What does it take to manage over 38 locations spanning the West Coast, deliver a premium experience to thousands of guests, and train a team that’s built for success? Christopher Bulosan, Regional Facilities Manager at Topgolf, shares his incredible behind-the-scenes perspective. From early mornings tackling facility challenges across time zones to fostering a 5-star, customer-centric culture, discover the blend of technical expertise, leadership, and people-first values driving Topgolf’s growth.  

Listen as Chris dives into how he balances cutting-edge technology, sustainability, and human connection, all while staying hands-on and building leaders of tomorrow. He also reveals the inspiration behind his passion for mentoring staff, the impact of hiring people with special needs, and the story of one unforgettable gift that embodies his career's purpose.  

Whether you're a facilities manager, a leader, or just fascinated by what makes Topgolf tick, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!  

Today we chat with David Swindle, Associate Director of Consulting at ISSA, the International Sanitary Supply Association.  
 
David shares his expertise on CIMS (Cleaning Industry Management Standard), explaining its origins, benefits, and how it has transformed the cleaning industry over the last two decades.  
 
Whether you're in facilities management or part of an in-house cleaning organization, this episode is packed with practical advice on improving processes, maintaining quality, and meeting industry standards. 

From the impartiality of CIMS certification to insights on what sets it apart from other certifications, David also dives into a step-by-step look at the certification process and what businesses need to know to get started.  
 
Tune in to learn how CIMS can help you elevate quality assurance and stay ahead in the cleaning industry! 

For more episodes and updates, follow us on social media and subscribe to Clean Slate.  

Connect with Us 
OpenWorks Website: www.openworksweb.com/resources 
Trista Sobeck LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/tristasobeck/ 
David Swindle LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/david-swindle-ii-5ba3172a/

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us bring more valuable content to you!

Welcome to the latest episode of our podcast, where we took a deep dive into the fascinating world of biophilic design with expert Paige Tisdale. Paige, a biophilic designer and educator, shares her profound knowledge on how plants can boost mental energy and overall wellness. From the history of her family business, Dennis' 7 D's, to exploring the integration of plant life within urban landscapes, this episode is packed with green insights. Paige discusses how plants are integral to not just physical spaces, but our mental and emotional well-being. Plus, get tips on how to incorporate plant life into your living and workspaces in innovative ways.

Like what you hear? Be sure to leave us a review on your preferred podcast platform and share this episode with your fellow plant lovers and design enthusiasts.

In this episode, we have special guest Lauren Click from Let's Go Compost, who will be sharing her passion for sustainability and composting and how it ties into our daily lives. She’s on a mission to help educate schools and professionals about composting and the benefits it provides. As a bonus, a compost plan can help you meet some of your ESG goals! 

Breakdown of Topics
Lauren’s story  
For the Love of Worms 
Helping the Community 
Food waste and greenhouse gases 
ESG 
Starting a Composting Program 
Partnering with Your City 

Learn more about Let’s Go Compost at https://www.letsgocompost.org/ Find out more about Lauren at https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenclick/ 
 
Follow OpenWorks and Trista on social media and check out the website:  
Website: https://www.openworksweb.com/  
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@openworksfm  
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/openworks/  
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/openworksaz/  
Trista: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tristasobeck/ 

For more stories and deep dives into the facilities management profession and all that it entails subscribe to The Clean Slate on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Taylor Moody from Lysol joins us to discuss the impact of the work-from-home movement on commercial buildings and the cleaning industry. We explore the challenges faced by commercial buildings with reduced occupancy and the economic effects on property managers and urban environments. The conversation emphasizes the need for adaptive cleaning strategies to meet the changing demands of hybrid workplaces. It highlights the importance of clean buildings for mental wellness and the role of effective cleaning products in cost control. We also touch on the significance of standard operating procedures and inspection systems in maintaining cleanliness standards. We round it out with a discussion on the future of working from home and the potential benefits and challenges it presents.

We sat down with Gyan Awuku-Sao, a Facility Manager currently living in Ghana, Africa, working for Luxembourg-based Majorel. This company builds and delivers end-to-end customer experience solutions for leading brands. Gyan has the global background to explain why and how sustainability in FM is paramount for everyone to understand, wherever they live and whatever they do.

Gyan talks about how we can help people pay attention to the changing environment and, most importantly, change their behavior. The little changes we can make will impact things like climate change. If you’re feeling like there is nothing anyone can do to help the Earth from pollution or negative human impacts, Gyan will give you a reason to believe that you, yes you, can help.

To learn more about Gyan Awuku-Sao, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/gyan-awuk...

To learn more about Majorel, please visit https://www.majorel.com/ Follow OpenWorks and Trista on social media and check out the website: Website: https://www.openworksweb.com/
YouTube: @openworksfm
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/open...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/openworksaz/
Trista: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tristasob...

For more stories and deep dives into facilities management profession and all that it entails subscribe to The Clean Slate wherever you listen to podcasts.

How does someone even get into facilities management as a career? You never hear a kid say, “I want to be a facilities manager when I grow up?!” Why is that, and how can we encourage more people to enter the field? Traditionally known as a career that you “fall into” by luck or by being in the right place at the right time, facilities management has evolved into a lucrative and rewarding career that now features formal education with accredited degrees from major colleges and universities.

Dean Stanberry, Dean Stanberry, Chairman, IFMA Global Board of Directors, has a storied career starting in IT and tech when his company needed someone to oversee facilities that housed intellectual property. As IFMA’s newest Chairman, he aims to spread FM education as far as he can to a new generation of career seekers.

Dean chats with us about the many options that facilities management offers. He also talks about IFMA and the advantages membership brings. Dean explains what digital transformation means to FM and the real estate community and how to get the digital skills current professionals may not upskill themselves. Cyber security is a big area, as is AI. Dean explains how to learn what separates the hype from the reality. We also discuss the work-from-home trend and where knowledge workers will ultimately decide to work.

Timestamp Breakdown of Topics

2:34 – IFMA and its goals

4:00 – FM as the accidental profession

9:00 – Degree programs, certifications, and getting into FM; jobs and functions in FM

14:30 – Trends in the industry, including digital transformation

20:49 – Hybrid and flex working and the impact on buildings 

Lean more about IFMA at www.ifma.org Find out more about Dean at https://www.linkedin.com/in/deanstanberry/ 

Follow OpenWorks and Trista on social media and check out the website: 
Website: https://www.openworksweb.com/ 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@openworksfm 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/openworks/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/openworksaz/ 
Trista: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tristasobeck/

For more stories and deep dives into facilities management profession and all that it entails subscribe to The Clean Slate on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts.

AI and Technology has recently been elevated by lofty national headlines. However, the shift in technology hasn’t been an overnight change. Facility Managers everywhere are leading the charge into the future of Digital Twins – a digital replica of the physical world we oversee. Our guest, Peter Costanzo, has been just one participant in the digital change happening all around us. Listen as he provides insights for where we are going and how far we’ve come in managing our buildings from a digital and data focused perspective.

Follow Peter, ROI Consulting, and IFMA on social media!

Peter Constanzo (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterjcostanzo/

ROI Consulting (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/company/r.o.i.-consulting-group/

IFMA (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/company/ifma/

IFMA Digital Twin Survey (closes 7/10/23): https://survey.zohopublic.com/zs/2kCNkg

Follow OpenWorks and Trista on social media and check out the website:

Website: https://www.openworksweb.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@openworksfm

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/openworks/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/openworksaz/

Trista: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tristasobeck/

Find more episodes of The Clean Slate at: https://www.openworksweb.com/podcast

To be a guest on the podcast or submit general business inquiries: Trista.sobeck@openworksweb.com

Facility managers have the opportunity to bring people together in beneficial ways. Listen as we chat with Aykean Matthews, Facility Director, International School, Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago about why community is important and how you can build your own community regardless of where you work.

Follow OpenWorks and Trista on social media and check out the website:

Website: https://www.openworksweb.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@openworksfm

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/openworks/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/openworksaz/

Trista: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tristasobeck/

Find more episodes of The Clean Slate at: https://www.openworksweb.com/podcast

To be a guest on the podcast or submit general business inquiries: Trista.sobeck@openworksweb.com

Every facility must practice some type of maintenance. And, more than likely, has a maintenance schedule. But, are you just checking a box or following a thorough framework? If you find yourself continually replacing items because “it’s time” or experiencing failure after failure, even after a maintenance check, it’s time to rethink your maintenance strategy. Listen as we chat with Erik Hupjé, owner of Road to Reliability, to discuss finding solutions to make your maintenance program more efficient and effective. Learn more about the importance of planning, scheduling, training, and establishing a solid preventative maintenance program.

Follow Road to Reliability and Erik on social media and check out the website:

Website: https://roadtoreliability.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikhupje/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roadtoreliability 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReliabilityAcademy 

Email: erik@r2reliability.com 

Follow OpenWorks and Trista on social media and check out the website:

Website: https://www.openworksweb.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@openworksfm

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/openworks/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/openworksaz/

Trista: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tristasobeck/

Find more episodes of The Clean Slate at: https://www.openworksweb.com/podcast

To be a guest on the podcast or submit general business inquiries: Trista.sobeck@openworksweb.com

Control. Everyone wants it and not everyone has it. As a manager or director of a building, you need that everyday control. From monitoring security to overseeing maintenance, it's on you if it doesn't get done. But, unfortunately, when it comes to your commercial cleaning team, if you insource, you may not have the control you want. But why? Listen to what, Mary Torrado, a 15-year veteran of the commercial cleaning industry in operations, has to say about how you can get--and keep--control.

Find more episodes of The Clean Slate at: https://www.openworksweb.com/podcast

To be a guest on the podcast or submit general business inquiries: Trista.sobeck@openworksweb.com

Follow Trista and Mary on social media!
Trista: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tristasobeck/
Mary: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-torrado-0bba1755/

Follow OpenWorks on social media and check out the website:
Website: https://www.openworksweb.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/openworks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/openworksaz/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@openworksfm

Did you know the air inside your home or office could be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air? Join us for an in-depth conversation with Lisa Greenfield, a National Indoor Air Quality Specialist with ErLab USA, as we uncover the hidden factors affecting indoor air quality (IAQ) and what you can do to foster healthier living and working spaces. 

Lisa shares how her background as an educator led her to discover the crucial importance of IAQ, especially in schools and older buildings. From mold and moisture issues to understanding radon, wildfire smoke, and proper ventilation, Lisa’s insights are both eye-opening and practical. 

Whether you’re a facility manager, a concerned homeowner, or simply someone who spends a lot of time indoors (that’s most of us!), this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you breathe easier. 

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:  

The Basics of IAQ: What indoor air quality is and why you should care. 
The Hidden Dangers: How mold, radon, and poor ventilation impact your health. 
Personal Insights: Lisa’s firsthand experience of how poor IAQ led to health issues and inspired her career change. 
Practical Advice: Tools and methods for assessing and improving air quality in homes and workspaces. 
Tech to Watch: The role of IAQ monitors and tools like Poppy and ASHRAE 241 in diagnosing indoor air issues. 

Timestamps for Key Segments: 

(00:02) Trista’s intro and conversation starter with Lisa 
(01:20) Meet Lisa Greenfield and her career path to becoming an IAQ expert 
(03:49) Why indoor air quality matters (wildfires, COVID, and more) 
(04:29) Lisa’s personal story of illness linked to poor air quality in schools 
(07:02) Signs facility managers should look for to identify poor air quality 
(08:00) Exploring tools like IAQ monitors and real-time assessments 
(11:10) Deep dive into issues like radon and its health impacts 

Resources Mentioned in This Episode: 

ErLab USA - Learn more about their work in IAQ solutions. 
ASHRAE 241 - Guidelines on ventilation for reducing infectious aerosol spread. 
Poppy Monitors - Get real-time assessments of ventilation and air quality.  

Have you ever wondered how clear processes can transform your business? Today’s episode features Jacqui Jones, the CEO and founder of Way We Do, a process management platform helping businesses and franchisees build consistency and efficiency.  

This engaging conversation highlights why processes and SOPs aren't just documents—they’re the foundation of a thriving business. Jacqui offers practical advice on how leaders can inspire teams to follow procedures, tackle resistance to change, and continuously improve workflows.  

Whether you're a franchisee trying to stick to established playbooks or an entrepreneur looking to streamline operations, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you create a well-oiled business machine.  

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:  

• Why clear, consistent processes are the backbone of every successful business  
• Strategies for encouraging teams to adopt and follow procedures  
• How to identify and improve inefficient workflows  
• The role of leadership and change management in process adoption  
• Tips for fostering open communication and collaboration within teams  

Jacqui also touches on the behavioral challenges when it comes to getting people on board with processes, offering insightful ways to overcome resistance and create alignment.  

Key Takeaways:  

1. Leadership is Key: Leaders must not only communicate the importance of processes but also actively guide teams through training and change management.  
2. Open to Change: Processes should be adaptable. Always listen to on-ground feedback and refine where necessary.  
3. Clarity Equals Consistency: Providing clear, actionable procedures ensures everyone is aligned toward organizational goals.  

Resources & Links  

• Learn more about Way We Do → Way We Do Website  
• Check out Jacqui’s recommended book from the episode → "The E-Myth : Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About It," by Michael E Gerber (We are not amazon affiliates and will not earn commission on your purchase)

Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to share your thoughts and leave a review! ⬇ Hope you enjoy the listen 🎙️.  

Welcome to Episode 16 of the OpenWorks Podcast!

In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of soundscaping and how it can transform workplaces into havens of productivity and well-being. Our special guest, Fran Board, Marketing Director at Moodsonic, takes us on a deep dive into the science and art of creating personalized soundscapes that enhance the work environment.

Episode Highlights:

• Understanding Soundscaping: Fran shares her intriguing career path from visual design to her passion for multisensory design. She explains how soundscaping differs from traditional acoustics and noise mitigation, offering a holistic approach to enhancing our auditory environment.
• The Power of Nature Sounds: Discover why nature sounds play a crucial role in soundscaping and how they can be integrated into workspaces to create calming and productive atmospheres. Fran also discusses the trend of biophilic design and its connection to sound.
• Creating Dynamic Soundscapes: Learn about the technology and techniques behind Moodsonic's innovative soundscapes. Fran explains how they use a vast library of nature sounds, layering and adjusting them in real time to suit the environment and activity levels.
• AI and Real-Time Adaptation: Fran sheds light on how AI allows Moodsonic's soundscapes to respond dynamically to changes in the workplace environment, ensuring a seamless and beneficial auditory experience.

Meet Our Guest:

Fran Board has a unique blend of expertise in music, multisensory design, and marketing. With over a decade of experience in soundscaping across industries like retail and healthcare, Fran brings a wealth of knowledge and creativity to Moodsonic. Her enthusiasm for sound's impact on our lives is palpable, making this episode both informative and inspiring.

Explore More:

• Follow us on Social: Stay updated with OpenWorks by following us on social media for more insightful content and updates.
• Explore Moodsonic: Discover how soundscaping can benefit your workspace by visiting Moodsonic's website for more information and resources.

Tune in now to explore how soundscapes can enhance your work environment and boost productivity. Whether you're looking to optimize your office or simply intrigued by the sensory world, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice.

Connect with Us!
OpenWorks Website: https://www.openworksweb.com/resources 
Moodsonic Website: https://www.moodsonic.com/
Trista Sobeck LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tristasobeck/ 
Fran Board LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fran-board/

In this episode of Clean Slate, we welcome Ryan Fountain, the Director of Facilities at VXI, a global call center solutions provider. Ryan shares his insights and experiences about the importance of relationship building in facilities management and how it impacts overall business operations. Tune in to learn about the behind-the-scenes work that keeps VXI running smoothly, and why robust partnerships are crucial for success. 

Guest Bio 
Ryan Fountain, Director of Facilities, VXI 

Ryan Fountain is a results-oriented facility professional with a 15-year track record of direct facility management experience in both public and private sectors. He believes in building strong partnerships to enhance overall business operations. 

Don't miss this insightful discussion on the importance of relationship building in facilities management. Listen now and discover how strong partnerships can make a significant impact on your business operations.  

For more episodes and updates, follow us on social media and subscribe to Clean Slate.  

Connect with Us 
OpenWorks Website: https://www.openworksweb.com/resources 
VXI Website: https://vxi.com/ 
Trista Sobeck LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tristasobeck/ 
Ryan Fountain LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ryan-fountain-a0b70130 

Subscribe & Review 

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us bring more valuable content to you!

Today we speak with Claire Coder, the CEO and Founder of Aunt Flow. Claire has been a pioneer in providing free period care products for those who menstruate and has been at the forefront of advocating for accessible menstrual products in public bathrooms for over eight years.
Hear about Aunt Flow's mission, the recent legislative changes in menstrual product accessibility, and how partnerships with facility management companies are reshaping the bathroom experience. Claire shares insights on the ease of ordering these products and the company's evolution over the years.

Follow OpenWorks and Trista on social media and check out the website:
Website: https://www.openworksweb.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@openworksfm
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/openworks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/openworksaz/
Trista: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tristasobeck/

Find more episodes of The Clean Slate at: https://www.openworksweb.com/podcast
To be a guest on the podcast or submit general business inquiries: Trista.sobeck@openworksweb.com

In this episode, we sit down with Geoff Snavely from Millicare for an insightful conversation that ranges from practical floor care tips to the philosophical aspects of facility management.

We discuss best practices for keeping your floors clean and why it's essential, how vendors can be better partners for facility managers, aiming for the same goal of maintaining immaculate work environments, and the importance of back-to-work strategies in current times and how facility management plays a crucial role.

Don't miss out—tune in now and elevate your facility management game!

Follow OpenWorks and Trista on social media and check out the website:

Website: https://www.openworksweb.com
YouTube:  @openworksfm  
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/openworks/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/openworksaz/
Trista: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tristasobeck/

Find more episodes of The Clean Slate at: https://www.openworksweb.com/podcast‍ 

To be a guest on the podcast or submit general business inquiries: Trista.sobeck@openworksweb.com

In this episode of The Clean Slate podcast, we host Amanda Thies, Director of School Business Operations at Spring Education Group. In her role, Amanda manages capital expenditure budgets, ensures efficient facility management, and fosters communication between business operations and school administrations. We discuss the funding challenges that charter schools face and their impact on facility management, emphasizing the significance of budgeting and contractual responsibilities in ensuring the smooth operation of schools. Amanda even shares her personal experience transitioning from being a police officer to an educator and the similarities in problem-solving skills required for both roles. Today, she compares her role to "Santa Claus" – for reasons you'll have to listen to find out!

Follow OpenWorks and Trista on social media and check out the website: 

Website: https://www.openworksweb.com 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@openworksfm 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/openworks 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/openworksaz 

Trista: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tristasobeck 

Find more episodes of The Clean Slate at: https://www.openworksweb.com/podcast‍ 

To be a guest on the podcast or submit general business inquiries: Trista.sobeck@openworksweb.com 

Small Business Ownership is hard, but that doesn’t stop Marcus from engaging every day with focus and determination to deliver the best experience possible to his customers, employees, and himself. Marcus chats with us about what makes him successful, how he began his entrepreneurial journey, and what it takes to be a business owner responsible for the lives and experiences of so many he interacts with daily. 

Follow OpenWorks and Trista on social media and check out the website:

Website: https://www.openworksweb.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@openworksfm

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/openworks/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/openworksaz/

Trista: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tristasobeck/

Find more episodes of The Clean Slate at: https://www.openworksweb.com/podcast

To be a guest on the podcast or submit general business inquiries: Trista.sobeck@openworksweb.com