May 19, 2026

How to Start and Thrive in Your Facility Management Career

17 minutes

How do you transition from being an "unintentional" facility manager to a world-class professional? In this episode of the Connected FM Podcast, Bobby LaRon, member of IFMA's Global Board of Directors, and Brent Ward member of the IFMA Foundation Board of Trustees, share their personal pathways into the industry.

They dive deep into the essential "just-in-time" knowledge required for the field and why no FM can succeed as an island. You'll hear about:

The Power of the Local Chapter: Why active participation is the key to unlocking the full value of your membership.

The Value of Credentials: How the CFM, FMP and SFP provide a common global vocabulary and meet the increasing demands of employers.

The Human Connection: Moving beyond capital assets to focus on the people who occupy the buildings we manage.

Investing in the Next Generation: How scholarship programs and student cohorts are shaping the future of the FM profession.

Whether you are a student, a mid-career professional, or a seasoned veteran, this conversation offers a roadmap for "sharpening your saw" and finding fulfillment through service and mentorship within the global FM community.

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction

01:47 – How Brent Ward Got Started in FM

02:40 – The Accidental FM

03:30 – The Value of Community

04:45 – Getting Started

06:00 – Camaraderie Over Competition

07:30 – Finding Your Path

09:40 – The Service Mindset

11:15 – Resources for Growth

12:35 – IFMA Engage & Credentials

14:40 – Nurturing the Next Generation

16:30 – The Global Model

17:15 – Conclusion

Connect with Us:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ifma
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFacilityManagementAssociation/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/IFMA
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifma_hq/
YouTube: https://youtube.com/ifmaglobal
Visit us at https://ifma.org

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