As co-founders of Terra Firma Global Partners, this power couple created a real estate company in which all clients and listings are represented in a collaborative environment by all its agents, thereby ensuring clients and listings have the competitive edge in both sales and purchases. It’s a new model, but that wasn’t the greatest challenge. “Starting a company anytime is hard, but starting a real estate company in the worst market since the Great Depression was challenging and exhilarating at the same time,” says Facendini.“My proudest moment was when people started following Bill, Betsy [Facendini Serafini, Bill’s daughter and director of operations] and me into the business,” shares Rickerd-Rizzo. “They trusted us, our vision and our leadership.
“It was then I realized there was no option for failure: We were now responsible for these associates and their families. That made all the hard work, fears and sacrifices worth every minute. We had a team that looked to us to lead the way—they believed in us. That made me incredibly proud.”
Are you married?
Bill: Formally no. Technically, yes—just ask Heidi.
Heidi: Does “playing house” count? Bill says, “The Judge said ‘No.’” So for the last six or so years, we take each day one at a time, “married” to each-other and the baby—Terra Firma Global Partners—that we created together. So far it’s working…
How do you keep a balance between being business partners and being life partners?
Bill: Great question, and if you know someone who has the answer please let me know—that is, someone other than Heidi. On a serious note, I think you have to have work time and home time. I have a starting point and an ending point to my work day, and if I stay within those parameters, I can stay somewhat balanced. But it’s very hard at times.
Heidi: I break the rules all the time! Bill is great about setting boundaries around work/personal time. Me not so much. The good news is, we bring very different skill sets to the table, so there’s little competition or overlapping responsibilities between us. The truth is, both are a marriage and need to be treated with respect, patience, kindness and understanding to be successful.
What do you love to do outside of work?
Heidi: To be in nature. My favorite afternoon is to “cop a squat” on a great piece of lawn with a glass of wine, snacks and good book.
Bill: I enjoy anything outdoors: hiking, fishing, biking, gardening. I’m a farmer at heart.
What’s in your garage?
Bill: Mostly Heidi’s junk…I mean, treasures.
What would people be surprised to know about you?
Bill: I self-published a book, titled A Common Man’s Dream, years ago that actually sold fairly well. I’d call it prose, but on the Will Rogers side of things. It was always on my bucket list to write something for my family and, if they thought it had merit, they could pass it along to future generations. Having it in Copperfield’s and other local bookstores was an afterthought but fun. It’s no longer available, except in my garage.
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word “hope”?
Heidi: That there’s always an opportunity to climb out of where you are, to find a better place, to have the courage to make a change or follow your dreams. Without hope, we lose sight, stay complacent, accept what is or give up. Everyone needs “hope.”
What’s your favorite dessert?
Bill: I don’t eat dessert, but I will eat apple or berry pie for breakfast at times.
Heidi: I follow the French: great cheeses, some thin-sliced walnut bread, local honey or chutney and nuts.
