Louis Fisk, CPSM | CRW Engineering Group
In our member spotlight, Louis Fisk takes time out of his busy day to chat with SMPS. Louis, who works for CRW Engineering as their Marketing Group Manager, shares the rewards of his 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: I guess it started with residential construction working for my dad, a builder in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. I later moved to Alaska after meeting my wife Katie in Anchorage during the summer of 2015. My “career path” up until that point had focused on teaching writing courses at Northern Michigan University (Go Wildcats!). The schedule allowed me to spend a few summers in Alaska, renovating the Karl Eid Ski Jumps near Hilltop in Anchorage. My plan was to teach at a community college somewhere warm in the lower 48, but when I detoured to move to Alaska full-time in 2016, I had to change my career goals – the jobs in higher education just weren’t around. My background in construction helped me to land a management job at a construction materials supply company. Katie and I married in 2018. Not long after, I met Jobe Bernier, AIA (Nvision Architecture) at a barbecue at his house. I must have made a good impression because Nvision recruited me to write proposals and assist with marketing. It turns out I had a knack for the work (we won the first two proposals I led!) and we enjoyed a lot of success. Although it was a terribly difficult decision, I left to start a new chapter of my career with CRW Engineering Group in the fall of 2023. I am incredibly thankful to both Nvision Architecture and to CRW Engineering Group for the opportunities they’ve provided me and the meaningful work I’ve been able to be a part of.
Q: What is your favorite part of the job?
A: I enjoy kind of “nerding out” with the engineers and architects, learning about the nuances of their professions and projects. I also like being connected to meaningful projects that positively impact communities throughout Alaska. Although our profession (BD/Marketing) doesn’t swing the hammers, or even design the roads and buildings, we help to connect those projects to deserving and capable teams who do. I also enjoy relationship building and personal engagement, through in-person interactions, but also through proposals. I like to focus on the “human aspects” of a client’s project or problem when I can. Turning proposal responses (which tend to be dry) into something engaging and emotionally-resonant is interesting and rewarding work. I enjoy the challenge of efficiently and cleanly telling a great story within the confines of a limited format. I also discovered I enjoy graphic work as much as writing. Finally, I appreciate that there aren’t any real emergencies in our line of work. Although the pressure can be high at times, it never feels too stressful to me. It’s just an RFP! (or three, or five).
Q: What has been your most meaningful project?
A: I’ve really enjoyed helping with some of the volunteer work like CANstruction (creative/artistic food drive) or supporting Special Olympics AK. One of the challenges of marketing for me is feeling disconnected from the “real boots-on-the-ground work”, especially since I came from a pretty blue-collar upbringing. Getting out of the office and contributing to great causes has been very meaningful. Regarding the day-to-day work, I also appreciate seeing a project progress from an idea to a tangible solution, whether it be a new health clinic in a remote underserved area, water/wastewater improvements for “honey-bucket” communities, or helping to relocate villages that are literally losing ground to increasingly common storm surges and flooding.
Q: What are your challenges?
A: So many, ha! I’m not as fit or fast or strong as I once was. I’m starting to lose my hair, my body hurts from old sports injuries and I’ve got my hands full with two wonderfully wild toddler boys (3.5 and nearly 2) with a third on the way in May. Professionally, there are always challenges with starting a new job – new people, new culture, new ways to do things. Still, none of it is as big of a shift as going from “I’ll move someplace warm and teach writing classes at a community college” to “I met the love of my life in Alaska and what am I going to do for work there?” All in all, I’m glad how it worked out.
Q: What was a pivotal point in your career?
A: Working for Nvision Architecture. I must also mention Lauren “Laurie” Lucia here too, a great mentor and teammate at Nvision. Besides giving me my start in the niche field of AEC marketing, Nvision gave me the opportunity to learn and a lot of creative freedom with my work. They’re a smaller firm, so I also got to “wear a lot of hats” – contributing to HR, contracting, field work, project and subconsultant management, even meeting with GCs, clients, and prospective clients. I think all the exposure led to fast growth and a well-rounded understanding of the industry as a whole and the Alaska AEC marketplace. Working with CRW Engineering Group has continued to expand that knowledge for me, except now it’s the engineering world I’m learning.
Q: What advice would you give to someone who is about to enter the marketing or business development field?
A: I would stress that it’s a social field. It helps to develop your people skills and emotional intelligence, even if they’re already good. Finding success often involves making strong connections with others, whether it be potential project partners, prospective clients, or even some tired government bureaucrat, reviewing yet another SF330. Other advice would be to try to stay flexible yet resilient, to never stop learning, and to value yourself and your work.
Q: What's on your bucket list?
A: Dropping everything and sailing around the Caribbean or Mediterranean for a few years with my family!
Q: How do you spend your time outside of work?
A: With my family, enjoying Alaska and the joys and challenges of being a dad to young kids. Outdoor adventures, mountains on the weekends, playing guitar by a nice cozy fire. If I was painfully truthful, I’d mention the constant chores, responsibilities, and weekend projects that keep things running smoothly.
Q: What does a typical day look like for you?
A: Fast-paced and fun. A combination of regular rituals and routines with the kids and the flexibility to respond to whatever the day may bring. It usually starts with cooking breakfast and Facetiming grandparents and ends with some late-night writing or reading.
Q: Who inspires you?
A: Personally, my mother. Professionally, Leah Boltz.
