Embracing Connection and Growth through SMPS Palmetto and The AEC Industry: A Reflection Piece from Our Marketing Operations Lead
/In May 2022, amidst my college academics, at North Greenville University, I decided to kick-start my career early as I began my first internship. The internship was with Safeguards Consulting, Inc., which is a private technical consulting firm based in Greenville, South Carolin, as a Marketing Operations Specialist.
At this point, you may be wondering what an employee at a physical security firm is doing writing a blog post related to the Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) Palmetto Chapter. Our firm collaborates with AEC firms so that we can work closely with our clients to address their security needs and provide solutions to their critical facility needs as their most trusted advisor. Furthermore, our team has extensive experience with large enterprise systems, whose size and integration challenges offer a unique specialty that we believe will benefit our AEC friends.
When I first started at Safeguards Consulting, I had limited work experience and little to no knowledge of security and the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry. However, two years later, I am proud to say that I am now the firm's Marketing Operations Lead and an active member as well as Committee Director of SMPS Palmetto. Over the last three years, I have gained a wealth of knowledge and expertise through my work at Safeguards Consulting. My experience with Safeguards Consulting also influenced my decision to join SMPS Palmetto through my firm in March of 2024.
Joining SMPS has profoundly changed both my career and my perspective on the marketing and professional services industries. As I reflect on my time spent so far as a member, I am excited to share my positive experience as someone who was new to the industry.
SMPS's professional development resources have helped me significantly expand my network. I have had the opportunity to make meaningful connections with professionals from various industries. The relationships I have formed through SMPS have also led me to community, invaluable insights, and new opportunities; each of which has contributed to my success in the workplace.
From the moment I joined, I was welcomed into a vibrant community of marketing professionals who are passionate about their work and dedicated to excellence. The camaraderie and support I found within the SMPS network helped to push myself outside of my boundaries and expand my industry knowledge. Whether attending local chapter events like our monthly Empower Hours, online webinars, or our annual conference, I have had the opportunity to connect with numerous industry leaders and peers who inspire and motivate me. As someone who was new to the industry and still learning how things work, our members have been an excellent resource to me. My relationships with them have helped me develop my networking skills, broaden my knowledge of the AEC industry, gain valuable industry insight, receive useful industry advice, and improve my overall skills.
Additionally, as a woman in the security industry, it has been particularly refreshing to see and meet so many outstanding women from the AEC industry through SMPS. Additionally, being a younger woman, it is extremely empowering to see so many women in higher-level leadership positions collaborating to advance and grow the industry. The female SMPS members have not only been encouraging, but they have also served as excellent role models and mentors.
One of the most significant advantages of being an SMPS member is access to an abundance of educational resources and invaluable insights. From proposal expertise and website design advice to navigating AI, SMPS has it all covered with a variety of workshops, seminars, and webinars focusing on the latest trends, strategies, and best practices in marketing professional services. These learning opportunities have not only improved my skills but have also given me the authority to implement innovative approaches within our company. The knowledge gained has been extremely useful in navigating the complexities of our ever-changing industry.
In addition, SMPS has encouraged me to pursue new opportunities. Several examples include serving on my first industry committee, attending my first solo conference, and joining my first industry organization. All these new opportunities and experiences came to me as a result of my wonderful connections with other SMPS members. Aside from professional development, SMPS has instilled in me a sense of purpose and dedication to giving back to the community. Volunteering for various initiatives and committees has allowed me to give back to the organization while developing my leadership skills. Working alongside dedicated professionals to advance the industry has been both rewarding and empowering. Since March of last year, I have been proudly serving on the Communications Committee. I served as our Communications Committee Co-Director last term, and as of this month, I am starting my new role as Director for the 2025 – 2026 term. So far, it has been a fantastic experience for me, as I have gained valuable knowledge by learning about many new software programs/tools and how an industry committee operates.
In conclusion, my experience as an SMPS member as a newcomer to the industry has been nothing short of transformative. The combination of mentorship and community, invaluable insights, and new opportunities has enriched my professional life in numerous ways. I encourage anyone in the marketing field, particularly in professional services, to think about joining SMPS or a similar industry organization, especially if they are new to the AEC industry. Additionally, I challenge them to also consider partaking in a volunteer position within the organization to further deepen their connections and growth. This said, accept the opportunity to learn, connect, and thrive in an environment that values growth and excellence. Together, we can elevate our industry and leave a lasting impact.
I would also like to conclude by thanking my firm, Safeguards Consulting, for sponsoring my membership, our chapter members, and the Communications Committee for welcoming me with open arms, and all the wonderful connections I have made along the way. Thank you for investing in me and my potential.
Sincerely,
Parker Stalvey
Marketing Operations Lead, Safeguards Consulting, Inc.
Communication Committee Director, The SMPS Palmetto Chapter
