This year marks the first annual SMPS A/E/C Growth Professionals Day. Every January 8, the Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) will recognize the role marketing professionals in the A/E/C industry play in shaping the growth and development of our built environment. We will shine a light on the behind-the-scenes movers who have demonstrated unwavering commitment through marketing, business development, and communications to drive sustained progress in the industries we serve.
To celebrate, we’re highlighting Business Development professional Heather McLaughlin! Heather is an SMPS Certified Professional Services Marketer (CPSM) who primarily works in the Virginia Hampton Roads Market with a focus on public sector work throughout the state. Starting her journey in the A/E/C industry in 1999 and without prior experience in the field, Heather said her fervent passion for research and understanding helped springboard her career forward.
Realizing early on she wanted to learn from individuals with industry experience, Heather joined SMPS, an organization of marketing and business development professionals working together to advance the A/E/C industry. Today, more than 7,400 marketing and business development professionals throughout the United States and Canada are members of SMPS. Through SMPS, Heather connected with like-minded professionals who could provide valuable guidance during her early years navigating the industry.
As a member for 25 years now, Heather has held various positions within the Virginia chapter, contributing to the advancement and growth of the organization. “I’ve been very active in the CPSM certification program, in the study groups, and supporting others who are learning how to prepare for this exam,” she said.
Heather was also a part of the original program that started the SMPS Virginia Annual Conference, now known as Building Virginia: A Marketing Summit for A/E/C Professionals. Each year, members around the region come together for a two-day event to converse and share ideas about topics and issues within the industry. The event is dedicated to A/E/C marketers, business developers, and firm leaders for networking and education opportunities. “I managed that project for a long time and worked with a lot of folks across the state. It was very rewarding,” she said.
With over two decades of industry experience, Heather says the most important thing about entering the business development field, specifically in the A/E/C industry, is, “You have to be your authentic self. If you’re not true to yourself, people will see through it. Be yourself, be prepared, have a good time, relax, and everything will fall into place.”
When asked about her favorite part of working in Business Development, Heather said, “I love it all. I really do. I love connecting with people, I love researching, I love learning more. I feel such satisfaction when I put the right engineer with the right project, and I just know they’re going to connect well and have a vested interest in seeing the success to the end.”
Heather has been working with Timmons Group for eight years and says it has been incredibly validating to her as a professional in the industry. “Everyone on the team was very open to me when I came on board. There’s a lot of reciprocal support with each other, and it’s fantastic.”
Going from a novice in the industry to managing the SMPS annual marketing summit and mentoring young professionals, it’s clear Heather has become an expert in her field. Her dedication to her work in the A/E/C business development realm is undeniable, and her commitment to cultivating and expanding the industry is inspiring.
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in business development, start by growing your network and connecting with Heather on LinkedIn. Our Marketing team is hiring! Learn more about our current job openings here and apply now.
