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

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/  

Mike Petrusky hosted a Chief Facilities Officer panel discussion at the 2025 Annual Conference for the Virginia Chapter of APPA where the theme was “Holistic Facility Solutions: Balancing Operational Efficiency with Health and Wellness Priorities”. The panelists were Ken Copeland, Vice President for Business Affairs and Finance at Hampden-Sydney College, Steve L’Heureux, Associate Vice Chancellor for Facilities Management Services at VCCS, Chip Filer, Vice President for Facilities and Campus Operations, at Christopher Newport University, Keith Jarvis, Director of Facilities Management at Virginia Military Institute and Lalit Agarwal, President & Chief Executive Officer for APPA. They explored the many ways the education facilities management industry is facing significant challenges, including declining enrollment, budget cuts, and the need for skilled professionals with a different set of skills due to technological advancements. APPA emphasizes the importance of balancing operational efficiency with health and wellness priorities and effective communication and collaboration among various departments are crucial for aligning with the institution's mission and ensuring the well-being of campus communities. The panel offers their insights and experiences as FM leaders and encourages you to being curious and ask questions as you seek to be an Asset Champion in your organization! Visit the Virginia Chapter of APPA conference website: https://virginia-appa.org/2025-vappa-conference/ Discover more about APPA: https://www.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/  

Darrell Rounds FMA, C.E.M. is Director of Facilities Management for North America Manufacturing Operations at Stellantis where he is passionate about leveraging global cross functional collaboration, lean implementation, project management, problem solving, and data analysis. Mike Petrusky asks Darrell to share about his current role and perspectives on the state of the facilities management industry as they catch up on their recent discussions, offering inspiration for FM leaders in all organizations. Darrell emphasizes the importance of taking care of people in any enterprise to ensure business success and recognizes the challenge of workforce availability in today’s marketplace. He has been prioritizing the standardization and optimization of processes in FM to drive efficiency and eliminate waste and believes that innovation comes when you push yourself outside of your comfort zone. Mike and Darrell explore the role of AI and machine learning in predictive maintenance to improve investment decisions and operational efficiency, and they offer some practical steps to help you be an Asset Champion in your organization! Connect with Darrell on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellrounds/ Find Darrell’s articles in Facility Maintenance Decisions Magazine: https://www.facilitiesnet.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/  

Susan Clarke, Senior Manager at Autodesk, and Erik Zink, VP at Eptura, discuss the future of asset management and the critical role of collaboration in data management. They highlight the necessity for quality data across the asset lifecycle, emphasizing that it's a "team sport" requiring input from various departments. The duo also explores how AI can enhance workflows and provides practical advice for starting digital transformation projects. Their insights aim to empower facility managers to be effective leaders and champions of change in their organizations.

Kelly Kinghorn is Senior Partner and Digital Technology Practice Lead at ReVisionz, Inc. where he is passionate about guiding clients through their journey with expertise in digital transformation of physical assets. Mike Petrusky asks Kelly about his perspectives on asset management, the challenges of managing data and the role of new technologies in overcoming them. They explore why organizational change management (OCM) is a key part of this journey and how early involvement of operations and maintenance teams during a project is essential for setting data standards and requirements. Kelly believes that AI and machine learning can significantly aid in data cleanup and rationalization for existing assets, reducing the need for manual processes and he shares whey successful digital transformation programs require strong leadership support and a clear communication of benefits to stakeholders. Mike and Kelly offer practical advice for FM and asset managers while providing the inspiration needed to be an Asset Champion in your organization! Connect with Kelly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-kinghorn-digital-technology-practice-lead-67132512/ Learn more about ReVisionz, Inc.: https://revisionz.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/  

Paul Doherty, IFMA Fellow, DFC Senior Fellow is an Award-winning Architect and President and CEO at The Digit Group, Inc. (TDG), a leading Smart Cities design, build, operate and solutions company, headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee. Mike Petrusky asks Paul to explain the practical applications and implications of AI in facilities and asset management. They explore the evolution of software, the importance of asking consequential questions, and the role of technology in making the built environment more efficient and transparent. Paul believes that AI agents will be used to manage buildings through natural language commands, making the process more intuitive and efficient, and he discusses how Blockchain and spatial computing are leading to a more performance-driven approach to facility management. Mike and Paul agree that the role of FM professionals will require a blend of technology and human emotional intelligence, so they offer inspiration as they encourage you to be an Asset Champion in your organization! Connect with Paul on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-doherty-aia/ Learn more about The Digit Group, Inc.: https://www.thedigitgroupinc.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/  

David Suter, CCM, CFM is President at CBSI in San Diego where he is a servant leader in construction, facilities, and move management. Mike Petrusky asks David about his journey in the world of facilities and construction management, his leadership philosophy and the value of his connections in the IFMA community. David believes in emphasizing the importance of personal growth and shares that people often overlook investing in a mentor or coach to become a better human being. He offers some practical advice for improving your mindset to thrive in today’s fast-paced world. Mike and David also explore the potential of A.I. and app-based worktech solutions for improving efficiency and productivity in facilities management and real estate. They discuss the difference between change management and transition management, and the importance of focusing on the latter to ensure smooth transitions during changes in the built environment. Tune in as Mike and David share the inspiration you need to be an Asset Champion in your organization! Connect with David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidsutercbsi/ Learn more about CBSI: https://cbsisandiego.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/  

Lisa Lavender is CEO at Lever360 where she is a passionate restoration professional, educator and trainer providing industry software tools and learning for job management and operational success. Mike Petrusky asks Lisa about connecting people to the purpose of their work in the facilities and restoration industry by inspiring them to create a clean, healthy, and safe environments for people to live and work. They explore the role that Artificial Intelligence (AI) and technology can play in streamlining services and improving customer interfaces while also emphasizing the importance of the human side of caring for the built environment. Lisa believes that training and upskilling are essential for employees to stay on top of industry trends and challenges and she highlights the power of leadership and engagement in training impact. Mike and Lisa agree that opportunities are plentiful for those willing to learn and grow in 2025 and they encourage you to be an Asset Champion in your organization! Connect with Lisa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/llavender/ Learn more about Lever360: https://lever360.com/ Get the free courses from RTI: https://courses.rtilearning.com/course-catalog?_ga=2.124290313.2001053712.1733944700-1083411596.1713372376 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/  

Jonathan C. Thomas, PE, CEM, CRL is President at Building Maintenance Optimization Consultants, Inc. (BMOC) where he is passionate about supporting FM organizations that manage portfolios of buildings for their full life cycles. Mike Petrusky asks Jon how organizations can use a systems approach that leads to better data-driven decision making in the FM industry. They explore how the enhancement of CMMS content including asset, preventive and predictive maintenance, OEM, installation, and design data are essential in the future of the built environment. Tune in to hear the insights and practical advice you will need to be an Asset Champion in your organization! Connect with Jon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathancthomaspe/ Learn more about BMOC: http://www.buildingmoc.com/ Watch the full video of this episode: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSkmmkVFvM4E39sM-pNaGhLoG0dkM947o 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/  

Jason E. Callis, CFM, SFP, LSSGB is Director of Property Operations and Facilities at Conrad Indianapolis, a Past President of the IFMA Indianapolis Chapter, and he currently serves on the IFMA Global Board of Directors as Chair of the Government Affairs Committee where he is passionate about creating environments where organizations and people thrive. Mike Petrusky asks Jason about his career experiences and they discuss investing in facilities and understanding the consequences of increasing deferred maintenance. Jason believes that A.I. can help in decision making to reach our sustainability goals, but reminds us that it's important to understand the data it provides. The future role of facility managers will be influenced by the need to focus on deferred maintenance backlog and the quality of goods purchased during the pandemic and Jason shares how IFMA can provide valuable resources for your FM journey as you seek to be an Asset Champion in the future of the built environment! Connect with Jason on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-e-callis-cfm-sfp-lssgb-63443830/ Learn more about IFMA: https://www.ifma.org/ Check out the “On My Way To Work” video series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSkmmkVFvM4E39sM-pNaGhLoG0dkM947o 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/