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

Joseph Aamidor is Senior Product Management Consultant and Managing Director at Aamidor Consulting where he provides market strategy guidance to building owners and operators, established building management firms, technology providers, investors, and early-stage innovators. Mike Petrusky asks Joe about the state of the facilities management industry and why it is experiencing fragmentation in available technology solutions, making it challenging to choose the right tools. They explore how the industry is in a trial and error phase with AI and discuss ways that asset management leaders can focus on continuous learning and understanding the broader mission of their organizations to enhance the built environment and occupant experience. Joe believes that open dialogue and informal peer groups are valuable for experimenting with and improving new solutions and providing feedback to vendors is crucial for the development of better products and the health of the industry. Mike and Joe agree that data readiness, including organization and normalization, is a significant challenge for organizations looking to implement AI solutions, so they offer advice and inspiration to help you be an Asset Champion! Connect with Joe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaamidor/ Learn more about Aamidor Consulting: https://www.aamidorconsulting.com/ Subscribe to Joe’s Newsletter: https://smartbuildinginsight.substack.com/ Explore Eptura™: https://eptura.com/ Discover free resources and explore past interviews at: https://eptura.com/discover-more/podcasts/asset-champion/ Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikepetrusky/  

Vaughn Halliday, MSc, CFM, SFP, FMP, PMP, ProFM is Manager of Support Services and Facilities for the Central Bank of Trinidad & Tobago where he is a seasoned management executive with a specialized focus on facilities and project management, underpinned by a fervent commitment to sustainability. Mike Petrusky asks Vaughn why he believes that FM professionals need to lead with purpose, adapt with precision, and invest in people as much as they do in technology. They discuss the constant tension between short-term operational demands and long-term asset stewardship which often leads to deferred maintenance and reactive decision-making and Vaughn shares how the effective use of data from CMMS and BMS platforms is essential for driving strategic outcomes. He says that facility managers should move beyond a maintenance mindset and embrace FM as a strategic enabler of business outcomes by investing in training and credential programs at events like IFMA’s World Workplace. The future of FM is already here, with AI, IoT, and smart systems reshaping how assets are managed, so Mike and Vaughn encourage and inspire you to be an Asset Champion in your organization! Connect with Vaughn on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vaughn-halliday/ Learn more about IFMA: https://www.ifma.org/ Explore Eptura™: https://eptura.com/ Discover free resources and explore past interviews at: https://eptura.com/discover-more/podcasts/asset-champion/ Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikepetrusky/  

Podcast host Mike Petrusky shares an update on his future plans for the show, industry conferences happening this fall, and the need for continuous learning in our asset and facility management journey. He discusses recent themes that have come up this past year, especially the impact of artificial intelligence and AI agents on the built environment and reminds us that we often overestimate short-term technological changes while underestimating long-term change. Digital Twins and BIM (Building Information Modeling) are key technologies that will enhance data management and provide a more holistic view of asset life cycles, so Mike recommends a philosophy of lifelong learning, networking, and participation in professional organizations for professionals in the FM industry. Upcoming conferences such as Autodesk University and IFMA's World Workplace offer valuable opportunities, so Mike shares his appreciation for recent recognition from the IFMA community and looks to continuously improve his podcasts as he tries to inspire you to be an Asset Champion in your organization! Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikepetrusky/ Tune in to the “Workplace Innovator” Podcast: https://eptura.com/discover-more/podcasts/workplace-innovator/ Register for Autodesk University: https://www.autodesk.com/autodesk-university/ Join Mike at IFMA’s World Workplace: https://worldworkplace.ifma.org/ Learn more about Eptura™: https://eptura.com/ Discover free resources and explore past interviews at: https://eptura.com/discover-more/podcasts/asset-champion/  

Ab DeWeese is a serial entrepreneur, investor, polymath, and AI educator recognized for his ability to distill complex problems into clear, actionable solutions. Mike Petrusky asks AB about his new book, “Essential AI: Your All-in-One QuickStart to Using AI in Business and The Workplace” where he explains the different types of AI systems, including generative AI and custom-built AI for specific business needs. Mike and Ab explore how AI can significantly enhance the efficiency of maintenance and repair tasks by quickly accessing and summarizing technical manuals, but they caution that users must verify the AI's output to avoid errors. Ab believes that data is the "currency of the future” and he says the current AI trend is driving organizations to be more thoughtful about data collection, organization, and labeling, which is essential for building effective AI solutions. Having conversations with chatbots is becoming a fundamental skill for professionals, so Mike and Ab share practical advice and offer real-world examples as they inspire you to be an Asset Champion in your organization! Connect with Ab on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ab-deweese/ Get a copy of the book “Essential AI”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F3PD9TGD Learn more about Good Automation: https://www.goodautomation.com/ Explore Eptura™: https://eptura.com/ Discover free resources and explore past interviews at: https://eptura.com/discover-more/podcasts/asset-champion/ Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikepetrusky/  

Steve Willis, FMP is Vice President for Specialty Services at Mooring USA where his is a team builder, networker and educator in the field of disaster restoration and commercial construction. Mike Petrusky asks Steve about the future role of facility managers as the built environment becomes more complex and demanding due to the integration of new technologies and the aging of buildings. They explore how natural disasters, construction defects, HVAC problems, and plumbing failures can pose significant challenges for FM leaders caring for the occupants of their facilities. Steve believes that health and safety will continue to be a growing focus for the industry, with facility managers playing an essential role in maintaining safe and healthy environments, so he encourages listeners to "find a partner, not a vendor" who can provide broader support and assistance beyond just their specific services. The future of facilities management will likely involve more advanced technology integration, including robotics and improved construction techniques to extend building life cycles, so Mike and Steve offer the encouragement you need to be an Asset Champion in your organization! Take the Eptura™ Podcast Survey: https://forms.office.com/r/jY577CbNcx Connect with Steve on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevewillisiaq/ Explore more about Mooring USA: https://mooringusa.com/ Learn more about Eptura™: https://eptura.com/ Discover free resources and explore past interviews at: https://eptura.com/discover-more/podcasts/asset-champion/ Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikepetrusky/  

Derek Crager, PMP, CLSS, CSM, AWS-CP is a visionary AI Solutions Architect & founder of Practical AI, which exists to bridge the gap between people and the knowledge they seek. Mike Petrusky asks Derek about empowering employees with the right knowledge and tools for effective asset and facility management. They explore how Voice AI can act as a singularity point in knowledge, providing instant access to standard operating procedures, safety routines, and tribal knowledge in the built environment. Derek believes that AI will not replace human jobs in facilities maintenance, but it will support and enhance them, so we must seek applications that will help FM and asset professionals deliver value for their people. Leading with empathy and curiosity is key to staying ahead in the rapidly evolving tech landscape, so Mike and Derek share their love of music and classic videos games as they offer advice and the encouragement you need to be an Asset Champion in your organization! Take the Eptura™ Podcast Survey: https://forms.office.com/r/jY577CbNcx Connect with Derek on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amazonleadership/ Explore more about Practical AI: https://www.practicalai.app/ Learn more about Eptura™: https://eptura.com/ Discover free resources and explore past interviews at: https://eptura.com/discover-more/podcasts/asset-champion/ Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikepetrusky/  

Norelle Done is Director of Marketing at Viking Pure Solutions where she is on a mission to elevate the way we think about health, safety, and sustainability in the spaces we live, learn, and work. Mike Petrusky asks Norelle about the importance of addressing invisible threats in facilities, such as airborne viruses and chemical residues, and how nontoxic cleaners and disinfectants might help to reduce health risks. They explore some key challenges facing facility managers today include staffing shortages, cleaning compliance, and shifting from reactive to preventive approaches in facilities maintenance. Sensor-based monitoring for air quality, safety, and building occupancy can significantly enhance resource efficiency and support organizational goals. Norelle shares how integrated worktech platforms that connect environmental cleaning and maintenance data can allow facility managers to deliver better outcomes in the built environment. Mike and Norelle encourage FMs to be open to innovation as they offer inspiration and share the insights you need to help you be an Asset Champion! Take the Eptura™ Podcast Survey: https://forms.office.com/r/jY577CbNcx Connect with Norelle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/norelledone/ Explore more about Viking Pure Solutions: https://vikingpure.com/ Learn more about Eptura™: https://eptura.com/ Discover free resources and explore past interviews at: https://eptura.com/discover-more/podcasts/asset-champion/ Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikepetrusky/  

Shawn Morgal is Vice President of Facilities Management and Operations & Maintenance at The Building People where he is proudly serving multiple federal and local government agencies in support of the FM and O&M business lines. Mike Petrusky asks Shawn about his career journey and current perspectives on the state of the facility and asset management industries. They discuss the federal government’s focus on savings and reduction efforts and the need for effective life cycle asset management planning and customer alignment in facilities management. The integration of BIM models and digital twins in the construction and operations phases can significantly improve the reliability and efficiency of facility management, so Shawn stresses the importance of involving end users, such as skilled trades technicians, in the adoption of new technologies to ensure success. Mike and Shawn share inspiration from music and their experiences at the Capital Chapter of IFMA while offering you the encouragement you need to be an Asset Champion in your organization! Connect with Shawn on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawn-morgal/ Explore more about The Building People: https://thebuildingpeople.com/ Learn more about Eptura™: https://eptura.com/ Discover free resources and explore past interviews at: https://eptura.com/discover-more/podcasts/asset-champion/ Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikepetrusky/  

Joe Alvarez is President & CEO of National Office Systems Companies where he is passionate about helping to bridge the gap between an organization's processes and technology when considering storage and asset management systems. Mike Petrusky asks Joe about RFID technology and the ways that it offers a more efficient and accurate way to track assets compared to traditional methods like barcodes and manual audits. Joe believes that the biggest challenge in asset management is the fragmentation and inefficiency caused by siloed legacy systems that don't communicate with each other, so he shares strategies and solutions that help clients consolidate and streamline their asset tracking, reducing waste and improving decision-making. Successful implementation of new technology often involves starting small and smart, allowing for incremental adoption and visible success before scaling up, so Mike and Joe offer practical advice and inspiration so you to be an Asset Champion in your organization! Connect with Joe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nosjoealvarez/ Learn more about NOS: https://nosinc.com/ Learn more about Eptura™: https://eptura.com/ Discover free resources and explore past interviews at: https://eptura.com/discover-more/podcasts/asset-champion/ Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikepetrusky/  

Mike Duffy is Transportation Operations and Fleet Manager at The University of Virginia where he is passionate about improving UVA FM vehicles and equipment, implementing programs that steward funds while reducing environmental impacts. Mike Petrusky asks Mike to share about his career journey in fleet management, his achievements in the field, and his perspectives on the state of the facilities management industry. The University of Virginia's fleet has received multiple awards, including six consecutive years in the National Association of Fleet Administrators' (NAFA) 100 Best Fleets and five consecutive years of Green Fleet Awards. Mike explains how telematics and modern software solutions have transformed fleet management, enabling precise tracking of vehicle usage, maintenance needs, and fuel consumption, leading to significant cost savings and operational efficiency. He believes that continuous education and commitment to being a lifelong learner are crucial for staying relevant in the fast-evolving field of facilities and fleet management. Mike and Mike not only share the same name, but similar taste in music, so they offer some inspiration and fun as they encourage you to be an Asset Champion in your organization! Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-duffy-b92a9b23b/ Learn more about VAPPA: https://virginia-appa.org/ Learn more about Eptura™: https://eptura.com/ Discover free resources and explore past interviews at: https://eptura.com/discover-more/podcasts/asset-champion/ Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikepetrusky/