From Custodian to Leader: How Community, Leadership, and Grit Shape Facilities Success

In this episode of Facility Voices, David Trask sits down with Brian Johnson, Director of Facilities at Franklin Regional School District, to explore a career built from the ground up. Brian shares how he went from a second-shift custodian in his hometown to leading the facilities operation in the community where he now lives, coaches, and raises his kids. His journey—shaped by custodial work, union leadership, maintenance training, and a deep commitment to education—reveals how hands-on experience can evolve into thoughtful, community-driven leadership.

Brian offers an inside look at the realities of managing a district where perception doesn’t always match the needs behind the scenes. From end-of-life equipment and major paving projects to power challenges, PM programs, and navigating community expectations, he explains how transparency, accountability, and a student-first mindset guide every decision. His passion for the work—and for the people it serves—comes through in every story he shares.

Tune in to hear Brian Johnson’s story and insights from the front lines of facilities management.

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Brian has 12 years of K–12 facilities experience, starting as a custodian at Woodland Hills before advancing into maintenance, union leadership, and eventually Supervisor of Facilities and Custodial Services. In 2024, he became Director of Facilities at Franklin Regional School District. He’s also spent a decade coaching varsity football and holds an HVAC Technician Certification from Penn Foster College. 

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The views and opinions expressed by third-party guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of ARC Facilities and ARC Document Solutions. We provide a platform for diverse perspectives and discussions and ARC Facilities/ARC Document Solutions assumes no responsibility or liability for the accuracy or completeness of the content provided by our third-party guests.