Facility Voices

David Trask, National Director, ARC Facilities

The Facility Voices podcast is brought to you by ARC Facilities – Providing Instant Mobile Access to Building Information for on-the-go Facilities teams. To learn more about our Smart Building Technology for the Built Space, visit arcfacilities.com.   Your host is David Trask, National Director and Industry Speaker at ARC Facilities.  David  brings you  stories from the front lines of Facilities via conversations with Facilities Management leaders from across the nation. You'll hear real-world stories about leadership, coaching, mentorship, a day in the life of, and so much more!   

  1. 22H AGO

    From Psychology to Property Management: Lessons in Leadership and Maintenance

    On this episode of Facility Voices, host David Trask sits down with Geoffrey Boss, Director of Property Management at Carnegie Management and Development, to explore a facilities career shaped by adaptability, curiosity, and a willingness to learn on the job. Geoffrey’s path into facilities management wasn’t linear. With undergraduate and graduate degrees in psychology, he began his career far from property operations before finding himself in a mall maintenance department—an experience that ultimately launched a decades-long journey through retail, third-party management, and now a national portfolio of nearly four million square feet. Geoffrey shares how Carnegie’s design-build-hold model creates a unique advantage in long-term asset management, particularly across complex government healthcare leases. From navigating thousand-page VA agreements to balancing preventive maintenance with financial performance in retail spaces, he reflects on the importance of relationships, education, and staying curious. Tune in to hear Geoffrey Boss’s story and insights from the front lines of facilities management. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Each episode of Facility Voices includes supplementary content that expands on key themes and insights from the conversation. You can find that additional material at: https://www.arcfacilities.com/facilityvoices --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Geoffrey Boss is Director of Property Management at Carnegie Management and Development Corporation, with nearly 30 years of experience across retail, commercial, and government facilities. He oversees more than 4 million square feet nationwide, including retail centers, office buildings, and federal properties. A graduate of Cleveland State University and The University of Akron, Geoffrey has served as President of IFMA’s Northern Ohio Chapter and holds multiple industry credentials, including DDCP, FMP, and SFP. Thanks for listening. Follow David Trask on LinkedIn to share feedback. Visit the ARC Facilities LinkedIn page ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The views and opinions expressed by third-party guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of ARC Facilities and ARC Document Solutions. We provide a platform for diverse perspectives and discussions and ARC Facilities/ARC Document Solutions assumes no responsibility or liability for the accuracy or completeness of the content provided by our third-party guests.

    29 min
  2. FEB 17

    Design Meets Operations: Navigating Change in Healthcare Facilities

    In this episode of Facility Voices, David Trask sits down with Jeff O’Neill, Vice President of Plant Operations at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, for a thoughtful conversation about bridging design and operations in complex healthcare environments. An architect by training, Jeff began his career at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs before moving into healthcare consulting and later stepping into leadership roles at Penn Medicine. Today, he oversees both capital projects and day-to-day plant operations within the RWJBarnabas Health system. Jeff shares how his dual perspective helps break down silos between construction and maintenance teams, why rounding with frontline staff leads to meaningful wins, and how small solutions—like improving elevator security—can have an outsized impact on safety and morale. He also reflects on leadership transitions, workforce development, and the growing importance of deferred maintenance in an era of rising construction costs. Tune in to hear Jeff O’Neill’s story and insights from the front lines of facilities management.  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Each episode of Facility Voices includes supplementary content that expands on key themes and insights from the conversation. You can find that additional material at: https://www.arcfacilities.com/facilityvoices  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jeff O’Neill is Vice President of Plant Operations at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, New Jersey, part of the RWJBarnabas Health system, where he oversees plant operations and capital projects. He began his career with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and has since led healthcare design, development, and facilities operations from both the architect and owner perspectives. Jeff holds a Bachelor of Architecture from The Catholic University of America, along with ACHA and CHFM certifications, and is active with AIA, ASHE, the International Code Council, and the Facility Guidelines Institute.  Thanks for listening. Follow David Trask on LinkedIn to share feedback. Visit the ARC Facilities LinkedIn page ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The views and opinions expressed by third-party guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of ARC Facilities and ARC Document Solutions. We provide a platform for diverse perspectives and discussions and ARC Facilities/ARC Document Solutions assumes no responsibility or liability for the accuracy or completeness of the content provided by our third-party guests.

    43 min
  3. FEB 10

    From Architecture to Operations: Prioritizing Maintenance and Energy Efficiency in Education

    In this episode of Facility Voices, host David Trask speaks with Burke Jones, Director of Operations at Derby Public Schools, about a professional journey that moves from architecture into the realities of school operations. After more than 26 years in design, Burke explains what drew him to K–12 facilities leadership and how his architectural background helps him think strategically about maintenance, infrastructure, and long-term planning. Their conversation takes a practical look at aging school buildings, the challenge of prioritizing critical systems, and the constant tension between reactive repairs and proactive investment. Burke also shares how his district approaches energy efficiency, focusing first on operational improvements and measurable data before making major capital decisions. Along the way, he reflects on workforce shortages in the trades, capturing institutional knowledge, and why facilities teams play a direct role in student comfort, learning, and community pride. Tune in to hear Burke Jones’s story and insights from the front lines of facilities management. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Each episode of Facility Voices includes supplementary content that expands on key themes and insights from the conversation. You can find that additional material at: https://www.arcfacilities.com/facilityvoices  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Burke Jones, FMP serves as the Director of Operations for Derby Public Schools, where he leads district-wide facilities, maintenance, custodial, transportation, energy management, and capital project coordination. With a Facility Management Professional (FMP) designation and a foundational background in architecture, Burke brings a strategic lens to managing the built environment of K–12 education. At Derby, he oversees operational planning, preventative maintenance, and infrastructure investments that support safe and functional learning spaces. Burke is a frequent voice in facilities management circles, sharing insights on the connection between school operations, culture, and student success through thought leadership and professional discussions online.  Thanks for listening. Follow David Trask on LinkedIn to share feedback. Visit the ARC Facilities LinkedIn page ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The views and opinions expressed by third-party guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of ARC Facilities and ARC Document Solutions. We provide a platform for diverse perspectives and discussions and ARC Facilities/ARC Document Solutions assumes no responsibility or liability for the accuracy or completeness of the content provided by our third-party guests.

    32 min
  4. JAN 27

    From the Trades to Policy: Centralizing Facilities for Efficiency & Resilience

    In this episode of Facility Voices, Eric Krause, Director of Regional Facilities Hospital Operations at Allina Health, shares a career journey that began in the trades and grew into system-level leadership. Eric reflects on starting as a plumber, building deep hands-on experience in healthcare environments, and how that foundation continues to shape his approach to facilities operations today. The conversation explores Allina Health’s move to centralize facilities teams, breaking down silos to improve consistency, efficiency, and collaboration across hospitals. Eric discusses what it takes to standardize “where it makes sense,” balance rural and metro needs, and use risk-based decision-making to prioritize capital projects and aging infrastructure. Throughout the episode, he emphasizes the value of institutional knowledge, trusted vendor partnerships, and investing in frontline teams to build resilience for the future. Tune in to hear Eric Krause’s story and insights from the front lines of facilities management. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Each episode of Facility Voices includes supplementary content that expands on key themes and insights from the conversation. You can find that additional material at: https://www.arcfacilities.com/facilityvoices  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Eric Krause is the Director of Regional Hospital Facilities Operations at Allina Health, overseeing facilities across seven hospitals. With a career that began in the trades as a master plumber, he brings deep technical expertise to healthcare facilities leadership and infrastructure planning. Eric is dual-certified as a CHFM and CHC and remains active in industry leadership through professional associations focused on advancing healthcare engineering and operations.  Thanks for listening. Follow David Trask on LinkedIn to share feedback. Visit the ARC Facilities LinkedIn page ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The views and opinions expressed by third-party guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of ARC Facilities and ARC Document Solutions. We provide a platform for diverse perspectives and discussions and ARC Facilities/ARC Document Solutions assumes no responsibility or liability for the accuracy or completeness of the content provided by our third-party guests.

    36 min
  5. JAN 20

    Sustainability, Resilience, and Facilities Innovation in Healthcare

    In this episode of Facility Voices, the conversation turns to sustainability, resilience, and innovation in healthcare facilities with Richie Stever, Vice President of Real Estate and Construction at the University of Maryland Medical Center. Richie’s career path into facilities management is anything but traditional, moving from finance to hands-on HVAC work before stepping into leadership roles overseeing millions of square feet of complex healthcare environments. Along the way, he’s built a reputation for saying yes to challenges and learning fast, whether that meant leading infrastructure projects, navigating the operational chaos of COVID-era mass vaccination sites, or expanding oversight across a rapidly growing real estate portfolio. Richie shares how sustainability is most effective when it’s designed into buildings from the start, not layered on after the fact. He explains how healthcare systems can pursue ambitious environmental goals while still prioritizing reliability, patient safety, and financial responsibility. The discussion highlights practical examples of resilience, long-term thinking, and teamwork that resonate far beyond healthcare. Tune in to hear Richie Stever’s story and insights from the front lines of facilities management. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Each episode of Facility Voices includes supplementary content that expands on key themes and insights from the conversation. You can find that additional material at: https://www.arcfacilities.com/facilityvoices  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Richie Stever is Vice President of Real Estate & Construction at the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS), overseeing a 12-hospital portfolio of more than 500 properties and a $1.5B capital program. He leads enterprise real estate strategy, capital delivery, and sustainability initiatives, bringing a collaborative approach to advancing cost discipline, schedule certainty, supplier diversity, and UMMS’s long-term decarbonization goals.  Thanks for listening. Follow David Trask on LinkedIn to share feedback. Visit the ARC Facilities LinkedIn page ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The views and opinions expressed by third-party guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of ARC Facilities and ARC Document Solutions. We provide a platform for diverse perspectives and discussions and ARC Facilities/ARC Document Solutions assumes no responsibility or liability for the accuracy or completeness of the content provided by our third-party guests.

    29 min
  6. JAN 13

    Planning, Mentorship, and AI: Challenges, Opportunities, and Innovation

    In this episode of Facility Voices, Brian Dodge, Director of Facilities at Scottsdale Community College, shares a career journey shaped by planning, mentorship, and a willingness to embrace change. Brian didn’t enter facilities management through the traditional trades path. Instead, his experience spans military service, construction, entrepreneurship, and leadership roles that taught him the value of organization, adaptability, and people-first management. Throughout the conversation, he reflects on how those experiences influence his approach today, from long-term campus planning to supporting teams behind the scenes. Brian discusses the often unseen role facilities plays as the backbone of an organization, especially within higher education, where diverse spaces and aging infrastructure demand thoughtful strategy. He also explores the importance of mentorship in developing strong leaders and offers practical advice for those considering a career in facilities management. Looking ahead, Brian shares his perspective on emerging technologies like AI and predictive maintenance, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of the profession. Tune in to hear Brian Dodge’s story and insights from the front lines of facilities management. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Brian Dodge is the Director of Facilities at Scottsdale Community College in Scottsdale, Arizona. With more than 32 years of experience and an IFMA Certified Facility Manager (CFM) credential, Brian brings deep expertise to the field of facilities management. A U.S. Army veteran, he combines strategic thinking, leadership, and technical knowledge to address the complex challenges of maintaining and improving a modern college campus. Beyond his professional role, Brian enjoys traveling and spending quality time with his family. Thanks for listening. Follow David Trask on LinkedIn to share feedback. Visit the ARC Facilities LinkedIn page ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The views and opinions expressed by third-party guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of ARC Facilities and ARC Document Solutions. We provide a platform for diverse perspectives and discussions and ARC Facilities/ARC Document Solutions assumes no responsibility or liability for the accuracy or completeness of the content provided by our third-party guests.

    28 min
  7. JAN 5

    Raising the Roof: Proactive Strategies for Smarter Roof Management

    In this episode of Facility Voices, David Trask sits down with Stephen F. James, founder and principal of Digital Facilities Corporation, to explore the often-overlooked world of roof management and why it plays such a critical role in an organization’s long-term success. Stephen traces his journey from leading a thermoplastic roofing division to launching Digital Facilities in 2002, where he began shaping a more data-driven approach to roofing programs. He and David dig into the hidden risks institutions face when organizational knowledge isn’t preserved, the measurable value of a well-designed roof management strategy, and how documentation—everything from as-builts to defect histories—can make or break operational efficiency. Stephen also sheds light on the complexities of green roofs, solar installations, and age-related failures, emphasizing proactive planning and the importance of owning your data. Tune in to hear Stephen James’s story and insights from the front lines of facilities management. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Steven F. James is the founder and managing director of Digital Facilities Corporation (DFC), established in 2002. DFC provides technology and services for managing building enclosures, paving, and vertical transportation. Its roofing customers oversee 20,000+ buildings and 600 million s/f of installations, including major universities and public institutions. Previously, Steven was VP of Commercial Roofing Operations at JPS Elastomerics and held leadership roles at W.R. Grace Construction Products in fire protection, roofing, waterproofing, and insulation. With nationwide and Canadian business experience, he also serves on ASTM committees for building performance, roofing/waterproofing, and drone assessment standards.   Thanks for listening. Follow David Trask on LinkedIn to share feedback. Visit the ARC Facilities LinkedIn page ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The views and opinions expressed by third-party guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of ARC Facilities and ARC Document Solutions. We provide a platform for diverse perspectives and discussions and ARC Facilities/ARC Document Solutions assumes no responsibility or liability for the accuracy or completeness of the content provided by our third-party guests.

    40 min
  8. 12/16/2025

    Real-Time Insights: How Sensors Transform Facility Management

    In this episode of Facility Voices, David Trask sits down with Charlie Thiel, Chief Revenue Officer at IOTACOM, for a candid conversation about how sensor technology is reshaping the daily reality of facilities teams. Charlie shares his wide-ranging career journey—from years in security technology to consulting across North America—and explains how those experiences led him to IOTACOM’s mission of connecting, collecting, and analyzing data to help people make smarter decisions. Together, David and Charlie explore why digitization in facilities continues to lag behind personal technology adoption, how emerging connectivity standards like LoRaWAN are lowering barriers, and why real-time insights are becoming essential for predictive maintenance, safety, and energy management. Charlie also offers practical advice for organizations starting their sensor journey, emphasizing that small pilot projects often unlock the biggest breakthroughs. Tune in to hear Charlie Thiel’s story and insights from the front lines of facilities management. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  Charlie Thiel is the Chief Revenue Officer at IotaComm, Inc., bringing over three decades of leadership across technology, consulting, and public service, including founding Thiel Strategic, leading business development at CSi, and completing executive education at Wharton. A strong advocate for educational equity, he helped drive Pennsylvania’s first comprehensive equity policy and contributed to the state’s landmark Basic Education Funding Formula while serving on the Allentown School District Board. He now applies his strategic and civic experience to advance IotaComm’s mission of building smarter, safer, more sustainable communities.  Thanks for listening. Follow David Trask on LinkedIn to share feedback. Visit the ARC Facilities LinkedIn page ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The views and opinions expressed by third-party guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of ARC Facilities and ARC Document Solutions. We provide a platform for diverse perspectives and discussions and ARC Facilities/ARC Document Solutions assumes no responsibility or liability for the accuracy or completeness of the content provided by our third-party guests.

    41 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

The Facility Voices podcast is brought to you by ARC Facilities – Providing Instant Mobile Access to Building Information for on-the-go Facilities teams. To learn more about our Smart Building Technology for the Built Space, visit arcfacilities.com.   Your host is David Trask, National Director and Industry Speaker at ARC Facilities.  David  brings you  stories from the front lines of Facilities via conversations with Facilities Management leaders from across the nation. You'll hear real-world stories about leadership, coaching, mentorship, a day in the life of, and so much more!