Episode 120 of the Data Center Go-to-Market Podcast features an interview with Amy Polvado, Host of Data Center News, Chair of US Proptech Council, and CEO of Facilimax.
Discover the evolution of data center technology from a real estate and entrepreneurial perspective
- Explore the challenges and opportunities in the emerging data center industry
- Uncover strategies for building a professional network in technology-driven real estate
- Examine the critical role of workforce training in adapting to AI and advanced computing workloads
- Navigate the complexities of site selection for data center infrastructure
- Understand the economic and technological impacts of data centers on local communities
- Investigate the potential of edge computing and AI-driven technologies
- Learn how podcasting can serve as a powerful research and networking tool
- Recognize the importance of industry-specific professional associations
- Analyze the future trends in data center development and technology adoption
Host:
Joshua Feinberg, CEO
DCSMI
Special Guest:
Amy Polvado
Host of Data Center News Show, Chair of US Proptech Council, and CEO of Facilimax
Amy Polvado, chair of the US Proptech Council and CEO of Facilimax, discussed her journey from real estate to the data center industry. She highlighted the growth of the Proptech Council, now with over 1,000 members and 20 chapters, and the importance of technology in real estate. Polvado emphasized the need for better data transparency and training in the data center sector, particularly with AI workloads. She also noted the challenges of site selection and repurposing buildings like malls into data centers. Polvado envisions the Proptech Council expanding internationally and becoming a key resource for the industry.
Outline
Amy Polvado's Introduction and Background
- Joshua Feinberg introduces Amy Polvado, highlighting her roles as the chair of the US Proptech Council, Founder and CEO of Bax, and host of the Data Center News Show.
- Amy Polvado provides her background, starting with her real estate journey, founding a construction company in 2003, and transitioning into technology in 2019 with Facilimax.
- Amy explains the inception of Facilimax, which was born out of her real estate background and the need for better data management for building performance.
- She discusses the transition of Facilimax into the data center industry, driven by the need for data in critical operations and the potential of AI workloads in data centers.
Establishment of the US Proptech Council
- Amy talks about the establishment of the US Proptech Council in early 2024, driven by her search for a similar group in the Proptech space.
- The council quickly grew to over 1000 members and 20 chapters, focusing on various working groups, including a data center forum.
- Amy emphasizes the council's agnostic approach to real estate, aiming to be the technology arm for various real estate asset classes.
- She highlights the importance of the Data Center News Show in educating herself and others about the industry, serving as both a research tool and a platform for industry insights.
- Joshua Feinberg and Amy discuss the lack of podcasts in the data center industry compared to other asset classes, noting the potential for more content creation in this space.
Challenges and Opportunities in the Data Center Industry
- Joshua Feinberg and Amy Polvado discuss the challenges of the data center industry, including the lack of data transparency and the need for retraining the workforce to handle AI workloads.
- Amy mentions the labor shortage in the industry and the potential of using digital twin platforms and training simulations to address this issue.
- They talk about the importance of site selection and the challenges of finding suitable locations with adequate power and infrastructure.
- Amy shares her experience with Nvidia's program, which provides GPU time for free, and the challenges of small startups in accessing data center resources.
- Joshua and Amy discuss the potential of repurposing shopping malls and other buildings into data centers, highlighting the structural challenges and the need for reinforcement.
Future of the Data Center Industry and Amy's Role
- Joshua Feinberg asks Amy about the future of her roles and initiatives, including the US Proptech Council, Facilimax, and the Data Center News Show.
- Amy envisions the council growing into a larger organization with an international focus, serving as the technology arm for various real estate asset classes.
- She discusses the potential for the council to become a significant trade association in the industry, supported by strategic partnerships and volunteer efforts.
- Amy highlights the importance of private industry funding research projects to compensate for government defunding of academic institutions.
- She expresses her excitement about the potential growth and impact of the council, aiming to be a crucial resource for the industry's technological advancements.
Final Thoughts
- Joshua Feinberg and Amy Polvado wrap up the conversation, with Amy expressing her love for the Data Center News Show and its educational value.
- Amy provides her contact information, encouraging listeners to connect with her on LinkedIn or through the websites of Facilimax and the US Proptech Council.
- Joshua thanks Amy for her time and insights, highlighting the importance of her work in the data center industry.
- The podcast episode concludes with a reminder of the upcoming episodes and the availability of the Data Center Sales and Marketing Newsletter on the DCSMI website.
Guest Resources
Resources
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