The Clean Slate

Hosted by OpenWorks

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Latest episode

Jun 2025

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EN-US

About the show

Let's chat about modern facilities management! We'll explore trends in building systems, energy management, operations, and more. In the world of FM, there is always something new. Listen in as we explore the latest in facilities management with those who are shaping the industry.

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19 recent

June 30, 2025Episode 2028 min

Good Clean Fun with Chris Buloson, TopGolf | The Clean Slate Podcast

What does it take to manage over 38 locations spanning the West Coast, deliver a premium experience to thousands of guests, and train a team that’s built for success? Christopher Bulosan, Regional Facilities Manager at Topgolf, shares his incredible behind-the-scenes perspective. From early mornings tackling facility challenges across time zones to fostering a 5-star, customer-centric culture, discover the blend of technical expertise, leadership, and people-first values driving Topgolf’s growth. Listen as Chris dives into how he balances cutting-edge technology, sustainability, and human connection, all while staying hands-on and building leaders of tomorrow. He also reveals the inspiration behind his passion for mentoring staff, the impact of hiring people with special needs, and the story of one unforgettable gift that embodies his career's purpose. Whether you're a facilities manager, a leader, or just fascinated by what makes Topgolf tick, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!

March 4, 2025Episode 1939 min

Elevating the Clean Standard with David Swindle of ISSA

Today we chat with David Swindle, Associate Director of Consulting at ISSA, the International Sanitary Supply Association. David shares his expertise on CIMS (Cleaning Industry Management Standard), explaining its origins, benefits, and how it has transformed the cleaning industry over the last two decades. Whether you're in facilities management or part of an in-house cleaning organization, this episode is packed with practical advice on improving processes, maintaining quality, and meeting industry standards. From the impartiality of CIMS certification to insights on what sets it apart from other certifications, David also dives into a step-by-step look at the certification process and what businesses need to know to get started. Tune in to learn how CIMS can help you elevate quality assurance and stay ahead in the cleaning industry! For more episodes and updates, follow us on social media and subscribe to Clean Slate. Connect with Us OpenWorks Website: www.openworksweb.com/resources Trista Sobeck LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/tristasobeck/ David Swindle LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/david-swindle-ii-5ba3172a/If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us bring more valuable content to you!

January 13, 2025Episode 1738 min

Clearing the Air: The Vital Importance of Proper Ventilation

Did you know the air inside your home or office could be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air? Join us for an in-depth conversation with Lisa Greenfield, a National Indoor Air Quality Specialist with ErLab USA, as we uncover the hidden factors affecting indoor air quality (IAQ) and what you can do to foster healthier living and working spaces. Lisa shares how her background as an educator led her to discover the crucial importance of IAQ, especially in schools and older buildings. From mold and moisture issues to understanding radon, wildfire smoke, and proper ventilation, Lisa’s insights are both eye-opening and practical. Whether you’re a facility manager, a concerned homeowner, or simply someone who spends a lot of time indoors (that’s most of us!), this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you breathe easier. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The Basics of IAQ: What indoor air quality is and why you should care. The Hidden Dangers: How mold, radon, and poor ventilation impact your health. Personal Insights: Lisa’s firsthand experience of how poor IAQ led to health issues and inspired her career change. Practical Advice: Tools and methods for assessing and improving air quality in homes and workspaces. Tech to Watch: The role of IAQ monitors and tools like Poppy and ASHRAE 241 in diagnosing indoor air issues. Timestamps for Key Segments: (00:02) Trista’s intro and conversation starter with Lisa (01:20) Meet Lisa Greenfield and her career path to becoming an IAQ expert (03:49) Why indoor air quality matters (wildfires, COVID, and more) (04:29) Lisa’s personal story of illness linked to poor air quality in schools (07:02) Signs facility managers should look for to identify poor air quality (08:00) Exploring tools like IAQ monitors and real-time assessments (11:10) Deep dive into issues like radon and its health impacts Resources Mentioned in This Episode: ErLab USA - Learn more about their work in IAQ solutions. ASHRAE 241 - Guidelines on ventilation for reducing infectious aerosol spread. Poppy Monitors - Get real-time assessments of ventilation and air quality.

December 18, 2024Episode 1842 min

Clean Processes: The Foundation for a Successful Business

Have you ever wondered how clear processes can transform your business? Today’s episode features Jacqui Jones, the CEO and founder of Way We Do, a process management platform helping businesses and franchisees build consistency and efficiency. This engaging conversation highlights why processes and SOPs aren't just documents—they’re the foundation of a thriving business. Jacqui offers practical advice on how leaders can inspire teams to follow procedures, tackle resistance to change, and continuously improve workflows. Whether you're a franchisee trying to stick to established playbooks or an entrepreneur looking to streamline operations, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you create a well-oiled business machine. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why clear, consistent processes are the backbone of every successful business Strategies for encouraging teams to adopt and follow procedures How to identify and improve inefficient workflows The role of leadership and change management in process adoption Tips for fostering open communication and collaboration within teams Jacqui also touches on the behavioral challenges when it comes to getting people on board with processes, offering insightful ways to overcome resistance and create alignment. Key Takeaways: Leadership is Key: Leaders must not only communicate the importance of processes but also actively guide teams through training and change management. Open to Change: Processes should be adaptable. Always listen to on-ground feedback and refine where necessary. Clarity Equals Consistency: Providing clear, actionable procedures ensures everyone is aligned toward organizational goals. Resources & Links Learn more about Way We Do → Way We Do Website Check out Jacqui’s recommended book from the episode → "The E-Myth : Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About It," by Michael E Gerber (We are not amazon affiliates and will not earn commission on your purchase)Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to share your thoughts and leave a review! ⬇ Hope you enjoy the listen 🎙️.

November 15, 202437 min

Clean Waves: Nature's Soundscapes for Productive Workspaces | Fran Board, Marketing Director of Moodsonic

Episode 16: Designing Soundscapes for Workplace Productivity with Fran BoardWelcome to Episode 16 of the OpenWorks Podcast!In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of soundscaping and how it can transform workplaces into havens of productivity and well-being. Our special guest, Fran Board, Marketing Director at Moodsonic, takes us on a deep dive into the science and art of creating personalized soundscapes that enhance the work environment.Episode Highlights:Understanding Soundscaping: Fran shares her intriguing career path from visual design to her passion for multisensory design. She explains how soundscaping differs from traditional acoustics and noise mitigation, offering a holistic approach to enhancing our auditory environment.The Power of Nature Sounds: Discover why nature sounds play a crucial role in soundscaping and how they can be integrated into workspaces to create calming and productive atmospheres. Fran also discusses the trend of biophilic design and its connection to sound.Creating Dynamic Soundscapes: Learn about the technology and techniques behind Moodsonic's innovative soundscapes. Fran explains how they use a vast library of nature sounds, layering and adjusting them in real time to suit the environment and activity levels.AI and Real-Time Adaptation: Fran sheds light on how AI allows Moodsonic's soundscapes to respond dynamically to changes in the workplace environment, ensuring a seamless and beneficial auditory experience.Meet Our Guest:Fran Board has a unique blend of expertise in music, multisensory design, and marketing. With over a decade of experience in soundscaping across industries like retail and healthcare, Fran brings a wealth of knowledge and creativity to Moodsonic. Her enthusiasm for sound's impact on our lives is palpable, making this episode both informative and inspiring.Explore More:Follow us on Social: Stay updated with OpenWorks by following us on social media for more insightful content and updates.Explore Moodsonic: Discover how soundscaping can benefit your workspace by visiting Moodsonic's website for more information and resources.Tune in now to explore how soundscapes can enhance your work environment and boost productivity. Whether you're looking to optimize your office or simply intrigued by the sensory world, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice. Connect with Us!OpenWorks Website: https://www.openworksweb.com/resources Moodsonic Website: https://www.moodsonic.com/Trista Sobeck LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tristasobeck/ Fran Board LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fran-board/

July 30, 2024Episode 1435 min

Power in Relationship Building | The Clean Slate with Ryan Fountain of VXI

In this episode of Clean Slate, we welcome Ryan Fountain, the Director of Facilities at VXI, a global call center solutions provider. Ryan shares his insights and experiences about the importance of relationship building in facilities management and how it impacts overall business operations. Tune in to learn about the behind-the-scenes work that keeps VXI running smoothly, and why robust partnerships are crucial for success. Guest Bio Ryan Fountain, Director of Facilities, VXI Ryan Fountain is a results-oriented facility professional with a 15-year track record of direct facility management experience in both public and private sectors. He believes in building strong partnerships to enhance overall business operations. Don't miss this insightful discussion on the importance of relationship building in facilities management. Listen now and discover how strong partnerships can make a significant impact on your business operations. For more episodes and updates, follow us on social media and subscribe to Clean Slate. Connect with Us OpenWorks Website: https://www.openworksweb.com/resources VXI Website: https://vxi.com/ Trista Sobeck LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tristasobeck/ Ryan Fountain LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ryan-fountain-a0b70130 Subscribe & Review If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us bring more valuable content to you!

July 9, 2024Episode 1331 min

More Accessible Bathrooms with Product Innovation | The Clean Slate with Claire Coder of Aunt Flow

Today we speak with Claire Coder, the CEO and Founder of Aunt Flow. Claire has been a pioneer in providing free period care products for those who menstruate and has been at the forefront of advocating for accessible menstrual products in public bathrooms for over eight years.Hear about Aunt Flow's mission, the recent legislative changes in menstrual product accessibility, and how partnerships with facility management companies are reshaping the bathroom experience. Claire shares insights on the ease of ordering these products and the company's evolution over the years.Follow OpenWorks and Trista on social media and check out the website:Website: https://www.openworksweb.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@openworksfmLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/openworks/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/openworksaz/Trista: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tristasobeck/Find more episodes of The Clean Slate at: https://www.openworksweb.com/podcastTo be a guest on the podcast or submit general business inquiries: Trista.sobeck@openworksweb.com

June 11, 2024Episode 1253 min

Disruptive Discovery in Work and Life | The Clean Slate with Geoff Snavely of Millicare

In this episode, we sit down with Geoff Snavely from Millicare for an insightful conversation that ranges from practical floor care tips to the philosophical aspects of facility management.We discuss best practices for keeping your floors clean and why it's essential, how vendors can be better partners for facility managers, aiming for the same goal of maintaining immaculate work environments, and the importance of back-to-work strategies in current times and how facility management plays a crucial role.Don't miss out—tune in now and elevate your facility management game!Follow OpenWorks and Trista on social media and check out the website: Website: https://www.openworksweb.com YouTube: @openworksfm LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/openworks/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/openworksaz/Trista: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tristasobeck/Find more episodes of The Clean Slate at: https://www.openworksweb.com/podcast‍ To be a guest on the podcast or submit general business inquiries: Trista.sobeck@openworksweb.com

April 11, 2024Episode 1142 min

The Business of Education | The Clean Slate with Amanda Thies of Spring Education Group

In this episode of The Clean Slate podcast, we host Amanda Thies, Director of School Business Operations at Spring Education Group. In her role, Amanda manages capital expenditure budgets, ensures efficient facility management, and fosters communication between business operations and school administrations. We discuss the funding challenges that charter schools face and their impact on facility management, emphasizing the significance of budgeting and contractual responsibilities in ensuring the smooth operation of schools. Amanda even shares her personal experience transitioning from being a police officer to an educator and the similarities in problem-solving skills required for both roles. Today, she compares her role to "Santa Claus" – for reasons you'll have to listen to find out! Follow OpenWorks and Trista on social media and check out the website: Website: https://www.openworksweb.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@openworksfm LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/openworks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/openworksaz Trista: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tristasobeck Find more episodes of The Clean Slate at: https://www.openworksweb.com/podcast‍ To be a guest on the podcast or submit general business inquiries: Trista.sobeck@openworksweb.com

April 2, 2024Episode 1040 min

Finding Success as an Entrepreneur | The Clean Slate with Marcus Scott of OpenWorks

Small Business Ownership is hard, but that doesn’t stop Marcus from engaging every day with focus and determination to deliver the best experience possible to his customers, employees, and himself. Marcus chats with us about what makes him successful, how he began his entrepreneurial journey, and what it takes to be a business owner responsible for the lives and experiences of so many he interacts with daily. Follow OpenWorks and Trista on social media and check out the website:Website: https://www.openworksweb.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@openworksfmLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/openworks/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/openworksaz/Trista: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tristasobeck/ Find more episodes of The Clean Slate at: https://www.openworksweb.com/podcastTo be a guest on the podcast or submit general business inquiries: Trista.sobeck@openworksweb.com