• Mike Makris

Originally from Washington, Duncan Robertson has spent the past six years honing his marketing and public relations expertise and now brings those skills to the design industry. After earning a Communication degree with a business emphasis from Boise State University, he dove straight into his career, channeling his versatile communication background to connect with diverse audiences. Duncan’s passion and creativity in marketing and PR continue to shine, fulfilling his early aspirations in this dynamic field. Go Broncos!

Mike Makris is an engineer who has spent nearly a decade at the heart of the AEC industry, driven by a desire to act as a change agent within both his organization and the field at large. He focuses on employee development, innovative fee billing structures, and forward-thinking marketing strategies that keep the industry ahead of the curve. Revered for his efforts to foster productive conversations and elevate professional standards, Mike takes pride in contributing to these ever-evolving discussions.

In this episode of The Zweig Letter Podcast, host Randy Wilburn teams up with Luke Carothers to spotlight two of the AEC industry’s brightest emerging professionals: Mike Makris and Duncan Robertson, both recognized with the Rising Stars Award from Zweig Group. From engineering and land development to marketing and business growth, Mike and Duncan share real-life perspectives on innovation, leadership, and the career impact of earning such a notable distinction. If you’re looking to strengthen your firm’s approach to talent development—or seeking first-hand insight into accelerating your own career—this discussion provides practical strategies and lessons learned from two award-winning paths. Join us to discover how these rising talents are shaping the future of the AEC industry and what it means for your own professional journey.

• Mentorship is Essential: Establish genuine mentorship relationships within firms to support and guide young professionals.
• Embrace Diverse Roles: Successful AEC firms recognize the value of both technical and non-technical roles in achieving growth.
• Navigate Imposter Syndrome: Open communication and strong leadership support help new entrants overcome self-doubt.
• Innovate Beyond Conventional Paths: Encourage flexibility and exploration in career choices within the AEC industry to fulfill personal and organizational goals.

All this and more in this episode of the Zweig Letter podcast.

Mike Makris on LinkedIn

Duncan Robertson on LinkedIn

Luke Carothers on LinkedIn

Randy Wilburn on LInkedIn

BHC Website

Tamarack Grove Engineering

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• Don Young

In this episode of the Zweig Letter Podcast, we share a panel session from the Zweig Group's 2024 ElevateAEC event. We delve into the evolving landscape of modern work environments and the importance of maintaining a thriving culture in the architectural, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. Host Chad Coldiron is joined by industry leaders Joseph Campos, Don Young, and Shelby Harvey, who share their insights on what it means to be recognized as one of the Best Firms to Work For.

The panel discusses their unique journeys into the AEC industry, the significance of employee engagement surveys, and how to turn feedback into actionable change. Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on fostering a positive workplace culture, tackling challenges in remote work, and the essential qualities of effective leadership. This episode is a must-listen for professionals looking to enhance their firms and create an environment where employees thrive.

• Employee Engagement: Regular surveys and feedback mechanisms are vital for understanding employee needs and improving workplace culture.
• Celebrating Success: Acknowledging achievements, both big and small, fosters a sense of belonging and motivates teams.
• Flexibility in Work: Balancing remote work with in-office presence is crucial for maintaining team dynamics and productivity.
• Leadership Qualities: Effective leaders embody humility, vulnerability, and a positive mindset, which are essential for building trust and collaboration within teams.
• Cultural ROI: Investing in professional development and creating clear career paths can significantly improve employee retention and satisfaction.

• Chapters:
• (00:00) Introduction
• (01:30) Panelist Introductions
• (05:00) Discovering a Career in AEC
• (15:00) Importance of Employee Engagement
• (25:00) Insights from the Best Firms to Work For
• (35:00) Maintaining Company Culture
• (45:00) Q&A Session
• (55:00) Conclusion

All this and more on this episode of the Zweig Letter podcast.

Connect with Chad Coldiron on LinkedIn

Connect with Joseph Campos on LinkedIn

Connect with Don Young on LinkedIn

Connect with Shelby Harvey on LinkedIn

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We highly encourage you to listen to the full episode to gain deeper insights into how AI is poised to revolutionize the design industry. Stay tuned for more enlightening content from the Zweig Letter podcast, and make sure to subscribe for regular updates!

Elevate AEC Keynote - Empowering AEC Professionals: Trends and Strategies for Success with Chad Clinehens and...

• Cherise Lakeside

Cherise Lakeside is a seasoned Senior Spec Writer at RDH Building Science. With a rich career path spanning construction, architecture, and building science, Cherise has acquired a profound understanding of the design industry. She has been actively involved in teaching and mentorship, notably being a long-time instructor for the Construction Specifications Institute Education Program. In addition to her professional work, Cherise is the host of the detailed podcast produced by ARCAT, where she shares her industry insights and engages in deep discussions about architectural design and project execution.

In this episode of the Zweig Letter Podcast, host Randy Wilburn sits down with Cherise Lakeside, a notable figure in the architecture and design sector. With a career that began unexpectedly in high school, Cherise narrates her journey from administrative roles to becoming a respected spec writer and public speaker in the industry. She emphasizes the importance of mentorship and shares her experiences with speaking engagements and the impact of social media on her career. This episode offers listeners a compelling narrative about career evolution and the diverse paths within the architectural industry.

Cherise Lakeside discusses her unexpected foray into the world of podcasting as the host of the detailed podcast on ARCAT. Initially hesitant, Cherise embraced the opportunity and has since relished the engagement with various experts in the field. Her podcast focuses on sharing knowledge and offering practical insights, making it a valuable resource for professionals in the design world. Throughout the conversation, Cherise highlights the importance of authenticity and connection, which resonates deeply with the podcast's growing audience of listeners seeking technical and inspirational content.

• Career Evolution in Design: Cherise Lakeside shares her unique journey within the architectural industry and the benefits of exploring cross-disciplinary opportunities.
• The Power of Mentorship: Emphasizing the significance of mentorship, Cherise elaborates on her teaching ventures and the impact of guiding the next generation of design professionals.
• Insights into Podcasting: Learn how Cherise transitioned to becoming a podcast host, her strategies for engaging conversations, and the benefits for both mentors and mentees within her content.
• Industry Impact: The detailed podcast serves as an educational platform, addressing real-life challenges in architecture and offering detailed insights that encourage positive changes within the industry.
• Networking and Collaboration: The episode highlights how developing relationships through conferences, social media, and podcasting can lead to substantial professional growth and brand elevation.

Chapters:

• 00:03 - Introduction to the Zweig Letter Podcast
• 02:49 - The Journey of Shareese Lakeside: From Receptionist to Spec Writer
• 14:15 - The Importance of Mentorship in the Design...