IAVM MENTOR CONNECTOR PROFILE: WENDY RIGGS AND MAX LONG
If you weren’t working in the venue industry, what would your dream job be?
Could you tell us about a favorite event or the most mem- orable event you’ve worked? In 1991, I got to work the Super Bowl XXV halftime show. I was work- ing for Disney and was on the pyro team. Part of my job was running a large scissor lift that formed a castle when it was connected to three other lifts. The controls were so big, and I was so small, they had to make a rig so I could carry the controls as we drove the lifts on to the in with that contraption.
As we all know, the venue professionals can work long hours, and power through occasional stressful situa- tions, so how do you unwind away from work? I am at the gym twice a day. It keeps me stress-free!
What is your favorite place in your city or your favorite thing about where you live? I love that I am living near mountains again. I have always preferred the mountains over the beach. Northwest Arkansas is such a great place; I love the diverse activities from visiting Crystal Bridges Muse- um of American Art, to watching the Naturals play at Arvest Ballpark, to the great farmers markets.
If you could have one super power, what would it be? Invisibility, so I could try to keep up with my teenagers!
What three items would you take with you on a deserted island? My two Rigglets (my girls) and AMC, so I could watch “The Walking Dead.”
What will people be surprised to know about you? I was once a roadie for Van Halen, the Beach Boys, and Pat Benatar.
What is your experience with mentor / mentee relation- ships prior to the IAVM Mentor Connector Program? I have been a teacher in many of my positions, so I tend to mentor people naturally. I believe if we are not giving back to people in our in- dustry, we are really not doing our job. I have always developed intern- ship programs because education alone does not really help students in the real world. I believe we need to give students as many hands-on opportunities we can.
What made you want to pursue the IAVM Mentor Con- nector Program and what are you hoping to achieve through the opportunity? work with, I wanted to make sure I was connecting to younger people
in the industry outside of my organization. I learn as much from my hope I get to continue to work with my Mentos (this is what I call my mentees) because they keep me on my toes, and I love getting their fresh perspective every day.
What are you looking forward to talking to your mentor / protégé about? I cannot wait to hear what’s next for Max – he is going for his CVP. He is a mover and a shaker – I just enjoy listening to his adventures in his job. He is destined for greater jobs because he has all the qualities of a leader. I am so proud of him!
What do you believe are the benefits of a mentoring pro- gram? There are so many. I believe it gives all participants, mentors, coaches, and mentees a chance to experience new perspectives and a colleague who can listen and advise. It allows all participants to grow by learning that we all face the same issues, whether we run a performing arts cen- ter, arena, stadium, amphitheater or convention center, and we make lifelong friends who we can ALWAYS ask for their advice.
What advice do you give others interested in a mentor- ing partnership? Just DO IT! You will not regret it – mentoring is one of the best jobs I have ever had. FM
62 Facility Manager Magazine
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