Five Firsts with Suzanne Dildy, Editor of The Scout Guide Park City

Photography by Gabriella Santos Photography.

We’re always hoping to make a good first impression, and that first-time readers of The Scout Guide will put the publication down feeling inspired to learn more about the featured businesses—and, if they’re out-of-towners, to seek out (or start) a guide in their own hometown. In this series, we talk to our editors about their TSG “firsts,” from their first encounter with The Scout Guide to the first business they scouted and more. Read on to learn about how The Scout Guide Park City editor Suzanne Dildy discovered the brand, and what it was like to launch her first volume.

When did you first discover The Scout Guide?

I first discovered The Scout Guide about eight years ago in my hometown of New Orleans. I was so impressed with the curated collection of local businesses, the stunning photography, and the overall beauty of the guide. 

What made you decide to become an editor?  

I decided to become an editor after moving back to Park City three years ago. I was following several TSG editors on Instagram and was intrigued by the beauty of the brand, and the work that these women were doing supporting local businesses in their community. I became curious as to why there wasn’t a guide in Park City, and was overjoyed to see that there was an actual opportunity to own and edit my own guide. My decision was also based on my background and experience in publishing—which includes many years working in editorial, marketing, and advertising sales. The other deciding factor was my passion for supporting all things local in Park City, and I really felt that my lovely little town was the perfect fit for The Scout Guide. Luckily, I was right!

Tell us about the first business you approached to be in the guide? 

I was fortunate in that I had two businesses reach out to me before I even approached anyone! Rachel Alday of Abode Luxury Rentals and Gabriella Lopresto of Helen Knows Best were both following me on Instagram and contacted me immediately. They were familiar with the brand having seen it in other cities and wanted to be a part of the Park City guide. Naturally, I was ecstatic because both of these businesses are exceptional at what they do! I’m happy that they are both returning  for Volume 3, which launches this November.

“I was so happy to see how excited all of my members were to be a part of The Scout Guide—they were really proud to be featured alongside so many other amazing local businesses.”

What was it like to launch your first volume?

Launching my first volume was a very proud moment for me. I worked so incredibly hard on the guide, it was a true labor of love, so when volume 1 was finally launched it felt amazing. It turned out beautifully! I was so happy to see how excited all of my members were to be a part of it—they were really proud to be featured alongside so many other amazing local businesses. Also, the overwhelmingly positive response from the Park City community was incredible; I was on a high after the launch party for weeks on end! 

What’s the first thing you would tell a prospective editor? 

I would tell them what The Scout Guide New Orleans editor Taylor Morgan said to me when I first started, “If you build it, they will come.”

To learn more about Suzanne and The Scout Guide in her area, visit The Scout Guide Park City website and follow The Scout Guide Park City on Instagram. Learn about starting The Scout Guide in your city here.