SMPS Central PA

CPSM Program Testimonials

Testimonial from Scott Milder, CPSM

"When I decided to take the CPSM exam, I was doing it for the personal satisfaction of knowing that I have achieved the highest level of certification the industry has to offer. That's the overachiever in me. Then something very odd began to happen. People in my firm began to take me more seriously with the initials following my name. No one know what it meant, but they were not afraid to ask and I would answer, it means I'm really good at what I do. Before long, they started believing it. Notice my title below, I'm told the CPSM designation had something to do with that." - Scott Milder, CPSM, Vice President, Communications, SHW Group Architects, Dallas, TX, 2003 SMPS National Chapter President of the Year

Testimonial from Peter Kienle, FSMPS, CPSM
Pete Kienle, FSMPS, CPSM, is the Chief Marketing Officer of McKim & Creed, P.A., a 475-person engineering, surveying and planning firm serving the Southeast United States. Pete is the National President of the Society fo Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) and is a Certified Professional Services Marketer as well as a Fellow of the Society. He has a BSBA and an MBA from Ohio State University, and previously served in marketing roles for Moody-Nolan, Inc. and NBBJ, both in Columbus, OH

We sat down with Pete to talk with him one-on-one about his thoughts on being a CPSM.

CPSM: What was your motivation for becoming a CPSM?
KIENLE: I would have a credential just like the "professionals" I was working with - architects and engineers.

CPSM: Has your certification made a difference in yoru professional life? KIENLE: First, I know what I have accomplished in becoming certified - mastering the skills and acquiring the knowledge for the six domains of practice. Also, when people see my CPSM they ask what that is and I get a chance to promote certification.

CPSM: Does your employer support your certification?
KIENLE: Yes! He knows there are critical knowledge and skills that are necessary to be a professional marketer.

CPSM: Would you encourage others to seek certification?
KIENLE: Yes! There is no other way to distinguish a professional accomplished in A/E/C marketing. Soon it will be the standard for A/E/C marketing in the United States.

CPSM: What did you find was of most value to you in studying for the exam?
KIENLE: All the books and articles were excellent! I found out about arteas I do not routinely work in.

CPSM: What advice would you give to future certification candidates to help them prepare for the CPSM examination?
KIENLE: Read the material, start a study group, and have a plan for certification. Without a plan, it will be very difficult to discipline yourself to prepare for the exam.

CPSM: How does your local SMPS Chapter support the certification program?
KIENLE: Our Chapter is now starting its first study group and certification is promoted at the monthly meetings of the Chapter.

CPSM: Would you be likely to maintain your certification if you left the A/E/C industry?
KIENLE: Certainly! A ceertification in professional services marketing is a valuable entity in today's world.