Backroads, Bloody Marys & the True North of Small Business

Birthdays look different when you’re a small business cheerleader at heart. Instead of a big night out, I celebrated the best way I know how, by taking the backroads, supporting rural Iowa small businesses, and sharing plenty of laughs with family and friends.

From sipping spicy Bloody Marys to shopping at eclectic local spots, our day was a joyful reminder that small-town Iowa is full of magic, grit, and heart. Places like The Creamery, Little Lion Eclectics, Wilson’s Farm, Iowa Distilling, and Talk Shop Lounge aren’t just destinations, they’re proof of what happens when passion meets perseverance.

Why This Matters to Me

Supporting small businesses has never been “just shopping” for me. It’s about developing connections, strengthening communities, and celebrating the courage it takes to build something from the ground up. That’s exactly what inspired me to create Culture Compass Consulting.

More Than Business Advice

At Culture Compass, my mission is to help business owners and entrepreneurs:

• Build values-driven workplace cultures that inspire loyalty and growth.

• Develop real-world, actionable tools that take ideas from vision to reality.

• Strengthen community connections through intentional partnerships.

• Create systems that support long-term goals and well-being.

I don’t do fluff, and I’m not here to simply cheer from the sidelines. I roll up my sleeves, sit beside you, and help map out a path that finally matches the passion in your head and heart.

Finding Your True North

That birthday road trip reminded me that the best journeys aren’t always the fastest ones, they’re the scenic routes that connect us back to what matters most: people, purpose, and community.

If you’re a small business owner, nonprofit leader, or creative thinker ready to stop playing small and start building a culture that reflects your big, bold vision, I’d love to walk that path with you. Together, we’ll find your true north.

🌱 “Community grows when we share our stories. If your business, farm, or small-town gem deserves a spotlight, I’d love to collaborate. Learn more on the Let’s Partner page.