Join us at the Berch House, the charming headquarters of No Roots Boots, where we catch up with the visionary behind the brand, Paige Ehnle Heaton. This episode delves into the journey of No Roots Boots, highlighting the growth, challenges, and community collaborations that have shaped the business since our last conversation.

On this episode we're with Carli Ullrich of Rural Grit Co. out of Kiron, Iowa (pop. 257). Carli shares her journey of starting her business at just 16 years old, how she expanded her product line, and the importance of consistency in growing her brand. Carli also reflects on her unique approach to business, explaining why she enjoys traveling to meet customers over having a brick-and-mortar store — at least for the time being!

If you’re inspired by Michelle’s story from Episode 165 and want to dive even deeper into how to apply some of these strategies to your own business, this new bonus episode is for you! In After the Episode, I’ll be breaking down the key takeaways from today’s interview and sharing actionable steps you can use to level up your own hustle. From setting goals to building a brand that feels truly you, it’s packed with practical tips and insights!

I first talked to Michelle back in 2019 when her candle business was still a side hustle. Fast forward to today, and Michelle has not only made her dream a full-time reality, but she’s built an incredible brand, expanded her shop, and even hosted farm-to-table dinners on her farm. In today’s conversation, we’ll dive into how she made the leap to entrepreneurship, the importance of protecting her creativity, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.

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.

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).

This week we have a very special episode of the podcast featuring the OABCIG Middle School TAG students from right here in my hometown! I had the honor of getting to speak to them last week about my career path, and then we turned the conversation to them and talked about THEIR dreams for our small towns. We decided it would be fun to record this and share it with you here on the podcast!

Today we’re bringing you a very special episode of the Rural Revival podcast. This just so happens to be our 150th episode, and I felt like that was worth celebrating, so I asked my dear friend and Rural Revival travel buddy Joni Nash if she would interview me and talk about what all has transpired since this first started. So grab a cup of coffee and sit down and enjoy this special 150th episode with Joni and me.

On today’s episode of the Rural Revival podcast we’re with Libby Timmerman of Heart and Sole Dance and Performing Arts Studio in Cherokee, Iowa (pop. 5,099). Libby’s sharing how she unexpectedly became a dance studio owner at the age of 14, and how she’s now creating opportunities for others to be part of the studio and stay in their hometown — just like she did!

The Swedish Heritage & Cultural Center celebrates Stanton’s rich Swedish heritage both past and present. Come explore all this museum has to offer!

FMTC is working to bring economic opportunities to these four counties and our regional community in southwest Iowa with access to a world class ultra-fast, reliable broadband fiber optic network. We are a community partner for all the towns and residents in our service areas because we live and work in the area...just like the customers we serve. When you can work from anywhere because your Internet is the best in the world you can choose to have the way of life that you want to have.

While at the bank, I noticed a need for Ag Appraisers in the area. I eventually made the scary decision to quit my banking career to pursue a more independent and growing career in Ag Real Estate selling/appraising/managing. My wife, Susan, and I decided to purchase an office space in Stanton to have a "home base" for me to work from. We chose Stanton because it was where our kids went to daycare/school and it is a very progressive and supportive community.

When we walked into that run down building that day I had joked about cleaning up the building and making it a space for a studio. Boy, did that joke grow into ideas! I sat down and started hand drawing some sketches of how I would want my dream studio to look. Slowly over the next three years we worked on demoing the stuff from the old meat locker in our free time.

We started our business in rural Wyoming and sold firearms and ammo part time up until we moved to Iowa in the spring of 2023. We moved here to be close to friends and be part of a small community. We purchased a building in April and began remodeling and were able to open our doors at the beginning of June.

Stanton, Iowa may be small (population less than 700), but it is rich in history, family values, and adventure — and loves celebrating its Swedish heritage! Read more as we kick off our week-long feature of the success stories happening in Stanton.

On today’s episode of the Rural Revival podcast we’re with Stanton Community Development Director Jenna Ramsey, and FMTC General Manager and CEO Kevin Cabbage, both from Stanton, Iowa (pop. 678). This partnership has allowed them to receive over $5 million in grants in five years — and their Main Street is thriving.

On this episode of the Rural Revival podcast we’re with Steffany Bettin of The Blue Jay Boutique in Danbury, Iowa (pop. 320). Steffany’s sharing how she turned an old barbershop in her hometown into a boutique to offer what she calls ‘girl next door’ clothes. You’re going to love her story!

Today we’re with Katie Adams of Stuart Flowers & Gifts in Stuart, Iowa (pop. 1,782). Katie’s floral experience comes from an ag class in high school, but her journey took her to being a teacher to 4-H to corporate America before it came full circle as a full time floral career.

Restored Nutrition opened up for business on September 24, 2022 and ever since then we have been overwhelmed with the amount of support from the community and the surrounding areas for our Herbalife meal replacement shakes and tea bombs.

Welcome to SWARM Sports Bar & Grille: an experience both you and your taste buds will remember! "Home of Bob's Burger" — A ONE POUND burger, stuffed with bacon and mozzarella cheese, topped with cheddar cheese and MORE bacon — and voted "TOP 5 Best Burger" in Northeast Iowa!