In today’s talent war, outdated HR practices are holding firms back.  The way forward is to create workplaces that attract and retain the best people.

In this AEC Marketing for Principals episode, host Katie Cash and co-host Judy welcome Mark Zweig, founder and CEO of Zweig Group, a leading AEC consulting firm. Mark talks about his journey from consulting to launching his own business and shares his perspective on some of the industry’s biggest challenges—especially when hiring and keeping top talent.

Mark’s perspective is both a wake-up call and an inspiration for you to embrace dynamic strategies for long-term growth and employee retention.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• serial entrepreneur
• consulting
• human resources
• CEO
• marketing
• talent war
• recruiting
• employee retention
• business growth
• open book management
• brand identity

Join Katie and Judy at SmartWin2025 on February 11, 2025.   Use code "Smart30" and get 30% off your registration. https://smartegies.com/smartwin/

Connect with Katie

https://smartegies.com/

CRM systems are revolutionizing project management and collaboration in the construction industry.

Today, Katie talks with Tom Deane, Co-Founder and CEO of ProjectMark, about how their user-friendly CRM helps construction teams of all sizes get started easily. They explore how AI and automation are changing project management, especially in making informed decisions and speeding up proposals. Tom also shares practical tips for organizing information to help your team see real results in their daily work.

If you're looking for solid advice on how to build a team-oriented company culture that helps both field and office teams feel informed and connected, this episode is for you.

Topics discussed in this episode:

•  innovation and strategy
• project management
• smart strategies
• construction
• business development
• Technology
• CMRs
• marketing strategy
• design & construction
• sales and marketing

Connect:

Connect with Tom Deane - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-deane-5b93b93a/

Join Katie and Judy at SmartWin2025 on February 11, 2025.   Use code "Smart30" and get 30% off your registration. https://smartegies.com/smartwin/

Connect with Katie

https://smartegies.com/

Strategies and operations are key to helping your team make smart decisions, work more efficiently, and adapt to a changing market.

Join Katie in this episode as she sits down with Stu Haney, Management Consultant of AEC OPS to talk about his innovative BOSS method.  They’ll talk about the importance of respectful talent acquisition, implementing structured systems, and recognizing operational shortcomings.

Get the insights and practical strategies you need to create a positive workplace culture, boost employee engagement, and drive growth in your business.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• management consulting
• design and construction
• project management
• business strategies
• BOSS method
• talent acquisition
• operational efficiency 
• workplace culture
• recruitment strategies
• business success
• systemic approach

Connect with Stu Haney, AEC Management Consultant - AEC OPS

https://aec-ops.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/stewart-c-haney/

Join Katie and Judy at SmartWin2025 on February 11, 2025.   Use code "Smart40" and get 40% off your registration. https://smartegies.com/smartwin/

Connect with Katie

https://smartegies.com/

As a professional, you probably work hard to perfect your craft but might be neglecting the essential skills of business management. 

In this episode of AEC, Katie chats with Kyle Peterson, Principal and Business Leader at Nelson Worldwide, about his role managing six studio locations and how his design background guides his business approach.  Kyle highlights the importance of being a trusted partner and truly understanding clients' needs to drive success. 

Tune in to discover how to blend your vision with real operational expertise to achieve powerful strategic growth.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Nelson Worldwide
• business leader
• sales strategies
• business management
• architecture
• smart marketing
• strategies that make an impact
• business data
• design excellence
• financial success
• business change
• financial literacy
• sales process

Connect with Kyle Peterson, Principal NELSON Worldwide:

https://nelsonworldwide.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylerpetersonmba/

Join Katie and Judy at PSMJ Resources AEC MarketPro!  This year's event will occur on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, in Austin, Texas. Use code "Smartegies" to receive $200 off your registration.

Connect with Katie

https://smartegies.com/

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Katie is back and talking to Bryce Batts, a seasoned recruiter and co-owner of Career Collective, to explore attracting and retaining top talent in the AEC industry. Bryce emphasizes the need for swift communication and efficient interview processes to capture high-caliber candidates' interest. She advises employers to collaborate closely with recruiters, timing offers strategically to avoid premature proposals that candidates might leverage for better opportunities. They also discuss the importance of making strong initial offers rather than attempting lowball negotiations, which can deter potential hires. Authentic job descriptions and genuine passion in the recruitment process are essential to attract the right talent.

The discussion shifts to the competitive nature of the current job market, highlighting the importance of digital presence and effective employer branding. Embracing platforms like LinkedIn™ for outreach and showcasing company culture is crucial. Bryce advocates for proactive networking and personalized direct outreach over mere job postings. The conversation also underscores the benefits of offering flexible work schedules, generous PTO, and compelling employee perks to remain competitive without straining financial resources. Collaborative efforts between marketing, HR, and recruitment teams are vital for crafting impactful hiring strategies that resonate with prospective hires and align with the company's values and culture.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Job descriptions
• Recruitment
• AEC Industry
• Career-minded women
• Networking
• Digital platforms
• Work-Life balance

Connect with Bryce Betts, Career Coach and Co-owner of Career Collective
https://www.mycareercollective.com/
Follow her on Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wine-after-work/id1590870145 

Founded with a Singular Vision: Providing both candidates and employers with premier access to the best in AEC Industry opportunities.  We empower employers with the right talent and candidates with career-defining opportunities ensuring that every placement is not just a job filled, but an effective, strategic fit.

Join Katie and Judy at PSMJ Resources AEC MarketPro!  This year's event will take place Wednesday, September 25, 2024, in Austin, Texas. Use code "Smartegies" to receive $200 off your registration.

Connect with Katie

https://smartegies.com/

Katie Cash talks with Tara Bleakley, Associate Director for Market Transformation and Development at the USGBC's Florida chapter. Tara shares a brief overview of her career, starting with a background in art history and art business, which led her to various marketing roles from London to Orlando. She discusses her tenure at TLC Engineering Solutions, where she rose to partnership before taking a sabbatical to reconnect with family. This break steered her toward her current role at USGBC, fueled by her passion for combating climate change.

Tara’s current initiatives at USGBC extend beyond LEED certifications to include supporting sustainable and resilient community development. She believes in the critical role of mentorship within the AEC industry, particularly emphasizing the importance of bridging the gap between seasoned professionals and young leaders. Tara emphasizes how her experiences inform her advocacy for sustainable building practices that not only meet but exceed established standards, thereby enhancing equity, affordability, and inclusivity in projects.

 Topics discussed in this episode:

• LEED Certification
• Climate change
• Young leaders
• Inclusivity in buildings
• Business development
• Sustainability

Connect with Tara Bleakley, Associate Director, Market Transformation & Development

US Green Building Council

https://www.usgbc.org/people/tara-bleakley/0011562083

Follow her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tara-bleakley-576a7613/

As the Florida Associate Director, for the Market Transformation and Development team at the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), Tara plays a pivotal role in driving the organization's mission of transforming the built environment into a more sustainable and environmentally responsible sector. Tara focuses on creating strategic initiatives and partnerships to foster the adoption of green building practices and sustainable design principles within the broader market. Tara contributes to driving sustainability forward in the building and construction industry by fostering collaboration, advocating for policy changes, and promoting LEED building standards and practices. A big focus is engaging with USGBC’s current stakeholder base around core programs and cultivating business opportunities for LEED with new clients in major target sectors.

In Tara's spare time she enjoys adventuring in nature with her family, traveling for food and relaxing with a good book.

Join Katie and Judy at PSMJ Resources AEC MarketPro!  This year's event will take place Wednesday, September 25, 2024, in Austin, Texas. Use code "Smartegies" to receive $200 off your registration.

Connect with Katie

https://smartegies.com/

Securing future work and attracting top talent are the lifeblood of the AEC industry, a reality that hosts Katie and Judy passionately emphasize in the season six premiere of AEC Marketing for Principals. This season’s theme, “Making an Impact,” focuses on HR and recruiting tactics, business development strategies, and content marketing within the industry.

In upcoming episodes, we will spotlight individuals driving change and facing unprecedented challenges in the AEC sector, discussing topics like the integration of technology and AI to streamline business processes and elevate job efficiency.

With more gender diversity among architecture students, the industry is primed for change. However, women are still underrepresented as registered architects, highlighting the ongoing gender equality issues. Katie and Judy also dive into the evolving demographics of B2B buyers, led by Gen Z and Millennials, and how these shifts are shaping new marketing and communication strategies. They discuss the challenges and opportunities in recruiting this younger generation. This season opener offers just a glimpse of what's ahead.


Episode Highlights:

• Making an Impact in the AEC Industry
• Gender Diversity in Architecture
• Gen Z in the Workforce
• B2B Marketing Strategies
• Content Marketing
• Mentoring and Emerging Leaders

Resources:

26 percent of Gen Z applicants bringing parent to job interview: Survey


Join Katie and Judy at PSMJ Resources AEC MarketPro!  This year's event will take place Wednesday, September 25, 2024, in Austin, Texas. Use code "Smartegies" to receive $200 off your registration.


Connect with Judy Sparks:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judysparks/

Connect with Katie Cash:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kacash/ 

Katie sits down with Associate Principal and Regional Practice Leader, Brad Ewing, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, from NELSON Worldwide. Brad talks about one of the unexpected skills that architects need to master–sales. He emphasizes the importance of being adaptable and flexible for career progression in the AEC sector.

Brad also offers invaluable advice on preparing for procurement season, focusing on understanding client goals and fostering robust client relationships.

Connect with Brad Ewing, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP:

Brad Ewing is a distinguished architect and associate principal at NELSON Worldwide, where he brings over 24 years of experience in leading teams and managing complex projects across various sectors. As the regional practice leader for civic, community, justice, and education, Brad is known for his innovative and sustainable design solutions that resonate with stakeholders' needs and expectations.

In his role, Brad not only oversees the production of design and construction drawings but also steers the strategic growth and financial success of his practice across the Southeast region. His expertise extends to advising clients on best practices and lessons learned from his extensive work in institutional, aerospace, aviation, federal, county, and state projects, both in secure and non-secure environments.

Brad's passion for creating quality designs that enhance public spaces and user experiences is evident in his collaborative approach with his team and partners. His commitment to excellence is a driving force behind his successful leadership in the AEC industry.

At SmartWIN24, we invited Brad to share his insights and strategies that led to the winning outcome for the State of Georgia's largest project ever. His experience in leading such a monumental project, coupled with his expertise in sustainable and impactful design, makes him an invaluable contributor to our conference. Attendees will gain a rare glimpse into the strategic thinking and leadership that are essential in securing and executing major AEC projects.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbradewing/

Website: https://www.nelsonworldwide.com/ 

Connect with Katie:

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/kacash/

Do you feel lost in the sea of mergers and acquisitions?  Katie is talking with Tiffany Konenkamp, CPSM, from Century Fire, about branding and M&A in the AEC sector.

 Tiffany discusses the nuances of acquiring smaller firms, focusing on the need to balance respect for the acquired company's brand while transitioning to the Century Fire identity. She emphasizes the critical nature of value alignment and the importance of effective communication during the rebranding phase, providing actionable advice for firms undergoing similar changes.


Connect with Tiffany Konenkamp, CPSM: 

Tiffany is a dynamic force in the AEC industry, exemplifying the trajectory of a marketing expert whose strategic vision and operational acumen have served her well at Century Fire Protection, one of the fastest-growing fire protection companies in the U.S. Her story is one of ascent, from her roots in marketing within the AEC sector to her current dual-hatted role as Director of Marketing and Division Manager.

At Century Fire Protection, Tiffany leads the Alarm & Special Hazards Service Division with a keen eye for innovation and efficiency. Her marketing expertise is equally evident as she spearheads comprehensive marketing strategies, encompassing everything from digital marketing to employee engagement. As a leader, she plays a key role in branding initiatives, particularly during mergers and acquisitions, aligning with Century Fire’s growth and vision.

Tiffany's career is marked by a series of transitions, from marketing to sales and operations and back to marketing again, showcasing her versatility and deep understanding of the AEC industry's multifaceted nature. Her expertise is further solidified by her NICET Level III certification and her recognition within Century Fire’s Sales Achievement Award for outstanding sales achievements.

As a Certified Professional Services Marketer (CPSM), Tiffany has not only led SMPS Atlanta as Past President but has also been honored as Chapter President of the Year. Her commitment to the profession extends to her past role as Co-Chair of the national CPSM certification program, influencing the standards of excellence in AEC marketing.

An Auburn University alumna, Tiffany's spirited "WAR EAGLE!" echoes her enthusiasm and zest, which she brings to every initiative she leads. When she's not driving marketing and operational success, she's devoted to her family in Roswell, GA, and can often be found cheering on her son Hayden at the baseball field.

At SmartWIN24, we're proud to feature Tiffany as a speaker who has not only climbed the ranks within the AEC industry but has also shaped the strategic marketing landscape through her innovative approaches and dedication to excellence. Her insights into branding, digital strategy, and the integration of marketing within operations make her an invaluable contributor to our 'Leap into the Future' theme.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tkonenkamp/
Website: https://www.centuryfp.com/

Connect with Katie:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kacash/   

Katie is back with Balfour Beatty's Senior Vice President, Mike Macon, discussing the construction giant's brand strategy and competitive positioning. Mike details the company's approach to winning large public sector projects, emphasizing the necessity of aligning with client expectations, the pivotal role of communications, and the importance of detailed preparation for client presentations. 

They dive into the dynamics of project pursuit, stressing vulnerability and feedback's role in navigating the competitive environment. The conversation offers insights for firms aiming to bolster their market stance and confidently tackle strategic projects, underscoring the critical impact of communication skills on trust-building and opportunity acquisition and advocating for ongoing collaboration and improvement within the AEC sector. 

Connect with Mike Macon:

Mike Macon brings over 25 years of construction industry experience to the table, currently serving as the Senior Vice President and Business Unit Leader for Balfour Beatty's Georgia business. He's not just a seasoned executive; he's a strategic thinker who has led award-winning projects like Buckhead Atlanta, a $1.5 billion luxury retail and mixed-use community. As part of Balfour Beatty's Southeast Division’s executive leadership team, Mike excels in client relationship building, capturing new prospects, and developing winning strategies. His diverse experience across various markets, from corporate office spaces to multifamily residential projects, has been integral to achieving Balfour Beatty’s growth goals.

We've invited Mike to share his insights at SmartWIN24 for a very specific reason. He recently led his team to secure the largest project ever undertaken by the State of Georgia—a $1B+ Correctional Facility. His session will offer a deep dive into what it takes to position your firm strategically to win such monumental public-sector and private-sector projects under a unified and integrated brand and business development strategy. From initial identification to the final pitch, Mike will share the intricacies of securing mega-projects.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-macon-93574316/ 

Website: https://www.balfourbeatty.com/

Connect with Katie: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kacash/

Katie continues her SmartWIN24 speaker spotlight series with Greg C. Hart. - President of PSMJ. He discusses the critical need for a deep understanding of the nuanced challenges and opportunities that the AEC sector faces, particularly considering the varied effects of macroeconomic trends. By drilling down on the data, he’s able to share insights about the strategic use of data and proposal activity as key indicators for planning and decision-making processes.

He outlines PSMJ's role in equipping AEC firms with essential knowledge and tools in areas like project management, business development, financial management, and strategic planning.

Connect with Greg C. Hart:

Greg Hart, President and Consultant for PSMJ | Resources is passionate about helping A/E/C firm leaders strengthen their businesses. In his career, Greg has completed hundreds of business valuations (the ultimate indicator of business performance and value creation) and advised on various mergers and acquisitions and succession plans. He is a valuable AEC consultant not only because he came out of the industry himself but because he can draw from the financial and analytical side of his background as well as the creative and “just go for it” side.


LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/psmj-resources-inc-/
Website: https://www.psmj.com/


Resources:

Episode 53: The Future of AEC Marketing: Embracing Innovation and Adapting to Change: https://smartegies.com/podcasts/the-future-of-aec-marketing-embracing-innovation-and-adapting-to-change/

Connect with Katie:
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/kacash/