The Zweig Letter Zweig Group

We're thrilled to bring back one of our most downloaded episodes on The Zweig Letter Podcast! In this popular episode, host Randy Wilburn sits down with Burke Pemberton, the Chief Financial Officer of Stok, a company dedicated to integrating sustainability into the built environment.

Episode Summary
In this episode, Burke shares invaluable insights on Stok's innovative approach to "Working Out Loud," a practice that fosters transparency, collaboration, and continuous improvement. He explains how this methodology has transformed their team dynamics and project management, leading to greater efficiency and innovation.
Originally aired on May 12, 2022, this episode delves into Stok’s unique culture and practices, emphasizing the importance of being transparent about both successes and challenges. Burke also discusses the significance of aligning company goals with personal values and how Stok supports its team members in this endeavor.
This encore presentation promises to inspire and inform, offering practical takeaways for anyone interested in sustainability, effective team collaboration, and innovative project management. Don't miss out on this fan-favorite episode!
See the original show notes and episode here.
Resources:Email Burke Pemberton
Website Stok
Burke Pemberton on LinkedIn
Stok on Instagram
Get your FREE Subscription to the Zweig Letter Newsletter.
For listeners seeking to stay ahead in the design industry, tune into this episode for actionable insights and strategies. Stay tuned for more thought-provoking discussions and expert advice on The Zweig Letter Podcast!
Connect with Zweig Group:Instagram: Zweig Group
Facebook: Zweig Group
Twitter: Zweig Group
LinkedIn: Zweig Group
Website: Zweig Group
Mentioned in this episode:
ElevateAEC 2024 in Tampa, FL
Join Zweig Group at the 2024 ElevateAEC Conference and Awards Gala! Taking place in the stunning Tampa Bay area, this event brings together industry visionaries for inspiring discussions, networking, and collaboration. Don't miss this unparalleled opportunity to connect with leaders and innovators in a beautiful, vibrant setting. Zweig Group is excited to see you in Tampa!

Mastering Recruitment in the Design Industry: Strategies and Insights"Being progressive and open-minded in how you define the roles that you need is critical to successful recruiting."Jeremy Clarke
About the Guest:Jeremy Clarke: Jeremy Clarke is the Director of Recruiting and Retention at Zweig Group. He boasts a rich background as a combat veteran in the U.S. Air Force, followed by significant roles in recruiting at Rockwell Collins Aerospace and Walmart Corporate. Jeremy's extensive experience also includes founding and successfully running his recruiting firm, Emissary, for over a decade. He is well-versed in the challenges and nuances of recruiting within the design industry and is currently leading efforts to innovate and improve recruitment and retention strategies at Zweig Group.
Episode Summary:In this engaging episode of The Zweig Letter Podcast, host Randy Wilburn delves into the ever-evolving world of recruitment and retention within the design industry. Joined by Jeremy Clarke, Director of Recruiting and Retention at Zweig Group, the conversation covers the high stakes and unique challenges firms face in attracting top-tier talent amidst shifting industry dynamics, accelerated by the pandemic.
With over two decades of experience, Jeremy Clarke shares invaluable insights on the current landscape of design industry recruitment, emphasizing the critical role of innovative and strategic approaches. He dissects the impact of the post-Covid environment, the integration of AI in the recruitment process, and the perennial importance of building genuine relationships. Furthermore, Jeremy offers practical advice on creating marriage-worthy job offers and maintaining long-term employee satisfaction through meaningful benefits and career pathing.
Key Takeaways:Innovative Recruiting in a Tight Labor Market: Emphasize creativity and open-mindedness in defining roles and identifying talent to stay ahead in the competitive design industry.Role of AI in Recruitment: Understand how AI complements the recruitment process, especially in candidate identification and analysis.Importance of Human Connection: Despite technological advances, building genuine, trust-based relationships remains paramount in effective recruitment.Retention Through Career Pathing: Develop clear, competency-based career paths to anchor employees and enhance retention.Long-Term Benefits Over Perks: Focus on providing substantial, long-term benefits like career advancement opportunities and strong retirement plans rather than short-term perks.
All this and more on this episode of the Zweig Letter podcast.
Resources:Email Jeremy Clarke
Website Zweig Group
Jeremy Clarke on LinkedIn
Get your FREE Subscription to the Zweig Letter Newsletter.
For listeners seeking to stay ahead in the design industry, tune into this episode for actionable insights and strategies. Stay tuned for more thought-provoking discussions and expert advice on The Zweig Letter Podcast!
Other episodes you'll...

Exploring The Knowledge Management Evolution in AEC with Christopher Parsons
"What was the most important opportunity? And we heard two things. We heard learning management...and AI."Christopher Parsons
About the Guest:Christopher Parsons is the founder and CEO of Knowledge Architecture, a firm based in San Francisco specializing in knowledge management solutions for the architectural, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. With a history degree and a political science major, Christopher transitioned from a technology consulting background to the AEC industry, where he became a specialist in developing intranet platforms and knowledge management systems. His company primarily serves mid-sized AEC firms, providing innovative solutions through their flagship product, Synthesis.
Episode Summary:In this episode of the Zweig Letter Podcast, host Randy Wilburn sits down with Christopher Parsons, the founder and CEO of Knowledge Architecture, to delve into the evolving landscape of Knowledge Management within the AEC industry. Christopher shares his journey from tech consulting to becoming a knowledge management expert and discusses the crucial role of intranets in facilitating knowledge sharing, capturing critical information, and improving organizational efficiency.
The conversation highlights the transition from traditional top-down knowledge management (KM 1.0) to the more dynamic and democratic KM 2.0 and anticipates the exciting future of KM 3.0 powered by AI. Christopher explains how Knowledge Architecture’s intranet platform, Synthesis, enables organizations to create a centralized knowledge base, facilitating better communication and knowledge-sharing across teams. As AI continues to advance, firms that have robust knowledge management systems in place will be better poised to leverage new AI capabilities, ensuring they remain competitive and innovative.
Key Takeaways:Evolution of Knowledge Management: The podcast covers the transition from KM 1.0 (top-down, static) to KM 2.0 (democratic, network-based) and explores the emerging KM 3.0 era enhanced by AI.Importance of Knowledge Capture: Emphasizes the necessity for firms to capture and manage critical knowledge to navigate key transitions like mergers and growth effectively.Synthesis Platform: Insight into how the Synthesis intranet platform integrates essential content, internal communications, and learning development to streamline knowledge sharing.AI Integration: Christopher discusses the upcoming features of Synthesis 6, including AI-powered search and video captioning, that will transform how firms access and leverage their internal knowledge.Future of Knowledge Management: Firms that proactively manage their knowledge assets will have a significant advantage in harnessing AI technologies, thus enhancing their operational efficiency and innovation capabilities.
All this and more on this episode of the Zweig Letter podcast.
Resources:Email Christopher Parsons
Website Knowledge-Architecture
Knowledge Architecture on...

Adapting to the Future: Josh Fowler on Leadership, AI, and Engineering Excellence in the Palmetto State
"You really need to work on building your network and working your network because you never know what kind of doors are going to be open for you."Josh Fowler
About the ShowJosh Fowler, President of Davis & Floyd, a multi-disciplinary civil engineering firm in South Carolina, brings a dynamic blend of experience in engineering, construction, and manufacturing to the table. With an impressive track record of driving growth and fostering innovation, Josh's leadership is steering Davis & Floyd toward a future where adaptability and client-focused service are at the core.
Episode Summary:In this episode, host Randy Wilburn delves into a conversation with Josh Fowler about the strategic evolution of Davis & Floyd, a firm with a 70-year legacy of excellence. Josh shares his journey from a math and science enthusiast to a leader in the AEC industry, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, communication, and understanding client needs.
They discuss the significance of nurturing a business development culture within engineering firms, the critical role of employee retention strategies, and the thoughtful integration of AI and technology to enhance operations without compromising the firm's core values and commitment to public safety.
Key Takeaways:Josh highlights the necessity of adaptability in leadership, a philosophy that has allowed him to successfully navigate various roles and industries.A focus on employee benefits, compensation, and understanding individual contributions has led to a decrease in turnover and bolstered retention at Davis & Floyd.The conversation sheds light on the importance of building a business development culture and the power of delivering exceptional client service for organic growth.Josh and Randy explore the potential and challenges of AI in the AEC industry, advocating for a responsible and ethical approach to its implementation.The episode underscores the value of continuous learning and staying ahead of technological advancements to prepare for the unknown future.
All this and more on this episode of the Zweig Letter podcast.
Resources:Email Davis & Floyd
Website Davis & Floyd
Davis & Floyd on Facebook
Davis & Floyd on Instagram
Davis & Floyd on LinkedIn
Tune in to this episode for a deep dive into navigating the complexities and seizing the possibilities within the architectural and engineering industry from the perspective of a smaller firm. Don’t miss out on further insights and stay tuned for upcoming episodes delivering expert advice directly to you.
Other episodes you'll enjoy:Elevate AEC Keynote - Empowering AEC Professionals: Trends and Strategies for Success with...

We had a little glitch in the matrix yesterday evening and we dropped an episode that is actually not part of the Zweig Letter Podcast.
We apologize for any confusion that this caused. First time in 8 years this has happened to us. The good thing is that the topic of the other podcast is totally germane to the Design Industry space so there is that! ;-).
If you listened to it already and enjoyed the episode that is great. If you didn't hear it but want to feel free to download it HERE. It's from another podcast we do called I am Northwest Arkansas and the episode focuses on New Localism and the Missing Middle Housing issue here in the U.S.. It's definitely related to the Design Industry but it was not a TZL podcast episode.
Apologies again,
Randy Wilburn
Host
Mentioned in this episode:
ElevateAEC 2024
Join Zweig Group at the 2024 ElevateAEC Conference and Awards Gala! Taking place in the stunning Tampa Bay area, this event brings together industry visionaries for inspiring discussions, networking, and collaboration. Don't miss this unparalleled opportunity to connect with leaders and innovators in a beautiful, vibrant setting. Zweig Group is excited to see you in Tampa!

Small Design Firms Face Challenges in Talent Acquisition and Consolidation"The dynamic shift since post-COVID has started an all-out war on talent. Smaller firms like ours... we're getting marginalized trying to acquire that talent and to hold on to it."Scott Erricson
About the ShowScott Erricson is a principal and the founding owner of e2 Engineers, a consulting engineering firm specializing in the building space. With their offices based in New London, Connecticut, Concord, and Massachusetts, they extend their services across New England and beyond. Scott's expertise lies in the structural engineering domain, and under his leadership, e2 Engineers has grown significantly since its inception in 2003. The firm prides itself on its workplace culture and in 2023 was proudly recognized as the number one structural engineering firm in the country both overall and for its size.
Episode Summary:In this episode of the Zweig Letter podcast, host Randy Wilburn speaks with Scott Erricson about the unique challenges and opportunities facing smaller design firms in an era marked by consolidation and a fierce battle for talent. As the architectural and engineering industry evolves, Erricson sheds light on how e2 Engineers is navigating this dynamic landscape, including their strategies for growth and talent acquisition.
Scott Erricson dives into the difficulties that small firms experience when competing for talent against larger, national firms. Erricson discusses the company's intern program, the importance of resisting the wave of acquisitions throughout the industry, and measures that e2 Engineers is taking to position itself for potential mergers or acquisitions in the future. The conversation also touches on the firm's approach to serving clients, the impact of remote work, and the potential role of artificial intelligence in streamlining operations.
Key Takeaways:Small design firms, like e2 Engineers, face significant challenges in talent acquisition due to the competitive offers from larger firms.Fostering a strong company culture and being recognized as a great place to work is crucial for attracting and retaining talent.e2 Engineers is considering growth through mergers and acquisitions, which involves strategic internal preparations.The need for proactive engagement with younger generations and educational institutions is paramount for ensuring a steady stream of incoming talent into the design industry.The firm is exploring the use of artificial intelligence to optimize tasks and improve efficiency.
Resources:Email Scott Erricson
Website e2 Engineers
e2 Engineers on LinkedIn
e2 Engineers on Facebook
e2 Engineers on Instagram
Tune in to this episode for a deep dive into navigating the complexities and seizing the possibilities within the architectural and engineering industry from the perspective of a smaller firm. Don’t miss...