Hard Refresh | An ISSA Podcast

ISSA Technology and Innovation Committee

Hosted by Karina Neff and Caden Hutchens, Hard Refresh is the official podcast of the ISSA Technology & Innovation Committee. We’re bringing the latest in cleaning industry technology straight to your ears—breaking down trends, challenging assumptions, and spotlighting the innovators shaping the future. Whether you run a cleaning business, manage in-house facilities, or support the industry, Hard Refresh is your go-to source for insights, discussions, and expert interviews. 🚀 Subscribe now and stay ahead of the curve in cleaning tech!

  1. 10月16日

    Cowboys, Code & a Little Halloween Chaos 🎃 | E29 – Hard Refresh – An ISSA Podcast

    It’s Halloween on Hard Refresh — and things get a little western. 🤠 Caden Hutchens and Karina Neff saddle up with Brian Lee, owner of Express Time Solutions, for a faith-filled, tech-twistingconversation about leadership, service, and the heart behind innovation. From cleaning theaters at 3 a.m. to building one of theindustry’s leading software companies, Brian shares how faith, family, and humility shape everything he does — and why serving customers isn’t so different from ministry. Quick Control: Catch the ISSA Innovation & Tech Committee in Las Vegas:Caden speaking on Monday, Nov. 10 (1:45–2:45)CLX session on Tuesday, Nov. 11 (2:30–3:30)AI In Action session on Wednesday, Nov. 12 (2:30–3:30)Come see Brian and the Express Time Solutions team at the ISSA Show North America — Booth #3459!Last episode: Evolving Client Expectations with Lisa Macqueen (Ep. 28) Clear Cache: Two Truths and a Lie: Heart attack at 17, two holes-in-one, wrecked the church vanThe leap from ministry to software leadershipBuilding a business rooted in humility, faith, and serviceWhy technology still needs people at the heart of connectionStewardship in leadership and family — and what it means to “work as unto the Lord” 💡 “Technology is good, but it doesn’t replace people. It’s not magic — you still have to go out and do something about it.” 🎧 Subscribe & Follow Hard Refresh on Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Connect with the Hosts & Guest:Caden Hutchens – https://www.linkedin.com/in/caden-hutchens/Karina Neff – https://www.linkedin.com/in/karina-neff-01b0782a/Brian Lee – https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-lee-11909011a/ 👥 Join the ISSA Tech & InnovationCommunity on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13063462/

    41 分鐘
  2. 10月1日

    Evolving Client Expectations | E28 – Hard Refresh – An ISSA Podcast

    Evolving Client Expectations | E28 – Hard Refresh – An ISSA Podcast In this episode of Hard Refresh, hosts Caden Hutchens and Karina Neff sit down with Lisa Macqueen, Co-Founder & Director at CleanCorp, to talk about how client expectations are evolving and what building service contractors need to do to keep up. From strategic partnerships to company culture, Lisa brings more than 30 years of perspective on what it takes to win in today’s cleaning industry. In This Episode: 🔹 Quick Control: Be sure to catch the Innovation & Tech Committee at the ISSA Show in Las Vegas:• Caden is speaking on Monday, Nov. 10 (1:45–2:45)• CLX session on Tuesday, Nov. 11 (2:30–3:30)• AI Rapid Fire session on Wednesday, Nov. 12 (2:30–3:30) Last episode: Humanizing Technology in Client Relationships with Tim Cullinan (Ep. 27) 🔹 Clear Cache: Lisa chooses Roasted by AI instead of Two Truths & a Lie How client expectations have shifted from service delivery to strategic partnership Why culture and retention are tied directly to client satisfaction The challenge of balancing growth with consistency and trust Lessons from Lisa’s three decades leading CleanCorp 💡 “Let’s face it, outside of our industry, there’s not really a lot of people advocating for us. There are misconceptions — very old ones — and it’s up to us to change the way people think.” 🎧 Subscribe & Follow Hard Refresh on Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Connect with the Hosts & Guest:Caden Hutchens – https://www.linkedin.com/in/caden-hutchens/Karina Neff – https://www.linkedin.com/in/karina-neff-01b0782a/Lisa Macqueen – https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisamacqueen/ 👥 Join the ISSA Tech & Innovation Community on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13063462/

    40 分鐘
  3. 9月24日

    Humanizing Technology in Client Relationships | E27 – Hard Refresh – An ISSA Podcast

    In this episode of Hard Refresh, hosts Caden Hutchens and Karina Neff sit down with Tim Cullinan of Janitronics to explore how technology can strengthen client relationships without losing the human connection. From proactive quality control to the simple act of remembering custodians by name, this conversation digs into the balance between data, trust, and people. In This Episode: 🔹 Quick Control: Don’t miss the VEO Conference: https://issa.com/veo Be sure to catch the Innovation & Tech Committee at the ISSA Show in Las Vegas:• Caden is speaking on Monday, Nov. 10 (1:45–2:45)• CLX session on Tuesday, Nov. 11 (2:30–3:30)• AI Rapid Fire session on Wednesday, Nov. 12 (2:30–3:30) Last episode: Faith, Tech & Timeless Lessons with David Lee (Ep. 26) 🔹 Clear Cache: Two Truths & a Lie: Rome, Dave Chappelle, and Hispanic Heritage Month Why client trust is built by people—and how tech supports it Making quality control proactive and collaborative Humanizing technology so it feels warm, not cold Day staff as part of the client’s “family,” with tech backing their impact The ultimate goal of data: creating space to serve people better 💡 “Technology in itself doesn’t create trust with our clients. Our clients trust us as people.” 🎧 Subscribe & Follow Hard Refresh on Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Connect with the Hosts & Guest:Caden Hutchens – https://www.linkedin.com/in/caden-hutchens/Karina Neff – https://www.linkedin.com/in/karina-neff-01b0782a/Tim Cullinan – https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-cullinan-13508241/ 👥 Join the ISSA Tech & Innovation Community on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13063462/

    35 分鐘
  4. 9月17日

    Faith, Tech & Timeless Lessons | E26 – Hard Refresh – An ISSA Podcast

    In this episode of Hard Refresh, hosts Caden Hutchens and Karina Neff sit down with David Lee, longtime industry leader and entrepreneur, for a conversation that spans faith, family,technology, and the business lessons only decades in the field can teach. From building teams and avoiding “monsters” in softwaredevelopment to reframing what AI really means, David brings a wisdom-first perspective that challenges leaders to think beyond short-term gains and build with purpose. In This Episode: 🔹 Quick Control: Don’t miss the VEO Conference later this month: https://veoconference.com/veo-conference-siteWatch for registration for CLX in Las VegasCatch last week’s episode: Trusting the Data with Tim Moriarty (Ep. 25) 🔹 Clear Cache: Two Truths & a Lie: buying a brand-new home at 18, skiingin Hawaii, and getting a friend’s daughter on the 40-yard line at a New OrleansSaints game to sing the National AnthemGod, family, and work as an integrated life modelThe dangers of overbuilding tech and creating “monsters” no one can useWhy AI is less about artificial intelligence and more aboutartificial influenceLessons from decades of leadership in cleaning and softwareServing people with excellence, not chasing money as the end goalWhy timeless principles still guide the future of innovation💡 “AI doesn’t stand for artificial intelligence. It stands for artificial influence—because true intelligence comes from a creator.” 🎧 Subscribe & Follow Hard Refresh on Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Connect with the Hosts & Guest:Caden Hutchens – https://www.linkedin.com/in/caden-hutchens/Karina Neff – https://www.linkedin.com/in/karina-neff-01b0782a/David Lee – https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-lee-43840612/ 👥 Join the ISSA Tech & InnovationCommunity on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13063462/

    36 分鐘
  5. 9月10日

    Trusting the Data: How to Turn Insights into Action | E25 – Hard Refresh – An ISSA Podcast

    📊 What if your next best decision wasn’t a guess—but a calculation? In this episode of Hard Refresh, hosts Caden Hutchens and Karina Neff are joined by Tim Moriarty, Co-Founder of Data Insights Consulting and member of the ISSA Technology &Innovation Committee. Together, they dive into the emotional and operational sides of working with data—and how smart systems, built with trust and clarity, can drive real results. In This Episode: 🔹 Quick Control: Watch the Customer Retention Webinar:https://www.issa.com/articles/what-does-best-in-class-customer-retention-look-like-for-a-building-service-contractor-bsc/CLX Las Vegas is coming soon—register today!Don’t forget to support the VEO Conference: https://www.issa.com/events/veo-conference/(Caden’s emceeing the gala 👀) 🔹 Clear Cache: Two Truths & a Lie: Power BI workouts, state championships, and Lawrence TaylorWhat’s actually missing in dashboards (hint: it’s not math)Why common language is more important than correct formulas“Retention is the new growth” – how to measure the dollars you already have NPS scores, data storytelling, and building trust across rolesHow to combat survivorship bias and gut-based decision-makingData governance tips that don’t require a PhDHidden Figures and Hidden KPIs—how emotional intelligence affects adoptionWhy AI isn’t replacing you—it’s making you a cyborg (in the best way)Final advice from Tim: know the question before you chase the answer 💡 “People fear data because they think it’s replacing them. It’s not—it’s enhancing their job. The question is: are you ready to trust it?” 🎧 Subscribe & Follow Hard Refresh on Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Connect with the Hosts & Guest:Caden Hutchens – https://www.linkedin.com/in/caden-hutchens/Karina Neff – https://www.linkedin.com/in/karina-neff-01b0782a/Tim Moriarty – https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-m-992879a0/ 👥 Join the ISSA Tech & InnovationCommunity on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13063462/

    25 分鐘
  6. 8月29日

    Inside the VEO Movement | E24 – Hard Refresh – An ISSA Podcast

    🎤 In this special episode of Hard Refresh, Caden and Karina pause the usual format—no guest, no Two Truths & a Lie—to talk candidly about one of the most meaningful initiatives tohit the industry: the inaugural VEO Conference. Together, they reflect on the why behind the event, the impact of the Hispanic community in the cleaning industry, and whatit means to create space, recognition, and real opportunity for those driving frontline operations across the U.S. In This Episode: 🔹 Quick Control: Hard Refresh programming interrupted for this special edition takeoverVEO Conference: One month away—don’t miss this inaugural eventRegister here: https://www.issa.com/events/veo-conference/Use code VEO20 for a discount🔹 Clear Cache: The emotional “why” behind Karina’s mission to launch VEO70% of our industry’s frontline is Hispanic—why that must shape leadership strategyWho VEO is for: business owners, managers, frontline team members, and alliesFrom gala awards to high-impact education: what makes this event differentCultural representation and why it matters for scalable changeIndustry leaders stepping up: sessions on job costing, M&A, women in leadership, inclusive hygiene, and moreA rallying cry: how every part of the industry can help elevate the community that built it 💡 “This isn’t just a party. It’s a movement. A moment. A chance to show up for the people who show up for us every single day.” 🎧 Subscribe & Follow Hard Refresh on Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Connect with the Hosts:Caden Hutchens – https://www.linkedin.com/in/caden-hutchens/Karina Neff – https://www.linkedin.com/in/karina-neff-01b0782a/

    18 分鐘
  7. 8月20日

    The Power of IoT in Facility Services | E23 – Hard Refresh – An ISSA Podcast

    📶 In this episode of Hard Refresh, hosts Caden Hutchens and Karina Neff sit down with John Kunzier, CEO and President of Invisible Sun Technology, to explore how IoT is reshaping janitorial services—from demand-driven cleaning to real-time proof of service. With decades of experience across tech, marketing, and construction, John shares a fresh, field-tested perspective on using data to drive staffing, compliance, and smarter operations—without creating fear or complexity. In This Episode: 🔹 Quick Control: Catch last week’s episode: Flipping the Script on Tech Friction with Libby DeLucien (Ep. 22) 🔹 Clear Cache: Two Truths & a Lie: The Panama Canal, Division I volleyball, and the Appalachian TrailWhy transparency and IoT shouldn’t scare middle managersUsing smart sensors to reduce scope creep and track outcomes in real time“Data-influenced” leadership vs. data-obsessed micromanagementHow IoT helped a hospital make the case for more staff within two weeksThe gap between building automation and janitorial tech—and how to close itWhy labor is still the biggest cost—and the biggest opportunity for smart techAdvice for service leaders who want to bring clients along the innovation journey 💡 Whether you’re trying to prove value,manage teams better, or implement smarter tools, this episode breaks down howIoT can support better outcomes—not just more oversight. 🎧 Subscribe & Follow HardRefresh on Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Connect with the Hosts & Guest:Caden Hutchens – https://www.linkedin.com/in/caden-hutchens/Karina Neff – https://www.linkedin.com/in/karina-neff-01b0782a/John Kunzier – https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnkunzier215527978/

    47 分鐘
  8. 8月13日

    Flipping the Script on Tech Friction | E22 – Hard Refresh – An ISSA Podcast

    💡In this episode of Hard Refresh, host Caden Hutchens is flying solo and sitting down with the powerhouse behind WootRecruit and Sell Convert Clean—Libby DeLucien. From scaling residential cleaning during COVID to building multiple SaaS brands, Libby shares how to avoid tech overload, reduce operational friction, and build smarter systems before you buy the software. If you’ve ever said “we’ll fix it with tech,” this one’s for you. In This Episode: 🔹 Quick Control: August 26 Webinar: What Does Best-in-Class Building Retention Look Like? – Led by Gerald Fong (BrightGo) and guestsNext CLX Event: September 23 — AI for Customer Relationship Management (digital learning experience)🔹 Clear Cache: AI-generated roast: KPIs in your coffee, CVS-length email signatures, and moreWhy cleaning companies are actually “SaaS businesses in disguise”The trap of solving every problem with softwareLibby’s "tech stack house cleaning" method for reducing bloatWhy you should build your process first—on paper—before choosing toolsFrom chaos :arrow_right: order :arrow_right: automation: The right sequence for scalingHow Sell Convert Clean turned from a web quoting tool into a quoting systemProactive vs. reactive automation: Don’t just fix problems—prevent them💬 “Don’t automate chaos. Get clear on what you’re doing, why, and who it’s for—then go shopping for software.” 🎧 Subscribe & Follow Hard Refresh on Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Connect with the Host & Guest: Caden Hutchens – https://www.linkedin.com/in/caden-hutchens/ Libby DeLucien – https://www.linkedin.com/in/libbydelucien/

    22 分鐘

簡介

Hosted by Karina Neff and Caden Hutchens, Hard Refresh is the official podcast of the ISSA Technology & Innovation Committee. We’re bringing the latest in cleaning industry technology straight to your ears—breaking down trends, challenging assumptions, and spotlighting the innovators shaping the future. Whether you run a cleaning business, manage in-house facilities, or support the industry, Hard Refresh is your go-to source for insights, discussions, and expert interviews. 🚀 Subscribe now and stay ahead of the curve in cleaning tech!