Maryella Begley-Garmon, P.E.

Stormwater Engineer. Strategic Marketer. Chief Storyteller.

Maryella Begley-Garmon, P.E.

Maryella Begley-Garmon is a licensed Professional Engineer, stormwater specialist, and the Chief Storyteller behind Digital Stormwater. With more than 25 years of experience in civil engineering, specializing in drainage and stormwater management, she brings a rare combination of technical depth and marketing clarity to an industry that often struggles to explain its own value.

Maryella holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from McNeese State University and an Associates in Project Management from George Washington University. She is a licensed professional engineer in Texas (2009) and Louisiana (2004).

Her career began in engineering offices and project sites, where she designed drainage systems, evaluated stormwater performance, and worked through the regulatory and practical realities of moving water safely and responsibly. She understands firsthand what it means to meet permit requirements, manage runoff, and make design decisions that affect communities for decades.

Over time, she and her husband Ty, saw a different problem emerging.

The companies building innovative stormwater solutions were often invisible online. Manufacturers and service providers relied heavily on trade shows and word of mouth. Engineers who did not attend those events frequently never discovered the products that could improve their projects. The best solutions were not always the best known.

That gap led to the creation of Digital Stormwater.

From Engineer to Chief Storyteller

Maryella did not leave engineering because she lost interest in stormwater. She stepped into marketing because she recognized that the industry needed advocates who understood both the technical details and the power of communication.

As Chief Storyteller, she translates complex stormwater solutions into clear, accurate, and compelling messaging. She ensures that technical content remains technically correct while also being understandable and visible to the people who need it most.

Unlike general marketing agencies, Digital Stormwater does not need to be taught the difference between stormwater, wastewater, and drainage. Maryella understands the regulatory landscape, MS4 programs, infiltration practices, and the realities engineers face when specifying products. This foundation allows her to create content and campaigns that resonate with civil engineers, contractors, regulators, and municipal decision makers.

Digital Stormwater has helped stormwater companies increase online visibility, generate more calls and product sample requests, reduce advertising waste, and experience some of their highest grossing years. Website traffic has grown. Cost per lead has decreased. Most importantly, engineers who need specific solutions are now able to find the companies that provide them.

A Different Philosophy About Stormwater

Maryella’s perspective is grounded in decades of technical experience, starting even before she graduated with her first degree in 1997. She believes stormwater should not simply be treated as a nuisance to move off a property as quickly as possible. In many cases, infiltration on site is the better answer. Stormwater can be managed as an asset rather than a problem.

That same philosophy shapes her approach to marketing. Not every product is right for every project, and not every company is the right fit for every agency. Digital Stormwater is selective because alignment matters. The goal is clarity, credibility, and long term trust, not noise. 

Her guiding principle is simple: Best known beats best every day. A company can have the most effective solution in the market, but if engineers and decision makers do not know it exists, it will never be specified.

Visibility, when grounded in truth and technical accuracy, creates impact.

Industry Voice and Educator

Beyond client work, Maryella contributes to broader industry conversations about stormwater performance, visibility, and public awareness. She is an author, speaker, and sometimes co-host of the Stormwater World Podcast. Maryella advocates for recognizing the value of clean water and for helping professionals communicate how everyday actions affect surface water quality.

She regularly develops educational content, speaks on practical applications of digital marketing in technical industries, and works to bridge the gap between engineering precision and public understanding at regional, national and international conferences as well as to local groups in her community.

Maryella co-authored a book, Making an Impact in Stormwater One Click at a Time, with her husband, Ty Garmon. She speaks at conferences discussing how using social media can be an impactful tool for public education, and has been a podcast guest discussing the origin story of Digital Stormwater and the importance of visibility in niche industries/stormwater.

Her unique position as both engineer and marketer allows her to approach stormwater communication with structure, discipline, and measurable results.

Podcasts: 


A Life of Service and Stewardship

Outside of client work, Maryella has dedicated significant time to professional and educational service.

She has volunteered with the MathCOUNTS program for more than 25 years at both the local and state level. She has served as a past chapter coordinator and as the past Texas State MathCOUNTS Committee Chair, helping mentor middle school students and promote excellence in mathematics. Her long term involvement reflects her commitment to developing the next generation of problem solvers and engineers.

She is also a past president of her local chapter of the Texas Society of Professional Engineers, where she supported professional standards, continuing education, and advocacy for licensed engineers across the state. In addition, she is a member of the International Erosion Control Association, remaining actively connected to the evolving practices of erosion and sediment control and stormwater management.

These roles reflect the same steady discipline that defines her professional work. She believes in strengthening the profession, supporting ethical standards, and investing time where it will have long term impact.

The Person Behind the Title

Outside of her professional role, Maryella is grounded in faith, family, and an intentional life. She values gratitude and the quiet discipline of showing up consistently.

Maryella enjoys gardening, preserving food, sewing, and crocheting. She finds satisfaction in building things that last, whether in soil, in fabric, or in strategy. That same patience and long term mindset influence how she approaches marketing. Real growth takes time, consistency, and care.

Maryella’s work sits at the intersection of engineering integrity and strategic visibility. She remains committed to helping the stormwater industry communicate clearly, act responsibly, and become known for the work that truly makes a difference.

Connect with Maryella: