William Keys encourages facilities managers, whether new or experienced, to take chances and challenge themselves. In fact, taking a risk on a job years ago led Keys to a rewarding career in facilities management, and he still pushes himself to face the unknown and keep learning.
Keys currently serves as a regional facilities manager at Under Canvas, an outdoor hospitality company that operates upscale “glamping” resorts located near national parks. In his role, he oversees facilities operations for nine of the company’s 17 locations across the country. Keys partners closely with property teams to ensure they meet regulations; leads capital expense planning and execution; oversees preventative maintenance programs; and supports staff training to maintain operational excellence.
Before he joined Under Canvas in 2019, his career included a wide range of facilities-focused roles from custodial worker and electrician to winterkeeper supervisor and assistant maintenance manager, with much of his time spent working at Yellowstone National Park. He has also earned IFMA’s Facilities Management Professional (FMP) certification.
To learn more about Keys and his take on industry issues, please read the “Faces of Facilities” interview below:
How did you get your start in the field?
My first facilities role was at a state park in Pennsylvania during summer break in college, where I was also completing my professional field experience. Once management learned that, they gave me opportunities beyond custodial work to gain broader hands-on experience. I originally planned to become a state park manager, but I quickly realized I was more drawn to the mechanical and technical side of operations—which ultimately shaped my career in facilities management.
Who has been your biggest influence in the industry, and why?
It’s hard to choose just one, but two people stand out. The first is my dad, who has been my biggest influence. He’s always reminded me that “you can learn from every job,” advice I’ve carried throughout my career. Most of what I know has come from hands-on experience and learning alongside others, and I wouldn’t be where I am without that mindset.
The second is Dale Fowler, my manager at the Lake Area in Yellowstone National Park. He showed me what strong leadership looks like—arriving early, preparing for anything, and always taking time to thank the team, no matter how busy the day. He reinforced that we can’t do our jobs without our people, and they need to know they’re valued. I’m grateful to still call him a friend today.
What’s your best mistake, and what did you learn from it?
My “best mistake” was taking a pay cut from a management position to work in Yellowstone National Park for what was supposed to be just one summer. Many people told me it was a mistake and that I was crazy to do it. That one summer turned into six years, a lifetime of memories, and ultimately a new career path and trajectory for my life. I wouldn’t be where I am today if I hadn’t taken that risk.
What are some of the biggest facilities management challenges at your organization?
With properties located across the country, one of our biggest facilities management challenges is the variability between sites. Each location presents different environmental conditions, maintenance needs, and preventative maintenance schedules. No two properties face the exact same challenges, which requires flexibility, strong planning, and tailored solutions for each site.
What’s your favorite part about working in the industry?
My favorite part is that there is always something new to learn—while also having the opportunity to teach and share the skills that I’ve gained over the years. I’ve had the privilege of learning from world-class electricians, an incredibly skilled union plumber, talented carpenters who could make you a mansion out of match sticks, and boiler technicians who could troubleshoot the most complex issues in their head. I owe much of what I know to them, and I value being able to pass that knowledge on to others while continuing to grow myself.
How can company leaders make facilities management a value within their organization?
Company leaders can make facilities management a true value within their organization by consistently investing in their employees. Prioritizing ongoing education, meaningful recognition, and strong retention efforts keeps hardworking employees engaged, motivated, and continuously improving—ultimately driving better performance across the organization.
Where do you see the industry heading in five years? Are you noticing any major trends?
With the rapid expansion of AI and data collection across the industry, I see predictive maintenance becoming significantly more advanced and widely adopted over the coming years. I believe it will likely move beyond traditional applications and become easier to implement in areas where we may not have previously considered it.
What are you most proud of?
I am most proud of where this profession has taken me. Facilities management has given me the opportunity to work across the United States in a wide range of roles and environments. I’ve worked in historic buildings that are priceless to this country’s heritage, helped build brand-new properties, been featured on safety posters and in recruiting materials, and even appeared in a documentary. None of that would have been possible without a career in facilities management.
Do you have any advice for people entering the profession?
Learn something new every day, and do not be afraid to ask questions. For example, a new trick in a program, a cleaner, more efficient way to troubleshoot something, how a new system functions—anything at all.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I will leave you with an Irish proverb, “You’ll never plow a field by turning it over in your mind.” Take action. Take that class you have been thinking about, ask the questions, do all the stuff you have been putting off. You never know where it will take you.
Are you or a colleague an FM professional interested in being profiled for the “Faces of Facilities” series? Please contact Editor Joe Bebon at JBebon@BLR.com.