Member Spotlight: Diane Shelton

Diane Shelton
DPR Construction

What was your first job?
My first job was at Miller’s Outpost at the El Cerrito Plaza when I was 16. I told everyone they looked great in jeans and they believed me. The interview process included a lie detector test where we were hooked up to machines that measured our heart rate and pulse. It showed I lied about my name but told the truth for all other questions. A career in marketing was born!

You’re currently a marketing manager for DPR Construction. What in your professional background prepared you for this lofty position in the AEC industry?
Pretty much everything I’ve done since the Miller’s Outpost sales gig. ‘Marketing’ encompasses so many skill sets I’ve found that nothing I’ve taken the time to learn has gone to waste, and there’s still so much out there to learn. I worked in radio for many years and those skills have come in handy with video work DPR has done, and now with podcasts. Old-school news writing and editing skills learned in school, I use these every day. I’ve done tech writing for power grid management software, public information for schools, general PR, news…these jobs all prepared me in one way or another.

How has the industry (marketing) changed since the start of your career?
Personal computers were invented, as were the World Wide Web, cell phones, laser printers, graphic design software, Word, Excel….most of the tools we use on a daily basis. How has it NOT changed? Personal relationships are still the most important marketing tool in the shed, and I don’t think that will ever change.

Any words of wisdom for the youngsters?
Take time to master the basics of the art of marketing – relationships, business strategy, persuasive writing, design consistency – and you’ll be set (or so I hear). The medium will continue to change throughout your career. Today it’s printed proposals, tomorrow it may laser beams. Lunch with your SMPS pals is not goofing off, it’s professional development. Trust me.

It’s a nice spring day in Austin. What would you rather be doing right now?
Riding my bike.

What book is on your nightstand?
All The King’s Men, last week’s New York Times Magazine (re-designed! I’m freaking out!), Mary Karr’s newest book, and (no kidding) The Idiot’s Guide to Great Abs, which I use as a coaster for my coffee cup.

What did you listen to on the radio on your way in to work today?
I listened to a This American Life podcast on the secret recipe for Coca-Cola. Usually it’s all NPR, all the time.

If you could have dinner with anyone – history to current – who would you choose?
Susan B. Anthony and Carrie Brownstein. The conversation would be awesome.

What’s your favorite Austin activity?
Breakfast tacos.

What has been your most interesting vacation?
The past 11 years I’ve spent in Texas.

SMPS Southern Regional Conference Recap by Katie Karris, LEED AP

The 2011 Southern Regional Conference was a great way to cap off my first year as an official SMPS member. Like any business-minded individual in a down economy, I was skeptical whether or not this conference would be worth the expense and time away from work. Towards the end of last year I was still undecided on whether or not to attend, when I unexpectedly won a complimentary registration to the conference at our December SMPS Luncheon. Given this opportunity, I happily accepted and headed off to Houston in February.

During two days worth of sessions, I attended topics ranging from high-impact interview presentations to killer networking. One of my favorite sessions was “Social Media Success” by Peter Wyro. Peter’s presentation went far beyond the typical social media discussion – including specific tools such as Gravatar – a globally recognized avatar that appears beside your name when you do things like comment on a blog post. Peter also talked about the challenges and benefits of developing a social media policy within your firm, and offered a copy of his standard social media policy for any interested attendees. But beyond the specific topics covered in these sessions, what had a lasting impact on me were the personal stories each speaker shared. In the midst of his presentation on Right Brain/Left Brain thinkers, I was inspired by architect Craig Galati’s anecdote on how his firm made a conscious decision to move away from a “we do everything” approach to focus on the sociology behind architectural design and selectively pursue projects they actually care about. Likewise, I found it interesting that marketing guru Scott Butcher has very successfully created engineering work for his firm based on his photography skills and extensive community involvement.

Since it was my first time to attend this conference I can’t speak comparatively between this year or any other, but I can say that I left the event with a better understanding of critical topics, strengthened relationships within my network, new contacts within the industry, and a renewed sense of excitement for the year ahead.

Katie Harris, LEED AP
Encotech Engineering Consultants

SMPS Southern Regional Conference Recap by Megan Felker, CPSM

Despite the freezing weather and delayed travel arrangements, the 2011 Southern Regional Conference in Houston was well attended. The sessions were organized into three separate tracks – COMMUNICATE (Marketing Coordinator), CREATE (Business Development) and CONNECT (Leadership) – which I found beneficial. For the most part, I followed the BD track, but there were multiple sessions in other tracks that interested me. One session that impressed me was “Intellectual Property Do’s and Don’ts for Marketing Professionals” by Jenna Rader Perry. Intellectual Property does not sound like the most stimulating topic, but the speaker provided tons of relevant information about copyrights, trademarks, etc. that many marketing/BD folks had not heard. Although her presentation was punctuated with legal jargon, she was able to explain the jargon in “plain speak” and relate it to our industry. I think everyone went back to their office and pulled “unlawful” images out of their presentations or marketing materials!

One of the main reasons I attend these regional conferences is to leave feeling refreshed, inspired, and ready to return to work with new knowledge and enthusiasm. This year was no different. I think many marketers in our industry have been down about the current economy and the state of our firm’s success over the past several years. By talking with my fellow marketers at the SMPS Regional Conference, it gave me hope that this year we will see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Megan Felker, CPSM
JQ

Trudy's Bowl for Kids is THIS SATURDAY! And Pre-bowling Happy Hour @ Trudy's!

Join the AEC Group Bowl for a pre-bowling happy hour at Trudy’s (on Burnet) from 4:30-6:00 pm. There will be drinks specials, bowling registration, and networking. Come get your pre-bowl on!

There are only a few days left to fundraise! Last year, the AEC Group raised $16,400. We are only $4,000 away from this amount – let’s work together to exceed last year’s numbers! It costs $1,300 to per year to fund one match. With your help we can surpass last year’s numbers and help match more kids with caring mentors.

Good luck and we hope to see you at Trudy’s and Highland Lanes on Saturday!

And don’t forget to dress up for this year’s theme: PROM NIGHT. Prizes will be given to the team with the best costume!

New Member Spotlight: Sara Wells

Sara Wells
Coleman & Associates

1. Where do you work and what’s your position? Brief Description of company.
I’ve been the Marketing Coordinator at Coleman & Associates for 4 years. Coleman & Associates was founded in 1987 and is now one of the leading landscape architecture firms in central Texas, servicing public and private projects all over Texas from offices in Austin and San Antonio. Coleman & Associates offers an award-winning portfolio of work, true principal involvement in each project from start to finish, valuable vendor relationships, and unparalleled expertise in constructability, construction cost knowledge, and sustainable landscape design.

2. Where is your hometown? Where did you go to school?
I grew up in Sugar Land, TX (a suburb of Houston). I attended Texas State University and majored in Communication Design, graduating in 2006. I immediately moved to Austin, and started working for Coleman & Associates shortly thereafter.

3. What do you like to do in your free time? Hobbies?
I have been a life-time lover of art, design, and dance. I dance 3 days a week (ballet, swing dance, and tap), and I won’t stop until my legs no longer work! My degree is in graphic design, and I do freelance design in my spare time. I’m also on the board of the Austin chapter of AIGA, the professional association for design. I also enjoy making and viewing art, but these days, it’s been mainly viewing. Invite me to a contemporary art opening, and I’m there!

4. What is your favorite thing about Austin?
The culture – the people and the places. I love how Austinites embrace small businesses over chains, value sustainability, take their dogs everywhere, dress casual, and flock to the greenbelt on a nice day. Compared to many cities I’ve visited, Austinites seem freer and more in tune with what’s important. I also love the array of quaint restaurants, wine bars, family-run stores, and quirky novelty shops. Keep Austin Weird!

5. What do you expect to get out of your SMPS membership?
Networking and information. Through SMPS, I’ve garnered symbiotic relationships with fellow marketers, strengthened relationships with existing clients, and gained exposure to potential clients. Since my degree is in design not marketing, SMPS’s informational lunches and webinars are very helpful.

March Luncheon: Austin Community College - Recent Events & Future Plans

Austin Community College District is among the fastest growing community colleges in the nation, with eight comprehensive campuses and plans for at least two new campuses in its expanding service area. In addition, the District is nearing completion of Master Plans for seven of its existing campuses and recently acquired the Dillard’s and the Macy’s stores at Highland Mall. What projects are anticipated as a result? Are there more new campuses planned? How will the District’s recently-adopted Sustainability Initiative impact planning for this growth?

Bill Mullane, ACC’s Executive Director of Facilities & Construction, will discuss Austin Community College District’s plans for the future. Learn about upcoming opportunities, and goals for new and existing facilities.

SPEAKER
Bill Mullane - Executive Director of Facilities & Construction, Austin Community College District

THE DISCOUNTED PRICE ENDS AFTER WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2ND!!

When: Tuesday, March 08, 2011 11:30 AM -1:00 PM

Where: University of Texas Club - President's Room
2108 E. Robert Dedman Drive, Austin, TX 78712

Event Registration Fee
Member: $35.00 for a limited time:
( $45.00 original price)

Non-Member: $45.00 for a limited time
( $55.00 original price)

Register here.

AEC Group Bowl: Trudy's Bowl for Kids 2011 - Prom Night Themed Event, February 26th

Mark your calendars for Big Brothers Big Sisters' largest annual fundraising event, Trudy's Bowl for Kids 2011! This annual event, sponsored by SMPS, brings together AEC firms in support of local mentoring efforts.  Show your support by forming a team to raise pledges and bowl with your fellow AEC industry colleagues on Saturday, February 26th at Highland Lanes.  Registration is open so click here to get started

This year's theme is sure to please as Big Brothers Big Sisters takes you back to Prom Night. So, pull out those old prom dresses and tuxes and join us for food, fun and lots of prizes, all while helping Central Texas kids.

Looking to sponsor a fun-filled evening with exposure to thousands of people? Look no further! Trudy's Bowl for Kids has many options to choose from starting at just $1,000. To view the sponsorship packet, click here.

For any and all Bowl for Kids related questions, please contact Kate Garrett at kgarrett@bigmentoring.org or 512-807-3615.