planning, working in a bipartisan way with other members of the Council, and looking out for citizens and employees of the city.

About Mayor Maguire

After serving as a City Council Member from 2003-2007, Mike Maguire, Eagan's 8th Mayor, was first in 2006 and is currently serving his fourth term.

Mayor Maguire has a bachelor's degree from Suffolk University in Boston, a master's degree from Mankato State University, completed doctoral course work at Indiana University and was selected to participate in the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey Institute's Policy Forum Fellows Program. Mayor Maguire has taught public speaking and communication at St. Olaf College among others and is a public affairs and media relations professional.

As Mayor, he is part of the City Council's Finance & Personnel Committees, represents Eagan on the Board of the Municipal Legislative Commission, and serves as a member of the Eagan Convention and Visitors Bureau Board. Mayor Maguire is also a member of the Regional Council of Mayors’ and is a Regional Leader on Housing Policy and Community Development. Mayor Maguire has served as Chair of the Municipal Legislative Commission, President of the Association of Metropolitan Municipalities, on the League of Minnesota Cities Board of Directors and on Governor Dayton's Task Force on Housing.

Mike and his wife Janelle have lived in Eagan since they were married in 1995 and their son Ian attends the Minnesota School of Environmental Studies in ISD 196.

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Hosting Events While Reducing Risk (Ep. 92)

Mon, 04 Mar 2019 13:00:00 GMT

Mary Beth Ormiston and Doug Page join us to share a bit more about risk management around events and what you need to prepare for an event at your educational facility... and document during and afterward.

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Gov Gab: Town of West Pelzer, SC (Ep. 2)

Tue, 19 Feb 2019 14:45:26 GMT

Episode 2 features Town of West Pelzer, South Carolina Mayor Blake Sanders. Besides his duties as a husband and father, Mayor Sanders is a Professor at Clemson, Planner at the Town of Easley and a Landscape Architect.

We dive deep into some of the inner workings of a small town and how they are trying to expand and grow for the future.

Contact Info:

https://westpelzer.com/

bsanders@westpelzer.com

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What GIS Can Tell Us (Ep. 91)

Mon, 11 Feb 2019 13:55:35 GMT

Chuck Wright and Anna Ross join us to dive into the fascinating world of GIS (geographic information systems) to talk about how this type of data can help streamline operations and inspire innovative ways to work.

SHOW NOTES:

*Please go to iTunes and give us a review!

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Gov Gab: Town of Cary, NC (Ep. 1)

Mon, 04 Feb 2019 13:34:28 GMT

Check out our new special series focused on leaders in local government with this interview with Town of Cary Mayor Harold Weinbrecht.

SHOW NOTES:

About Mayor Harold Weinbrecht

https://www.townofcary.org/

At first glance, Harold Weinbrecht seems like just another person from Cary. He’s a husband and a father, and he holds down a full-time job (in software, of course). He teaches Sunday school and loves to play tennis and run.

What makes Harold Weinbrecht just a little bit different from the rest of the men in Cary is that he’s also the Town’s Mayor. But in Harold’s family, even being Mayor isn’t so unique. Mayor Weinbrecht’s uncle was former Mayor Fred Bond. Clearly, service runs in Harold’s family.

A native of Augusta, Georgia, Harold has spent most of his life in Cary, coming here first as a child with his family then later as an adult while attending NC State University. Since their marriage in 1987, Harold and his wife, Belinda, have lived and raised their two daughters in Cary. And over these many years, Harold and his family have stayed in Cary because of its charm and sense of place, its natural beauty and its people.

Wanting to keep Cary the wonderful place he’s called home for so long, Harold became active in politics in 1997 when he helped start a website called Citizens for Balanced Growth where he wrote about Town government meetings and issues. It was during this endeavor that he discovered that there were many people interested in the same things as he: a slower growth rate; a stronger focus on roads, parks and schools; and an increase in communication between citizens and their government.

In 1998, Harold was chosen as the first chairman of the Town Council’s newly formed Information Services Advisory Board, and in 1999, he was named to the Town’s Planning and Zoning Board.

Harold ran and was elected to the Cary Town Council for the first time in 1999 as an At-Large representative.

Then, and now as Mayor, Harold believes that the role of local government is to maintain a high quality of life for its citizens by providing crucial infrastructure and valuable amenities. And then as now, faith, family and hard work are the things that keep Cary Mayor Harold Weinbrecht grounded and in touch with the real issues Cary citizens face each day. Mayor Weinbrecht remains committed to managing growth, and he also believes in an open government where citizens have a strong and relevant voice.

To learn more about this podcast or other offerings by Dude Solutions visit dudesolutions.com or email dspodcast@dudesolutions.com.

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The Future with Exponential Technologies (Ep. 90)

Mon, 28 Jan 2019 13:47:30 GMT

Paul joins us again for a peek into the future of some exponential technologies that may soon make jobs easier and more efficient.

SHOW NOTES:

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The Power of Persuasive Communication (Ep. 89)

Mon, 14 Jan 2019 13:48:58 GMT

This week, we’ve got author and speaker Jeff Tippett on the show to talk about persuasive communication and tips from his new book, Unleashing Your Superpower: Why Persuasive Communication is the Only Force You Will Ever Need.

SHOW NOTES:

Email us with your favorite superhero at dspodcast@dudesolutions.com for a chance to win a free copy of Jeff’s book!
Get a copy of Unleashing Your Superhero book on Feb. 12

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Women in Maintenance (Ep. 88)

Wed, 02 Jan 2019 13:37:04 GMT

Special host Anna Breeden, Client Success Manager, is joined by Tamara Quintara-Tinkler, Consultant, to discuss what it's like to work in maintenance as a woman.

SHOW NOTES:

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Efficiency Tips for the North Pole (Ep. 87)

Mon, 17 Dec 2018 15:03:35 GMT

Brian and Paul take a trip to the North Pole to talk about ways Santa and his team of elves can improve their operations with new technology.

SHOW NOTES:

Modernizing Operations in the North Pole infographic

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Getting Innovative with Dude Labs (Ep. 86)

Mon, 03 Dec 2018 14:56:56 GMT

Brian is joined by Brooks Adcock, Director of Innovation at Dude Solutions, to talk about our new team focused on innovation: Dude Labs. Find out more, as well as how you can get involved. (Also, let us know what you think about our new theme song!)

SHOW NOTES:

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Telling Your Story (Ep. 85)

Mon, 05 Nov 2018 13:51:03 GMT

Brian is joined by Bob to talk about building your operations story and learning how to share data in a way that matters to decision makers and others in your organization.

Don’t forget to enter to win a Dude Solutions hat by taking our survey! It will close at the end of the week.

SHOW NOTES:

Albuquerque Public School’s Maintenance & Operations Annual Report

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Looking Back, Looking Forward (Ep. 84)

Mon, 22 Oct 2018 12:42:29 GMT

This week, Brian and Podcast Producer Grace take a look back at some of the top episodes and our favorites from this year, as well as what type of topics are coming up and how you can share your thoughts in our survey!

Take our survey and enter to win a Dude hat!

SHOW NOTES:

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Keeping Energy Conservation Cool (Ep. 83)

Mon, 08 Oct 2018 13:46:47 GMT

It’s Energy Awareness Month, and we’re celebrating by chatting with DK and Dan Arant, Senior Energy Specialist at Dude Solutions, about ways to jump-start a successful energy management program.

SHOW NOTES:

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Movies & Maintenance: Part 2 (Ep. 82)

Mon, 01 Oct 2018 12:36:21 GMT

We’re back with Part 2 of our Movies & Maintenance podcast to discuss scenes and lessons learned from Brazil and Airport.

SHOW NOTES:

Any maintenance roles in movies you like? Email us at dspodcast@dudesolutions.com with your suggestions!

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Special Feature: Movies & Maintenance Part 1 (Ep. 81)

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 19:07:17 GMT

Brian joins forces with Paul Lachance to talk about maintenance featured in movies and the reminders that two movie scenes offer in the world of operations. Grab some popcorn because it’s going to be a fun show... and don’t miss Part 2 next week either.

SHOW NOTES:

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Expecting the Unexpected: Hurricane Preparedness (Ep. 80)

Mon, 10 Sep 2018 15:01:27 GMT

Friends of the podcast Bob and Tony are back with Brian to talk about the best ways to get organized for hurricane and general disaster preparedness, including creating a plan, documentation and more.

In Episode 80, you’ll also learn about:

Where to start with disaster preparedness
Have a plan, know who needs to be involved, have a communications plan
Understanding your role in different situations (knowing who is in charge)
Various phases of disaster prep and response
How your insurance carrier can help you with disaster prep
Testing your plan with a dry run
Know what is needed for documentation and assign one person to this area
How often you should evaluate your plan
What equipment you can have ready for response

SHOW NOTES:

[Blog] Emergency Preparedness: 10 Questions You Must Ask Yourself
[Blog] Disaster Preparedness: Are You Ready?
[Blog] Hurricane Preparedness: Plan for the Worst
[Podcast] Recovering Dollars After Disaster
[Podcast] Fight, Flight or Freeze
Follow The Dude on Instagram, Facebook & Twitter

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Trends in IT (Ep. 79)

Mon, 27 Aug 2018 12:56:10 GMT

Brian is joined by Forrest Cooper, Sales Manager of Technology Solutions at The Dude, to talk technology, specifically how to maximize engagement for your IT department. Listen in for tips to improving prioritization, collaboration and creating meaningful interactions around technology.

SHOW NOTES:

IT blog series: Chapter One, Two & Three
Ep. 78 on EVP
Box Elder County Case Study
Knox County School District Case Study

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Exploring the Employer Value Proposition (Ep. 78)

Mon, 13 Aug 2018 12:29:13 GMT

This week, Brian sits down with our CEO, Ed Roshitsh, to discuss our recent Employer Value Proposition (or EVP) initiative and what it means for employees, clients and other companies.

SHOW NOTES:

New Kind
“Fusion” book
Our Careers page
Follow The Dude on Instagram, Facebook & Twitter

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Making a Business Case for Healthy Facilities (Ep. 77)

Mon, 30 Jul 2018 13:41:53 GMT

Allen Rathey of the Healthy Facilities Institute joins Brian and DK (David Kornegay) in the studio to discuss how operations professionals can make a business case for healthier facilities and improve environments for all of us.

SHOW NOTES:

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IoT: What You Need to Know (Ep. 76)

Mon, 16 Jul 2018 12:29:24 GMT

Join this interesting conversation between Host Brian and Paul Lachance, our Senior Manufacturing Advisor, about the Internet of Things (or IoT) and how it's impacting facility management.

SHOW NOTES:

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Putting the Good in Good Dude (Ep. 75)

Mon, 02 Jul 2018 12:26:23 GMT

Bobby Knell and TJ Bingham join Brian in the studio to talk about our corporate giving program: Good Dude. They talk through recent projects and even give tips for getting a corporate volunteer program started at your organization.

SHOW NOTES:

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Operations Health Index: Part 2 (Ep. 74)

Mon, 18 Jun 2018 12:42:27 GMT

We're back with part 2 of the Education Operations Health Index review for Brian, Jed and Earl to discuss interesting insights on IoT, events and energy. If you haven't caught Part 1 yet, make sure you listen to that one first!

In Episode 74, you'll learn more about:

IoT and smart devices within maintenance
How data is being leveraged in maintenance
How IoT is being adopted in education
Trends in predictive maintenance
What surprised us about the OHI survey results
How event management processes are changing with technology
Energy management and utility cost trends
How to use the OHI to get more resources

SHOW NOTES:

Operations Health Index Report
OHI Infographics: Higher Education & K-12
OHI Webinar

Email us at dspodcast@dudesolutions.com with any comments or suggestions!

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Operations Health Index: Part 1 (Ep. 73)

Tue, 05 Jun 2018 13:58:21 GMT

Our new podcast host, Brian McDonald, is joined by Jed DeGroote and Earl Laing to discuss the highlights and interesting findings from our 2018 Education Operations Health Index. This week, they're focusing in on maintenance, including corrective, preventive and deferred.

In Episode 73, you'll also learn about:

What the OHI is
Why we survey operations professionals to create this index each year
Trends in corrective, preventive and deferred maintenance
How organizations can see ROI on PM
New strategies for implementing PM
Successful maintenance strategies for operations leaders
How deferred maintenance differs from K-12 to higher education

SHOW NOTES:

Operations Health Index Report
OHI Infographics: Higher Education & K-12
OHI Webinar

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Spreading Thanks on World FM Day (Ep. 72)

Mon, 14 May 2018 16:47:38 GMT

Bob is joined by our podcast producer, Grace Flack, to highlight World FM Day and talk about how much we owe to facility managers and the critical work they do.

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Get Reacquainted with OSHA (Ep. 71)

Mon, 30 Apr 2018 17:24:25 GMT

Today on the podcast, we have a special guest: OSHA, more specifically Wanda Lagoe, Bureau Chief of the Education, Training and Technical Assistance Bureau at the N.C. Department of Labor. She joins Bob and Tony to talk about what you need to know about OSHA, important new standards and free resources you can use in your daily work.

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3 Success Mechanisms (Ep. 70)

Mon, 16 Apr 2018 15:19:50 GMT

DK is back in the studio with Bob and Tony to talk about how to get that new idea or initiative to be successful for your organization as a whole. Catch up on the previous 3 Rules of 3 episode if you haven't before diving into this one.

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3 Rules of 3 for New Initiatives (Ep. 69)

Mon, 02 Apr 2018 20:23:10 GMT

DK (aka David Kornegay aka "The Mayor" or Community Director at Dude Solutions) joins Bob to talk about his recent presentation at Dude University on Rolling Out New Initiatives. They cover three rules of three for implementing new ideas and making sure they stick. Check back in a few weeks for part two on this topic!

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SchoolDude is Graduating! (Ep. 68)

Mon, 19 Mar 2018 12:45:11 GMT

We have two very distinguished guests on the podcast this week, Kent Hudson, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of Dude Solutions, and Ed Roshitsh, CEO. Join Bob and these two for an important discussion about next steps for the company and to celebrate the SchoolDude brand graduating to Dude Solutions.

In Episode 68, you'll also learn:

How SchoolDude got started in 1999
How our focus on education solutions grew and expanded to other markets
What's next for the coming with using data and mobile technology
What SchoolDude will now be known as in the Dude Solutions Family
What won't be changing with this move (legendary service, innovation, etc.)

Check out our new website, too!

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Tying IT & Facilities Together (Ep. 67)

Mon, 05 Mar 2018 18:41:22 GMT

One of our Applications Engineers at Dude Solutions joins Bob and Tony to talk about new topics, trends and technology in the IT space, as well as how the department can connect more effectively with facilities.

In Episode 67, you'll also learn:

Aligning the challenges of IT departments and facilities
How many IT departments saw an increase in their budget...and how many didn't
How automation is impacting the technology world
What we can do about the increase in technology
How the technology landscape is changing in schools
Why now IT professionals are having to show what they are using grant money and other resources for
How new devices and technology impact the solutions we offer
About handling BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policies
Better understanding the total cost of ownership with technology and devices
Change in E-Rate funding
Advice for avoiding scams online

SHOW NOTES

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Secrets to Staying Positive (Ep. 66)

Mon, 19 Feb 2018 18:08:33 GMT

A special guest, Josh Peach, joins Bob and Tony to talk a bit about what he does as the Evangelist for Dude Solutions and practical ways we can stay positive in the midst of our day-to-day work and life.

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Cracking the Contractor Code (Ep. 65)

Mon, 05 Feb 2018 15:35:04 GMT

Learn how to pick a contractor, what to look for on the invoice and more for creating good relationships with your contractors.

In Episode 65, you’ll also learn:

· The difference between low bidding and competitive bidding

· What you should be looking for on your invoice

· How to be reasonable with contractors

· Negotiating for regular hours costs and after hours costs

· What is a Group Purchasing Organization and how can they help you

· Why value doesn’t equal cost with contracts

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Fight, Flight or Freeze? (Ep. 64)

Tue, 23 Jan 2018 13:10:23 GMT

Despite the snowy weather and freezing temperatures, Bob and Tony are back with some timely tips for emergency preparedness. They discuss how you can prepare for the worst and make sure your emergency plans are actionable all year long, no matter what comes your way.

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New Year, New Goals (Ep. 63)

Mon, 08 Jan 2018 19:08:34 GMT

Bob and Tony are back on the podcast to celebrate the New Year and share how you can make goals (instead of resolutions) that are SMART and attainable. Listen in to learn more about developing successful goals personally and professionally with their helpful tips.

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Get to Know Our New CEO! (Ep. 62)

Mon, 18 Dec 2017 19:23:26 GMT

Give a warm welcome to Ed Roshitsh, a new voice to the podcast and the new CEO of Dude Solutions. Listen in to learn more about Ed (the runner, reader and writer), his pickup truck, hobbies, as well as his vision for our company and clients with some interesting thoughts on change management.

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What Does Maintenance Have to Do with Patient Care? (Ep. 61)

Mon, 04 Dec 2017 21:05:11 GMT

We’re joined today by Martyn Buffler, Senior Advisor for Healthcare at Dude Solutions, to talk about the part that maintenance has to play within patient care at healthcare organizations. Whether you’re a healthcare operations professional or just interested as a healthcare consumer, there is plenty for you to learn. Also, find out how Tony’s surprise trip to Disney with his kids went!

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A Common-Sense Approach to FM Greatness (Ep. 60)

Mon, 20 Nov 2017 13:37:28 GMT

Our last episode was for technicians, so today we’re sharing a common-sense approach for facility managers. Bob and Tony talk about how FMs are much more than just fixers, but they have a critical role and responsibility that impacts lives in their organization.

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From Bearings to Bulbs (Ep. 59)

Mon, 06 Nov 2017 18:36:03 GMT

Bob and Tony dive into four basic maintenance hacks/Bob’s pet peeves and share some wisdom on how maintenance professionals can take good care of their facilities and assets. You’ll not only learn more about grease guns, light bulbs, air filters and channel locks, but also who created the first thermostat!

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Is Age Really Just a Number? (Ep. 58)

Mon, 23 Oct 2017 18:35:18 GMT

Bob and Tony are joined by a special guest, Mary Beth Ormiston, to talk about age in the workforce. Is it really just a number or does it differentiate us? Learn more about how age can affect the way you work and the key to finding synergy within the diverse range of ages in the workforce today.

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Know Your Energy Costs for Energy Awareness Month (Ep. 57)

Mon, 09 Oct 2017 15:37:43 GMT

It’s National Energy Awareness Month, and Bob and Tony are excited to talk energy! Listen in to learn some small ways to save big on energy and utilities by focusing on awareness and behavior first. You’ll also learn what the color of the “black box” in planes actually is…the answer may surprise you.

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Budgeting: Turning a No into a Yes (Ep. 56)

Mon, 25 Sep 2017 19:21:01 GMT

Today, Bob and Tony share their tips and tricks for budgeting and how to get buy-in from your organizational leaders for your projects and resource needs. Learn how to tell your unique budgeting story and align it to your organization’s mission to close the perception gap.

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Preparing Before & After the Storm (Ep. 55)

Mon, 11 Sep 2017 18:27:01 GMT

Today, we’ve got a lot on our minds. It’s the 16th anniversary of 9/11, and we’re in the midst of Hurricane Harvey clean-up and bracing for Hurricane Irma. Bob and Tony talk about how to effectively prepare for a natural disaster and what you need to know and document after the event.

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Duct Tape & WD-40: Myths, Legends & Facts (Ep. 54)

Mon, 14 Aug 2017 20:35:17 GMT

Someone once said, “One only needs two tools in life: WD-40 to make things go and duct tape to make them stop.” On this episode, Bob and Tony share a little more history and interesting uses for these beloved products. Find out why they were created and how you can use them in everything from rockets to fishing lures.

Email us at dspodcast@dudesolutions.com with your duct tape or WD-40 uses or thoughts!

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Modern Tools of the Trade (Ep. 53)

Mon, 31 Jul 2017 18:44:00 GMT

This week, Bob and Tony offer some tips and solutions for the skilled trade shortage, including virtual coaching, learning management systems, online manuals, and more to utilize technology and data to prevent equipment failure.

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Where Have All the Skilled Trades Gone? (Ep. 52)

Mon, 17 Jul 2017 18:13:51 GMT

What do the moon landing and the skilled trade shortage have in common? Find out that and much more as Bob and Tony share their thoughts about dealing with contractors, investing in young people and using technology to prepare for/survive the silver tsunami.

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Building Blocks of Aging Infrastructure (Ep. 51)

Mon, 03 Jul 2017 15:17:06 GMT

We all know that our buildings and infrastructure aren’t getting any younger, so how do we best take care of them with limited resources? In Episode 51, we offer tips for using preventive maintenance and capital planning to care for aging facilities, while telling your building’s unique story through data.

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Facility Challenge... Accepted! (Ep. 50)

Mon, 19 Jun 2017 18:11:50 GMT

We are kicking our podcast back off for Episode 50 with the dynamic duo of Bob and Tony back in the studio! They talk about the main challenges facing facility departments today and what you should be considering when it comes to the retiring workforce, contractors, costs, new technology and more.

SHOW NOTES:

Facility Juggler: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MA5-GDGUBXA
New technology: XOEye and Help Lightning
Bridging the Gap infographic

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Winter is Coming

Tue, 13 Dec 2016 14:35:24 GMT

As much as we may have wished against it, winter is near once again. No matter what kinds of conditions you may be expecting to face this year, the preparations you make now will have a definite impact on how successfully you and your organization can deal with the challenges. In our latest podcast, we provide some handy tips, tricks and general planning guidelines that can help you get on top of winter before winter gets on top of you.

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Weathering the Storm

Thu, 17 Nov 2016 22:13:24 GMT

Weather-related disasters can be among the most devastating situations any facility manager will face. But like most unexpected events, being prepared is the biggest key to success. In this podcast, Bob "Papa Dude" Bittner provides some simple but important tips to making sure your facility is ready in the event of an emergency.

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047- Hello, 2016!

Tue, 19 Jan 2016 14:47:50 GMT

Aaaaannnnnd, WE’RE BACK! Happy 2016, Dudecast listeners!

Bob starts the year off by doing a 2015 year in review of The Dude and exciting things to come in 2016. He and Grace also chat about what our facility managers are most worried about and top things they are trying to accomplish this year. What does my budget look like? What should I be tracking more of this year? How do I start my never ending “to do” list?

Join us as we tackle these topics in our first episode of the year!

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046-What Keeps You Up at Night?

Thu, 17 Dec 2015 16:00:00 GMT

For our last podcast of the year, Ray and Bob wanted to address some of the biggest things that Facility Managers lose sleep over every night. Do you find yourself not having enough time in the day to handle all of your tasks? Do you have a hard time keeping up with the ever-changing trends and technologies? Has your budget been cut? And those are just a few...!

Join us as we discuss how to take these issues head on and sleep like a baby in 2016!

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045 - Taking Service to the Next Level

Tue, 08 Dec 2015 16:06:14 GMT

We are back this week to talk more about Customer Service and what that means to the facility maintenance professional. Ray and Bob talk about what it really means to take service to the next level in the day to day operations. How can you make a lasting impression on your “customers”? What are the little things that you can do that will drastically improve the way your team is perceived? When are you really DONE with a job? It is easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the everyday hectic that is a facility manager’s daily life, but taking a few moments to focus on the service aspect of the job can really make a difference.

Take a few minutes to listen in and learn how to step up your service game!

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044 – Facility Management and Customer Service

Tue, 24 Nov 2015 14:11:11 GMT

This week, Grace Tester is back in the studio talking about what it takes to deliver great customer service. Like it or not, facility managers have to be able to use these skills to make sure they are not only maintaining building operations, but that the requests received are treated in the best possible way. Are you really listening to what the problem is? Is your team properly communicating back to the person making a request? Do you know who your “customer “ is ? How do you deal with a situation “when the customer is not always right”? Grace shares insight from her years in the service industry and goes over the key traits to creating and maintaining a customer service organization.

Take a few minutes to listen in…and remember that we will be taking a week away from the podcast while we are traveling for Thanksgiving, but will be back in 2 weeks!

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043- Home for the Holidays

Tue, 17 Nov 2015 13:58:09 GMT

This week Bob and Ray K start thinking about what the holidays mean for a facility manager. How do you deal with shutting down a facility for 3-4 days? Who is on call? Have you prepped your buildings for no occupancy? Even if you are a 24/7 operation there are still things to think about when it comes to this time of year.

Take a few minutes to listen in to start making your list and checking it twice!

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042 - Follow the Leader

Tue, 27 Oct 2015 13:40:13 GMT

This week Bob and Ray K are talking about leadership. What does it mean to be a good leader? How do you look out for your team long term? Why do some managers fail in when given the chance to lead? How do you gain trust and respect from your team? Bob shares stories from his 20 plus years of experience and lays out a checklist of things to keep in mind when taking on that management role!

Take a few minutes to listen in…

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041-Winter is Risky Business

Tue, 13 Oct 2015 15:00:00 GMT

We always love to have visitors and this week Mary Beth Ormiston joins Bob and Ray K in the studio to help remind all of our facility managers out there about ways to minimize risk as we move into winter. No matter what part of the country you are in, there will probably be some kind of preparation that goes into this change in season and sometimes we forget about the risk management side of things. Is your team properly trained for the upcoming preventive work? Have you gone over proper protocols and procedures that go along with it? What are some of the more risky jobs that we need to take care of?

It may be risky business, but someone has to do it… Be sure to listen in and make sure you have dotted your i’s and crossed all of your t’s!

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040 - Winter is coming...

Tue, 06 Oct 2015 14:58:49 GMT

Between day-to-day operations and unexpected emergencies, on-the-ground building managers have their plates full. But savvy facility managers understand that having a checklist in place can be crucial to avoiding more serious issues when the hard months of winter hit.

Bob and Ray go through the top things to remember when getting ready for the colder weather! Do you have PMs in place for season change prep? Is your inventory stocked? Do you have your reliable snow shovel ready to go?

Listen in for a few tips and tricks to stay ahead of the chill!

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039 - Managing Change Part 2

Tue, 29 Sep 2015 15:47:46 GMT

Bob and Ray are continuing their conversation on change but this week they have brought in a special guest! Change Management expert Jack Spain joins us in the studio to share his knowledge on the subject and how facility managers can better prepare and deal with change as it happens. How does diversity in your team help the outcome? How do you deal with the “contrarians”? What part does the data play?

Join us as we wrap up this discussion and really nail down the best ways to deal with the ever changing world of facility management.

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038 - Managing Change

Tue, 22 Sep 2015 12:54:20 GMT

As the old saying goes, the only constant in the world is change. This is especially true in the maintenance and operations world. Technology, frequent regulatory changes, and a host of other changing factors ensure that nothing stays the same for too long. Bob and Ray talk change management in the studio this week. Is change really a four-letter word? What are the best practices when communicating to your team? How do you prepare for resistance? How do you get buy-in from every department?

So, whether you are introducing a new technology or a new member to your team, take a few minutes to listen in and learn how to tackle change head on!

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037 - Are you and the C-Suite speaking the same language?

Tue, 01 Sep 2015 14:09:06 GMT

Effectively communicating with your organizational leadership is crucial to your job! By making sure you and your C-Suite are on the same page, you will be setting your and your team up for success. So, what does that entail? How do you start the conversation? What do they need to know about you and your staff that will help them make the best decisions? What is the most important aspect of the organization to them?

Bob and Ray spend this episode answering these questions and helping bridge the gap that can exist between you and your decision makers.

Take a few minutes to listen and learn how to start speaking the same language!

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036 - Money Talks

Tue, 11 Aug 2015 14:00:00 GMT

Tim Gasper is back with us this week to continue talking about performance contracts, but this time he will be focusing on the money and return aspect. What is the average savings a facility can expect with this? How are the dollar amounts actually calculated? What kind of money are we really talking about and how quickly can we use that capital to pay off these contracts? These are just a few of the questions that Bob, Ray, and Tim tackle in this week’s episode.

Take a few minutes to get to the bottom dollar of performance contracting!

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035- Is your Saving Solution in the Energy Dumpster?

Tue, 04 Aug 2015 14:39:31 GMT

This week, Bob and Ray invited Tim Gasper from Brady Trane into the studio to talk about performance contracting and energy savings. What exactly is performance contracting? What are your low hanging energy fruits that can produce the savings you need to take on a project like this? How do you get started and how long will it last? Tim shares his years of experience and walks us through every step of this process and what to expect along the way.

If you and your organization have been thinking about this, you don’t want to miss this episode!

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034 - It's Cool to Meet You, Ray!

Tue, 28 Jul 2015 13:53:12 GMT

This week, we welcome the newest member to the FacilityDude podcast team. Ray Karawhala joins Bob as our new co-host and this dynamic duo kicks off by talking about the evolution of air conditioning. Did you know that this past week was the birthday of Carrier’s invention? Do you know how it came about? Where did the idea come from?

Join us this week to learn a few fun facts about how we beat the heat in the summertime!

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033 – Are you prepared for crisis?

Tue, 21 Jul 2015 12:36:33 GMT

This week Bob takes a look into crisis planning and preparation. Do you know what to do in an emergency situation in your facility? When was the last time you updated your plans? Are they easily accessible to you and your staff? Joining Bob in the studio this week is Anne Kloefkorn, our resident expert on crisis and emergency preparedness. She shares her stories, best practices, and tips for how to approach this important and sometimes scary subject.

Don’t let lack of preparation and communication become an issue in your organization, so take a few minutes and listen in this week.

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032-Get in touch with your inner salesman!

Tue, 07 Jul 2015 16:22:35 GMT

I think we can all agree that facility managers wear so many different hats on a daily basis…all the way from electrician, to accountant, to counselor! You may not think of yourself as a salesman, but on any given day, you have to “sell” your idea, budget proposal, or employee justification to someone! Knowing how to approach upper management and what tactics to utilize when trying to explain your side of the story and get what you need for your team is key in being successful. Join Bob and Dude salesman, Jon Mills, as they discuss what it takes to be the most effective salesman for your organization.

Take a listen before you start wheelin’ and dealin’ this week!

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031- Covering your Assets

Mon, 29 Jun 2015 21:31:18 GMT

Managing your facility’s assets involves being able to answer the tough questions. When is the last time a piece of equipment was inspected? Are you sure? Do you know what information you should be tracking for each asset? When was the last time that same piece of equipment failed? Bob spends this week’s episode going over the basics to asset management and what you should be documenting.

Take a few minutes and listen in to make sure you are covering your assets!

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030 – Stop! In the name of Mold

Tue, 16 Jun 2015 17:23:19 GMT

This week we are continuing our discussion on indoor air quality and focusing on the sticky subject of mold! Whether we like the idea or not, mold is all around us and learning best practices to deal with this gross visitor needs to be on our checklist. Bob chats about what environments are ideal for mold spores to grow, how to battle it once you have found evidence, and best ways to avoid growth in your facility.

Take a few minutes and listen in…

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029- Something's moving in the air tonight...

Tue, 09 Jun 2015 14:07:14 GMT

This week, Bob takes on Indoor Air Quality…What does that mean in your organization? What are the ways you can regulate what is happening in the air? Do you know how many parts per million of harmful things are in the air? In this episode Bob helps us discern what we can and can’t control and what things we should be on the lookout for when regulating the indoor air quality of our buildings.

Take a few minutes and listen in…

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028- Water, Water Everywhere!

Tue, 02 Jun 2015 15:16:02 GMT

This week, Bob Bittner dives into the deep end and discusses the ins and outs of water. In the wake of all the flooding in Texas, we wanted to spend a few minutes talking about how this affects your facility. Exactly how heavy is water? Can your roof withstand the weight of it all? What other things do you need to be on the lookout for? Are you prepared for the next storm?

Don’t get caught out in the rain…take a few minutes to listen in!

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027- How in the World Does GIS Work?

Tue, 19 May 2015 14:17:05 GMT

Chuck Wright is back in the studio this week to talk more about the mapping system, GIS, and how it applies to todays facility and public works professionals. How are you using GIS? What are the unique ways that others are using this system? Where can this technology take us in the future?

Join us this week and dive a little deeper into the world of GIS!

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026 - GIS vs. GPS

Tue, 12 May 2015 13:46:03 GMT

This week Bob enlists the help of the newest member of the Dude family, Chuck Wright, to understand the difference between mapping systems GIS and GPS.

Chuck shares this knowledge from his background as a software developer. How are facility maintenance and public works professionals using this technology? What is the big deal and why is this important?

You definitely don't want to miss this episode!

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025 – The Myth, The Legend, The Building Automation!

Fri, 08 May 2015 13:51:22 GMT

This week, Bob takes us further into the world of Building Automation Systems and we spend this episode understanding the functionality of these complex systems. How are your peers utilizing them? What are the functions that are not being used or are misunderstood? How do I start using it effectively? Will the BAS really make me breakfast in the morning? All of these questions and more will be answered!

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024 - BAS, and BMS, and EMS…Oh My!

Tue, 28 Apr 2015 12:53:05 GMT

Thanks for joining us for another Dudecast Tuesdy!

Building Automation System, or BAS, is a term that we hear a lot in the Facility Maintenance Operations world, but what do we really know about them? What is the history behind these “little black boxes” of buildings? What systems do they really control?

Today, Bob follows the evolution of these complex systems and how to navigate the ever changing world of automation. What are the ways that you could be using your system more efficiently? How do you make decisions based on the data you get back?

Don’t miss this week’s episode where we will cover all of this and more!

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023- How to Talk Trash

Tue, 21 Apr 2015 12:42:29 GMT

Thanks for joining us for another DudeCast Tuesday!

Here at the Dude, we are all too familiar with trash talking around the office, especially during March Madness this past month! Bob was inspired by Duke’s big win this year to spend some time on a different kind of trash talk… actual trash. Join us this week as we get a little dirty and navigate the somewhat unpleasant world of garbage. How can you see savings when it comes to disposal? What are some of the good outcomes of trash? How can you “go green” and step up your recycle game?

Won’t you take a few minutes and talk some trash with us?

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022- What to Expect When you are Inspecting

Tue, 07 Apr 2015 20:30:45 GMT

After a long weekend, welcome back for your weekly dose of Dudecast!

Inspections can be one of the most daunting and nerve-racking things that a facility manager deals with. From the unexpected “drop-ins” to the planned evaluations, these examinations are never fun! Today, Bob goes through the best ways to deal with these necessary aspects of the job…what to expect, what to look for, and how to use the results in your favor are just a few of the things that he covers.

Don’t let inspections get you down… tune in to hear how to handle the next one that comes your way!

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021 - Talk Filters to Me

Tue, 07 Apr 2015 15:24:00 GMT

After two weeks away, Dudecast Tuesday is back!!

As it starts to get warmer outside, it won’t be long before it’s time to turn the AC back on! Bob takes on filters this weekon the podcast and talks about his pet peeves and best practices when dealing with the maintenance of HVAC units. Do you know the right sizes? What type of filter should you be using? When was the last time they were changed? Are you saving money while improving dependability and efficiency?

Take a few minutes to listen in and make sure you and your HVAC units are ready for spring!

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020 - Finding Energy to Save Energy

Tue, 10 Mar 2015 13:51:46 GMT

It’s time for your weekly dose of DudeCast Tuesday…

In honor of our annual conference this weekend, we are focusing on one more session highlight… Bob tackles the beast of Energy management this week. Often times we have multiple people trying to sell us on the greatest energy savings idea that will solve “ALL” of our energy issues. Soon we become so overwhelmed we don’t even know where to start. Let’s take a look at how to get started with energy savings by looking at the easy things first, then by telling and selling your story so you can move on to the bigger cost saving ideas.

If you are coming to the conference, you don’t want to miss this class!

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019 - Recovering Dollars After Disaster

Tue, 03 Mar 2015 14:54:48 GMT

Happy Dudecast Tuesday!

With our annual conference, FacilityDude University, just around the corner Bob wanted to share a short highlight of one of the classes he will be teaching! With all of the crazy weather we have been experiencing around the country, we thought this topic seemed fitting.

What happens if a disaster strikes in your area? At your facility? What’s your plan for before, during, and after an emergency? Does your staff know what to do if you have to execute the plan? If a disaster strikes, a thorough, practiced plan is critical to minimizing damage, ensuring the safety of your employees, and speeding the recovery process. Are you vigilant in your preparedness, or is the plan something that just sits on the shelf? If you’ve ever wondered if you are doing all you should to prepare for a disaster, you won’t want to miss this class highlight!

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018 - Keep Calm and Plan Ahead

Tue, 24 Feb 2015 13:50:12 GMT

The first five days after the weekend are always the hardest, but Dudecast Tuesdays are here to help get you through!

This week Mary Beth Ormiston joined us in the podcast studio to talk about some of the ways Facility Managers have to plan ahead for their year. Have you budgeted for your inventory needs? Do you have seasonal staff? Are your contracts up to date and scheduled out for your upcoming projects? All of these things not only need to be done, but need to be thought about ahead of time so that you can save money in the long run. In the words of Thomas Edison, “Good fortune is what happens when opportunity meets with planning.”

Take a few minutes to listen and plan for the road ahead…

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017- What is the Assessment of your Facility? Part Two

Tue, 17 Feb 2015 14:40:54 GMT

It’s hard to believe 7 days have gone by, but we have looped back around to Dudecast Tuesday!

Last week we spoke with Matt Munter from EMG about the ins and outs of a Facility Condition Assessment and what it can do for your organization. This week, Matt is back in the studio with Bob and Tony to close out this discussion by walking you through how to go about this process.

How long does it take? Who should be involved? What are they looking for? These are just a few of the questions the guys take on in the second episode of this two part series. If you have been thinking about tackling one of these at your facility and would like to know what to expect, make sure you tune in!

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016 - What is the Assessment of your Facility? Part One

Tue, 10 Feb 2015 16:39:13 GMT

Welcome back for another DudeCast Tuesday!

What is a Facility Condition Assessment and how is it a tool for facility managers? Why would you need to conduct one and what are the end results used for?

This week Bob and Tony are joined by Matthew Munter from EMG Services to discuss an overview of the basic scope of work, the life cycle of an asset and an introduction to the concept of facility condition index as an indicator of priority. Don’t forget to tune in to part one of this two week series and learn the ins and outs of this process and what it can do for your facility!

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One Bite at a Time...

Tue, 03 Feb 2015 13:26:32 GMT

You made it through Monday, so you know what that means…It’s DudeCast Tuesday!

Join Bob “Papa Dude” Bittner and Tony Butler as they discuss preventive maintenance and try to answer the age old question of ‘How do you eat the elephant that is your PM program?’. The answer is simply one bite at a time, but Bob and Tony will walk you through what those beginning steps might look like and how to only break off those small pieces that will make it a manageable process. Have you prioritized your work? Do you track Life Safety? Do you know what equipment you are working with? Are you tracking your progress? And those are just a few of the questions you can ask yourself to get the ball rolling.

Take a few minutes this week to listen and learn how to stop reacting and start preventing!

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You can't afford NOT to do PM!

Tue, 27 Jan 2015 12:53:34 GMT

Tony and Bob are back this week to talk about all the reasons NOT to do PM and why you still need to do it! We all know that planned maintenance is important, but finding the time and manpower to plan out and start a new program is always challenging. Bob takes a few minutes to lay out some of the cost of a PM program and what the negotiations for that cost might look like. The guys also spend time focusing on “no-cost” ways you can jumpstart your program, as well. You can’t afford NOT to tune into this episode!

**Notes from Tony: ROI on PM program is 545% statistic from "Determining the Economic Value of Preventive Maintenance" by Wei Lin Koo and Tracy Van Hoy **

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013 - Is it Worth the Risk?

Tue, 20 Jan 2015 13:07:21 GMT

This week Bob chats with Mary Beth Ormiston, our in house expert in the field of Risk Management. An organization can have all of the right tools and have a great understanding of risk, but without total “buy-in” that supports a risk management program all the “bells and whistles” many times are ineffective. This episode will discuss culture: what it is, how you evaluate your culture from all levels of the organization and how you continually grow the culture. Using her years of experience on the topic, Mary Beth will provide the insight and tools on how you can develop a positive risk culture in your organization, so take a few minutes to listen and figure out where to start!

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012 - FacilityDude University: Why You Should Attend

Mon, 12 Jan 2015 19:15:01 GMT

Join us this week in a brand new podcast as we discuss the ins and outs of our annual conference and why you should attend! FacilityDude University brings facilities, energy and operations professionals from all over the country together to share industry best practices, connect with peers and get hands-on training. You will gain insight into new techniques, products and technology that will help you make a positive difference in your organization and simplify your professional life. You don’t want to miss this podcast and more importantly, you don’t want to miss this conference!

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011 - Abundant Energy Data: What’s Next?

Mon, 29 Dec 2014 19:48:59 GMT

Bob and Tony are back for one last podcast in 2014! Last time they shared about how to read your energy bills and all of the basics of how to get started with your energy management. So, for this episode, they thought it was important to talk about what to do next. How do you take the data you have collected and make smart cost saving decisions? How do you share your energy savings with your staff to make sure you are rewarding and recognizing energy saving habits? How do you set goals based on the raw energy data you already have? Have you thought about performance contracts?

Join us for this eleventh episode where Papa Dude and Tony will take on these questions and much more!

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010 - Energy Management 101

Mon, 15 Dec 2014 20:17:11 GMT

Bob and Tony tackle the basics of Energy Management in the tenth episode of the FacilityDude Podcast. Knowing where to start, what to track, how to read your bill, and everything in between is the topic of discussion this week. Do you know what you are looking for on your bill and how to start making an impact on your energy usage and costs? The guys share some industry examples they have come across over the years of people doing just that by simply knowing what to look for and how to get started.

Don’t miss this opportunity to get a jumpstart on your energy savings for the upcoming year with some of these basic tips and tricks!

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009 - It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas

Mon, 08 Dec 2014 19:57:02 GMT

Tony Butler and Bob “Papa Dude” Bittner are back to help you prepare your facility for the holidays. With all of the lists that you have to make and check off during this season, you don’t want to miss the most important one…your facility preparation checklist! Bob will help you make your list and check it twice to ensure nothing gets left off or forgotten while you are away from the building. Are all the space heaters unplugged? Are you saving energy by shutting down the parts of the building you are not using? Have you followed safety protocols for decorating? Whether your facility is completely shutting down or just running on a reduced staff, here are some tips and tricks to make it a safe and happy holiday season!

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008 - Benchmarking Your KPIs, Part Two

Mon, 01 Dec 2014 18:01:26 GMT

Join Bob and Tony for the second half of the discussion about Key Performance Indicators and what you should be tracking to be able to benchmark these later down the line!

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007 - Benchmarking your KPIs, Part One

Tue, 25 Nov 2014 18:25:48 GMT

Bob and Tony are back to talk about Key Performance Indicators or KPIs. Knowing what work to track and how that work stands up to industry standards and your peers will go a long way in your ability to show your success and productivity at your facility.

Don't miss the first of this two part series just in time to start planning for 2015!

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006 - Five Thoughts About Winter Planned Maintenance

Mon, 17 Nov 2014 05:00:00 GMT

Bob “Papa Dude” Bitner and Tony Butler share some turkey talk about winter planned maintenance. They take a look at five areas you should be thinking about this winter when it comes to preparing your facility for this winter season.

1. Employee Training – This can include a review of OSHA regulations, safety procedures and equipment operation.

2. Take Inventory – Make sure you have enough snow removal equipment and that it’s working properly. Also check to see if you have enough salt and ice melt.

3. Inspect for Potential Problem Area – Look for potential issues with pipes that are exposed and sprinkler systems. Also do a full building inspection. Check the air dampers as well as the roof.

4. Planning and Prioritization – When there is a winter weather emergency be prepared with proper scheduling, plan for who does what and what needs to be done when.

5. Review Communications Plans – Make sure employees know where to look for winter weather policies and notifications. Make sure they review these plans to understand what to do in case of an emergency.

Please be sure to leave a review of this podcast and help other facility professionals find this free resource. Please visit the FacilityDude Blog for the latest insights on facility operations and management

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005 - Five Utility Management Best Practices

Mon, 10 Nov 2014 18:58:51 GMT

We’re getting into the colder seasons. This change in season means higher gas bills, higher electric bills and more consumption by our facilities to create comfortable environments. Bob “Papa Dude” Bitner and Tony Butler discuss some best practices to help you prepare for the fall and winter seasons.

It’s important that you understand how to manage your utilities. You can’t manage what you don’t know. Take a look at and understand your utility bills. Work with your accounts payable staff to review the utility bills. While they look at the dollars that are spent on utilities, help them understand how you look at utility usage. For example, explain how kBTU usage per square foot is used to normalize energy usage across different buildings.

Papa Dude also points out how benchmarking facility’s utility usage against other buildings with similar profiles. This can help to identify if you have an issue that needs to be resolved. You can also refer to EnergyStar.gov to help you with benchmarking.

Utility Management Best Practices

1. Know your data

2. Know your facility’s utilization

3. Know your facility systems and why utility types they use.

4. Turn off unused equipment. Show the impact of this by publishing utility usage by employees.

5. Look into technology. For example, occupancy sensory, Energy Star certified equipment and building automation.

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004 - Getting Buy-in Part 2

Mon, 03 Nov 2014 05:00:00 GMT

Bob “Papa Dude” Bitner and Tony Butler share three ways you can work with your staff to get buy-in and accomplish the work that needs to be done.

Papa Dude takes a moment to reflect on his career and puts into perspective how his work helped contributed to some pretty major accomplishments in human history. These include being part of the teams that set the deepest dive record, kept the smallest baby born alive and developed a major migraine drug. This all going into understand how your team is part of the bigger picture and helping them understand that.

Here are the three points that Papa Dude and Tony make

1. Understand the value of the mission – Do this by creating and maintaining and environment for success

2. Empower and enable your staff - Remove roadblocks, become their trusted advisor and contribute to change instead of resisting it.

3. Draw on their strengths - find their passion and incorporate that into their work

Please be sure to leave a review of this podcast and help other facility professionals find this free resource. Please visit our blog at http://www.facilitydude.com/blog for the latest insights on facility operations and management

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003 - Getting Buy-In, Part 1

Mon, 27 Oct 2014 03:54:50 GMT

Papa Dude and Tony sit down to discuss how to get buy-in as a facility manager. In part one, Papa Dude and Tony describe three points to consider when working to get buy-in.

1. Develop a common language. A lot of times, your C-suite doesn't speak your language and visa versa. Generally, this is because of a lack of understanding of responsibilities and goals.

2. Lay out requirements in a needs format. Develop a Service Level Agreement with management so that expectations are clear. Help them understand what happens when requirements like fire, life and safety inspections are neglected because of your team being taken off task.

3. Create a mutual understanding. Become a trusted advisor. You're the expert on the ground. If you develop a trusting relationship with the C-suite you are more likely to achieve more of your goals.

Next week, Papa Dude and Tony will discuss how to get buy-in from your team. So stay subsribed for part 2!

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002 - Accidents Don't Happen

Mon, 20 Oct 2014 04:00:00 GMT

Thank you for listening to episode 002 of the FacilityDude Podcast, hosted by Bob "Papa Dude" Bitner and Tony Butler!

In this episode Papa Dude and Tony discuss how accidents don't happen and why they are predictable. They stress three reason why this is the case. The first is that frequently there's an issue with understanding OSHA requirements. Second, facility operations staff must have the proper tools to do their job. Third, involves the proper training of staff. All lead to helping understand why something has happened by analyzing the aftermath of the accident and answering the time old question of, "Why did it happen?"

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001 - The Evolution of Facility Management

Fri, 03 Oct 2014 15:07:19 GMT

Welcome to the first episode of the FacilityDude Podcast, hosted by Bob "Papa Dude" Bitner and Tony Butler!

In this first episode Papa Dude and Tony take a historical look at where facility operations management has come from to where it is today. Discover it's beginnings in America from the boiler room to how FEMA and OSHA have influenced the profession today.

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