Brand Groupies

Sheley Brien is the Vice President of Brien Contracting, a leading figure in the commercial construction industry alongside her husband, Chris. With over 20 years of diverse experience in the financial and medical industries and a remarkable journey up the corporate ladder, she is a dynamic force in the world of entrepreneurship, mindset, and leadership. Sheley is also the host of More Action Podcast, sharing candid personal experiences and insights from her guests to empower others in their personal and professional growth. https://briencontracting.comhttps://brandgroupies.com

Darren Magarro is the Founder and President of DSM, and Dan Enrico is Vice President of Strategy at DSM, a talented band of strategists, analysts, and creatives who amplify brands. Darren founded DSM in 2007 and focuses most of his time on being a brand ambassador for clients and the agency while leading all new business efforts. He has won many awards over the years, including being a finalist for EY Entrepreneur of the Year in 2017 and 2018, NJBIZ 40 Under 40 in 2013, and he has led DSM to four Inc. 5000 Awards. As the head of DSM’s digital team, Dan builds custom marketing strategies for clients and holds certifications in various digital marketing disciplines, including SEO, PPC, e-commerce marketing, app store advertising, and paid social media management. With 15 years of experience in digital marketing, Dan was named one of the Best Under 40 in Marketing and Advertising by the NJ Ad Club.https://thedsmgroup.com https://brandgroupies.com 

Evan Troxel is an industry-leading design and technology expert passionate about connecting people. He is a licensed architect in California with over 25 years of architectural design, working on large public projects in K-12 schools, higher-ed, and civic projects for clients. Evan is best known for his podcasts focusing on the AEC industry. He brings his experiences together on the Archispeak, TRXL, and Confluence podcasts. Evan also has experience in architectural education. For over a decade, he was a professor of emerging technologies in the architecture department at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona), and Mt San Antonio College (Mt. Sac) in southern California. Evan strives to better the architectural community in meaningful ways.https://www.trxl.cohttps://brandgroupies.com 

Josh Miles is the Founder of Bold Brand, a branding consultancy specializing in the AEC industry. He is a seasoned brand strategist, marketing filmmaker, and fractional CMO for AEC and tech firms. Josh is the author of Bold Brand 2.0 – How to Leverage Brand Strategy to Reposition, Differentiate and Market your Professional Services Firm. As a past TEDx presenter, he has delivered keynotes from the Midwest to the Middle East, including hosting the OG Design Podcast, Obsessed Show, The Josh & Torrey Show, and he formerly co-hosted the PSM Show. Josh previously served as CMO for SMPS HQ, and co-founded MilesHerndon, a branding agency specializing in brand strategy, corporate identity, and website design.https://boldbrand.com https://brandgroupies.com 

Jerry Keenan is the President of New Jersey Alliance for Action, a private non-profit and non-partisan association representing thousands of construction professionals. He was appointed in 2020 after serving as the association’s Executive Vice President since 2001. In his role, Jerry spearheads the organization’s efforts to ensure New Jersey’s infrastructure keeps pace with the needs of its residents and businesses by hosting thousands of decision-makers at dozens of events that educate attendees about upcoming construction opportunities. He works with the Governor, legislative, and other leaders to develop consensus on key issues. This year, The Alliance for Action celebrates its 50th anniversary – its slogan is “Building a Better Future”. Jerry also serves on the New Jersey Committee of the Regional Plan Association and has been recognized on ROI-NJ’s Power List of Association Executives. https://allianceforaction.comhttps://brandgroupies.com

Amanda Walter is a communications strategist and founder of Walter Communications. She started her practice to help architecture firms build specific reputations supporting their business goals. Informed by her earlier experience leading global communications programs at large design firms, Amanda tells her clients' stories across a variety of communications channels to reach the intended audience more effectively. In addition to her client work, Amanda has served as a board member of various architecture- and sustainability-focused organizations. She co-authored Social Media in Action, the first book of its kind focused on built environment consulting firms, and she has contributed articles to The Architect's Newspaper, Metropolis POV, Design Intelligence, Landscape Urbanism, The Zweig Letter, and a variety of industry blogs.http://waltercomms.com/https://brandgroupies.com/

Brand Groupies’ Carey Balogh, Lauren Genest, and Ming Chen presented to AEC and CRE leaders at the Real Estate Networking & Transactions Group (R.E.N.T.) event in New York City. Carey, Lauren, and Ming share insights about the benefits of Podcasting, 2024 Podcast trends, and how you can leverage Podcasting to fuel your brand’s growth. The Groupies explain how to establish your company’s Brand Pillars to stand out and how to incorporate Podcasting into your Social Media strategy.  R.E.N.T. is a unique network of real estate firms and professionals created to emphasize multidisciplinary teamwork. Members deliver an exceptional level of coordinated professional knowledge and experience. https://realestatenetworkny.comhttps://brandgroupies.com/

Gina Rivera is the executive director of Professional Women in Construction’s New York Chapter, a leading professional member association supporting women in the architecture, engineering, construction, and design fields. Gina has a passion for women stepping into their deserved space to lead. She joined the organization in 2021 with 18 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. Her background in nonprofit management and event producing stems from her ten years of working at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. Today, she is guiding the organization, with the support of PWC-NY's Board of Directors, to grow the membership and expand within the AEC community.https://pwc-ny.org/https://brandgroupies.com

Alexandra Pony is an award-winning PR strategist and founder of PONY Communications. In 2023, the PR firm won Inc.’s Power Partner Award. With 15 years of extensive industry experience, Alexandra has worked with organizations ranging from startups to global entities known for cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions and leading AEC brands, including NASA, Perkins&Will San Francisco, Lundberg Designs, Climeworks, OhmConnect, Prado Group, the Foundation for Climate Restoration, CMG Landscape Architects, and Bright Machines. Alexandra’s team consistently secures top-tier coverage in media outlets like The New York Times and Architectural Record and the firm has earned PR industry awards for their work.https://www.ponycommunications.comhttps://brandgroupies.com

Lurdes Borges is Vice President of Marketing & Communication at dancker. She joined the interiors solutions provider following nearly 14 years of working with leading architects and designers in New Jersey. Today, she contributes to the success of the organization, its clients, and partners with strategic planning, compelling storytelling, and thoughtful solutions that deliver exceptional client experiences. Lurdes is also an advisor on dancker’s Employee Advisory Council and their Workplace Strategy Team to help co-create destinations that inspire employees and clients alike. https://www.dancker.com/ https://brandgroupies.com/

Eva Hagberg is an author, historian, educator, and Studio Director of Loebach Designs. Eva is the author of When Eero Met His Match: Aline Louchheim Saarninen and The Making of An Architect, and the critically acclaimed memoir How To Be Loved. https://www.evahagberg.com/ https://brandgroupies.com/

Paulina Lopez is an author, speaker, business coach, consultant, and strategist with a background in finance, operations, strategy, human resources, and communications. Paulina is the CEO and Founder of The Business of WE (Women Entrepreneurs), a tight-knit, trusting, and supportive Mastermind community based in New York City. The Business of WE brings together professional women at their highly interactive workshops, mastermind groups, conferences, summits, and wellness retreats. https://brandgroupies.com/ https://bizofwe.com/

Marci Thompson is the Chief of Strategy and Growth at The Society for Marketing Professional Services. She leads the strategic direction for marketing, engagement, publications, and training, representing a dynamic network of more than 7,400 marketing and business development professionals from architectural, engineering, planning, interior design, construction, and speciality consulting firms located throughout the United States and Canada. A contributing writer for trade publications and a two-time author, Marci studied social work at Bowie State University and is certified in instructional design, digital event strategy (DES), and diversity and inclusion (d+i). https://www.smps.org/ https://brandgroupies.com/

Alison Smith is the Vice President of Communications with STO Building Group. Alison serves as the “voice” for STO Building Group by helping the company tell its stories internally and externally. She spent several years as an editor and teacher before entering the AEC industry nearly 20 years ago. She has written and edited projects for dozens of industry publications and organizations and is involved in the marketing and communications committees for the New England Chapter of CoreNet Global and the Boston Chapter of Professional Women in Construction (PWC). https://stobuildinggroup.com/ https://brandgroupies.com/

This Brand Groupies Podcast special episode is dedicated to our Brand Groupies 2nd Annual Fashion Funds The Fight for Cancer Cartel on Friday, April 28, 2023 from 12pm - 3pm at Nest located at 32 Mechanic St. in Red Bank, NJ. Cancer Cartel was founded by three cancer survivors, Shelly, Kerry, and Katy, with the important mission to provide financial resources and relief to those fighting cancer. One way they fund their mission is by collecting and selling donated luxury designer handbags, shoes, jewelry, and clothing. HOW CAN YOU GET INVOLVED? ▶ DONATE new or gently used designer items by April 23rd (items you’d send to The RealReal) - Drop donations off at Compass, 623 River Rd, Fair Haven (M-F, 8:30am–5 pm) - Schedule a porch pick-up by texting Liz McCurrach at #908-309-1768 ▶ PURCHASE an event ticket: https://bit.ly/42SOZ8g - Even if you’re unable to attend the event, 100% of ticket sales are donated to Cancer Cartel. ▶ SHOP luxury resale items on April 28th and meet the three inspiring Founders of C

This special Brand Groupies Podcast episode is dedicated to our Brand Groupies X Cancer Cartel Spring Pop-up Shop event. We’ve partnered with Cancer Cartel to do a charity shopping night on April 28, 2022 from 5-8pm at Brand Groupies in Red Bank, NJ. Cancer Cartel was founded by three cancer survivors with the important mission to provide financial resources and relief to those fighting cancer. One way they fund their mission is by collecting and selling donated luxury designer handbags, shoes, jewelry, and clothing. We're joined by Cancer Cartel Founders Katy, Kerry, and Shelly and our local ambassadors – fashion stylist and former United States of America’s Mrs. Ann Pennington, The Blonde Shallot Founder Jess Rogers, and celebrity jewelry designer Christina Caruso. There's 3 ways to get involved: 1) DONATE new or gently used designer items (women's and men's). Email lauren@brandgroupies.com to coordinate. 2) PURCHASE an event ticket in advance: https://bit.ly/3M8QVQL 3) SHOP donated designer goods and

Jen Person is the President and Founder of Jeneration PR, an award-winning public relations and creative studio. Her mentorship and direction as Founder of the Profitable PR Pros community has led thousands of international boutique PR agency owners to quickly scale their businesses to six-figures and beyond. www.jenerationacademy.com www.brandgroupies.com

MK Larsen coaches leaders to use their voices to build a strong and authentic message to connect with their audience. She has over 15 years of experience training Fortune 500 leaders, TEDx Speakers, and growing businesses nationally. Her coaching is proven to help messaging be more engaging, authentic, and compelling. She has coached over 100 TEDx Speakers and is highly skilled with creating and executing TED Talks. https://eloquentlyspoken.com/ www.brandgroupies.com

DP Knudten- Brand Strategist, Podcaster, and Author of NONFICTION BRAND. DP has worked with some of the biggest—and smallest—brands in the business, including Coca-Cola®, The Athlete’s Foot, ClosetMaid, and Georgia-Pacific. DP cut his branding teeth in the trenches at McCann Erickson, creating a variety of work for Coca-Cola and their brands. https://collaboratorcreative.com https://brandgroupies.com

Mark Beal - the Gen Z Expert - is a an author, full-time professor at Rutgers University School of Communication & Information, and keynote speaker. Before authoring his most recent book, Engaging Gen Z, Mark served as a public relations practitioner and marketer for more than 25 years, developing and executing public relations campaigns for category leading companies and brands around such major sports and entertainment platforms. www.markbealspeaks.com www.brandgroupies.com