In this episode of the Modern Facilities Management Podcast, Griffin Hamilton interviews Gerrayl Bryson, a Facilities Supervisor for the Nevada Department of Veterans Services.

Gerrayl shares his journey from military service to civilian life, highlighting the skills and experiences that have shaped his career in facilities management. He discusses the unique challenges and rewards of managing facilities for veterans, the importance of safety culture, and the need for sustainability in aging facilities.

Takeaways

• The importance of finding purpose in civilian life after military service.
• Facilities management is crucial for enhancing residents' daily experiences.

• A culture of safety is built through communication and empowerment.
• Reporting near misses can prevent future incidents.

• Embracing change and ambiguity is vital in facilities management.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Jeral Bryson

02:33 Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life

07:47 Unique Aspects of Managing Veteran Facilities

10:10 The Impact of Facilities Management on Residents

12:15 Balancing Immediate Needs with Long-Term Goals

14:12 Sustainability and Future Planning

15:36 Building a Culture of Safety

19:49 Understanding and Reporting Near Misses

20:00 Advice for Aspiring Facilities Managers

21:22 Influences on Career Development

In this episode, Griffin Hamilton speaks with Steven Atkins, the Director of Facilities Management at Methodist University Hospital.

They discuss Steven's journey into healthcare facilities management, the unique challenges faced in this sector, and the importance of compliance and paperwork. Steven shares insights on documenting tribal knowledge, emergency preparedness, and building a culture of safety.

The conversation also delves into sustainability efforts and capital projects, emphasizing the role of optimization in achieving energy efficiency and cost savings.

Key Takeaways

• Healthcare facilities management involves navigating complex regulations and compliance requirements.
• Capturing tribal knowledge is crucial for maintaining operational efficiency in aging facilities.
• Emergency preparedness requires a multidisciplinary approach and regular drills.
• Sustainability initiatives can lead to significant cost savings and improved operational efficiency.
• Building trust with administration is essential for successful emergency management programs.

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Summary

In this episode, Griffin Hamilton is joined by industry veteran Michel Theriault to unpack a recurring pain point in facilities management: the lack of fit-for-purpose tools and the undervaluation of FM’s strategic role.

With decades of experience in in-house, outsourced, and consulting environments, Michel shares compelling insights on:

• Why many organizations still use subpar or misaligned systems (like IT helpdesks) to manage complex FM needs

• The consequences of not advocating for specialized FM software (like CMMS or CAFM platforms)

• How poor interdepartmental collaboration—especially with IT—can derail initiatives for years

• The importance of positioning FM as a strategic function, not just a tactical one

• Practical advice for facility managers to gain business fluency, advocate for better tools, and communicate their impact

• The value of professional development

Interested in learning more? Reach out to Michel on LinkedIn