The Last and the First....
Brent Crum, CPSM
MSKTD & Associates
President of SMPS Indiana 2010-2011

Every once in awhile, you have an experience that is so poignant, so memorable that it will never be forgotten.  SMPS Indiana recently had two such events: One on the last day of April, the other on the first day of June. 

In April, SMPS members teamed with others from Turner Construction to repair, refresh, and otherwise rejuvenate an urban home along Brookside Parkway South Drive in Indianapolis.  On this Saturday, we worked with thousands from city to city in an event called Rebuilding Together!  Twenty SMPS/Turner Construction volunteers brushed, raked, shoveled, and hammered our particular property into shape.  By approximately 1:00 PM our team had completed the assigned tasks and the home was looking its best!  This activity required no ticket or money from the individual participants, just a good attitude and warm heart toward those less fortunate.  SMPS is not just about building your marketing skills, its about building-up people!

On the first day of June, SMPS Indiana held its first-ever prospective member event, Take Me Out to the Ball Game!  Victory Field was our venue.  The day was nearly perfect as the sun shown brightly and we shared time and stories among friends and new acquaintances.  It was a great networking opportunity!  SMPS members were able to demonstrate why the association provides so much value.  Those of us responsible for promoting our respective companies within the A/E/C industry already know the rewards that come with being an SMPS member.  The occasion was a huge success! Spearheaded by our Membership Chair, Ben Bain, we now have at least seven (7) new members who have joined our chapter.  Seven new individuals, with whom we can network, collaborate and learn.  
 

These two events were wonderful examples of SMPS at work.  Both occasions demonstrate how benefits are multiplied when you share your capabilities and successes with others.  Hopefully, you were a participant in one or both of these activities and can share your story soon.  If not, rest assured, this is neither the first nor the last time SMPS will provide these types of opportunities.  Until next time, have a great summer!

View photos from the event on the SMPS Indiana Facebook page

In today's economic climate, differentiation is a critical key to success.  It is essential for company leaders to aid in professional development of its personnel to stay ahead of the competition, learn new ways to better engage its clients and grow the company.  The SMPS national conference, Build Business, features 5 educational tracks for attendees of all management levels.  The presentations will feature both marketers and owners/clients to discuss and educate proven marketing techniques which can be applied to your AEC company.

1. Business Development

2. Leadership

3. Management

4. Marketing and Communications

5. Client Panels

Ask anyone who has attend Build Business in the past, and they will tell you it is a must attend conference.  The conference is filled with an opening keynote session both days, educational tracks, awards gala and networking, networking, networking!  You also have the opportunity to earn up to 15 hours of continued education. 

If you need more of a reason to come, there are currently over 20 Indiana members attending the conference. To keep costs low, you can carpool, use public transportation such as Mega Bus, or share a hotel room.

Top 10 Reasons to Attend Build Business 2011

10. Meet the clients.

9. Network, network, network.

8. Equip yourself with skills, contacts, and knowledge.

7. Create the Ultimate Client Experience®.

6. Dance the night away at the biggest Awards Gala yet!

5. Get advice on dazzling your clients (and improving your golf handicap).

4. The Miracle Mile of CEUs.

3. Expedite profitable connections.

2. Visit the Windy City.

1. Build your bottom line.

After the conference, return to work energized to capitalize on business trends, work smarter to deliver extraordinary service to clients, be a more effective leader, and guide your firm to thrive in existing markets and gain footholds in new areas.

Connie Boaz
The Hagerman Group

How long have you been a member of SMPS? 
Since 2000 in the St. Louis Chapter - Since 2011 in the Indianapolis Chapter

Why did you become a member?  I originally joined to increase my marketing resources in the A/E and Construction markets. 

Who, if anyone, invited you to your first meeting?  Molly Burns at The Hagerman Group asked me to join here in Indianapolis.  I joined in St. Louis on my own.

Who is your mentor or guide? Over the last 26 years I have had many mentors and guides to whom I am extremely grateful.

What quality does that person possess that you wish you did.  Since there is not just one specific person to mention I would say every single person that has helped me along my journey has provided me something unique.

What is your favorite SMPS memory?  Getting together with my colleagues in St. Louis to network and form friendships.  In Indianapolis since I have only attended 2 meetings I can say my favorite memory is the friendliness I have experienced.

What is one thing that everybody knows you for?  
Being a Grandma!  I have 3 wonderful Indiana grandchildren and I am thrilled to finally be living here so that I can participate in their lives on a daily basis.  I am no longer missing their milestones!

What is one thing that might surprise people to know about you?  That I have quietly (through my own donations and donations from others) helped to build wells in Mozambique and actually have one named after my granddaughter Isabella.

If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be?  I would change my appearance. 

What did you study in college?   Marketing and Business Administration.

What would you study in college now?  Graphic Art and Animation/Illustration.  I would love to write and illustrate a children's book.

What are your hobbies & interests outside of the office and SMPS?  Watching NHRA (my son-in-law is on a top fuel team), writing, gardening, golf, computer searching, watching my beloved St. Louis Cardinals and look forward to becoming a Colts fan!

What is the one movie you have to watch if you run across it on your TV?  Somewhere in Time

Which "U" are you? I...ND...B...BS...P...V...etc.  I was born and raised in St. Louis, so naturally it would be Wash U.    

Susan Guindon
krM Architecture+
Education Chair of SMPS Indiana 2010-2011

How long have you been a member of SMPS? 
October 1999

Why did you become a member?
The principal of our firm recommended that I join to connect with and learn more about marketing in the A/E/C Industry.

Who, if anyone, invited you to your first meeting? 
I came alone and have tried to participate in the chapter since that first meeting.

Who is your mentor or guide?
My husband Bob. (I know its corny...)  We worked together for many years and continue to both work in the same industry.  Also, I appreciate the relationships and friends I have made within SMPS - what a great group of people! 

What quality does that person possess that you wish you did. 
PATIENCE and the ability to not worry!

What is your favorite SMPS memory?  
The Heartland Regional Conference in 2010 and the most fun golf outings ever! (but I don't golf

What is one thing that everybody knows you for? 
Hmmm, not sure I should answer this one.  I try to be friendly, helpful and approachable.

What is one thing that might surprise people to know about you?  
I would love to have a place in the country and host youth group activities.

If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be? 
High anxiety!  I need to relax!

What did you study in college?   
Interior Design

What would you study in college now? 
Psychology/social work

What are your hobbies & interests outside of the office and SMPS? 
Watching movies, walking while listening to favorite music, spending time with family and friends, church, reading and most recently - sleeping!

What is the one movie you have to watch if you run across it on your TV? 
Ohhh there are so many, but I LOVE old movies, especially Hitchcock - Notorious

Which "U" are you? I...ND...B...BS...P...V...etc. 
Ball State - Go CARDS - Tweet, tweet, tweet

Miles Design - Branding and Design
Sponsors Corner - provided by Josh Miles
Corporte Level Gold Sponsor

Tell me a little bit about your company.
We're a branding and design firm. We specialize in helping professional service organizations understand, develop, and leverage the factors that can make them stand apart in the marketplace. Clients seek out our expertise for a range of projects - namely logo design, brand standards, website design, brand voice development, software user interface design, and marketing collateral.

2011 is an exciting year for us. First, we plan to add two more designers to our staff (bringing us to a total of eight employees). We also plan to release "Bold Brand," our book dedicated to the craft of branding for professional services.

Why did you decide to get involved in SMPS? How long have you been involved?
For us, it started in early 2010. That's when Megan Scott connected us with SMPS. From that first moment, we felt like we belonged. Since then, we've made numerous friendships and connections. We've also been surprised by how many of our clients are SMPS members.

And today, our involvement just keeps growing. We're chapter sponsors and we've had the honor of speaking at The Heartland Regional Conference in 2010 and The Wave: Pacific Regional conferences.

What do you find most beneficial about SMPS?
Naturally, we're thrilled about the connections we've made through SMPS. But that's just the beginning. The bigger benefit, from our perspective, has been the opportunity to learn more about the challenges, opportunities, and daily operations of SMPS members. The insights we've gained have helped us develop even stronger solutions for our clients.

Tell me one fun thing your company did or participated in this year that reflects your corporate culture.
Two words: golf outing. It was a blast, and we couldn't have picked a better event to sponsor. It's always fun to see professionals kick back and relax for a change. 

 Design Collaborative - Architects and Engineers
June 2011 Program Sponsor
Sponsors Corner- provided by Mike Sullivan

 
Tell me a little bit about your company.
Design Collaborative was started by our 3 founding partners in January 1992.  We have grown to be a firm of 40 creative architects, mechanical and electrical engineers, planners, and interior designers.  Our mission statement is to "Improve People's Worlds" and we are committed to a design process that is built on listening and collaboration.

Why did you decide to get involved in SMPS? How long have you been involved?
We joined SMPS in 1999, and continue our involvement in SMPS, because of the excellent value we receive.  Our marketing team has found that SMPS provides useful guidance for presentations, relationship building, and marketing for the a/e/c/ industry.

What do you find most beneficial about SMPS?
The opportunity to meet and get to know the best marketing people in Indiana.  We have found the SMPS members to always be professional and the meetings to be energizing. The CPSM (Certified Professional Services Marketer) credential is also an excellent professional development opportunity.  Pursuing CPSM certification is a great way to gain valuable information about the A/E/C marketing profession, and build relationships with others in our industry.

Tell me one fun thing your company did or participated in this year that reflects your corporate culture.
This is an easy one to answer because Design Collaborative has a "fun" culture.  To celebrate "March Madness", we had a company "H-O-R-S-E" contest at the nearby YMCA.  In April, to celebrate the Masters golf tournament, we had a "Putt-Putt" contest.  at 4:00 pm on Friday that involved 18 people creating a "customized" golf hole in their work space.  We work hard and play hard.

Kathy Reehling
CREW Technical Services
SMPS President 1998-1999

Give a brief description of your background/career path
I started CREW in October of 1991 while working at Lilly as a contractor on a short-term validation contract. CREW was originally a division of ERMCO and we became a separate corporation in February of 1995.  In 2002, my partner Jerry Adkins and I completed our buy-out of all of CREW's stock and I became the majority stockholder.  CREW was originally focused on validation and commissioning particularly for the pharmaceutical industry.  But over the years we have expanded into the actual installation of the systems that we traditionally validated and now we are a full service (WBE) electrical contractor while still maintaining expertise in validation, commissioning and technical writing.

What was the chapter like when you were president?  
Pretty much the same as it is now, although the ratio of men to women is quite different!  But just like now, the chapter had great people, great programs and exceptional networking opportunities!

What were your favorite things about the responsibility?  What things would you have done differently?
My favorite thing was the opportunity for almost instant gratification.  When you are in business development in this industry it can take sooooo long to see the fruits of your labor.  But, serving on the Board you got to take your ideas from inception to completion in a very short time period.  For instance, I decided that all we needed to do to be in the running for the National Awards was to do a great job documenting our already great programs.  Since documentation is my "thing" I put my shoulder into it and we did indeed win an award!

What I would do differently is spend more time getting to know new and younger members.  You can't develop a chapter without bringing in new blood and getting them excited about all the things that motivate you!

What is a valuable lesson you learned during your board service for SMPS?
Gossip is good.  I have never been one to listen to or spread gossip but when you are in SMPS you are privy to a lot of good gossip.  You know the kind I'm talking about, the "Wilhelm (interview conducted by Aaron Spence with Wilhelm) has the inside track to get the whatever big job" kind of talk that may or may not be true but gives you the motivation to go find out what IS true and maybe get the inside track on some work. 

When you changed roles from business development to human resources, what similarities did you see? How did your BD experience help you in your HR role?
It's all about people.  Customers are just employees with different power.  Employees are just customers that need to be sold something different.  In the end, you are trying to convince both groups that your company is the best company to work with.  The most important lesson though is to refuse to let one or two difficult people cause you to become jaded about your job or about working with people.  It is too easy to think "I do something nice for her, but no one ever appreciates my efforts so forget it."  Focus on the good people you work with and what you can learn from them.  Let God deal with the rest.

From which resources do you get your ideas, information and inspiration?
I like to read blogs and newsletters from people/companies I know and trust.  You know the mailers and newsletters that some of the larger contractors send out (Pepper, Wilhelm, ERMCO in particular do a great job with these) I try to read all of them.  My favorite newsletter and blog though are from Hunt Big Sales (www.huntbigsales.com) Great information, every time and also great guidance to other fantastic resources.

I also love to go to seminars and workshops (when I have the time and money).  There is nothing like rubbing elbows with other people who have the same responsibilities that you do and swapping ideas.  And getting out of the office every once in awhile can free your mind up enough to spend a little time on true innovation rather than just problem solving.

What advice would you give to someone looking to take on a leadership role? 
Do it!  Don't make excuses - just jump in!  Leaders come in so many different forms - don't wonder whether you are one, just figure out what kind you are!

Do you have any advice, secrets to success or guiding thoughts?
I really subscribe to the theory of "GIGO" (Garbage In - Garbage Out).  If you spend a lot of time watching reality TV, playing video games or reading smutty novels how can you expect to be as successful as possible?  What could you be feeding your mind that could be increasing your value to your company and our industry?

I'm always amazed by the people who marvel at how much I get accomplished - don't they have 24 hours in their day too?  When someone tells me that they just can't find the time to do something that they supposedly really want to do, I always say, "Really?  So how much time did you spend watching TV last week?  There's your time."  Personally, I don't even have cable or satellite because I watch so little TV - saves me all kinds of time, money and aggrevation!

Restoring History to Accelerate Hoosiers' Futures

Ivy Tech's renovation of the old St. Vincent Hospital façade and expansion project embraces the site's history while providing a new, modern, high-tech educational facility that will accommodate the rapidly growing enrollment of the college. Thanks to the hard work and vision of project Architect and SMPS member Schmidt Associates, construction manager Shiel Sexton, and numerous sub-consultants including SMPS members Foodservices Solution Group and Repro Graphix, this project is on schedule for completion later this year, with classes anticipated to begin in January, 2012.

Several ideas for the site were discussed before the Indiana Historic Landmarks Foundation agreed to the concept of maintaining the south façade and demolishing the remainder of the building. The first phase of this project includes this demolition, and the construction of a new building behind the façade that will include large group meeting spaces, classrooms, labs, a full cafeteria, community rooms, offices, open computer labs and study space. This project emphasizes the reuse of original materials when possible, and the restoration of the historical façade. The restoration consists of replacing the missing metal cornice work, restoring original brick and limestone, and repairing historic light fixtures. 

This project is one of many for Ivy Tech. In the past decade, enrollment has quadrupled - providing educational opportunities to more than 25,000 Hoosiers each year. As enrollment grows and the campus expands, jobs at the college increase, which opens up additional career opportunities within our community.

The historic St. Vincent Hospital was built in 1909 and served the Indianapolis area for approximately 60 years. In the mid-1970's the facility was renovated to provide approximately 300 residences in what was known as Weyerbacher Terrace. The building was closed in 2002 and changed owners a few times before Ivy Tech's purchase in 2006. Now, led by Schmidt Associates, this Ivy Tech facility will continue to make a positive impact on the lives of Hoosiers.

Eat & Drink Indy: Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant

Communications Committee members weigh in on Central Indiana's dining scene.

Restaurant: Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant, 3815 E 96th Street, Indianapolis

Lauren Kriner, Capitol Construction Services

This was my fourth visit to Cooper's Hawk. I enjoy going there for lunch. I love that they start the meal with amazing Pretzel Bread -- warm and yummy. Then I got the Chopped Wedge Salad ($5.99) and a cup of Chicken Tortilla Soup ($4.49). I thought both items tasted fresh and were good. I really liked the soup. I think the atmosphere at Cooper's Hawk is enjoyable and a good place for a lunch meeting. 

Megan Scott, Butler, Fairman & Seufert

I had the "You Pick Two" ($9.99) which included a Fried Green Tomato BLT and Pesto Caesar Salad with Asian Slaw. The best part of the meal was the Asian Slaw; I highly recommend it as a side. The sandwich was good but a little messy.  I enjoyed it but would order something else in the future. We started with the Sweet Chili Calamari ($10.99) which I really liked and would definitely order again. The service was good and the atmosphere was sophisticated and quiet. 

Rachel Wesseling, Repro Graphix
I would be remiss if I didn't begin by mentioning the incredible Pretzel Bread that is incredibly complimentary! (One of the committee members tested the "complimentary-ness" of the bread by asking for some to go, and our server kindly obliged by bringing out not one but two loaves for us to take home!) This bread is the epitome of what you wish any soft pretzel would be -- soft, warm, chewy and heavenly. My cup of Crab & Lobster Bisque ($5.99) was excellent and flavorful. It was much tastier than other versions I've had at Mesh on Mass and various other places. Another pleasing appetizer was the Sweet Chili Calamari. A hit with everyone, it came out in a nice size portion for all to share. Overall, I thought Cooper's Hawk was pleasing to our palates and their service was good. However, I like a lot of hustle and bustle and excitement in a restaurant, and instead the atmosphere was almost funeral-like in the middle of lunch hour. I think they need to do a better job getting the word out about their offerings!