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c. scott stephens

Creator | Innovator | Storyteller | Strategic Growth Advisor

Scott Stephens is an entrepreneur and strategic growth advisor who builds brands, launches media platforms, and helps organizations grow through the power of storytelling, design, and digital strategy.

He is the Owner of The Pine Cone Group LLC, a renowned Strategic Growth Agency that helps organizations grow their leads, influence, and revenue through strategic design, marketing systems, and digital storytelling. Through the Pine Cone Group, Scott works with businesses to refine their brand positioning, modernize their digital presence, and implement marketing strategies that produce measurable growth.

Scott is also the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Pines and River Magazine, a lifestyle publication created to document and celebrate the land, traditions, and people of Florida’s Chipola River Valley. Through editorial storytelling, photography, and community features, the publication preserves the heritage and spirit of life along the river.

Background & Experience

Scott’s professional journey blends media, entrepreneurship, branding, and community development. His work has consistently focused on creating platforms that elevate businesses, artisans, nonprofits, and civic leaders while strengthening regional identity.

Through both publishing and marketing initiatives, he has built systems that connect storytelling with business growth — helping organizations communicate their value more clearly while expanding their reach.

His leadership in launching and growing Pines and River Magazine reflects a rare combination of editorial vision, creative direction, and entrepreneurial execution, integrating print media, photography, advertising partnerships, and regional storytelling into a cohesive and respected publication.

At the same time, his work through The Pine Cone Group allows him to apply those same storytelling and brand-building principles to companies seeking modern marketing solutions and strategic growth.

What He Excels At

  • Strategic Growth & Marketing Systems
    Helping organizations grow leads and revenue through modern digital strategy.

  • Community Storytelling
    Capturing authentic narratives across heritage, agriculture, outdoors, and small business.

  • Publishing & Editorial Leadership
    Magazine development, content strategy, and feature storytelling.

  • Brand & Media Development
    Building brands and media platforms from concept to audience.

  • Creative Direction
    Visual storytelling, photography collaboration, and lifestyle branding.

  • Relationship Building
    Connecting businesses, nonprofits, and community leaders through media and marketing.

Scott is widely known for his ability to translate the character of a place or organization into compelling narrative and brand presence, turning culture and identity into both editorial storytelling and effective marketing strategy.

Industries He Has Worked In

  • Publishing & Print Media
    Magazine creation, editorial production, regional journalism.

  • Marketing & Strategic Branding
    Growth strategy, digital presence, and marketing systems for businesses.

  • Community & Economic Development
    Promoting regional commerce and local initiatives.

  • Outdoor & Lifestyle
    Agriculture, recreation, conservation, and rural living.

  • Creative & Visual Media
    Photography, design collaboration, and feature layout production.

Mission & Ongoing Work

Scott founded Pines and River Magazine on the belief that local stories matter and deserve preservation. Each issue serves as a “love letter” to the people and places of the Chipola River Valley — spotlighting craftsmanship, sustainable farming, outdoor heritage, and the individuals shaping the region’s identity.

Through The Pine Cone Group, he continues to help businesses communicate their story and grow through strategic marketing, brand clarity, and digital innovation.

Together, these two pursuits represent a unified mission to strengthen communities by elevating their stories, businesses, and people.

Speaking & Thought Leadership

As a speaker, Scott shares insights on:

  • Rural Entrepreneurship

  • Strategic Marketing for Small Businesses

  • Brand Storytelling & Community Identity

  • Publishing & Regional Media

  • Culture, Heritage, and Economic Development

His perspective blends business strategy with a deep appreciation for place and heritage, making him a compelling voice for organizations, chambers of commerce, faith communities, business forums, and civic gatherings.

Over the years, Scott has been invited to speak at numerous conferences, community events, and business forums where he encourages audiences through his message of storytelling, regional pride, and purpose-driven enterprise.