Jennifer McPherson is the President of Chickenango Marketing Solutions. The company specializes in public outreach and marketing for government agencies, and branding, design, and proposal writing for the AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) sector. Jennifer started her company at age 46 after gaining 27 years of experience in the AEC industry, and she is now launching Chickenango University, an educational program aimed at enhancing marketing and business development skills in the AEC space.

Have you ever felt the pull to make a change, to break free from the grind of your current job and try something completely new? Many people dream of owning their own business, but the reality is that making that leap is far from easy. In fact, it often requires an overwhelming amount of courage and grit. What does it really take to launch a purpose-driven agency and find success in a competitive industry?

For Jennifer McPherson, the key to making this bold move was driven by both a personal desire for change and a bigger mission to make a real impact in the world of public engagement. She explains that her transition was spurred by burnout from long hours and high-stress deadlines. Yet, the decision wasn't just about leaving her former career, it was about a deeper mission. She wanted to bring more meaning and community connection to the work, especially through public involvement in infrastructure projects that impact everyday lives. Jennifer recognizes that success isn't just about providing services; it's about deeply understanding the people and communities the projects affect. That's where the heart of her company, Chickenango, lies — creating space for authentic conversations and collaboration.

In this episode of Own Your Next, Jennifer McPherson is interviewed by Chad Franzen of Rise25 to discuss the challenges of launching a purpose-driven agency and the importance of public engagement in AEC industries. Jennifer talks about her personal journey from the corporate grind to entrepreneurial freedom, how she tackles the complexities of translating technical jargon into human-centered communication, and the critical role AI plays in enhancing marketing processes.