Veteran Spotlight: Carol Metzner

For this month’s veteran member spotlight, we spoke with Carol Metzner, President and Executive Recruiter of The Metzner Group, LLC. Find out why Carol stays engaged with SMPS and what drives her approach to our industry.

Name: Carol Metzner

Company: The Metzner Group, LLC

Title/role: President/Executive Recruiter

Hometown & Current town: Hagerstown, MD & Myersville, MD

Alma Mater(s): University of Maryland, College Park, MD

Family/pets: Longtime boyfriend and two “step” children / seven rescued cats

Favorite DC-area restaurant: Central Michel Richard

Favorite DC tourist destination: The National Theatre

Favorite travel destination: Home!

Favorite book – business and/or pleasure: Becoming by Michelle Obama

Food you always crave: Steak

Favorite celebrity/brand to follow on social: Bethenny Frankel

Favorite app: Words With Friends

Favorite movie: Heart & Souls

Favorite TV Show: Golden Girls

When I’m not at work you’ll find me: Taking care of 35 acres

Dream job: Living and working at it. Executive Search!

What got you into the AEC industry and what keeps you here?

Recruited by an A/E firm when I was 28 years old (1986) to start their active recruiting division. Working with the firm for 3 years while they grew from 700 people to over 1,300. Then, in 1989 I founded The Metzner Group, focusing on recruiting in the A/E marketplace. Many clients and candidates have become friends over these last 35 years. It is impossible to think of working in any other market sector.

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

A national client hired us on a search assignment to identify a Marketing Leader. SMPS offered me an opportunity to network with Marketing Professionals across the country. Over these years, many of my connections in SMPS became friends. SMPS provides me an opportunity to keep educated on topics of importance to my A/E clients.

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

Network and don’t be afraid to ask members for guidance and mentoring. Most people are happy to help! Attend as many virtual or in person training events offered.

What has been your favorite SMPS DC or SMPS event?

Build Business PIVOT & FOCUS

What part of the SMPS mission to Advocate, Educate, and Connect most resonates with you and why? “Connecting” resonates most with me. My professional world focuses on networking and helping people advance in their careers. SMPS promotes mentoring and there always exists a community that is open to helping each member.

What is your favorite SMPS DC memory?

The “old” happy hours and holiday parties back in my younger years! It was wonderful to connect with members across the area!

Best work-related advice you’ve ever gotten?

Don’t be afraid to pick up the phone!