Facilities Five and Dime: The Podcast on Church Facility Stewardship

We would love to hear your thoughts and requests for topics, text us here!In this episode of Facilities Five & Dime, we take a step back and challenge one of the most common assumptions in facility management—that the best solution is always the one that’s worked before.Through familiar stories—from the accidental invention of Post-it Notes at 3M to the 39 failed attempts behind WD-40 and even the persistence of Thomas Edison—we explore how what looks like failure can actually lead to better, more effective outcomes.Then we bring that perspective into the world of facilities, specifically roof systems. For years, fluid-applied roof coatings were viewed as a lower-tier option—something to use when budgets were tight. But modern materials and application methods have changed that narrative entirely.When properly installed, today’s coating systems can extend the life of an existing roof by decades, often at a fraction of the cost of a full tear-off and replacement. In some cases, a roof can achieve 20- to 40-year performance through strategic recoating cycles—reducing capital strain while maintaining protection and performance.We also challenge conventional thinking around visibility and value. If a roof isn’t seen, does it need to be rebuilt to the highest aesthetic standard—or is there a smarter, more sustainable way to steward those resources?The question becomes less about what has always been done… and more about what actually creates the most value.Because sometimes, the best solution isn’t the one we trust first—it’s the one we almost overlooked.Welcome back to the Five & Dime…where we rethink what’s on the shelf.

We would love to hear your thoughts and requests for topics, text us here!In this episode of Facilities Five & Dime, we step away from tools and techniques and focus on something deeper—the difference between maintaining a facility and truly leading it.On paper, everything can look right. Staffing levels are adequate. Budgets are in line. There are no obvious red flags. And yet, when you walk the space, something feels off. Nothing is broken—but nothing feels owned.Through stories from the Apollo program, healthcare environments, and real-world facility assessments across the country, we explore what it means for a team to see their role as mission-critical. From the janitor who saw himself as helping put a man on the moon, to environmental services staff impacting patient outcomes, the thread is clear: ownership changes everything.We also bring it back to the spaces you steward every day—parking lots, signage, restrooms, and entryways—where first impressions are formed and reinforced. These aren’t just maintenance tasks; they are moments that either support or hinder the mission.The question becomes simple, but powerful: If someone on your team were asked what they do—would they describe a task…or a purpose?Because when people begin to see their work as part of the mission—and are treated that way—you don’t just have a facility that functions. You have a facility that is stewarded.Welcome to the Five & Dime…pull up a chair, grab a cup of coffee, and let’s talk about what really matters.

We would love to hear your thoughts and requests for topics, text us here!In this episode of Facilities Five & Dime, we take a closer look at something most people associate with stage effects and shipping coolers—dry ice—and uncover its surprising role as one of the most effective and environmentally responsible cleaning methods available today.What begins as a simple look at frozen carbon dioxide quickly turns into a deeper exploration of how dry ice blasting is used across industries to clean delicate surfaces without water, chemicals, or abrasion. From food processing equipment to aviation components—and even historic church masonry—this overlooked tool has become a powerful option for facility stewards facing complex cleaning challenges.We also step into the field with a real-world example: a parish building impacted by decades of coal dust buildup. Traditional cleaning methods risk damaging the structure—but dry ice offers a solution that removes contaminants while preserving the integrity of the surface.Along the way, we unpack when this method makes sense, when it doesn’t, and how to think through its application from a stewardship perspective—balancing cost, risk, and long-term impact.Because sometimes, the tools we overlook are the very ones that solve our biggest problems.Welcome to the Five & Dime…you never know what you’ll find in the aisles.

We would love to hear your thoughts and requests for topics, text us here!For decades, cleaning meant one thing: work harder, scrub longer, and reach for stronger chemicals. But some messes always fought back—returning stains, lingering odors, and irritated hands that told the real story.In this episode of Facilities Five and Dime, we dig into one of the quiet revolutions in custodial care: enzymatic cleaning.Enzymes aren’t fragrances or cover-ups. They’re naturally occurring proteins—built into creation itself—that break down organic messes at the molecular level. Instead of masking odors, they eliminate the source. Instead of spreading residue, they dismantle it.We trace how enzymes moved from biology labs and digestive science into the custodial closet—first appearing in laundry detergents in the 1960s and 70s, then finding their way into carpets, floor care, drains, and even hospitals. Today, they’re trusted in schools, churches, and surgical settings because they clean deeply without the harsh fumes and corrosive side effects of traditional chemicals.You’ll also learn:Why a truly clean surface shouldn’t smell like anythingHow enzymes go dormant when dry—and activate when wetWhere enzymes shine most (carpets, drains, HVAC pans, and odor control)How to use them correctly using the TACT approach: Time, Agitation, Chemical, TechniqueAlong the way, we step back to clarify the often-confused hierarchy of cleanliness—cleaning, sanitizing, disinfecting, and sterilizing—and why using the wrong tool at the wrong level can create more problems than it solves.And finally, a side story from the operating room: how the invention of surgical gloves faced resistance, skepticism, and discomfort—until results proved otherwise. It’s a reminder that healthier practices are often resisted before they’re embraced.Because good facility stewardship isn’t about harsher chemicals.It’s about smarter tools, healthier people, and solving problems at the root.

We would love to hear your thoughts and requests for topics, text us here!For most of history, the secrets of our buildings were scattered everywhere.Property lines in filing cabinets. Utility maps rolled up in tubes. Old blueprints fading, outdated, or missing altogether. When something broke—or a project started—facility teams often had to guess what was underground and behind the walls.In this episode of Facilities Five and Dime, we explore the surprising history of Geographic Information Systems (GIS)—a tool originally developed for national defense that’s now one of the most powerful allies for churches, schools, and nonprofits.GIS brings everything together: buildings, land, utilities, square footage, flood zones, improvements, and more—all layered onto a single, living map. Instead of hunting through paperwork, facility teams can see their entire campus clearly and make better decisions faster.We’ll talk about:How GIS moved from military use to everyday facility stewardshipWhy maps beat memory when planning repairs and projectsHow churches and schools can use GIS to protect what’s been entrusted to themGood stewardship starts with understanding what you have—and where it lives.Sometimes the most valuable facility tool… isn’t in the boiler room. It’s on the map.

We would love to hear your thoughts and requests for topics, text us here!For centuries, walls have been quietly losing battles.Mildew, mold, soot, staining, and graffiti slowly break down surfaces—and the solution has always been the same: scrub it, wash it, repaint it… then do it all again next year.In this episode of Facilities Five and Dime, we explore how wall maintenance evolved from wire brushes and lime wash to modern coatings inspired by nature itself.The breakthrough came when scientists studied the lotus plant. They discovered a surface that repels water so completely that dirt and debris roll off with it. This “lotus effect” led to today’s nano-engineered coatings—breathable, self-cleaning surfaces that resist moisture, bacteria, and organic growth.These coatings are now used on building facades, restrooms, HVAC components, roofs, and flooring, dramatically extending maintenance intervals while reducing labor and chemical use.We’ll cover:Why power washing the same wall every spring signals a broken maintenance cycleHow nano-infused coatings outperform traditional paintWhy higher-cost materials often deliver a lower long-term cost per square footAnd how smarter material choices reflect better facility stewardshipFor churches and schools facing tight budgets and limited staff, this isn’t about spending more—it’s about protecting what’s been entrusted to you for the long haul.Sometimes the best maintenance plan… is choosing a surface that does the work for you.

We would love to hear your thoughts and requests for topics, text us here!The barcode represents "stewardship through visibility". When you can see and track what you have, you can care for it. Barcodes, QR codes, and asset tags are "descendants of Woodland's line in the sand". These tools help facilities move from chaos and memory to order and accountability, turning an idea like "someone should fix that" into records with timelines and costs.For most organizations without a culture that supports manual processes, incorporating barcodes, QR codes, and scanning into a CMMS system is an effective way to be a better,

We would love to hear your thoughts and requests for topics, text us here!The ultimate goal of facility stewardship, in maintenance, is to provide as much information as possible to be effective and efficient, and to set up the next generations for success rather than continuing the reactionary maintenance paradigm. It is time to "get out of the paper and pen" and into the computer age.This podcast focuses on the history and importance of the work order system, tracing its evolution from physical factory job tickets to modern digital Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS).

We would love to hear your thoughts and requests for topics, text us here!It didn’t come from a janitor’s closet — it came from a lab. In this episode of Facilities Five and Dime, we pull back the curtain on how microfiber technology jumped from high-tech textiles to everyday mops and cloths, quietly rewriting the playbook for custodial care.What started as a quest for lighter, stronger fibers turned into one of the greatest leaps in cleaning efficiency — trapping dust, bacteria, and costs all at once. We’ll talk about the science, the skepticism, and the stewardship behind it all… and how a single thread helped redefine what “clean” really means.So roll your cart down the hall and tune in — because sometimes, the smallest fibers weave the biggest stories. You never know what you’ll find in stock here at the Five and Dime.

We would love to hear your thoughts and requests for topics, text us here!Who would’ve thought the same technology that once sealed the decks of warships would later seal the hallways of your local church or school? In this episode of Facilities Five and Dime, we trace the unlikely journey of epoxy flooring—from battlefield innovation to maintenance mainstay.We’ll unpack how a chemical born from necessity became the unsung hero of modern facilities: fighting spills instead of shrapnel, saving budgets instead of battleships. Along the way, we’ll talk about durability, design, and the stewardship lessons hidden under our very feet.So grab your coffee (and maybe your mop), and join us as we explore how yesterday’s military marvel became today’s maintenance miracle—proving once again, you never know what you’ll find in stock here at the Five and Dime.

We would love to hear your thoughts and requests for topics, text us here!“You never know what you might find in aisle five—a bargain, a surprise, or in this case, a hidden danger lurking in plain sight. Join us as we open Season 3 with a story of mystery, science, and stewardship.”Full Episode Description Season 3 of Facilities Five and Dime opens with a mystery that changed the way the world thinks about building systems. In 1976, during a gathering of veterans in Philadelphia, a sudden wave of illness swept through a hotel. Doctors couldn’t explain it, the CDC scrambled for answers, and facility managers everywhere were left with a sobering reminder: hidden risks inside our buildings can have life-or-death consequences.In this episode, we trace the outbreak step by step—the first puzzling reports, the false leads, the breakthrough in the lab, and the unsettling discovery that pointed back to the systems meant to keep people comfortable and safe. It’s a detective story of science, engineering, and persistence that still echoes through every cooling tower, rooftop unit, and boiler room today.The lesson? Curiosity in facility stewardship isn’t optional. Because sometimes, what you don’t know about your building can hurt more than your budget—it can put lives at risk.

We would love to hear your thoughts and requests for topics, text us here!"Most of us aren't defeated in one decisive battle. We are defeated one tiny, seemingly insignificant surrender at a time that chips away at who we should really be." Jocko WillinkThis weeks episode is a story of war. One that some of you may relate to. We hope you enjoy what it brings. Be sure to check out our previous episodes if you are one of our new subscribers, and for information on a wide variety of facility topics, head on over to www.smartchurchsolutions.com. 

We would love to hear your thoughts and requests for topics, text us here!Hold on to your masks this week, we gotta talk about something that has always put a burr in my saddle. IT may stink to some folks, but we gotta flush this issue out and deal. We also are going to look at how welcoming you are...to those that have mobility issues. Is your facility equipped to allow someone to park, enter, and attend without relying on someone else to open up the way for them? Accessibility is more than just saying "We have ushers". Got questions, want to hear about something specifically? Let us know at [email protected]. Join our Facebook group, Church Facility Management Solutions, and head over to www.smartchurchsolutions.com for additional content. 

We would love to hear your thoughts and requests for topics, text us here!We took a little break, and now we are back! Ok really just a week off. This week we are looking at what is going on, and how we directly influence he mood and the emotions of those around us. As a facility steward, you can impact the mood of the facility more than you may realize. Sit back and relax as we go through some easy steps, remember to take a gander at all the free resources we have for you at www.smartchurchsolutions.com, and...Don't Panic.

We would love to hear your thoughts and requests for topics, text us here!This week we talk a bit about change...and how we engage with it. We hope you enjoy this little bit laid-back presentation. We would love to hear from you regarding topics, guests, and anything else you would like to share. Email us at [email protected]. We also want to make sure you check out the newest book by Tim Cool, "Entrusted". You can see more about it on a XPastor here, and purchase your copy today here.  Check it out, you will be glad you did. Don't forget to check out the free resources available at www.smartchurchsolutions.com 

We would love to hear your thoughts and requests for topics, text us here!Join us this week as we chat with Donovan Loomis. Donovan has several years experience working with church facility stewards in incorporating Computer Maintenance Management Systems into their facility. Currently Donovan is working with an internationally known networking hardware company helping companies with their high tech needs. For a great read from Donovan, check out this article here. You can always reach out to him via LinkedIn. We talk about the squirrel this week, reach out to me at [email protected] if you want the full story. As always, let us know if there is anything we can do for you. 

We would love to hear your thoughts and requests for topics, text us here!This week we have a conversation with Mr. Troy Pollock, who serves as Chief Ambassador for Pushpay. He has championed strategic initiatives such as Summit Conference, Pushpay University, and most recently Church Disrupt. We are honored that he joined us for some conversation surrounding how virtual generosity has seen a jump during our current situation. For more information regarding Pushpay, check them out here. In addition, they have some great resources for you to check out here as well. We hope your week is awesome, make sure to check out our Facebook Group, Church Facility Management Solutions, and make sure you have downloaded your copy of our newly released Church Benchmarking Report. 

We would love to hear your thoughts and requests for topics, text us here!Welcome to this week's episode! We know cleaning is on your mind, so we are here to drop some knowledge on you. This week we introduce some fun facts about cleaning, especially what it means to clean properly. With Covid-19 on everyone's mind, and areas starting to open back up, keeping everything clean and tidy is very important. The great thing is that everyone, with the proper chemical selection, equipment, and TRAINING can be effective. We can do this. Be sure to check out some additional article here, here, here, and here.

We would love to hear your thoughts and requests for topics, text us here!This episode we focus on two areas that are intimately intertwined for the facility steward - data collection for bench-marking and honest facility condition assessments. This comes as we release our free Church Facility Bench-marking report, available here. We hope you take a look at the information and consider how you can use it to be a more effective and intentional steward in your facility. Thanks for listening, let us know how we can serve you. [email protected]

We would love to hear your thoughts and requests for topics, text us here!Well, we did it. We finally tracked our own Mr. Tim Cool down and had a conversation. Join us as we talk about our facilities,stewardship, and what we may see in the future. Whether you have heard Tim before, or this is your first introduction, you will learn and hear something new. For additional information regarding ways to partner with Smart Church Solutions, send us an email to [email protected]. We hope to hear from you! www.smartchurchsolutions.com. 

We would love to hear your thoughts and requests for topics, text us here!This is a little different. This episode I am just sharing some of the thoughts that have crashed around in my head over the past week. There is a great deal going on in the world, and whether we want to or not, we all have a part to play. If you are needing encouragement or someone to connect with, please reach out to us at either [email protected] or to me directly at [email protected]. We would love to hear from you. Remember to check out our Facebook group (Church Facility Management Solutions) and check out our website for resources and access to additional content. 

We would love to hear your thoughts and requests for topics, text us here!This week we are happy to share our conversation with William Vanderbloemen regarding churches, staffing and life in general. Join us as we explore this new chapter we all will be writing as we begin to emerge post-COVID-19. In addition to the great conversation, there are a myriad of great resources for you to check out and utilize found here and here. William and the team at Vanderbloemen are the experts at Church Staffing and Christian Nonprofit Executive placement. Be sure to check out their blogs, social media, and their team at https://www.vanderbloemen.com. We hope yo enjoy the conversation, and remember to check us out at www.smartchurchsolutions.com for new content and resources. 

We would love to hear your thoughts and requests for topics, text us here!As promised from last week, we have a great resource for you. This week we connect with Glenn Burnside, Executive Vice-President: Operations and Strategy, of Headspring. They developed a tool to assist in their intentional return to the workplace. Fortunately for us,  Headspring decided to make it available to everyone. In this episode we will be introduced to the analyzer and discover how you can use it, as well as get to know Glenn a bit better through our three questions. You can connect with Glen and Headspring on Twitter (@headspring and @glennburnside ) find the analyzer here, and for some great leadership blogs navigate to Glenn's website here. 

We would love to hear your thoughts and requests for topics, text us here!Lucky episode 13! Woo hoo! Join us this week as we touch on what we do know regarding prepping for the return to operations in light of Covid-19 concerns, and how to be ready for the time down the road when the pressure to act (on this) reduces. It is about making the best decisions for your situation, and reality is that there is no "one size fits all" answer. Be sure to check out the resources we have for you at www.smartchurchsolutions.com, and if there is anything we can do for you, even f it is just to listen, [email protected] or [email protected]. We are in this together!

We would love to hear your thoughts and requests for topics, text us here!This week we focus on being intentional with connecting with those around us. If you find yourself needing to reach out and talk, we are here for you. We can be reached at [email protected] or [email protected]. You are not alone. We hope you check out two of our most recent resources: Our Post Covid-19 Facility Re-Opening Checklist, and our new Post COVID-19 Facility Utilization Guide. We focus on your facility, so you can focus on your mission. 

We would love to hear your thoughts and requests for topics, text us here!We invite you into the conversation this week with Adam Stephens, Marketing Content Creator at Church Community Builder. Adam is the author of a great eBook "Building a Digital Community in Times of Crisis". You can download your copy here. While there you can explore the other great resources Church Community Builder is making available. In this episode we talk a bit about the return to services that will begin occurring in some areas across the nation. In preparation, we have made a free checklist available to assist in helping you think through all that needs to occur to open your facility back up. We are glad you are here, and stay tuned for more resources coming your way!

We would love to hear your thoughts and requests for topics, text us here!Join us this week as we chat with our friend Chris Kehayis, CEO of Ministry Platform. We talk about how technology can and is being leveraged during this time, and may even preview a new feature!? Ministry Platform has also teamed up with the Church IT Network to produce a series of training webinars and guides that have been made free for any church to learn from. You can find all the training webinars here. Also, look for a special resource we at Smart Church Solutions are making available, more information can be found here. 

We would love to hear your thoughts and requests for topics, text us here!Join us this week as we have a conversation with Jonathan Smith. Jonathan Smith is an author, conference speaker, and the Director of Technology at Faith Ministries in Lafayette, IN.  You can reach Jonathan at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @JonathanESmith. Like most of us Jonathan and his team are experiencing a different work and personal environment every day. However, that does not mean we cannot thrive and even laugh and grow. We discuss several things, including being prepared for the new operational reality, what things may remain after this is settles, and how we are keeping positive both at home and work. We would love to hear your thoughts as well, let us know at [email protected], and be on the lookout for some new facility readiness resources soon. 

We would love to hear your thoughts and requests for topics, text us here!Join us this week as we look at what every facility steward needs to know today about Covid-19 and what the "Temporary Normal" is. If you haven't yet, check out our main solutions expert Tim Cool and his blog regarding the temporary normal here. Additionally, sign up for the free webinar featuring Tim and other industry leaders brought to you by the team at Blueline. Here is an informational video, and here is where to sign up for the free webinar on April 14th. May your Easter weekend be filled with joy. 

We would love to hear your thoughts and requests for topics, text us here!We are taking a break...sort of. This episode we are taking it down an notch and taking a positive mental health moment. Of course , that does not mean we are not productive...we just are doing it to a nice slow groove. We hope that you are taking advantage of the moment and exploring your online training and learning opportunities. We offer custom options in all the services we offer, and like many companies we are offering it at a reduced rate. Shelter in place does not mean the learning has to stop. We are here for you, even if it is just us giving you a call to check in and say hi. 

We would love to hear your thoughts and requests for topics, text us here!In this episode of Facilities Five and Dime we are considering a couple of things: what should we remember to focus on, and how we can prep or facilities for this unplanned downtime. We have created a free checklist for anyone who is interested. For your copy, email us at [email protected]. We also want to hear what is making you laugh so we can share our joy. Consider joining our Facebook group here  and sharing what makes you smile. 

We would love to hear your thoughts and requests for topics, text us here!In this episode we focus on where our hope lies, and what opportunity we can seize. With all that is going on in the world, we do have a choice in how we react. There is opportunity in all that is going on, and we have a hope that surpasses all understanding. 

We would love to hear your thoughts and requests for topics, text us here!This episode we take a look at Covid-19. We consider the impact it has made and discuss steps any and every facility steward can take to make a difference. 

We would love to hear your thoughts and requests for topics, text us here!In this episode we begin our series on the fundamental concepts you need to understand to be the best effective facility steward you can. It starts with a "bedrock" skill, communication. 

We would love to hear your thoughts and requests for topics, text us here!This episode we hear about three reasons to consider training for and with your team. 

We would love to hear your thoughts and requests for topics, text us here!In this inaugural  episode we chat with Mark MacDonald to hear his top three items that form his first impressions of a facility.