TZL 1281

A CLEAR PATH, from page 11

to organize things. She’s not an archi- tect, but she helps to open doors and then brings in skilled experts. We also have a robust marketing team that helps with things like proposal writing and presenta- tions. “I’m really enjoying running things now. I can focus on things like business development and client relationships and help to facilitate projects.” TZL: A firm’s longevity is valuable. What are you doing to encourage your staff to stick around? BS: We create opportunities to succeed. There are no ladder rungs to climb. We work with staff to create clear paths, based on their desires and interests. We offer competitive salaries and benefits and pro- vide opportunities to work in several dif- ferent markets. Staff members can also move between our different studios. TZL: Benefits are evolving. Are you offer- ing any new ones due to the changing de- mographic? BS: Benefits have evolved over the last 25 years. Today, we provide more flexibility than ever before – in how and where peo- ple work. TZL: How are the tariffs impacting your business and that of your clients? BS: We’re starting to see construction costs rise and clients are hesitant about moving forward with projects. However, I think the long-term effect will be positive. It will get worse before it gets better. TZL: How are the tax cuts impacting your business? Have salaries and bonuses in- creased? BS: We do a valuation every year. I don’t think the tax cuts will have too much of an impact. We have not increased salaries as a result of the tax cuts. TZL: Are you currently pursuing the R&D tax credit?

community. For instance, one studio may be focused on hospitality while another is focused on K-12. TZL: When did you have the most fun running your firm, and what were the hallmarks of that time in your profes- sional life? BS: I started Pazdan Smith in 1993. We just had our 25 th anniversary. As it grew, we merged with McMillan in 2009. We were coming out of the recession and the merger made us a lot stronger. I’m really enjoying running things now. I can focus on things like business development and client rela- tionships and help to facilitate projects. I want to help others be successful – that’s a lot of fun. Building the firm culture is also enjoyable. Our culture is to practice good design – design that leads to a hap- py client and staff. I’m excited to be part of all this. I’m enjoying putting old build- ings back to work. It instills and builds our culture. TZL: Describe the challenges you en- countered in building your management teamover the lifetime of your leadership. Have you ever terminated or demoted long-time leaders as the firm grew? How did you handle it? BS: It’s never easy, but I’ve had to do it. In some cases principals went back to be- ing project managers and were no longer shareholders. In one case, I had to termi- nate a principal. “Our culture is to practice good design – design that leads to a happy client and staff. I’m excited to be part of all this. I’m enjoying putting old buildings back to work. It instills and builds our culture.” TZL: In one word or phrase, what do you describe as your number one job respon- sibility as CEO? BS: Business development and firm cul- ture. TZL: The seller-doer model is very suc- cessful, but with growth you need to adapt to new models. What is your pro- gram? BS: We have a hybrid model. We have a di- rector of business development who helps

YEAR FOUNDED: 1955 HEADQUARTERS: Greenville, SC OFFICES: 6 offices in 3 states NO. OF EMPLOYEES: 260 BRAD SMITH: As managing principal, Brad Smith focuses on staff development, integration of firm culture, and internal communications. EXPERTISE: ❚ ❚ K-12 campus security ❚ ❚ Master planning ❚ ❚ Construction administration ❚ ❚ Interior design ❚ ❚ BIM ❚ ❚ Sustainability ❚ ❚ Historic preservation CLIENTS: ❚ ❚ K-12 education (public and private) ❚ ❚ Higher education ❚ ❚ Retail/mixed use/ ❚ ❚ Corporate/office ❚ ❚ Hospitality ❚ ❚ Higher ed sports facilities ❚ ❚ Senior living ❚ ❚ Civic and cultural ❚ ❚ Industrial ❚ ❚ Healthcare ❚ ❚ Recreation facilities ❚ ❚ Religion CULTURE: Collaborative, creative, and enthusiastic MISSION: To help clients create environments that embody their personalities, enrich their lives, and enhance the quality of their community.

BS: Yes.

THE ZWEIG LETTER January 28, 2019, ISSUE 1281

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