An Inspired Chat with C. Scott Stephens of Sunny Florida

We’re looking forward to introducing you to C. Scott Stephens. Check out our conversation below.

C. Scott, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about your customers?
One of the most surprising things I’ve learned about our customers at The Pine Cone Group is just how deeply they value authenticity and local connection. People aren’t just looking for products or services—they’re looking to feel a part of something real and rooted. Many of our customers share a genuine appreciation for craftsmanship, heritage, and the slower, more intentional way of life that defines our region.

It’s been eye-opening to see how much heart people have for supporting local ventures when they sense that what you’re building is honest and community-driven. That realization has shaped how we approach everything—from our branding and storytelling to the partnerships we pursue. It reminds me that success isn’t just about growth; it’s about building something that reflects the people and places we serve.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
As Chief Creative for The Pine Cone Group LLC, a family of brands rooted in the culture and character of Northwest Florida. At our core, we tell stories that celebrate place—whether that’s through Pines and River Magazine, The River Ledger, or our lifestyle and apparel lines like Talquin Supply Co. and Desolate Threads.

What makes The Pine Cone Group special is that everything we do is born from a real connection to the land, the water, and the people who call this part of Florida home. We’re not chasing trends; we’re preserving a way of life—one that values community, craftsmanship, and the quiet, steady beauty of rural living.

My role as Chief Creative is to make sure that authenticity shines through in every piece of work we put out—whether it’s a story in print, a new brand campaign, or a product design. Right now, we’re focused on expanding our creative reach, building platforms that give local voices and small-town stories a place to be heard.

For me, it’s not just about running brands—it’s about honoring a way of life that still matters deeply to a lot of people. That’s what drives everything we do at The Pine Cone Group.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My earliest memory of feeling powerful wasn’t about success or recognition—it was about independence. I remember being a kid and spending whole afternoons out in the woods or by the river, building things from whatever I could find—sticks, rope, scrap boards. There was something about creating something from nothing, about making my own little world, that made me feel capable in a way that’s hard to describe.

That feeling—of taking an idea in your head and turning it into something real—has stuck with me ever since. It’s the same energy that drives what I do today with The Pine Cone Group. Whether it’s shaping a brand, designing a magazine layout, or crafting a story that connects with people, that early sense of “I can make something meaningful” still fuels everything.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I’d tell my younger self to trust the slow work. You don’t have to have it all figured out right away, and the quiet seasons are just as important as the busy ones. Every small project, every setback, every early morning out in the woods or late night at the desk—they’re all shaping you for something bigger.

I’d remind him that the best things in life—faith, family, creativity, and community—take time to grow. Keep your hands busy, your heart steady, and your eyes on what matters most. The rest will fall into place when it’s meant to.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies our industry tells itself is that bigger is always better—that growth, reach, and numbers matter more than connection. In media, branding, and lifestyle marketing, there’s this constant pressure to scale fast and appeal to everyone. But in chasing that, so many brands lose the very soul that made people care in the first place.

At The Pine Cone Group, we’ve learned that small can be strong. Depth of connection means more than width of audience. People crave honesty, story, and a sense of belonging—and those things don’t come from algorithms or ad spend. They come from slowing down, paying attention, and building something that reflects real life.

So for us, the truth we try to hold onto is simple: you don’t have to be the biggest to make the deepest impact.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people say that I built things that mattered—that I used my creativity to lift up my community, to tell honest stories, and to remind people of the beauty in simple living. I’d like to be remembered as someone who worked with his hands and his heart, who believed in small towns and local voices when it wasn’t the popular thing to do.

More than anything, I hope they say I was steady—that I loved my family well, that I stayed rooted in my faith, and that I left behind a little more good than I found. If the stories people tell about me carry those things, then I’ll have done alright.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thepineconegroup.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pineconegroup/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepineconegroup