What does it take to move from managing facilities to leading operations?

In this episode, Michael Williams talks with Steven Bradshaw of Conrac Solutions about the difference between soft and hard facility management, how technical knowledge and people skills work together in effective facility leadership, and what facility managers can do to prepare for broader leadership roles.

Steven also shares lessons from overseeing operations at the consolidated rental car facility serving Portland International Airport, where uptime, vendor coordination, and team leadership all play a critical role in day-to-day success.

What does it actually take to scale workplace services across states, mergers, and major transitions?

In this episode, Michael Williams talks with Andrea Hill, VP of Workplace Services at First Tech Credit Union, about right-sizing corporate offices, implementing hoteling models, and leading through a multi-state credit union merger. Andrea also shares lessons from building one of the largest mass timber corporate headquarters in the region, how sustainability becomes operational (not just branding), and what it takes to grow from facilities operator to executive leader.

Where is facility management actually headed?

In this episode, Michael Williams talks with Bobby LaRon about the limits of AI, the value of experience, and what really drives efficiency in complex facilities. Bobby also shares his path into the industry and lessons from managing healthcare environments at scale.

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Show Notes:

• Facility Management Handbook 4th Edition - https://a.co/d/6ufDN2S

• International Facility Management Association (IFMA): https://www.ifma.org/

• Dr. Dean Kashiwagi’s book on Expertise - https://a.co/d/58QsaiC

• Bobby LaRon’s contact info:

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbylaron/
• Bobby.Laron@cbre.com

In this short introductory episode, Michael shares the purpose behind the Portland Building Leadership Podcast: creating a space that highlights the people who keep Portland’s buildings running. You’ll hear what to expect from future episodes, why these conversations matter, and how this podcast aims to build a more connected facility community in our region.

Whether you’re a facility manager, engineer, property manager, vendor, or someone who supports the built environment, this show is for you.