The commercial energy sector is undergoing major changes, bringing new challenges and opportunities for companies ready to adapt. In this fast-moving environment, Bluestone Group has quickly made its mark—offering smart, flexible solutions that meet the evolving needs of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the commercial nuclear industry.
At the forefront of this momentum is Lauren Thew, President and CEO of Bluestone Group. Her inspiring journey—from early leadership roles and distinguished military service to spearheading one of the most promising firms in the industry—embodies the values of discipline, transparency, and empowerment. Under her leadership, Bluestone Group is not just growing—it’s becoming a trusted partner and a standout in the nuclear space.
Leadership Grounded in Service and Empowerment
Lauren Thew’s leadership journey began early, stepping into management roles at the age of 17. Her formative years in the U.S. Army, where she completed two tours in Iraq as Military Police and earned the distinguished title of Soldier of the Year, laid the foundation for a disciplined, mission-driven approach that continues to shape her professional path.
In the business world, this discipline has translated into a relentless commitment to performance, results, and team development. For Lauren, leadership is not just about achieving goals—it’s about empowering individuals to realize their fullest potential. She takes pride in providing clarity and direction, helping team members carve out their own career trajectories.
The true reward, Lauren says, lies in seeing former colleagues rise to the roles they once dreamed of. Their success stories are a testament to her dedication to building not just strong teams, but future leaders.
Culture at Bluestone Group
Transparency is a cornerstone of how Lauren Thew leads Bluestone Group. As President & CEO, she has consistently embraced openness in decision-making, fostering a culture built on trust, communication, and shared accountability.
In an industry where safety, compliance, and collaboration are paramount, Lauren recognizes that trust is essential to every relationship—both internal and external. She prioritizes honest dialogue and active engagement, ensuring that both team members and clients are well-informed and involved in shaping outcomes. This commitment to transparency has created an environment where individuals feel respected, heard, and empowered to contribute meaningfully to the organization’s success.
Pioneering Change in a Transforming Industry
Bluestone Group was established in response to the dynamic shifts within the commercial nuclear sector, particularly in alignment with the changing priorities of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Under the leadership of Lauren, the company draws strength from its distinct certifications—as a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned, Veteran-Owned, and Woman-Owned Small Business—which position it uniquely to meet the sector’s growing and specialized demands.
Driven by a strong commitment to sustainability and safety, Bluestone Group develops solutions that comply with current regulations while supporting the long-term resilience of the nuclear industry. The company’s proactive collaboration with stakeholders and its emphasis on continuous improvement reflect a mission that goes beyond service delivery.
Putting Customer Feedback at the Core
At Bluestone Group, customer feedback plays a pivotal role in shaping both strategy and service delivery. As a provider of technical staff augmentation and engineering services within the DOE and commercial nuclear sectors, the company recognizes that its clients are at the forefront of innovation and industry transformation. Their experiences and insights are instrumental in guiding Bluestone Group’s evolving suite of offerings.
The company maintains an open and ongoing dialogue with clients through consultations and feedback sessions, ensuring a deep understanding of their unique challenges and operational needs. This real-time engagement allows Bluestone Group to stay agile and responsive, continuously refining its services to keep pace with the industry’s rapid evolution.
By treating customer feedback as a key performance indicator, Bluestone Group commits to ongoing improvement and relevance. With this approach, the company is able to enhance service quality but also strengthen its role as a reliable and forward-thinking partner to leaders in the energy space.
Rapid Growth Rooted in Resilience
Bluestone Group made a strong entrance into the industry, generating $2.5 million in revenue within just the first six months of working with its inaugural client. This early success marked the beginning of a steady upward trajectory, despite the complex challenges often present in DOE and commercial nuclear projects.
Through strategic focus and operational resilience, the company has consistently grown its annual revenue year over year. With a clear vision for the future, Bluestone Group is aiming to reach $10 million in annual revenue within the next two years.
Expanding Horizons Through Strategic Diversification
While Bluestone Group stands as the flagship provider of technical staff augmentation and engineering services for the DOE and commercial nuclear industry, it also serves as the parent company to Bluestone Group Construction. This subsidiary operates as a licensed General Contractor, specializing in commercial developments across North Carolina.
The broader vision of Bluestone Group is rooted in strategic growth and diversification. By expanding its portfolio of services, the company strengthens its ability to meet the evolving needs of its clients across multiple sectors. This approach enhances operational versatility while reinforcing Bluestone Group’s commitment to delivering comprehensive, high-value solutions.
Advice for the Next-Gen Leaders
Lauren Thew offers thoughtful guidance to aspiring business leaders seeking to innovate and create lasting impact. Her first piece of advice: commit to continuous learning. Today, staying curious and embracing ongoing education is vital—not only for personal growth but for empowering teams to adapt and thrive alongside new trends and technologies.
Equally important is leading with purpose. Lauren emphasizes the power of a clearly defined vision and mission, noting that when a team’s efforts are aligned with a shared purpose, it fuels motivation and creativity. According to her, purpose-driven leadership is a catalyst for meaningful progress—both within an organization and across the industry at large.
“Be authentic. Be transparent. Always listen.”-
5 Key Takeaways from Lauren Thew’s Leadership
1. Leadership Rooted in Service and Empowerment
Lauren’s foundation in the U.S. Army shaped her disciplined, mission-driven leadership style. She leads with the intent to empower others, helping team members find clarity in their paths and grow into future leaders.
2. Transparency as a Cornerstone of Culture
As President & CEO of Bluestone Group, Lauren Thew champions open communication and accountability. Her transparent leadership fosters trust, strengthens collaboration, and ensures every stakeholder feels heard and valued.
3. A Forward-Thinking Force in Nuclear Innovation
Under Lauren’s guidance, Bluestone Group has become a trusted player in the evolving commercial nuclear sector. The company’s agility, certifications, and commitment to DOE priorities make it a standout partner in a highly regulated industry.
4. Customer-Centric Growth and Agility
Lauren Thew places client feedback at the core of the company’s strategy. This real-time engagement allows Bluestone Group to stay relevant, responsive, and aligned with the rapidly changing needs of the energy sector.
5. Strategic Vision with a Heart for Impact
From scaling the business to $2.5M in six months to aiming for $10M in revenue, Lauren’s growth strategy is backed by resilience and purpose. Her advice to future leaders—“Be authentic. Be transparent. Always listen.”—reflects a commitment to values-driven leadership.