ON-DEMAND WEBINAR
From Friction to Buy-In: A Father-Son Playbook for Making Training a Priority
Interplay Learning Webinar Hosted by IFMA
What happens when a seasoned maintenance leader and a modern training expert team up to talk training? You get a unique, real-world perspective on how to bridge the gap between the front lines and the decision-makers when it comes to training.
In this engaging session, Tom Clapper, a former Building and Grounds Director for a school district, and his son Dan Clapper, Head of Learner and Business Outcomes at Interplay Learning, bring two perspectives on what it takes to make training a priority. Tom has spent decades leading teams through the challenges of convincing technicians to embrace training, while Dan works with organizations across industries to create programs that drive real, measurable impact.
Together, they’ll share insights on overcoming the common friction points that arise when trying to get buy-in for training – from the techs who are skeptical about time spent on learning to the leaders who need to see ROI. Using real-world examples, Tom and Dan will walk through the tactical steps for communicating the value of training, aligning goals, and designing programs that stick.
What You’ll Learn:
- The real reasons training initiatives face resistance from both techs and leadership
- How to overcome skepticism from the field and demonstrate training’s value to decision-makers
- Strategies for breaking down communication barriers and building shared ownership of training programs
- Practical tips for designing training that engages learners and delivers tangible business results
Meet the Speakers
Tom Clapper
Former Director of Building and Grounds
Tom Clapper is a veteran in the facilities maintenance field with deep-rooted experience managing teams, operations, and infrastructure across complex environments. He began his career on the front lines, working hands-on in the trades, and through dedication, continuous learning, and hard-earned experience, he steadily rose to lead facilities operations. Throughout his career, Tom has remained passionate about developing the next generation of skilled trades professionals. He believes training is the cornerstone of safe, efficient, and future-ready facilities—and he’s a strong advocate for providing the tools, education, and support maintenance teams need to succeed. His dedication to the skilled trades doesn’t stop with his own work–he’s proud to share the field with his son, Dan Clapper.
Dan Clapper
Head of Learner and Business Outcomes, at Interplay Learning
Dan Clapper is the Head of Learner and Business Outcomes at Interplay Learning, where he focuses on bridging the gap between technical training and measurable business impact. With 25 years of experience in the skilled trades, Dan has worked across the HVAC and facilities maintenance industries in roles spanning installation, sales, distribution, and workforce development. From installing boilers and HVAC equipment alongside his father to training thousands of professionals nationwide, he brings a unique perspective on how training directly influences performance, efficiency, and operational success.
Dan is passionate about helping organizations build highly skilled, adaptable teams by implementing training strategies that reduce downtime, improve safety, and drive long-term business outcomes. His expertise in technical training, professional development, and operational efficiency enables him to help businesses maximize the value of their training programs and create a stronger, more capable workforce.
