BV’s Take on It
We’ve all heard it:
“You need the perfect LinkedIn profile.”
“You need perfect social media.”
“You need the perfect website.”
Sure, those things matter. But in chasing perfection, entrepreneurs often overlook what truly builds a business—real human relationships.
So, how does he do it?
The answer is simple yet powerful: relationships. Not transactional ones, but genuine, people-first connections. He sees businesses as people, not dollar signs. He laughs, shares opinions, and builds lasting friendships with peers and clients across industries.
Yes, websites, LinkedIn profiles, and social media matter. But Nate proves that what matters most is showing up as a real person and building trust.
His LinkedIn bio says it all:
“Loring Design Group LLC is a client-based, people-friendly, relationship-built company.”
And he lives by that.
Starting from Zero: The Father-Son Journey
Another myth Nate busts? “You need funds to start a business.”
Back in 2006, Nate and his father left their stable careers behind to start an architectural firm. His dad focused on design; Nate handled operations. Their first project? A modest $350.
“We started from zero,” Nate recalls. “Thankfully, my wife and mom had jobs at the time, giving us the cushion to take the risk.”
Fast forward to today—they’re doing $2 million per year.
Their secret? Leaning into relationships.
Having previous sales experience, Nate had built connections across all types of industries. When they shifted to architecture and engineering, many of those relationships moved with them.
“I’d go out, talk to people—contractors, developers—in every industry space I could find.”
That approach landed them clients ranging from Small Commercial Tenant Finish projects to Fortune 500 brands—all without cold emails or fancy marketing campaigns.
Scaling Up: Systems, Not Hustle
Growing from zero to $2 million wasn’t about grinding 24/7. It was about building systems and sticking to core values.
“I’m not a corporate guy,” Nate laughs. “I respect the military—my dad and brother served—but I knew I couldn’t take orders like that. So, I focused on what I did best: talking to people, building relationships, and delivering excellent customer service.”
For Nate, customer service is king.
“It makes or breaks your business. We have a great product, but what kept clients coming back was how we treated them.”
He didn’t just network for sales, he built community ties.
“I made sure we built strong relationships with local businesses as well as national companies. Which resulted in connections that opened doors to opportunities for us.”
The key? Solving problems, not closing deals.
“In architecture and engineering, problem-solving is everything. I express to my team to listen to everyone—clients, contractors, even subcontractors. If a subcontractor shares an insight, we incorporate it. It makes their job easier and improves our results. It’s always a people first approach.”
Sales Without Selling
Nate’s sales approach? Don’t sell.
“When I do business development, I want to be around people I genuinely like. Everyone has unique skills, so why not build relationships that benefit both sides?”
He laughs about the cold pitches people send on LinkedIn.
“You can’t just blast a pitch and expect results. It’s like dating—you build rapport before asking for commitment.”
His guiding principle?
“If you do just 10% more than everyone else, you’ll succeed. If you take feedback seriously, you’ll be better off.”
The Power of Selective Networking
Nate doesn’t try to meet everyone, he’s intentional.
“At conferences, I don’t aim for 500 connections. I pick 3-5 people, research what they need, and approach them with solutions—not pitches.”
One bold move stands out:
“I met a developer, told him I wanted all his projects, and named my price. He was shocked but intrigued. He put my card in his front pocket, and the relationship took off from there.”
Transparency Wins Deals
When competing on price, Nate never undercuts blindly.
“If someone quotes $45K and I quoted $50K, I ask—what’s included? What’s excluded? If everything is apples to apples, I’ll meet them halfway. But if they’re just price-shopping, I politely walk away.”
Transparency builds trust.
“I line-item everything from hours to costs so clients see exactly what they’re paying for. We don’t bill customers for our inefficiencies.”
Balancing Work and Life
Despite his success, Nate admits work-life balance is his biggest challenge.
“I try hard to be present with my family, but my business mind never fully shuts off. It’s a constant juggle.”
Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Nate plans to merge with other architectural firms, expand capacity, and scale revenue to $5 million. But his core principle remains unchanged: people first.
“Someone once told me—once you build your first million, it gets easier. You just keep hitting the next level. That’s true, but success isn’t just about money. It’s about improving processes, empowering employees, and delivering real value.”
For Nate, entrepreneurship boils down to one truth:
“Invest in people, and the money will follow.”
It’s not about websites, LinkedIn profiles, or ad campaigns—those are just tools.
The real engine of success? Genuine human connections.
That’s how Nate Warner busts the biggest myth of all: Success isn’t about appearances—it’s about how you make people feel and how consistently you show up for the long haul.
To learn more about Nate and his journey, visit Loring Design Group and see how real relationships can transform a business.