Playmaker Profile: MARKETLINK’s Keri Hammond
Visionary, strategic, and a true industry trailblazer, Keri Hammond founded MARKETLINK in 2003 after growing up immersed in the AEC world. With decades of experience, she has built a firm dedicated to helping architecture, engineering, and construction professionals achieve long-term success. Her leadership, mentorship, and deep understanding of the industry make her not only the cornerstone of MARKETLINK but also an inspiration to everyone she works with.
What’s your role at MARKETLINK, and what does your day-to-day look like?
My role is the owner and founder of MARKETLINK. My day-to-day has changed quite a bit over the years. As our team has expanded, my focus has shifted toward overseeing projects and client strategy rather than daily tasks. This allows me to be more involved in training our amazing team, refining our services, and guiding our firm’s business development and community outreach.
What’s the “winning play” you’re most proud of in your career so far?
Seeing our team members become successful has been our biggest win. Each person at MARKETLINK has stepped up to take on more responsibility, which has allowed me to expand our services and outreach while focusing on mentoring and strategy.
How did you get into the AEC industry, and what do you love most about it?
I was literally born into the AEC industry. I began working for my father at his company, Eckhoff, Watson & Preator Engineering (EWP), at the age of 13. I’ve worked in nearly every administrative and marketing role imaginable, which gave me a strong foundation and a lifelong love for this industry.
Who has been your greatest coach or mentor?
My dad was my greatest mentor. He taught me to respect the people I work with and for, and to always put clients and team members first. His best lesson was that exceptional service—taking care of your people and your clients—will bring greater success than any other activity.
What’s your favorite “team moment” at MARKETLINK?
My favorite team moment came during one of the most difficult times in my life. When my father passed away suddenly, my MARKETLINK family immediately stepped in to support me. They respectfully notified clients, maintained our service levels, and completely lifted that burden from my shoulders so I could focus on my family and healing. I’ll always be grateful for that incredible show of compassion and professionalism.
How do you stay motivated and keep your “head in the game” when things get tough?
Our clients motivate me. I want nothing more than to see them succeed, and we truly operate as part of their teams. I never want to disappoint them or fall short of their expectations. That commitment is what drives me every day.
If you weren’t working in the AEC industry, what would be your dream job?
I’d be a private investigator. I have an innate ability to track down information and uncover “the rest of the story.”
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone starting out in the AEC industry?
Ask to be taken to project meetings, site walks, and presentations. Nothing will teach you more about the language of the AEC industry than hearing it firsthand. Understanding your firm’s technical side will strengthen your writing, strategy, and credibility as a marketing professional.
What’s something surprising about you that people might not know?
I’m a true crime enthusiast! I love diving into mysteries through podcasts, documentaries, and books. It’s my way of playing detective and keeping my curiosity sharp.
Keri Hammond’s lifelong passion for the AEC industry and her commitment to continuous learning have shaped her into a leader who empowers both her clients and her team to succeed. Through her strategic insight and collaborative spirit, she unites MARKETLINK and firm teams across architecture, engineering, and construction to achieve shared goals. Her leadership, vision, and dedication continue to inspire everyone who works with her.
