It’s time for our “Meet the Team” blog for March, and this time, we caught up with Sales Manager, Richard DeTeresa. When he isn’t busy being a superstar at work and crushing sales, he loves traveling, hanging out with his friends and family, grilling and smoking meats and more. To learn more about Richard, be sure to check out our latest blog!
With everyone working remotely, we’d love to know where you grew up and where you live now.
I was born in a suburb of Queens in New York City. Most of my relatives still live in the Northeast. My Father’s job moved from New York to San Diego when I was 7 years old, and I’ve been here ever since. I grew up in Mira Mesa (the town most known for being next to Miramar where Top Gun was filmed) and still live here today. My wife and both kids (now 26 and 20) all graduated from Mira Mesa High School.
My parents and siblings have all moved back East, and now I’m the only remaining member in my entire family that lives West of Nashville.
The sales environment is incredibly fast-paced, but you do such a great job at it! What is your favorite part about your role as a sales manager?
Why thank you! You are right, it is a very fast-paced environment and certainly is an emotional rollercoaster, but when you have an amazing team of Sales Professionals to mentor and work alongside you it makes it all worth it! My favorite part is just being able to support someone on their sales journey and watch their success along the way.
I had a great time selling the FMG Product for so many years! But now I get so much out of helping my Team Members succeed. Our Sales Department is so much like a family – many of us have been here for 7+ years. So to see my colleagues grow as sales professionals and grow in their personal lives – there is not much better than that. Knowing that this job allows them to accomplish their personal goals while still enjoying what they do and the people they work with – that’s the best part.
What’s your favorite part about where you live? And what do you like to do in your free time?
There’s something about living in the same area most of your life. My closest friends are here, and San Diego is such a great place to live. You cannot beat the Weather. Although admittedly, the cost of living and the direction California is going has my wife and me seriously considering a move in the next 5 to 10 years – most likely to Texas.
I am Big-Time into grilling and smoking meats (LOVE my Traeger), sipping on great Bourbon & Rye Whiskey, watching all kinds of Sports, smoking the occasional cigar, traveling (VEGAS BABY!), trying new restaurants, listening to and watching METALLICA live, and hanging out with the newest member of our family, Bunchy! An 8-month-old 85-pound mastiff mix.
I also run a free Haunted House with my wife every year on Halloween Night which basically consumes the rest of my free time. ?
With spring break coming up next month, we’ve got travel on the brain! Are you going anywhere fun? If not, do you have any exciting trips planned for this year?
Nothing for spring break this year, but I have some trips planned! Taking my daughter to Vegas for her 21st birthday this August; going to see Metallica in Phoenix in September, going to Louisville for some Bourbon hunting with friends in October; then my parents are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary in Disneyworld in December.
March Madness is in full swing … are you a basketball fan? If so, what team do you cheer for?
Absolutely! I love college hoops! I’m a San Diego State Alum, so Go Aztecs!
If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?
Does a Dragon count? Like the biggest, baddest, fire-breathing beast of all time? No? Check out the Shoebill Bird. This bird gets to almost 5 feet tall and walks around looking like he is ready to fight anyone or anything. I want one to patrol my backyard LOL. I don’t know why, I’m just fascinated by “The Dinosaur of Birds.”
What is your favorite TV show of all time?
Game of Thrones is 100% of the way. So many good shows out there, but GOT is still my all-time favorite. I want to hang out with Tyrion Lannister.
What was your dream job as a child?
Sales Manager at FMG of course! LOL – jk. I went from wanting to be a pro soccer player to Quarterback in the NFL to lead singer of a Band. Also seriously considered becoming a professional Chef or a Teacher at different points in my childhood.
What is your favorite part about working at FMG?
The people and the culture. I can still say that almost 11 years later, I still love coming to work and love the people I get to work with every day. It’s so nice to work for a company that cares so much about its employees. I’m so proud to have been a small part of the FMG journey. They’re basically going to have to drag me out of here if they ever want to get rid of me.
What is the best piece of advice that you have ever received? It can be work-related or just great life advice!
My parents taught me to always treat everyone with kindness and respect no matter who they are or what their status is in life, and a friendly smile goes a long way!
