Blueprints & Direction: What It Takes to Lead a Creative Business

In this insightful episode of Business Owners Tell All: What It Takes, host Jamie Seeker talks with Justin Tollefson, Principal at Pearson Design Group, a boutique architecture firm based in Bozeman, Montana known for designing stunning, story-driven homes. Justin opens up about his 20+ year journey with the firm, how his leadership style has evolved, and what it really takes to run a design-focused business with heart. From building creative culture and hiring for character to developing young talent and navigating the less glamorous parts of leadership, this conversation gets real about the human side of architecture.

Whether you're leading a team, managing creatives, or just trying to build something meaningful, this episode is full of grounded insights and wisdom for business owners in any industry.

📋 Show Notes:

Guest: Justin Tollefson, Principal at Pearson Design Group

Location: Bozeman, Montana

Instagram: @pearsondesigngroup

Website: pearsondesigngroup.com

Topics Covered:

1. Justin’s evolution from young designer to firm principal
2. Hiring for character and training for skill
3. Balancing creativity with accountability in a team environment
4. Why patience is critical in the architecture world
5. Developing people when you were never formally trained to do so
6. The leadership shift from “me” to “we”
7. The dream of pushing sustainable architecture further
8. What it truly takes to run a business with creative integrity

💬 Memorable Quotes:

“The older I get, the more I realize leadership isn’t about proving yourself—it’s about listening, synthesizing, and supporting others.” — Justin Tollefson

“You can want to design a cool building, but if you lose sight that it’s for real people, you’ve missed the point.” — Justin Tollefson

“You don’t really know if someone’s a fit until they’re in it—but if they have character and honesty, you can train for everything else.” — Justin Tollefson

“If people are patient, they tend to find more meaning in the work. That’s where the real growth happens.” — Justin Tollefson

“Design is hard to master, but it’s not the hardest part. Managing people, expectations, and the business—that’s where leadership really shows up.” — Justin Tollefson