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 Name:
Kim Bedier, CFE
Title: General Manager
Facility: Everett Events Center
City/State:
Everett,WA
Year CFE obtained: 2000
Email:
kbedier@everetteventscenter.com
Tell us a little about
your facility manager background.
Although I didn’t realize it would be at the time, my ancient
yearbook quote has turned out to be quite an accurate description of my
professional life. It was from Robert Frost’s wonderful poem “The Road Not
Taken” - you know, the one where the two roads diverge in a wood and the
choice is offered to take the one less traveled. My career path has taken me
from the eastern Arctic (where I had to build the swimming pool first before
I could manage it) to the wilds of the Pacific Northwest and my third
official grand opening (not counting the swimming pool). Apparently I have
developed an affinity for hard hats, drywall dust and colour swatches. But
what an opportunity: to foster a facility family from scratch and to watch a
building transform from a concoction of bricks and mortar to become the
heart and soul of a community. The Everett Events Center in Everett, WA is
my current baby.
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?
The one near my house where they know my name.
What is your favorite
book? What book is currently at your bedside?
When you learn that I once incompetently played Guinevere in a
community theatre production of Camelot (now there’s a brave confession),
you might guess that my favourite book is “The Once and Future King” by T.H.
White, or for that matter any book about the legend of King Arthur. It
follows that my favourite movie is “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,”
proving that I am very keen on historical accuracy. I am currently reading
“The Rise of the Creative Class” by Richard Florida – be warned that
creative people are poised to take over the universe.
What is in your CD
player right now?
Maroon 5 (okay it’s my son’s but if he wants a ride he has to share), the
Dana Owens Album, Led Zeppelin IV.
What is the weirdest
event you ever had in your facility?
Don’t you just love rodeos in arenas? The first time one of my
facilities made the national news was the day the Brahma bull made his dash
for freedom. He led everyone on a merry chase down and around the streets of
town until finally being felled by a tranquilizer gun right back outside the
doors of the arena.
What motto,
inspiration, or quote do you try to live by?
“To live content with small means; to seek elegance rather than
luxury, and refinement rather than fashion; to be worthy, not respectable,
and wealthy, not, rich; to listen to stars and birds, babes and sages, with
open heart; to study hard; to think quietly, act frankly, talk gently, await
occasions, hurry never; in a word, to let the spiritual, unbidden and
unconscious, grow up through the common – this is my symphony.”
– William Henry Channing
What couldn’t you live
without?
My pride and joy and son and heir Jonathan Bedier – 15 going on
35. When he was five, Jonathan thought he worked in the Box Office. He was
eventually promoted to Head Dessert Server for the caterer, but has since
elected to aspire to a career in international relations.
What is your most
prized possession?
Possessions aren’t important, people are and I have some of the most amazing
friends anyone could ever hope for. Funny, they all work in the venue
management industry…
What is your favorite
place on earth?
Anywhere I can lay back and watch for shooting stars to wish on.
What is one thing
people would be surprised to learn about you?
I am the Hallowe’en Queen (Jane Kleinberger thinks she is, but I
have issued the official challenge). Any of you who have your own Hallowe’en
trunk can relate.
What advice would you
give to long-time IAAM members who have NOT gone after their CFE?
The process of applying for your CFE requires you to examine your
career, where you have come from and where you are going. You are asked to
consider your philosophy of facility management and to put it into
decipherable words. You must study and learn about every other type of
venue, whether you have worked in it or not, and this leads you to finally
be able to join conversations about grass weevils and downstage rigging.
In other words, it is a fine example of the
journey being almost more important than the destination. I learned a lot
about myself and the venue industry through applying for my CFE. Even if you
are not sure whether you have enough accumulated points, take time to walk
through the process, as this in itself will be a great experience. If you do
not have enough qualifying points now, set yourself goals in order to attain
them. This will serve to enhance and focus your professional development.
Is there anything else
you’d like to add?
My membership and involvement in IAAM, and subsequent CFE
certification, has been one of the most important contributing factors to my
career. I encourage everyone to participate in our professional association
– you get what you give. |
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