Theresa Tate has been a long-time member of CFMA Orange County, and although she says the organization is generally designed to benefit contractors, she has gleaned a wealth of rewards from being involved in the association.

As a construction law attorney since 1992, Theresa stepped into the family business early in life. While she worked at another firm during college, she joined her father at Crawford and Bangs once graduating from law school and has been there ever since.

“I like dealing with business people and I enjoy my contractor clients,” she explained when asked why she chose construction law. “Most of my clients are good people. You’re not dealing with criminals, and this line of work tends to not be as emotional as some of the other aspects of law—like family law and personal injury and all of that.”

Staying in Tune with the Industry

Theresa’s relationships with her clients have been a key part of her involvement in CFMA Orange County for the past 15 years. She has found that keeping up with the industry gives her clients confidence in her work.

“I often see my existing clients at CFMA educational events, so they appreciate seeing me there, and that I’m involved in the industry,” she said. And although boosting her clients’ trust in her work is a bonus, it’s not the primary reason she attends.

“Education isn’t always directed at me. I know it’s geared toward contractors, but I still find interest in the educational aspect,” Theresa said. “There are always new things to learn about employment or security services or other things.”

Creating Connections Through CFMA

In addition to connecting with her existing clients, she has found that both the learning events and social events provide networking opportunities that open doors to new clients. 

“Sometimes I meet people who are working at a company and they don’t have an immediate need because that company has their own in-house attorney, but then they leave that company and they’re off somewhere else,” she explained. “So the more people you know, the more business you get. Plus, you get to be involved in some really fun social events.”

During her years as a CFMA member, Theresa has enjoyed attending the boat cruise each year, as well as the Anaheim Ducks games. CFMA members benefit from regular recreational events where they can network with other industry professionals in a relaxed environment and have a good time.

A Peek Behind the Curtain

Theresa mentioned one of the top benefits of CFMA Orange County is the intentionality behind membership variety. As a prior board member, she was able to take a peek behind the curtain to see how the board consciously balances the member network. 

“They really try to keep a good mix in the association between contractor members and vendors that provide services to the industry,” she said. This ensures that all members profit from the relationships built within the association.

The board is also purposeful in the ratio of contractors to associates that are in leadership. “They have board seats set aside for contractor members, which is better than I’ve seen in other associations,” she said. 

“In other associations, sometimes you get nothing but trade people or associates involved, but those are the wrong people to be speaking for the association. CFMA has really worked hard to make sure they keep a good number of contractors involved.”

The Earlier, the Better

As a long-time CFMA member, Theresa recommends getting involved in the association early on in your career. “When you first start, people don’t necessarily take you as an expert in your field, so the earlier you can start with networking and getting to know people, the better. If I had to do anything different,” she reflected, “I would have started with more trade associations earlier.”

Potential general members attend their first event for free. Learn more about how CFMA membership can benefit you.