Operate Intelligently Podcast

Josh is joined by Mary Beth Ormiston, operations and risk management expert, to discuss the current landscape with COVID in operations and tactics for staying positive during COVID fatigue. Show Notes: Contact Mary Beth at Mbormiston@gmail.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Josh and Paul Lachance tackle an interesting topic: profit killers in maintenance. Learn more about what profit killers you could be avoiding today. Show Notes: Blog: 4 Methodologies to Help You Avoid Profit Killers See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Josh is joined by Ashay Prabhu, VP of Strategic Asset Management at Dude Solutions and co-founder of Assetic, to talk about strategic asset management and moving to long-term planning for budgeting for assets and infrastructure. Show Notes: Strategic Asset Management Sheet Rancho California Water District Client Success Story What is Strategic Asset Management & Why Should I Care Video See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Josh is joined by three product experts at Dude Solutions: Kyle Adamo, Braden Witt and Sarmad Sarsam to share more around the processes for innovating on software products and how we use client feedback along the way. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A few months ago, Josh sat down with Leslie Douglas, Sr Sales Manager at Dude Solutions, to dive into how you can shape your work identity and connect your purpose and passions to the work you do. Find out how you can focus on permission, purpose and plan to build your work identity. SHOW NOTES:Follow Leslie on LinkedIn or Instagram See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Josh is joined by Seth Robertson, Director of Funding & Asset Management for WithersRavenel, to discuss improving infrastructure in our cities and best practices for asset management. SHOW NOTES: WithersRavenel NC Local Government Commission Reach out to Seth: srobertson@withersravenel.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Josh and Ashylnd Johnson, Client Success Manager at Dude Solutions, talk about how we’re taking steps as a company to be more proactive about supporting racial equality. They discuss the seven actions Dude Solutions is taking, as well as how our Hues of Dude resource group is helping. SHOW NOTES: Black Lives Matter: How Dude Solutions is Taking Action blog Blacks in Technology Reach out to Ashlynd: ashlynd.johnson@dudesolutions.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Josh talks through earthquake recovery procedures in Alaska with Shannon Rasic, Business Development Manager at Anchorage Public Schools, after their 7.1 magnitude earthquake in late 2018. They discuss how their work order system helped with clean up procedures, as well as best practices for emergency preparedness. SHOW NOTES: Register for our webinar on stimulus funding See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Josh talks with Erica Walker, Director of Environmental Policy & Programs at 120Water, about managing water quality and testing. They discuss the risks of facilities not being used during COVID-19 with disinfection and corrosion and ways to help with flushing, metals testing and building your water management plan. SHOW NOTES: 120Water Register for our webinar on stimulus funding See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Today, Josh is joined by Paul Timm, Vice President of Facility Engineering Associates, to discuss facility safety best practices, how to protect your security staff, how to reopen buildings securely, as well as visitor management tips. SHOW NOTES: Paul’s School Security book Contact Paul: paul.timm@feapc.com Coronavirus Resources See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Josh welcomes a very special guest, our first Dude Solutions Excellence Award winner: Curtis Orndorff, Manager of Building Maintenance at Frederick County Public Schools. This award recognizes a client for demonstration of operations excellence, innovation in the industry and important core values such as service, collaboration, integrity and ingenuity. Curtis was selected from 31 nominees by a committee of Dudes from across the company as well as members of our Client Advisory Board. They talk about Curtis’ history with The Dude since 2012, his school district, work and more. SHOW NOTES: Frederick County Public Schools Their Client Success Story See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Josh spent Earth Day interviewing Tony James, Director of Facilities at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, to talk about what it’s like operating a zoo during a pandemic. He shares tips for keeping staff roles flexible, promoting open communication and more. SHOW NOTES: Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden website Cincinnati Zoo YouTube channel Coronavirus Resources See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Josh speaks with Paul Anastasi, Interim Director of Facilities for Northbridge Public Schools in Massachusetts, about organizing after-hours events systems with the time you may have during COVID-19. They also talk through tips for saving energy and money when not hosting events. SHOW NOTES: Coronavirus Resources Event Management Resources See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Josh is joined by Chris Phillips, Development Services Director for the City of Mount Vernon, WA, to talk about how they’ve been using technology to streamline their planning and permitting processes, inspections and overall communications before and during COVID-19. SHOW NOTES: Coronavirus Resources Flawless Execution Book See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Josh talks with Keith Watkins, Assistant Director of Facilities for City School District of New Rochelle in NY, about COVID-19 protocols when it comes to products and equipment they use to clean, putting their plans into practice and general tips for facilities departments. SHOW NOTES: Coronavirus Resources New York State Schools Facilities Association National School Plant Management Association Reach out to Keith: kwatkins@nredlearn.org See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Josh does his first social distancing podcast with Ken Wertz, Executive Director of MFAA (Massachusetts Facilities Administrators Association), and Dr. John Marcus, Superintendent of Stoughton Public Schools. They talk about cleaning and communication best practices, meals for students, and other protocols around the COVID-19 pandemic. SHOW NOTES: Coronavirus Resources Massfacilities.com Stoughton Public Schools See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Josh chats with Greg Lookabaugh with The King’s Cleaning about cleaning tips and best practices for epidemics and pandemics like the COVID-19 virus and the critical part custodial services plays. SHOW NOTES: 3 Steps to Prepare for Coronavirus blog See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Josh catches up with Eric Foellmer, Director of Marketing for XL Fleet, about vehicle electrification that’s helping fleets have better energy efficiency and sustainability. Learn about this innovative technology for creating hybrid vehicles. SHOW NOTES: XL Fleet website or reach out via info@xlfleet.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Hear from Josh and Taylor Furst, Implementation Specialist, about what insights you can draw from our recent Senior Living Operations Report – from market trends to planning ahead and more on overcoming operational challenges. SHOW NOTES: 2019 Senior Living Operations Report How Technology Is a Force of Change in Senior Living blog by Taylor Learnings from the report webinar recording Staffing & the facilities team blog See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Welcome Josh Peach as our new podcast host and hear from a returning podcast guest, Paul Lachance, to talk about just how technology has changed and how your team can keep up to speed on all things operations technology. SHOW NOTES: Navigating the Changing Workforce Guide Working Across Generations podcast See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

REPOST: Brian and Paul take a trip to the North Pole to talk about ways Santa and his team of elves can improve their operations with new technology. Happy holidays, everyone!SHOW NOTES: Modernizing Operations in the North Pole infographic See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Hear what David Marcus, Campus Business Manager for de Toledo High School, has to say about a proactive approach to crisis management during this Dude University interview. He also shares what he’s looking forward to next in operations management. SHOW NOTES: Register for Dude University 2020! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In Episode 11, you'll hear from Mayor Steve Adler about why Austin is unique, why it's grown so much and other insights on what it's like to serve as mayor.Here's a note from Steve:Hi, I’m Steve Adler, and I am proud to be Austin’s 52nd Mayor and the first to serve under our new 10-ONE council system. Being selected mayor is the greatest honor I’ve ever received.Austin is magical place with a special spirit and soul. We value diversity, creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, our natural environment, and a laid back attitude. In Austin, everyone is good enough and no one is too good. Here you’ll find friendly neighbors.It is my goal to move our city forward in a way that is inclusive, innovative and intentionally improvisational. Social innovation, social entrepreneurship, equity and access are becoming an ever greater part of our lives as we seek to manage the incredible growth that follows from being such a wonderful place to live.Austin’s future is bright and we need everyone to be actively involved as we move forward. Please let me hear from you and please let me and my office know if we can provide support or assistance. http://www.austintexas.gov/department/mayor See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We’ve got another quick interview from Dude University 2019. This one is with John Dufay, Executive Director of Operations for Albuquerque Public Schools, to talk about how he uses data for decision-making and budgeting to improve their operations. SHOW NOTES: Register for Dude University 2020! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Joshua Peach does a mic takeover for the podcast, interviewing Dude Solutions CEO Ed Roshitsh about what it’s like being a CEO, why he moved his office and what keeps him up at night. SHOW NOTES: Dude... Who Are You & What You Do series History of The Dude podcast A Solid Handshake by Ed Roshitsh Be Au Sm podcast Ep. 34 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Check out this interview with Bobbi Antonucci, Systems Analyst of Horry County Schools, to see how they’re using technology, specifically drones, to help with natural disaster clean-up and more. She breaks down how to get affordable drones, how to use them and then process data from them. SHOW NOTES: DJI drones FAA website See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Mary Beth Ormiston joins us again to talk about the current landscape of the workforce that has five generations working together for the first time in history. She talks about the differences and similarities of each group and calls out common values that can help us all work together better. SHOW NOTES: Navigating the Changing Workforce GuideWhat’s in a Number? Blog by Mary Beth See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Episode 10 features the City Manager from the City of Crescent, Oklahoma, Ryan Wallace. This episode takes us on a journey from Ryan's professional career in the private sector prior to relocating to Oklahoma to be closer to family. From there, Ryan got involved in Crescent's Fire Department about 10 years ago and from there has helped in various roles, including his current one as the City Manager.We get into topics around managing the Oklahoma weather, embracing technology, working with council, ideas on brining in new businesses, and much more. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Today, we finish our special series with a chance to look into the future of operations, of data and of Dude Solutions. Hear what longtime Dude clients and employees are most excited about with that future. SHOW NOTES: Special Series Episode 100 & 101The Future with Exponential Technologies (Ep. 90) Getting Innovative with Dude Labs (Ep. 86) Event Manager™ Energy Manager™ Asset Essentials™ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We’re back with the second episode in our special 3-part series on Year of The Dude (our 20th birthday), and this one is all about what makes The Dude unique from our clients to employees to our work and data. Hear thoughts (and even a song) from long-time Dude Solutions employees and clients.SHOW NOTES: Ep. 100 on the History of The Dude Inside Dude University (Ep. 96) Gary’s Dude Family song See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

It’s Episode 100! Celebrate with us by enjoying this special three-part series as a part of the Year of The Dude (our 20th birthday year). This first episode will tell you everything you need to know about the history of Dude Solutions. You’ll learn about where our name came from, how the company got started and even a few funny and heartwarming stories, all from long-time Dude employees. SHOW NOTES: The Year of The Dude blog post Inside Dude University (Ep. 96) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Brian is joined by Frank Cottle, Chairman and Founder of Alliance Virtual Offices, to look into the future of what workspaces will be like and how that affects facilities and operations teams. SHOW NOTES: Alliance Virtual Offices All Work resources See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Join Brian and Cynthia Berry, Director of Enterprise Safety and Security, Center of Excellence, for Adtalem Global Education, to get the highlights and key takeaways from her Dude University session on authentic leadership for women (and men). SHOW NOTES: EDGE program Register for Dude University 2020 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Join Brian's interesting conversation with Mayor Karen Sheek of the City of Cortez, CO.Karen Sheek is a retired educator, former business owner, volunteer, mother of two and has been the mayor of Cortez since 2016, a role she sought after serving on the City Council. She moved to the area with her husband, John, in 1975 after he was hired as a park ranger at Mesa Verde National Park. “We liked the area and it was close to my family that lived in Phoenix, so we stayed,” she said. “Cortez became our home.” She taught thousands of students at Cortez Middle School over 30 years, and was co-owner of the catering company Seas’nings, LLC, and the Seas’nings at 319 venue for private parties and full-service afternoon teas. To relax, Sheek enjoys reading and gardening. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We’ve got our first Dude University speaker interview to share with you and it’s all about building and sustaining a data-driven culture with tips from Frederick County Public School’s CMMS Data Quality Specialist Travis Tracey. SHOW NOTES: Frederick County Schools Case Study See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week on the Gov Gab series, Brian speaks with Mayor Jim Lane of the City of Scottsdale, AZ about making changes, leadership and more.Mayor W. J. “Jim” Lane served for four years on the Scottsdale City Council beginning in June 2004, and began his first term as Mayor in January 2009. He was re-elected to the Mayor’s Office in 2012 and began his third term in January 2017.Mayor Lane served on the 2002 Scottsdale Fire & EMS Advisory Committee, which was convened to evaluate and make recommendations to the city regarding the desired level of fire and emergency medical services relative to cost.His community service also includes six years on the Scottsdale Paradise Valley YMCA Board of Management. He chaired the 1999 Kids Campaign annual fundraising effort and is currently an emeritus board member.Mayor Lane currently represents the city as a member of the Flinn Foundation Arizona Bioscience Roadmap Steering Committee. He is the current President of the Arizona Municipal Water Users Association, a member of the Governor’s Arizona Workforce Committee, member of the Executive Committee of the League of Arizona Cities and Towns, and a Chairman of the Maricopa Association of Governments Economic Development Committee. He is a former Chairman of the MAG Regional Council and former President of the MAG Executive Board. Mayor Lane also serves on the Scottsdale Leadership Advisory Board, Arizona Game and Fish Appointment Recommendation Board, he is a member of the Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations and an Honorary Member of the Taliesin West Board of Stewards. Mayor Lane is also a member of the Municipal Tax Code commission.He came to Scottsdale from New Jersey in 1973 to take a position with KPMG (Peat Marwick), an international CPA firm. He worked as an Arizona CPA for 20 years with five of those years in public accounting as a financial statement auditor.Mayor Lane has owned and operated businesses in construction, mining, computer technology, telecommunications, regional aviation and financial consulting. Mayor Lane is also a former Adjunct professor of Business and Accounting at Scottsdale Community College.He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia. He and his wife Joanne have three adult children (Bill, Scott and Nancy) along with seven grandchildren (Megan, Aislinn, Madison, Carson, Caleb, Brooklynn and Cole). See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

What was Dude University 2019 like? Whether you were there or not, we give you a sneak peek (or listen) into the highlights of our recent user conference. SHOW NOTES:Dude University website Facility Innovators program See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We have a great chat with Mayor Tom Henry from the City of Fort Wayne, Indiana who talks about his journey into local government, his 20-year run on the Fort Wayne Council and his current 3rd term as Mayor of the City. Mayor Henry shares some tremendous stories about the city and its growth, as well as him learning from other mayors across the state and the many challenges they face as a fast-growing city.Mayor Tom Henry's Biography (https://www.cityoffortwayne.org/meet-the-mayor.html)Tom Henry is serving in his third term as Mayor of Fort Wayne. Leading Indiana’s second largest city, Mayor Henry is making government the best it can be for residents and businesses by demonstrating a commitment to engagement, innovation, and performance.Mayor Henry has a strong record of successes in neighborhood infrastructure improvements, downtown development, job creation, business expansions, advances in public safety, and enhancements to the City’s world-class park system. Before being elected Mayor, he served from 1983-2003 on Fort Wayne City Council, representing northwest Fort Wayne.Mayor Henry has lived in Fort Wayne almost all his life and began his career in the private sector as CEO of a group purchasing organization serving hospitals. He then went on to become a successful small business owner of a local insurance agency and healthcare consulting firm. Highlights of successes under Mayor Henry’s leadership since he took office January 1, 2008:Completion of the Harrison Square downtown development (Parkview Field, Courtyard by Marriott hotel, and The Harrison mixed-use facility with housing and retail)Light Lease Settlement between the City of Fort Wayne and Indiana Michigan PowerCreation of the Legacy fund to provide catalytic investment, leverage additional resources, and benefit residents. The fund is expected to grow to over $62 million at the end of 2025.Purchase of Aqua Indiana’s southwest water utility that allows for all City residents to have City Utilities waterCompletion of the Ash Skyline Plaza downtown development project that includes the national corporate headquarters for Ash Brokerage, a residential component and parking garage. The total project investment is more than $100 million.Since 2012, 21,600 jobs have been retained, nearly 6,900 jobs have been created and there has been a total private investment of more than $2.3 billionA commitment to public safety, which has included multiple academy classes for the Fort Wayne Police and Fire departments and enhanced technology to better serve and protect the public. Creation of the Fiscal Policy Group that resulted in additional funding for more police officers and firefighters, maintenance projects throughout the Parks and Recreation system, and a record amount of neighborhood infrastructure improvement projects in all four quadrants of the City. Since 2014, $130 million has been invested in neighborhoods.Completion of the first-ever Riverfront Development Study to provide an outline for the opportunity for a world-class river development in the heart of the city. The first phase of construction on riverfront development started in 2017.Completion of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Bridge in downtown Fort WayneThe successful merger of Fort Wayne and Allen County 911 communications servicesExpansion of the 311 call center to provide efficient and effective services to residents and businessesThe SmartGov transparency initiative, using new methods and technologies to make government more open, effective and responsiveExpansion of the greenways and trails system to over 100 milesA 1970 graduate of Fort Wayne Central Catholic High School, Mayor Henry earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology and his MBA from the University of Saint Francis. He is also an Army veteran.One of 17 children, Mayor Henry and his wife, Cindy, have been married since 1975. They have two grown children and four grandchildren and are members of Most Precious Blood Church. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We’re back with a repost of last year’s World FM Day podcast to celebrate this momentous day and week! SHOW NOTES: A Few of Our Maintenance & Operations HeroesFMs: Hear From Your Peers on World FM Day!Our Thanks to You on World FM Day See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Brian talks with Kate Fitzpatrick, Town Manager of Needham, MA, about how she got her start in local government, what they're doing to encourage women to join in and how she organizes her day. Kate has over 20 years over experience in varying roles at the Town and shares many stories of her journey growing with Needham.You can check out the Town of Needham website here - http://www.needhamma.gov/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Guess what time it is?! Dude University, our annual user conference, is about to kick off on May 5, so we’re giving you a sneak preview into this year’s event, the history of the conference and other fun facts from Kate Donnelly, Client Marketing Manager, and Nick Pendergraft, Training Manager, at Dude Solutions. SHOW NOTES: Dude University website See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Join this interesting and uplifting conversation with Brian and Mayor Sweetie Marbury of Durango, CO.Sweetie discovered Durango as a skier in 1974 and moved to Durango in 1975. An area teacher for over 37 years, Anita "Sweetie" Marbury graduated from the University of Houston with a bachelor's degree in speech/drama and Adams State College with a master's in secondary education. She was honored to be selected to the Colorado State Thespians Hall of Fame for career achievements in 2006 and she was the featured teacher for San Juan County Kids magazine in 2010.Sweetie has a broad range of experience serving on city boards and commissions. She has served on the City of Durango Parks and Forestry Board, the Comprehensive Land Use Code Plan Advisory Committee, the Residential Infill Design Standards Technical Committee, Established Neighborhood Design Review Board, LUDC Technical Committee on Accessory Dwelling Units. In addition, she has been a member of Durango High School Booster Club, Babe Ruth Board, League of Women Voters, AAUW, Durango Art Center Board, Kiwanis, Women's Resource Center, and a Salvation Army bell ringer.Sweetie was instrumental in saving Brookside Park in Durango from being sold for private development. Her primary focus is improving recycling, smart growth through infill, and protecting neighborhoods of Durango. Her interests are her 1950 international pickup truck, hiking, and gardening. Her son Dru English and his family live in Durango. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Learn some words of wisdom from City Administrator John Benson of City of Marshfield, MO on this episode of our special Gov Gab podcast series. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Join us as we have a bit of fun on this April Fools’ Day with a few outtakes from the past year of podcast recording. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We’ve got another podcaster on with us this week, Dan Lowry of the Learning FM Podcast, who is also the Director of Facilities for Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, OK. He’s on the show to share some super useful tips for managing stress on a personal and professional level. SHOW NOTES: Learning FM Podcast & Addicted to the Mouse Podcast How to write SMART goals Harvard Business Review article: Who’s Got the Monkey See Dan speak at Dude University 2019! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

On episode 3 of the Gov Gab podcast series, we sit down with Eagan, Minnesota Mayor Mike Maguire. We have a wide-ranging conversation about how he progressed from being on the Council to running for Mayor, as well as, many discussions around long-range planning, working in a bipartisan way with other members of the Council, and looking out for citizens and employees of the city. About Mayor MaguireAfter serving as a City Council Member from 2003-2007, Mike Maguire, Eagan's 8th Mayor, was first in 2006 and is currently serving his fourth term.Mayor Maguire has a bachelor's degree from Suffolk University in Boston, a master's degree from Mankato State University, completed doctoral course work at Indiana University and was selected to participate in the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey Institute's Policy Forum Fellows Program. Mayor Maguire has taught public speaking and communication at St. Olaf College among others and is a public affairs and media relations professional.As Mayor, he is part of the City Council's Finance & Personnel Committees, represents Eagan on the Board of the Municipal Legislative Commission, and serves as a member of the Eagan Convention and Visitors Bureau Board. Mayor Maguire is also a member of the Regional Council of Mayors’ and is a Regional Leader on Housing Policy and Community Development. Mayor Maguire has served as Chair of the Municipal Legislative Commission, President of the Association of Metropolitan Municipalities, on the League of Minnesota Cities Board of Directors and on Governor Dayton's Task Force on Housing.Mike and his wife Janelle have lived in Eagan since they were married in 1995 and their son Ian attends the Minnesota School of Environmental Studies in ISD 196. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Mary Beth Ormiston and Doug Page join us to share a bit more about risk management around events and what you need to prepare for an event at your educational facility... and document during and afterward. Register for the webinar Event Management video Risk Mitigation & Events guide See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Episode 2 features Town of West Pelzer, South Carolina Mayor Blake Sanders. Besides his duties as a husband and father, Mayor Sanders is a Professor at Clemson, Planner at the Town of Easley and a Landscape Architect.We dive deep into some of the inner workings of a small town and how they are trying to expand and grow for the future. Contact Info:https://westpelzer.com/bsanders@westpelzer.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Chuck Wright and Anna Ross join us to dive into the fascinating world of GIS (geographic information systems) to talk about how this type of data can help streamline operations and inspire innovative ways to work.SHOW NOTES:GIS Resources Esri Best Practices for GIS & Non-GIS Assets Webinar *Please go to iTunes and give us a review! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Check out our new special series focused on leaders in local government with this interview with Town of Cary Mayor Harold Weinbrecht.SHOW NOTES:About Mayor Harold Weinbrechthttps://www.townofcary.org/At first glance, Harold Weinbrecht seems like just another person from Cary. He’s a husband and a father, and he holds down a full-time job (in software, of course). He teaches Sunday school and loves to play tennis and run.What makes Harold Weinbrecht just a little bit different from the rest of the men in Cary is that he’s also the Town’s Mayor. But in Harold’s family, even being Mayor isn’t so unique. Mayor Weinbrecht’s uncle was former Mayor Fred Bond. Clearly, service runs in Harold’s family.A native of Augusta, Georgia, Harold has spent most of his life in Cary, coming here first as a child with his family then later as an adult while attending NC State University. Since their marriage in 1987, Harold and his wife, Belinda, have lived and raised their two daughters in Cary. And over these many years, Harold and his family have stayed in Cary because of its charm and sense of place, its natural beauty and its people.Wanting to keep Cary the wonderful place he’s called home for so long, Harold became active in politics in 1997 when he helped start a website called Citizens for Balanced Growth where he wrote about Town government meetings and issues. It was during this endeavor that he discovered that there were many people interested in the same things as he: a slower growth rate; a stronger focus on roads, parks and schools; and an increase in communication between citizens and their government.In 1998, Harold was chosen as the first chairman of the Town Council’s newly formed Information Services Advisory Board, and in 1999, he was named to the Town’s Planning and Zoning Board. Harold ran and was elected to the Cary Town Council for the first time in 1999 as an At-Large representative. Then, and now as Mayor, Harold believes that the role of local government is to maintain a high quality of life for its citizens by providing crucial infrastructure and valuable amenities. And then as now, faith, family and hard work are the things that keep Cary Mayor Harold Weinbrecht grounded and in touch with the real issues Cary citizens face each day. Mayor Weinbrecht remains committed to managing growth, and he also believes in an open government where citizens have a strong and relevant voice.To learn more about this podcast or other offerings by Dude Solutions visit dudesolutions.com or email dspodcast@dudesolutions.com. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Paul joins us again for a peek into the future of some exponential technologies that may soon make jobs easier and more efficient. SHOW NOTES:Register for the webinar See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.