Episode 189

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Published on:

6th May 2021

189 - Strategy and Ownership Transition a Conversation with Will Swearingen

Strategy and Ownership Transition a Conversation with Will Swearingen 

We recently sat down with Will Swearingen, Director of Ownership Transition at Zweig Group.

Known as “the leading research, publishing, and advisory services resource for design firms in the AEC industry,” Zweig Group offers a comprehensive suite of products and services, from newsletters and market research reports to management consulting and events such as the Elevate AEC Conference.

Listen in as Will discusses the latest things happening in the design industry as of March 2021, where lockdowns persist across the U.S., and remote work is part of the new normal.

Will peels the curtain back on how leadership in firms big and small are planning out their next steps in the face of continued uncertainty. He also discusses how company owners can take these insights to prime their businesses for success, whether they are committed to their firm for the long run or intend to prepare for a graceful exit.

All of this and more on this episode of The Zweig Letter podcast.

In this Episode:

  • [05:10] The talent retention problem: “How do we keep our people?”
  • [08:17] Planning for an exit and communicating to the team to inspire them to take ownership
  • [18:41] An example of a successful transition by one of Zweig Group’s clients
  • [22:52] ESOPs as a vehicle for the evolution of ownership in the design industry
  • [29:04] Why it’s never too early to seek counsel regarding ownership transition
  • [33:15] Takeaways from Zweig’s Elevate AEC Conference
  • [38:34] Why your replacement does not have to be a replica of yourself

Get in Touch with Will Swearingen: 

Will Swearingen on LinkedIn

Email Will!

Get your FREE Subscription to the Zweig Letter Newsletter.

Mentioned in this episode:

ATCO

ATCO Structures

ATCO Trailers

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About the Podcast

The Zweig Letter
Elevating The AEC Design Industry One Podcast Episode at a Time
The Zweig Group provides management information and expertise to architecture, engineering, planning, and environmental consulting firms worldwide. Our books, magazines, research reports, seminars, conferences, awards programs, and consulting services provide Design Firm leaders with the tools they need to be more successful! The Zweig Letter Podcast is a regular dose of ideas, topics, and information discussed in our Newsletter. The Zweig Letter is one of the longest-running newsletters in the Design Industry.

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Zweig Group