The Flamingo Project

What The Flamingo Project does

The Flamingo Project is a privately held, founder-led research, strategy, and growth consultancy founded in 2017 and operating on a remote-first basis from Dallas, Texas. It serves Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) firms — ranging from small design studios to international engineering firms — with custom engagements on growth strategy, market research for geographic and sector expansion, business planning, brand/messaging alignment, and vision/mission facilitation. Its core technology is a research-first consulting methodology built around named proprietary frameworks (Flamingo Assessment for district scoring, Growth Matrix for opportunity evaluation, 5E Framework for empathy mapping) and a proprietary Texas Bond Tracking Database covering 4,776 ISD and 828 MUD bond elections with demographic enrichment.

The firm monetizes through five distinct revenue streams: ongoing strategic growth consulting (quote-based), structured virtual cohort programs (LeadForward 6-month, Business Planning Accelerator 8-week at $4,500/seat), paid speaking and training engagements at industry conferences, packaged market research reports (e.g., Texas K-12 Bond Market Analysis), and 1-hour office-hours advisory sessions. Distribution is relationship-led, driven by founder Sarah Kinard's SMPS Foundation presidency and an extensive speaking circuit across SMPS chapters, ACEC, Zweig Group, and Amplify AEC, supplemented by podcast appearances and a quarterly newsletter (The Pink Signal). Customer concentration sits with a small set of named AEC firms (KW Landscape Architects, Energy Architecture, Wilson Associates), and the operating team is roughly three core members supported by an extended collaborator network.

The firm has no outside institutional investment, no parent company, and no public listing; it operates as a bootstrapped consultancy consistent with its Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses alumni status. Strategic emphasis in 2026 has been on productizing data and frameworks into cohort and report offerings (Business Planning Accelerator, Texas K-12 Bond Market Analysis, Pink Signal newsletter), extending IP into AI-assisted research advisory, and deepening SMPS ecosystem leadership.

Name

The Flamingo Project

Legal name

The Flamingo Project

Website

https://theflamingoproject.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2017

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Flamingo Project is a Dallas-based, founder-led research and growth consultancy serving Architecture, Engineering, and Construction firms with strategic planning, market research, brand/messaging, and structured cohort programs built on proprietary AEC frameworks and Texas bond market data.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Management Consulting Services

NAICS

Management Consulting Services (54161), Marketing Consulting Services (541613), Marketing Research and Public Opinion Polling (54191)

SIC

Services-Management Consulting Services (8742)

akta.pro primary industry

Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy & Planning (MPAAAFAA)

Keywords

• AEC strategic consulting
• Market research services
• Business planning consulting
• Growth strategy advisory
• Professional services marketing

Headquarters

HQ city

Dallas

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Strategic Growth Consulting: Ongoing strategic consulting engagements working with AEC firm leadership on growth strategy, market research, and business planning. Engagements adapt to client needs—high touch or quarterly accountability models.
2. Cohort Programs: Structured peer-group programs including LeadForward (6-month leadership cohort) and Business Planning Accelerator (8-week planning course). These virtual cohort programs generate recurring revenue per cohort enrollment.
3. Speaking & Training: Fees for speaking engagements, workshops, and professional development sessions at conferences, company retreats, and association events. Sessions include Market Research Simplified, Growth Planning Simplified, and Client Personas & Empathy Mapping.
4. Market Research Reports: Specialized market analysis products such as the Texas K-12 Bond Market Analysis report (includes narrative, scorecard, and full Excel database) sold as standalone intelligence products.
5. Office Hours / Ad-hoc Consulting: Open office hours for short-term consulting questions and strategy support. 1-hour sessions booked via calendar for targeted problem-solving and advice.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

The Flamingo Project is a research, strategy, and growth-focused boutique consultancy that delivers custom strategic growth consulting, market research, and business planning services to Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) firms. The firm sells fractional senior strategic expertise alongside structured virtual cohort programs, proprietary market research reports, and fee-based speaking and training engagements designed to help AEC leadership teams develop vision, validate expansion decisions, and execute growth plans.

Product overview

The Flamingo Project is a research, strategy, and growth-focused consultancy for Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) firms. The service portfolio centers on five core consulting offerings: Strategic Growth Consultant (engaging directly with firm leadership on growth strategy), Market Research (custom research for geographic expansion and competitive positioning), Business Planning (annual plans for regions/sectors/profit centers), Vision/Mission/Values workshops, Brand & Messaging, and Marketing/BD Strategy alignment. These core services are delivered by senior consultants and supplemented by structured cohort programs including LeadForward (6-month leadership cohort), Business Planning Accelerator (8-week course), and Fall Planning Cohort. The firm also offers public speaking/training programs on market research, growth planning, client personas, and AI-assisted research. The intellectual property portfolio includes proprietary research reports (annual AEC Growth Strategy Report, Texas K-12 Bond Market Analysis) and a quarterly newsletter (The Pink Signal).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• LeadForward: A 6-month virtual peer program for AEC professionals stepping into new or evolving leadership roles.
• Business Planning Accelerator

Products and services

• Strategic Growth Consulting

Quantifiable outcome

• 75% of AEC firms report increased growth potential according to annual survey
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and notable.

• SMPS FoundationflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerSarah Kinard serves as President of the SMPS Foundation, the research and thought leadership arm of the Society for Marketing Professional Services. The Foundation conducts annual Emerging Trends research in partnership with FMI Consulting, exploring the future of AEC marketing, business development, and firm growth. This leadership role positions The Flamingo Project at the center of AEC marketing research and provides access to industry-wide data and networks.
• FMI ConsultingcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFMI Consulting partners with SMPS Foundation on annual AEC industry research studies including Emerging Trends in AEC Marketing & Business Development. Sarah Kinard represents the SMPS Foundation in presenting this research at industry events. The research provides proprietary market intelligence that informs The Flamingo Project's consulting methodology and thought leadership content.
• CKearney Consulting (Courtney Kearney, CPSM)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCourtney Kearney co-presents 'Beyond the Search Bar: AI-Assisted Market Research, Strategy, and Storytelling' session with Sarah Kinard. This partnership delivers AI-focused professional development content for AEC audiences at conferences and virtual events.
• Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small BusinessesnotableStrategic or Co-development PartnerSarah Kinard is a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program (Dallas Chapter). This entrepreneurship support program provides access to business education, mentorship, and network resources. The firm displays the GS 10K SB Alumni badge on its website.
• Marion Thatch, FSMPS, CPCCcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMarion Thatch co-facilitates monthly sessions for the LeadForward Strategic Growth Leadership Cohort alongside Sarah Kinard. Brings coaching and leadership development expertise to the 6-month peer group program for AEC professionals in evolving leadership roles.
• Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerSMPS is the professional association for AEC marketers and business developers. Sarah Kinard served as Dallas Chapter President 2021-2022 and helped form the SMPS North Texas chapter. Currently serving as SMPS Foundation President. The Flamingo Project regularly speaks at SMPS chapter events and programs across multiple states.
• Zweig GroupnotableGTM or Marketing PartnerSarah Kinard has spoken at Zweig Group events including Elevate AEC Conference and contributed to Zweq Group content. Zweig Group is a leading AEC research and consulting firm, and their events provide platform for thought leadership distribution.
• American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC)notableGTM or Marketing PartnerSarah Kinard presented at ACEC 2026 Annual Convention & Legislative Summit, co-presenting with Julie Huval on emerging trends in A/E/C marketing and business development representing the SMPS Foundation.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• PSMJ Resources: PSMJ Resources is an established A/E industry management consulting firm providing strategic planning, ownership transition, and benchmarking services. Comparable as a broader incumbent in the AEC consulting space where The Flamingo Project operates.
• BDO USA: BDO's AEC practice provides management consulting, tax, and advisory services to architecture, engineering, and construction firms. Comparable as a broader incumbent offering strategic consulting services to the same AEC customer segment.
• Zweig Group: Zweig Group is a larger AEC advisory and research firm offering management consulting, M&A advisory, and industry research. They overlap with The Flamingo Project on AEC growth research and strategy and serve as a key speaking/event platform partner.
• FMI Consulting: FMI Consulting is a large AEC-focused management consulting and research firm that partners with SMPS Foundation on annual Emerging Trends research. Comparable to The Flamingo Project on AEC market research and strategic advisory but at materially larger scale.

Direct peers

• Hinge: Hinge is a marketing firm specializing in professional services firms (including AEC), offering branding, research, and digital marketing services. Highly comparable to The Flamingo Project's marketing strategy and research offerings for AEC clients.
• Windmill Strategy: Windmill Strategy is a marketing and research firm serving professional services and B2B technology clients with strategic positioning services. Comparable to The Flamingo Project on research-led positioning and messaging work for B2B/professional services firms.
• Win Without Pitching: Win Without Pitching helps professional services firms (including AEC) reposition and systematize their business development. Comparable to The Flamingo Project's BD strategy, brand messaging, and growth consulting offerings.
• Miles Agency: Miles Agency is a research-led branding and marketing firm focused on AEC and B2B industries. Comparable to The Flamingo Project's research-driven brand and messaging services for architecture, engineering, and construction clients.
• Cheryl Carr Group: Cheryl Carr Group is a coaching and consulting firm for AEC marketing leaders, providing business development training and CMO advisory. Comparable to The Flamingo Project's cohort-based leadership development and BD strategy offerings for AEC marketers.

Others

• Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS): SMPS is the professional association for AEC marketers, not a competitor, but a primary distribution and credibility channel for The Flamingo Project. The founder's leadership role makes this a key ecosystem relationship rather than a competitive threat.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/theflamingoproject

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Flamingo Project