San Antonio SMPS Members,

You are at the heart of everything we do. SMPS is, at its core, a member-driven organization. Your enthusiasm, participation, and support are what make this organization truly special. On behalf of the Membership Committee, thank you for being such an integral part of our incredible community.

SMPS is more than just luncheons, educational events, and happy hours—it's about creating lasting relationships, learning from one another, and growing together within our industry. Our Membership Committee is dedicated to helping you get the most out of your SMPS membership by:

1. Fostering meaningful connections with new members through ambassador relationships,
2. Maintaining a strong and vibrant local membership,
3. Encouraging members to get involved in committees, and
4. Ensuring all members enjoy valuable benefits.

We encourage you to take full advantage of your membership—join a committee, explore national resources, and most importantly, build meaningful connections with your fellow members.

Looking ahead, we have some exciting events coming up! Be sure to mark your calendar for the Members-Only Holiday Luncheon on December 12th, where we’ll celebrate the season together. And in January, we’ll connect with SMPS members from across the region at the Southern Regional Conference. Don’t miss our pre-conference mixer—details are coming soon!

Once again, thank you for making SMPS the thriving community it is today. We can’t wait to grow and succeed alongside you in the coming year.

Warm Regards,

Lindsey Duderstadt
Membership Director

Kayla Wiggins
Membership Director-Elect

Dear SMPS San Antonio Members,

I am honored to step into the role of President-Elect and look forward to an incredible year of growth and collaboration under Garrett McCullough’s leadership.

My journey with SMPS began because I believe in its mission: to engage, inspire, and empower A/E/C professionals for leadership and lifelong learning. I can personally attest to the value this organization brings, having learned so much from the volunteers and peers who dedicate their time and energy. And as we know, this impact extends well beyond the board level. Whether you're just beginning your journey with SMPS or have been a dedicated member for years, now is the perfect time to get involved and be part of the excitement as we prepare to celebrate our chapter's 25th anniversary.

Get Engaged

I encourage each of you to dive into our mission. We want your SMPS experience to not only benefit you personally but also add value to your firm. The best way to achieve this is by getting involved. Each of our committees—Programs, Education, Membership, Communications, and Outreach, offer unique opportunities to connect with peers, expand your skills, and contribute to something bigger. Reach out, get involved, and help us take this organization to new heights. When you give your time and talents to this organization, you not only uplift yourself but also advance our profession and further strengthen this chapter.

Get Ready to Celebrate

Looking ahead to the 2025-2026 term, we have a special milestone: our 25th anniversary as a chapter. This achievement reflects the strength of our community and the dedication of all who have contributed over the years.

As we prepare for this celebration, my focus will be on working with our members to shape a strategic plan that will guide us through the coming years. I look forward to collaborating with our talented SMPS community to ensure our chapter continues to thrive and lead the way. If you want help shape the future of our chapter, I invite you to step forward and let me know how you’d like to get involved.

Finally, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our incredible volunteers and sponsoring organizations for your support. I am excited for the year ahead and eager to work with all of you to continue driving our vision: Business Transformed through Marketing Leadership.

Enjoy the cooler weather, the spooky season, and I look forward to seeing you in November!

Warm Regards,

Maria Nelson
President-Elect
Society of Marketing Professional Services, San Antonio Chapter

by Maria Nelson, Halff

Dear Members,

As we begin the 2024-25 board year, I’m excited to share our vision for the future—one that builds on the strength of our chapter while introducing new initiatives to enhance transparency, leadership, and member value. I am reminded of the many Chapter Presidents who have guided our Chapter to this moment and I embrace the responsibility and privilege of serving the members of our great chapter.

One of our key goals this year is financial transparency. To make this a reality, we are transitioning our financial management and primary banking to BillHighway, a platform designed to simplify our processes and give you clear insights into how funds are managed. This change will allow us to ensure that our finances are handled with accuracy and clarity, providing simplified billing and reporting which will help us invest in our chapter’s success. BillHighway is a vendor that has partnered with SMPS at a national level and is committed to our success.

In addition, we are introducing director-elect roles as part of our board structure. This shift marks a commitment to succession planning and long-term strategy. By preparing future leaders, we’re ensuring a smooth transition between board years and creating a sustainable path for the chapter’s continued growth. Our new board, diverse in age, discipline, and experience, is committed to propelling SMPS San Antonio toward continued success.

We also pledge to focus on increasing member value. Our goal is to empower you in your career journey through professional development, networking, and content. But your active involvement is what truly makes the difference. Your participation strengthens this chapter, and together, it is what drives the value of membership.

Let us begin this new year with the same dedication and high standards that have brought us to where we are today. I look forward to what we’ll achieve together.

Sincerely,

Garrett McCullough

President 

Society of Marketing Professional Services, San Antonio Chapter

by Garrett McCullough, Marksmen General Contractors

Dear SMPS San Antonio Members,

As this year comes to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on the journey we’ve shared and the remarkable community that we’ve continued to build together. Serving as your President has been an honor, and I am truly inspired by the leadership, commitment, and support each of you has shown throughout the year.

Our community has shown that we are more than just professionals—we are a truly connected group. It’s been inspiring to witness how each of you has stepped up—whether it’s contributing to events, volunteering your time, or simply being there for one another.

I’m particularly moved by how you’ve embraced continuous learning and supported each other’s professional development. As Sheryl Sandberg wisely said, “We cannot change what we are not aware of, and once we are aware, we cannot help but change. Continuous learning and collaboration are key to both personal and professional growth.” This mindset has made our chapter stronger and will continue to propel us forward.

As we look ahead to the new year, I’m excited to welcome Garrett McCullough as your incoming President. Garrett brings passion, vision, and a deep commitment to our community. I’m confident he will lead SMPS San Antonio to new heights and inspire us all along the way.

Thank you for your contributions, leadership, and steady support. Let’s carry this momentum into the new year, continuing to inspire and empower each other.

With Appreciation,

Crystal Rose Del Bosque 

President 

Society of Marketing Professional Services, San Antonio Chapter

by Crystal Del Bosque, Alamo Architects

Have your proposal delivered by a clown with a singing telegram message for the client? Dress up in soccer gear and kick a ball into a goal to bring home the point of your presentation? Create an interactive boardgame to play at a client meeting?

Probably not, because those sound like really bad ideas! Right?

But did any of those ideas spark other, better ideas? Yes!

We all have bad ideas, and it can take thousands of bad ideas to get to a single good one. If you view things through a lens of ROI, that can seem like a large waste of energy and time. But mostly, we don’t get to the good ideas without plowing through – or even building upon – bad ideas.

While we definitely don’t want to have a clown deliver our hard copy proposals while singing, if we dig deeper, the above idea sounds like, at its heart, we’re trying to make our proposals or delivery presentation more fun, unique, memorable. So, now we can ask ourselves how to accomplish the same goal without the use of costumes and theatrics. Does that mean more color? A design in the packaging? What extra touch or creative angle could stand out within reasonable execution and without risking rejection from the client?

Very quickly, that “really bad idea” leads to intriguing questions and better possibilities.

John Geraci, a former director of new products for The New York Times, wrote an article for Harvard Business Review (HBR) about Embracing Bad Ideas to Get to Good Ideas. He recounts how many entrepreneurs have translated bad ideas into surprisingly profitable ventures, and how many successful businesses find their niche in concepts that others believed were terrible or crazy:

“Great [venture capitalists] invest regularly in things that are, to all outward appearances, nuts. Big companies, by comparison, have no mechanism whatsoever for saying yes to ideas that seem outlandish. But to get to great ideas, they need to be able to do just that. Apple started off selling DIY computer kits, PayPal began as a way to beam money between Palm Pilots, YouTube began as a video dating site. Each of these, in their day, must have seemed like bad ideas. Yet these companies have become the biggest players in now-enormous fields.”

Bad Idea Anxiety

Despite the potential of bad ideas to make unique journeys toward becoming good or even great ideas, we tend to hesitate to toss bad ideas out there when brainstorming (which usually kind of defeats the true purpose of brainstorming).

Even though all ideas are subjective, we typically define ideas that are actionable with apparent merit as “good,” and if they are met with consideration or interest, we feel they may be worthwhile. If our ideas are met with confusion or idle stares, we are generally quick to dismiss them as “bad,” and our fear of being met with a negative reaction can prevent us from bringing an idea to light.

Many people don’t feel comfortable bringing ideas to meetings, managers, or even peers, unless the ideas seem strong and solid and we feel confident in their value. This often results in silence when there’s a call for ideas or feedback; after all, we would rather be thought a fool than open our mouths and remove all doubt, right? (I mean, singing clowns delivering proposals?? Why would you ever say that out loud?!)

Except bad ideas can be stepping stones to good ideas, so we’re probably doing ourselves a disservice. Succumbing to what I’ll affectionately call “bad idea anxiety” means only a small percentage of ideas ever make it to a stage where external input could elevate or refine them.

In Defense of Bad Ideas, Randall Blaugh begins with the premise, “Creativity is fueled by the permission to allow yourself to have bad ideas.” He then goes into detail on the following five benefits of so-called bad ideas:

1.       Bad ideas make us more creative

2.       Bad ideas help us to volume ideate

3.       Bad ideas help us get unstuck

4.       Bad ideas lead to good ideas

5.       Sometimes bad ideas are good ideas

For more perspective on defining bad ideas and what they’re really worth, this TED blog article features nuggets of wisdom from marketing guru Seth Godin:

Here's Why You Need to Have More Bad Ideas

If we can put aside our self-doubt, sometimes we find that a bad idea, once unpacked or challenged in a new environment (outside our own heads), can take root and evolve organically. Given a safe space to grow – or just fall flat – bad ideas can serve as proving grounds of creativity.

Bad Ideas First

Well then, how do we invite bad ideas so everyone feels welcome to share them?

In her TEDx Talk, Caitlin Rogers, co-founder of an explainer animation studio, discussed the positive team dynamics and results that are possible when we embrace The Beauty of Bad Ideas and start with a “bad ideas first” mindset. This helps eliminate the pressure we feel to only bring immediately apparent value to the table. Then, our bad or mediocre ideas have a chance to be infused with the energy and problem-solving skills of other people with different experiences and perspectives.

Worst Possible Ideas

Taking the “bad ideas first” method to its superlative, this Atlassian article encourages teams to start with a “Worst Possible Idea” Brainstorm (WPIB) using Post-It notes and Trello (but a whiteboard, sheet of paper, or anywhere you can make a three-column table will also work well):

Why Your Team's Worst Ideas Are Actually the Best

A WPIB can help teams transform some bad ideas into good ones in three phases:

1.       Capture

2.       Why It’s a Bad Idea

3.       How to Make it Good

Now that we know the benefits of cultivating and sharing bad ideas, the hardest part is being vulnerable enough to throw out the first bad idea and get the creative process flowing.

So, let me ask again: Should you have your proposals delivered by a clown with a singing telegram message for the client? Discuss!

On May 15, 2024, SMPS Members celebrated the Annual Evening of Excellence at The Rock at La Cantera and awarded Steve Lyons, Vice President of Business Development at Skanska, with the 2024 SMPS Leonardo Award. This prestigious award was inspired by the Renaissance inventor, writer, painter, and sculptor, Leonardo da Vinci. The award recognizes individuals who epitomize innovation, creativity, and acumen, as it relates to the built environment. As a recipient of the SMPS Leonardo Award, Lyons joins a distinguished group of professionals who are unparalleled in their respective fields.

Steve’s career in construction began at Aerotek in a supporting role as a recruiter. His responsibilities included assisting local A/E/C firms fill critical positions in their companies. During this time, he became involved in SMPS where he served as Chair of the Membership Committee. His contributions helped propel the organization forward while also expanding his professional network. Subsequently, he joined SimplexGrinnell, supporting local construction projects with fire alarms and life safety systems. These experiences ultimately led him to Skanska where he has dedicated the past ten years of his career. Throughout his tenure, he has taken on leadership roles in various industry organizations and participated in local charities and nonprofit initiatives. His commitment to making a lasting impact on the community is evident through Skanska’s projects and volunteer engagement.

Over the past decade at Skanska, Steve has played a pivotal role in expanding the company’s engagement and network in San Antonio. His people-focused approach underscores the importance he places on building strong relationships. By finding personal ties to his work and encouraging his team to follow suit, he has deepened community involvement, entered new markets, and advanced the perception of the A/E/C industry.

Sally J. Smith, Principal at Marmon Mok Architecture, applauds Steve for taking a “strategic, integrated approach” to “position an international construction company as a viable, community-minded construction company.” Localizing the Skanska name and creating direct ties to the community are at the core of his marketing and business development philosophy, which he shares with his entire team.

Steve’s proudest moments center around the collective accomplishments of his team, reflecting his strong belief in shared victories. He is a genuine leader who values and inspires teamwork. He frequently acknowledges the “thousands of great people we have at Skanska” and has helped create a culture of inclusion where everyone’s contribution matters. His collaborative approach and innovative spirit have led to key project wins over the last decade with Skanska. His humility, authentic enthusiasm, and commitment to making a meaningful impact reflect the innovative and humanistic spirit that the Leonardo Award honors.

SMPS San Antonio seeks Leonardo Award nominations every year and asks nominees to prepare packages consisting of a nomination letter, résumé, and experience to be reviewed and voted on by a committee made up of representatives of past SMPS San Antonio Leonardo Award recipients.

Nominees should meet the following criteria:

This year’s May bond elections included at least 270 separate bond propositions throughout Texas worth an estimated $17.4 Billion. Locally, this year’s election yielded results very relevant to the A/E/C community. With over $800 million in successful bonds, the independent school districts (ISDs) in the Greater San Antonio area will benefit from upgrades to school facilities and stadiums to accommodate for continued growth in our region. 

The successful bond propositions in our region include:

·         Beeville: $62,380,000

·         La Pryor ISD: $23,000,000

·         Lytle ISD: $20,650,000

·         Medina Valley ISD: $290,000,000

·         Natalia ISD: $23,000,000

·         Navarro ISD: $120,000,000

·         New Braunfels ISD: $313,000,000

·         Poteet ISD: $65,000,000

·         City of Fair Oaks Ranch: 16,000,000

Although the bonds passed this year are less in dollar value than the 2023 election, these funds will greatly impact the improvement of facilities and learning tools for local ISDs and improvement of infrastructure for local municipalities. Medina Valley ISD will be adding a middle school and two elementary schools and making improvements to physical education facilities and the stadium at Medina Valley High School. New Braunfels ISD will be using bond funds for New Braunfels High School facilities, an agricultural science facility, stadium upgrades at Lakeview Centennial High School and New Braunfels High School, and technology investments for student learning and staff.

Additionally, the approval of the City of Fair Oaks Ranch's general obligation bond for road projects is another significant achievement. Several projects of focus for these funds include the Reconstruction of Dietz Elkhorn (East) from Fair Oaks Parkway to FM3351, Reconstruction of Battle Intense from Cibolo Valley to Cibolo View, Reconstruction of Rolling Acres Trail from Flagstone Hill to Ammann Road, and Reconstruction of Ammann Road. These roadway updates will undoubtedly benefit residents and contribute to a smoother and safer commuting experience.

Overall, the recent bond election in the Greater San Antonio area has paved the way for exciting developments and improvements in our community. As specific projects are implemented, this presents a great opportunity for members of the A/E/C community.

by Rosie Brunnemann, Kimley-Horn

In the A/E/C industry, visibility is crucial. Companies that can establish a strong online presence often gain significant competitive advantages. Implementing effective SEO strategies for websites and social media accounts that are tailored to our industry can help firms attract new clients, secure high-value projects, and establish authority in their respective fields. Here are a few key SEO strategies that A/E/C companies can utilize to enhance their online presence and drive growth.

1. Keyword Research and Optimization

Understanding the specific terms and phrases potential clients use when searching for A/E/C services is foundational to any SEO strategy. Keyword research tools like Google Keyword Planner can help identify industry-relevant keywords with high search volumes and relatively low competition. Focus on incorporating these keywords naturally into website content, meta tags, headers, and URLs to improve search rankings.


2. High-Quality Content Creation

Content is king in SEO. For A/E/C companies, this means creating high-quality, informative content that addresses the specific needs and questions of the target audience. This could include blog posts, white papers, case studies, and project descriptions. This type of content not only improves SEO but also demonstrates the company’s expertise. 

Crafting exceptional content involves more than just sharing stunning visuals – it also entails utilizing high-converting copyright. When leveraging social media to showcase your offerings, integrate relevant keywords into your captions and hashtags. Optimal hashtag practices involve keeping them concise and tailored to your niche, limiting them to no more than 10. Overloading with hashtags can confuse the algorithm about the nature of your content promotion.


3. Local SEO

For many A/E/C firms, local visibility is crucial as they often serve specific geographic areas. Local SEO strategies involve optimizing your website for local search terms, creating a Google My Business profile, and ensuring consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number) information across all online platforms. Encourage satisfied clients to leave positive reviews and regularly update local listings to enhance visibility.


4. Mobile Optimization

With the increasing use of smartphones, ensuring that your website is mobile-friendly is essential. A mobile-optimized site should load quickly, display content properly on smaller screens, and offer intuitive navigation. Google’s mobile-first indexing means that the mobile version of your website is primarily used for indexing and ranking, highlighting the importance of a responsive design.


5. Technical SEO

Technical SEO refers to website and server optimizations that help search engine spiders crawl and index your site more effectively. For A/E/C firms, this means ensuring a fast-loading website, a logical site structure, secure connections (HTTPS), and clean URL structures. Utilizing tools like Google Search Console can help identify and rectify technical issues that might be impeding your SEO efforts.


6. Use of Visual Content

Incorporating high-quality images and videos of projects can not only enhance user engagement but also improve SEO. Each visual element should be optimized with appropriate file names, alt text, and descriptions that include relevant keywords. This not only aids in search engine indexing but also improves accessibility. When utilizing visual content, ensure that the image or video is in focus, clear, and in the appropriate size for the platform. For example, content that doesn’t fit the square format will not perform well on Instagram.


7. Analytics and Adjustment

Finally, no SEO strategy is complete without ongoing analysis and adjustment. Utilize tools like Google Analytics to track the performance of your efforts. Look at metrics like page views, bounce rates, and conversion rates to understand what’s working and what’s not. Continuously refine your strategy based on this data to improve your SEO performance over time.

By integrating these SEO strategies, A/E/C firms can enhance their online visibility, attract more traffic to their websites, and ultimately secure more business opportunities. SEO is a long-term investment, and with consistent effort, the payoff can be substantial in terms of business growth and industry recognition.

by Jeanette Scarsdale, DBR Engineering and Erin Hoy, Cleary Zimmermann Engineers

The SMPS Marketing Communications Awards Program recognizes marketers and our contributions to the success of professional services firms in the A/E/C industry. As the longest-standing program to reward excellence in these specialty communications, these awards provide an unparalleled opportunity for professionals to showcase their best marketing practices and to shine a spotlight on the critical role of marketing in every firm’s success.

This competition is open to SMPS members and non-members employed by professional services firms in the A/E/C industry that have a San Antonio presence. Marketing communication projects completed between January 1, 2023 and December 31, 2023 can be submitted for consideration for the 2024 MCAs in the following categories:

•        Brochure
•         Promotional Campaign
•         Corporate Identity
•         Video
•         Internal Communications
•         Holiday
•         Special Events
•         Social Media
•         Fiesta Medal Design

In the competitive landscape of the A/E/C industry, recognition through marketing awards can increase your firm’s visibility and boost your brand. Submitting for awards requires a strategic approach to stand out against competitors and we’ve outlined some best practices to consider when preparing your entry:

Strategic Selection of Categories

Carefully select the award categories that align with your firm's strengths and achievements. Entering the most relevant categories increases your chances of recognition.

Compelling Storytelling

Construct a compelling narrative that showcases the journey behind your marketing project. Highlight challenges overcome, innovative solutions, and positive impacts made.

Clear and Concise Presentation

Judges often have limited time to review each submission, so it is crucial to present your information in a clear and concise manner. Use bullet points, visuals, and infographics to convey key points and make your submission easily digestible.

Quantifiable Results

Back your achievements with quantifiable results. Whether it's ROI or engagement metrics, provide concrete evidence of achieving your marketing goals.

Early Preparation and Review

Avoid a last-minute rush by starting the submission process early. Allocate sufficient time for drafting, reviewing, and refining your entry. Multiple rounds of review help ensure that your submission is polished and error-free.

Our marketing awards are part of what make SMPS unique, highlighting the incredible talents of dedicated professionals and the creativity and attention to detail they bring to every project. The MCAs also allow A/E/C firms the opportunity to position themselves as standout contenders at the forefront of communications in today’s market and to gain recognition within our industry. All award submissions must be received by 5 p.m. on Monday, April 15, 2024. Submit your entry of marketing gold today! 

by Jeanette Scarsdale, DBR Engineering and Mary Hazlett, Tetra Tech

A/E/C Marketers from six SMPS Chapters across Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana made their way to Austin, Texas earlier this month for the annual SMPS Southern Regional Conference. Now in its 22nd year, the SRC provided more than 300 attendees an opportunity to choose from over 20 marketing and business development education sessions specific to the A/E/C industry and spend three days immersed in learning about marketing strategies, proposal writing, AI tools, networking, leadership, and more. The SMPS San Antonio chapter had more than 25 members in attendance and of those members, five of them led education sessions, sharing their experience and knowledge of marketing and business development in the A/E/C industry. SMPS San Antonio is proud that our members made such significant contributions to the conference and are happy to share a glimpse of the insights they shared during their sessions. 

The Art of Networking with Maggie Seay, CPSM
Contributed by Erin Hoy, Cleary Zimmermann Engineers

1. Your network can include a diverse set of individuals, including business developers, clients, coworkers, peers, mentors, and more! Your network is considered your currency.

2. Career advancement and strengthening your confidence are two ways networking can support your career.

3. Define your own version of success for networking events. This may entail goals such as distributing a certain number of business cards or meeting an X amount of new industry peers.

Mark My Words - How to Craft Your Leadership Journey from Doer to Manager with Maggie Seay, CPSM, Joyce Watson, CPSM, Erin Salinas, and Corryn Williams
Contributed by: Maddy Stokes, Cleary Zimmermann Engineers

1. Be an advocate for yourself, and make sure that you are letting leadership know what your goals are.

2. When the path for growth is not clear, define it yourself. Show leadership what your potential position could look like.

Hash(tag) You’re It: Uncap Your Creativity to Level Up Your Firm’s Social Media with Joyce Watson, CPSM, and Erin Hoy
Contributed by: Maddy Stokes, Cleary Zimmermann Engineers

1. Have one champion to run your social media presence, when it's everyone's problem, it's no one's problem.

2. Choose the platforms that you have the most bandwidth for, you do not want to post for the sake of posting if you do not have the time to dedicate to quality content.

3. User generated content is a great way to get engagement from outside your reach, your employees are your greatest asset when it comes to reach.

The 2025 Southern Regional Conference will continue in the Lone Star State next year in Houston, TX!