Meet THE TEAM
curious researchers and growth strategists
Research-Driven Growth Strategy
Sarah Kinard
Founder & Head Bird
With over 20 years of experience leading growth strategies and new market development, Sarah Kinard is the driving force behind The Flamingo Project, a research, strategy, and growth-focused firm. She specializes in research-first growth strategies, and market positioning to help AEC firms thrive.
Sarah is known for her ability to lead vision-driven strategies to uncover new revenue opportunities and develop market-entry strategies. Her expertise spans both horizontal and vertical markets working with firms ranging the AEC gamut—from small design studios, regional construction companies, to international engineering firms. With a passion for client-focused solutions, she ensures that strategy efforts align with business goals and generate measurable impact.
SMPS
Sarah is heavily involved in SMPS, serving as the Dallas president from 2021 to 2022. During her presidency, she worked with Fort Worth to re-envision how SMPS serves the market, and together Dallas and Fort Worth formed an SMPS North Texas chapter. She is presently serving as a trustee of the SMPS Foundation.
Interested in having Sarah speak at your event?
Planning a company retreat? Day Conference? or Education Program for your professional association?
Explore the Speaking page to learn more about her topics, or contact us to book Sarah for your next event.
Data-Driven Market Intelligence
Stephanie Nelson
Partner, Head of Research Design
Stephanie Nelson is a strategic thinker with a talent for turning data into direction. With more than 20 years of experience across the AEC industry, public sector, and political strategy, she helps clients uncover opportunity, expand into new markets, and grow with intention.
At The Flamingo Project, Stephanie leads research design efforts aligning our approach with the growth outcomes are clients seek. She brings deep expertise in infrastructure investment, municipal systems, and public-sector engagement. As the founder of Capital Pipeline, she transformed capital improvement data into a powerful decision-making tool. Clients count on Stephanie for her clear thinking, and ability to connect insights with action.
Digital Flow, Delivered with Care
Suzanne King, CPSM
Marketing Connector & Digital Communicator
Suzanne brings 20 years of A/E/C marketing experience, a can-do attitude, and a whole lot of positivity to her work. At The Flamingo Project, she helps shape the firm’s digital presence through thoughtful social media, email campaigns, and website content, with an eye toward clarity, consistency, and a touch of sparkle. Suzanne loves organizing the details that bring ideas to life, whether she’s drafting a newsletter, a company event, or helping the team showcase their work through case studies and digital storytelling.
With a Certified Professional Services Marketer (CPSM) credential and a past presidency with SMPS Boston, Suzanne brings not just experience, but heart and humor to the work.
Always exploring new ways to work smarter, Suzanne integrates tech and AI tools to streamline the process without losing the personal touch. She is a firm believer that internal marketing deserves just as much creativity and care as the public-facing kind. Her coordination supports internal momentum and amplifies the good work happening across the team.