Maintenance Mindset

Paul Rhodes

Maintenance Mindset is a conversational podcast exploring the real challenges on-site maintenance teams face and how their experiences can help others improve response strategies and prevent future issues. On-site maintenance is more than just fixing things and reducing service request backlogs; it’s about problem-solving, efficiency, and creating better living environments.

  1. há 6 dias

    107 - Murphy's Law and the Multimeter

    Paul Rhodes https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-rhodes-b855572b/ honors his dad with a lesson every maintenance tech needs to hear: Murphy’s Law is not a joke when electricity is involved. A quick shortcut to "just test it with a dummy stick" can be the difference between a safe repair and a fatal mistake. The tools that we use have a specific purpose and while they may work for a different one, the task is always best when performed with one that was designed to accomplish that specific thing. In this episode, Paul explores Murphy's Law and its practical implications for maintenance professionals, emphasizing safety, preparation, and respect for electrical work.Key TopicsMurphy's Law and its relevance to maintenanceThe importance of using a multimeter for electrical diagnosisThe difference between fear and respect in electrical workProper use of lockout tagout proceduresDischarging capacitors safely before repairBattery maintenance for testing toolsThe story of a technician injured due to electrical oversightPractical safety tips for maintenance professionalsChapters00:00 Introduction to Murphy's Law and its relevance to maintenance02:25 Paul shares a personal story about Murphy's Law and safety04:19 The importance of thinking ahead and taking precautions07:44 Using a multimeter versus a dummy stick for electrical diagnosis13:42 Approaching electrical safety with respect versus fear22:53 The critical need for lockout tagout and verifying de-energization28:49 Maintaining and replacing batteries in testing tools for safety🔔 Click subscribe to @MultifamilyMediaNetwork on YouTube and stay up to date on our growing lineup of multifamily industry leaders and must-hear conversations! 📰 Sign up at https://www.multifamilymedianetwork.com/ to receive our newsletter and explore our library of podcasts and blogs from today’s multifamily experts!

  2. 28 de ago.

    106 - Friction and the Make Ready Date

    Friction can be good or bad depending on the application. In a car, friction between the tires and the road is required for progress; in the engine, friction is bad and may be catastrophic. In this episode, Paul Rhodes https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-rhodes-b855572b/ welcomes Ronald Harrington https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronaldharrington/ from the Rooms with Ronald podcast, where the discussion explores how the good and bad friction between the leasing and maintenance teams impacts the make-ready and move-in experience. In addition to sharing stories, Paul and Ronald provide some solutions and possible friction reduction.Key TopicsThe importance of accurate make-ready datesHow communication impacts leasing and maintenancePre-move out inspections and their timingUsing reports to predict apartment readinessEmpowering maintenance with pricing and decision-makingThe ripple effect of scheduling errorsResident experience and move-out processesStrategies for reducing friction in property managementChapters00:00 Introduction to leasing and maintenance relationship02:03 Understanding friction in property management03:48 The impact of apartment readiness on leasing05:54 The importance of accurate make-ready dates08:01 Using reports to track apartment availability09:54 The role of communication in reducing friction12:01 Pre-move out inspections and scheduling13:57 Modern tools versus whiteboards for scheduling15:51 The value of regular huddles and updates18:01 Resident experience and move-out process19:57 Empowering maintenance with pricing and decision-making22:14 Timing of move-out inspections and resident stress24:07 Documentation and communication for damages26:03 The ripple effect of scheduling errors28:07 The importance of cross-departmental trust29:54 Using technology to improve accuracy and efficiency31:50 The impact of lease renewal timing34:09 Key takeaways and next steps34:59 Final thoughts and closing🔔 Click subscribe to @MultifamilyMediaNetwork on YouTube and stay up to date on our growing lineup of multifamily industry leaders and must-hear conversations! 📰 Sign up at https://www.multifamilymedianetwork.com/ to receive our newsletter and explore our library of podcasts and blogs from today’s multifamily experts!

  3. 21 de ago.

    105 - "HELP" Still Needed

    Because the need is still great, Paul Rhodes https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-rhodes-b855572b/ continues the theme of Help Needed with a Part 2, providing specific examples, strategies and ideas which can be used to solve hiring challenges.Paul discusses the nuances of hiring maintenance technicians in the multifamily industry, emphasizing the importance of person-to-person communication, effective interview strategies, and setting clear expectations to find the right fit.In this episode:The importance of communication in multifamily maintenanceThe role of property tours in interviewsUsing walk and talk methods to assess candidatesThe significance of setting clear expectations earlyThe value of hands-on skills in technical interviewsThe impact of emotional attachment of residents on maintenance workThe importance of closing out the hiring processChapters00:00 Introduction to the importance of communication in multifamily maintenance01:59 Differences between maintenance roles in multifamily and other trades03:52 The emotional attachment of residents and its impact on service06:06 Setting expectations and defining the role in the hiring process08:01 The interview process: structure and key components11:55 Evaluating critical thinking skills over experience14:54 The walk and talk interview method and property tour19:56 Questions to ask during the property walk24:57 Hands-on skills assessment and safety considerations28:04 Closing the interview and communicating decisions🔔 Click subscribe to @MultifamilyMediaNetwork on YouTube and stay up to date on our growing lineup of multifamily industry leaders and must-hear conversations! 📰 Sign up at https://www.multifamilymedianetwork.com/ to receive our newsletter and explore our library of podcasts and blogs from today’s multifamily experts!

  4. 14 de ago.

    104 -"HELP" Needed

    When speaking at this year's Apartmentalize, a common complaint voiced by the audience was finding maintenance team members. With service team turnover rates reportedly approaching 50% year over year in some communities, is it possible that our interview and hiring process is getting in the way? Let's answer that question with a Maintenance Mindset.In this episode, Paul Rhodes https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-rhodes-b855572b/ discusses the critical aspects of hiring and retaining skilled maintenance workers in the multifamily industry, emphasizing innovative strategies to attract talent and improve hiring processes.If you need better maintenance techs, supervisors, or lead hands, this episode shows why the old "experience required" mindset is costing you candidates, time, and money.Key TopicsThe urgent need for skilled maintenance workers in multifamilyChanging perceptions and barriers in maintenance hiringEffective sourcing and recruitment strategiesThe importance of clear job descriptions and expectationsUtilizing digital platforms and social media for recruitmentThe role of certifications and experience in hiring decisionsSetting realistic expectations and onboarding plansThe impact of industry stereotypes on attracting talentChapters00:00 Introduction to industry challenges and the need for help02:28 The skills gap and aging workforce in skilled trades04:28 Industry demand for HVAC and electrical trades05:55 Perceptions of plumbing and its income potential08:00 Changing hiring criteria and removing experience barriers10:54 Innovative ways to find maintenance candidates12:48 Defining the role and creating effective job descriptions16:36 Communication challenges with maintenance teams19:20 The difficulty of online recruitment for maintenance techs20:58 Standardizing job titles and sourcing candidates22:45 Writing concise and appealing job descriptions24:36 Credentialing and certification requirements26:30 Setting clear expectations and process for hiring28:55 Interview process and decision-making33:24 Closing the vacancy and onboarding new hires37:26 Preparing candidates for the interview process40:34 External candidate expectations and interview planning42:23 Conclusion and next steps for effective hiring🔔 Click subscribe to @MultifamilyMediaNetwork on YouTube and stay up to date on our growing lineup of multifamily industry leaders and must-hear conversations! 📰 Sign up at https://www.multifamilymedianetwork.com/ to receive our newsletter and explore our library of podcasts and blogs from today’s multifamily experts!

  5. 7 de ago.

    103 - Change Question Answered: An Angle Stop?

    The question: Why is it hard to get on-site teams, particularly maintenance personnel, to accept change? Paul uses an angle stop as an analogy to provide a thoughtful answer. This episode includes visual examples.In this episode, Paul Rhodes https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-rhodes-b855572b/ explores the challenges and opportunities of implementing change in maintenance operations, emphasizing the importance of trust, intuition, and practical tools in adopting new technologies and processes.Key Topics:Resistance to change in maintenance teamsThe impact of technology on maintenance operationsBuilding trust during change initiativesPractical tools and tools management in maintenanceThe importance of intuitive design in change processesChapters00:00 Introduction to the episode and its focus on change in maintenance01:16 Conversations about change and resistance in maintenance teams02:14 The role of technology and digital tools in maintenance04:28 The industry shift from traditional to digital documentation07:15 The nostalgic view of old technology versus new10:24 Knowledge gaps in new maintenance technology12:26 Understanding the different perspectives of corporate and on-site teams15:22 Resident expectations and communication during maintenance20:31 The rollout of digital customer service and its challenges25:28 The evolution of angle stops and the importance of better tools36:42 The 'second wrench' analogy for change resistance38:40 Defining the current and desired states of change41:07 The importance of intuitive design in technology and change🔔 Click subscribe to @MultifamilyMediaNetwork on YouTube and stay up to date on our growing lineup of multifamily industry leaders and must-hear conversations! 📰 Sign up at https://www.multifamilymedianetwork.com/ to receive our newsletter and explore our library of podcasts and blogs from today’s multifamily experts!

  6. 5 de ago.

    264 - The Tool That's Often Forgotten

    A technician's tool bag or box is FULL of important gadgets, gizmos, grippers, and implements to aid in the repair of equipment. . In this quick episode, Paul Rhodes https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-rhodes-b855572b/ reminds technicians of the critical safety measures that should take when working with mildly flammable refrigerants like R32 and R454B and underlines the importance of preparedness to prevent ignition and ensure safety in HVAC maintenance.Key Topics:Understanding the meaning of the A2L refrigerant designation and its flammability riskThe need for specific tools and safety equipment when handling new refrigerantsWhy a fire extinguisher should be a standard part of every technician’s toolkitThe actual ignition risk and slow propagation rate of flammable refrigerant firesPractical safety tips for technicians working with R32 and R454BThe importance of being proactive in safety to protect yourself, residents, and buildingsTimestamps:00:01 - Introduction to new refrigerants and their flammability risks00:29 - Essential safety tools for changeover processes00:58 - The critical role of fire extinguishers in service trucks01:27 - Ignition risk assessment and propagation rate of flammable refrigerants01:56 - Final safety advice and reminders for technicians🔔 Click subscribe to @MultifamilyMediaNetwork on YouTube and stay up to date on our growing lineup of multifamily industry leaders and must-hear conversations! 📰 Sign up at https://www.multifamilymedianetwork.com/ to receive our newsletter and explore our library of podcasts and blogs from today’s multifamily experts!

Sobre

Maintenance Mindset is a conversational podcast exploring the real challenges on-site maintenance teams face and how their experiences can help others improve response strategies and prevent future issues. On-site maintenance is more than just fixing things and reducing service request backlogs; it’s about problem-solving, efficiency, and creating better living environments.

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