Michelle Eguia
Michelle Eguia is a seasoned marketing and business development leader in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry, bringing more than 30 years of experience to her role. Her career began unexpectedly through an internship at a local engineering firm in Tampa while pursuing her Associate of Science in Architectural and Building Construction Technology. That opportunity launched a diverse and hands-on career spanning roadway and transportation design, survey work, and construction support, complemented by a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management. Over time, Michelle discovered her passion for proposal marketing, where she has spent the last decade refining her ability to position teams to win work through strategic, high-quality pursuits. Currently serving as Southeast Regional Marketing Manager, Michelle leads regional marketing efforts while remaining deeply involved in the day-to-day execution of proposals. Her role blends leadership, strategy, and hands-on contribution - overseeing her team, guiding pursuit strategies, and maintaining the operational excellence required to compete in a fast-paced industry. Her technical background sets her apart, allowing her to approach pursuits with a deeper understanding of engineering concepts and identify gaps others may miss. Since joining her current firm nearly four years ago, Michelle has played a key role in securing approximately 65 to 70 contracts, a reflection of her disciplined approach, high standards, and commitment to delivering exceptional work. Driven by a strong work ethic and shaped by influential mentors, Michelle takes pride in both her professional achievements and her role as a mother. She values family, teamwork, and accountability, and believes in doing what is right - for her team, her clients, and her organization. She will working toward earning CPSM (finally) certification. Known for her intentional leadership style, she continues to foster collaboration, support her team’s growth, and contribute meaningfully to her firm’s long-term success. Outside of work, Michelle enjoys spending time with family and friends and has recently reconnected with her passion for fitness, embracing strength training and an active lifestyle as part of her routine.
• Saint Leo University
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Business Administration and Management
• SMPS (Society for Marketing Professional Services)
• Habitat for Humanity Tampa
• Port Tampa Bay
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute much of my success to the two or three main mentors I've had throughout my career. I learned a great deal from both of them, and through them I was able to see different sides of the business, which I've tried to bring to my marketing team and to everyone I support. I'm pretty hardcore - maybe old school or old-fashioned - about what I think we need to do for a firm and how we're supposed to do it. I have professional standards that we have to submit the best that we can submit at all times. Really, it's about trying to bring success to whoever I can support. I would also contribute my success to my current boss, who has allowed me to really change some things and go against the grain a little bit. That kind of helped bring all 30 years together, especially in the last few years here.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
This is actually what I told my daughter right before she was going to graduate and what I would tell any young woman going out into the world, is to really take time to enjoy the world that they're in. Seek out what makes you happy, because in turn, that may lead to the professional career that you may or may not realize would be a fit for you. It's not about going to college all the time. It's not about where you went to college. In my mind, it's about what makes you happy - whether that's starting your own business right out of high school or learning a technical trade. I actually thought I would become a mechanic before I took that internship, and that internship really changed my mindset because of that opportunity I was given. They hired me after just 3 months, which was unexpected. So if there are opportunities, don't be afraid to take them. Just try you may not see it at that moment, but sometimes later on, the opportunity is there. If you have opportunity, think about it and enjoy.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Right now, nationally and locally in Florida, our challenge over the next couple of years will be that FDOT agencies and municipalities will be watching their funding very closely. With that comes the reduction in contract awards and a downward pressure on fees. The difficulty with that is really thinking outside the box in multiple ways to continue to provide what we can for the client while honoring their goals, and still trying to maintain profit and support our engineers and surveyors across the board for all of these projects that are coming out. We have to manage this carefully and have a good understanding of the funding sources - where funding can and cannot come from, including grants. Hopefully grants will still remain a priority, we have to watch closely. It requires us to think more strategically and creatively about how we deliver high-quality solutions that align with our clients' goals while maintaining profitability and continuing to support our project teams.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Personally, my most important values are family and supporting each other. Everything my husband and I do is really for our daughters. Family is at the center of everything for me. Raising my daughters and seeing their growth is what is most important.
In my work life, the values that matter most are teamwork and how we work together, doing what's right, and accountability. These principles guide how I lead my team and approach every project and pursuit.