c. scott stephens

creator, innovator, storyteller

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A publisher, editor, entrepreneur, and regional storyteller devoted to preserving and promoting the culture, heritage, and people of Florida’s Chipola River Valley. He is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Pines and River Magazine, a lifestyle publication created to document the land, traditions, and voices that define life along the river. (Pines and River Magazine)

Background & Experience

Scott's professional journey is rooted in community engagement, media, branding, and regional development. His work has centered on building platforms that elevate local businesses, artisans, farmers, and civic leaders while strengthening regional identity. Through publishing, marketing initiatives, and storytelling projects, he has consistently focused on highlighting the economic and cultural heartbeat of Northwest Florida.

His leadership in launching and growing Pines and River reflects a blend of editorial vision, creative direction, and entrepreneurial execution—bringing together print media, photography, advertising partnerships, and community features into a cohesive regional brand.

What He Excels At

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

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

  • Brand & Media Development — Building regional media platforms from concept to distribution

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

  • Relationship Building — Connecting businesses, nonprofits, and community leaders through media exposure

Scott is especially known for his ability to translate the character of a place into compelling editorial content—turning regional culture into both a documented archive and a modern marketing platform.

Industries He Has Worked

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

  • Marketing & Advertising — Business features, sponsorships, and brand partnerships

  • Community & Economic Development — Promoting local commerce and cultural initiatives

  • Outdoor & Lifestyle — Agriculture, recreation, conservation, and rural living storytelling

  • 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 whose work shapes the region’s identity. Through publishing and media, he continues to champion community pride, regional storytelling, and the preservation of Northwest Florida’s cultural legacy.

As a speaker, Scott shares insights on regional publishing, rural entrepreneurship, brand storytelling, community-driven marketing, and the importance of preserving local culture in a rapidly changing world. His perspective blends business acumen with a deep appreciation for heritage, making him a sought-after voice for organizations, chambers, faith communities, and grassroots initiatives.

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

To inquire about his availability for speaking engagements, appearances, or workshops, please use the contact form below.