"We just get along like bees and honey," said Quin McIntosh, smiling as he talked about meeting Kirkwood resident Whitney Stream for the first time. "It's a rom-com, but it's in real life."
Before meeting Whitney, Quin worked in construction and performed as a musician and a comedian. “Sometimes life was tough when I was younger,” Quin said. He doesn't glamorize struggle, but he values what it gave him: perspective and drive. "Everybody has an opportunity to work through things in their life. If you take those opportunities, you might get somewhere." For Quin, that opportunity was building a business.
Quin founded McIntosh Construction, a St. Louis company known for craftsmanship and culture.
"Without Whitney, I would still have a business, but it would be me and maybe a helper. And I'd be making some music and traveling a little. With her, I've been able to build everything I ever wanted."
Quin met Whitney when he moved into the house next door to her. Quin recalled how that friendship grew as they would talk across the fence between their yards. Their first date was a show. They were engaged six months later; eleven months later, they married. "Being with Whitney put everything into perspective. I knew exactly what direction my business should go, and I wanted to be a family," Quin said.
"Transitioning into business ownership has been rewarding for my family and me," said Quin. "Now I get to lead an all-star team and help clients bring their visions to life." At work, Quin tries to build what he has at home—stability, purpose, and a sense of belonging.
And at the center of all of it is Whitney.
"She's so focused, and grounding," he said. "She is really sure of who she is and what she wants. Her presence is just so calming for everybody in our house, including our four-year-old, which is tough to be calm around, right?"
Quin's role as a business leader is second to his most significant role of being a dad.
"People talk about how you're never really ready for fatherhood. I'm so ready; we can have seven more kids right now. I love it. It's the best thing. And again, Whitney makes it really easy."
Music still hums in the background with a dream he's not done chasing.
"I'm not done with it. I've always thought that at 31, I'll go back and do music. I'll make another record, play some shows, and tour a little bit,” said Quin.
No matter what he accomplishes, every bit of sweetness leads back to Whitney, the one who has Quin buzzing with purpose and helped turn his hustle into honey.