In our member spotlight, Kimberly Wybenga, CPSM, takes time out of her busy day to chat with SMPS. Kimberly is marketing and business development manager for Mark Young Construction. She has been a member of SMPS for five years and has worked in the A/E/C industries for 12. In this spotlight, Kimberly shares the rewards of her career and the benefits of being an SMPS member.
How did you decide to have a career in the A/E/C industries? As most of us, I fell into the position. One of my husband’s customers, who works for a general contractor, was looking for someone with an English degree to help with write-ups in the marketing department. I filled that niche and began the journey of learning about the whole proposal process.
How would you describe your role/job? I get to do a variety of things. I manage the proposal process, marketing campaigns, business development, and the assortment of tasks all of these entail.
What’s your favorite part of the job? I love meeting new people and building relationships. There is such a wonderful and fun bunch of people in our industry.
What have been the challenges and rewards of your career? Every day brings new and exciting challenges from identifying the best strategies to putting together the best team for a project or client connection. I’ve been fortunate to have many rewards in my career including confidence, company recognition and respect, and individual awards from organizations.
What has been your most meaningful project? One of my most meaningful projects was a smaller remodel of a golf clubhouse in Thornton, CO. I had created a relationship with someone who works for an architecture firm, and she brought this design-build RFP to us to see if we wanted to team. We had never worked for the client, with the architect, or on a design-build project before. We ended up winning the project, which led to 11 more projects with the architect and eight more with the client. This process showed me the importance of business development and forming relationships.
Why is membership in SMPS important to you and how has it helped you to advance your firm and your career? I’ve gained confidence, established valuable relationships, and experienced career growth and advancement after becoming a member. The educational programs offered through SMPS, and the friendships created have been priceless. I wish I’d learned about SMPS earlier in my career.
What has contributed to your success? A strong support group of family, friends, and marketing peers, and the desire to be the best version of myself.
What advice would you give someone about to enter marketing or business development? Learn all you can and get a mentor. By attending educational events and surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals in the A/E/C community, you’ll have the best opportunities for growth both personally and professionally.
Guilty pleasure: What can you not live without? Friends, family, experiences, and fun reality TV shows such as Survivor, Amazing Race, and Big Brother.
