SMPS-KC March Newsletter 
President's Report
Our job board is always being updated! Click Here to view available listings.
SMPS-KC's Classified Job Listings are typically full-time positions; however, those seeking freelance workers/services are encouraged to submit with timeframe clearly outlined. Freelancers seeking work are encouraged to utilize bi-monthly Coffee Connections to meet prospective clients and mingle within our community.
The SMPS Kansas City Chapter is seeking qualified candidates to apply for our 2025-2026 Board of directors.
If you are interested in applying, please visit this form: https://smpskc.org/form.php?form_id=26
Calendar of Events
March 27, 2025
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Rochester Brewing & Roasting Company
2129 Washington St.
Kansas City, MO 64108
Start your day off right with coffee and networking! Join us at Rochester Brewing & Roasting Co. for Coffee Connections on Thursday, January 23rd at 8:30 a.m. Look for the SMPS sign! Please arrive 15 minutes early to order coffee, tea, breakfast, etc., as conversation starts at 8:30 a.m.
Tickets
$0.00 Member Ticket
$0.00 Non-Member Ticket
BHC
7101 College Blvd #400
Overland Park, KS 66210
Couch to 5K | Client Experience
SMPS’ 2022 Marketing Survey showed that client experience (CX) would be the most critical marketing and business development strategy of the future, but more than two years later, many firms still don’t have a formal CX program in place. Henderson Engineers and Schaefer have embraced and led the charge in the industry, implementing firmwide CX initiatives. Join Barry and Ryan as they give an update on their journey to develop a plan and execute CX strategies.
Learning Objectives:
- What client experience is and where to start.
- How to continue to build a case for a client experience program in your firm.
- Client feedback: gathering, analyzing, and sharing the feedback.
Speakers
Ryan Konst
Ryan has spent the last 20+ years in the AEC industry, all with Schaefer. He started out as an engineering co-op and went full-time as an engineer upon graduating from the University of Cincinnati. He moved through the engineering ranks and into a leadership position focusing primarily on strategy, planning, and revenue generation. In his current role as executive vice president for Schaefer, he is responsible for guiding the firm’s strategic growth and vision for the future. Ryan opened Schaefer’s Columbus, Ohio office in 2006 and has been a key driver of geographic expansion, brand oversight, development of a robust marketing and business development department, and a structured, formalized annual planning process. Ryan has been a member of SMPS since 2007 and served in several board positions including president of the Columbus Chapter.
Barry Sutherland
After nearly 14 years on the architecture and construction sides of the AEC industry with HOK and McCarthy Building Companies, Barry Sutherland joined Henderson Engineers, a 1,000-person, national building systems design firm based in Kansas City, as the client experience director in October 2019. In his position, Sutherland uses his extensive marketing and business development experience to strengthen relationships with clients firmwide and in markets from coast to coast. He does this through the development and implementation of a robust Client Experience program aimed at making Henderson the industry-leader in this area. Sutherland has been a member of SMPS since he joined the industry in 2008 and has served in leadership roles for the St. Louis and Kansas City chapters, including president for St. Louis.
Program Timeline
8:30 - 8:45 AM | Registration + Networking + Breakfast
8:45 - 9:45 AM | Presentation
9:45 - 10:00 AM | Q&A
Tickets
$35.00 Member Ticket
$50.00 Non-Member Ticket