The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey

Hosted by Joe Havey

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Aug 2026

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"The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey" features groundbreaking conversations on critical issues in building design, construction, property management, or facilities management. These issues address acute shortages of blue-collar labor, stringent energy efficiency regulations, expanding diverse hiring, and more.

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August 25, 202632 min

#060 Sean Tracy - Senior Director of Facilities at AdventHealth

What can facilities leaders do to build resilient, high-performing teams in high-pressure environments? How can healthcare facilities teams shift from reactive maintenance to proactive operational excellence? What strategies help facilities leaders gain executive support for energy, capital, and sustainability investments? Sean brings more than 22 years of healthcare facilities experience, with deep expertise in hospital infrastructure, operations, capital planning, reliability, compliance, and patient-centered environments. Sean's path into the field started unexpectedly. Two years out of high school, he joined Penrose Hospital in Colorado Springs as a groundskeeper. From there, he grew through the ranks, becoming a facilities technician, HVAC and refrigeration specialist, supervisor, plant operations manager, and ultimately, today, a regional facilities leader for AdventHealth. Along the way, Sean has contributed to major healthcare projects, including a $102 million expansion at St. Francis Hospital and a multi-phase campus expansion initiative at Castle Rock Adventist Hospital. Today, Sean leads facilities teams that create safe, reliable hospital environments for clinicians, patients, and their family members. Listen to Sean Tracy insights on "The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey" in your favorite podcast app. In this episode: 02:00 Lead With Balance 03:28 Meet Sean Tracy 05:04 From Groundskeeper Up 09:21 Field Experience Matters 12:03 Leading With Composure 14:57 Showing Up Daily 16:19 Proactive Facilities Leadership 20:14 Selling Energy Projects 23:36 Energy Improvement Roadmap 27:24 Building Future Talent Connect with Joe: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-havey-cem-leed-ap/ Connect with Sean Tracy: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-tracy-mha-chfm-sashe-18a771b9/ If you enjoyed the podcast, please leave a review of "The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey" on Apple and Spotify!

June 29, 202647 min

#059 Ernie Jackson – Director of Property & Facility Services at Plaza Companies

What can building operations leaders learn from the fundamentals (blocking and tackling) of property operations? How do strong vendor, tenant, and industry relationships create measurable value in commercial real estate? Why is preventive maintenance still one of the biggest missed opportunities in building management? Ernie Jackson is director of property and facility services at The Plaza Companies in Phoenix. He has over 40 years in commercial real estate. He started out in the janitorial business, taking over the family company, doubling its size, and then sold it in 1998. The business grew to 400 employees and $5 million in revenue. Ernie moved into property management in 2000 and has led operations ever since. Ernie's also deeply involved with the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA). He speaks to its role in education, advocacy, and operational standards, as well as the support it provides to its members. BOMA has been instrumental in supporting Ernie during a period of profound loss when his son, Quinton, passed away in 2009. That loss sparked a spiritual journey for Ernie, leading him to become a published author, life coach, and public speaker on grief, forgiveness, and the economic value of BOMA. Listen to Ernie Jackson's insights on "The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey" in your favorite podcast app. In this episode: 01:34 Introduction 03:20 Early Career Lessons 10:18 Building the Right Team 11:24 Moving Into Management 14:59 BOMA's Business Value 18:46 Loss and Perspective 26:27 Tenant Connection Value 33:20 Blocking and Tackling 39:15 Preventive Maintenance Discipline Connect with Joe: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-havey-cem-leed-ap/ Connect with Ernie Jackson: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erniejacksonpropertymanagementandauthor/ If you enjoyed the podcast, please leave a review of "The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey" on Apple and Spotify!

May 21, 202628 min

#058 Ime Ojebuoboh – Associate at Rider Levett Bucknall

How can healthcare buildings be designed to adapt to changing clinical needs? What does future-proofing really mean for healthcare facilities? How can project teams balance patient experience, operational efficiency, and long-term value? Ime Ojebuoboh's is an Associate at Rider Levett Bucknall – a global consultancy shaping the future of the built environment. Originally from Nigeria, Ime moved to Colorado at 19. Since starting his career in healthcare in 2012, he has developed a perspective centered on how facilities can more effectively serve both patients and providers. Ime is focused on guiding complex healthcare projects from concept to completion, helping align vision, strategy, and execution. Known for his thoughtful, grounded approach, Ime brings a strong emphasis on collaboration, adaptability, and long-term value. His work centers on translating the evolving demands of healthcare delivery into resilient, high-performing buildings designed for flexibility, safety, and improved patient outcomes. Listen to Ime 's insights on "The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey" in your favorite podcast app. In this episode: 02:58 Move to Colorado From Nigeria 05:10 Starting in Healthcare 06:48 Complex Project Collaboration 12:37 Balancing Patient Experience With Codes 16:57 Future-Proofing Healthcare 19:24 Designing for the Future 23:34 Owner Representative Role 27:10 Final Thoughts Connect with Joe: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ joe-havey-cem-leed-ap/ Connect with Ime Ojebuoboh: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ ime - ojebuoboh If you enjoyed the podcast, please leave a review of "The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey" on Apple and Spotify!

April 22, 202644 min

#057 Rada Doytcheva – Principal and Head of Design at RADA Architects

How can healthcare design reduce costs while improving patient and staff experience? What does "building better lives by design" look like in real spaces people use every day? Are sustainability certifications missing the bigger question of whether we should build new at all? Rada has been described as a "Messenger of Modernity." She is the Founding Principal and Head of Design at RADA Architects, a Chicago-based firm focused on creating "better lives by design." Rada grew up in Bulgaria. Her father was a pioneer of modernist healthcare design in Eastern Europe. She brings a global perspective shaped by her European roots and decades of experience across three continents. Rada is an expert in healthcare, education, and community-focused projects. She is known for rational, human-centered design and for leading complex projects with clarity and purpose. Rada is a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects, and her work has earned recognition including Crain's Notable Women in Construction and Design. Listen to Rada Doytcheva's insights on "The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey" in your favorite podcast app. In this episode: 00:00 Early Influences 07:20 Healthcare Design Legacy 11:43 European vs U.S. Design 18:12 Global Practice Insights 21:32 Better Lives by Design 29:06 Sustainability & Certifications 35:13 Innovation in Healthcare Connect with Joe: Website: https://www.ecube.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ joe-havey-cem-leed-ap/ Connect with Rada: Website: https://www.rada-arch.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ rada-doytcheva-phd-faia-mba- leed-ap-994a6542/ If you enjoyed the podcast, please leave a review of "The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey" on Apple and Spotify!

December 16, 202531 min

#056 Ryan Bonner – CEO and Co-Founder of Vertix Builders Inc.

How are outpatient surgery centers reshaping healthcare construction? What challenges do hospitals face with evolving codes? How can builders navigate regulatory complexity while retaining top talent? Ryan Bonner answered these key questions, on the future of healthcare buildings, on the recent episode of The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey. Ryan is the CEO and co-founder of Vertix Builders Inc., a Denver-based general contractor. His company specializes in healthcare facilities and experiential projects like zoos and museums. Under his leadership, Vertix has been recognized as one of the fastest-growing large companies by the Denver Business Journal. It is also the youngest firm to win General Contractor of the Year from the American Subcontractor Association—an honor they've received three times in just ten years. A serial entrepreneur from childhood, Ryan holds an engineering degree from University of Colorado. He emphasizes company culture, innovation, and sustainable growth, and champions global health initiatives through Vertix Health Charities. Listen to Ryan's insights on "The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey" in your favorite podcast app. In this episode: 01:25 Introduction 02:45 Childhood entrepreneurship 04:15 Roots of Vertix Builders Inc. 08:13 Culture and retention 09:55 Vertix Health Charities global work 15:10 Outpatient surgery center trends 18:00 Hospital tech and code challenges 21:45 Skilled labor recruitment 25:20 Managing the "Authority Having Jurisdiction" (AHJ) complexity 27:55 Longevity trends in healthcare 29:25 Final thoughts Connect with Joe: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-havey-cem-leed-ap/ Website: https://www.ecube.com/ Connect with Ryan: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-bonner-84785922/ Website: www.vertixbuilders.com Charity: www.vertixhealth.org If you enjoyed the podcast, please leave a review of "The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey" on Apple and Spotify!

November 13, 202537 min

#055 Jay Stein – Co-founder of E Cube, Energy Technology Consultant, and Blogger

How are today's building systems adapting to the transition to new refrigerants, electrification initiatives, and indoor air quality standards? Where are the biggest inefficiencies in how buildings use energy, and how can they be addressed without compromising occupant comfort, reliability or efficiency? Jay Stein explored these urgent questions on a recent episode of The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey. Jay has shaped energy technology for more than four decades. He began in the late 1970s as a laborer installing solar water heating panels and quickly moved into design, management, and analysis. In 1990, Jay co-founded E Cube with Jack Wolpert and became its first employee. Under his early leadership, the firm laid the groundwork for innovations that continue to influence energy solutions today. In 1997, Jay joined E Source, a leading organization helping utilities implement energy efficiency programs. He led the research department and played a key role in the company's growth before selling his stake in 2019. Today, Jay continues to shape the field through his blog, Energy Technology Revolution, and through consulting work with nonprofits, government agencies, policymakers, and businesses. Listen to Jay's insights on The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey in your favorite podcast app. In this episode: 01:33 Introduction 03:30 Oil Crisis of the 1970s 06:30 Co-founding E Cube in the 1990s 11:57 Work at E Source 14:05 Refrigerant Transition 18:37 Indoor Air Quality 23:50 Electrification 32:50 Future of Building Systems 36:15 Final Thoughts Connect with Joe: Website: https://www.ecube.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-havey-cem-leed-ap/ Connect with Jay: Blog: https://energytechnologyrevolution.com If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a review of The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!

October 8, 202535 min

#054 Brad Carter – Founder and President of LPM Advisors LLC

What is the most critical element that needs to be in place at the very beginning of a construction project? How can you get ahead of the most overlooked risks during the construction phase? What changes in the construction process will determine the next decade of building innovation? Brad Carter, Founder and President of LPM Advisors LLC, answered these and other key questions on a recent episode of The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey. Brad has over 26 years of leadership experience in the construction industry. He has guided project teams from concept through completion, making him an expert in all aspects of the building construction process. Most recently, he served as Vice President and Operations Manager for Turner Construction in Chicago. In that role, he led more than 200 staff and oversaw $700 million in annual revenue. Throughout his career, Brad has emphasized safety, culture, and continuous improvement. In 2025, he launched LPM Advisors to help owners and stakeholders achieve project success through innovative construction consulting. Listen to Brad's insights on "The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey" in your favorite podcast app. In this episode: 01:25 Introduction 02:35 Early lessons at Turner Construction 12:25 The beginnings of LPM Advisors 15:45 The critical elements of the construction process 22:57 Getting ahead of the risks 27:15 Future of building innovation 33:35 Final thoughts Connect with Joe: Website: https://www.ecube.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-havey-cem-leed-ap/ Connect with Brad: Website: https://lpmadvisorsllc.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-carter-81360617/ If you enjoyed the podcast, please leave a review of "The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey" on Apple and Spotify!

August 4, 202538 min

#053 Grant Stevens – President of Stevens Strategic Alliance

How do real estate markets in Europe and India differ from the U.S.? Why is the construction industry notoriously resistant to change? What are the biggest impediments to design and construction, and how can we overcome them? Grant Stevens, president of Stevens Strategic Alliance, answered these and other intriguing questions on a recent episode of The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey. Grant brings over 40 years of experience in real estate, having led more than 365 projects across 55 markets and $9.5 billion in development. His work includes expanding Hines into Europe and India, managing iconic projects like the Frank Gehry-designed New World Symphony in Miami, and advising Stanford's Global Projects Center. Grant's expertise connects innovation, proptech, and real-world challenges—helping the industry overcome barriers to change. His work has been recognized with awards from MagnateView, the Denver Award Program, Construction Tech Review, CIOReview, and others. Listen to Grant's insights on The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey in your favorite podcast app. In this episode: 00:00 Introduction 00:44 Meet Grant Stevens 01:56 Challenges and innovations in India 05:50 Real estate landscapes: US, Europe, and India 09:48 One Horizon Center in India 11:29 New World Symphony in Miami 16:45 Shaping innovation with Stanford's Global Project Center 21:41 Real estate's resistance to change 27:18 Future of building spaces: user expectations Connect with Joe: Website: https://www.ecube.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-havey-cem-leed-ap/ Connect with Grant: Website: https://stevenssa.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grantraymondstevens If you enjoyed the podcast, please leave a review of The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey on Apple and Spotify!

July 7, 202538 min

#052 Nancy Kohout – Senior Principal and Mechanical Discipline Leader at SmithGroup

What is data center heat recovery and why does it matter for decarbonization? How do penalties and fines (from inefficient energy management) reshape building design and operation? Why is storytelling a crucial skill for engineers? Nancy Kohout – senior principal and mechanical discipline leader at SmithGroup – answered these questions on a recent episode of The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey. Nancy is a licensed mechanical engineer based in Chicago, with 30 years of experience in decarbonization strategy, mechanical design, and team leadership. She is also a technical account manager for the U.S. Department of Energy's Better Climate Challenge. Her passions lie in driving progress on electrification and heat recovery, and in creating clear pathways to leadership for women in engineering. Nancy currently serves as president of the Illinois chapter of ASHRAE and co-chairs the upcoming 2026 Women in ASHRAE Leadership Symposium. Outside of work, she enjoys road-tripping to national parks in her camper van, exploring new cultures through travel, and spending time with her family. Listen to Nancy's insights on The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey in your favorite podcast app. In this episode: 00:00 Introduction 02:07 Nancy's journey into engineering 06:07 The importance of storytelling in engineering 08:14 Working with the U.S. Department of Energy's Better Climate Challenge 13:44 Strategic decarbonization in engineering projects 19:22 The inevitable rise of energy inefficiency penalties and fines 20:11 Challenges and opportunities in electrification of heating systems 22:53 Peak shaving and grid-interactive design 24:46 Data center heat recovery and decarbonization 26:29 The role of policy in waste heat reuse 31:46 Women in ASHRAE Leadership Symposium 35:55 Final thoughts Connect with Joe: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-havey-cem-leed-ap/ Connect with Nancy Kohout: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-kohout-p-e-leed-ap-151b9822/ If you enjoyed the podcast, please leave a review of The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey on Apple or Spotify.

May 14, 202531 min

#051 Connie O'Murray – Managing Director of Medical Property Management at JLL

What sets medical real estate apart from other asset types? What are the biggest challenges and opportunities in managing these properties today? Which emerging trends are shaping the future of medical buildings? Connie O'Murray addresses these and other key issues in medical real estate. Connie is the Managing Director of Medical Property Management at JLL, where she leads the national strategy for healthcare real estate. She has over 35 years of experience in commercial real estate, including 14 years focused on medical properties. Connie is an expert in medical property management, with a deep understanding of the challenges, opportunities, and emerging trends in medical buildings. She created JLL's national platform and certification program for managing medical buildings, designed to meet the unique needs of healthcare clients. She also plays an active role in the industry and currently serves as Co-Chair of the BOMA International Medical Office Conference (2024–2025), with past and current leadership roles in BOMA chapters in Houston, Denver, and Southern Colorado. Listen to Connie O'Murray's insights on The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey in your favorite podcast app. In this episode: 01:26 Introduction 02:42 How BOMA shaped Connie's career 08:15 What makes medical real estate unique 14:50 Leadership lessons from Connie's experience 18:45 Challenges and opportunities in medical real estate 22:20 Trends shaping medical buildings' future 28:58 Why specialization matters in healthcare real estate Connect with Joe: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-havey-cem-leed-ap/ Connect with Connie O'Murray: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connie-o-murray-0a42a29/ If you enjoyed the podcast, please leave a review of The Future of Buildings with Joe Havey on Apple and Spotify!