I Belong: Allie Horne
Allie Horne, CPSM
Partner
Meeks Marketing
Can you tell us a bit about your career?
Being in the A/E/C marketing world was never a life goal for me, but once I found the industry I couldn’t walk away. Fun fact - my business partner Melanie hired me as an intern at Kirksey Architecture almost 15 years ago. At the time I remember not knowing the difference between a civil, structural and MEP engineer. I had never heard of a request for qualifications and had no idea what InDesign was. I was as green as it gets. But during the time I spent at Kirksey I moved from intern to Proposal Manager to Communications Manager, where I learned a lot about public relations and was able to more than triple the firm’s press mentions. In 2013 Melanie left Kirksey to start Meeks Marketing and in 2015 I took her out to an infamous lunch. During what she thought was a friendly catch up over fajitas, I told her I was going to quit my job and come work with her. After she got over her surprise, we started talking about how to make that happen. That was seven years ago and was easily the best career decision I’ve ever made. Since then Meeks Marketing has grown to a team of six marketing rockstars, worked with over 75 companies and expanded to have offices in both Houston and Austin. I lead our Austin office and became a partner last year.
What is your marketing superpower?
I think my marketing superpower is writing. Whether it’s writing a cover letter, copy for a magazine or simply a note to mail to a client I love writing.
How did you get involved in SMPS?
Early in my career I became involved with SMPS Houston, at the suggestions of some colleagues at Kirksey. I was then involved with the SMPS San Francisco Bay Area Chapter and currently SMPS Austin. I’ve served on a variety of committees, spoken at regional conferences, lunch and learns and virtual events. I’ve lost count of the number of awesome SMPS events I’ve attended over the years!
Why is SMPS valuable to you?
A/E/C marketing is truly a niche industry. Being involved with SMPS has helped me grow and expand my knowledge, but more importantly SMPS introduced me to what has become a network of dear friends and colleagues.
Why do you belong in SMPS?
I belong in SMPS because as a business owner and a mother, I feel supported and understood. SMPS is a group of like-minded people who are committed to not just information sharing, but life sharing.
