Member Spotlight | Sarah Wells
Posted by [email protected] on May. 8, 2023 / Subscribe 0
As the Marketing Specialist at Kaskaskia Engineering Group, LTD. (KEG), I handle the more mainstream marketing responsibilities such as website management, graphic design, and social media. I also prepare all proposals and SOQs/LOIs, as well as maintain our database of resumes, project case histories, and general marketing materials and handouts. My role involves a lot of technical writing, design, and relationship management. In addition, I help with planning company events and assist with internal communications, as well. I love wearing all sorts of hats at KEG and gaining experience in a number of disciplines and tasks.
1) When you joined the St. Louis Chapter of SMPS, we were still experiencing several restrictions due to Covid. What led you to join the chapter at that time? What has kept you with the Chapter since the restrictions have slowly been removed and now somewhat nonexistent?
I started my position in late 2020 and previously worked in the financial/accounting world for a significant period of time. The switch in industries was a lot to get used to and I heard good things from a coworker about SMPS. It has proved to be a good decision to introduce me to the industry and get some good contacts. I have also enjoyed their programming and continuing education options. It’s been a great fit with my role at KEG.
2) Since joining, has there been one event that stood out in your mind that really helped you believe this organization was a good choice for you and your career development?
While I don’t have a particular event to highlight, I will say that the events I have attended are not stuffy or cliquey. Some networking organizations don’t do a great job of welcoming new members and getting them acclimated. SMPS events are very welcoming, friendly, and easy to network. They also provide unique, relevant education topics and speakers, which I truly appreciate. I always come away with something from their events, whether it’s a new contact or tips and tricks.
3) In the AEC industry, we are often handed multiple deadlines from many people and asked to balance even more tasks at the same time. Have you found a specific way to manage multiple deadlines and tasks while still trying to keep everyone happy-ish most of the time? If so, will you share your process?
Just keep swimming…as a Mom of 2 and a true Disney fan, I mutter that to myself quite often when deadlines stack up on me. If I focus too much at the growing pile of “to do’s” I have on my plate, it will overwhelm me. Taking one thing at a time helps me remain calm and focused. If I’m preparing a 100-page LOI, even the simple task of marking pages as “done” is sometimes enough to keep me motivated. The visual progress helps. I also communicate early and often. I manage expectations with our teaming partners as to their deadlines, and communicate internally with KEG staff to ensure I get required materials and QA/QC in a timely manner. My biggest pet peeve on the receiving end is when I request items and they are delinquent with no communication prior or when we can expect them. So I try to treat others as I like to be treated in both the professional and personal world, and it has served me well thus far.
4) What excites you about your work and the contributions you make to Kaskaskia Engineering every day?
I really enjoy the variety of work. Every day is new….sometimes every minute! So for someone that needs to keep busy for my own sanity, I appreciate that. I also come to work in a very good environment. Everyone is supportive, kind, and talented in their own way. I like helping KEG succeed because it’s just a good company with good people. And helping nice people do well just feels good.
5) When not working, what are your top three favorite things to do?
- Being a Mom to Ben (9) and Shelby (6) is by far my favorite role outside of KEG. We love to go to movies, ride bikes when the Midwest weather allows, and hang around the house with our 80-lb mutt Annie.
- My husband and I enjoy going to comedy shows. Who doesn’t love spending a night laughing?
- Baking is something I love to do and have always dabbled in. Chocolate chip cookies, carrot cake, and sugar cookies are a few of my go-to’s.
6) If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be? And why?
My husband and I have a bucket list item to visit all MLB stadiums. Whether or not the Cardinals play, I love seeing new places and baseball is our favorite sport to watch. Our dream stadium to visit is Fenway because we have always wanted to visit Boston. So, as lame as it sounds, you can plant me at a hot dog stand in any MLB stadium and I’ll be a happy gal.
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