Phil Zito

3 days ago | automatedbuildings.com | Phil Zito |Ken Sinclair

If you’re managing a facility team or running a controls company, you already know the truth: your technician pipeline is broken. You can’t hire fast enough. You can’t train deep enough. And the guys you do bring in? Most aren’t ready to hit a jobsite for months. Meanwhile, projects stall, your experienced techs are overwhelmed, and you’re forced to choose between burning out your top performers or leaving revenue on the table.

4 weeks ago | automatedbuildings.com | Phil Zito |Ken Sinclair

If you’re new to the building automation systems (BAS) industry, or helping someone get started, this guide will give you a clear, step-by-step roadmap. It’s built from real-world experience helping thousands of professionals enter and grow in the BAS space. This checklist outlines the five essential phases of your BAS career development. Each phase includes key skills to master, free resources from Smart Buildings Academy, and practical steps to take action today.

2 months ago | automatedbuildings.com | Phil Zito |Ken Sinclair

The building automation industry is facing a severe workforce crisis. Experienced technicians are retiring, demand for smart building solutions is growing, and companies are scrambling to find skilled workers. The biggest issue? It takes too long to train new technicians. Most companies still rely on traditional apprenticeship models and informal on-the-job training, which can take 18 to 24 months to develop a fully capable technician.

Feb 4, 2025 | automatedbuildings.com | Phil Zito |Ken Sinclair

Building Automation service teams are the backbone of long-term success. While installation and integration of BAS (Building Automation Systems) generate revenue, it is service that provides consistent cash flow, fosters customer relationships, and ensures long-term profitability. However, many BAS companies struggle with optimizing service team capacity, developing standard operating procedures (SOPs), and scaling effectively.