Member Spotlight | Kelly Garza
Posted by [email protected] on Jan. 20, 2025 / Subscribe 0
Kelly Garza is the marketing manager for Robinson Construction, a design-build general contractor. She has been with the company for 24 years, and during that time, Kelly has been with the company as it has grown and evolved, including the recent formation of our parent company, Robinson Companies, Inc. and sister company, RIHC Contracting, Inc. She has been a member of SMPS since 2003 (22 years), and it has been an invaluable resource. While my involvement has been mostly as a participant in educational sessions and networking events, earning her CPSM designation has strengthened her connection to the SMPS community.
Congratulations on recently obtaining your CPSM Certification! What drove you to get this professional certification?
Thank you! I pursued the CPSM certification to deepen my understanding of best practices in professional services marketing and demonstrate my commitment to continuous growth in my field. I saw it as an opportunity to validate my experience and gain a broader perspective, which I knew would benefit my career and help my company stay competitive in a challenging industry.
If someone were considering this certification, what advice would you give them? Study tips? Study groups? How should one approach studying for their CPSM? Should they study for many months rather than take it on a whim?
When I first considered the CPSM exam, I took it without studying just to get a feel for how the questions were worded and see where I stood. It was a helpful way to understand what I needed to focus on. After that, I went through the CPSM Bootcamp, an excellent resource that helped me build my knowledge. I then studied using the Markendium books and practice tests before returning to take the exam—and this time, I passed! I advise approaching the certification strategically: give yourself time to prepare, take advantage of resources like Bootcamp or study groups, and focus on understanding the concepts, not just memorizing. It’s a commitment, but the process is worth it.
What do you find to be the most rewarding aspects of your job? What do you find to be the most challenging?
The most rewarding part of my job is knowing the work we do makes a real difference—not just through the projects we build but also through the ways we support our communities. Whether it’s a manufacturing plant that creates jobs or the sponsorships and charitable work we’re part of, it feels great to contribute to something bigger. I love seeing how our work impacts people’s lives. The most challenging part? Definitely balancing deadlines and priorities when everything feels urgent at once. It can get hectic, but honestly, that’s also what keeps the job exciting. There’s never a dull moment!
In the AEC industry, we are often handed multiple deadlines by many people and asked to balance even more tasks simultaneously. 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, what is your process?
It’s a juggling act! I’ve found that clear communication and setting realistic expectations are key. I rely heavily on project management tools to track deadlines and tasks, prioritizing based on urgency and importance. A piece of advice that has always stuck with me came from a mentor who said, “We’re not in the profession of saving lives.” When things get hectic, and the stress kicks in or a ball gets dropped, remembering those words helps me keep perspective—it’s a reminder that no matter what happens, it will be okay. I also make an effort to check in regularly with my team and stakeholders to ensure we’re aligned. Flexibility is important too—things don’t always go as planned, and being able to adapt quickly is a lifesaver.
When you were growing up, what was your dream job and why?
Growing up, I remember considering becoming an accountant at one point—until I quickly realized that math was not my strongest subject! That dream didn’t last long, but looking back, I think it was more about my interest in problem-solving and working with details, which has still served me well in my marketing career.
With the start of the new year, what were you most excited in 2025?
I’m excited about the opportunities we have as a company to grow and expand our presence in our existing markets. Personally, I’m looking forward to building on the momentum from earning my CPSM certification and finding ways to apply what I’ve learned to make an even greater impact in my role.
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