

Asset Champion Podcast | Physical Asset Management | Facility Management | Facilities Maintenance and Operations
Eptura™
The “Asset Champion Podcast” offers candid conversations with some of the industry’s most successful asset management leaders. In each 20-minute episode, host Mike Petrusky talks with guests about emerging trends in asset management for fleet, construction, manufacturing, and facilities. You'll discover best practices that will help you streamline your preventive maintenance, work orders, inventory, inspections, and more. You'll also get to know each guest on a more personal level and hear their unique perspectives on today’s major shift toward data-enabled operations. Subscribe now to stay informed and get inspired to be an “asset champion”!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 21, 2024 • 19min
Ep. 132: “Put Your People First” – Facilities Management Safety and Environmental Health with Faith Ray of William & Mary
Faith Ray, a Facilities Management Environmental Health and Safety Manager at William & Mary, shares insights on prioritizing employee wellbeing over budgets in facilities management. They discuss creating a culture of connection, empowering staff with knowledge, and incorporating new safety features. The podcast highlights the importance of valuing employees for organizational success and explores the challenges faced in the built environment.

Jun 7, 2024 • 21min
Ep. 131: “An FM Love Story” – IFMA and the Power of Facility Management Connections with Lesley Groff, CFM, IFMA Fellow of Pep Boys & Randy Groff, CFM, SFP of Four Seasons Produce
Lesley Groff and Randy Groff, both IFMA Fellows, discuss the importance of networking in facility management, sharing insights on career growth, mentorship, and diversifying experiences. They also touch on their love for 80s rock music and the need for professionals to connect with a supportive network in the industry.

May 24, 2024 • 21min
Ep. 130: “Find What Works” – Adoption, Enablement and Practical Use Cases for Generative AI in Facility Management with James Waddell of Cognitive Corp
James Waddell is President and Chief Revenue Officer at Cognitive Corp where he is passionate about transforming the built environment through AI. Recorded live at IFMA’s Facility Fusion in Boston, Mike Petrusky asks James how organizations can adopt AI in FM and enable “AI Champions” who are given free rein to experiment to find what works. James believes that AI can be a tool for optimization in facility management by analyzing large sets of data from various sources and providing practical advice. He shares how AI can be used to offload mundane tasks, giving individuals more time to focus on strategic tasks and offers a practical use case to help in energy savings and carbon reduction by optimizing the usage of HVAC systems. Mike and James explore how we should be enhancing our emotional intelligence, which is still a human superpower, as we adapt, innovate and seek to be an Asset Champion in our organizations! Connect with James on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jcwaddell/ Learn more about Cognitive Corp: https://www.cognitive-corp.com/ Watch Mike’s “On My Way To Work” video series on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSkmmkVFvM4E39sM-pNaGhLoG0dkM947o Learn more about Eptura™: https://eptura.com/ Discover free resources and explore past interviews at: https://assetchampion.iofficecorp.com/ Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikepetrusky/

May 10, 2024 • 20min
Ep. 129: “Next Gen FM” – Preparing and Inspiring Leaders for the Future of the Built Environment with Audrey Schultz, PhD of Pratt Institute
Audrey Schultz, PhD, from Pratt Institute, discusses empowering future FM leaders with continuous learning and technology integration. They emphasize sustainability, networking, and public speaking skills for success in the industry. The conversation explores the use of drones, digital twins, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in education programs.

Apr 26, 2024 • 18min
Ep. 128: “Start with the End in Mind” - An Introduction to Digital Twin Technology with Cassandra Yocum of Autodesk Tandem
Cassandra Yocum from Autodesk discusses digital twin technology in asset management with a focus on efficient data analysis. They emphasize collaboration between facility managers and AEC firms, share stories of podcasting, and explore the potential of digital twins in improving decision-making processes.

Apr 12, 2024 • 22min
Ep. 127: “In Service To Others” – A US Navy Seabee’s Journey from the Military to Facility Management Leadership with Randall Niznick, DCP, FMP of JLL
Randall Niznick, a US Navy Seabee turned facility management leader at JLL, shares insights on military veterans in FM, his book 'In Service To Others', and the importance of continuous learning and networking in the industry. He emphasizes the significance of upskilling and mentorship for success in facility management.

Mar 29, 2024 • 20min
Ep. 126: “Changes Are Coming” – How To Educate Yourself for What’s Next in CRE and Managing the Built Environment with Tom Sicola of Focal Point
Tom Sicola is an Executive Business and Leadership Coach specializing in CRE operations and engineering, with a particular focus on helping transitioning accounts achieve long-term success. Mike Petrusky asks Tom about his career journey, including over a decade at JLL, and how continuous learning and staying updated with changes in the industry is essential for professionals in the built environment. They explore the significant challenges of change and uncertainty FM leaders face today, including finding more talent in the built environment, rebalancing real estate portfolios, and implementing return-to-office policies. Mike and Tom agree that change management is often poorly handled because of fear and anxiety from leaders and there's a need for a culture that encourages learning opportunities that can come from experiencing failure. Tune in for the inspiration and encouragement you need to be an Asset Champion in your organization! Register for the Eptura Product Event on April 16: https://lp.eptura.com/webinar-power-of-one-april-24.html Connect with Tom on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomsicola/ Discover more about Tom’s coaching services: https://www.sicolainsights.com/ Watch Mike’s “On My Way To Work” video series on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSkmmkVFvM4E39sM-pNaGhLoG0dkM947o Learn more about Eptura™: https://eptura.com/ Discover free resources and explore past interviews at: https://assetchampion.iofficecorp.com/ Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikepetrusky/

Mar 8, 2024 • 20min
Ep. 125: “They Have This Adaptability” – Preparing the Next Generation of Facility Management Leaders with Deniz Besiktepe, PhD, FMP, ProFM of Purdue University
Deniz Besiktepe, Assistant professor at Purdue University, discusses preparing next-gen facility management leaders. Technology, data-driven techniques, adaptability, emotional intelligence, and innovation are key for future success. Focus on human experience in decision-making process. IFMA Foundation's mission to help students. Connect with Deniz on LinkedIn for more insights.

Feb 16, 2024 • 22min
Ep. 124: “Improve Our Lives” – Building Performance Standards and Energy Efficiency Strategies with Sharon Jaye, D.Ed, SFP of the City and County of Denver
Sharon Jaye, Building Performance Policy Manager at the City and County of Denver, discusses the importance of building performance standards and energy efficiency in improving operating costs, facility quality, and occupant lives. She highlights the role of facility managers in early building stages for effective energy management and compliance with sustainability goals. The podcast also touches on the benefits of the SFP credential and the positive impact of sustainable buildings on occupant well-being.

Feb 2, 2024 • 21min
Ep. 123: “Make Better Decisions” – Autodesk University, AI, Facilities Data and the Building Life Cycle with Fred Kraus of Eptura™
Fred Kraus is VP of Product at Eptura™ where he is a software product strategist, product management leader, and workplace technology expert. Recorded live in Las Vegas during Autodesk University 2023, Mike Petrusky asks Fred about the use of AI and data in improving decision-making and efficiency in asset management and facilities operations. They discuss the exciting conversations the team has been having with customers and the conference theme of the power of data, AI and technology tools throughout the building lifecycle. Fred believes that location data can significantly improve efficiency in maintenance operations by helping technicians understand where they are going while AI and IoT devices can allow proactive management of equipment based on data rather than a set schedule. Mike and Fred explore the challenges of transitioning from design and construction data to operational use, while encouraging experimentation and creativity by inspiring you to be an Asset Champion in your organization! Connect with Fred on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frederick-kraus-182b7/ Discover more about Autodesk University: https://www.autodesk.com/autodesk-university/ Learn more about Eptura™: https://eptura.com/ Discover free resources and explore past interviews at: https://assetchampion.iofficecorp.com/ Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikepetrusky/