Karma Torres | Coffman Engineers
In our member spotlight, Karma Torres takes time out of her busy day to chat with SMPS. Karma, who works for Coffman Engineers as their Corporate Proposal Specialist, shares the rewards of her job and the benefits of being an SMPS member.
Q: How did you find your way to the AEC industry and your current firm?
A: Following graduation, I stumbled across a marketing manager position for a local M/E firm in Anchorage. Rather than emailing my resume, I walked into the office, had a nice conversation with the administrative assistant, and left my resume with her. I believe first impressions are everything, and how you treat people (in all roles) is the most important and telling characteristic. I was immediately asked to come in for an interview, and quickly after that, I was offered the job. I had no experience in the A/E/C industry, but they had confidence in my abilities and gave me a chance. I worked there for nearly five years and learned so much about a marketer’s role in this industry.
Q: What is your favorite part of the job?
A: I love working with the diverse group of marketers we have at Coffman. Each person brings a unique perspective on how to approach marketing for engineers, but I also love how each person understands the hurdles of this career path. Being part of a supportive team is priceless.
Q: What has been your most meaningful project?
A: In my previous role, the firm hosted an annual toy drive for the Children’s Hospital. During Covid, we had to shift and do something virtual. We reached out to Providence and learned that Alaska Cares had the most need at that time. Together, the A/E/C industry raised over $10k that went directly to Alaska Cares in addition to thousands of dollars in wish list items. At a time when things were uncertain, members of the A/E/C industry came together to support a much-needed cause. That’s really a great feeling.
Q: What are your challenges?
A: Every career has challenges – the biggest challenge I’m constantly faced with is how to get project descriptions out of the engineers!
Q: What was a pivotal point in your career?
A: In my last role, I started as a part-time marketer working under a marketing director (I was just beginning to dabble in work again after staying home for an extended time with my second child). I learned InDesign, discovered that proposals can be visually appealing with the right tools, and how to use industry language to persuade the client/owner. When the marketing director resigned for another position, the firm’s principals offered me the position. For me, it was a totally different arena because all the proposals were prime pursuits, which meant so much more organization, strategy, selectivity, and really digging into the ‘why.’ I learned that I have a voice in the process, and rather than just going with the flow, it was time to direct and manage the proposal process. It’s rewarding when people trust your judgment.
Q: What advice would you give to someone who is about to enter the marketing or business development field?
A: Find your voice and speak up. There are so many opportunities in the A/E/C industry for marketers. I love that my role involves creativity but also harnesses the business mind.
Q: What’s on your bucket list?
A: When my boys are a little older, I want to take an extended break and travel with them through Europe for a full summer.
Q: How do you spend your time outside of work?
A: Spending as much time with my two boys as possible. We cross-country ski, downhill ski, and camp throughout the year (campsites in the summer, public-use cabins in the winter).
Q: What’s the best and worst part of the pandemic for you?
A: The best part was how flexible employers were. My husband and I split our days for childcare, and as a unit, we really functioned well. The worst part was how divided everyone became.
Q: What does a typical day look like for you?
A: I wear many hats, supporting Coffman’s Texas and Denver marketing efforts and, most recently, supporting the Vice President of our newest initiative: Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) and Hydrogen.
Q: Why is SMPS important to you?
A: SMPS is a fantastic resource for both new and experienced marketers. We all understand the same pain points, and it’s nice to be around others who speak the same language. SMPS allows as much involvement as you want to give, and there are always opportunities to grow.
Q: What do you look forward to most in a post-COVID world?
A: I hope that, as a society, we can learn from experiences and understand the importance of flexibility and grace. I also look forward to not seeing businesses struggle with staff shortages!
Q: Who inspires you?
A: My children. They see the world in a very simplistic way, and simplicity is refreshing.
Q: Who would you choose to switch places with for a day?
A: A kindergarten teacher. I joke that I should have been an elementary school teacher. Kids are fun to be around and say some of the sweetest and most hilarious things.
Q: Would you rather attend a sporting event, concert, or neither?
A: Sporting event (specifically basketball if there is an option).
Q: Who do you consider a role model?
A: Teachers. They are shaping the future of this world.
Q: Guilty pleasure: What can you not live without?
A: Brie.
