Be Locally Loved

Laura Capes Terry

Hosted by Laura Capes Terry, Be Locally Loved spotlights the local businesses, community leaders, creative connectors who are building stronger communities through trust, connection, and the hidden power of being locally loved. At its core, Be Locally Loved is about connection. In a world where rapid growth can make communities feel more disconnected, Be Locally Loved shines a spotlight on the businesses, organizations, individuals, and places creating trust, belonging, and real human connection at the local level. Through podcast conversations, social storytelling, and local features, Be Locally Loved explores what it means to become known, trusted, and deeply rooted within a community, not through hype or self-promotion, but through service, relationships, authenticity, and showing up consistently over time. You’ll hear inspiring stories, practical insights, and thoughtful conversations about: • Building businesses people know, love, and trust • Strengthening community through relationships • Helping communities grow without losing connection • Leadership, visibility, and authentic marketing • The hidden power of being locally loved Whether you’re a business owner, entrepreneur, community leader, creative connector, or someone who simply loves where they live, Be Locally Loved exists to celebrate the people and places making local life more connected, meaningful, and human. Because thriving communities don’t happen by accident. They happen when people choose to show up, serve well, build trust, and become locally loved. And we believe those stories deserve to be seen, shared, and celebrated.

  1. 016 - Building Community From the Inside Out with Cat Phelps of the Georgetown Family YMCA

    16 HRS AGO

    016 - Building Community From the Inside Out with Cat Phelps of the Georgetown Family YMCA

    In this episode of Be Locally Loved, Laura Capes Terry sits down with Cathleen “Cat” Phelps, Executive Director of the Sport Clips Family YMCA in Georgetown, Texas, to explore what it truly means to build a thriving community. From her early days working at the YMCA in Wichita, Kansas, to helping lead one of Georgetown’s most ambitious community projects, Cat shares how service, leadership, and connection have shaped both her life and the future of Georgetown. At the center of the conversation is the YMCA’s mission of strengthening spirit, mind, and body for all — and how that mission becomes real through everyday relationships, volunteerism, and local leadership. Cat explains how the Y isn’t just a gym or a program provider, but a place where people find belonging, support, and opportunities to grow stronger together. The episode also dives into the story behind the new Sport Clips Family YMCA in Georgetown — a years-long effort powered by grassroots leadership, persistence, and deep community collaboration. Kat reflects on the mentors, founders, and local leaders who helped shape Georgetown’s culture, including George and Barbara Brightwell, and shares what other growing cities can learn from Georgetown’s commitment to connection and civic engagement. More than anything, this conversation is about stewardship — protecting the heart and culture of a community while continuing to grow. It’s a thoughtful reminder that thriving towns don’t happen by accident. They are built by people who choose to show up, invest in others, and stay deeply connected to the place they call home. 💡 What You’ll Learn How the YMCA’s “spirit, mind, and body” mission shapes community impact Why strong communities are built through connection, service, and trust The grassroots story behind the new Sport Clips Family YMCA in Georgetown How local leaders and volunteers helped turn a long-term vision into reality Why Georgetown’s culture depends on people actively participating in community life The importance of servant leadership and being “coachable” as a leader How collaboration between nonprofits, businesses, and civic leaders strengthens a city Why preserving local culture requires intentional effort as communities grow How mentorship and relationship-building create lasting community impact Why showing up consistently matters more than seeking quick recognition 🤝 Why This Conversation Matters As cities across the country continue to grow, many communities are asking the same question: how do we preserve connection, culture, and belonging while welcoming new people and new opportunities? This conversation offers a grounded, real-world example of what intentional community-building can look like. This episode is especially valuable for nonprofit leaders, business owners, city leaders, volunteers, and residents who care deeply about the future of their town. Cat’s perspective reminds us that thriving communities are not built by institutions alone — they are built by people who consistently choose to serve, collaborate, and invest in one another over the long term. 🎧 Listen & Share Listen to the full episode to hear Cat Phelps’ inspiring story and the vision behind the Sport Clips Family YMCA. If this conversation resonated with you, share it with someone who cares about building stronger communities and subscribe to Be Locally Loved for more conversations about the people and ideas helping towns thrive.

    52 min
  2. 015 -  How Marketing Works (Part4 of 4) : Marketing is a System, Not a Campaign

    18 MAY

    015 - How Marketing Works (Part4 of 4) : Marketing is a System, Not a Campaign

    🌟 Episode Summary In this episode of Be Locally Loved, Laura Capes Terry and Trent Soles unpack one of the biggest reasons business owners feel frustrated with marketing: they’ve been taught to think in campaigns instead of systems. The conversation explores how many local business owners fall into “random acts of marketing” — chasing trends, trying disconnected tactics, and expecting immediate results without a larger strategy holding everything together. Laura explains why effective marketing is not about quick wins or isolated efforts, but about creating a connected experience that helps businesses find, attract, engage, and retain the right customers over time. Throughout the episode, they highlight how marketing touches every part of a business — from brand awareness to customer service to delivery and retention. They also revisit key lessons from the broader “How Marketing Works” series, including understanding ROI beyond transactions, giving strategies enough time to work, and building momentum through consistency and intentionality. At its core, this conversation is about helping communities and local businesses grow in a healthier, more sustainable way. Strong businesses are built through trust, clarity, and long-term thinking — and when local businesses operate with intention instead of chaos, communities become stronger and more connected as a result. 💡 What You’ll Learn -Why “random acts of marketing” create confusion and burnout for business owners -The difference between a short-term marketing campaign and a long-term marketing system -How marketing should support the full customer experience — not just lead generation -Why business owners need clarity on their ideal customer before trying new tactics -How momentum and brand awareness are more valuable than chasing quick transactions -Why retention and customer experience are essential parts of marketing -How businesses can identify where customers are “falling off” in the marketing funnel -Why long-term community growth requires intentional, connected business strategies 🤝 Why This Conversation Matters Many local business owners feel pressure to constantly try the newest marketing tactic, platform, or trend. This episode offers a grounded alternative: building systems that create consistency, trust, and long-term growth instead of reacting to every new opportunity. This conversation is especially valuable for small business owners, entrepreneurs, marketers, and community leaders who want to build something sustainable. It’s a reminder that thriving communities are supported by businesses that think long term, create meaningful customer experiences, and stay connected to the people they serve. 🎧 Listen & Share Listen to the full episode to explore how intentional marketing systems can help businesses grow with clarity and confidence. If this conversation resonated with you, share it with a local business owner, entrepreneur, or community leader who cares about building a stronger town. And subscribe to Be Locally Loved for more conversations about the people and ideas helping communities thrive.

    12 min
  3. 014 - How Marketing Works (Part 3 of 4) — The Real ROI of Marketing and Why Most Businesses Measure It Wrong

    11 MAY

    014 - How Marketing Works (Part 3 of 4) — The Real ROI of Marketing and Why Most Businesses Measure It Wrong

    In this Creative Spark episode of Be Locally Loved, Laura Capes Terry and Trent Soles unpack one of the most misunderstood topics in business growth: marketing ROI. Instead of viewing ROI as a simple “return on investment,” they challenge business owners to think about it as “return on impact” — the long-term influence marketing has on trust, visibility, engagement, and customer relationships. The conversation explores why so many businesses become frustrated with marketing results when they focus only on immediate sales or leads. Laura and Trent explain that marketing is not just about capturing demand in a single moment — it’s about building awareness, trust, and familiarity over time. From billboards and social media to referrals and community presence, they highlight the many invisible touchpoints that influence buying decisions long before a transaction happens. The episode also dives into the importance of understanding customer lifetime value, especially for businesses built on loyalty and repeat relationships. Through relatable examples like dentists, hairstylists, and local service providers, the discussion shows how one new customer can represent years of future impact for a business — making patience and consistency essential parts of sustainable growth. At its core, this episode reinforces the mission of BeLocal and Be Locally Loved: helping businesses become trusted local resources that strengthen the communities they serve. It’s a thoughtful reminder that strong communities are built through trust, service, visibility, and long-term relationships — not quick wins. 💡 What You’ll Learn-Why traditional “return on investment” thinking often fails in marketing-How “return on impact” changes the way businesses evaluate success-The difference between leading indicators and lagging indicators in marketing-Why brand awareness and trust-building happen long before a sale-How referrals, testimonials, and “other people’s stages” strengthen credibility-Why customer lifetime value matters more than short-term transactions-How engagement on social media influences visibility and trust-Why consistency and patience are critical for sustainable business growth 🤝 Why This Conversation Matters Many business owners feel pressure to prove immediate results from every marketing dollar spent. This episode offers a more realistic and community-centered approach — one that recognizes the importance of trust, visibility, and relationship-building over time. This conversation is especially valuable for local business owners, entrepreneurs, marketers, and community leaders who want to grow without losing authenticity. It provides practical insight into how businesses can become trusted parts of their communities while building long-term success in a sustainable way. 🎧 Listen & Share Listen to the full episode of Be Locally Loved and share it with someone who cares about supporting strong local communities. If you believe thriving towns are built through trust, service, and meaningful relationships, subscribe for more conversations designed to help communities grow stronger together.

    25 min
  4. 013 - How Marketing Works (Part 2 of 4): The Timeline of Marketing and Why People Quit Too Early

    4 MAY

    013 - How Marketing Works (Part 2 of 4): The Timeline of Marketing and Why People Quit Too Early

    In this episode, Laura Capes Terry and Trent Soles unpack one of the most common frustrations among business owners: “I tried that, and it didn’t work.” But what if the issue isn’t the marketing itself—what if it’s the timeline? Through honest conversation and real-world examples, they explore why marketing is often misunderstood as a quick fix rather than a long-term system. From the dangers of relying on short-term tactics like discounts and direct response campaigns, to the deeper role of branding in building trust, this episode reframes how businesses should think about growth. At its core, this conversation highlights a powerful truth: communities thrive when businesses commit to consistency, service, and trust over time. For any local business hoping to become truly “locally loved,” the path isn’t instant—it’s intentional. And it requires showing up long before the customer is ready to buy. 💡 What You’ll Learn • Why marketing is a long-term system—not a short-term campaign • The difference between branding and direct response (and when each works) • How quitting too early kills momentum before results can compound • Why price-driven marketing attracts the wrong kind of customer • How trust is built through consistent, layered touchpoints over time • The role of community presence in becoming a preferred local business • Why self-promotion alone won’t grow your audience or credibility • How serving and educating your audience creates long-term business growth 🤝 Why This Conversation Matters In a time where attention is short and expectations are immediate, many businesses abandon their marketing efforts before they’ve had the chance to work. This episode is a timely reminder that trust, reputation, and community connection can’t be rushed. Whether you’re a local business owner, community leader, or someone invested in building a stronger local economy, this conversation offers a grounded perspective on what it really takes to grow sustainably—and to become a business people genuinely know, trust, and recommend. 🎧 Listen & Share If you care about building a business—or a community—that lasts, this episode is worth your time. Listen to the full conversation, share it with someone who’s growing a local business, and subscribe for more insights on what it means to be truly locally loved.

    17 min
  5. 012 - How Marketing Works (Part 1 of 4): Why "More Leads" is the Wrong First Goal

    26 APR

    012 - How Marketing Works (Part 1 of 4): Why "More Leads" is the Wrong First Goal

    In this short “Creative Spark” episode, Laura Capes Terry and Trent Soles challenge one of the most common assumptions in business: that more leads equal more growth. Instead, they unpack why this mindset often leads to frustration, wasted resources, and misaligned customers—and how it can actually stall long-term success. The conversation explores the deeper issue behind the “more leads” mentality: a lack of clarity around who you’re trying to serve. Without a defined ideal client and a clear understanding of the buyer’s journey, businesses risk attracting the wrong audience, burning out their market, and missing meaningful opportunities to build trust. Laura and Trent walk through the fundamentals of effective marketing, including the importance of the full funnel—from awareness to action—and introduce the “Four M’s”: market, medium, message, and moment. They emphasize that lead generation is not the starting point of marketing, but the result of a thoughtful, relationship-driven strategy. At its core, this episode reinforces a key principle aligned with the mission of Be Locally Loved: strong communities are built on trust, relationships, and intentional connection—not transactions. Businesses that prioritize serving people well will ultimately become the ones that communities know, trust, and support. 💡 What You’ll Learn • Why focusing on “more leads” can distract you from real business growth • The importance of defining your ideal client before investing in marketing • Common lead generation mistakes (buying lists, spray-and-pray ads, cold outreach) • How the buyer’s journey (awareness → interest → desire → action) actually works • Why lead generation is a byproduct—not the foundation—of good marketing • The Four M’s of marketing: market, medium, message, and moment • The difference between transactional marketing and relationship-driven marketing • How balancing short-term “hunting” and long-term “farming” builds sustainable growth 🤝 Why This Conversation Matters Right now, many business owners feel pressure to grow quickly, often defaulting to tactics that promise immediate results. This episode offers a grounded, practical reminder that sustainable growth comes from clarity, patience, and trust—not shortcuts. Whether you’re a local business owner, marketer, or community leader, this conversation highlights what it truly takes to become a trusted presence in your community. It’s not about reaching everyone—it’s about reaching the right people, in the right way, at the right time. 🎧 Listen & Share If you care about building a business that people trust and a community that thrives, take a few minutes to listen to this episode. Share it with a fellow business owner or leader, and subscribe for more conversations that help communities grow stronger together.

    21 min
  6. 011 - The Power of Moments: How to Elevate Customer Experience Inspired by Disney

    19 APR

    011 - The Power of Moments: How to Elevate Customer Experience Inspired by Disney

    In this episode of Be Locally Loved, Laura and Trent explore the powerful idea that people don’t remember what you sell—they remember how you make them feel. Drawing inspiration from a recent Disney experience, they unpack how intentional, well-crafted moments can leave lasting impressions that shape how people connect with businesses, communities, and each other. Through stories of Walt Disney’s early failures and bold vision, the conversation highlights how meaningful experiences are never accidental. Disney’s success wasn’t built on rides or attractions alone, but on creating emotional, immersive moments that people carry with them for years. From small interactions with characters to unforgettable, personalized experiences, every detail is designed to make people feel seen and valued. The discussion then shifts to how these same principles apply to local businesses and communities. Whether it’s welcoming a new resident, onboarding a new client, or simply showing appreciation, the opportunity to create memorable moments exists everywhere. When businesses focus on connection, insight, and intentional experiences, they don’t just grow—they become trusted, locally loved parts of their community. 💡 What You’ll Learn • Why people remember experiences more than products or services • How small, intentional moments can create lasting emotional impact • The role of “elevation” in turning ordinary interactions into memorable ones • How to guide customers with clarity to reduce fear and build trust • Why understanding your customer’s mindset is key to meaningful engagement • How celebrating progress—not perfection—builds loyalty and pride • The importance of human connection in a digital-first world • Simple ways to surprise customers and make them feel seen 🤝 Why This Conversation Matters In a time where many interactions are automated and transactional, this episode is a reminder that human connection is what truly sets businesses apart. For local business owners, community leaders, and anyone serving others, the ability to create meaningful moments can be the difference between being just another option and becoming a trusted part of someone’s life. This conversation speaks directly to those who want to build stronger communities—where people feel welcomed, supported, and connected. It reinforces the idea that thriving towns are built not just on services, but on experiences that make people feel like they belong.   🎧 Listen & Share Listen to the full episode to discover how you can create moments that truly matter. If this conversation resonated with you, share it with someone who cares about building a stronger community. Subscribe to Be Locally Loved for more stories and insights that help communities thrive.

    41 min
  7. 010 - Tori Clark - How Faith, Risk, and Surrender Shaped an Award-Winning Entrepreneur

    13 APR

    010 - Tori Clark - How Faith, Risk, and Surrender Shaped an Award-Winning Entrepreneur

    Some seasons of leadership feel like standing in the rubble, wondering if what you’re building will ever stand again. In this episode, we sit with Tori Clark as she invites us into one of those seasons—the acquisition and turnaround of a struggling med spa, and the slow, sacred work of rebuilding culture, trust, and human connection. Tori walks us through what it really takes to lead people out of fight-or-flight and into belonging. We talk about the patience required to change culture, the courage it takes to have hard conversations, and the humility needed to listen as much as you lead. From moving feedback scores from an F to a perfect 10, to honoring legacy while rebranding with intention, this conversation reminds us that transformation doesn’t happen through force—it happens through presence. We also explore the tension between technology and humanity, especially in a world rushing toward AI. Tori shares why data matters, but intuition matters more. Why systems help, but people heal. And why service—true, biblical service—still changes everything. And then there’s the Domino story. A reminder that one small act of kindness, done without expectation, can echo across decades and shape destinies. This episode is for anyone standing at the fence, wondering if obedience is worth the risk, and if grace can really carry you through the hard parts. Break Free Blueprint (Today’s Takeaway) Choose courage over comfort this week. Have the honest conversation you’ve been avoiding. Lead with grace—for yourself and others—and trust that God multiplies faithfulness, even when progress feels slow. TIMESTAMPS : 00:00 The Need for Grace and Courage01:44 Acquiring and Transforming a Med Spa10:38 The Role of Technology in Business Culture18:06 Human Connection in a Tech-Driven World23:05 Intentionality in Customer Experience31:35 Rebranding: A Fresh Start for SpaLux40:01 Driving Growth: Strategies for New Customers41:50 Resilience in Business: The Power of Courageous Conversations45:05 The Domino Effect: Small Acts of Kindness54:20 The Human Touch: Balancing Technology and Connection Connect & Subscribe If this conversation met you where you are, we’d love to stay connected. Subscribe to The Unbridled Creative Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube, and share this episode with someone who needs encouragement to keep going.

    1hr 2min
  8. 009 - The Silent Threat to Every Beloved Local Brand

    6 APR

    009 - The Silent Threat to Every Beloved Local Brand

    Episode Summary We tend to celebrate growth. More people. More rooftops. More opportunity. But underneath that growth, something quieter—and far more dangerous—is happening. In this short but powerful episode, Laura Capes Terry shares a perspective that most business owners haven’t yet put into words: in a growing community, brand awareness doesn’t grow—it resets. Every time a new family moves in, trusted local businesses go back to zero with them. These new residents aren’t just settling into a home—they’re building their lives. They’re choosing who to trust for healthcare, home services, fitness, food, and community. And those decisions happen quickly… often within a short and critical window. If a business isn’t visible during that moment, they’re not considered. And over time, even the most established, beloved brands can begin to fade—not because they’ve done anything wrong, but because they’re no longer being seen. This episode unpacks the silent threat of brand awareness dilution, why word-of-mouth alone can no longer keep up, and how intentional introduction—not more noise—is the key to staying relevant in a growing, changing community. What You’ll Learn:Why population growth quietly resets brand awareness How new movers make fast, lasting decisions about who they trust The “move-in window” and why it matters more than most businesses realize Why even long-established, well-loved businesses can become invisible The limitations of word-of-mouth in rapidly growing communities The real role of BeLocal as a bridge—not a marketing channel Why This Conversation Matters: There’s a misconception that time in business equals continued visibility. But in today’s environment, that’s no longer true. As communities grow, reputation doesn’t automatically transfer. Relationships don’t scale. And even decades of trust can quietly erode if new people aren’t intentionally introduced to the businesses who’ve already earned it. This isn’t about competition. It’s not about pricing or even marketing skill. It’s about being remembered… or being forgotten. And when beloved local businesses are no longer seen, communities lose more than just services—they lose connection, history, and trust. That’s why this conversation matters. Because protecting what’s already good is just as important as creating something new. Key Takeaway: If a business is not intentionally introduced to new movers, they are invisible. And if they’re invisible, someone else will take their place. Listen & ShareIf this episode gave you a new perspective, share it with a local business owner, community leader, or fellow Area Director. Because the more people who understand this shift, the more we can work together to ensure that the businesses who have poured into our communities continue to be seen, known, and trusted for years to come.

    5 min

Trailer

About

Hosted by Laura Capes Terry, Be Locally Loved spotlights the local businesses, community leaders, creative connectors who are building stronger communities through trust, connection, and the hidden power of being locally loved. At its core, Be Locally Loved is about connection. In a world where rapid growth can make communities feel more disconnected, Be Locally Loved shines a spotlight on the businesses, organizations, individuals, and places creating trust, belonging, and real human connection at the local level. Through podcast conversations, social storytelling, and local features, Be Locally Loved explores what it means to become known, trusted, and deeply rooted within a community, not through hype or self-promotion, but through service, relationships, authenticity, and showing up consistently over time. You’ll hear inspiring stories, practical insights, and thoughtful conversations about: • Building businesses people know, love, and trust • Strengthening community through relationships • Helping communities grow without losing connection • Leadership, visibility, and authentic marketing • The hidden power of being locally loved Whether you’re a business owner, entrepreneur, community leader, creative connector, or someone who simply loves where they live, Be Locally Loved exists to celebrate the people and places making local life more connected, meaningful, and human. Because thriving communities don’t happen by accident. They happen when people choose to show up, serve well, build trust, and become locally loved. And we believe those stories deserve to be seen, shared, and celebrated.