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Posted by Communications2 on Apr. 6, 2022 / Member Spotlight / Subscribe 0

Name: Melanie Bowcutt

Company: Horrocks Engineers, Inc.

Title: Senior Marketing Manager

Board Role: Education Director

How long have you worked at your company?

How would you describe your role/job?

As a marketing manager at Horrocks, I focus on all facets of marketing and business development for the firm’s Infrastructure and Development Divisions. But ultimately the majority of my work is focused on the pursuit of work. Strategy, qualifications, proposals, and interview prep. When I explain it to people outside our industry, I typically say it’s a mixture of quick-turn deadline-driven project management, creative/persuasive/technical writing, graphic design, and business development.

What are the rewards of your job?

Having worked on several intense pursuits for architects, contractors, and engineers, I love seeing the final product in use out in the world. Although I haven’t contributed to the design and construction of the actual project, I like to know I had a small part in the final direction by helping my firm land the project. I also am massively competitive and really love to win!

What are your challenges?

AEC marketers are faced with so many challenges it’s hard to say which are most significant. From strict RFP requirements limiting font sizes, margins, and pages, to working with busy or new technical staff to develop a good final product, we are constantly adapting.

How long have you been an SMPS member?

I’ve been a member of SMPS Utah off and on for 20 years. I somewhat stumbled into this industry when I was in college. I was looking for a job close to the University of Utah and happened upon an ad for an admin at an architectural firm. My very first boss took me along to nearly every SMPS event to help me learn and grow into a position I didn’t even know existed before then!

What led you to serve on the Board?

It isn’t really something I had thought about until I was asked if I would want to participate. I’ve always enjoyed SMPS events and fully appreciate their impact and educational contributions to our industry, now I really understand all the planning and work that goes into executing everything. It’s a bigger effort than I ever realized.

How has SMPS membership helped you?

I’ve gained professional and personal friendships that have been invaluable in shaping my career. I find that most people that are active in SMPS truly care about the other members and ultimately want everyone to be successful, regardless of if we are competitors or not.

What’s the best career advice you’ve received?

Ask all the questions. “Seek clarity above confusion” is what someone used to say to me all the time. Early in my career I often left a planning or strategy meeting and realized I had a lot of questions or maybe didn’t completely understand what the direction was. I had to get comfortable not knowing everything and quickly get over being afraid of asking questions.

What’s on your bucket list?

I can’t wait to travel more, get out and see the world. The better question is what’s NOT on my bucket list!

What was your childhood dream?

At first, I wanted to be a ballerina but clearly lacked the drive and coordination. My dad had started a roofing and then a construction company in the 1980s. He had my siblings and I all learn to type at a young age, telling us we would work for him one day. I decided I thought “Marketing” sounded really cool (may have had had something to do with the 1991 movie “Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead”) so I told everyone I was going to grow up and do Marketing for my dad. Weirdly I ended up in this industry, even working for five years in construction. Not exactly what I pictured in my mind, but it has been a good career.