Change keeps things fresh, creates new opportunities, and helps organizations continue to grow. With that in mind, I would love to be considered for Secretary of the North Texas Tesla Owners Club and be part of the exciting changes and opportunities ahead for our club.

My name is Teresa Rickerson Schaefer, and I have been a Founders Club Member of NTX-TOC since its creation in 2016. In the beginning, there were just 20 Tesla owners who shared a passion for the future of electric vehicle technology and saw the potential to create a club exclusively for Tesla owners and enthusiasts. We each took a leap of faith by contributing at the premium membership level to help finance the club’s startup. Within a month, we had welcomed another 80 contributing members, and several hundred people had joined our Facebook group. It was an exciting time, and it has been amazing to watch the club grow and our social media presence flourish over the years.

I initially served as the club’s appointed Secretary as we navigated the process of obtaining nonprofit status, establishing banking and insurance, and building relationships with associations throughout Texas. I also played an integral role in organizing our club’s participation at Fair Park during Earth Day Texas week. We coordinated groups of Tesla owners and their vehicles to educate visitors about electric vehicle ownership. On any given day, we typically had 15–20 vehicles displayed in a prime location around Big Tex Circle. One of the most rewarding aspects was seeing schools bring students to the event daily. As we all know, kids often know more about Teslas than most adults!

I went on to serve two elected terms as an NTX-TOC Director, taking on a wide variety of responsibilities. These included membership management, newsletter editing, event planning, arranging for the Club to assist Tesla as ambassador during new-vehicle deliveries, designing and ordering club shirts and gear, designing and acquiring tents and displays, setting up websites and social media platforms, and helping wherever I was needed.

Our first President affectionately called me the club’s “sergeant-at-arms” because I helped manage event guidelines, parking procedures, group-driving rules, and member conduct to ensure we represented our club professionally and responsibly. During this time, NTX-TOC also became involved with Tesla’s official Tesla Owners Club program. That is when our familiar round club logo came into being—the logo we lovingly nicknamed the “meatball.” That little logo carries quite a history of stories, laughter, and even a few tears!

My husband, Don, and I have owned four Teslas since 2014, and we have loved every one of them. When his beloved P85D reached 11 years old, we purchased a 2026 Model S Plaid as Tesla was phasing out the Model S. Don simply could not imagine being without a Model S, and he is a very happy guy! I also took delivery of my 2018 Model 3, exactly 8 years ago today. Our Tesla journey will not end here, but I cannot see myself navigating a flying car! LOL.

Today, I continue to order membership badges for new members, and our current President, Christina, has graciously given me the title of Historian—an honor I truly appreciate. Having been part of NTX-TOC since its earliest days, I have witnessed a tremendous amount of growth and change. This club means a great deal to me, and I am proud of what we have accomplished together. There are wonderful things ahead for NTX-TOC under Christina’s leadership.

My years of involvement have given me a unique perspective on our club’s history, operations, members, and traditions. I would welcome the opportunity to bring that experience, along with my organizational skills, attention to detail, and commitment to our members, to the role of Secretary.

Personally, I enjoy time with friends and family.  Our five grandchildren (from 16 to 1 year old) are the center of my world.  I find myself on sports fields and courts weekly. Don and I love to travel and with our new Plaid, look forward to more road trips. I love gardening and decorating for holidays at home. 

Change keeps things fresh, and I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. I would be honored to serve as Secretary of NTX-TOC and help support our club as we continue to grow, evolve, and build an even stronger community.

Kind regards,

Teresa Rickerson Schaefer