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Fractional CMO Services for Architecture, Engineering, and Construction

Fractional CMO Services for Architecture, Engineering, and ConstructionFractional CMO Services for Architecture, Engineering, and ConstructionFractional CMO Services for Architecture, Engineering, and Construction

Turning marketing into a strategic, revenue-driving growth system - maximizing budget and staying ahead of the competition.

Let's chat - schedule a discovery call

Fractional CMO Services for Architecture, Engineering, and Construction

Fractional CMO Services for Architecture, Engineering, and ConstructionFractional CMO Services for Architecture, Engineering, and ConstructionFractional CMO Services for Architecture, Engineering, and Construction

Turning marketing into a strategic, revenue-driving growth system - maximizing budget and staying ahead of the competition.

Let's chat - schedule a discovery call
Graphic of open hand with a person, gear, and money symbol above it and the words CMO oversight.
Graphic of hands with a gear to depict Results-Driven experience in A/E/C
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    You're not thinking in terms of “marketing problems” - You're focused on growth, efficiency, and competition.

    A Strategic Partner who brings clarity, structure and impact

    More Predictable, Profitable Growth That's Sustainable

    • Revenue Stability: Instead of relying on a handful of big wins, you have a steady pipeline of quality opportunities. 
    • Stronger backlog confidence: You know where your next projects are coming from and can better plan staffing and resources. 
    • More strategic project selection: Instead of chasing everything, you focus on higher-value, more profitable projects that align with your expertise and raise your national reputation.
    • Less reliance on individual rainmakers: Growth isn’t tied to just a few Principals; you have a system that works firm-wide and grows the next generation of seller-doers.
    • Higher Win Rates: You’re winning more of the right projects, not playing a numbers game.
    • Better Margins: Marketing is helping attract high-value clients and projects, not just filling the backlog.

    A Marketing and Business Development System That Works

    • No More Marketing Guesswork: You have a clear, strategic plan tied to business goals.
    • Marketing & BD Alignment: Your team is working together efficiently, not in silos.
    • Seller-doers have the right tools & support: Instead of figuring out BD on their own, marketing helps them stay visible, build relationships, and nurture opportunities.
    • Less time wasted on the wrong pursuits: You focus on clients and projects with real potential, rather than chasing every RFP.
    • Clearer role clarity: Technical staff knows when to engage in BD, and marketing supports them without adding extra burden.
    •  Smarter follow-up: Leads don’t just disappear after the first conversation, there’s a system to stay in front of potential clients until the right opportunity emerges.
    • Data-Driven Decision-Making: You know what’s working, what’s not, and where to invest.

    Great Visibility and Positioning as an Industry Leader

    • More Recognition: You are seen as the go-to firm in your area of expertise
    • Stronger Competitive Edge: You stand out in a crowded market and attract the right clients.
    • Consistent Brand Presence: Your firm has a clear message that resonates with ideal clients.

    A High-Performing, Effective Marketing Team

    • Marketing Team Works Smarter: Your marketing staff is focused on strategic impact, not just proposals.
    •  Marketing is a smart investment, not just an expense: Every dollar and resource is used strategically to maximize impact.
    • The team adapts to changing market conditions: Instead of getting stuck in reactive mode, they can pivot quickly when opportunities shift.
    • Seller-doers get the right support, without extra overhead: The marketing team provides targeted help where it’s needed, so technical leaders can focus on both project work and BD.
    • Marketing efforts scale as the firm grows: Whether you’re expanding services, markets, or locations, your marketing system grows with you - without needing to hire a large team.
    • Clear Priorities & ROI Tracking: You know where to spend time and budget for maximum impact.

    Stronger Talent Attraction and Retention

    • Top Talent Seeks You Out: Your firm is positioned as an industry leader & employer of choice.
    • Better Internal Alignment: Your leadership, BD, and marketing teams operate with clarity & purpose.
    • More Engaged Employees: Your firm has a compelling story that attracts and retains top professionals. 

    Jennifer is one of the most talented organizational thinkers and implementers I have ever worked with, I've learned so much in working with her. She's been a key leader in many strategic initiatives. Her leadership has improved the consistency, quality, and efficiency of our marketing tremendously.


    Tim Carl, Design Principal + Former CEO

    Fractional CMO Services for A/E/C

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    headshot of Fractional CMO in A/E/C Jennifer Haferbecker

    MEET YOUR FRACTIONAL CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER

    Jennifer Haferbecker, CPSM


    With deep expertise in the A/E/C industry, I help firms generate more revenue, increase visibility in competitive markets, and build trusted reputations that attract repeat clients. 


    Without the full-time cost of an in-house CMO, I provide the leadership, marketing strategies, and the measurable results firms need to thrive. I focus on the balance of strategy and empathy, taking into account the human side of the business, ensuring the strategy resonates with the personal and professional concerns of your team.

     

    Schedule a call with Jennifer
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    proven results

    • Increased NSR from $142M to $222M, growing the firm faster than their own projections and faster than their competitors
    • Realized a 40% increase in marketing ROI,  improving the firm's overall profitability
    • Used change management to successfully implement strategy, systems, and processes firmwide - addressing concerns to change and the team's stress
    • Set a record for the largest new project in every market sectors
    •  Worked with Operations and Finance to improve the marketing budget and planning cycle, making spending more strategic and efficient 

    three sky scrapers with construction cranes

    • Developed new Engineering, Research, Workplace, and Environmental Graphic services
    • Managed 3 acquisitions and opened 2 organic offices for access to talent and diversity in geographies and market sectors
    • Firm was recognized with numerous national awards; 3 National AIA Honor Awards, 2 AIA COTE Awards, 4 EDRA CORE Award and The Most Innovative and The Best Overall Project for Architectural Engineering Institute
    • Have led marketing teams from 5 people up to 73, each year team members were promoted to Associate, Senior Associate, or Shareholder.

    let's get started

    1. Discovery Call

    3. Marketing Transformation

    1. Discovery Call

    Schedule a 25-minute call to see if a Fractional CMO is a good fit for your firm and what approach will work best for you.

    2. Strategy

    3. Marketing Transformation

    1. Discovery Call

    We'll get on a longer call to dive deeper into your aspirations, goals, and needs. Then I'll share a recommended plan and proposal.

    3. Marketing Transformation

    3. Marketing Transformation

    3. Marketing Transformation

    Within the first 30 days, you'll have a comprehensive marketing plan and the leadership to execute it over the rest of the quarter.

    schedule a discovery call today!

    everything you need to know

    A perfect blend offering the strategic expertise and leadership firms need, but on a flexible basis.


    A Fractional CMO is a contract, part-time executive who is fully responsible for all of your marketing outcomes, your marketing strategy and leading your marketing team. 


    Firms benefit from a Fractional CMO when they do not need a full-time CMO but still require proven strategy and leadership and often value the fresh perspective, executive experience, and flexibility a Fractional CMO provides. 


    Often, it makes sense to bring in a Fractional Chief Marketing Officer as opposed to a full-time CMO. This can be for financial reasons, as full-time CMO salaries can cost more than $200,000 per year plus bonuses. Or because the amount of work required by the CMO does not constitute hiring a full-time executive just yet.




    A firm needs a Fractional CMO when they require senior-level, proven marketing leadership and strategic direction but don't need a full-time, in-house Chief Marketing Officer. Here's why it makes sense for an A/E/C firm to hire a Fractional CMO:

     

    • Leadership: A/E/C firms often struggle with cohesive marketing leadership. Your team may execute tactics, but you need someone who can lead, make critical decisions, and provide clarity for long-term direction. A Fractional CMO brings senior-level leadership without the full-time commitment.
    • Industry-Specific Strategy: The A/E/C market requires a nuanced understanding of B2B marketing that aligns with long project cycles, relationship-building, and reputation management. A Fractional CMO will create a comprehensive strategy, grounded in A/E/C industry knowledge, to ensure your firm stands out among competitors.
    • Cost-Effective CMO Expertise: You need the skills of a Chief Marketing Officer, but not for 40 hours a week. A fractional CMO offers flexible arrangements, whether you need them for 5 or 20 hours a week. This provides access to a senior marketing executive without the cost of a full-time FTE.
    • Experienced Guidance: Your marketing team may be adept at handling proposals and campaigns, but they might lack strategic oversight. A Fractional CMO has the experience to anticipate challenges, streamline processes, and align efforts with your business development goals.
    • Budget Optimization: Marketing costs can spiral if they aren’t managed properly, reducing your firm’s profitability. A Fractional CMO ensures your budget is allocated wisely, prioritizing initiatives with the highest potential return on investment, and aligning them with your long-term business goals.
    • Data-Driven Accountability: It’s easy for marketing efforts to drift off course without clear goals. A Fractional CMO will lead regular KPI meetings, ensuring accountability and a results-focused mindset in your team. You’ll have transparency on what’s working and what needs improvement.
    • Improved Efficiency: If your current marketing efforts aren’t producing results, you need an expert to optimize them. A Fractional CMO identifies inefficiencies, improves your hit rate and capture rate, boosts brand visibility, and increases engagement, helping you make the most of your marketing investments.
    • Go-to-Market Expertise: Whether you’re launching a new service, expanding into a new region, or entering an unfamiliar sector, a tailored go-to-market strategy is crucial. A Fractional CMO can develop both short-term and long-term plans for successful market entry, ensuring your team knows where to focus its efforts and how to measure success.


    Your Fractional CMO must bring a wealth of marketing and leadership experience specific to the A/E/C industry, with a proven track record of success. The most effective Fractional CMOs will have served in-house at A/E/C firms, understanding the unique business dynamics, project lifecycles, and client relationships of the industry. They should be seen as an executive-level marketing strategist, working closely with your leadership team to drive growth and business development goals while overseeing the marketing team’s day-to-day execution.  Key responsibilities include:


    • Strategic Leadership: Developing and executing a marketing strategy that aligns with both your firm’s immediate needs and long-term vision. This includes understanding your firm’s business development priorities and market positioning within the A/E/C industry.
    • Informed Decision-Making: Determining which marketing strategies will provide the most value to your firm, whether through SEO, content marketing, thought leadership, events, or relationship-building efforts critical to A/E/C success.
    • Problem-Solving Under Pressure: Addressing marketing challenges swiftly and effectively. In the A/E/C industry, timelines are crucial, and when issues arise, quick resolution is essential to keep projects and proposals moving forward.
    • Team Leadership: Leading and mentoring your marketing department, fostering a results-oriented culture, and ensuring your team members are aligned with your firm’s goals and happy. A strong CMO inspires confidence, drives accountability, and elevates team performance, while enjoying a few laughs along the way.
    • Building the Team: Hiring new marketing talent can feel like finding a unicorn. An experienced Fractional CMO knows how to partner with your HR team to hire and develop a team structure that ensures efficiency, collaboration, and a focus on achieving business development objectives.
    • Vendor and Agency Management: Working closely with outsourced agencies and external partners, ensuring that their efforts are aligned with your strategic objectives and leveraging their specialized expertise to enhance overall marketing impact.


    Check out more about what a Fractional CMO does on our Services Page.


    We help A/E/C firms elevate their marketing initiatives through expert strategy and leadership. With our Fractional CMO services, you gain access to a senior-level marketing executive without the full-time commitment. Our proprietary methodology, the Functional Marketing® Framework, is specifically designed to enhance your current marketing programs, improve measurable results, and optimize the effectiveness of your marketing team. We take your marketing to the next level, ensuring it aligns with your future success.


    By leveraging metric-driven decision-making and our Fractional CMO expertise, your firm can streamline marketing operations and reach its growth targets faster and more efficiently.


    Our Fractional CMO brings a growth-focused, strategic mindset to your firm. For us, success is not just about driving growth but ensuring profitability through well-executed marketing initiatives. One of the key ways we achieve this is by maximizing the efficiency of your marketing team, ensuring they are aligned with your firm’s business development objectives. Change can be scary for a team, so we also need to help people understand why, how, and the impact they have on the success of the firm.


    In the first 90 days, we focus on refining the systems and processes within your marketing department. This includes streamlining operations and introducing or enhancing a weekly KPI reporting system through a scorecard. This tool gives immediate clarity on performance and identifies areas for improvement, helping your firm stay on track toward its growth targets.


    As you consider hiring a Fractional CMO, it’s important to weigh the cost of not having experienced marketing leadership. Without it, you risk stagnating or missing key opportunities for growth. Relying on a Marketing Director or Coordinator to set campaign objectives or define success criteria might leave your firm vulnerable, as they may not have the strategic experience necessary or understand potential pit-falls to deliver long-term results in a competitive A/E/C market.


    By bringing in a Fractional CMO, you’re empowering your team with the confidence, leadership, and expertise needed to elevate both Net Service Revenue (NSR) and profitability. With an experienced marketing leader at the helm, your firm is better positioned to achieve sustained growth.


    If your A/E/C firm generates annual revenue between $10-100M and already has in-house marketing staff, hiring a Fractional CMO can be a game-changer. This allows you to bring in senior-level marketing expertise without the cost of a full-time executive, freeing up capital. A Fractional CMO will provide the strategic direction and leadership your team needs to achieve your growth goals while ensuring efficient use of resources. 


    If your firm has a large marketing team of 20+ people, along with contractors and agencies, a full-time, in-house CMO might make sense. However, for most A/E/C firms, a Fractional CMO can deliver the same level of strategic leadership and results, often with more expertise than an "experienced marketer" alone.


    A seasoned Fractional CMO will map your sales and marketing funnels, assess your team’s strengths, and provide expert strategy to drive growth. With a flexible, part-time arrangement, you get the high-level leadership you need without the overhead of a full-time hire, allowing your firm to achieve significant results.


    Let's get started - schedule a discovery call today!

    Schedule a call

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