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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In this power-packed episode of ThriveCAST, Shannon Singler sits down with Malory Atkinson, CPSM, LEED, and co-founder of Shear Structural, Georgia's first all-women-owned structural engineering firm that's redefining what it means to build community impact through smart engineering solutions.

This isn't your typical engineering conversation. Malory breaks down how her firm is winning in a competitive market by focusing on what matters most - relationships, resilience, and real results. From adaptive reuse projects that breathe new life into communities to innovative workplace cultures that actually attract top talent, Shear Structural proves that being different isn't just an advantage, it's essential.

We dive into topics such as:

• Relationship-driven growth: Discover how over 90% of their work comes from repeat clients and why building long-term partnerships out performs chasing projects.
• Talent attraction strategies: Learn how their workplace flexibility tactics can help small firms compete with industry giants for the best engineering talent.
• Community-focused engineering: We discuss how prioritizing adaptive reuse and public projects creates lasting impact while building a sustainable business model.
• Resilience over sustainability: Understand why preparing for challenges beats just surviving them, and how transparency builds and unshakeable firm culture.

Ready to engineer your own competitive advantage? This episode delivers the strategic insights B2B leaders need to build relationships, attract talent, and create lasting community impact.

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