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For the past 7 years, I have worked within the architecture and engineering design arena, focusing heavily on Healthcare, Retail, Education, and Hospitality markets. During this period, I have led the marketing and sales efforts of 1 merger, 2 acquisitions, 3 start-up company subsidiaries and 4 re-brands. Needless to say, I learned very quickly how to adapt and embrace change… and have actually found it to be professionally advantageous. It has opened up many opportunities for me to develop my skillsets, embrace innovation, and bring forth creative ideas that have fostered substantial business growth.

In 2018, I was hired by CD Companies as the Marketing Manager. After only 6 months, I was recognized for my business acumen and was promoted to Director of Strategic Pursuits. I now develop operational strategies and oversee all marketing and sales activity for CD Companies and all its subsidiaries: FACET Architectural Design, M/E 1 Engineering, R5 Design Agency, CASCO and CASCO Civil. With an entrepreneurial spirit, I love to question current models and open doors for positive, sustainable progress within my business. Since I started in July 2018, we have grown our revenue from 13M to 22M. At my initiative, direction, and implementation, we have also gone through one re-brand and started two additional subsidiary divisions (FACET Architectural Design and M/E 1 Engineering), to diversify and grow the business. In just 2 years, this initiative added an entirely new market sector - Acute Healthcare - which is now 16% of our overall company revenue.

Aside from the contributions made to my business, I have consistently dedicated my efforts to the Saint Louis community by sitting on countless boards, committees, and planning fundraisers for non-profits. Over the past five years, I have assisted various non-profit organizations in leading events that have raised well over $1M. Some organizations include: Saint Louis Language Immersion School, Kids Rock Cancer, Send Me, Mending Faces, Care to Learn, the Saint Louis Aquarium Foundation, Commercial Real Estate Women, Society of Marketing Professionals, Home Sweet Home, Urban Land Institute and others.

What made you want to join this chapter in the beginning? Do you remember what your first event was?

SMPS has played an important role in my career for almost 8 years now. Shortly after I started working at Bates Architecture (Now Lamar Johnson Collaborative,) I realized I knew nothing about how to be a “marketing coordinator.” With no other marketing staff at the firm and no mentor to act as a guide or to ask questions to, I really struggled on learning how to perform my job well. “Sink or swim,” was stated to me during my interview… and boy did those words ring true.  I had very little Adobe experience, zero graphic or website development skills… truth be told, I couldn’t even accurately define the word “marketing.”  How in the world could I do this job? While I lacked just about every technical skill required for this position, my determination, ambition, and adaptability served me well. It was time to learn… and quickly.

SMPS has truly been my number one resource for education on what it is to market within our industry.  My first event was our Annual CPSM Meet and Eat. I sat down at the large table along with 16 other people; Amanda Bonhert and Carie Dunn, two CPSM’s from our STL chapter were hosting the event. As they began discussing the process of obtaining the CPSM certification, my eyes widened, and my jaw dropped. It was there - at my very first SMPS event - that I quite literally got exactly what I needed to learn how to be successful at my job. Immediately following the event, I bought Markendium, a comprehensive and educational book series that describes in detail, the successful practice of marketing and business development in the AEC industry. Just 2 years later, I was promoted to Director of Marketing. Today, I serve as the Director of Strategic Pursuits, overseeing both our sales and marketing departments, as well as developing high level operational strategies that foster growth and optimization. I credit SMPS as a major contributing factor to my growth and success as a marketing professional.

As the outgoing President, what opportunities exist for members, is there any advice you could share?

The 2021-2022 SMPS St. Louis Board and our incredible volunteers worked diligently to provide our region with an outstanding selection of programs including: professional development opportunities, construction tours, luncheon programs, educational workshops, networking socials, owner roundtables, client panels and so much more. My sincere hope is that each and every one of you take a deep dive into SMPS, attend our programs and find value from this extraordinary organization. In addition to the offerings of our local chapter, the Society also provides numerous opportunities for you to build your skills, advance your career and discover your place within the AEC industry. Take advantage of the research, the publications, attend the regional and national conferences.  Getting involved will help you expand your industry and marketing knowledge, widen your network of peers and gain personal and professional confidence in who you are and what you offer.

What do you think makes this chapter outstanding?

The value of the relationships I’ve made cannot be stressed enough. The network I have built, the friendships facilitated through this organization are invaluable to me. I encourage all of you to get involved with our chapter. Whether it’s joining a committee, serving on the Board, or just attending the events, SMPS is a great way to facilitate connections that will result in a strong network of peers and long-lasting, meaningful relationships.

As outgoing President, what are your thoughts about the Chapter regarding its future?

It is with a great deal of honor and gratitude to have served as the President of SMPS St. Louis, but I would have failed if it wasn’t for my extraordinary Board and all of our chapter volunteers who served as my backbone. As the outgoing President, I would like to simply say, thank you!

To my Board:

Board service for a non-profit, is one of the toughest volunteer roles, and you all performed with dedication and tenacity. The Board of 2021-2022 has distinguished themselves as judicious stewards of SMPS time and time again. Each of you brought your passion, intellect, insight, experience, and resources to the table, and together, we planned and executed a phenomenal year.

To each of you with whom I have had the privilege to serve alongside, thank you. Thank you for your service, your commitment, your leadership and your support. Thank you for taking my calls, helping me brain-storm solutions and for taking the time to govern our organization appropriately. Thank you for your grace, for understanding that on any given day, I was juggling a multitude of things – programs, staff, family, illness, wedding, other Board members, nursing home evictions, legal issues, client problems, proposals and whatever else was going on in my personal life. I needed you, and I appreciate that you all were there to stand when I was absent, that you used your experience, skills, knowledge, and education to move our organization forward. As you take the time to reflect on this past year, please know that our achievements would not have been possible without each of you at the helm.

A special thank you to a few of my board members – you know who you are - who individually and collectively impacted my life in ways I cannot articulate; I will always be grateful for what you did for me, professionally and personally.  

To our Past-President, Megan Hinrichsen.

Words cannot adequately express the appreciation I have for you, for all the time you selflessly gave to support me during my presidential term. I admire you for your humility, diligence, and resolute purpose; I truly would have been lost if you weren’t there guiding me through. Much of our chapter’s success is because of your experience, leadership, and unwavering dedication to SMPS and its members. This past year, we were faced with quite a few challenges. Whether it was another issue with StarChapter, transitioning to BillHighway, fixing our email campaigns or getting our finances back on track (to name just a few)… more often than not, you were the one behind the scenes turning those challenges into victories. I appreciate everything that you've done to keep our chapter running smoothly, and what you’ve done for me personally (openly and behind the scenes.) You helped me in my hard times and inspired me to try my best. Thank you for your encouragement, for your thoughtfulness, your support and most importantly, your friendship.

To our Newest President, Cheryl Vancil.

On the brink of our 2022-23 season, it is with great honor to pass the torch our newest SMPS St. Louis President, Cheryl Vancil!

Cheryl, being a witness to your eventful and outstanding journey from member to Board member - now as President – this position is well-deserved and well-earned. As your take on your new responsibilities and challenges, be prepared to meet the unexpected (usually when you can least afford it.) Know you are never alone, that we – your Board – stand as your pillars, just as you did for me.

It’s time now to look forward at what lies ahead. Your Board is full of ambitious people, each that bring their own passion, intellect, insight, experience, and resources. I have no doubt, under the umbrella of your leadership, we will execute another phenomenal year. 

Congratulations Cheryl on your Presidency! I look forward to our continued collaboration with you as our leader. You will do great!

“Look forward, not behind. Your best days are still out in front of you. Be focused and keep your dreams alive.” —Adedayo Oabamiji