Delaware Sports Blitz is excited to announce a new series we will be doing called Behind the Sports.
The Behind the Sports series is looking at men and women who prepare athletes for their best on and off the court ( SIDs, AD, educators, trainers and etc.). The series will also be looking at different careers in the sports field from media, operating an arena, tickets sales, public relations and etc.
This week we will be featuring several members of the Muscle Movement Foundation. As it says on their site “The MMF works to combat the detrimental effects of muscular dystrophy, ALS, and additional forms of muscle-related diseases, by way of physical, financial, and emotional accommodations.” The foundation works with a lot of high schools and colleges in the area and their athletic programs. The foundation uses sports in a way to shine a light on muscle diseases and MMF’s muscle champions.
Next up in the series for the Muscle Movement Foundation is Colin McKeefery and he is a board member for the foundation. As a board member for MMF, McKeefery is responsible for developing strategies to help the Muscle Movement Foundation accomplish its goal. McKeefery is also responsible for honoring the fiduciary responsibility to steward MMF’s mission. When he is not at Muscle Movement Foundation, McKeefery is at FME Lighting where he is the Director of Business Operations. McKeefery’s responsibilities at FME Lighting include planning and monitoring the day-to-day operations of the business to ensure the company is operating in the most efficient and effective manner.
Name the job and a brief summary of what it entails?
McKeefery: I am the Director of Business Operations for FME Lighting; a Delaware based LED lighting manufacturer. I plan and monitor the day-to-day operations of the business to ensure FME Lighting is operating in the most efficient and effective manner. I also operate as a board member for the Muscle Movement Foundation. I am responsible for developing strategies to help the nonprofit organization accomplish its goals. I am also responsible for honoring the fiduciary responsibility to steward MMF’s mission.
How long have you been in this area of work?
McKeefery: 2 years – FME Lighting
1 year – Muscle Movement Foundation
What interested you to get in this area of work?
McKeefery: My father worked in the electrical distribution industry for over 35 years. As I was finishing college he offered me an opportunity of a lifetime to work for his new company, FME Lighting. It was a no brainer. Having one of the most knowledgeable men in the business as a mentor and father inspired me to become involved in this industry.
After being an active supporter of the Muscle Movement Foundation since 2012, I wanted to increase my involvement with the organization. I developed a strong relationship with MMF’s Founder Rob DeMasi and witnessed his ability to overcome the obstacles presented by muscle disease. I wanted to ensure I did my part to support a great friend and person. When I witnessed the individualized experience that the MMF created in the local community, it inspired me to take a strong initiative.
What is the most rewarding part of the job?
McKeefery: The most rewarding part of my position with FME Lighting is seeing the job site before the installation and comparing it to the LED lighting install afterwards. The difference is remarkable!
The most rewarding part of my position with MMF is witnessing the organization grow. Each year MMF continues to assist more families in need with life-changing accommodations.
What are some of the challenges of the job?
McKeefery: A major challenge in the industry today is dealing with outside forces, specifically China. Many Chinese manufacturers are coming over and selling direct to customers instead of going through the typical distribution model in the United States.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to work in this job or field?
McKeefery:Go get what you want.
If you would like to know more about the Muscle Movement Foundation: Click Here