Where Are They Now? — by Ranjana Sterling, Marketing Manager, Blueline

It’s no secret that our SMPS Seattle members are the backbone of our organization. Our volunteers play a vital role, offering ongoing professional development, opportunities in leadership and networking, and resources for better marketing. SMPS volunteers are engaged and committed to our mission to advocate for, educate, and connect leaders in the building industry. The end result for our members is the offering of myriad programs, benefits, and opportunities that are more inclusive — and ultimately, more effective.

SMPS members are smart, talented, positive, and energetic individuals who lift up and celebrate one another. And each year, we choose to recognize our dedicated members with an Individual Merit Award at the SMPS Seattle Reign Awards.

So what does it take to win an Individual Merit Award?

We caught up with three of the past Individual Merit winners for a glimpse into their lives (think Buzzfeed article about your favorite 90s sitcom stars minus the mugshots), and how SMPS membership has elevated their stellar careers.

2015 Member of the Year

Amanda Erickson, Director of Marketing & Communications, Sellen Construction

Interviewed by Erin Hatch, CPSM, Marketing Director, Weber Thompson

Where are you now?

Wow – what a question! The past six years have brought many changes to my life. SMPS-wise I had the honor of being the chapter’s president and got to work with a fantastic SFE-award-winning board of directors for three years. Personally, I now have an 18-month-old son who has completely upended my life as I knew it and replaced it with lots of laughs and learning.

What was your reaction to your name being called?

My answer is probably different than others here — I was actually in charge of managing the Reign Awards when I had the honor of receiving this award, so I’m pretty sure I knew I was getting it. That said, I’m sure I turned red with embarrassment but also pride — I had worked hard over the past year, and it’s always nice to receive acknowledgment for your work.

How has SMPS supported your career?

This is such a loaded question for me because SMPS gave me so many opportunities to grow, learn and stretch myself. I gained important leadership and team skills from my four years of being on the SMPS board, and I’ve also gained life-long friendships. With SMPS, you get what you put in — I had the privilege to put in a lot and I have received a lot in return.

2016 Rising Star

Madison Pearson, Marketing Manager Osborn Consulting

Interviewed by Stephanie Babb, Marketing Specialist, Coffman Engineers, Inc.

Where are you now?

Professionally, I am thrilled to still be with Osborn Consulting all these years later. I had just been promoted from Marketing Assistant to Marketing Coordinator in 2016 when I was recognized as a “rising star,” and now I serve as Marketing Manager and a board member of my firm. We’ve grown from less than 20 people when I started working at the front desk in our Bellevue office to 60 people across the state as I work from home to support our team in marketing, sales, and business development. It has been incredible to be a part of growing Osborn Consulting, and I’m excited for what the future holds. Personally, I took my first overnight backpacking trip that summer in 2016, and now I’m out hiking most weekends and looking forward to returning to that same backpacking route this July — with a bit more equipment and backcountry knowledge!

What was your reaction to your name being called?

I remember a couple of my SMPS mentors and friends started casually inquiring if I would be attending the Reign Awards but didn’t think anything of it. I had no idea my name would be called for an award! It was such an unexpected honor that someone went out of their way to nominate me, and a pleasure to see my SMPS friends cheering me on. I was stunned and very humbled (and immediately texted my mom!).

How has SMPS supported your career?

Let me count the ways . . . 

No, seriously, this would be a whole blog post in and of itself! Long story short, I wouldn’t be where I am today in my career without the education and mentorship I have found in SMPS. Becoming a member early on in my career, volunteering in the marketing committee, serving on the board, attending PRCs, and participating in the small business roundtable all have contributed so much to my career. I highly recommend that newer members get involved in volunteering, SMPS Seattle is an incredible group of supportive peers that make the effort fun and so, so rewarding!

2020 Marketer of the Year

Kellie Fortier, Marketing Manager, Compass Construction

Interviewed by Ranjana Sterling, Marketing Manager, Blueline

Where are you now?

Similar to many, over the last year I have been focusing on how to shift marketing efforts to be entirely digital, and it’s been a fun challenge. Our biggest digital marketing accomplishment was our Annual Company Meeting, which is usually in person, but this year was entirely virtual. The meeting consisted of a 30-minute prerecorded video with our executive team covering the health of our organization and setting goals, as well as announcing team and individual awards to our employees. Going over numbers and stats can be a bit dull, however, we were able to weave in bits of humor and it ended up being a huge hit. In addition to that video, we also had to get creative with virtual recruiting. We usually do in-person presentations at UW and WSU, but everything was virtual this year. To give a sense of our company and our people, we made a video capturing our culture with employees explaining why they love their job and what it’s like to be a part of Compass. The video was a perfect representation of our company, and we had a great turnout of students submit their resumes interested in joining our team! Shoutout to our friends at Hansen Belyea for helping us make these awesome videos.

What was your reaction to your name being called?

I was completely surprised! To be awarded Marketer of the Year felt like the blood, sweat, and tears (literally) were all worth it. Being a one-person marketing department is challenging; it felt really good to be recognized for my hard work put into growing our brand. I am so appreciative of my operations teammates, Michele and David, for helping me get to where I am now. I couldn’t have done it without them! GO MOP!

How has SMPS supported your career?

SMPS has been vital to my professional growth and the development of marketing within my organization. As marketing is an evolving and continual effort, the share of ideas, networking, resources, events, and education that SMPS provides, specifically to the AEC industry, is invaluable.