Alexandra Orozco, Marketing Coordinator at Urban Resources, Inc.
Co-Facilitator, Coordinators Corner Roundtable, SMPS Oregon

What do you do at your current firm, and what is your favorite aspect of your current role?
I am the marketing coordinator for a local construction project management services firm, Urban Resources, Inc. (URI) that provides owner’s representation services to developers and owners in all aspects of a project. There are so many things I like about my role here, but my favorites are strategizing the content that goes into our proposals, making connections with the AEC industry and learning about construction from our project managers, which has helped me understand so many aspects of the construction process (I’ve been to OAC meetings, punch walks, project site and ETO walks, grand ppenings, and the list continues).

How do you maximize your SMPS membership? 
SMPS has been one of the most valuable resources in my career. I have not only made strong connections with wonderful and talented marketers but also added skills to my resume which have benefited me and my firm in so many ways – from proposals to market exposure!

From the moment I joined the SMPS, I got involved first with the Industry Outreach Group and then the Education Committee. Currently, I am part of the Special Events Committee and the Coordinators Corner Roundtable where we meet once a month to discuss topics relevant to the AEC industry. Everyone that knows me, knows by now how passionate I am about our roundtable and the reasons are simple: you make great connections with wonderful people, learn from them, share ideas about what works and what doesn’t, and most importantly, become a close group of friends who help each other out. We even formed a book club outside of SMPS to discuss books related to marketing and share best practices.

All members should get involved and take full advantage of the resources available through SMPS. If you have questions, any of us will be happy to meet for coffee and chat about all the opportunities within the SMPS. Ultimately, these resources are your return on investment, so use them wisely!

What is a recent book that you have enjoyed? Why?
I just finished reading a book by author Kevin Coupe, who travels every summer from New York state to teach a Marketing class at Portland State University. I was lucky enough to have taken his class this summer. The book is called Retail Rules – 52 Ways to Achieve Retail Success. Kevin shares real-life stories about the retail business and implements them in the marketing world. He has met countless CEOs for large retail stores in the United States and Canada that are willing to share their advice, providing you with a different perspective on marketing, customer psychology and business management.  

What other interests do you pursue outside of work? 
During the summer my husband and I try to do something fun every weekend from kayaking, to driving somewhere for the weekend.

What is one of the things on your bucket list?
One of the things on my bucket list is to live in London, England for a year or two – perhaps one day!