Welcome to the latest episode of the Smart Buildings Academy podcast, where we had the privilege of hosting Phil Zito, CEO of Smart Buildings Academy. Dive into an informative session that explores the challenges and rewards of creating your own training programs in the building automation industry.

Episode Highlights:

• Insider Insights: Join Phil as he shares his expertise on crafting impactful training programs that resonate with learners.

• The Hidden Costs: Discover the often unseen expenses that come with the development of training materials and programs.

• Quality Matters: A deep dive into maintaining high standards in training content production.

• Measuring Success: Learn about effective strategies to assess the effectiveness of training outcomes.

• Trainer's Toolkit: What are the must-have skills for anyone looking to provide top-notch training?

This episode is a must-listen for industry leaders and those passionate about professional development. Gain a wealth of knowledge and insights that are crucial for anyone considering developing their own training initiatives.

In the latest episode of SBA 443, we delve into the comprehensive process of building and managing a Remote Operations Center (ROC) tailored for building automation teams. This episode is enriched with SBA's extensive real-world experience, offering valuable insights for contractors, building owners, and anyone interested in the field of building automation.

Episode Highlights:

Understanding the ROC: We start by defining what a Remote Operations Center is and its crucial role in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of building automation.

Design Essentials: The episode covers the infrastructure requirements for setting up an ROC, focusing on both the hardware and software components. We also discuss the importance of a robust technology stack and security measures.

The Team Behind the Technology: A significant portion of the discussion is dedicated to the human element of an ROC. We talk about staffing requirements, necessary skills, and the importance of ongoing training and development.

Operational Excellence: Listeners will gain insights into creating efficient operational processes, including workflow management, system maintenance, and emergency response protocols.

Client-Centric Approach: We share strategies on how to position ROC services to clients, emphasizing understanding client needs and customizing solutions.

Real-World Experiences: The episode features case studies and examples from SBA’s past projects, offering practical lessons and best practices.

Q&A Session: We conclude with a Q&A segment, addressing questions from our listeners, providing a more interactive and engaging experience.

Did you miss the live session? No worries, we've got you covered! In our latest episode of "SBA 442: Ask Me Anything," Phil Zito delivered a treasure trove of insights and expert answers. Here's a glimpse of what you missed:

Episode Highlights:

1. Building Automation Sales: Phil broke down strategies for success and shared insider tips.
2. Project Management: Practical advice for managing complex projects with ease.
3. Technical Topics: Deep dives into the nitty-gritty of building automation systems.
4. Leadership & Hiring: Transforming teams and driving results through effective leadership and recruitment.
5. Training Tips: How to level up your skills in the industry.
6. Career Advancement: Phil’s personal guidance on climbing the professional ladder in the building automation sector.

🌟 Special Moments:

• • Phil answered real-time questions from listeners, offering personalized advice.
  • Anecdotes from Phil's own career journey that inspired and educated.

Navigating the challenges of the building automation industry while fostering growth and maintaining a cohesive company culture is no small feat. In our latest episode of SBA, we sat down with Derek Wright, a seasoned expert from D&L Controls, to discuss just that.

Episode Highlights:

• Journey of D&L Controls: From its inception to its current state and future ambitions, Derek offers a candid look into the company's evolution over the years.

• The Hiring Lens: What does D&L Controls look for when bringing new talent on board? Derek reveals the attributes that stand out for them.

• Preserving Culture: As companies expand, maintaining the original spirit and ethos becomes a challenge. Derek discusses the strategies D&L employs to ensure their core values remain intact.

• Overcoming Challenges: Every company faces its set of hurdles. Derek sheds light on the biggest challenges D&L Controls has encountered and the innovative solutions they've implemented.

• Spotting Opportunities: The building automation sector is ripe with potential. Derek shares his perspective on the most promising growth avenues for contractors in the industry.

• Technology's Dual Role: Has technology been a boon or bane for D&L over the past 18 months? A deep dive into the pros and cons they've experienced.

• Power of Partnerships: The impact of strategic alliances on D&L's business trajectory and how such collaborations shape the industry landscape.

• Balancing Act: Growth is essential, but so is caution. Derek talks about striking the right balance between expansion and risk in the contracting world.

The building automation landscape is constantly evolving, and so are the challenges associated with managing and retaining top talent in this sector. In our latest podcast episode, we dive deep into the intricacies of talent management, examining the pivotal role of organizational culture, navigating corporate-imposed pay constraints, and implementing innovative strategies to reengage disengaged staff.

Episode Highlights:

• The Power of Culture: Discover how a strong organizational culture not only boosts employee morale but also significantly impacts company performance.
• Monetary Constraints: Learn about the challenges posed by limited raise allowances and explore creative compensatory measures to motivate and retain employees.
• Engaging the Disengaged: Uncover proven methods to rejuvenate disengaged staff, ensuring optimal productivity and alignment with company goals.

Plus, don't miss our interactive Q&A segment where we address some pressing queries and engage in a dynamic discussion with our listeners.

Whether you're a professional in the building automation industry, a manager seeking effective talent management strategies, or just someone intrigued by the intersection of technology, culture, and employee engagement, this episode promises a wealth of insights.

Step into the enlightening world of UHAT with our latest SBA 439 Podcast episode, dedicated to unveiling the strategic maneuvers of Nathan Miller, UHAT's renowned Energy Manager.

About This Episode:
In this special segment, Nathan Miller grants us an exclusive insight into his dynamic career journey, the challenges and learning from his transition into the owner space, and UHAT's approach to the fusion of IT with Building Automation Systems (BAS).

Key Takeaways:

• 🚀 The origin and evolution of Nathan's role at UHAT.
• 🌟 UHAT's formula for setting and implementing facility standards.
• 💡 The collaborative approach between IT and BAS under Nathan's leadership.
• 🔧 The ideation and realization of UHAT's preventative maintenance program.
• 🌐 Nathan's forecast on pressing facility concerns for the next 18 months.

Why Tune In?

• 🎧 Deep Dive: Get up close and personal with one of the industry's leading energy managers.
• 🛠 Practical Insights: Nathan sheds light on actionable strategies for facility management.
• 🌟 Expert Opinions: Understand the balance between current challenges and future concerns in facility management.

Engage with Us:
As you immerse yourself in this episode, we invite you to be more than just a listener. Share your thoughts, ask Nathan questions in our comment section, or suggest what other topics you'd love us to cover in future episodes.

Ready to embark on a journey into the heart of UHAT's energy initiatives? Press play.

Are you frustrated with the revolving door of talent in the building automation sector? Ever trained an employee only to watch them be lured away by a competitor? If these scenarios sound familiar, our latest podcast episode is for you.

Why Employee Retention Matters

In the rapidly advancing world of building automation, maintaining a skilled and dedicated workforce isn't just an HR concern—it's a core business imperative. The cost of replacing a trained technician can range from 50% to 200% of their salary. Given these numbers, the significance of retention becomes crystal clear.

In This Episode

We dive deep into:

1. The Reasons People Quit: Beyond just the lure of higher pay, what are the factors pushing trained professionals to jump ship?
2. Strategies Tailored for Contractors and Building Owners: While contractors battle in a competitive market, building owners, especially those bound by governmental pay structures, face a different set of challenges.
3. The Data Behind Retention: We'll provide statistics that every business leader needs to be aware of, showcasing the undeniable ROI of investing in employee growth and job satisfaction.

Key Takeaways

• Compensation isn't the Sole Factor: As many as 87% of millennials prioritize professional development in a job. This offers a hint for organizations: upskilling might be the key to locking in your talent.
• The Power of Non-Monetary Benefits: For governmental building owners, emphasizing benefits like job security and long-term pension plans can offset salary limitations.
• Investing in Training Pays Off: Organizations with strong training programs boast an impressive 218% higher income per employee.

Employee and leadership challenges are some of the most difficult issues business owners and managers face. Often times you advance in your career because of your skills in a specific area.

Your team or business grows and now you have people. People are awesome, they bring life to a team and business. But they are also complicated.

In this episode of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast, our co-owner Rachel Zito and I discuss her efforts in leading our talent and culture initiatives at SBA.

There's an exhilarating wave of change sweeping over our podcast, and we’re absolutely stoked to bring you along for the ride. If you've ever found yourself caught in the complex web of the building automation world, yearning for clarity, fresh insights, and actionable strategies, our latest episode promises to be a refreshing splash of insights.

SBA’s Grand Transformation

One of the most exciting segments of this episode is our 'New Horizons'. We've broadened our vision and are pumped to introduce our dynamic new crew members and the revolutionary Workforce Development Cohort. It’s more than a new chapter; it's a reinvention, emphasizing our relentless drive towards innovation and excellence in the building automation sphere.

Sales Strategy: Up Your Game

Ever felt that your BAS business strategies needed a tad more oomph? We've got you. This episode features a 'Sales Strategy Snapshot', ensuring you're equipped with powerful insights that promise not just results, but robust, impactful outcomes.

Operational Excellence

For those at the helm of building automation teams, our 'Operational Expertise' segment is a treasure trove. We delve into the nitty-gritty, presenting tools and strategies designed to optimize, streamline, and fortify your operational structures.

Tech Talk: Solutions at Your Fingertips

In 'Techno-Bytes', we’re breaking down some of the most pressing challenges in the industry and, more importantly, equipping you with pragmatic solutions. It’s real, it's relevant, and it’s designed to give you an edge.

Listener’s Voice: Spotlighting You

And, of course, where would we be without our loyal listeners? In our 'Listener’s Spotlight', we address a riveting question from one of you. Remember, each voice in our community is essential, and we're ever-eager to hear from you.

A Glimpse Into the Future

We couldn't sign off without teasing some of the sensational content lined up. Stay tuned, because what’s on the horizon is nothing short of legendary!

Prepare for an adventure as we roll out the 435th episode of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast, imaginatively titled "SBA 435: Highway Heroes - Untold Stories from a Traveling Building Automation Repairman."

In this episode, we have our Corporate Trainer, David Perkins, as your travel guide. David has spent countless hours on the road, moving from site to site, unraveling and fixing complex building automation and mechanical issues that have left others in the field scratching their heads.

Now, he's ready to share his wealth of experience and the wisdom he's gained during these troubleshooting treks. Not only will you hear engrossing stories, but you'll also gain a fresh perspective on building systems and how to troubleshoot them.

Don't miss this exceptional opportunity to learn from a seasoned veteran of the industry. Join us, and let's hit the road together in this fascinating episode!