Where Our Roots Grow, Remarkable Beginnings Follow
In the network of paths that is Seventh Scout, each route tells a tale — a story of hometown highs, cherished memories, and the journeys that have brought us to where we are today. ‘Root & Routes’ is more than just a title; it’s a celebration of our diverse origins, the roads we’ve traveled, and the collective spirit we bring to our work. Dive in as we explore the unique stories behind each Scout, unveiling the roots that ground us and the routes that have shaped our shared adventure.
Welcome to Emily Stevens’ Hometown of Pullman, WA
Pullman Pride: Emily’s Washington Roots
Emily Stevens considers Pullman, Washington, her hometown for this feature! Pullman is a small town with a total area of 11 square miles located in Washington State along the Idaho border. The area is known for its many miles of rolling wheat fields. Pullman is also home to Washington State University, Emily’s alma mater! Emily lived in Pullman from 2014 to 2020 during her undergraduate and graduate years.
Emily’s favorite hometown food is Cougar Gold Cheese, a unique product from Washington State University’s Dairy Department. In the 1930s, the creamery researched ways to store cheese, leading to the creation of Cougar Gold Cheese. Today, the Creamery produces 250,000 cans of cheese each year, all made by WSU students!
“Ferdinand’s, the cheese and ice cream shoppe on campus, is ever-popular,” Emily notes with enthusiasm. Her top picks? “The OG, Cougar Gold goes great on everything! And for ice cream, I love Huckleberry or Cougar Tracks.”
Pullman also hosts an annual Lentil Festival, a quirky celebration rooted in the region’s history. At one point, the Palouse region produced 98% of the lentils in the U.S., earning Pullman the title of Lentil Capitol of the World.
Pullman experiences all four seasons, but fall stands out to Emily. “The rolling hills turn different shades of gold, and the trees display the perfect fall palette,” she describes. Yet, her favorite time of year is summer. “When the students leave, the town gets quiet. There’s something sleepy and magical about it.”
Pullman holds a special place in Emily’s heart. “Pullman is where I found and fostered many impactful relationships in my life, from friends to mentors and even my husband. It also holds a special place in my heart as I am a third-generation Coug, so it’s something I also get to share with my family.”
Quoting Jim Walden, she reflects, “‘I can’t define it, I can’t tell someone who isn’t a Cougar what it’s like. There’s something that happens at Washington State; you quietly and subtly become infected…Washington State is a passion. Being a Cougar is a passion.’”
Emily carries the spirit of her hometown everywhere she goes, especially in her tradition of saying “Go Cougs” whenever she sees someone in Cougar gear.
Finding a Home in Marketing
Initially, Emily considered a career in International Business but eventually discovered her passion for marketing. During her undergraduate and graduate studies, she found herself increasingly drawn to marketing, prompting her to earn a Certificate in Marketing alongside her MBA. This interest led her to seek advice from past professors and secure a marketing position.
Her journey included a role at a brewery where she managed their social media. There, she discovered the potential of using social media to help brands connect with their audiences. “From there, I just kept chasing the social media algorithm lords,” she says with a smile.
In 2020, as COVID-19 was hitting, Emily was on the hunt for a marketing job. She recounts, “I was looking at different agencies in Austin as we were thinking about moving here. I found Seventh Scout and sent an email promoting myself and telling them I was interested in their team and their work (practically begging for them to hire me). Never doubt the power a good-worded email can have!”
Building a Collective Spirit at Seventh Scout
Emily believes her small-town background influences her work significantly. “Even in the digital marketing space, I really push our clients to humanize their brands and build a community. To truly get to know their audience, engage with them, and build a relationship that is more than transactional.”
Reflecting on the diverse origins of her team members at Seventh Scout, Emily says, “I feel like we all come from different journeys and somewhat backgrounds, but we are also self-aware of our journeys and the strengths they can bring to our role on the team. I also feel that at our true cores, we share similar values and outlooks, so it comes together like a delicious blend. It feels purposeful for all of us to be working collectively together!”
Grateful for Our Paths, Excited for Our Future
Our team’s diverse origins and the journeys that have brought us together are at the heart of what we do. Each trail we’ve traveled, each hometown memory we hold dear, has contributed to the vibrant tapestry of our collective spirit.
It’s not just about where we come from; it’s about the shared adventure we’re on. We’re Seventh Scout, and we’re proud of our “Roots & Routes,” grateful for the paths we’ve taken and excited about the journey ahead. Stay tuned for more stories, more routes, and more adventures that define who we are as a team. Together, we’ll continue to explore the paths that lie ahead!
