RFMA2021 Podcast w/ Teresa Foster

Quotes

“When I was leaving my job, I had a lot of people ask me, ‘are you crazy?’ You know, you’re leaving a good job, it’s a pandemic, the restaurant industry has been really hit by this… I knew what I was getting into and I like a challenge. And when I accepted this position, I knew it would be a great opportunity to learn.” (9:32)

“It dawned on me that these people haven’t been working for a year… and it made me feel so happy that we’re a part of bringing them back to work. And whether it’s the people at the convention center, at the hotels, the AV company… I’m just happy that we’re a part of the group that brings it back together. (15:01)

“If I’m looking forward to 2021, my advice, and this is to myself, my team, my friends, to everyone, is hanging in there and take advantage of any learning or networking opportunity you can. (36:49)

Special Edition: RFMA 2021 with Teresa Foster

This past year, Teresa Foster stepped into her role as CEO of the Restaurants Facilities Maintenance Association Show. To say it was a crazy start to her new position would be an understatement, but with this being Teresa’s third association to be an executive with, it was not her first rodeo. Teresa’s experience ranges from the National Athletic Trainers Association, to Greater Dallas Building Owners Association to now, RFMA. From RFMA 2021, to pandemic pivoting, to the future of FM, this episode covers it all!

RFMA… But During A Pandemic

“The people who took the leap of faith during a pandemic, we have our own club now, and they’re all saying the same thing: There’s just a lot of learning experiences.” (10:02)

With her role beginning in July of 2020, Teresa’s perspective is that everyone had to adapt and adjust to get through this. Whether you started a new career or remained with the same job, you had to accept things and change things this past year.

Deciding to keep RFMA 2021 in March or changing the date would become the first challenge. The support she received from the gate is what solidified her confidence in moving the date. As the past year went on, decisions about size and safety protocol were all met with such a united and supportive team of members and leaders that she could not help but brag about their friendship and support.

The heartbeat behind RFMA is bringing a community of leaders and learners. Despite all odds, Teresa’s goal is to get that back into the facilities maintenance world this year.

“It dawned on me that these people haven’t been working for a year… and it made me feel so happy that we’re a part of bringing them back to work. And whether it’s the people at the convention center, at the hotels, the AV company… I’m just happy that we’re a part of the group that brings it back together. (15:01)

RFMA Moving Forward

Whether it’s the potential, the supportive team, or an optimistic outlook, Teresa is excited about the future of RFMA. She believes that the pandemic accelerated the call to start having long-term goals along with implementing adaptations to further grow and innovate RFMA.

“Doing nothing during COVID was probably the worst decision that you could have made.” (22:43)

Rather than fearing failure and sticking to tradition for traditions sake, Teresa brought fearless leadership when enacting changes. A change in leadership and industry became the perfect opportunity to brainstorm and implement change.

Technology would serve to help with accessibility and innovation rather than hurting the FM world, claims Teresa. For starters, Gen Z has been submerged in the digital age their entire life and even prefers it to in-person options typically. Not to mention that live-stream or remote meetings give greater accessibility and more controllables when working with conventions, conferences, or seminars.

Sneak Peek: RFMA 2021

Teresa was excited to share a sneak peek of what to expect out of this year’s convention. This year’s keynote speaker, Walter Bond, a former NBA basketball player, was chosen to speak on motivation.

Teresa is very proud of the education sessions offered this year. Even before the pandemic, personal health is essential to a good professional life. The theme of most sessions focuses on creating habits and disciplines to thrive in both of those areas of life.

Lastly, this year RFMA is bringing back its regional showcases. The point is to provide learning opportunities for those who cannot travel or attend the conference. Teresa reveals that the locations thus far are Irvine, California, and Las Colinas, Texas, but stay tuned for more information.

“If I’m looking forward to 2021, my advice, and this is to myself, my team, my friends, to everyone, is hanging in there and take advantage of any learning or networking opportunity you can. (36:49)

FM Evolution was so thankful to have Teresa Foster join us this week. With her optimistic outlook, alongside her hardworking track record, we are all excited to see where RFMA and FM go in the future!

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