Gregory Newell, a Montgomery County native and graduate of the now-closed Bishop Kenrick High School in Norristown, is the President of Nave Newell, a multi-discipline consulting firm that specializes in land development.

Newell, who earned a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Drexel University, said his proudest professional achievement is launching his firm with Stephen Nave and Peter Stampfl in 1992.

“It was our dream to have a one-stop shop,” said Newell. “We would offer all the services necessary to complete a successful land development project. We are proudly celebrating 30 years in business. It has given us the opportunity to reflect upon and be grateful for all the employees, consultants, and clients who have worked with and supported us.”

Newell believes that a successful leader has a relentless passion to lead by example and is always looking to learn from others.

“A leader is not afraid to speak up, ask questions, and share suggestions,” he said. “A leader understands that it is okay to fail, as long as you keep trying, and always gives the ‘why’ behind everything.”

The firm adheres to the Nave Newell Way, 30 fundamentals that give employees a common language and something they can reference in just about any scenario.

“The beauty of it is that it applies to each of us professionally and personally in a positive, forward-thinking direction,” said Newell. “There’s no difference in how I live my personal and business life. We talk about the Nave Newell Way every week, if not every day. It’s very powerful and, in my opinion, helps to create wonderful leaders.”

Of the 12 Principles of the Scout Law — Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent — “Kind” resonates the most with Newell.

“I make it a personal goal every day to greet everyone with a smile,” he said. “There is so much tragedy, pain, stress, and numerous other things going on in everyone’s lives. Taking the time to pause and smile makes me feel good and, hopefully, the other person as well. We are all in this together, so we must take advantage of opportunities to be kind to each other.”

The Chester County Council, Boy Scouts of America will honor Newell and the 11 other VISTA Leadership Megastars at an awards reception on Thursday, Oct. 20 at its new Program, Activity, and Resource Campus (PARC) in Exton. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. For more information, contact Lisa Antonucci at Lisa.Antonucci@scouting.org or 610-696-2900 x 112.