Member Spotlight | Tiffany Hill
Posted by [email protected] on Jul. 10, 2023 / Subscribe 0
At Hanson Professional Services, I am a Land Acquisition Specialist, which is an integral role in infrastructure and utility projects. I negotiate the purchase of right of way and serve as a liaison between property owners, engineers, and the end client (utility companies, DOT, and local municipalities). Effective communication, building trust within relationships, organizational skills, and time management skills have enabled me to experience multiple sides of the A/E/C industry. My professional path led me to SMPS four years ago and I have volunteered on the membership committee for two of those years.
How did you get involved with the SMPS / SAME Industry Day? How has this event grown and improved over the last 4-5 years?
When I was new to business development within the federal market space, my employer encouraged me to attend Industry Day for USACE regions within the Midwest to learn about the client and build my professional network. What I noticed about SAME and SMPS is the comradery and willingness to help members grow and learn. I wanted to align myself with likeminded people, so I joined the SAME Scott Field Post as Secretary three years ago and have sat on the Planning Committee for Industry Day for two years. We are committed to listening to feedback, streamlining our process, bringing fresh ideas, and growing the event year after year.
What do you believe is the significance of this event? Do you believe this is an important event for the region? If so, why?
Industry Day is such an important event. It hosts several federal clients in one place and gives subcontractors a seat at the table and an opportunity to build closer relationships with decision makers. The whole goal is to bring the government and private sector together. It is a marketplace that can be difficult to break into otherwise. Not to mention, attendees come from all cross the United States. Industry Day offers great networking opportunities with industry folks from around the country.
In a previous position role, you served in a marketing role. Does your current role have marketing and business development responsibilities? What led you to take this role?
Marketing is something I continue to study regardless of where I am in my career. It is a very valuable skillset that is ever evolving. If nothing else, you should always be marketing yourself and what you bring to the table. You never know what opportunities are right around the corner. The same goes for business development. I have built a strong professional network and I will continue to do so by being involved in organizations like SMPS and SAME regardless of my position or firm. Land Acquisition may seem like a sharp turn out of left field, but it requires the same skillsets as business development and marketing. I must build trust with the property owner, be confident in walking a non-technical person through a project, have the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with different personality types, and have sharp negotiating skills in order to close the deal. Land Acquisition is very challenging because I am buying something that is not for sale. I think that is what I like most about it. Every day is a challenge and I feel great when I finally break through a barrier between me and a noncooperative property owner.
What led you to become a member of SMPS St. Louis Chapter? What has helped keep you as a member year after year?
My previous employer advised me to join SMPS. My first event was a Missouri Valley Regional Conference in Kansas City. I did not know anyone in the industry, nor did I know anyone within the chapter, but everyone at the event was so welcoming to me. Nora Bresnahan was President at the time, and she organized a dinner and some other meet ups for the St. Louis Chapter attendees. She made sure she included me in all the texts and plans. That made a huge impression on me, and I knew it was an organization I wanted to be a part of.
When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up? And why?
I wanted to be an Interior Designer when I grew up. My mom and grandma were both designers and I grew up carrying fabric and wallpaper books for them when they went to consultations. I got my degree in Interior Design and have worked in that industry in a few different capacities. I love furniture, textiles, and architecture. Can we insert a drool emoji lol jk.
I went a different route after the recession hit in 2008, and consumers were no longer investing in luxury goods and services.
At this moment right now, what are three things you know that you would be lost if you had to go without it?
In my professional life:
- My calendar
- My phone
- My professional network
In my personal life:
- My dog
- Something to read
- Time in nature
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