Rural Revival

Rural Revival
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. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. MAY 30

    156 | Luke and Jennifer Mahin of Irrigation Ales

    On today’s podcast episode we’re with Luke and Jennifer Mahin of Irrigation Ales in Courtland, Kansas (pop. 294). They’re sharing how they have built this business over time, starting with the Courtland Fermentation Club and the process of learning how to brew good, quality beer, as well as the cool story behind their branding. They also talk about the incredible entrepreneurial culture of Courtland, plus what it was like for Luke growing up in a very small town and for Jennifer moving to a very small town. You are going to love SO MUCH about this interview and there’s so much we can learn from Luke and Jennifer’s story. Whether it’s building your business one step at a time or creating that entrepreneurial culture in your town or the economic development tips — we know you are walking away from this interview inspired! Check out more on the blog. SHOW NOTES:Courtland, KansasRepublic County Economic DevelopmentCourtland Fermentation ClubCourtland Fun DaySoul SistersCourtland Town Feature FOLLOW IRRIGATION ALES:WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | 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

    47 min
  7. MAY 16

    155 | Brett Hubka from A Mural Movement of Clay Center

    On today’s episode of the Rural Revival podcast we’re with Brett Hubka with A Mural Movement of Clay Center, Kansas (pop. 4,123). Brett's sharing how a simple service project around one mural turned into a movement that has now brought 33 murals to their town. When this all started, the community had no public art. Now they're drawing in artists from around the nation and expanding their efforts beyond Clay Center to the entire county, and Brett's here to tell you all about it. This is such a fun project and it’s great to see how the community has rallied around this. I'm excited to share that the new grain bin mural that Brett mentioned is now finished and it is incredible! I also want to give a shout out to Brett and the Rotary for their leadership of this project. 33 murals in four years is A LOT and they've put a lot of time and effort into this, and it's really great to see all their hard work paying off. Check out the podcast and make Clay Center a part of your travel plans this summer! This is something really fun to experience and you will not be disappointed! Check out more on the blog. SHOW NOTES:Clay Center, KansasMedicine Lodge, KansasOberlin, KansasGN BankClay Center Rotary ClubClay Center Community Improvement FoundationClay Center ZooClay County, KansasKansas Creative Arts and Industries CommissionLive Rural SurveyGrow Clay CountyHiawatha, KansasHolton, KansasHarper, Kansas FOLLOW A MURAL MOVEMENT OF CLAY CENTER:WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE 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, we’d love to help you build a brand you love. You can find out more at brandedbyruralrevival.co/design. MORE FROM RURAL REVIVALWEBSITEINSTAGRAMFACEBOOK

    25 min
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!

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