AGE 22–24
After earning a BS in Engineering from Texas A&M University at 22, Sam became certified as an Engineer In Training and joined a small firm in San Antonio, TX. Gaining experience in analyzing foundation movement and designing residential infrastructure such as roads, sewers, and drainage systems, Sam quickly established a strong technical foundation. By 24, Sam developed an engineered framing plan set to sell to builders and trained others in the production of those plans. Recognizing a gap in the architectural plan industry, Sam also began drawing architectural plans on the side, combining technical expertise with creative problem-solving to meet industry needs.
AGE 25
After finding success in architectural plan production, Sam's focus on his engineering job declined, ultimately leading to his dismissal, which he acknowledges was justified. As a Hail Mary, Sam started his first construction company, Stevenson Home Solutions. When the business quickly grew, he realized the need for more help and co-founded, with Daniel Ioerger, Stevenson Ioerger Construction, LLC, which ran successfully for the second half of the year. Despite his passions for quality construction, SIC, LLC ultimately failed due to his lack of experience in customer acquisition.
AGE 26
After SIC, LLC collapsed, Sam took up climbing radio towers with his brother, Will, to make ends meet. In his spare time, he studied under a new online mentor, Michael Sartain, for professional development and he created a community named Bungalows for Bachelors to teach others about construction. Eventually, he transitioned from the tower field to work as a framing and siding carpenter. While helping Amy Catterson build an ADU in her backyard, Sam's passion for design was reignited and, refusing to give up the skill, he launched Stevenson Integrated Designs, where he returned to drawing architectural plans.
AGE 27
Sam was splitting his time between Bungalows for Bachelors, Stevenson Integrated Designs, and framing work. So to streamline his efforts and apply new customer acquisition knowledge gained from Alex Hormozi, he moved back to College Station. There, he consolidated his community and brands into Rapid Designs. Now, Sam is fully focused on building the fastest design firm possible.
AGE 28
Sam highly refined who the target customer is for Rapid Designs, and learned to cut every unnecessary process and expense from the business to decrease the risk of failure and increase his ability to provide the highest level of service. Rather than chasing volume, he narrowed the customer base to a very specific avatar — just a handful of builders in each state across the US. He also began a deep dive into AI and its capabilities, finding ways to produce the same quality of product with less work in every part of the business. Outside of work, Sam got back into downhill mountain bike racing and became the race director of the Hill Country Downhill Series — pursuing speed in every endeavor.
