Bryce Benson, Marketing Department Manager for FOCUS Engineering & Surveying

How did you get started in the industry? 

I got started in the industry when I joined FOCUS just over two years ago, so I’m definitely a newbie, but I’m loving AEC and learning more and more every day. Despite my lack of industry experience, Ron Paul, the founder of FOCUS and someone I’ve known for over 30 years, asked me come on board and to manage the company’s marketing effort. 

Where have you worked? 

My first job out of college was working for an investor relations firm. From there I moved to ClearOne Communications, an AV communications technology company, where I managed the corporate communications efforts, including investor and public relations. Before joining FOCUS, I spent 15 years with Access Development, a loyalty marketing company, where I held a variety of positions in the areas of account management, business development, and client success. 

What is your education and training? 

I earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah in Mass Communication with an emphasis in Public Relations. I’ve held positions in the areas of public and investor relations, corporate communications, account management, business development and client success.

Do you have an industry mentor? 

So many people have been mentors to me during my time in the AEC industry. I’ve leaned heavily on the FOCUS leadership team to understand the our areas of business and how we work with our clients, partners and others in the industry. Keri and Beth at MARKETLINK have also been key mentors in their role as marketing consultants to FOCUS. 

Where did you grow up? 

I grew up in Murray, Utah.

What did you want to be when you were young? 

Definitely a marketing communications professional. Or maybe it was a professional baseball player. I forget.

Where do you see yourself professionally in 5 years/what is your 5-year goal? 

In five years, I see myself right here at FOCUS Engineering & Surveying. My five-year goal is to help FOCUS continue to grow and meet it’s BHAGs (big hairy audacious goals), which include growing its employee base, office locations, and geographic footprint. There is so much opportunity for personal and professional development here, and I truly enjoy the work. I’ve still got so much to learn about the industry, and every day brings a new adventure, so I am excited about what the future hold for me at FOCUS.

What skill would you most like to develop, professionally or personally? 

I want to become a master team builder and surround myself with amazing people that can help FOCUS continue to improve and grow long after I’m gone.

What motivates you most to come to work? 

I love my work. I enjoy the people I get to work with every day. And, I believe we are building a truly special company that positively impacts the lives of our employees and our clients—and literally helps shape our communities for the better.

What piece of advice would you give to yourself during your first month in the industry?

Ask a ton of questions and don’t let how busy someone is, or seems to be, keep you from doing so. Everyone always seemed so busy that I didn’t want to disturb them, but I’ve found even the busiest people have time to answer a question, especially if it’s an area they are passionate about or in which they have expertise.

What is the last book you read?

The Ideal Team Player by Patrick Lencioni. This book provides some great insight on how to identify the right people for your company, which is a challenge right now with the high demand for AEC professionals.

Name the podcast you listen to most frequently.

Follow Him and Come Back Podcast

What are your most used emojis?

Not super original, but tend to be a positive person, so definitely the smiley face, laughing face, and thumbs up. ???