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Every organization has defining moments—and defining people. Earlier this year, I had the privilege of experiencing both when members of the SMPS board and I met Andy Zinsmeyer in Seattle at the Pacific Regional Conference. It was more than a meeting; it was a reminder of where we came from, why we exist, and what it takes to sustain a profession over decades.
Andy isn’t just SMPS Member #1—he’s one of the individuals who helped shape this organization into what it is today. At a time when marketing in AEC firms was not widely understood and often undervalued, Andy and his peers made the case that it mattered. They championed the idea that marketing was not simply a support function, but a strategic driver of growth. That perspective, which feels obvious today, was anything but at the time. It required conviction, persistence, and a willingness to challenge the status quo.
Andy Zinsmeyer, third from left, with SMPS HQ staff and board members.
Spending time with Andy, what stood out most was not just what he has done—but how he continues to show up. His passion for SMPS remains as strong as ever. He speaks about the Society, its members, and its future with the same energy and belief that helped get it off the ground. For our Bboard, it was both grounding and energizing. It reinforced the responsibility we have as current leaders to build on the foundation that was so thoughtfully laid before us.
Andy’s impact isn’t limited to his early leadership. His generosity continues to shape the future of our profession. Through his support of the SMPS Foundation and the Zinsmeyer Scholarship, he’s directly investing in the next generation of marketing and business development professionals. He understands that the long-term strength of our industry depends on developing talent, expanding access, and creating opportunities for others to grow.
What was equally compelling in our conversation was Andy’s perspective on what comes next. He sees artificial intelligence not as a distant concept, but as the next evolution of marketing in the AEC industry. In many ways, it echoes the same mindset he brought decades ago—recognizing change early and helping others prepare. His interest in continuing to fund research and development in this area is both forward-thinking and deeply aligned with the Society’s role as a leader in the industry.
There’s a clear throughline in Andy’s story: belief in the profession, investment in people, and a commitment to moving the industry forward.
As I reflect on that time in Seattle, I find myself both grateful and challenged. Grateful for leaders like Andy who built this community and continue to support it. Challenged to consider how each of us can contribute in our own way—whether through mentorship, volunteer leadership, financial support, or simply showing up with intention.
SMPS is what it is today because people chose to give more than was required. The opportunity in front of us is to do the same—for each other, and for those who will follow.
Thank you, Andy, for everything you have done—and continue to do—for this Society and our profession.
Article written by SMPS Board President Benjamin Sawa, FSMPS, CPSM, PMP.