Steve Duncan
Background
A graduate of Pennsylvania State University, Steve joined Development Counsellors International in 2004 with a degree in journalism, including direct experience in both print and broadcast media. As a member of DCI’s economic development marketing team, he draws from his experiences living in regions with various challenges and strengths. Steve was born outside the city of Albany, NY, which had a small-town atmosphere; witnessed auto industry-dependent life growing up in the suburbs of Detroit; attended college in rural Pennsylvania; started professionally in the metropolis of New York City; and has since transferred to DCI’s Denver office, where he enjoys the mix of the outdoors and downtown living.
Steve’s Passion for Places
Though a bit “sheltered” in his youth, Steve developed his passion for places upon visiting New York City for the first time. Witnessing the exciting world that existed beyond the borders of his living situation at the time, he decided to start seeing everything and anything that he could – within the limits of his wallet and work schedule, of course. You’ll often find him extending client trips to the weekends to take advantage of the new places and experiences that await.
Notable Results
- Steve arranged for several education representatives from Mobile, Alabama, to visit a reporter from US News & World Report in Washington, D.C. The appointment resulted in a follow-up visit to Mobile and, eventually, a three-page feature on the region’s successful reform efforts.
- When The Wall Street Journal began a new column called “Blueprint,” which highlights a region’s economy and real estate market, Steve worked with the writer to feature downtown San Diego’s bustling office market. The relationship has since led to similar articles on Denver, Jacksonville (FL), Mobile (AL), Charlotte and Charleston (SC).
- Working with the Wyoming Business Council, which put a heavy value on lifestyle and entrepreneurship, Steve worked with an Inc. freelancer on a creative story about the National Outdoor Leadership School, based in Lander, WY. The resulting feature was seven pages and profiled how the program develops business leaders and entrepreneurs, and makes for a great team-building opportunity
Up Close
Three things in this world make Steve tick: food, travel and sports…in no particular order. In fact, mixed together, they make the best of combinations. For food, there is nothing Steve craves more than pizza margherita from the heart of Naples, though he’ll certainly try just about anything. Speaking of Naples, Italy tops the charts for a relaxing getaway. For sports, this Penn State grad is a diehard Notre Dame fan at heart, much to the chagrin of several of his Nittany Lion colleagues.
Where You’ll Find Steve on a Sunny Day
Chances are, he’ll be doing something active. Whether it’s playing basketball, softball or football; going for a hike in a national park; or training for a triathlon (small ones, not big ones), Steve likes to keep moving. Then again, there’s always a slim possibility that he’ll be napping at the beach or in Central Park – exercising the spirit, so to speak.
Places that Steve has Called Home
Albany, New York
Detroit, Michigan
State College, Pennsylvania
New York, New York
Surprising Facts about Steve
A Softer Side of Steve
Though Steve’s main interests – full-contact sports and messy food – may paint a “certain” stereotype, he also appreciates the arts. When not entertained by the passions mentioned above, you might find him at an art museum, snapping his own amateur photos, enjoying historic architecture or catching some live music. Luckily, New York City is the perfect place for all four…err six.
52 Reasons 2007 is Different
Steve got a late start on life – no international trips (minus Canada) until 25; he didn’t try Chinese food until 21; didn’t explore his seafood palate before 23; etc. These lifechanging experiences were the inspiration behind his 2007 New Year’s Resolution – try at least one new thing (food, experience, etc.) each week of the year. He’s maintained that resolution by skiing in the Rockies, hiking Yosemite National Park, and trying Ethiopian food, among many others.
Super Bowl-er
Steve has a bionic thumb (or at least he thinks he does) that he developed over the years after a football injury. He has since not been able to bowl less than a 150, and often finds himself in the 170s or higher. He’s even eclipsed 200 three times. All this despite not really knowing what he’s doing. He just kind of swings his arm and the bionic thumb makes good things happen.
