Playmaker Profile: MARKETLINK’s Marianne Jenks
Strategic, collaborative, and passionate about purpose-driven work, Marianne Jenks brings decades of communications expertise to her role as Communications Specialist at MARKETLINK. With deep roots in the AEC industry and a legacy of leadership—including initiating the Utah Chapter of SMPS—Marianne has long been a champion for advancing marketing in the built environment. Her ability to develop impactful messaging and strategies makes her a true Playmaker on our team.
What’s your role at MARKETLINK, and what does your day-to-day look like?
As a Communications Specialist at MARKETLINK, my day-to-day includes developing strategically crafted strategies and content to help clients be successful. Whether it's winning new business, writing proposals, or developing public relations content and messaging.
What’s the “winning play” you’re most proud of in your career so far?
Any and every win for a client feels like a professional win—whether it's a top-ranked proposal, presentation, or positive client engagement on press, website, or social media content. As far as a singular accomplishment, one of the most satisfying has been my role in initiating the Utah Chapter of SMPS.
How did you get into the AEC industry, and what do you love most about it?
I was hired as a Marketing Coordinator for a regional engineering firm fresh out of college with my B.S. in Marketing. As a new university grad, I never considered marketing in the B2B services sector (in school, the focus was marketing product, product, product), but lucky me! I love the AEC industry because of the high level of skill and professionalism that exists—all directed toward improving lives through the built environment.
Who has been your greatest coach or mentor?
I've been fortunate to rub shoulders with many professionals I would consider mentors. My first mentor, Walt Jones, comes to mind. Walt was the engineering manager who hired me out of college. He fostered my professional development, and at a time when AEC marketing was in its relative infancy, he helped me capture the vision and encouraged perseverance to see the great potential and impact of professional marketers in the AEC industry.
What’s your favorite “team moment” at MARKETLINK?
I honestly can't think of a moment that's not a "team moment" at MARKETLINK! How awesome is that?! There is a unique atmosphere of camaraderie and a deep professional knowledge bank that is unbeatable.
How do you stay motivated and keep your “head in the game” when things get tough?
When things get tough, the best way I've found is to try and get out of my own head and focus on how my work will help clients achieve their goals. I'm not perfect at this by any means. But it has helped.
If you weren’t working in the AEC industry, what would be your dream job?
If I weren't working in the AEC industry, I think I'd love to lead a philanthropic effort or organization.
What’s your favorite way to celebrate a big win?
I love to celebrate by going out for a nice dinner and sharing great food and conversation with family or close friends.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone starting out in the AEC industry?
My advice would be to shadow the professionals you work with in various disciplines and learn all you can about the how and why of what they do. Invest time "in the field" and listening to clients—go on site visits, attend pre-design meetings, and follow construction milestones.
What’s something surprising about you that people might not know?
In my growing-up years, my sister and I had a thriving pumpkin patch business. With the help of our dad, we farmed about 5 acres of pumpkins and sold them to local grocery stores at Halloween.
Marianne’s long-standing commitment to elevating AEC marketing, paired with her strategic mindset and generous spirit, continues to shape the success of our clients and our team. Her contributions are a powerful reminder of how impactful thoughtful communication can be—especially when it’s guided by purpose.
