Tony Moiso
Up Through the Trades, Back to the Pacific Northwest

Time is a funny thing. When you’re always working it moves at a different pace. For retired healthcare facilities professional Tony Moiso, who got his first real job at 13 at a printing company sweeping floors, cleaning toilets, and washing windows…he’s moving into a new and less stressful stage having retired less than a year ago.

“I’m enjoying myself despite everyone telling me that I’d be bored,” laughed Tony.

While the lure of consulting part-time held some appeal for about a minute, Tony decided not to give it a go.

“There’s a whole new cottage industry for temporary facility managers and that’s something I considered,” said Tony. “I just didn’t want to make the commitment. I love not knowing what day of the week it is. I woke up this morning thinking it was Tuesday. You know, it doesn’t matter, really.”

Tony devoted the bulk of his career to healthcare facilities management and spent a lot of time working in Hawaii.

Living and working in Hawaii was a very enriching experience that brought both challenges and rewards. In addition, Tony had to learn a new culture that changed his approach to business and life.

Back in the Portland-Vancouver area, Tony now is relishing his time reconnecting with his family, which includes three children and six grandchildren, as well as his mother and siblings. In his free time, Tony enjoys traveling and spending time with his two dogs. Life after 53 years of work has been a rewarding chapter, filled with personal fulfillment and the chance to focus on family and personal hobbies.

Reflecting on his career, Tony highlights two key skills that have been crucial to his success: communication and critical thinking.

“The ability to communicate well, both verbally and in writing, is imperative,” Tony said. He believes that the most intelligent person in the room will not succeed if they can’t clearly convey their ideas.

Tony has also noticed a shift in the facilities management industry. Traditionally, many professionals like himself worked their way up through the trades, developing a hands-on understanding of technical issues before transitioning into management roles.

Today, more people are entering the field with college degrees in engineering or facilities management, bringing with them theoretical knowledge but often lacking the hands-on experience that Tony considers invaluable. While he sees the benefits of both paths, Tony is a firm believer in the importance of a well-rounded team. For him, the ideal team combines experienced professionals with fresh perspectives, ensuring a blend of practical skills and innovative thinking.

Another challenge Tony faced throughout his career, especially in facilities management, was budget constraints. He frequently had to find creative ways to stretch limited resources. He recalled working at a hospital with a $250,000 capital budget, which he and his team meticulously managed to address long-term infrastructure needs, such as replacing outdated air handling units. By breaking projects into smaller, more manageable pieces, Tony was able to get critical upgrades approved over time, proving his resourcefulness and ability to work within tight financial limitations.

For Tony, continuous learning has been another cornerstone of success. Technology evolves rapidly, and professionals must stay ahead of the curve to remain effective. Whether through professional organizations like ASHE or by advocating for a training budget, Tony has always stressed the importance of education and skill development for both him and his team. He believes that investment in learning pays off tenfold and that staying current with the latest technologies is crucial in today’s fast-paced world.

Here are four bits of wisdom that Tony is happy to share with future facility managers:

Adaptability is Key

Facility managers must be adaptable to new environments, cultures, and challenges. Embracing flexibility in roles and settings can foster both professional and personal growth. Early in Tony’s career, he worked at Disneyland maintaining electronic systems for rides and attractions. He also served in the Navy.

Hands-on Experience is Invaluable

While theoretical knowledge is important, Tony highlighted the need for practical skills, especially in technical fields. Facility managers should prioritize hands-on experience to build a comprehensive understanding of complex systems. This blend of practical and theoretical expertise can make you a well-rounded and effective leader.

Budget Management Requires Creativity

Tony's experience managing tight budgets taught him to break projects into smaller, manageable pieces. Facility managers should be resourceful in finding ways to work within financial limitations, whether by prioritizing long-term investments or making small, impactful upgrades over time.

Continuous Learning is a Lifelong Pursuit

Staying ahead of technological advancements and advocating for skill development is essential. Like Tony, facility managers must invest in both their own and their team's education to remain effective and relevant in a fast-evolving industry. Learning never stops, even as technology and challenges change.

 

Explore the experiences of retired facilities professionals in the latest series from ARC Facilities -- Legacy Insights: Wisdom from Retired Facilities Professionals and follow us on LinkedIn.