For our member spotlight, Kim Castillo, FSMPS, CPSM, sat down for a virtual chat with us to share what it means to be an SMPS Fellow. Julie is director of marketing and business development at Bowers + Kubota Consulting, Inc.
Could you please share what it means to you to become an SMPS Fellow? Becoming an SMPS Fellow is a significant milestone that reflects my journey, growth, and gratitude for a community that has profoundly shaped my career and life. For over 24 years in the A/E/C industry, including 16 as an SMPS member, this honor feels surreal yet deeply meaningful. Coming from a small chapter and living across the Pacific, I once thought this achievement was out of reach. It’s humbling to join the ranks of leaders I’ve long admired.
This designation symbolizes the relationships I’ve built, the lessons I’ve learned, and the chance to give back to a profession I cherish. It inspires me to lead authentically, encourage big dreams, challenge norms, and highlight the transformative power of marketing in the built environment.
How do you see this designation changing or elevating your professional role? Obtaining this designation will reinforce the recognition of marketers’ expertise within the industry and underscore the critical role marketing plays in driving success for A/E/C firms. It positions marketers as pivotal contributors to business development and innovation, encouraging peers to see marketing as an integral element of leadership and growth, rather than merely an operational function.
What would you like to accomplish as an SMPS Fellow as it relates to the Society or A/E/C industry? As a Fellow, I aim to support small and new chapters, helping them collaborate with larger ones, and advocate for seller-doer marketers who secure and nurture client relationships. I’ll champion marketers in small to medium firms, inspiring them to see SMPS as a vital resource and advocate for CPSM certification to showcase their expertise and impact.
How would you like to be a resource to SMPS members? I hope to be a resource for SMPS members by sharing insights, fostering connections, and empowering them to view themselves as changemakers. I’m committed to amplifying voices and building a stronger community for all.
Any final thoughts? Through my journey, I have learned from many how to be a gracious and inspiring leader. It takes courage, strength, creativity, a leap of faith, and finding one’s voice. I will embody the mission of SMPS to inspire, engage, and empower A/E/C professionals for leadership and lifelong learning!
