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 Name:
Steven L. Peters
Title: President, Compass Facility Management,
Inc.
Facility: We manage approximately two dozen
venues throughout the US
City/State/Country:
Ames, IA USA
Year CFE obtained:
2004
Email:
speters@compassmgmt.com
What facilities have
you worked in?
Managed the following:
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Dubuque Five Flags Center,
Dubuque, IA 1976-1982
-
Iowa State Center, Ames, IA
1982-1990
-
Target Center, Minneapolis, MN
1990-1991
-
Ogden Entertainment National
Office 1991-1996
-
Compass Facility Management,
Founder and President 1996 to present
What do you think are
the benefits of having a CFE?
Those three letters actually stand for “Can Fix Everything”
according to a certain former IAAM membership manager. Perhaps what they
really mean is that the holder of the designation has achieved a measure of
success or longevity or both in a demanding industry. The CFE designation is
truly all about professional standards. A real benefit of the CFE program is
the experience of working through the application process and the
opportunity for self-affirmation and discovery that it offers.
What is your favorite
restaurant?
I LOVE Thai food!!
What book are you
currently reading (or what is your favorite book)?
Currently reading John Grisham’s “The Broker” and Stephen
Covey’s “The Eighth Habit”
What CD or cassette is
in your car right now?
A mixed bag of music my daughter Lindsay burned for me.
What is the weirdest
event you ever had in your facility?
We were doing a one-man production of “An Evening With Edgar
Allen Poe” starring Steve Abolt in the restored theatre in Dubuque. Just as
the actor on stage launched into Poe’s “The Raven,” the power went out. He
was using a live kerosene lamp on stage. With the emergency lights throwing
ghostly shadows over the entire auditorium, and without missing a beat, he
turned up the kerosene lamp, and began, “Once upon a midnight dreary…”
What is a motto,
inspiration or quote you try to live by?
“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
Also from“40 Days Of Purpose” by Rick Warren: “It’s not about me.”
Why did you choose to
pursue the CFE?
For years, I tended to discount the authenticity of the CFE
program. I remembered when the program was initiated, and I thought at the
time that several senior IAAM members were grandfathered into the program
inappropriately. Last year I was convinced by several CFEs I work with,
including Tom Cornwall, Larry Gawronski, Rob Seitz and Doug Kuhnel, to
pursue the CFE certification.
What has been a benefit
or is a benefit of having a CFE?
I feel I have a very real and authentic certification that legitimately
recognizes my qualifications and experience.
Would you recommend
attaining CFE to other international colleagues?
Why? I heartily recommend the CFE program. We will be recognizing
it as a significant qualification in making hiring decisions for Compass.
What couldn't you live
without?
My wife and children.
What's your most prized
possession?
My reputation.
What's your favorite
place on earth?
My garage and my back yard.
What's your most
favorite moment in sports history?
When my dad coached my little league team in Sac City, IA (As I
recall, we lost almost every game, but everyone played and we had fun!)
What's the one thing
most people would be surprised to learn about you?
I am a Sunday School teacher at Bethesda Lutheran Church although
I am taking a break this year.
Is there anything else
you would like to add?
Everyone in our business should work toward being certified as a
CFE. But as important as that is, the thing most lacking in our profession
is a sense of caring about the people who patronize our facilities. We ought
to care more. |
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