The Value of Saying Yes to Mentorship
Posted by sreynolds on Jan. 19, 2026 / Subscribe 0
How My Manager’s Support Helped Me Grow
Melanie Garcia, Hensel Phelps, was a mentee in the SMPS Arizona 2025 Mentorship program. She sat down with her manager, Anthony "AJ" Jeffers, to discuss the program's benefits from their respective points of view.
In March 2025, I stepped into TYLin’s Scottsdale office with a fresh notebook and a sense of anticipation. With my manager’s support, I enrolled in the SMPS Arizona Mentorship Program, a commitment I hoped would expand my A/E/C marketing skills and perspective beyond our firm’s walls. From the first session, I knew this experience would be beneficial to my career.
Wondering if the SMPS Mentorship Program is worth your time? I sat down with my supervisor, Anthony “AJ” Jeffers, for a conversation about the program, why it matters, and why managers should encourage their teams to participate. Here is our conversation:
AJ: What is one skill, perspective, or confidence boost you gained through the mentorship program that’s changed how you show up here at work?
Melanie: One perspective I gained is using the “3 F’s” when creating marketing content: Fact, Feeling, and Fun. I learned to anchor a fact with something that connects on a human level, and finish with a fun, creative element. This framework turns technical updates into stories people want to read.
The confidence boost came from learning alongside peers at other firms. Hearing how other coordinators and managers approach pre-RFQ strategy, proposal layout and graphics, and communications gave me insight into strategies to improve our processes. I also started to trust my instincts about what our marketing audience needs. Two years into my role, I’ve learned how to move through responsibilities more efficiently. Now, I start reviews earlier, provide cleaner drafts, and involve the right people at the right time.
Melanie: From your perspective as my supervisor, what value does investing in a mentorship program like this bring to our organization as a whole?
AJ: I think a mentorship program and culture are vital and paramount for an organization to thrive year after year. Without it, a company can easily fall behind. Mentorship is truly the lifeblood of any organization. Here at Hensel Phelps, we live by a culture and mindset of “train your replacement.” That philosophy requires a strong mentoring culture where everyone is being trained, coached, and supported. Knowledge is shared so each of us can grow, develop, and advance our careers.
When it comes to SMPS specifically, I see it as part of your personal growth. We’ve intentionally surrounded you with people who mentor you, sometimes in ways you may not notice, so you’re well prepared for future promotions and growth opportunities.
AJ: When you first asked for my support to join the mentorship program, how did you approach that conversation? And if you were encouraging another manager to support this program, what would you tell them makes it worth the time and commitment?
Melanie: 1 - The program is A/E/C-specific and practical. The curriculum meets marketers exactly where we work. For coordinators newer to the industry, there aren’t many programs built this precisely for our day-to-day.
2 - It adds value for the firm. Mentorship helped me feel comfortable and confident faster. I learned strategies to work better within cross-functional teams.
3 - It’s guidance you can’t Google. Having an experienced mentor who’s “been there” shortens the learning curve and helps you avoid or successfully work through common pitfalls. Even as the program structure evolves, the essence remains: an advisor who guides you toward the work where you’ll excel and the skills you’ll need to advance in your career.
Melanie: How does investing in mentorship and training support employee engagement, retention, or leadership development?
AJ: I think investing in classes and programs like this demonstrates, first and foremost, that the employee is valued, respected, and appreciated. It sends a clear message that they’re worth investing in. When a supervisor approves training like this and the company supports it, it demonstrates a real commitment to the employee, their role, and their future. It’s a strong signal that we believe in them and have big hopes and aspirations for their future.
I’m extremely passionate about continuing education and mentorship. Whenever I have the opportunity, I love teaching within our industry because sharing knowledge is one of the most powerful ways to help us all move forward. That’s why I’m excited to teach the SMPS Arizona “Leadership Styles” class this February. Learn more about this February event!
If you’re on the fence about mentorship or you’re a manager wondering if it is worth it, the upside is real. Programs tailored to A/E/C marketers compress years of trial-and-error into months of guided practice, and the benefits extend well beyond the mentee. In an industry where people make the difference, investing in their lifelong learning is a strategy.
Contributing Authors
Melanie Garcia - Melanie is a Marketing Coordinator at Hensel Phelps and holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Advertising from Grand Canyon University. With four years of experience in construction marketing, she excels in internal and external communications. Outside of work, Melanie enjoys yoga, hiking, reading, concerts, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
Anthony “AJ” Jeffers - AJ’s industry expertise spans over three decades, in which he has diverse experience in architecture, construction, business, real estate development, law, estimating and electrical work. In his current role, AJ is focused on client and project growth strategies. AJ has been influential in leading consistent growth for Hensel Phelps in the Phoenix office over the last 11 years, sustaining eight hundred million in annual revenue. In his spare time, AJ loves being with family and prioritizes well-being. He has completed five 70.3 Ironman races, multiple half and full marathon,s and engages in golf, mountain biking, snow skiing, travel, and is working on the construction of his new custom home.
0 Comments