Linda Cook, Marketing Communications Specialist with MARKETLINK, brings more than 30 years of experience in public relations, writing, and design to the AEC industry. Her career began in Utah's water industry, where she spent decades helping engineers, legislators, member agencies, and the public navigate complex issues. Along the way, she developed a knack for translating technical information into something people could actually understand.

After retiring from the water industry, she found herself in a new role supporting architecture, engineering, and construction firms. It turned out to be a natural fit. Linda loves the precision of the industry, the collaboration required to bring projects to life, and, admittedly, engineers more than most people do. Today, she brings that same passion for clear communication to MARKETLINK, helping clients tell their stories through articles, interviews, graphics, and strategic content.

What’s your role at MARKETLINK, and what does your day-to-day look like?

My role at MARKETLINK is communications specialist. On any given day, I might be interviewing a client, writing an article or blog post, creating graphics for social media, or jumping in wherever extra support is needed. No two days look quite the same, which is one of the things I enjoy most about the role.

How did you get into the AEC industry, and what do you love most about it?

My career began in the water industry, which runs parallel to AEC in a lot of ways. I worked alongside engineers for years and even managed a few projects myself. When I retired, a new door opened, and I walked right through it.

What I love most about AEC is the precision of it, and the way everyone works together to build something that improves the world. There's something satisfying about being part of an industry that creates tangible results and leaves places better than it found them.

What success are you most proud of in your career so far?

Early in my career, I saw how little the water industry communicated with customers, member agencies, and legislators, and how ineffective much of that communication often was. Improving those connections became an important part of my work.

With strong support from our leadership team, I spent much of my career helping strengthen the agency's communications efforts. Those efforts helped position the agency as a recognized leader in the industry. It was rewarding to contribute to that growth as part of a talented and committed team.

One thing the experience reinforced for me is the value of relationships. I was reminded of that recently when a Utah senator recognized me at the airport and said, "I haven't seen you around in a while!" He had no idea I'd retired.

Who has been your greatest coach or mentor, and what’s the best lesson they taught you?

Richard Bay, past CEO of the water agency. He taught me to trust my instincts and not hesitate to offer suggestions, even when I wasn't sure how they'd land. Seeing some of those ideas take root and make a difference was genuinely exciting.

How do you stay motivated and focused when things get tough?

The creative process has always been its own motivation for me. I think about the end result and how good it's going to be. Sometimes that means closing my office door and focusing until the work is done. Other times, a small distraction for a few minutes is exactly what I need.

I've also learned that the best outcome is rarely mine alone. Even when we're the marketing experts, the client's perspective is invaluable. Collaboration produces something neither side could create on its own.

What’s something surprising about you that people might not know?

I'm left-handed, though I'll admit that's not exactly a showstopper.

The real answer is that I've lived through more than most people would guess, including surviving cancer and losing my husband. My kids joke that it would be easier to list the things I haven't done.

Known for her curiosity, willingness to jump in, and talent for making complicated subjects easier to understand, Linda brings both experience and perspective to every project she touches. Her work reflects a simple belief: when people feel informed, understood, and included, better things happen. We're glad she's part of the MARKETLINK team.