Ron Frantzen – McFarland Clinic

Ron Frantzen, the executive director of facilities management at McFarland Clinic, has always been a hands-on leader in his field. With a career that has evolved from concrete work and electrical installations in high school to overseeing the construction and maintenance of healthcare facilities, Frantzen brings a deep understanding of what it takes to run complex operations smoothly. His practical background is paired with a sharp focus on leadership, which he developed through experiences like being an all-state high school football player and college wrestler. For him, facilities management is not just a job but a career and a calling.

Frantzen’s responsibilities at McFarland Clinic are vast, encompassing everything from large-scale construction projects to the everyday management of 27 locations across central Iowa. He sees his role as being about more than just the physical upkeep of buildings.

“If we take care of the grounds, we take care of the facilities,” he says, emphasizing the importance of first impressions. “The first impression happens when our patients drive into the parking lot.”

The flower gardens are manicured, and the floors sparkle with a high-gloss finish, contributing to the overall cleanliness of the facilities, which Frantzen proudly notes is frequently mentioned in patient satisfaction surveys.

Frantzen, who joined McFarland Clinic in January 2000 and was promoted to his current role in March 2023, is naturally a planner. Whether ensuring that facilities meet expectations or managing multimillion-dollar construction projects, his approach is methodical.

“There are ways you can plan, and I’ve taught my people how to plan,” he says, underscoring his commitment to training and foresight. His attention to detail is evident in every decision he makes, down to where coat hooks will be placed in new buildings. “We know exactly where the coat hooks are going,” he laughs, showcasing his meticulous involvement in every project.

A new kind of healthcare delivery

One of the biggest projects Frantzen is currently spearheading is the new McFarland Clinic facility at Cy-Town in Ames, Iowa. This 78,000-square-foot space will bring up to 1,000 patients daily to a bustling development near Iowa State University’s football stadium. This project is especially significant, as it positions McFarland Clinic as the first anchor in a major new commercial node to attract people year-round to the university area.

“They wanted a medical facility to be a part of Cy-Town, and we were looking to build another facility in Ames anyway,” Frantzen explains to Blueprint during an interview in August.

The facility’s design, which includes large, open spaces and prominent glass exposure, will allow passersby to glimpse state-of-the-art MRI and sports medicine rooms—an intentional move to showcase the clinic’s technology and services.

Frantzen describes the project as “phenomenal” and is clearly excited about its potential impact.

“It’ll be cool to see for a lot of people who haven’t had an MRI,” he says, anticipating the curiosity and interest the new building will generate.

This is McFarland Clinic’s largest facility to date, covering many departments and offering various services, from imaging to sports medicine. Internally, Frantzen has been managing everything from space planning to construction, working closely with engineers and general contractors to bring the vision to life.

“I wear many hats,” he says. “I’m the design assistant, the construction manager, everything.”

Behind the curtains

Even as he tackles such large-scale developments, Frantzen is deeply invested in the behind-the-scenes work that keeps McFarland’s facilities running efficiently. His team monitors indoor air quality and system performance to optimize comfort and cost.

“We typically look at indoor air quality to determine how much fresh air to pull into a facility,” Frantzen explains. “If I can make it so we never start the second chiller, we’ve won huge,” he adds, noting how this approach helps manage energy demands without increasing utility costs.

By fine-tuning how much outdoor air is brought into the buildings, Frantzen’s team can maintain the ideal temperature while also minimizing energy consumption.

Despite the complexity of his job, Frantzen finds immense satisfaction in seeing a project through from start to finish.

“There’s a lot of personal satisfaction and pride,” he says, reflecting on how rewarding it is to hear positive feedback after a new facility opens. Still, the joy is often short-lived. “It’s short-lived because then you’re on to the next project,” he laughs, underscoring the perpetual motion of managing a growing portfolio of healthcare facilities.

Leading the way

Frantzen’s relationship with the clinic’s board of directors has been one of mutual trust and respect, something he has cultivated over time. His careful, considered approach to capital investments ensures that McFarland Clinic can continue to grow without compromising its financial health.

“The justification needs to be sound and rationale and make sense,” he explains, adding that presenting a range of options helps the board make informed decisions. “Whether deciding on a new MRI machine or installing a new roof, I am methodical in my recommendations, ensuring that every investment aligns with the clinic’s mission and needs.”

Ultimately, for Frantzen, the role of facilities management is not just about buildings but about creating environments that enhance patient care and experience. He takes pride in McFarland’s facilities being consistently clean, welcoming, and technologically up-to-date, always aiming to make each location better than the last.

“We can build all the new facilities we want, but if we don’t maintain them as welcoming and inviting to our patients, it won’t matter,” he says.

For someone who began his career as a hands-on worker, Frantzen has always kept sight of the details. From overseeing multimillion-dollar projects to ensuring the clinic’s grounds are immaculate, he brings the same care and attention to everything he does.

“I never dread coming to work,” he says.

With so much on his plate, it’s clear that for Frantzen, the work is never done—just the way he likes it.