Lessons From My Roman Soldier Role: Bring Drama to Your A/E/C Stories
There's nothing like putting on an ancient Roman soldier outfit, especially if you're carrying a (fake) sword at your side, to command attention. I discovered that firsthand this year during my role as part of Vacation Bible School (VBS) at a church in Billings,...
What Newspaper Publishing Taught Me About Earning Trust—Lessons for A/E/C Firms
As newspaper owners and publishers, Dan Satran, Jr. and I didn’t take a vacation for 10 years. We were writing, editing, and selling ads and printing, all while raising two children in a large rural county in Wisconsin. Despite the challenges, we stayed in business...
3 Ways Storytelling Helps Your A/E/C Firm Stand Out
Artificial Intelligence (AI) can do a lot, but it still can’t tell your Architecture/Engineering/Construction firm’s authentic stories. These stories forge deeper connections with your clients, prospects, partners, and employees. They go beyond technical expertise to...
What Turkeys Can Teach A/E/C Firms About Visibility
We often hear familiar gobbles and clucks outside our Billings, Montana, home. I glance out the window and frequently say, "The turkeys are here." A quick look reveals as many as 15 turkeys hanging out in the neighborhood. We've become used to them. At this time of...
Remembering Mom’s Lessons on Mother’s Day
This is my second Mother's Day without my mom. Today, I'm reflecting on the many ways she shaped who I am, both personally and professionally. Kathleen Boland Schwanz died on December 17, 2023. Some days, it feels like she's been gone for nearly two years. Other days,...
Why Stories Stick—and Help Your A/E/C Firm Stand Out
My husband and I recently returned from a long-awaited anniversary cruise to Hawaii. One of the highlights was a whale-watching trip near Maui, where we learned that a single bay serves as both a nursery and a nightclub for humpback whales. Mothers teach their calves...
The Power of Passion: From the Dance Floor to A/E/C Storytelling
I’ve performed in women’s dance groups for more than 20 years — and one routine, involving a flowing veil, still sticks with me. I’d never danced with a veil before, but I was determined to master it. Why? Because I cared. Because I wanted to connect with the audience...
Uncover Your A/E/C Firm’s Hidden Marketing Gold: 3 Proven Ways to Build Trust with Social Proof
Before hiring your firm, potential clients want to know: What is it like to work with you? How have you solved similar challenges? Can they trust your expertise? Third-party verification — directly from your satisfied clients — answers these questions better than any...
How to Create Compelling A/E/C Case Studies that Differentiate Your Firm
How do you stand out in a competitive Architecture/Engineering/Construction market? Client case studies offer a powerful way to showcase your firm’s expertise while building stakeholder trust. These success stories offer benefits for your company, the happy client,...
Don’t Overlook Your About Section—It Builds Trust With Stakeholders
First impressions matter when you visit an Architecture/Engineering/Construction company’s website. After landing on the home page, visitors often click the About section to learn more about the company’s identity, mission, and values. What will visitors find when...
5 Ways to Use Storytelling to Captivate and Connect with Your A/E/C Audience
Are you leveraging the power of storytelling to connect with your Architecture/Engineering/Construction stakeholders? We know prospects want to hire professionals they know, like, and trust. Recruits often seek a firm with a culture that aligns with their beliefs, and...
Build Trust and Engagement in A/E/C Project Interviews With Client Stories
Consider your next Architecture/Engineering/Construction project interview. How will your team stand out when it's over? Your firm is qualified, but client-focused stories could be a critical differentiator. They can show you've solved similar project challenges in...