Best and Brightest: Nathan Pound

Nathan Pound

Principal/Project Manager

Thomas & Hutton

Grand Strand

Age 31

I am a principal and project manager with Thomas & Hutton, where I lead the planning, design, and permitting of private development and public infrastructure projects throughout the region. I work closely with clients, agencies, and project teams to move projects from concept through construction. In addition to my professional responsibilities, I serve as president of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Grand Strand Branch, supporting professional development and industry engagement for engineering professionals across the Grand Strand. My long-term goal is to continue developing the exceptional team around me while helping deliver projects that positively impact the communities we serve. I've been fortunate to work with great people throughout my career, and I enjoy creating opportunities for others to grow and succeed. One of the things I value most about Thomas & Hutton is our commitment to leaving places better than we found them, a principle that guides my approach to leadership. To me, giving back means sharing knowledge, supporting others, and contributing to a profession that has had a significant impact on my career.

Favorite Quote and Why: "Say what you mean, and mean what you say." I heard this early in my career, and it has stuck with me ever since. Strong relationships are built on trust and honest communication. Being clear about expectations, following through on commitments, and treating people with respect are essential. It's a simple philosophy, but one that has served me well throughout my career.

Definition of a Successful Leader: A successful leader is someone who brings out the best in others. I believe leadership is about setting the bar for others through your actions, being available when guidance is needed, and creating opportunities for people to succeed. Technical knowledge is important, but a leader is only as good as the team around them. Providing direction, support, and accountability while helping others grow is essential to building a strong team.

Advice to 18-Year-Old Self: If I could give advice to my 18-year-old self, it would be to have more confidence and not spend so much time worrying about things that usually work themselves out. Growing up, I often doubted myself and was hesitant to step outside my comfort zone. Looking back, I've learned that some of the best opportunities come from taking on challenges before you feel completely ready. I would also remind myself that success takes time. Hard work, persistence, and a willingness to keep learning are often more important than natural ability. Stay patient, treat people well, and keep putting in the effort. Things rarely happen as quickly as you'd like, but persistence has a way of paying off in the long run.