Scouting Out Community: How Dawn Pumpelly Helps Huntsville Thrive, One Local Business at a Time
Meet the Mom Behind the Mission: Dawn Pumpelly of The Scout Guide Huntsville
We had the pleasure of sitting down with Dawn Pumpelly, co-owner and editor of The Scout Guide Huntsville, to talk about life, parenting, and how she helps families discover the best of Huntsville.
Tell us about you and your family. How did you end up in Huntsville?
I grew up in Pennsylvania with my mom, but visited Huntsville often to see my dad and stepmom, who moved to town when I was 13. My brother was born and raised here, so even though we were raised in different homes, we’re very close—like only children who still share a strong bond.
After college, I moved to Atlanta, but in the early 2000s, my husband and I returned to Huntsville. We had just gotten married and wanted to raise a family here while also joining the family business. My parents owned and operated assisted living communities, including Country Cottage and The Commons. Huntsville was a great place to grow, both personally and professionally.
How did The Scout Guide come to Huntsville, and what’s your role?
I’m the editor and owner of The Scout Guide Huntsville. The Scout Guide itself began in Charlottesville, Virginia, and grew into a network of independently owned publications across the country.
Around 2017, I stepped away from our family business. I was looking for something that would allow me to be present as a mom while staying involved in the exciting growth happening in Huntsville—especially the rise in small, locally owned businesses. I discovered The Scout Guide and thought, “This is what I’ve always wanted for Huntsville.” I dove in with both feet and launched Volume 1 in 2018. Now we’re working on Volume 8!
What were your favorite things to do with your son as he was growing up?
My son Andrew is incredibly creative. Unlike a lot of families who are deep into sports, we tried every one—and quickly realized that wasn’t our path. He was the kid sitting backwards in the outfield picking flowers.
Instead, we gravitated toward the arts—hands-on crafts, attending performances, and anything creative. He’s now in art school studying painting, and it’s been amazing to watch him grow far beyond anything I could have imagined.
What’s the best parenting advice you’ve ever received—or given?
For me, the most important thing was always love and acceptance. I didn’t care how successful Andrew was or how much money he might make—I just wanted him to be happy and kind.
One of my best friends, Nikki, is my parenting guru. She always says, “What are you gonna do? Love him any less?” And she’s right. No matter the challenge, you meet it with love.
The advice I’ve passed down to Andrew is simple: Karma is a boomerang. Put good out into the world, be the best version of yourself, and it will come back to you.
What’s been your favorite stage of parenting?
Four is perfection. Kids at that age are just beginning to reason and ask questions—it’s a magical time. But honestly, every stage has been my favorite because he’s my son.
He’s almost 20 now and still needs his mom, which makes me happy. Parenting doesn’t stop—it just evolves.
How does The Scout Guide help families in Huntsville?
The Scout Guide is about connecting people with the best local businesses and, more importantly, the people behind them. As Huntsville grows, we aim to keep that “big small town” feel alive. Knowing the faces behind your favorite shop or restaurant creates a deeper connection to the community—and makes life more meaningful.
How does The Scout Guide give back?
For me, this business is mission-driven. I wanted to be part of shaping Huntsville’s future and helping our community grow thoughtfully. We support local arts organizations, sponsor community events, and my husband and I both serve on nonprofit boards.
Our work and our volunteerism are both about the same thing: making Huntsville a better place for everyone.
