10:45-11:30 Registration, 11:30-12:00 Lunch, 12:00-1:00 Speaker

Brand identity is crucial for a business, and one of the most important ways to establish your brand is to focus and build on its online recognition.  Our panel of experts will help you understand the importance of establishing or improving your company’s online presence in the age of social media.

Moderator: Brittany Schulte, American Global, LLC

Brittany Schulte is an American Global Vice President, based in our Texas office just outside of Houston. Brittany utilizes her extensive professional experience, broad industry knowledge, and strong interpersonal skills to expand existing client relationships, as well as develop new business relationships, while ensuring that American Global meets or exceeds our service commitment to our clients who have come to “expect more from their broker.” Prior to joining American Global, Brittany managed extensive marketing, business development, and client service efforts for two construction industry law firms, including Peckar & Abramson—the largest construction law firm in the U.S.—where she most recently served as Director of Client Services. Brittany is an active and engaged member, serving on multiple committees, for several industry trade associations including local and Texas state chapters of the Associated General Contractors (AGC), Texas Building Branch (TBB), Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA), TEXO, the largest commercial construction association in Texas, and Houston Contractors Association (HCA).

Panelists:

Melanie Meeks, CPSM – Partner at Meeks Marketing

Melanie Meeks, CPSM is a Partner at Meeks Marketing and has 19 years of experience in the A/E/C industry, specializing in the development of marketing strategy, client development, project pursuits, and public relations. She graduated from Texas A&M University, is a Certified Professional Services Marketer, and recently served as President of SMPS Houston. She was previously the Director of Client Development at Kirksey Architecture in Houston, and launched Meeks Marketing in 2013. Melanie enjoys working side by side with clients, helping them win work and achieve their marketing goals. A wife and mom of three, she can often be found running carpool to baseball and play practices, chasing her youngest around, or relaxing with a good book.

Jeremy Stovall, President – Brookstone Construction

An affinity for building runs deep in Jeremy. His grandfather was a woodworker and construction superintendent and his uncle, an architect. Growing up in the small east Texas town of Alba as the son of a Baptist minister further spurred his passion for projects that enhance faith, the community, and human experience. While pursuing a degree in construction science from Texas A&M University, Jeremy interned with Brookstone and joined full-time following graduation.

He genuinely connects with clients representing all project types, seeking to understand each organization’s core mission and how the mission is supported by all stakeholders. Jeremy delivers functional buildings that are cost-effective to maintain and adapt to changing needs. He also explores new delivery methods, such as design-build and integrated project delivery, to help organizations achieve the quality they seek for the budget and schedule they require.

Jeremy serves as a board member with the Associated General Contractors (AGC) Houston Chapter and AGC Texas Building Branch. Additionally, he is actively involved in leadership at Texas A&M University’s Construction Industry Advisory Council and the Dean’s Advisory Board for the School of Architecture. He is also a board member on the Center for Christianity in Business at Houston Christian University (formerly Houston Baptist University).

Joyce Watson, CPSM – Principal of Marketing at Cleary Zimmermann

As Principal of Marketing, Joyce Watson leads external and internal marketing efforts for Cleary Zimmermann Engineers. Her major areas of responsibility include firmwide marketing strategy and corporate communications, brand management, promotional activities, and CRM oversight. 

Joyce is actively involved in the Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS), and has served on multiple committees at the local and regional levels. In 2020, Joyce was named Board Member of the Year as Membership Director of SMPS San Antonio, for her work driving recruitment, retention, and improving the member experience. She also serves the greater San Antonio community through her involvement with the Junior League of San Antonio (JLSA), where she has previously held leadership roles on the Board of Directors and the Membership and Communications Councils. She also serves as an Advisory Board Member for the Young Women's Leadership Academy. 

Stephanie Wilkinson – Director of Marketing at Kirksey Architecture