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About the 2023-2024 Society Past President
Holly Bolton
FSMPS, CPSM Owner, 3chord Marketing
A self-proclaimed word nerd, Holly Bolton, FSMPS, CPSM, grew up with her nose in a book and a pencil in her hand. Today, she channels that love of story into her role as owner of 3chord Marketing, a marketing communications firm that helps design and construction firms understand and connect with their audiences through research, strategy, and content creation.
Holly’s 20+ years of experience include serving in a variety of marketing, business development, and corporate communication roles for architecture and engineering firms. The Society of Marketing Professional Service’s 2022-2023 president, Holly has also served as president of the SMPS Foundation and the SMPS Indiana chapter. She is also a board member for Rebuilding Together Indianapolis. In addition to crafting content for professional services firms, Holly has written for Urban Land online and is co-author of the book A/E/C Marketing Fundamentals and the SMPS Foundation whitepaper, “The Client’s Use of Social Media and Social Networking.” She has a bachelor of science in public relations with a creative writing minor from the University of Central Missouri. Passionate about both the built and natural environment, Holly enjoys exploring the U.S. national parks and hitting the trails with her husband.
Contact Holly at holly@3chord-marketing.com
President’s Message
That Spirit of Collaboration
HollyBolton.jpg
About the 2023-2024 Society Past President
Holly Bolton
FSMPS, CPSM Owner, 3chord Marketing
A self-proclaimed word nerd, Holly Bolton, FSMPS, CPSM, grew up with her nose in a book and a pencil in her hand. Today, she channels that love of story into her role as owner of 3chord Marketing, a marketing communications firm that helps design and construction firms understand and connect with their audiences through research, strategy, and content creation.
Holly’s 20+ years of experience include serving in a variety of marketing, business development, and corporate communication roles for architecture and engineering firms. The Society of Marketing Professional Service’s 2022-2023 president, Holly has also served as president of the SMPS Foundation and the SMPS Indiana chapter. She is also a board member for Rebuilding Together Indianapolis. In addition to crafting content for professional services firms, Holly has written for Urban Land online and is co-author of the book A/E/C Marketing Fundamentals and the SMPS Foundation whitepaper, “The Client’s Use of Social Media and Social Networking.” She has a bachelor of science in public relations with a creative writing minor from the University of Central Missouri. Passionate about both the built and natural environment, Holly enjoys exploring the U.S. national parks and hitting the trails with her husband.
Contact Holly at holly@3chord-marketing.com
Serving as your SMPS president during the 2022-2023 term has been such a privilege. And the (gold-flaked) icing on the cake has been doing so when—perhaps you’ve heard?—the organization is celebrating our 50th anniversary!
Over the past five decades, a lot has changed in the marketing profession, in the A/E/C industries, and in our world. Yet many aspects of SMPS have stood the test of time and continue to drive our organization’s work today. Our founders were ambitious leaders who saw an opportunity to create something new—a community of professionals who supported each other’s success in building business for their firms… and building their careers at the same time.
That spirit of collaboration and continual improvement has helped sustain our organization, along with a commitment to engage, inspire, and empower future leaders who will accept the proverbial baton and keep moving forward. While SMPS provides value and lifelong learning at every stage of your career path, our chapter, regional conference, and Society volunteer roles are temporary, expanding leadership opportunities and allowing for fresh perspectives and diverse voices that make us stronger. As my term as president winds down, I’m grateful for those who led before me and excited to welcome a new Society president and a president-elect who will take our organization to new heights. With that in mind, I asked some of my fellow board members to share what has kept them engaged in SMPS through the years.
“SMPS is by far the best professional partnership I’ve ever had, providing me with education and a network that aligned with my goals. SMPS helped me grow and learn quickly, surrounded by smart, creative people from all walks of life. Being an active volunteer allowed me to win and learn lessons in the comfort of my peers. I’ve moved to five states during my career, and it was SMPS that helped me integrate into my new communities and find new networks and friends. I couldn’t have done it without SMPS.”
— Bernice Bako, FSMPS, CPSM, MBA
Director of Marketing, Global Development, Turner Construction Company 2022-2023 SMPS Past President
“There are so many things I value about the SMPS family. One could point to the years long friendships developed, the opportunity to learn new skills, the productive business environment, or leadership opportunities. All are great aspects of the organization. The trait that has made membership vital to me over the years is the network of advice, caring, knowledge, and grace that permeate the organization from coast to coast.”
— Paula Stamp, PhD, MBA, FSMPS, CPSM
Vice President, Economic Development, CLAYCO 2022-2023 SMPS At Large Director, 2023-2024 SMPS President Elect
“There are so many things I value about the SMPS family. One could point to the years long friendships developed, the opportunity to learn new skills, the productive business environment, or leadership opportunities. All are great aspects of the organization. The trait that has made membership vital to me over the years is the network of advice, caring, knowledge, and grace that permeate the organization from coast to coast.”
— Paula Stamp, PhD, MBA, FSMPS, CPSM
Vice President, Economic Development, CLAYCO 2022-2023 SMPS At Large Director, 2023-2024 SMPS President Elect
“I recently realized that I have been a member of SMPS for 20 years—wow! Through all those years, what stands out most is the people who have helped me in my journey through this unique industry. They have supported me, laughed and cried with me, and challenged me. They are my village, and I am a better professional because of them.”
— Dana Galvin Lancour, FSMPS, CPSM
Vice President | Branding + Communications, Barton Malow Holdings 2022-2023 SMPS President-elect, 2023-2024 SMPS President
I hope these sentiments—along with the articles throughout this issue—inspire you to reflect on what you value about what you’ve experienced with our organization and how you can apply the spirit of SMPS to your work and life as we all move into the next 50 years. Thank you for your role in our history—and our future.
SMPSly*,
*I first saw “SMPSly” on an email from one of our founders and member #1, Andy Zinsmeyer. I asked him if he came up with that, and he replied, “No. A glass of scotch did.” Cheers, Andy. And thank you.