News and Insights

For this month’s Veteran Member Spotlight, we spoke with Rebecca Starer, Marketing Services Manager at Gilbane Building Company. Find out why Rebecca stays engaged with SMPS and what drives her approach to our industry.

Name: Becca Starer

Company: Gilbane Building Company

Title/role: Marketing Services Manager

Hometown & Current town: Warwick, NY / Arlington, VA

Alma Mater(s): University of Maryland College Park. Go Terps!

Favorite DC-area restaurant: Haikan (it’s a goal of mine to find the best Ramen in DC and so far, this is my favorite!)

Favorite DC tourist destination: Union Market

Favorite travel destination: Wrigley Field

Favorite book – business and/or pleasure: The Power of Habit

Food you always crave: Chick-fil-A on Sundays

Favorite movie: The Italian Job

Currently binging on Netflix: Grace and Frankie

What got you into the A/E/C industry and what keeps you here?

I landed a college internship at a local construction firm, where I toured a construction project that has now become a go-to destination in D.C. That experience inspired me. Now, after five years in the industry, I’ve been a part of a lot of transformative projects across the Mid-Atlantic. These projects and the people I’ve met along the way keep me coming back for more.

When and why did you first join SMPS, and what keeps you coming back?

When I first started at Gilbane a coworker encouraged me to join SMPS. Since then, the people and the educational programs are what keep me coming back!

What advice do you have for our newer SMPS DC members about getting the most out of their membership?

Join a committee and don’t be afraid to show up to an event alone. Both are great ways to meet new people and expand your network!

Do you have your CPSM? If so, why did you get it and how has it impacted your career?

Yes, I received my CPSM a year ago. That was after I spent a year pushing it off. I eventually laid out a two-month study plan and stuck to it! Pursuing my CPSM was the perfect way to push myself professionally. It has helped round out my skills as a marketer, while increasing my visibility in the industry.

What part of the SMPS mission to Advocate, Educate, and Connect most resonates with you and why?

It’s sometimes difficult to find marketing-specific training at A/E/C firms. Therefore, I’ve learned it’s our job as marketers to search for outside opportunities to improve our skills. SMPS makes it easy! I joined the education committee, so I could influence the type of programs that SMPS DC hosted. Since I joined, I’ve organized programs from crisis communications to content marketing to strategic planning. All of which have played a major role in my current position.

What is your favorite SMPS DC memory?

Receiving my Rising Star Award in 2016. I was in our New York City office earlier that day and had to catch an earlier train to make it to the event on time. It was pouring rain and I had to haul my suitcase around with me, but it was all worth it!