Playmaker Profile: MARKETLINK’s Elise McGregor
Curious, creative, and endlessly resourceful, Elise McGregor is one of the driving forces behind MARKETLINK’s digital presence. Whether she’s optimizing website content, managing social media calendars, or diving into niche research, Elise brings a thoughtful, passionate energy to everything she does. Her behind-the-scenes work helps keep our clients visible, engaging, and growing—making her a true Playmaker on our team.
What’s your role at MARKETLINK, and what does your day-to-day look like?
My most consistent work involves publishing and social media. I proofread, publish, and optimize articles, project pages, case studies, and more for websites, and I write posts across various social media networks. All of this requires coordination and organization with clients or the MARKETLINK team. Aside from that, I sometimes pen my own articles, conduct market research, or work behind the scenes to organize various databases.
What’s the “winning play” you’re most proud of in your career so far?
I’ve been taking on more work and responsibility over time as my life opens up for more opportunity. Every new facet of my work that I tackle has been immensely rewarding. I’m proud of the rhythm I’ve established with various people across my work through consistency and reliability.
How did you get into the AEC industry, and what do you love most about it?
Several members of my family were (or are still!) involved in the AEC industry, and as I was working toward my undergraduate, I picked up some hours first in AEC journalism editing, then in some marketing writing. What could have been a small side-gig blossomed into a sincere interest and passion for the many people in this industry and the work that they do.
The AEC industry is often at the forefront of innovation and making incredible strides in implementing environmental approaches, ensuring quality and safety, and much more. From stunning architectural intricacies to getting down deep in foundations, landscaping, and electrical systems, I was swept up in the beauty of all of these pieces coming together.
Who has been your greatest coach or mentor?
Beth Fillerup at MARKETLINK has been with me just about every step of the way. Her skills in organization, personable nature, and sheer experience have been invaluable for me to emulate and lean on. I cannot thank her enough for her example and guidance.
I think the greatest lesson she’s taught me is that communication, collaboration, persistence, and gratitude cultivate a work environment worth investing in. When everyone is trying, feels valuable, and communicates well, things tend to come together.
What’s your favorite “team moment” at MARKETLINK?
Every opportunity I have had to work directly with any of the team has been valuable, delightful, or productive in ways that leaves me walking away inspired. I’m not sure I have a favorite for that reason.
How do you stay motivated and keep your “head in the game” when things get tough?
I’m in the middle of some life transitions right now that are testing my focus. So far, what I’ve found to be helpful is listing out my tasks by hand item by item. I have everything pretty well-organized, but putting what needs to get done in a different medium helps my mind switch gears just enough to get things moving. Plus, I’ll admit, sincerely loving the work that I do and the people I work with helps a lot. I want to show up and do well because of those two major factors. They make a world of a difference.
If you weren’t working in the AEC industry, what would be your dream job?
I am a major research buff. I write fiction in my free time, and I cannot stop myself from spending a couple hours learning about atmospheric electricity or what natural building materials are best for certain climates—just so I can write my fictional worlds more accurately and confidently.
More realistically though, probably a middle school English teacher or philosophy professor!
What’s your favorite way to celebrate a big win?
Funny how some questions make you look at yourself and wonder. I’m not sure I am in the habit of celebrating my big wins much. I do think, though, that I should get in the habit of celebrating by getting out and about, away from society and technology for a moment, to slow down and really bask. Maybe I should go on a hike or do some ice skating. I think that would be good for me.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone starting out in the AEC industry?
Let it spark. I believe that the work I’ve done in this industry has been carried by my delight and fascination with the industry itself—its people, their work, all of it. So delve in. Find something that you think is cool about all of this, because there’s plenty. Interest in the work will cultivate curiosity, create a deeper understanding of its people, and make what might be a steep learning curve that much easier.
What’s something surprising about you that people might not know?
I really love wooden boats—specifically those big historical ones from the Age of Sail. One day I’d like to do a tour on a merchant vessel and learn how to be a proper deckhand. How incredible it would be to climb the rigging, furl a sail, scrub the deck. A part of me is convinced I was born to do manual labor under a bosun. I am afraid of heights, though, so perhaps I’m dreaming a bit too big.
Elise McGregor’s thoughtful, research-driven approach to content and communication makes her an invaluable part of the MARKETLINK team. Her passion for the AEC industry and her genuine curiosity shine through in every task she takes on. Stay tuned for more Playmaker Profiles as we continue to celebrate the people who keep our team—and the AEC world—moving forward.
