Holly Bolton, CPSM
Since NA
Active
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AEC marketing professional
Holly leads 3chord Marketing, a specialized marketing communications consulting practice helping architecture, engineering, and construction firms communicate strategically and connect authentically with their audiences. As a self-proclaimed “word nerd,” she transforms her passion for storytelling into comprehensive marketing services encompassing perception surveys, strategic planning facilitation, content marketing, presentation training, and media relations for design and construction professionals.
Her expertise spans strategic communications, marketing planning, writing and editing, business development training, and keynote presentations serving architecture, engineering, and construction organizations nationwide. Holly brings specialized knowledge in audience research, messaging strategy, and content development. With over 20 years of comprehensive experience in AEC marketing spanning roles from marketing coordinator to associate director of public relations to business owner, she has served prominent firms including BSA LifeStructures, CE Solutions, and TranSystems Corporation.
Her multidisciplinary background includes journalism, public relations, and corporate communications, providing distinctive storytelling expertise that elevates technical marketing effectiveness. As co-author of A/E/C Marketing Fundamentals and SMPS Foundation research on social media usage, Holly combines practical consulting experience with thought leadership advancing the profession.
Holly demonstrates extraordinary professional leadership through her CPSM certification, FSMPS Fellow designation, and service as the 2022-2023 Society President of SMPS, leading the organization during its historic 50th anniversary year. Her presidential leadership guided SMPS’ strategic direction, policy development, and member services for the AEC industry’s only organization dedicated exclusively to professional services marketing. She presided over a seven-member volunteer board of directors representing thousands of marketing professionals across North America and internationally.
Beyond her Society presidency, Holly’s SMPS leadership includes serving as SMPS Foundation President (2015-2016), SMPS Foundation Treasurer (2016-2017), SMPS Indiana Chapter President, Chapter Delegate to the National Board, and multiple committee leadership roles. Her contributions span decades of volunteer service advancing professional development, research, and education for AEC marketers nationwide.
As a nationally recognized keynote speaker and trainer, Holly delivers presentations on marketing, communications, business development, and leadership topics at SMPS conferences, regional events, and industry gatherings. Her speaking engagements inspire audiences through storytelling that connects professional challenges with practical solutions, incorporating lessons from her quest to visit all U.S. National Parks with her husband.
Holly serves her community as Communications Chair for Rebuilding Together Indianapolis, a nonprofit providing home repairs for low-income homeowners, and previously served as Communications Specialist for the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Indiana District Council. Her published work includes contributions to Urban Land online, the SMPS Foundation whitepaper “The Client’s Use of Social Media and Social Networking,” and co-authorship of A/E/C Marketing Fundamentals, a comprehensive resource for professional services marketers.
Her recognition includes being named to ENR Midwest’s prestigious Top 20 Under 40 (Class of 2016), honoring emerging leaders transforming the construction industry. Her educational foundation includes a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations with a Creative Writing minor from the University of Central Missouri, combining communications expertise with creative storytelling skills.
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