Amanda Goyette

In this episode of Facility Rockstars, host Jay Culbert interviews Bill Cooper, the Facilities Director for the Milford New Hampshire School District. Bill shares his philosophy on learning from mistakes and the importance of never making the same mistake twice. The conversation delves into Bill’s extensive experience in facilities management and education, his best practices for handling emergencies, and the collaborative approach he takes with his team. Bill emphasizes the importance of reviewing and refining processes to avoid repeated errors and details an incident involving a flooded high school and his team's commendable response. Additionally, Bill speaks on managing multiple projects, coordinating with contractors, balancing work with personal life, and fostering a supportive, respectful team environment.  Takeaways:Learn from Mistakes: Emphasize the importance of learning from mistakes to avoid repeating them. This fosters a culture of continuous improvement and shows that making errors is part of the learning process.Review, Triage, and After Action: Implement a structured process for handling incidents, which includes reviewing what happened, addressing immediate concerns (triage), and conducting an after-action review to identify what can be improved for future situations. This ensures that lessons learned are applied.Foster Collaboration: Cultivate a collaborative environment where staff feel comfortable discussing what went wrong and proposing solutions. This helps build a strong team dynamic and encourages innovation.Employee Empowerment: Encourage employees to share their perspectives and suggestions. By listening to them and incorporating their feedback, you show that their input is valued, which can lead to higher engagement and better outcomes.Prioritize Effectively: When managing multiple projects, prioritize tasks based on urgency and impact. Communicate clearly about the priorities and ensure everyone understands the reasons behind these decisions.Empathy and Understanding: Take the time to understand your team's personalities and needs. Adapt your management style to fit different individuals, showing empathy and personal interest in their lives. This builds trust and loyalty.Work-Life Balance: Advocate for a healthy work-life balance. Remind your team (and yourself) that while work is important, it’s not the only thing in life. Encourage taking time off to recharge and spending time with loved ones.Quote of the Show:“Everyone does make mistakes and that's to be expected. We're not perfect.”  Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wscooper/ Website: https://www.milfordk12.org/ Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0M2XB78b09i5vkWy1eHsxb Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/facility-rockstars/id1729458441 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/60bbc4f3-a123-47ca-9a83-eade102c5859/facility-rockstars Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/facility-rockstars-5616662 YouTube: https://youtu.be/nnbunBQ53E4Facility Rockstars Newsletter: https://subscribe.kaloutas.com Facility Rockstars is sponsored by Kaloutas, operating the way you operate in order to make your life easier. Learn more at: https://www.kaloutas.com 

In the latest episode of Facility Rockstars, host Jay Culbert interviews Barton Nielsen, a seasoned leader with 19 years of experience in EH&S and a strong educational background, including an MBA from the University of California and a Master's in Biotech from Harvard. Barton shares his personal journey from being an individual contributor to becoming a leader and influencer in various roles. He emphasizes the importance of relationship-building, understanding team dynamics, and effective communication. Using examples from his career, including a challenging stint at a manufacturing facility and his current role at Regeneron, Barton explains the critical lessons he learned about delegation, setting expectations, and coaching. He also touches on his unique upbringing in a military community, which shaped his global perspective and service-oriented mindset. Barton provides actionable advice for those transitioning into leadership roles, stressing the importance of getting to know your team and communicating openly. Takeaways: Know Your Team Members Personally - You can't figure out how to motivate somebody if you don't know who they are. Take the time to understand your team members' personal and professional lives to better connect and motivate them.Build Relationships and Understand Your Environment - Relationship build and sit back and try to understand what you've just inherited so that you can put together your plan of attack. This ensures you leverage existing strengths and address any gaps effectively.Communicate Early and Often - Open lines of communication from the start. Regular updates and check-ins can prevent miscommunications, align expectations, and build trust within the team.Familiarize Yourself with People, Programs, and Culture - Get to know the people, the programs, and the culture. This comprehensive understanding allows for more nuanced decision-making and effective leadership.Embrace Continuous Learning and Self-Improvement - Reflect on past experiences and identify areas for improvement. Accept that there are always things you could do better and use those insights to evolve your leadership approach.Maintain Honesty and Transparency - Being honest and truthful is key to establishing credibility and trust. Even when delivering bad news, transparency ensures that everyone is on the same page and can plan accordingly.Avoid Lying by Omission - Not sharing critical information is as harmful as outright lying. Ensure that you communicate all necessary details to your team to avoid misunderstandings and foster a culture of open communication.Quote of the Show:“Most people want to feel utilized, they want to learn, and be successful.” Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bartnielsen/ Website: https://www.regeneron.com/ Shoutouts: The First 90 Days: https://www.amazon.com/First-90-Days-Strategies-ExpandedWays to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0M2XB78b09i5vkWy1eHsxb Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/facility-rockstars/id1729458441 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/60bbc4f3-a123-47ca-9a83-eade102c5859/facility-rockstars Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/facility-rockstars-5616662 YouTube: https://youtu.be/xYOGYUQDOCI Facility Rockstars Newsletter: https://subscribe.kaloutas.com Facility Rockstars is sponsored by Kaloutas, operating the way you operate in order to make your life easier. Learn more at: https://www.kaloutas.com 

Host Jay Culbert interviews Josh Russell, a Senior EH&S Manager at the Janelia Research Campus and co-host of the Illusion of Safety podcast. Josh shares insights on blending safety and facility management. He emphasizes shifting from 'safety cops' to facilitators or concierges to foster innovation and efficiency.Josh discusses the importance of building and maintaining trust and communication through relationship-building, empathy, and active engagement. He has also developed training curriculums focusing on leadership and collaboration. Josh stresses that a supportive network and caring about others' experiences are crucial for success. He encourages safety professionals to be resources, engage in empathetic communication, and involve others in safety decisions. Takeaways:Building Relationships: Prioritize building strong relationships with your team. Establishing trust and rapport results in better cooperation and a more harmonious work environment. Practicing empathy and engaging in casual conversations can go a long way in forming solid connections.Effective Communication: Ensure that your communication is clear, consistent, and direct. Miscommunication can lead to errors and misunderstandings, so it's important to articulate your message effectively. Use face-to-face interactions whenever possible, as it conveys sincerity and builds stronger connections.Lead by Example: Show your team that you are committed to the same standards you expect from them. Being visible and engaged in their processes demonstrates your dedication and fosters respect and motivation within the team.Empathy in Leadership: Demonstrate genuine care and empathy towards your team's challenges and experiences. Understand their perspectives and recognize them as experts in their fields. This boosts morale and encourages a collaborative environment.Innovative Problem-Solving: Encourage your team to think outside the box and develop creative solutions to challenges. Partner with them to co-create solutions that are effective and innovative, rather than imposing top-down directives.Providing Support: Make yourself available as a resource. Be proactive in assisting your team with their needs, whether it's through providing tools, facilitating training, or simply being a listening ear. This reciprocity strengthens relationships and encourages a supportive organizational culture.Follow-Through: Consistently fulfill your promises and commitments. When you follow through on your word, your team learns to trust and rely on you. This reliability is fundamental to building a strong leadership reputation and fostering a dependable team.Quote of the Show:“I wanted to instill that muscle memory and mindset of thoughtful consideration. It's crucial to observe people thinking through their work comprehensively and from the perspective of others.” Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-russell-csp/ Website: https://www.janelia.org/ Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0M2XB78b09i5vkWy1eHsxb Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/facility-rockstars/id1729458441 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/60bbc4f3-a123-47ca-9a83-eade102c5859/facility-rockstars Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/facility-rockstars-5616662 YouTube: https://youtu.be/FmOGbuthDK0 Facility Rockstars Newsletter: https://subscribe.kaloutas.com Facility Rockstars is sponsored by Kaloutas, operating the way you operate in order to make your life easier. Learn more at: https://www.kaloutas.com 

In this 4th of July edition of Facility Rockstars, host Jay Culbert interviews Pat Furze, the Vice President of Sales and Marketing at FMC Ice Sports. Pat discusses the importance of adhering to policies in business operations and the challenges of managing ice facilities, especially during the off season and in the case of a power outage. Pat explains how holidays can either boost or hinder their business and how they creatively utilize their facilities for non-ice events during off-seasons. Pat also highlights the significance of effective communication, the 'three Ps' (policies, politics, and personalities), and maintaining compliance with state regulations. Additionally, Pat shares insights from his earlier work experience with the Boston Celtics and emphasizes the importance of making a positive impact in the community.  Takeaways:Prioritize Clear Communication: It all goes back to communication. Ensure that open and transparent communication channels are in place. This prevents misunderstandings and builds trust within your team. Encourage regular updates and feedback loops to keep everyone aligned.Adhere to Established Policies: Stick to the policies that are outlined. Consistency is key to maintaining order and fairness in your organization. Deviating from established policies can lead to confusion and might compromise the integrity of the management.Provide Clarity and Justifications for Decisions: Explaining the 'why' behind decisions is crucial. When people understand the reasoning, they are more likely to accept and support the outcomes, even if they don't agree with them. This approach helps in building a culture of transparency and inclusiveness.Embrace and Address Challenges Head-On: You can't hide from the hard stuff. Addressing difficult issues directly, rather than avoiding them, helps prevent bigger problems down the line. This approach develops resilience and problem-solving skills within the team.Focus on Policy Adherence for Long-Term Stability: Continuously sticking to policies, even when it's challenging, ensures long-term stability and predictability in operations. It prevents a 'slippery slope' effect where exceptions become the rule and operational consistency deteriorates.Accept that Not Everyone Will Be Satisfied: It's important to recognize that you will never make 100% of the people happy. Focus on making decisions that are in the best interest of the organization and the majority of stakeholders. Accepting this fact can help in making fair and balanced decisions.Manage Expectations Through Effective Communication: Continually communicate to manage expectations. This involves not just the initial communication but follow-ups and updates as situations evolve. It ensures all parties are aware of what is happening and why, which reduces frustration and uncertainty.Quote of the Show:"You can't avoid the hard stuff; if you do, it'll come back harder next time."Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickfurze/ Website: https://fmcicesports.com/ Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0M2XB78b09i5vkWy1eHsxb Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/facility-rockstars/id1729458441 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/60bbc4f3-a123-47ca-9a83-eade102c5859/facility-rockstars Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/facility-rockstars-5616662 YouTube: https://youtu.be/UoWrePztBNA Facility Rockstars Newsletter: https://subscribe.kaloutas.com Facility Rockstars is sponsored by Kaloutas, operating the way you operate in order to make your life easier. Learn more at: https://www.kaloutas.com 

In this episode of Facility Rockstars, host Jay Culbert interviews Kevin Blacker, the Director of Operations at Alta Material Handling. Kevin shares his expert insights on the critical aspects of forklift management, emphasizing the importance of safety, maintenance, and uptime. Kevin explains that proper operator training is crucial for safety and suggests that facilities implement regular maintenance schedules. Kevin also discusses modern advancements in forklift technology, including LiDAR systems and automated guided vehicles. Additionally, he touches on the importance of maintaining clean and debris-free facilities to ensure operational efficiency.  Takeaways: Safety, Maintenance, and Uptime: These are critical components for every facility professional operating forklifts. Ensuring these three aspects can significantly reduce downtime and increase overall operational efficiency.The Importance of Having a Trained Operator: Proper training and certification of forklift operators are paramount. A trained operator is more likely to handle the equipment safely and according to regulations, reducing the risk of accidents.Maintenance Schedule: Adhering to a strict maintenance schedule, including daily checklists and periodic inspections, is essential. Consistent maintenance helps in identifying potential issues before they become major problems, ensuring the equipment remains operational.Facility Maintenance: Maintaining the facility itself, such as keeping aisles clear and floors free of debris, directly impacts the performance and longevity of forklifts. A clean environment minimizes the risk of damage to the equipment and enhances safety.Dusty Environments: For facilities that are particularly dusty, extra care must be taken with electric forklifts. Keeping vents and other components clean is crucial to prevent malfunctions and ensure proper functioning.Equipment Safety: Perimeter and zone lights are additions that enhance safety by projecting lights to create safety zones around forklifts. This visual deterrent can help prevent accidents, especially in noisy environments where auditory signals might be missed.Adaptability to Facility Needs: The type of equipment best suited for a facility depends on various factors, including aisle size, load types, and specific operational needs. Facilities must choose forklifts that are adaptable to their unique environments to optimize performance.Quote of the Show:"If I had entered this industry earlier and experienced the growth I've seen over the last 10 years, I would have started sooner. It might sound crazy, but while I don't live and die for forklifts, I truly enjoy what I do.”Links:Website: https://materialhandling.altg.comResources: https://materialhandling.altg.com/parts-and-services/training/ Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0M2XB78b09i5vkWy1eHsxb Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/facility-rockstars/id1729458441 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/60bbc4f3-a123-47ca-9a83-eade102c5859/facility-rockstars Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/facility-rockstars-5616662 YouTube: https://youtu.be/MBAX4hYeCks Facility Rockstars Newsletter: https://subscribe.kaloutas.com Facility Rockstars is sponsored by Kaloutas, operating the way you operate in order to make your life easier. Learn more at: https://www.kaloutas.com 

In this episode of Facility Rockstars, we delve into the insights of John Menard, a seasoned entrepreneur renowned for his prowess in scaling companies. Currently spearheading Trailblaze Bio, John shares invaluable advice on leveraging networking opportunities for career advancement. Emphasizing the importance of every conversation, he reveals practical strategies such as flagged emails and consistent follow-ups to nurture professional relationships. John elucidates on managing operations within small biotech firms, stressing the need for agility and lean management amid financial constraints and rapid expansion. His expertise extends to cultivating reliable vendor partnerships and making strategic real estate decisions pivotal for early-stage ventures. Moreover, John underscores the equilibrium between work and personal life, advocating for outsourcing non-core functions to ensure sustainable growth. Join us as we explore John Menard's blueprint for navigating the dynamic landscape of biotech startups.Takeaways:Never Turn Down a Conversation: Emphasize the importance of engaging with people who reach out to you, as these connections can prove valuable in both your career and personal life. Every interaction, no matter how small, can potentially lead to new opportunities, collaborations, or insights that may not be immediately apparent.Structured Networking Routine: Discuss a disciplined approach to networking, which involves flagging non-urgent messages and setting aside dedicated time each week to follow up on networking opportunities. Stress the significance of maintaining a consistent and structured networking routine to nurture relationships and stay connected within the professional community.Agility and Lean Operations in Startups: Highlight the necessity of being agile and maintaining lean operations in small biotech companies. Emphasize the importance of efficiently managing resources, optimizing processes, and adapting quickly to changes in order to scale up the business rapidly while minimizing unnecessary expenditures.Building Trusted Vendor Relationships: Emphasize the critical nature of cultivating long-term, reliable relationships with vendors. This involves not only ensuring timely payments but also creating a supportive environment where vendors feel valued and motivated to deliver high-quality services consistently. Building trust with vendors can significantly enhance operational efficiency and overall business performance.Managing Work-Life Balance: Share insights into achieving a healthy work-life balance. Stress the importance of unplugging from work, dedicating time to hobbies and family, and prioritizing personal well-being. By maintaining a balanced lifestyle, individuals can recharge mentally and physically, leading to improved productivity and creativity in their professional endeavors.Pitfalls in Real Estate Obligations: Advise startups to approach real estate decisions cautiously, particularly in the early stages of growth. Suggest avoiding committing substantial resources to long-term real estate obligations and instead exploring flexible alternatives like incubator spaces. This approach allows startups to remain financially nimble and adapt their physical workspace according to evolving business needs.Outsourcing Non-Core Functions: Introduce the concept of outsourcing non-core business functions to specialized service providers. Explain how leveraging on-demand services for tasks such as IT, HR, and finance can reduce overhead costs, access specialized expertise, and scale operations more efficiently. This strategic outsourcing enables startups to focus their internal resources on core business activities critical to achieving their mission and growth objectives.Quote of the Show:“Never turn down a conversation. Making those connections with people, that's always the most important thing.Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-menard/ Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0M2XB78b09i5vkWy1eHsxb Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/facility-rockstars/id1729458441 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/60bbc4f3-a123-47ca-9a83-eade102c5859/facility-rockstars Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/facility-rockstars-5616662 YouTube: Facility Rockstars Newsletter: https://subscribe.kaloutas.com Facility Rockstars is sponsored by Kaloutas, operating the way you operate in order to make your life easier. Learn more at: https://www.kaloutas.com 

In this episode of Facility Rockstars, host Jay Culbert interviews Rich Regitano, Vice President of Engineering at AvalonBay Communities. With over two decades of experience in real estate, Rich shares his insights on the challenges of obtaining quality feedback and the importance of effective communication. He discusses the nuances of conducting surveys, creating training programs tailored to the needs of the team, and his innovative approach to 'just-in-time' training. Rich emphasizes the significance of building rapport and asking the right questions to get genuine feedback. He also sheds light on managing a vast portfolio of properties and ensuring seamless operations across different locations. Rich's approach to leadership is collaborative, always aiming for continuous improvement and prioritizing safety. He closes with reflections on past decisions and personal advice for upcoming leaders, underlining the importance of taking calculated risks and trusting one's instincts. Takeaways:Invest in Getting Quality Feedback: Ensure you’re diligent in collecting feedback from multiple sources rather than relying on surface-level responses. Quality feedback requires thoughtful questions that elicit meaningful insights. Remember, understanding what people need to hear, not just what they want to hear, makes all the difference.Build a Rapport with People to Get Honest Feedback: Before diving into questioning, spend time building a rapport with your team or stakeholders. People are more likely to provide genuine and honest feedback when they feel comfortable and understood. This trust-building process ultimately results in more accurate insights and productive discussions.Use Varied Methods of Training: Not everyone learns the same way, so offer different modes of training to accommodate diverse learning styles. Whether it's in-person sessions, mobile-first videos, or quick reference guides, ensuring accessibility to resources enhances learning efficiency. Always think about your team’s success when designing training programs.Flip the Script on Training: Implement 'just-in-time' training that provides quick, concise tutorials available on-demand, especially when tasks aren't performed regularly. Supplement comprehensive training sessions with short, focused videos to refresh memory in real-time. This approach caters to the need for timely information, helping your team perform tasks accurately when needed.Importance of Safety Protocols: Prioritize safety by establishing recurring safety meetings, protocols, and practical demonstrations. Ensuring everyone on your team understands and follows safety guidelines guarantees they can work efficiently and return home safely. A strong safety culture not only protects your team but also enhances overall productivity.Jeff Bezos's One-Way vs Two-Way Door Decisions: Distinguish between one-way (irreversible) and two-way (reversible) decisions to move faster in a competitive environment. Encourage your team to make and learn from two-way decisions, where they can pivot easily if necessary. This approach empowers innovation and efficiency while reducing the paralysis from overanalysis.New Communication Techniques: Streamline communication by consolidating key information into predictable, periodic updates such as weekly emails or monthly newsletters. This ensures your team stays informed without becoming overwhelmed by constant messages. Effective communication requires a balance between frequency and clarity to maintain engagement and productivity.Quote of the Show:"Safety is paramount for us; it's the most important thing. Ensuring that every individual who comes to work today can return safely home to their family is our top priority."Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rregitano/ Website: https://www.avaloncommunities.com/about-us/ Ways to Tune In:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0M2XB78b09i5vkWy1eHsxb Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/facility-rockstars/id1729458441 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/60bbc4f3-a123-47ca-9a83-eade102c5859/facility-rockstars Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/facility-rockstars-5616662 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmLbhPqlPpRGZR4gRsSN7WZnZVnpH36x_ Facility Rockstars Newsletter: https://subscribe.kaloutas.com Facility Rockstars is sponsored by Kaloutas, operating the way you operate in order to make your life easier. Learn more at: https://www.kaloutas.com