Asset Champion Podcast | Physical Asset Management | Facility Management | Facilities Maintenance and Operations Eptura™

Lesley Groff, CFM, IFMA Fellow is Facilities Manager at Pep Boys and Randy Groff, CFM, SFP is Director of Facilities and Energy at Four Seasons Produce while they are both passionate about FM and active members of IFMA. Mike Petrusky asks Lesley and Randy about their career journeys, finding each other, and the importance of connecting with a supportive network or "tribe" in the asset management industry. They explore the need to diversify knowledge and experience in facility management to add more value to organizations while gaining insights and learning from the experiences of other professionals. Mike finds out that Lesley and Randy also enjoy 80’s rock and they offer inspiration for continuous career growth and discovering new opportunities as they provide the encouragement you need to be an Asset Champion!
Connect with Lesley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesley-groff-cfm-ifma-fellow-b6032515/
Connect with Randy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randy-groff-cfm-sfp-47b6a413/
Learn more about IFMA: https://www.ifma.org/
Watch Mike’s “On My Way To Work” video series on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSkmmkVFvM4E39sM-pNaGhLoG0dkM947o
Learn more about Eptura™: https://eptura.com/
Discover free resources and explore past interviews at: https://assetchampion.iofficecorp.com/
Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikepetrusky/
 

James Waddell is President and Chief Revenue Officer at Cognitive Corp where he is passionate about transforming the built environment through AI. Recorded live at IFMA’s Facility Fusion in Boston, Mike Petrusky asks James how organizations can adopt AI in FM and enable “AI Champions” who are given free rein to experiment to find what works. James believes that AI can be a tool for optimization in facility management by analyzing large sets of data from various sources and providing practical advice. He shares how AI can be used to offload mundane tasks, giving individuals more time to focus on strategic tasks and offers a practical use case to help in energy savings and carbon reduction by optimizing the usage of HVAC systems. Mike and James explore how we should be enhancing our emotional intelligence, which is still a human superpower, as we adapt, innovate and seek to be an Asset Champion in our organizations!
Connect with James on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jcwaddell/
Learn more about Cognitive Corp: https://www.cognitive-corp.com/
Watch Mike’s “On My Way To Work” video series on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSkmmkVFvM4E39sM-pNaGhLoG0dkM947o
Learn more about Eptura™: https://eptura.com/
Discover free resources and explore past interviews at: https://assetchampion.iofficecorp.com/
Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikepetrusky/
 

Audrey Schultz, Ph.D. is Chairperson and Professor of Construction Management, Facilities Management & Real Estate Practice Programs at Pratt Institute where she is passionate about the importance of education and innovation in the future of the built environment. Mike Petrusky asks Audrey about her philosophy for empowering the next generation of FM leaders as there is a need for continuous learning with the rapid changes and advancements in the industry. Mike and Audrey explore how technology is becoming increasingly important in the facilities management and construction management industry, with tools like drones and digital twins streamlining processes and increasing efficiency. Audrey believes the industry needs to focus more on sustainability, with initiatives like the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals being integrated into education programs. Mike and Audrey agree that networking and public speaking are crucial skills for success in FM and they recommend that students take courses and participate in events that will help them develop these skills. Tune in for the inspiration and encouragement you need to be an Asset Champion in your organization!
Connect with Audrey on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/audrey-schultz-ph-d-a0a3bb9/
Learn more about Pratt Institute: https://www.pratt.edu/
Watch Mike’s “On My Way To Work” video series on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSkmmkVFvM4E39sM-pNaGhLoG0dkM947o
Learn more about Eptura™: https://eptura.com/
Discover free resources and explore past interviews at: https://assetchampion.iofficecorp.com/
Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikepetrusky/
 

Cassandra Yocum is Technical Marketing Manager at Autodesk Tandem, where she is passionate about educating the AECO industries about the digital twin while using her “very particular set of skills”. Mike Petrusky asks Cassandra about her role as host of The Digital Thread Podcast and they share stories of connection through their experiences as podcasters and their common interests in movies and Irish music. They explore the opportunities in asset management for using technology and get practical by defining and describing the digital twin while also explaining the differences and confusion around BIM. Research shows that 95% of all data is lost at project handover while 85% of building operators struggle with poor and fragmented data, contributing to inefficient decision making and processes. Mike and Cassandra discuss how facility managers and building owners should collaborate with AEC firms to help them build, create, and leverage the power of the digital twin. They offer inspiration and lots of laughs as they encourage you to be an Asset Champion in your organization!
Connect with Cassandra on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassandravagher/
Check out The Digital Thread Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcuPmjjwqWK_GkjMIvUoc1Fgh9lvMYv0m
Learn more about Autodesk Tandem: https://intandem.autodesk.com/
Watch Mike’s “On My Way To Work” video series on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSkmmkVFvM4E39sM-pNaGhLoG0dkM947o
Learn more about Eptura™: https://eptura.com/
Discover free resources and explore past interviews at: https://assetchampion.iofficecorp.com/
Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikepetrusky/
 

Randall Niznick, DCP, FMP is a self-published author and professional services executive working in Corporate Real Estate Services as Senior Director of Operations at JLL. He is passionate about contributing to growth, efficiency, and profitability through exceptional customer relationship management and vendor partnerships. Mike Petrusky asks Randy about his thoughts on how military veterans can leverage their skills and experiences in the facility management industry. They discuss his new book, “In Service To Others – A US Navy Seabee’s Journey” in which Randy shares his career story and provides insights into the transition from military service to FM and corporate leadership positions. Continuous learning and upskilling are crucial in today’s fast-changing marketplace, so Mike and Randy explore the power of networking, IFMA relationships and offer you the inspiration needed to be an Asset Champion in your organization!
Register for the Eptura Product Event on April 16: https://lp.eptura.com/webinar-power-of-one-april-24.html
Connect with Randall on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rniznick/
Buy Randy’s book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Service-Others-Navy-Seabees-Journey-ebook/dp/B0CTFZXX73
Watch Mike’s “On My Way To Work” video series on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSkmmkVFvM4E39sM-pNaGhLoG0dkM947o
Learn more about Eptura™: https://eptura.com/
Discover free resources and explore past interviews at: https://assetchampion.iofficecorp.com/
Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikepetrusky/
 

Tom Sicola is an Executive Business and Leadership Coach specializing in CRE operations and engineering, with a particular focus on helping transitioning accounts achieve long-term success. Mike Petrusky asks Tom about his career journey, including over a decade at JLL, and how continuous learning and staying updated with changes in the industry is essential for professionals in the built environment. They explore the significant challenges of change and uncertainty FM leaders face today, including finding more talent in the built environment, rebalancing real estate portfolios, and implementing return-to-office policies. Mike and Tom agree that change management is often poorly handled because of fear and anxiety from leaders and there's a need for a culture that encourages learning opportunities that can come from experiencing failure. Tune in for the inspiration and encouragement you need to be an Asset Champion in your organization!
Register for the Eptura Product Event on April 16: https://lp.eptura.com/webinar-power-of-one-april-24.html
Connect with Tom on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomsicola/
Discover more about Tom’s coaching services: https://www.sicolainsights.com/
Watch Mike’s “On My Way To Work” video series on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSkmmkVFvM4E39sM-pNaGhLoG0dkM947o
Learn more about Eptura™: https://eptura.com/
Discover free resources and explore past interviews at: https://assetchampion.iofficecorp.com/
Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikepetrusky/