From Painter to Manager: Career Growth in Facilities Management
In this episode of Facility Voices, David Trask sits down with Ben Perdue, Engineering Manager at Norton Healthcare, to discuss a career journey built on hard work, adaptability, and continuous learning. Ben shares how he went from leaving high school to support his family to building a successful career in healthcare facilities management, progressing through roles as a painter, carpenter, maintenance mechanic, project coordinator, and ultimately into leadership.
The conversation explores what it takes to manage more than 4.7 million square feet of healthcare facilities while balancing aging infrastructure, limited resources, and the unpredictable challenges that come with operating hospitals 24/7. Ben also discusses the servant leadership culture at Norton Healthcare, the importance of building strong relationships with executive leadership, and how initiatives like the Healthy Rooms Program help improve both patient and employee experiences. Along the way, he offers practical advice on developing trade skills, investing in people, and creating opportunities for the next generation of facilities professionals.
Tune in to hear Ben Perdue’s story and insights from the front lines of facilities management.
Each episode of Facility Voices includes supplementary content that expands on key themes and insights from the conversation. You can find that additional material at: Access Episode Takeaways
Ben Perdue
Engineering Manager
Norton Healthcare
Ben Perdue is a Facility Manager for Norton Healthcare in Louisville, Kentucky, with more than 20 years of experience in the hospital and healthcare facilities industry. He has progressed through a wide range of roles including Painter, Carpenter, Maintenance Mechanic, and Project Coordinator. Gaining hands-on expertise that informs his leadership today. In his current role, Ben helps oversee facility operations for three hospitals, multiple medical office buildings, and five parking structures, totaling approximately 4.7 million square feet. He leads his team with a practical, solutions-focused approach and takes pride in maintaining complex healthcare environments that operate around the clock. Ben thrives on the variety and challenges of his work, enjoying the fact that no two weeks are ever the same. His deep institutional knowledge, adaptability, and passion for continuous problem-solving make him a trusted leader within his organization.
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