MARKETING
THE JOURNEY
My background is in print journalism, so I didn’t just jump feet first into Marketing, I closed my eyes, pinched my nose, and cannon-balled into the pool of AEC Marketing, specifically (AEC = architecture, engineering, construction). This B2B industry, with a vernacular as diversified as its disciplines and people, had me learning the basic principles of engineering design so I could translate technical knowledge for a variety of audiences.
It was new—to myself and somewhat the industry as marketing professional services had only “recently” become legal in 1972—and it was challenging. But, damn, I’ve enjoyed it.
Not only did I learn how to talk about this industry, I found opportunities to talk about it differently. As an Associate and the Communications Manager at DCI Engineers, a national structural and civil design firm with 350+ employees, I gained invaluable exposure to the world of marketing, its collaborative processes, and creative planning. Today, I am a more versatile writer and strategic thinker.
Let’s see what the B2C Market has for me... *rubs hands*.
CAMPAIGNS
Whether an eblast to DCI’s thousands of subscribers or a digital marketing piece, I’ve provided copy for short- and long-form narratives using strategic planning centered around engaging marketing content.
For DCI Engineers’ recruitment brand refresh in 2019, I observed that the firm’s marketing traditionally focused on projects. I suggested shifting the focus to highlight our people. Thus, was born the campaign, DCI is ME, in which the ME stands for ‘My Experience’ and represents an individual’s role. It also serves as a reminder of the inherent makeup of the company: DCI is about people.
I developed internal and external copy for the campaign, along with staff video stories featuring one-on-one interviews and candid, day-in-the-life footage.
I developed DCI’s internal campaign, The Project Share, to promote our regional portfolio and celebrate our staff. This ongoing campaign shares valuable Lessons Learned on engineering solutions that can be leveraged across DCI’s 20+ offices.
Above: An intranet communications post on the Project Share’s fifth anniversary.
EVENTS
Signage, brochures, registration pages, and internal/external communications — all part of my marketing copy portfolio.
Event marketing has included:
Annual Charity Golf Tournament for clients
International Mass Timber Conference Dinner
Open houses
Internal meetings & parties
Project groundbreakings & topping outs
In addition to copy deliverables, I’m often the event’s designated photographer.
I use these images, accompanied by recap copy, for social media, news posts, and other follow-up communications.
WEBSITES
Strategy Sessions
Editorial Mapping
Asset Collection
Leadership & Department Approvals
Problem Solving
Branding Alignment
Creativity
For DCI’s website redesign in 2021, I spearheaded content for the site’s Home, About, Careers, and Market pages. Messaging was directed toward DCI’s main audiences—clients, staff, candidates—using professional yet approachable language.
“Inspirational Storytelling: Why Relevancy is a Feeling”
Co-Presented at the Society for Marketing Professional Services
Pacific Regional Conference, Jan. 2025
In my presentation debut, I covered the relationship between stories, emotions, audience relevancy, and action — providing AEC marketers with tools and tips for cultivating meaningful stories that move audiences to action.