Dear SMPS San Antonio Chapter Members,

As we embark on 2025, our goals are to not only elevate the educational impact of our monthly luncheons but also to significantly enhance your networking opportunities. Each session is designed to broaden your industry knowledge and provide valuable interactions that can expand your professional network within the A/E/C industry. This year’s topics range from in-depth discussions on proposed bonds and insights into the mayoral election, to a focused exploration of the industrial market sector.

Acknowledging your feedback and in order to uphold the quality of our events, we will adjust our luncheon prices to $65 for members and $85 for non-members starting in February. This modification will help us cover the increasing costs associated with our high-standard venues and catering, ensuring the continuity and diversity of our programs.

We are grateful for your continued engagement and support, as they are pivotal in achieving these goals. Your active participation is the key to our success, enhancing our capacity to provide content that not only meets but exceeds your professional expectations. We look forward to another year of enriching content that fosters both learning and networking growth.

Sincerely,

Jesse Aguilar, P.E.
Programs Director

Kayla Choate, CPSM
Programs Director-Elect

In the midst of the holiday rush, we realize it’s December already, and that can lead us to the question, “What did I even do this year?”

Assessing our growth as we are faced with the last page of the calendar shouldn’t be limited to our annual performance evaluations. To accurately measure how far we’ve come in the last 12 months, we need to take a deeper dive into where we started and where we want to go.

Pause / Rewind / Fast Forward

Start by asking questions, both the obvious ones and some different ones that help us achieve more meaningful introspection. In the Harvard Business Review article How to Create Your Own “Year in Review”, Helen Tupper and Sarah Ellis challenge us to ask questions about our present, past, and future. While they are all wonderful and insightful, here are a few of my favorites (and why I love them):

·         When have I learned the most this year?
A very different question from the typical “What did I learn this year?”

·         How have my strengths helped me succeed?
Drilling down into the things that make us who we are to truly understand their value.

·         What confidence gremlins (i.e., beliefs that hold you back) have gotten in your way?
Drilling down into the things that trip us up so we can practice stepping over them.

·         What’s the most useful thing you’ve read, watched, or listened to over the year?
Keep those kinds of things front of mind! And seek out more of them!

·         One way I will support someone else:
A reminder that it’s not all about us. If we neglect helping others as part of our self-improvement journey, we limit ourselves. Lifting up one another helps everyone grow – often in ways we cannot grow on our own.

Our answers to thought-provoking questions like these lay the groundwork for us to build upon in the coming year.

There’s also methodology for deeper dives into the past, present, and future as an organization. To delve into the benefits of how “revisiting your founding ideals can help sharpen your purpose and values” as a company, read the case studies in this Harvard Business Review article by Ranjay Gulati:

To See the Way Forward, Look Back

Proof of Growth

If performance reviews are a snapshot of our growth journey, Dickie Bush’s Proof of Growth Prompt is a panorama. This “yearly review” takes stock of our goals across all areas of our lives.

Start by identifying the major areas of your life that you want to measure (e.g. health, finances, relationships, experiences, and business). Then, break down each area into the metrics for measurement.

For instance, under “Health,” Bush’s metrics include sleep, exercise, nutritional habits, and meditation practice. When he looks at each category in the metric, he is able to produce “tangible evidence” of his growth and “confront the truth” about where he has progressed and where he wants to improve.

Let’s say one of our areas is wellbeing (and we’ll focus on work-life balance as a subcategory); this could break down into metrics and targets for the next year like so:

·         Sleep – Did you get 8 hours a night on average this year? Or was it more like 5 or 6? What is your ideal? Do you want to try for at least 7?

·         Movement – Do you work at a desk? Do you get up to move around or stretch? How often? Would you physically and mentally benefit from making an effort to incorporate more movement? Maybe you could try 7 Great Yoga Stretches You Can Do at Your Desk (article with visuals) or the 5-Minute Break - Office Yoga (video)?

·         Time Off – Did you take time off for vacation? Or to recharge when you were feeling rundown? To recover when you were sick? Did the time you took off, or didn’t take off, work for you? If not, what can you change?

For every one of our metrics, we can ask ourselves:

·         Am I doing this more or less than last year?

·         Do I want to do this more or less next year?

·         Where can I make adjustments to meet my targets?

Note the words “my targets.” These are our goals, set by us, for us, and we are the only ones who can truly evaluate or re-evaluate them – and if we need to re-assess mid-year, we can. There is a lot of power and freedom in owning these goals. We should hold ourselves accountable for meeting them while giving ourselves grace when we fall short of them.

Brag About It

In our professional lives, where we are accountable to our leaders and our teams, our goals usually tie into corporate metrics, such as sales targets or marketing strategies. So, we might assume that our efforts are noticed and will be recognized. In reality, our work is not always visible to others. We often struggle to remember even our own accomplishments.

So, write them down! This blog article by Julie Evans offers an effective and morale-boosting solution: Get your work recognized: write a brag document. She even provides a template! She also recommends sharing it with your leaders to bring attention to the things you are proud of in your work.

A brag document can also be very self-affirming. At times where you may feel overly critical of yourself (if you’ve fallen behind, you’ve made a mistake, or you’re having a bad day), you can look back at this brag document and be reminded that you have done – and can do – great things. You can update it as often as you want, and watch those accomplishments add up.

Reverse Your Bucket List

You can create a list of all of your accomplishments – personal and professional – to understand just how awesome you are and how amazing your life has been so far. While a “bucket list” consists of things you want to do, a “reverse bucket list” consists of things you have done – big and small. Anna Meyer provides guidance and resources for creating one in this article:

Want to Feel More Fulfilled? Try Writing a 'Reverse Bucket List' | Shine

Imagine: a list of places you’ve been, experiences you’ve had, meaningful milestones, memorable moments, achievements of all kinds and sizes. All checked off! Reviewing this list can be a nostalgic stroll through your greatest hits. When you feel like your progress has stalled and life feels static, you can remind yourself how far you’ve come, how many goals you’ve already achieved, and how rewarding your unique journey has been.

As an example, here are a few items I came up with for my reverse bucket list:

·         I took country dancing lessons.

·         I adopted a tripod (three-legged) dog who was my first family member in San Antonio.

·         I spent a month traveling Europe with my best friend.

·         I've written blog articles for SMPS San Antonio.

Looking at each of those items fills me with pride and warm, happy memories.

When you see how much you’ve already done, it serves as fuel and inspiration to imagine what you can do going forward. Writing a reverse bucket list could inspire you to rewrite your bucket list.

Thinking Big Picture

And if you want to think big and create larger life goals, here are a few links that could help you zoom out for perspective on both long- and short-term goals:

5 steps to designing the life you want | Bill Burnett | TEDxStanford

You Need to Practice Being Your Future Self | Peter Bregman | Harvard Business Review

A 7 Step Plan For Personal And Professional Growth And Development | Ashira Prossack | Forbes

Writing your own year in review should be about understanding your value and recognizing your potential. When you take time to examine your growth through structured methodology, you’ll probably discover you made more progress and have more aspirations than you expected. Whatever works for you, take the time to let yourself shine!

By: Mary Hazlett, Tetra Tech

Hi SMPS Members!

It’s the holiday season and the year is quickly coming to an end.  We’ve been so honored to be the 2024-2025 Education Director and the newly named Education Director-Elect. We can’t help but reflect on the wonderful education programs SMPS San Antonio hosted this past year.

SMPS San Antonio is known for providing education, connection, and resources for its members in the A/E/C industry. This year, we successfully provided development opportunities focused on communication, innovation, relationship development, and service; all core values of SMPS.

As we move into 2025, we are already coordinating the education events to equip participants with essential tools and techniques for effectively communicating value propositions, understanding client needs, and positioning their firms competitively in the marketplace. Moreover, these monthly education events foster a deeper understanding of strategic marketing principles and help to build a strong foundation for career advancement.

May this time be filled with laughter, warmth, and the love of those around us. Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a prosperous New Year. We are excited to create even more wonderful memories with you in the coming year!

Sincerely,

Laurel Ehsai
Education Director

Maddy Stokes, CPSM
Education Director-Elect

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