The Rainmaker Team

 
 

Josh Roberts - partner & Co founder

Josh is a nationally recognized professional coach and visionary who ignites the way information is delivered. He is an award-winning marketer, strategist, and futurist - and a short-list interview expert who has influenced many executives and project teams in the technology, construction, architecture, and engineering industries.

Josh brings a wealth of versatility with a deep background in creative multimedia design, stage and video production leadership, and A/E/C marketing and business development coaching. He has supported over 500 collaborative delivery pursuits for numerous high-profile clients helping win 70% of those projects worth over $37 billion throughout North America.

This experience has well-rounded his skill set to empower people to deliver their best performance during short-list interviews, on the biggest stages in corporate production, and other critical moments in business when you want to make an immense impact on your audience.

 
 

Jared Smith - partner & Co Founder

Jared is a visionary leader and strategic expert dedicated to transforming businesses within the architecture, engineering, and construction (A/E/C) industry. As Co-Founder and Partner of Rainmaker Growth Partners, Jared has been crucial in ensuring Rainmaker Growth Partners consistently delivers exceptional value to its clients, and driving the firm’s success.

In the realm of Strategic & Executive Search consulting, Jared excels in identifying and securing top-tier talent for key leadership positions, including Chief Operating Officer, Chief Strategy Officer, General Counsel, and the full range of Vice President roles. His comprehensive approach ensures that each placement aligns with the client's strategic objectives and organizational culture, driving long-term success and stability. 

A forward-thinking advocate for technological innovation, Jared leads advancements integrating AI tools into Rainmaker Growth Partners' methodology. By harnessing cutting-edge platforms like Large Language Models and custom-tailored AI solutions, he enhances capabilities in marketing, project pursuit communications, proposal quality, and streamlining client engagement processes.

Jared has an unwavering dedication to empowering organizations and individuals alike. His ability to anticipate industry trends and adapt strategies accordingly has been instrumental in guiding clients through complex organizational growth challenges and opportunities, significantly impacting the broader A/E/C industry and inspiring others to strive for excellence and embrace innovation.

 
 

Travis White - senior director

Travis White is a seasoned professional with nearly 20 years of experience in the AEC industry, spanning three decades. As the Senior Director at Rainmaker Growth Partners, he focuses on strategic enhancement of AEC clients across the nation. Over the decades, he has excelled in various roles including project engineering, estimating, marketing, and business development. His diverse skill set and leadership have been instrumental in driving growth and success for his clients.

Before his tenure in the AEC sector, Travis served with distinction in Army Special Operations for six years, bringing a unique blend of discipline, strategic thinking, and resilience to his civilian career.

Outside of his professional life, Travis is a dedicated single father to two beautiful children. He is passionate about staying healthy, cooking, and indulging in all things art and design. Known for his infectious laughter and competitive spirit, Travis thrives on both personal and professional victories.

 
 

Deena Ross – Southwest Regional Director

Deena is a seasoned marketing professional in the A/E/C industry with over 25 years of experience. Coming from a family deeply rooted in construction, she has been steeped in the industry from an early age, fostering a profound passion for it. As a native of Arizona, she has played a pivotal role in some of the state's most significant infrastructure projects, showcasing her expertise and commitment to the field.

Deena focuses on alternative delivery pursuits, mainly in the Southwestern United States. Her background in heavy civil construction has given her valuable hands-on experience with the unique political and physical elements that influence the built environment in this region.

Deena's strength lies in her ability to collaborate with subject matter experts, translating complex technical information into materials that resonate with project owners and align with project objectives. Her proficiency in data analysis to identify and develop key factors essential for effectively communicating project narratives, coupled with her blend of creativity, attention to detail, and industry knowledge, has consistently contributed to the success of companies of all sizes in winning projects in this competitive market.

 
 

Erica ferdani - business manager

The people of the built environment are Erica’s passion. Her current role is to serve the marketers and business development professionals for Rainmaker and tell our clients the story of the built environment and sell the work. She gives the marketers and BD experts a solid platform from which to network, learn and grow their firms. And she has a blast doing it.

Erica also provides excellent business management services for the entire Rainmaker team. She is critical in all fundamental administrative work and management of core processes.

 
 

Sadie o’connor - junior associate

Sadie assists Rainmaker in various areas of service including pitch coaching, quality control and administrative work. She also works on developing upcoming projects at Rainmaker, working with AI and using various analytical tools to offer business insights and create a competitive advantage in the industry.

She is also a student at the University of Denver studying Business Information & Analytics with minors in Business Ethics & Legal Studies and Accounting.