Jarod Goodspeed used a suggestion from a friend to launch his facilities management career. Twenty years later, he has graduated from a small business owner to manager of a county’s facilities with 3.2 million square feet.
FMD: When and how did you get your first facilities-related job?
Jarod Goodspeed: After graduating from technical college in 2002, I launched and operated a residential and small commercial HVAC company. A few years later, I transitioned to working as a mechanical project manager for a large general contracting firm. It was during this time that a family friend employed at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport introduced me to the opportunities, stability and benefits of a career in trades within the facilities management field. This insight inspired my career shift.
In 2006, I joined the Port of Seattle as an operating and maintenance engineer at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. I became part of a team of 100 technicians responsible for managing and maintaining the airport's vertical transportation, mechanical and plumbing systems across its 3.2 million square feet of space.
During my 11 years at the fast-paced airport, I gained a broader perspective on facilities management and customer service. The relationships and professional networks I cultivated during that time have had a lasting impact and continue to be invaluable to my career.
FMD: What do you know now about facilities management that you wish you had known then?
Goodspeed: As my career progressed, I came to appreciate the critical role of analytics in facilities management. Metrics such as tool usage, drive time and time spent on administrative tasks provide essential data for making informed decisions.
These insights help determine whether to replace assets before the end of their expected lifespans or extend their use, ensure appropriate staffing levels and guide the development of evolving standard operating procedures. By analyzing how team members approach similar tasks, this data fosters continuous improvement and enhances operational efficiency.
Facilities management decisions increasingly depend on analytics to ensure effective strategies and long-term success. Early in my career, while performing preventive and corrective maintenance, my primary focus was simply completing tasks and moving on to the next. At that time, the computerized maintenance management system felt more like an additional burden than a valuable tool. My mindset revolved around putting in my hours — whether eight or more — and then heading home.
FMD: What has been your toughest challenge in facilities management, and how have you addressed it?
Goodspeed: One of the most significant challenges in my role has been balancing end-user expectations with our team's commitment to delivering world-class customer service. I currently serve in a government agency that encompasses 24 departments, spans over 1,600 square miles and employs more than 1,700 individuals. As our county continues to experience rapid growth, the demand for building repairs, modifications and reconfigurations rises accordingly. However, our team's size and resources do not expand at the same pace as the public service departments we support, creating limitations in labor and funding capacity.
A key part of addressing this challenge lies in open communication and setting clear expectations with stakeholders from the outset. Equally important is avoiding the path of least resistance and instead finding innovative ways to evolve our department to meet increasing demands while acknowledging existing constraints.
For example, to address the unique needs of our fastest growing and most demanding department, the fire department, we developed a dedicated fire strike team. This specialized team is comprised of five of our 42 technicians and focuses exclusively on high-priority requests from the fire department.
By adopting this targeted approach, we have enhanced service levels while creating a measurable capacity for managing these requests. This strategy also allows the remainder of the team to stay focused on scheduled tasks, ensuring operational efficiency across the board.
FMD: What accomplishments in your career are you proudest of?
Goodspeed: Among my most significant accomplishments is winning our county's annual Top Safety Award six times over seven years — a testament to our unwavering commitment to ensuring that every team member returns home safely, which is our number one priority.
Another achievement I take pride in is contributing to the development of the Florida Facilities Information Networks, an initiative spearheaded by a select group of facilities management directors across Florida. This network fosters collaboration and knowledge-sharing through an annual symposium and year-round networking, driving continuous improvement in our industry.
Lastly, one of the most rewarding aspects of my career has been mentoring and supporting the growth of those around me. Helping team members expand their knowledge, enhance their skill sets and advance their careers is a privilege. Many of our team members feel like family, and it has been a pleasure to create opportunities for their personal and professional development.
FMD: What advice can you offer to someone who is starting a career in facilities management?
Goodspeed: Seek out a mentor to guide you during your first few years. Their experience and insights can be invaluable. Begin networking early with industry-standard groups and local peers to build strong professional connections. Take the time to get to know the occupants of your buildings and genuinely listen to their perspectives. Collaboration becomes much smoother when you establish rapport with the people you serve.
Identify your passions within the field and strive to become a specialist in those areas. Continuously ask questions and challenge existing processes and policies annually to drive improvement, enhance efficiency and elevate customer service standards.
Are you interested in sharing your career path with the readers of Facility Maintenance Decisions? Contact Dan Hounsell at dan.hounsell@tradepress.com.
