Chris Rickman, CPSM
Since 2011
Active
SMPS Oklahoma member
AEC marketing professional
Chris leads operational excellence initiatives as Director of Operations for Fremont-Wright, a diversified platform of engineering, architecture, and surveying firms headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, working remotely from the Oklahoma City area. He serves as a subject matter expert in process improvement, organizational design, and management measurement systems for the “House of Brands” structure that enables operating companies to maintain distinctive identities while delivering integrated services in civil and structural engineering, architecture, master planning, design, and land and aerial surveying.
His expertise spans comprehensive operational leadership including financial oversight, business development strategy, strategic planning, and technology integration. Chris brings a unique perspective from 35+ years in the AEC industry, having started as a junior CAD technician in 1990 and advancing through technical, business development, and executive leadership roles to serve as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. This hands-on progression provides deep understanding of project delivery systems, resource utilization, and the operational frameworks that drive firm profitability.
Previously as Principal of Operations at Spur Design (2023-2024) and through 22+ years at ZFI Engineering Company culminating as EVP and COO (2018-2019), Chris developed expertise in architectural and engineering operations management, strategic planning, and creating organizational systems that ensure projects meet scope, schedule, budget, and quality standards. His background includes preconstruction management and business development officer roles at Nabholz Corporation (2021-2023), where he managed estimating, proposal preparation, and procurement processes while leading client relationship development.
Chris demonstrates extraordinary national and regional leadership through his service as SMPS Society President (2018-2019), following progressive leadership roles including Society President-Elect (2017-2018), Secretary/Treasurer on the Society Board (2015-2017), and SMPS Society Past President (2019-2020). His Society presidency positioned him at the forefront of professional services marketing advancement, governing an international organization of nearly 7,000 AEC marketing professionals.
Elevated to SMPS Fellow status in 2013, Chris joins an elite group demonstrating at least 15 years of marketing expertise and 10+ years of active SMPS involvement. His Fellowship recognizes sustained commitment to advancing the profession through research, mentorship, and strategic leadership spanning local, regional, and national levels.
At the chapter level, Chris served as SMPS Oklahoma President (2006-2007) and held continuous board service from 2003-2015 in roles including Newsletter Editor, President-Elect, Past President, Treasurer, Senior Board Advisor, and Chapter Champion. Inducted into the SMPS Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 2015, he continues serving as Senior Chapter Advisor, inspiring board members and volunteers while elevating member experiences. In 2025, he received the prestigious SMPS Oklahoma Guiding Light Member Award, recognizing his sustained impact on chapter excellence.
His regional conference leadership includes serving as Co-Chair for Build Business 2013 in Orlando, Florida, and Co-Chair for the SMPS Southern Regional Conference (2009-2010) in Austin, Texas. These roles demonstrated his ability to coordinate large-scale professional development events serving hundreds of AEC marketing professionals.
Chris’s passion for education drives regular presentations and educational seminars delivered to the Society for Marketing Professional Services, American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), American Institute of Architects (AIA), and American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) at chapter, regional, and national levels. His diverse presentation topics span operational excellence, business development strategy, strategic planning, and firm management best practices.
Beyond SMPS, Chris served as Planning Commission Member for the City of Moore, Oklahoma (2015-2023), contributing expertise to systematic development and zoning regulations that shape community growth. His civic engagement demonstrates commitment to applying AEC industry expertise to public service.
In 2019, Chris founded Apex Business Strategies, serving as CEO (Chief Elevation Officer) until 2021. The consultancy addressed operational deficiencies for AEC firms, focusing on planning, performance, and profitability rather than solely marketing tactics—helping firms reach peak potential through strategic operational improvements.
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