Rural Revival

Rural Revival
  • 4.8 (65)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY
Rural Revival

From farming and agriculture to amazing restaurants, vintage markets, and even tech start-ups, people are thinking outside the box, taking risks, and bringing life back to the hometowns and small communities we love. Our hope is this will be a place where you can be inspired to do the same. So jump in, hear the stories of people who are doing life in rural America and loving it, and start dreaming. And then let us know what you're up to so we can share your story, too!

  1. NOV 28

    164 | Michelle Hamilton of Dandelion Naturals

    On today podcast episode we're with Michelle Hamilton of Dandelion Naturals in Hayfield, Minnesota (pop. 1,340). After 21 years in nursing, Michelle took a leap of faith two years ago and started making all natural soap and selling at farmer's markets. This business that started in her kitchen has now grown into an extensive product line and its own main street commercial building. We're talking about how she's managed growth in a business that has exploded almost overnight, the importance of being passionate about what you do, keeping the right mindset, and more. It's mind-blowing how quickly this business has grown and we couldn't be happier for Michelle and her family. It's going to be fun to see their new building come to life as a storefront, too, so be sure to go give Dandelion Naturals a follow to see this come together. And if you're looking for a great Christmas gift, Dandelion Naturals has so many great all natural gifts! You'll find this and other ideas on our Rural Makers + Creators Gift Guide. Check out more on the blog. SHOW NOTESHayfield, MinnesotaMarigold Days FOLLOW HANDLEBEND:INSTAGRAMFACEBOOKWEBSITE BRANDED BY RURAL REVIVALWe've got a SALE coming your way! It's our black Friday sale where we offer our website design kits at HALF OFF! Here’s why people love our website design kits… they're easy to edit, fully customizable, and they're 100% DIY. This means that with the help of our tutorial videos, you'll learn step by step how to edit on your own so you can have the freedom as a small business owner to update your own website whenever you need. It's truly a win/win for you and your business. We only do this sale once a year, so don't miss out! Go to brandedbyruralrevival.co to find the design kit that's right for you! MORE FROM RURAL REVIVALWEBSITEINSTAGRAMFACEBOOK

    34 min

  2. NOV 15

    163 | Matt Dennis and Michael Stepp of Handlebend

    On today’s episode of the Rural Revival podcast we're with Matt Dennis and Michael Stepp of Handlebend in O'Neill, Nebraska (pop. 3,575), where they make handcrafted copper mugs and use their space to bring new creative and entrepreneurial ideas to life. They're sharing how the resurgence of the moscow mule inspired an accidental business that brought them back to their hometown. Plus, how they’ve navigated an ever-changing business, how they refined their process and streamlined production, the move to their current building and their vision for this big space, and what it means for their small town to have this kind of space to build community. These guys have built an incredible business these guys have built! You’ll love their focus on community and their intentionality around expanding and growing this business. This is a fantastic episode and I know you're gonna be inspired! I know there's so much more to come from Matt and Michael, so be sure to go give them a follow. And if you're looking for a great Christmas gift, a Handlebend mug makes for a great gift! You'll find this and other ideas on our Rural Makers + Creators Gift Guide. Check out more on the blog. SHOW NOTESO’Neill, NebraskaOmaha World Herald Feature StoryNormal Roasting Company FOLLOW HANDLEBEND:INSTAGRAMFACEBOOKXWEBSITE BRANDED BY RURAL REVIVALWe've got a SALE coming your way! It's our black Friday sale where we offer our website design kits at HALF OFF! Here’s why people love our website design kits… they're easy to edit, fully customizable, and they're 100% DIY. This means that with the help of our tutorial videos, you'll learn step by step how to edit on your own so you can have the freedom as a small business owner to update your own website whenever you need. It's truly a win/win for you and your business. We only do this sale once a year, so don't miss out! Go to brandedbyruralrevival.co to find the design kit that's right for you! MORE FROM RURAL REVIVALWEBSITEINSTAGRAMFACEBOOK

    45 min

  3. OCT 18

    162 | Jordan Classen of Classen Land & Cattle

    On today's episode we're with Jordan Classen of Classen Land & Cattle and Classen Mercantile out of Albion, Nebraska (pop. 1,703), and we're talking all about what it takes to start and grow a beef business from the ground up. Jordan and her husband Travis are building their dream together and bringing their vision for their farm and business to life — which started with three head of cattle — and now has their beef finding its way to tables around the country and in their local schools. Jordan has worked hard to incorporate an entirely local beef program in those schools! She also talks about how she's betting on herself, the importance of farmers’ markets and why we need to support them, and how she's using this business to impact consumers.  And here's something fun, we actually got to help build the Classen Mercantile website when Jordan attended one of our Brand Camp events a few years back. If you're in need of a website or other branding, we want to help. Branded by Rural Revival is our rural design studio where we are helping small business owners and small towns with websites, design, marketing assets, brand kits, and more. Our #1 goal is to help provide the tools you need to succeed as a small business owner or small town — and help you build a brand that you love. If you want to learn more or check out some of our latest work, go to brandedbyruralrevival.co. You’ll love Jordan's heart for agriculture and all the amazing things she’s doing with this business! And as we start to think about the Christmas season, which will be here before we know it, Classen Mercantile is now taking prime rib orders and will be shipping as soon as they get their restock in around November 15! They will also be offering jerky and beef sticks this Christmas. If you're local to Albion area, you can stop by their beef store on the first Saturday of the month from 10-2 or also by appointment. Check out more on the blog. SHOW NOTESAlbion, NebraskaHumphrey, NebraskaBellevue Farmers’ MarketSunday Farmers’ MarketLocal Foods for Local Schools FOLLOW CLASSEN MERCANTILE:FACEBOOKINSTAGRAMWEBSITE BRANDED BY RURAL REVIVALHere's something fun - we actually got to help build the Classen Mercantile website when Jordan attended one of our Brand Camp events a few years back. If you're in need of a website or other branding, we want to help. Branded by Rural Revival is our rural design studio where we are helping small business owners and small towns with websites, design, marketing assets, brand kits, and more. Our #1 goal is to help provide the tools you need to succeed as a small business owner or small town — and help you build a brand that you love. If you want to learn more or check out some of our latest work, go to brandedbyruralrevival.co. MORE FROM RURAL REVIVALWEBSITEINSTAGRAMFACEBOOK

    31 min

  4. OCT 3

    161 | Stacy Preston of Stacy Preston Photography

    On today's episode, photographer Stacy Preston is showing us how a creative business IS possible in a small town. Based out of Lynchburg, Tennessee (pop. 6,742), Stacy is sharing her love for photography as a way to preserve history, and how she has turned a lifelong hobby and dream into a profitable business. We're talking about how she found her style, combining creativity and business, and how her family has inspired her mission. You’ll love the heart behind Stacy's business and her take on photography! If you're thinking about getting started as a small town photographer, there's a link to some of Stacy's favorite gear in our show notes, so be sure to go check that out and give her a follow! Check out more on the blog. SHOW NOTESLynchburg, Tennessee FOLLOW STACY PRESTON PHOTOGRAPHYFACEBOOKINSTAGRAMWEBSITE BRANDED BY RURAL REVIVALDo you love your branding? Like really love it? If you love your business, but are not in love with your branding, we want to help change that for you. Branded by Rural Revival is our rural design studio where we are helping small business owners and small towns with websites, design, marketing assets, brand kits, and more. Our #1 goal is to help provide the tools you need to succeed in the best way possible as a small business owner or small town — so you can finally have a brand that you love. If you want to learn more about how we can help you, or check out some of our latest work, go to brandedbyruralrevival.co. MORE FROM RURAL REVIVALWEBSITEINSTAGRAMFACEBOOK

    33 min

  5. SEP 19

    160 | Taylor Borkowski of The Cottage

    Today on the podcast we're with Taylor Borkowski of The Cottage in Denison, Iowa (pop. 8,172). Taylor and her mom bought out an existing business in January 2020, only to shut down six days after their open house celebration due to covid. It's been a wild ride, and Taylor's sharing how they overcame the covid challenges, brought a massive change to their product line, filled a gap in the community, and recently moved locations. She also talks about her involvement with the community, which includes hosting community events that incorporate a diverse population, and you'll see why she was voted Volunteer of the Year! If you live near western Iowa, you’ll want to put these upcoming events on your calendar: Fall Frenzy — October 9, 4-8 pm Christmas at The Cottage — October 28 (private ticketed event) Holiday Open House — November 14-17 Recipe Walk — November 17, 1-4 pm Taylor also used our Farm Dinner Event Kit for their recent farm to table celebration. If you're thinking about bringing a farm to table dinner to your community, this is a great resource for you! Check out more on the blog. SHOW NOTESDenison, IowaHot Summer NightsWomen in Business Impact OrganizationFarm-to-Table Event KitVan Houten AcresChamber & Development Council of Crawford County FOLLOW THE COTTAGEFACEBOOKINSTAGRAMWEBSITE BRANDED BY RURAL REVIVALDid you start out the year with big brand goals but still haven't found the time to work on those? If that's you, we've still got over three months left in the year and we can help make this happen for you through Branded by Rural Revival — our rural design studio that specifically focuses on helping small businesses and small towns. From websites to logos, marketing assets, course building, and podcast setup, we are ready to help you build a brand you love. Find out more and check out our latest work at brandedbyruralrevival.co. MORE FROM RURAL REVIVALWEBSITEINSTAGRAMFACEBOOK

    36 min

  6. SEP 6

    159 | Josh and Sara Holmquist of Normal Roasting Company

    Today on the podcast we're with Josh and Sara Holmquist of Normal Roasting Company in Burwell, Nebraska (pop. 1,079). In this episode you'll find out how Josh and Sarah bought a coffee company on a whim and grew it from a hobby to what is now multiple businesses. They talk about how they dealt with overwhelming growth, building an iconic brand, scaling your business in the early years, plus the wholesale side of their business and the amazing community they have built there. These two are such a fun couple and they truly have built an incredible brand! Check out more on the blog. SHOW NOTESBurwell, NebraskaArcadia, NebraskaTheory Coffee TechNormal Wholesale Collective FOLLOW NORMAL ROASTING COMPANYFACEBOOKINSTAGRAMWEBSITE BRANDED BY RURAL REVIVALDid you start out the year with big brand goals but still haven't found the time to work on those? If that's you, we've still got four months left in the year and we can help make this happen for you through Branded by Rural Revival — our rural design studio that specifically focuses on helping small businesses and small towns. From websites to logos, marketing assets, course building, and podcast setup, we are ready to help you build a brand you love. Find out more and check out our latest work at brandedbyruralrevival.co. MORE FROM RURAL REVIVALWEBSITEINSTAGRAMFACEBOOK

    34 min

  7. AUG 22

    158 | Jessi Mason of The Market & Mill

    On today’s episode of the podcast we're with Jessi Mason of The Market & Mill in Anselmo, Nebraska (pop. 109). Jessi's sharing how she went from being a social worker with no business background to a grocery store owner, and her journey in learning new things like ordering groceries, profit margins, diversifying, and even how her social work background still plays a role. Plus, Jessi is getting creative and innovative to keep things as fresh and local as possible in the store, including turning part of the space into a coffee shop and community kitchen. You’ll love how Jessi has jumped into this adventure of being a grocery store owner, and how this business has become such a hub for the community. While we were doing this interview, the place was buzzing the entire time with a steady stream of customers. Which, when you think about it, is truly incredible for a town of this size! Check out more on the blog and see the transformation Jessi and Andrew have brought to this space! SHOW NOTESAnselmo, NebraskaBroken Bow, NebraskaCallaway, NebraskaNebraska Arts CouncilSandhills National Scenic Byway FOLLOW THE MARKET & MILLFACEBOOKINSTAGRAMWEBSITE BRANDED BY RURAL REVIVALWe’ve now expanded our design services at Branded by Rural Revival to offer logos, branding, and marketing assets! So, if you need a logo or brand refresh, or a new website, we’d love to help you build a brand you love. Find out more and check out our latest work at brandedbyruralrevival.co. MORE FROM RURAL REVIVALWEBSITEINSTAGRAMFACEBOOK

    34 min

  8. JUN 13

    157 | The Ladies of Why Not Us and The Centennial

    On today’s episode of the Rural Revival podcast we’re with Deb McGinn, Ginny Showman, Jacque Andrew, Sara Ostrander, and Peg Raney of Why Not Us — a group of 72 women who pooled their resources to save a historic downtown building called The Centennial on their town square in Jefferson, Iowa (pop. 4,182). After the building was flooded with several thousands of gallons of water and it destroyed the community’s popular tea room, they wanted somebody to bring it back, and finally decided, why not us? They’re sharing how they pooled their resources, set parameters for the group, found somebody to run the restaurant, and the incredible impact this has had on their community. You’ll love the model that these ladies have established in working together to bring back this historic building and important business to the community of Jefferson. There is no doubt this is going to spark some ideas for you in how you can pool your resources to do something similar in your community! We’re excited to watch this project continue and to see that second story get finished out. Thank you to all the ladies for being on the podcast, and to all 72 ladies who make up Why Not Us, thank you for your investment into your community and for inspiring us to do something similar in our small towns. Because hey, why not us? Check out more on the blog. SHOW NOTES:Jefferson, IowaPete Franks - Franks Design GroupKevin Conway - Westbrook ConstructionChirpJefferson Matters FOLLOW WHY NOT US:FACEBOOK FOLLOW THE CENTENNIAL:FACEBOOK BRANDED BY RURAL REVIVALI have a fun announcement - we’ve now expanded our design services at Branded by Rural Revival to offer logos, branding, and marketing assets! So, if you need a logo or brand refresh, or a new website, we’d love to help you build a brand you love. You can find out more at brandedbyruralrevival.co. MORE FROM RURAL REVIVALWEBSITEINSTAGRAMFACEBOOK

    49 min
See All (165)

4.8
out of 5
65 Ratings

About

From farming and agriculture to amazing restaurants, vintage markets, and even tech start-ups, people are thinking outside the box, taking risks, and bringing life back to the hometowns and small communities we love. Our hope is this will be a place where you can be inspired to do the same. So jump in, hear the stories of people who are doing life in rural America and loving it, and start dreaming. And then let us know what you're up to so we can share your story, too!

Information

  • Creator
    Rural Revival
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2024
  • Episodes
    165
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2018-2023 Rural Revival Co.
  • Show Website
    Rural Revival

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