Leon Spielbusch - Owner Mentality

Leon Spielbusch
Facilities Director
East Valley Institute of Technology



When Dr. Sally Downey transferred from Oklahoma to become the superintendent and CEO of East Valley Institute of Technology, in Mesa, Arizona, she knew who she wanted to bring with her to manage the facilities.

“The one thing you look for and try to accomplish when putting together a winning team are members that have buy-in into the organization and treat it as their own,” says Dr. Downey. “Leon Spielbusch not only keeps our school clean and well maintained, but he treats it like he owns it.”

That owner mentality is something Spielbusch, facilities director at the school, has developed over time. Prior to joining the EVIT team, he owned quite a few different businesses: a western auto store, a construction company and he briefly got into aluminum can recycling. He even purchased a plane that he then leased out to a flight school. And at one point, Spielbusch also worked as a meter reader for the electric company and even oversaw a team working on accounting software — which is where he met Dr. Downey.

Through these experiences, Spielbusch learned construction, management and techniques to save energy, as well as what it takes to manage a budget and a team.

“I’ve worn several hats. It’s been fun,” he says. “It has all provided great background for this position.”

Just like he did when he managed his own businesses, Spielbusch loves identifying challenges and working to find solutions that benefit the organization. And with 10,000 visitors a year, 4,000 students, a 77-acre campus and only 13 on the custodial staff, he experiences his fair share of challenges at EVIT.

For example, keeping cleaning standards up to par with a minimal staff is not easy. But Spielbusch manages his budget the same way he would if he were the owner. He chooses to keep staff numbers down, so he can afford to pay them an acceptable wage. Then he outfits the department with appropriate technology and equipment that help promote productivity. Arming the staff with the equipment to properly do their job, and paying them appropriately keeps them happy and working hard.

Dr. Downey is pleased with Spielbusch’s mind-set on spending, and the results of his team. She says the school is “pristine” and those that visit often comment on the cleanliness and maintenance of the campus. She credits Spielbusch for the quality of work, saying he treats the facility as if he owns it, and it shows.

“You never see any gum,” she says. “That’s rare out here, but it would leave a spot even after it was removed.”

Gum is a stigma that Spielbusch doesn’t tolerate. If seen, it is immediately removed and the spot is tended to, in hopes of being eliminated as quickly as possible. If students are seen dropping gum, they are asked to use trash receptacles and reminded that it takes everyone’s help to keep EVIT clean.

“We set a standard for clean and we try to lead by example,” says Spielbusch. “If myself and my staff are conscious of cleanliness, everyone follows suit.”

Taking further ownership of the school, Spielbusch will jump in to help when necessary, even if it involves tasks outside the cleaning realm. For example, interest in this career and college prep school has grown quickly in recent years, requiring new construction. Using his past work talents, Spielbusch helped lay drywall and paint.

“I did that with my staff over the summer to make sure it was ready for the start of school,” he says.

According to Dr. Downey, Spielbusch will do whatever it takes to help out and keep the department moving forward.

“I am not an expert on everything Leon does, but I have total confidence and trust in the decisions he makes and I’ve never been disappointed,” she says. “Everyone has pride in our campus and it starts with Leon.”