When an introverted architect with a deep love for Memphis gets fed up with outdated firm culture and decides to build something better, you get Design Shop Architecture. In this episode of ThriveCast, Shannon sits down with Scott Guidry, founder of Design Shop, to talk about how he's spent more than 30 years designing spaces that are intentional, community-centered, and people-first.

Scott shares the leap of faith it took to start his own firm, the hard lessons learned from past employers, and why culture, structure, and a solid lunch plan matter more than most people think. From leading a small team that has delivered over 350 projects to prioritizing connection over clout, Scott walks us through what it really takes to build something meaningful.

You’ll walk away with insights on:

• Turning awkward lunches into a business development pipeline
• Building a firm culture where people thrive without the burnout
• Leading with intention in an industry that often favors ego over impact

This episode is packed with candid lessons about scaling a creative business, working across diverse communities, and staying grounded as the industry evolves. If you’re into cities with soul and design that actually makes life better, you’re in the right place.

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In this episode of ThriveCAST, host Shannon Singler dives into a powerhouse conversation with Kristi Pempin, CPSM, Vice President of Marketing and Client Development at White Hawk Engineering, a woman-owned, multidisciplinary firm on a mission to shake up the AEC world.

From landing major federal contracts to mentoring the next gen of talent, Kristi shares how marketing excellence isn't just a department - it's a growth engine. You'll hear how White Hawk leverages smart strategy, deep partnerships, and people-first teaming to drive real results across Texas, Oklahoma, and beyond.

Whether you’re a small firm looking to scale or a marketer searching for your seat at the strategy table, this episode is your playbook for building trust, winning work, and staying true to your values along the way.

Key Takeaways:

• Marketing = Growth: Why White Hawk treats marketing and business development as critical, chargeable assets, not overhead.
• Teaming 2.0: How relationship-driven, people-first partnerships are winning more work (and more trust).
• Small Firm, Big Moves: From a no-poach policy to federal wins, how White Hawk is redefining success in the AEC industry.

🎧 Tune in. Take notes. And maybe steal a few playbook pages.

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In this episode, Shannon Singler dives into the deep end with Ray Cox, Senior VP of Marketing at Highfill Infrastructure, an engineering powerhouse specializing in water infrastructure across the Carolinas. From regulatory red tape to tech breakthroughs and talent gaps, this conversation doesn’t just skim the surface, it plunges into the real challenges (and surprising wins) shaping the future of water and wastewater management.

Here’s why this episode is worth a listen:

• Water woes + climate chaos: Discover how deferred maintenance, PFAS, and climate change are rewriting the playbook for utilities, and how engineers are racing to catch up.
• Tech meets tap: From smart meters to data-driven systems, hear how technology is transforming the way we manage, monitor, and move water.
• Leadership that flows: Learn why relationship-building beats RFP-chasing in business development, and how Highfill's service-first culture is turning heads (and winning projects).

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