Chris Rickman, Fsmps, Cpsm Email & Phone Number

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States

Fremont-Wright is a diversified platform of engineering, architecture, and surveying firms. Fremont-Wright’s operating companies offer services civil and structural engineering, architecture, master planning, and design, as well as land and aerial surveying.Fremont-Wright is also structured as a “House of Brands” with a focus on enabling our operating companies to “Say Yes to the Customer”.Responsibilities include:• Be a subject matter expert in process improvement, organizational design, and management / measurement systems.• Collaborate with COO & CFO in the development of performance goals and long-term operational plans.• In conjunction with the CFO, develop and monitor revenue margins, operating expenses, and budgets.• Work with other leaders in the development of financial and budgetary plans.• Draw on relationships with department heads, external partners, and vendors to make decisions regarding operational activity and strategic goals.• Plan, monitor, and analyze key metrics for day-to-day operations to ensure efficient and timely completion of tasks.

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States

As Principal of Operations, I worked closely with other Principals, Associate Principals, and Directors to manage and handle the day-to-day business operations. I was the active communications link between Operations, HR, Finance, Business Development, and Marketing. Responsibilities * Develop and execute a strategic plan for firm-wide Architectural and Engineering Operations ensuring the plan complements the broader firm-wide initiatives.* Work with Directors to ensure employees are appropriately utilized, leveraged, and engaged.* Work with staff to ensure the firms Project Delivery System is followed so all projects’ scope, schedule, and budget are met and meet established quality standards and processes.* Create long-term plans and initiatives to accomplish company goals.* Partner with the Director of Culture and firm leadership to help ensure a positive, supportive, inclusive, and effective working environment are maintained.

Moore, Oklahoma

The Planning Commission studies and makes recommendations to the City Council concerning the systematic development and betterment of the City as related to the zoning regulations.The Commission consists of nine members, appointed by the City Council for three-year terms.

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States

As the Preconstruction Manager, I was responsible for managing estimating, proposal preparation, and procurement processes prior to start of construction – as well as assisting the operations team throughout the buyout process. I had the responsibility to be a strong client and market leader.Responsibilities Include:• Networking and identifying project opportunities and potential customer contacts.• Oversee proposal and presentation functions, including oversight of written proposal preparation.• Assist in the preparation of an outline project approach setting forth preliminary goals which include overall scope of work, design intent, and preliminary budget.• Lead the preconstruction team throughout all phases of design, preparing and delivering professional deliverables to clientele and design team partners.• Conduct pre-bid site visits to determine constructability, availability of subcontractors, required permits, and all items necessary to provide a complete bid in response to an RFP.• Assist in the preparation of “front end” documents, including General and Special Conditions clearly defining project scope.• Develop a competitive bid strategy for subcontracts with consideration for schedule and cost.

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

As a BD officer, I focused heavily on building and maintaining relationships with prospective customers that result in project opportunities.Responsibilities include:• Identify, qualify, and prioritize regional project opportunities.• Develop short-term and long-term business development plans.• Measure sales/opportunities results against business development plan and modify plan as necessary.• Develop and cultivate relationships with targeted customers, design professionals, and influencers.• Assist other team members with maintaining existing relationships with customers and influencers.• Develop and lead presentation strategy for proposals and interviews.

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Area

Apex Business Strategies, led by Chief Elevation Officer Chris Rickman, FSMPS, CPSM, was formed to address operational deficiencies specifically for architecture, engineering, and construction (A/E/C) firms. Apex takes a different approach than most consultants –focusing on planning, performance, and profitability rather than solely on marketing to help a firm reach its goals. And, while other firms may offer operational and planning services to the A/E/C industry, this market is not their singular focus, nor their expertise.

The Society for Marketing Professional Services is the only marketing organization dedicated to creating business opportunities in the A/E/C industry. SMPS represents a dynamic network of nearly 7,000 marketing and business development professionals working to secure profitable business relationships for their design and building companies. The Society and its chapters benefit from the support of 3,500 firms, encompassing 80% of the Engineering News–Record Top 500 Design Firms and Top 400 Contractors.

The Society for Marketing Professional Services is the only marketing organization dedicated to creating business opportunities in the A/E/C industry. SMPS represents a dynamic network of nearly 7,000 marketing and business development professionals working to secure profitable business relationships for their design and building companies. The Society and its chapters benefit from the support of 3,500 firms, encompassing 80% of the Engineering News–Record Top 500 Design Firms and Top 400 Contractors.

The Society for Marketing Professional Services is the only marketing organization dedicated to creating business opportunities in the A/E/C industry. SMPS represents a dynamic network of nearly 7,000 marketing and business development professionals working to secure profitable business relationships for their design and building companies. The Society and its chapters benefit from the support of 3,500 firms, encompassing 80% of the Engineering News–Record Top 500 Design Firms and Top 400 Contractors.

The Society for Marketing Professional Services is the only marketing organization dedicated to creating business opportunities in the A/E/C industry. SMPS represents a dynamic network of 6,000+ marketing and business development professionals working to secure profitable business relationships for their design and building companies. The Society and its chapters benefit from the support of 3,500 firms, encompassing 80% of the Engineering News–Record Top 500 Design Firms and Top 400 Contractors.

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Area

I joined ZFI Engineering (formerly Zahl-Ford, Inc.) in 1990 as a junior CAD (computer aided drafting) technician. Since then, I was able to work my way into a leadership role. Responsibilities include:• Develop and drive all business development activities for the firm• Manage all stages of business development, including lead generation, proposal development, and execution of interview process• Develop and manage a client relations program• Facilitate yearly office strategic planning for management staff• Facilitate weekly marketing team meetings• Oversee design, marketing, promotion, delivery, and quality of marketing / communication programs• Manage firm’s website• Manage daily business operations (i.e. invoicing, accounts receivable, collections, budgeting)

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Responsibilities include:• Develop and drive all business development activities for the firm• Manage all stages of business development, including lead generation, proposal development, and execution of interview process• Develop and manage a client relations program• Facilitate yearly office strategic planning for management staff• Facilitate weekly marketing team meetings• Oversee design, marketing, promotion, delivery, and quality of marketing / communication programs• Manage firm’s website• Manage daily business operations (i.e. invoicing, accounts receivable, collections, budgeting)

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States

Assisted structural engineers in creating construction documents for various projects around the United States.

Newsletter Editor 9-2003 to 8-2005President Elect 9-2005 to 8-2006President 9-2006 to 8-2007Past-President 9-2007 to 8-2008Tresurer 9-2008 to 8-2009Senior Board Advisor 9-2012 to 8-2014Chapter Champion 9-2014 to 8-2015

Orlando, Florida

Austin, Texas

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Design new products from engineering concepts to production using AutoCAD R13 with extensive use of 3D Solids. Delegated design projects to other designers and CAD technicians. Assisted in creating and implementing Engineering CAD Standards. Assisted in ISO-9002 procedures for engineering drawings and documentation. Provided AutoCAD support, company wide, from installation, configuration, customization, and training. Researched and purchased reverse engineering equipment, i.e. Coordinate Measuring Machine, and Reveng Software.

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Assisted structural engineers in creating construction documents for various projects around the United States.