the shortlist News
Q1 | 2013
The Award-Winning Publication of the Society for Marketing Professional Services San Francisco Bay Area Chapter
Events
Education
www.smpssf.org
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President’s Quarterly Update
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Meet Margie O’Driscoll, Executive Director of AIA San Francisco
by Devon Kurcina, CPSM, BKF Engineers
by Jamie Francisco, ESA
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Saskia Dennis-van Dijl Reflects on Her A/E/C Career by Heidi Bilodeau, Ratcliff
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Behind the Scenes in the A/E World
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Q&A with Larry Fournier
by John Grimes
by Jessica Cadkin, URS
11 New Member Spotlight: Meet Veronica Ritona by Sarah Coleman, WSP Flack + Kurtz
12 Welcome New Members The shortlist is produced and edited by the Communications Committee of the SMPS San Francisco Bay Area Chapter. Editor - Jessica Cadkin, URS Corporation, jessica.cadkin@urs.com Assistant Editor - Christiana Tjhin, GHD, christiana.tjhin@ghd.com Designer - Ellen Eason, Eason Communications, ellen@easoncom.com Communications Committee Director - Katie Spurlock, Charles M. Salter Associates, catherine.spurlock@cmsalter.com
13 Interview with SMPS SFBAC Platinum Sponsor – Degenkolb by Ginger Kelly, RIM Architects
14 Mark Your Calendar 15 Sponsors’ Spotlight
the shortlist Thank you to our 2013 annual sponsors for making SMPS SFBAC such a success. We couldn’t do it without your generous support!
Platinum
Golden Gate
Silverado Trail
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the shortlist President’s Quarterly Update
by Devon Kurcina, CPSM, BKF Engineers
Greetings Chapter! Every year March brings on the Madness…Membership Madness that is! We kicked off our membership drive with a great 20’s themed party, both welcoming our newest members and allowing prospective members to get a feel of our chapter. Last year’s very successful membership campaign grew our chapter by over 5%, and this year provided similar growth. In a matter of weeks, our membership committee diligently recruited seven new members, with a growth of 2.4%. With such a large chapter, that is phenomenal. Thank you Membership Committee for all your hard work and keeping are chapter the largest in the country.
Full descriptions can be found on our website; registration will be open soon.
With a hugely successful program in January, April kicks off our second BIG4 Program: Trends in Commercial Real Estate, April 18, 8:30-11:00 am, Parc 55 Hotel, San Francisco Join a panel of experts as they discuss the current market of Commercial Real Estate. Panelists will share their perspectives on changes in the real estate industry, current development projects in the Bay Area, shifting trends and hot topics, and where A/E/C firms might expect to see work in the future. Our panelists include: Jes Pedersen, President/CEO, Webcor Builders Todd Arris, Vice President, Development and Construction Services, Kilroy Realty Corporation Raymond Buddie, Partner, Allen Matkins Ignacio Barandiaran, Principal and Americas Transaction Advice Practice Leader, Arup Check out our website for more details and how to sign up. The Evening Professional Series returns in May with a full line-up of marketing educational programs: May 2 – Overcoming Presentation Challenges to Win That Project May 9 – Financials Workshop May 16 – Leads Development May 23 – Promotional Activity
FORE! 1st Annual SMPS Golf Tournament, October 4, 1:00-5:00, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco “I have always wanted to play golf, but am a little intimidated. It’s a man’s sport, I don’t understand the lingo, and most importantly – I don’t want to embarrass myself.” Sound familiar? Don’t worry, probably 98% of the population feels the same way as you do about golf. The physical challenges and underlying fear of embarrassment are impediments that prevent many from trying golf in the first place. However, golf is one of the best activities to participate in while networking and discussing business. continued on the next page
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the shortlist President’s Update - Continued
With SMPS SFBAC hosting its first Annual Golf Tournament in October, this is the perfect opportunity to learn the sport in a fun, no-judgment setting amongst friends. On-hand instructors will explain the game, teach driving, putting, chipping, and what a sand wedge is. They will also teach lingo and make sure you are ready at your next golf outing.
Scenes from the Speakeasy-Style Membership Mixer in February
To keep with the tradition of our fun loving SMPS SFBAC ways, beverages throughout the tournament will be provided, as well as several golf-related games and contests. Following the tournament, we will adjourn to our nearby golf gala/reception area where there will be more food and beverages, awards, raffles, and other surprises. Sponsorship opportunities are now available for this event, which will include hole sponsorships, drink tables, raffle donations, and reception hosting. Please feel free to contact Ginger Kelly for more information about sponsorships at (415) 247-0400 or vkelly@rimarchitects.com. We have a new event for this year: so mark your calendars for October 17 – Marketing and Business Development 101 Course for Technical Professionals. This all-day session is designed for technical professionals who are at a stage in their career where they have marketing and BD responsibilities. Hear from other technical professionals about strategies for lead development, networking, building and maintaining client relationships, and marketing their firms. Lots of great things are happening this year and we could use your help. If you would like to get involved in a committee and help put on these events, or help in another way, please feel free to contact me at any time.
Devon Kurcina, CPSM dkurcina@bkf.com
pmstructure photography
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the shortlist Meet Margie O’Driscoll, Executive Director of AIA San Francisco by Jamie Francisco, ESA
Every morning as she walks to work from her home off Dolores Street in San Francisco to the historic Hallidie Building in the Financial District, Margie O’Driscoll marvels at how the construction of new buildings are changing the landscape of the City’s main artery. “At this exact moment, watching the transformation of Market Street is awe inspiring,” she said.
$18M Crissy Field Project, which transformed the City’s waterfront. As Director of the Friends of the San Francisco Public Library, O’Driscoll oversaw the merger of two City non-profits the Friends of the Library and the Library Foundation of San Francisco, assisting the groups’ transition into one organization.
As Executive Director of the American Institute of Architects San Francisco Chapter (AIA San Francisco), O’Driscoll is attuned to changes in the built environment that present the possibility of altering the City’s skyline. In her role, O’Driscoll tracks upcoming developments that could shift gritty streetscapes into neighborhoods filled with residents aiming to create a new sense of community. She also keeps a watchful eye on projects featuring new buildings that showcase groundbreaking design. It is a job that is made easier due to AIA SF’s relationship with the SFBAC SMPS, she said. “Because SMPS is so strong, you’re so much more aware of the work going on in within firms,” O’Driscoll said. “When we get a call from national, international media, we’re not scanning websites. We’re drawing from conversations, on particular programs.” The knowledge SMPS members provide on upcoming projects has enabled O’Driscoll’s team to quickly respond to media requests with a bevy of ideas on upcoming projects that will have a significant impact on the design and development of the City.
Margie was a Project Manager for the revitalized Crissy Field project.
“We’re back to them in 15 minutes,” she said. “We have San Francisco as a destination for local and international media. That’s only because we have the strength of SMPS.”
A mother of two sons, O’Driscoll initially joined AIA SF for what she thought would be a temporary role to help them in their search for a new Executive Director. She had her second child and planned to scale back on her workload, she said.
O’Driscoll joined AIA San Francisco in 2002, following several stints in senior leadership positions. She served as interim director of the San Francisco Arts Commission during Mayor Agnos’ administration. At the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund, she was a Project Manager for the
“At the end of the search they essentially said to me, ‘We actually wonder what it would take to get you to work for us,’” she said. “I’m looking into 11 years.” continued on the next page
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the shortlist Margie O’Driscoll interview - Continued
During her tenure, O’Driscoll said she is proud to have helped build a partnership with AIA’s board of directors, committed staff, architects and the construction, engineering, landscape architecture and broader community. In the past decade, she has also contributed to the growth in the number of AIA SF programs, which has risen to 50 a month, up from only three a month ten years ago.
Hallidie Building, AIA SF Home Photo Credit: Keith Baker
She attributes part of this growth to the remodel of the AIA SF meeting space in the historic Hallidie Building—one of the world’s first glass-curtain-wall-buildings, designed by Willis Polk and completed in 1917. The remodel gave the design community a meeting space where they can share ideas, she said.
Panel as part of the “Meet the Press” event.
“Watching this transform to a community where they could talk about architecture and design and a community vision, which is ever changing, is one of the best parts of my work,” she said. “It’s never really done.”
pause and think about the architecture of the city,” she said. As they ready their program, O’Driscoll said she is pleased that SF AIA has the support of the SMPS network.
With more than 2,000 members, AIA SF is considered a powerhouse chapter, she said. At nearly 300 members, the SMPS SFBAC chapter is one of the largest in the nation. The strength of AIA SF and SMPS SFBAC has provided great opportunities to partner on events, including the creation of the successful annual “Meet the Press” event, she said.
“We couldn’t be who we are in our community without working with you,” she said. “We’ve had such a great partnership and friendship and it can continue to grow over time.”
“SMPS is such an amazing group of people. I feel so lucky to work with all of you,” she said. “Together, anything is achievable. I think because it is such a strong organization, we have been able to rely on you to partner, and create programs that are the inspiration for (other) SMPS chapters, and I know are the inspiration for AIA chapters around the country.” One major event AIA SF is preparing for this fall is the 10-year anniversary of their Architecture in the City Festival in September 2013, which presents an opportunity to “instruct people to
About the Author Jamie Francisco is Senior Marketing Coordinator at ESA, an environmental consulting firm in San Francisco. She can be reached at jfrancisco@ esassoc.com or 415.896.5900
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the shortlist Saskia Dennis-van Dijl Reflects on Her A/E/C Career by Heidi Bilodeau, Ratcliff
Many of us, whether just starting in the A/E/C industry or in the senior stages of our career, are aware of the independent marketing consultants who seem to make it all happen. They have the ears of our firms’ principals and marketing staff alike, and confidently answer each of our persistent questions. How do I get my technical staff to present like Steve Jobs? How do we hone our message to go beyond the collaborative design shtick? What do our clients really want to hear from us? If you ask for a referral for one of these Jedis, you will likely be offered the name Saskia Dennis-van Dijl, a Principal Consultant with Cameron MacAllister Group since 1999. Saskia provides advice and counsel to in-house marketing principals and senior marketing staff on best practices, marketing trends, and prospective clients. Most recently her focus has been on strategic message development, i.e. the why, how, and what of our firms. Like most of us, her leap into our industry was more accidental than intentional. I like to refer to Saskia’s entry as “two suitcases and a typewriter.” In 1987, after spending some post-college time in New York and Western Massachusetts, she packed her bags and headed to San Francisco. Shortly after arriving, she met the specification writer for what is now EHDD. “Can you type?” “Sure.” Fast forward from spec work to speech writing to her eventual entre into the marketing department, where her talent for strategy and competition surfaced; a drive that helped her move quickly up the marketing ranks and landed her the position of Director of Marketing of an 80-person firm by age 35. She attributes this rapid growth to being a risk taker. NO FEAR was, and still is, a favored mantra. Destiny finds a way into your life. Saskia had contracted Mark Cameron, at the time an independent marketing consultant, to do some consulting work for EHDD. They immediately hit it off and she eventually joined Mark Cameron. Together they grew Cameron Associates, now Cameron MacAllister Group, to a consultancy of eight professionals.
Saskia helps architects, engineers and contractors talk about design so an audience can really understand it. “As our industry is morphing, we all have to step up our game and talk about our design conceptually. Clients are not interested in the technical details. They want to know how you will help them to reduce risks in terms of time and fee.” She teaches firms how to shine and see the direct benefits of our services. I recently asked her to share industry insights and some tricks of the trade.
What is on trend at the moment?
“The buzz word, thought leadership, is showing up everywhere, and social media certainly has a presence as well, although it is confusing at this stage due to issues of time, authorship and control. Blogs and postings certainly have their use in the market; however, it can be challenging to understand the impact on clients directly. Project delivery, on the other hand, is another big current issue and will always hold true as a priority. Embrace integration and think about how to partner with clients to minimize their risks. And, of course the die-hard favorite of all marketers is the emphasis on relationships! Sure, technology and graphics get more and more sophisticated, but the only tried and true thing is connections. Using BIM or sustainability as a firm differentiator is not a strategy. If you aren’t already doing this as a part of best practices you are behind.”
You have a lot of relationships on the client side. How did you get this type of exposure? “As I would tell you in my Business Development coaching session – just pick up the phone!” It isn’t about selling anything,
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the shortlist
Arch
Saskia Dennis-van Dijl interview - Continued
by John Grimes
but rather communicating the value of the existing or potential relationship. Call and share that you saw a project in a publication that you would like to learn more about it. Or tell them that you are interested in the work they are doing. Never ask for a meeting, but rather ask if you can stop by for ten minutes for a conversation. Another rule of thumb – never bring anything with you to the first face-to-face. No presentation, no brochures – those are meant for follow up. Just bring a pen and paper to take notes.”
What tips you can offer to fellow marketing professionals?
“Find a mentor! Formalize the relationship – set an agenda and meet monthly. I have been fortunate enough to have several mentors in my professional career. The first was Cecily Reynolds, who was the Marketing Director when I started at EHDD. The second was Mark Cameron, who continues to be generous with sharing insights and ideas. Currently, I have a series of mentors – generally women partners in design firms. These women are vital components of their firm, work hard and are passionate about what they do. “Find what you are passionate about and get involved in that whether it is SMPS, Habitat for Humanity or Urban Land Institute. Take a seat at the table and speak up. If you are smart and thoughtful you will be heard.”
About the Author About the Author
Cartoonist/Illustrator/Marketing Manager John Grimes, CPSM, recently left his position at GouldEvans Architects to focus on several freelance projects. However, he’s likely to be back in captivity before long, just as assuredly as tanned shivering tourists will flock to Union Square come June. Learn more at www.grimescartoons.com.
As the Director of Marketing for Ratcliff for nearly fifteen years, Heidi Bilodeau leads the development and execution of strategic marketing and business development initiatives, oversees marketing research and champions the company’s brand management. You may reach her at hbilodeau@ratcliffarch.com.
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the shortlist Q&A with Larry Fournier by Jessica Cadkin, URS
On March 7, 2013 Larry Fournier retired from Rutherford + Chekene. Having been with R+C since 1998, and a member of SMPS SFBAC since 1998, he is a familiar and friendly face to many of us in the business. I don’t remember when I first met Larry, but I do remember bumping into him one day on Market Street in San Francisco while returning to work after a lunchtime acupuncture treatment. I was feeling very relaxed and so it was a great pleasure to see Larry because you can talk to him about anything (naturally, we talked about acupuncture). I’m very happy for Larry as he begins this next ‘career’ change; I hope it brings him much joy and that he finds it as rewarding as his time with us in the A/E/C industry. (And I hope to bump into him on the streets of San Francisco once again!)
What was your very first job?
I started working at 15 with a job after school and on weekends as a page at the local public library. I worked in the university library throughout my college years, and I drove the book mobile in my hometown during a couple of the summers. That why I earned an MS in Library Science before moving to California in 1972.
How did you first get involved in the A/E/C industry?
It was almost by accident. I had just moved to San Francisco and was doing temp work when a college friend alerted me to a position that had opened for an admin person at Lawrence Halprin & Associates, a landscape/urban design firm where he was working. One of my early efforts was to reorganize 25 years of visual materials to make retrieval more user-friendly. LH&A had a very active PR program, and I worked with Halprin on his speeches, magazine articles, etc. My combination of admin and organizational skills, appreciation of graphic design and a talent with a black & white copy machine positioned me to become their marketing person. This was before computers and before SMPS. LH&A and a few architectural firms were just beginning to acknowledge the need for marketing as part of their practice mix. Marketing people were few and far between at that point.
“I worked with Larry for more than a decade. He made each day interesting, fun and vibrant with his enthusiastic storytelling, tips on good food and movies, and sense of humor about the good and bad of our everyday experiences as marketing people. Many in the industry know Larry as the ultimate people person. His warmth spreads out to someone he has just met on the phone as much as to his friends of 30 years. I learned more than a few important things from Larry that I will carry with me throughout my career and my life. I learned the value of a family atmosphere at work – a place for sharing baked goods as well as work opinions is a place where you can feel at home away from home. Larry taught me about the delicate work of balancing quality with speed and timeliness in great marketing efforts. He knew the value of a good matrix and the story that a little organization of information could tell. He has an eye for color, photography and design. Last and certainly not least, I learned the importance of throwing a really good party. We at R+C wish Larry the best and thank him for his dedicated years of service to our firm and to our industry. We know this sentiment is echoed by marketers and non-marketers alike throughout our industry. Larry definitely has a way with people and will continue connecting and making friends during his retirement as he travels around the world and circles close to home.“ — Michelle Gale, Rutherford + Chekene
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the shortlist Q&A with Larry Fournier - Continued
What new directions do you see the A/E/C industry going in over the next few years?
The consolidation of companies seems a given these days as does an increasing reliance on design/build project delivery and other integrated delivery methods. With these trends and more fee-based, not quals-based competition, it will be a challenge for small and mid-size firms to remain relevant in their markets and will put pressure on them to focus on their core business and outsource other functions. For marketers, I see the move several individuals have made toward a consulting based relationship for their services vs. an in-house employee role as an interesting new direction that provides marketers with more control over their futures.
How has SMPS made an impact in your career? Has SMPS also made an impact in your personal life? After my time at the Halprin office, my next jobs were in Berkeley and Los Altos, and I was not involved with SMPS until I took the CMO position at Rutherford + Chekene in 1998. So I would have to say that SMPS did not have an impact on most of my career. I became involved because I saw the organization as a good way to make a lot of business contacts in San Francisco quickly, and I saw it as a way to give something back to a profession that I had found very rewarding.
The President and Secretary of the Chapter at that time had approached me to join the Board as Treasurer because they knew me as someone whose interest extended into financial and operational issues. I served as Chapter Treasurer for four years and later for another two-year stint.
What is the single most important thing you’ve learned from your career?
Marketing Director, CMO...titles aren’t really important to me. The only title that I saw as important is Principal or whatever the title is in the organization where you can be most effective in allocating company resources and the level where you will find the most financial rewards.
Larry was a regular at SMPS events during his many years of leadership.
If you could go back in time to meet the young Larry just starting out in this profession, what advice would you give him? I’d get an MBA, not in marketing but some other area of business. I think having that background and perspective would have accelerated my career. Instead I had to observe others to learn the skills and attitude that I developed during my career to understand business practice beyond marketing. I think because I’ve always tried to bring the perspective of an owner/entrepreneur to my work even before I was an owner, I was fortunate to have the firm’s leadership recognize my efforts with challenges beyond the marketing arena. I’ve been involved in HR and recruitment, financial management, operational reorganization issues, and staff development during my career.
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the shortlist New Member Spotlight
Q&A with Larry Fournier - Continued
Meet Veronica Ritona, Marketing Coordinator in Skanska USA Building’s Oakland office. Veronica has been with Skanska – and in the A/E/C industry – for a year. She looks forward to using her SMPS membership to gain a better understanding of the industry, and building great relationships with other people in the A/E/C business, and attending as many meetings, events, and classes as she can.
Just because I had a $20,000 budget to do some thing, didn’t mean I planned to spend it all. I constantly ask myself is this expense necessary, what does it really get me, can I do it for less? I always try to treat company funds like it’s my money...because it is.
Veronica started working in Skanska’s marketing department because of her interest in the industry as a whole and in learning how buildings are created from the ground up. “I have been fascinated watching the progression of construction every time I visit a project site,” she says.
I haven’t the slightest idea. I consider retirement to be a milestone equivalent to my graduation from college. I moved to California after that watershed moment and started a new life. I am not the person I was who left Louisiana in 1972. I’ve changed a lot. So retirement is another watershed moment and my partner and I are examining many options for new experiences in our lives as we move forward. We want to continue to change and grow, not just maintain the status quo.
Meet Veronica Ritona, Marketing Coordinator, Skanska USA
Currently, Veronica is working on proposals for an office build-out and for a government pursuit, and coordinating an upcoming International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering tradeshow. She keeps her priorities in order by making a to-do list daily, and focuses on managing time and taking quick breaks when needed, even if only for a few minutes. A quick walk helps her to tackle tasks when slammed. Over the course of the past year, Veronica has learned a lot about the industry, and helped Skanska win some great projects. One project she is particularly proud of is a large healthcare project in Riverside, California, which included 292,000 square-feet of new construction on a seven-story acute care hospital. Also included in the project was a 30,000-squarefoot renovation and seismic/cosmetic upgrades to the existing six-story hospital tower. In addition to helping Skanska win that healthcare project, Veronica feels her greatest professional achievement is her ability to continue her education and further grow in her career. But beyond work? “My family is my greatest achievement,” Veronica says. “I have a wonderful husband and a two-year-old son.” A native of San Francisco (and a fan of the Giants and 49ers!), she now lives in the East Bay. In her spare time, she enjoys playing tourist and exploring the best of San Francisco. She is also passionate about volunteering at many organizations; one of her favorites is Hands on Bay Area, which coordinates events to help the less fortunate, children, and the elderly.
What is the first thing you’re going to do on that first day of retirement (besides sleeping in)?
Now that you can spend more time volunteering, what organization(s) would you volunteer with?
I have a long interest in food and cooking. I’ll be going to Morocco soon after I retire. A cousin set up a tour for several family members through a National Geographic referral. Since I don’t have to plan much, I’m preparing for the trip by reading a cookbook by Paula Wolfert. I want to know what dishes I want to try, and which I might want to avoid. I’ve volunteered in the past to help with dinners undertaken by Tante Marie Cooking School that raises money for Food Runners, an organization founded by Mary Risley, who is Tante Marie. It was a lot of work with setting up, helping people cook their own dinners, and then clean up after. I sometimes did not get home until near midnight after a full day at
About the Author
Sarah Coleman is a Marketing Coordinator at WSP Flack + Kurtz. She is a member of the SMPS Communications Committee and is handling the public relations efforts for this year’s CANstruction event. She can be reached at sarah.coleman@wspfk.com.
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New & Transferring Members Rachel Baber, Business Development Manager, MBH Architects Dean J. Birinyi, Owner, Dean J. Birinyi Photography Erica Sharp, Business Development Executive, Consolidated Engineering Laboratories Kristen Bouma, Operations Manager, Crosby Group Emma R. Jones, PE, Pursuit Coordinator, GHD Inc. Richard Walker, Vice President, Balfour Beatty Construction Christiane C. Wendel, Senior Designer Associate, STUDIOS Architecture Lieske M. Wetherwax, Business Development Supervisor, TranSystems Julie Benz, Director of Marketing Communications, Waveguide Consulting Inc. Kimberly S. Gayo, Marketing Coordinator, Hinman Consulting Engineerings Inc. Andi Howley, Business Development Liaison, Kittleson & Associates Inc. Lydia C. Kiesleing, Communications Director, ARG Conservation Services Sarah Lueck, Marketing Manager, BCV Architects
Q&A with Larry Fournier - Continued
work and volunteering. I don’t think I have the energy for something quite that ambitious at this point, but I am looking at 18 Reasons as a possible organization where I might be effective. I don’t really want to over commit to any organization at this point because I like to travel and I’d like to have the flexibility to move between our place in San Francisco and Sonoma without too many restrictions.
What words of wisdom do you have for all of us still working nine-to-five?
Your career is not your life. Your work should be satisfying to you while you are at the office, and your efforts should be recognized by those around you. But keep work in perspective and maintain balance in your life. About the Author
Jessica Cadkin is Proposal Manager at URS. She serves on the SMPS SF Communications Committee as the editor of The Shortlist. She can be reached at jessica.cadkin@urs.com.
Get Involved in the Buddy Program!
Chapter President Devon Kurcina mixing it up at our membership mixer.
SMPS SFBAC has a great buddy program where new members are paired with an existing member who has been with the Chapter for some time. They can meet for coffee and get to know each other, so that the new member has a buddy within the chapter! If you are an existing member who would like to become a buddy, please contact Christiana Tjhin at Christiana. Tjhin@ghd.com.
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the shortlist Interview with SMPS SFBAC Platinum Sponsor – Degenkolb by: Ginger Kelly, RIM Architects
Many people and businesses donate their time, expertise, and money to support the SMPS SFBAC, and we are extremely grateful for everyone that contributes. I wanted to take this time to ask our Top Annual Sponsor, Degenkolb, how they got involved and what it means to them to support the Chapter. Degenkolb has been the Chapter’s Bay Platinum Sponsor for the last two years. They not only contributed financially, but support the Chapter through volunteer time as Board members and committee members. Degenkolb also has one of the highest numbers of staff per firm as members of SMPS SFBAC. I asked Alethea O’Dell, Director of Marketing and Business Development (current Past President) and Laurie Lumish, Business Development Manager (current Treasurer) to answer some questions about sponsorship and SMPS membership.
For our BD staff, it’s important for them to see and interact with their counterparts at many of our client companies. SMPS is the right organization for that. We see both our owner clients as speakers or panelists and we see our teaming partners at these programs. (Alethea)
What were your expectations when you became a sponsor and were those expectations fulfilled?
As a sponsor I expect to see our brand recognized as contributing to the chapter. I think we get that. Degenkolb is very visible in the chapter. (Laurie)
How many Degenkolb staff are SMPS Members?
Seven (7) staff are members of SMPS with two (2) serving on the Board and three (3) serving on a Chapter Committee. (Alethea)
When did Degenkolb first become an annual SMPS Sponsor?
Degenkolb first became an annual Sponsor in the 2010 - 2011 term when the Bay Platinum Annual Sponsorship level was created. It’s more convenient. We make one decision at one time of the year about events that fall throughout the year. Degenkolb sponsored individual events for probably the ten years prior. (Alethea)
What was the main reason Degenkolb became a sponsor?
To garner visibility and expand our brand presence amongst our teaming partners and potential clients. We also wanted to support an organization that we rely on for professional development for our staff. The professional development opportunities change based on who is a part of my staff, what their goals and needs are, and what the chapter is offering each year. Essentially our presence builds mindshare amongst our teaming partners and clients and that is the precursor to marketshare. (Alethea)
Alethea O’Dell visits with members at an SMPS SFBAC event.
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the shortlist Interview with Degenkolb - Continued
Upcoming Events San Francisco CHAT: MYSMPS & Resources
What is the #1 Sponsor Benefit you receive?
Attendance at events for my staff’s professional development as well as visibility and networking opportunities with our teaming partners and potential clients. (Alethea) Being recognized throughout the year for our dedication to the Chapter. (Laurie)
Did Degenkolb have a Business Development Strategic Plan in place that included becoming a Sponsor of SMPS?
April 10, 12 - 1:00 pm Treadwell & Rollo, 555 Montgomery St., Ste. 1300, San Francisco
North Bay CHAT
April 17, 12 - 1:00 pm Location TBD
Trends in Commercial Real Estate Thursday, April 18, 8:30 - 10:30 am Parc 55 Hotel, San Francisco
We have a consistent sponsorship plan this is in line with our strategic planning. SMPS is one organization and sponsorship that is part of our plan. We do review sponsorships annually. We ask if we’re getting the value we want from the benefits of our level of sponsorship. The answer has been yes, consistently. (Alethea)
Professional Series – Overcoming Presentation Challenges to Win That Project
What is the most memorable moment at SMPS for you?
Professional Series – Financials
It has nothing to do with our sponsorship. My most memorable moment and meaningful experience at SMPS was co-chairing the Founders Awards with Michelle Martin. We forged a friendship that will last a life time. Pulling off that event required daily communication either face-to-face or by phone. At one point Michelle was in our office so much, my CEO asked me quietly, “Did we hire a new person in your department?” We did everything from designing the invitation, raising sponsorship, budgeting, negotiating hotel contracts, orchestrating a jury day, planning the actual awards evening, recruiting emcees, and ordering awards. It was a full-on production, that was branded from the save-the-date throughout the evening to the awards. We had a large committee to motivate, and they did an amazing job which gave each of us a huge sense of accomplishment and partnership. It felt like running a small business for a year. (Alethea)
About the Author
Ginger Kelly is the Business Development Manager at RIM Architects San Francisco. She has been a member of SMPS since 2009 and has served on the Board as Communications Committee Co-Director and is currently the Director of Financial Development. You may contact Ginger at vkelly@rimarchitects.com.
Thursday, May 2, 5:30 - 7:30 pm Location TBD Thursday, May 9, 5:30 - 7:30 pm Location TBD
Professional Series – Promotional Activity Thursday, May 23, 5:30 - 7:30 pm Location TBD
BIG 4 – Futurist
Thursday, June 20, 8:30 - 10:30 am AIA San Francisco
Professional Series – Leads Development Thursday, May 16, 8:30 - 10:30 am Location TBD
VIEW SMPS CALENDAR OF EVENTS http://smpssf.org/programs-and-events/calendar/
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Sponsors’ Spotlight
the shortlist
Shaken, not stirred. In the event of an earthquake, where does your business stand? As the nation’s oldest and largest earthquake engineering firm, we work with owners to determine an appropriate level of performance for their facilities. Buildings, no doubt, will shake. But operations need not be stirred. To see what you can do to protect your business, visit degenkolb.com.
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Sponsors’ Spotlight
the shortlist
Architectural-Engineering Consulting Firm Expertise Building Envelope Roofing Garden Roofs Waterproofing Curtain Wall Below Grade Solutions for Architects Design Consultation Peer Review Construction Administration Office Locations San Francisco Bay Area Los Angeles Irvine San Diego Sacramento Seattle Honolulu
(800)378-3405 / www.abbae.com / info@abbae.com
990 Commercial Street, Palo Alto, CA 94303 Page 16
the shortlist
Sponsors’ Spotlight
Helping build the San Francisco Bay Area for over 30 years.
405 Howard Street, Suite 500 San Francisco, CA 94105 T: 415.398.3833 www.wspfk.com
The future of buildings is here, and it’s social. ENGINEERING SERVICES • Mechanical • Electrical • Plumbing
www.teecom.com
• Fire Protection • Fire Engineering • Lighting Design
• Information Technologies • Security • LEED/Sustainable/Green
• Commissioning • Building Information Modeling • Infrastructure
Image courtesy of Gensler
The Bay Area is all about innovation. So are we. Skanska’s people are changing the construction industry – and our region – with new ways of working.
usa.skanska.com
CA licenses 817578 and 140069
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