Quick Facts Name: Jorge Olivares Company: Jose I. Guerra, Inc. Role:  MEP Coordinator, Senior Electrical Engineer What services does your company provide? We are a multi-discipline consulting engineering firm.  Provide MEP, Civil and Structural engineering design services. Years of Experience: More than 20 years Learn more about Jorge: Where are you originally from? San Antonio, Texas Tell us something really interesting about you. I am in the US Navy Reserves and have been a part of the Navy since 1986.  I am a Lieutenant Commander and have served over 27 years.  I was mobilized once to support Operation Enduring Freedom.  Plan to stay in the Navy for 3 more years. The current unit I support is located in San Diego, CA. Everyone at SMPS has a story about why they joined the organization. What’s yours? Being relatively new to the marketing side of our business, I felt it was critical to be involved in an organization that caters to marketing professionals.  I have spoken to and learned from the many marketing professionals that attend the meetings and events SMPS hosts. What drew you to the A/E/C industry? I enjoy learning and experiencing how the triad of A/E/C work together to provide their different services. One of the things I enjoy about engineering is that every project is different. From the project delivery method used, to the construction processes used, and the software utilized, etc.  The constant changes that occur with in our A/E/C industry is great to be a part of.  Where’s your favorite place to eat in San Antonio? My favorite location varies depending on if we are talking breakfast, lunch or dinner. Working downtown, there are so many places to go, but Rosario's is a great spot. What do you like to do in your free time? "Free time" what is that?  Family, Work, Military keep me active and I am blessed to enjoy all three. Do you have any pets? No pets currently... We have had a rabbit, a hamster, and a dog in the past, we will see what the future brings! What would be impossible for you to give up? My family. Describe your ideal vacation. Driving cross country with family, taking the time to see all the tourist hot spots along that way!!  All for free!

Quick Facts Name: Brittany Chambers Company: Terracon Consultants, Inc. Role:  Marketing Specialist II What services does your company provide? Environmental, Facilities, Geotechnical & Materials Testing Years of Experience: 4 years Learn more about Brittany: Where are you originally from? Houston, Texas. More specifically, Clear Lake. Tell us something really interesting about you. I grew up about 10 minutes from NASA. My mom worked there at the time they ended the Space Shuttle Program in 2011. Since she was an employee, we were able to watch the final shuttle launch at NASA next to the mission control building at their final launch viewing party.  It was a pretty cool experience! Everyone at SMPS has a story about why they joined the organization. What’s yours? During my senior year at UTSA, we had guest speakers from the professional SMPS chapter come to one of my communication classes. They talked about the benefits of joining the student chapter and how getting involved would provide students the opportunity to network with professionals and make connections that could lead to internships and potential job offers after graduating. I had almost no knowledge of, or interest in, the AEC industry at the time. I figured if this could potentially help me get a job after graduation, why not try it out? After a few months of being in the organization, I was provided the opportunity to apply for a marketing coordinator internship at Terracon. I went in for the interview and got a call about a week later saying I got the job. After I graduated from UTSA they hired me on fulltime and I joined the professional chapter. The rest is history! What drew you to the A/E/C industry? I wouldn’t necessarily say I was drawn to it, I kind of fell into it. Prior to joining the student SMPS chapter and my internship at Terracon, my focus had been in sports and I was working an internship at a college sports recruiting company. Somewhere in between learning cement and concrete are NOT the same thing, that a tilt-wall is actually tilted into place (who knew?) and that a rake isn’t only something used for leaves on the ground but it’s also an inclined edge of a roof over a wall, I became hooked. I have enjoyed working in this fast paced and extremely dynamic environment ever since.  Where’s your favorite place to eat in San Antonio? This one is tough! I love all types of food so I would have to say it depends on my mood. Can never go wrong with a good margarita and some Mexican food though! What do you like to do in your free time? Anything outdoors. Hiking, going on the trails around town, driving out to Fredericksburg to go to the wineries, fishing at the coast. You name it, I like it! Do you have any pets? I have two dogs. A yellow lab named Tucker who just turned 6 and a brindle boxer named Jax who just turned 3. They pretty much go everywhere with me. Don’t know what I would do without them!   What would be impossible for you to give up? Coffee. I can’t function in the morning without it! Describe your ideal vacation. Anywhere near the water. Add some sand, good company, a sangria, and I am good to go.

Quick Facts Name: Merrill Stanley Company: Project Control Role:  Healthcare Division Manager What services does your company provide? Project Management and Owner’s Representation Years of Experience: 21 years Learn more about Merrill: Where are you originally from? Corpus Christi, Texas Tell us something really interesting about you. My wife (Elizabeth) and I have four daughters ages (Kat) 8, (Reese) 11, (Erin) 13 and (Lane) 14. I enjoy oil painting and working with charcoals, and had my first exhibit in 2012. Everyone at SMPS has a story about why they joined the organization. What’s yours? I saw membership in SMPS as a vehicle to increase my marketing skills and knowledge, as well as a great arena to network with the AEC community across Texas. What drew you to the A/E/C industry? Since elementary school, I have been involved in the design and building process; back then it was miniature towns created for my hot wheels, and now it’s on a slightly bigger scale. Where’s your favorite place to eat in San Antonio? I am still too new to San Antonio to have a favorite, there are just too many wonderful restaurants to choose from. Usually anyplace with a good margarita will rank high on the list. What do you like to do in your free time? Enjoy the beauty of God and man’s creations. Do you have any pets? A black cat (no superstitions in our house) and a black bunny (the only other male in our house)! What would be impossible for you to give up? My family Describe your ideal vacation. Outdoor adventures with my family and friends.

Quick Facts Name: Mary Ellen Johnson Company: Leverage BD Role:  Principal/Marketing What services does your company provide? Our mission is to leverage our extensive contract and project management experience and relationships to develop and grow AEC firms through federal, state, and commercial relationships. We provide business development, marketing, bid strategy, project management, and back-office integration. In 2017, we have helped clients receive over $20M in contracts awards and are currently proposing on another $40M+ in projects scheduled to be awarded by the end of the year. Years of Experience: 15+ years Learn more about Mary Ellen: Where are you originally from? I was born in South Dakota, moved to Texas when I was 10 and grew up in a small dusty town in West Texas - Fort Stockton, home of Paisano Pete! Tell us something really interesting about you. Oh gosh, I’m amazingly ordinary but I do feel that being the mother of 4 young men, ranging in ages from 19 to 23, has made me an expert juggler, tent maker, tightrope walker, entertainer, concessionaire and ring master – yes, this is my circus and those are my monkeys! They, along with my husband, have made my life very interesting and fun!  Everyone at SMPS has a story about why they joined the organization. What’s yours? We moved to San Antonio from Dallas last summer where he was a member of the Dallas chapter. It is a great organization that provides networking, education, support and more so naturally we knew it would be a great way to introduce me to this industry and get involved in our new community! What drew you to the A/E/C industry? The AEC industry is new to me. I’ve spent most of my marketing career working with nonprofits but had volunteered time working with other AEC organizations such as SAME and ASHE. Because of the tremendous growth in San Antonio, once we moved here my husband talked me into working with him in the AEC industry and I’m so glad he did…of course, you’ll have to ask him if he’s glad. Where’s your favorite place to eat in San Antonio? This is tough! I LOVE food…all kinds and I love to try new places. Because we’ve been here less than a year, I feel like I’m still in search of my favorite. I’m always open to suggestions! A few that I’ve really enjoyed are: Smoke Shack, Feist, La Fonda on Main and Shuck Shack. What do you like to do in your free time? I love traveling, being active and listening to live music (while drinking a beer or 2)! My husband and I use our downtime to get out and run, hike, kayak, etc. We really enjoy Ragnar Races and traveling to race in other parts of the country. My favorite race so far is the Monterey Bay Half Marathon – 8-9 miles along the coast of California, stunning! Do you have any pets? We have 2 impossibly spoiled and adorable shih tzus, Lexi and McCoy, who have definitely reaped the rewards of us becoming “empty nesters”. What would be impossible for you to give up? Mascara…just kidding, but don’t underestimate the difference it can make! But seriously (sappy mom answer coming), it would be impossible to give up time with my family. We are all busy and live in different places so I cherish every second I get when we are spending time together. It’s the best! Describe your ideal vacation. Take me to a beach!! Sun, sand, water and tropical drinks…paradise!

CALL FOR SPONSORS!

SMPS San Antonio is looking for 2017-2018 Sponsors!

Please review the Sponsorship Policy and Levels-Benefits. If your firm is interested in being a 2017-2018 SMPS San Antonio Sponsor, submit the completed and signed Sponsorship Agreement Form via email to the 2017-2018 Sponsorship Director, Audra Allen, Principal at Emerald Fox Marketing at audra@emeraldfoxmarketing.com.

Sponsorships will be filled on a first come, first served basis, based on when the completed Sponsorship Agreement Forms are received via email.

THANK YOU for your support of SMPS San Antonio. We look forward to a great 2017-2018 year!

Sponsorship Policy and Levels-Benefits

Click below to view details on the 2017-2018 Sponsorship Policies and all available Sponsor Levels and Benefits.

DOWNLOAD POLICY & LEVELS-BENEFITS

Sponsorship Agreement Form

Click below to download the Sponsorship Agreement Form. Completed and signed Sponsorship Agreements should be emailed submitted to the 2017-2018 Sponsorship Director, Audra Allen.

If you have any questions, contact Audra via email or by phone at (210) 306-1322.

DOWNLOAD AGREEMENT FORM

Quick Facts Name: Darren Ratajski  Company: Zachry Construction Corporation Role:  Director, Design-Build/Alternative Delivery What services does your company provide? Zachry Construction Corporation (Zachry) traces its roots back 94 years to the H.B. Zachry Company. Today, the Zachry group of companies constructs some of the most complex transportation infrastructure projects throughout the country. Zachry continues to build upon our legacy of safely completing quality projects on-time and on-budget by providing construction services to our valued federal, state and local municipal clients. Complementing Zachry’s transportation infrastructure services, Zachry also provides turn-key construction services to the water/waste-water and commercial (vertical construction) market sectors. Years of Experience: 20 years Learn more about Darren: Where are you originally from? Atlanta, Georgia Tell us something really interesting about you. Politics has always been a hobby for me. At the young age of 18, I ran for governor and was handily defeated in the primary. Later, in my suburb of Atlanta, I successfully ran for city council and was the youngest councilmember ever elected.  Everyone at SMPS has a story about why they joined the organization. What’s yours? Over the years I have heard many great things about SMPS and the local SMPS chapter. In 2016, a current chapter member encouraged me to join SMPS. In short, I joined SMPS in order to benefit from the many opportunities SMPS provides its members. What drew you to the A/E/C industry? My father was a “c-suite” level executive for one of the nation’s largest firms. Growing up within the industry, I truly believe “it’s in my blood”. Where’s your favorite place to eat in San Antonio? My role at Zachry requires me to travel 70% of the time. Therefore, my favorite place to eat in San Antonio is “at home”. My wife is an exceptional cook, and I look forward to a nice home-cooked meal when I am in-town. When we do choose to eat out, we frequent restaurants from casual to fine dining such as Lupe Tortilla, Pappadeaux’s and Bohanan’s. What do you like to do in your free time? In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my wife and two children. Whether it’s on the golf course, by the pool; or, attending my children’s many academic or athletic events – we enjoy doing so as a family. Do you have any pets? In 2014, Santa Clause brought my children a Havanese for Christmas named “Kool-Aid”. In layman’s terms; a small dog which looks like a dust mop. What would be impossible for you to give up? It would be nearly impossible for me to give-up a good round of golf with good company, while smoking a premium cigar. Describe your ideal vacation. My ideal vacation is a beach destination with good golf courses close-by.

Quick Facts Name: Patrick Haley     Company: BCS ProSoft Role:  Director of Marketing What services does your company provide? We’re a technology and software consulting firm that specializes in accounting and project management systems for AEC firms. We sell products like Deltek and NetSuite as well as provide professional services ranging from implementation and IT consulting to end-user training and support. Years of Experience: 6 years Learn more about Patrick: Where are you originally from? I grew up in San Antonio on the North side. Went to school at Texas A&M then moved to Houston for a few years where I was a member of that local SMPS chapter before moving back to San Antonio in October. Tell us something really interesting about you. I spent about year hitching around Latin America. I didn’t understand a word of Spanish before I left and came home fluent. Also, I like orange juice but not oranges.   Everyone at SMPS has a story about why they joined the organization. What’s yours? I work with a ton of AEC firms and SMPS, but most of my contacts are usually firm owners, principals, or on the finance side of the business. I like SMPS because it provides a unique perspective on which AEC markets are hot, who’s pursuing/winning business, and which firms I might be able to partner with. It also helps me to expand my network and hopefully earn some referral business. What drew you to the A/E/C industry? I like to build things. More specifically, I like to build companies. I love working with AEC firms because of how dynamic they are. They have the potential to scale up quickly by a few dozen employees or more when they win a new contract and scale down just as fast when it ends or the market pushes back. AEC firms have challenges and growing pains that are totally unique compared to other professional services organizations like Management or IT Consulting firms. I’ve seen firms take a HUGE hit on profitability just have their name associated with a high-profile project. They tend to move quick, but are still old-school in a lot of ways. They’re a lot of fun to work with. Where’s your favorite place to eat in San Antonio? I’ve been a vegetarian my whole life and just recently discovered Viva Vegeria on Nogalitos. I’ve had vegan Tex-Mex at least 3 times this week already. That’s definitely my favorite place to eat right now. I also live above the Fruiteria across from the AIA building and they make some pretty good craft margaritas. What do you like to do in your free time? I spend a lot of time walking my dog on the River Walk in Southtown. You can usually see me throwing sticks in the river and playing fetch with my dog across from Blue Star. Lately I’ve been spending my free time learning how to program in Java – working on my million-dollar app idea. Do you have any pets? Just my mut, Finley. His full name is Finley Noodle Soup. That’s also my wifi password so don’t tell anyone. What would be impossible for you to give up? Coconadas with chamoy Describe your ideal vacation. Taking a 1-2 year sabbatical and traveling the world with my wife.

Call for Nominations!

Nominees are being sought for the 2017 Leonardo Award!

What is the Leonardo Award?

Inspired by the Renaissance inventor, writer, printer and sculptor, the Leonardo Award recognizes an outstanding, current SMPS member who has demonstrated a career of excellence in marketing and business development creativity and innovation within the built environment. The winner will have demonstrated expertise within firms he/she has served and the industry as a whole.

This award is based upon a submittal and interview process.  It is voted on by a jury selected from within the A/E/C industry

Who can submit?

SMPS members have the option to nominate a fellow SMPS member or to self-nominate.

How to submit?

Nominations will be submitted as one (1) digital (PDF).

What's the deadline to submit?

Nomination submittals are due by the end of business on Wednesday, July 12, 2017. The winner will be announced at the August awards luncheon.

Leonardo Award Nomination Packet
Click below to view details regarding the Leonardo Award nomination criteria and application instructions.

Download PDF

Quick Facts Name: Claudia Montoya     Company: Alderson & Associates, Inc. Role:  Marketing Assistant What services does your company provide? Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing Engineering & Commissioning Years of A/E/C Experience: 2 years Learn more about Claudia: Where are you originally from? Andrews, TX Tell us something really interesting about you. I enjoy being active. I’m involved in social sports leagues year round. Currently, you’ll catch me playing volleyball on Monday nights.   Everyone at SMPS has a story about why they joined the organization. What’s yours? I joined SMPS to learn more about how to market for the AEC industry and get connected with fellow SMPS members. What drew you to the A/E/C industry? I love San Antonio so I jumped at the opportunity to work in an industry that works to help build it and make it what it is. Where’s your favorite place to eat in San Antonio? Pasha. Mediterranean food is my favorite. What do you like to do in your free time? In my free time I catch up on my favorite TV shows like “Scandal” and “The Flash” and write a personal blog. Do you have any pets? No pets, yet. What would be impossible for you to give up? It would be difficult for me to give up my phone. I use my phone for just about everything. Describe your ideal vacation. My ideal vacation would be going on an outdoor adventure, like zip lining and hiking, then relaxing on a beach with a lot of good food.

PAY-IT-FORWARD GRANT
ATTEND BUILD BUSINESS 2017!

Do you want to go to the SMPS National Conference, Build Business
2017 (July 12-14, 2017), but it’s just not in the budget this year? SMPS San
Antonio has created the Pay-It-Forward grant to allow two of our members
to attend this event. It doesn’t get any better than that!

APPLICATION DEADLINE:
APRIL 24, 2017 AT 5 P.M.

GRANT COVERS:
Full registration for Wednesday through Saturday
Round-trip airfare/transportation
Three-Night Hotel Stay
Total reimbursement not to exceed $2,400

ELIGIBILITY:
Active member of the San Antonio Chapter of SMPS
Minimum of one (1) year of membership in SMPS
Current board members are not eligible.

To read more or learn how to apply, click here!

Questions:
Please contact Shennandoah Goodson at sgoodson@525principle.com