Build In Norfolk

Builder at Heart: Ryan Ruff on Startup Mindsets & Tech in Rural Nebraska

Ryan Ruff brings his serial entrepreneur experience to Norfolk as Entrepreneur-in-Residence for Invest Nebraska, guiding early-stage founders through their startup journeys. His entrepreneurial spirit has deep family roots, leading him from selling Christmas greenery as a child to developing SpendPal, a financial tool using behavioral psychology to improve spending habits. • Entrepreneurship runs in Ryan's family, with his early sales experience at 12 raising enough money to fund his Scout troop's camps for four years • Ryan developed SpendPal to solve the problem of budget adherence using behavioral psychology rather than focusing on discipline • Rural communities offer significant advantages for startups: lower living costs, less competition, and more accessible mentorship • The Builder Bootcamp program provides a structured approach to entrepreneurship that minimizes risk while maximizing learning • Everyone has entrepreneurial potential - defined by Ryan as problem-solving ability rather than business ownership • Modern tools like video conferencing and AI have leveled the playing field, making rural entrepreneurship more viable than ever • Community support and accountability are crucial factors in entrepreneurial success • Focus first on solving a problem elegantly before worrying about business models • Norfolk's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem creates momentum through regular meetups and collaborative learning Check out our Builder Bootcamp program or stop into the coworking space if you have an idea or product you want to build. You don't have to do it alone!

From Radio to Rural Roots: Sheila Jenkinson on Podcasting & Community

Storytelling has power—especially when it amplifies the voices of those working to transform their communities. Sheila Jenkinson knows this firsthand. After 20 years behind the radio microphone, she discovered new creative freedom through podcasting that allows her to showcase the renaissance happening across rural Nebraska. During our conversation, Sheila shares her journey from adjusting cassette tapes and cart machines at her first radio gig to launching "Growing Small Town Nebraska," a podcast that started as a modest hobby and has grown into a platform publishing seven or more episodes monthly. What drives her? A cheerleader's heart and the belief that small towns deserve to "thrive rather than just survive." The transformation we're witnessing in Norfolk exemplifies what's happening across the state—"This is not your mama's downtown," as Sheila puts it. Where once stood just a coffee shop and two restaurants, vibrant businesses now flourish. This revival mirrors stories she encounters in communities from Burwell to Grand Island, Shickley to Alliance. Through monthly features like "Sheila Shout Outs" and tourism partnerships, she creates ripples of visibility for small-town entrepreneurs and attractions. Beyond content creation, Sheila offers valuable insights into the differences between traditional media and podcasting. While radio offered limited speaking opportunities—"you had like eight, ten seconds" between songs—podcasting provides the freedom to have meaningful conversations that connect with listeners seeking authentic human interaction. Her partnership with Intersect Coworking demonstrates how collaborative spaces foster both productivity and community connections. Ready to discover Nebraska's hidden gems and the changemakers behind them? Subscribe to "Growing Small Town Nebraska" and join the movement celebrating rural revitalization. Better yet, follow Sheila's example and support local businesses on your next road trip—you might just find yourself in a transformed downtown that exceeds all expectations.

From Museums to Mobile Apps: Dustin Southworth on Building with No-Code

Dustin Southworth shares how he transformed his frustration with inaccurate museum information into Museum Go, an interactive app connecting museum visitors while providing reliable details about cultural institutions across Nebraska. • Started with the simple problem of inaccurate museum hours on Google • Evolved concept from "Museum Hours" to a social community space • Used no-code tools like Bubble before discovering AI-powered development through Replit • Created Passport to Nebraska Art as a learning project while building skills • Found entrepreneurial community through One Million Cups and local pitch competitions • Emphasizes that rural entrepreneurship extends far beyond agriculture • Discusses the unique challenges and advantages of building in smaller communities • Currently optimizing the Nebraska Art passport while developing Museum Go • Leverages AI tools for both development and marketing efforts If you're sitting on an idea, let this be your sign to get connected with your local entrepreneurial community. You never know what might come of it!

The Relaunch and XPM Story

Hunter Bergman, founder of XPM (Experience Marketing) and producer of Build in Norfolk, shares his entrepreneurial journey from small-town Nebraska to leading a growing marketing agency. His path demonstrates how community spaces and mentorship can nurture startup success in Northeast Nebraska's evolving entrepreneurial ecosystem. • Started entrepreneurial ventures early, influenced by his mother's side hustles • Developed passion for media and storytelling through student newspaper at Northeast Community College • Founded XPM to help medium-sized companies "level up their marketing" with comprehensive team services • Grew from two people to seven team members in just three years • Credits mentorship and community at Intersect Coworking for business growth and personal development • Found crucial support through 1 Million Cups weekly meetings for visionary thinking and networking • Learned the importance of understanding personal strengths and setting boundaries for sustainable growth • Uses tools like Clifton Strengths Assessment to better manage teams and delegate responsibilities • Is developing a side project called "Hi-AI" to help small businesses leverage artificial intelligence Hunter and XPM help produce the Build in Norfolk Podcast, which is officially relaunching for season 2 with this episode. From 1MC to more events at Intersect, Emma and Hunter plan to grow their audience and extend conversations from the space to the digital realm with this podcast.

From Concept to Reality: Jake Christensen's Path to Launching LawnHero.com

Have you ever wondered how a simple idea could transform into a thriving business? If so, this engaging podcast episode is just the ticket. We're joined by Jake Christensen, the visionary behind LawnHero.com, a revolutionary platform that has reshaped the lawn care industry. Inspired by the ease and efficiency of Uber and Lyft, Jake presents a fascinating account of how he built an on-demand lawn mowing service. As our conversation unfolds, Jake takes us behind the scenes of his entrepreneurial journey. From identifying a gap in the market to building a user-friendly platform, he shares his wisdom on turning ideas into reality. Discover how he navigated challenges and built a successful business by connecting with the right people, asking pertinent questions, and understanding customer needs. He also shares his arsenal of invaluable tools, from Wix and Canva to the Google Suite, that helped him streamline his operations. Finally, Jake offers some golden nuggets of advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of persistence and action. Despite naysayers and obstacles, it's essential to hold true to your vision and take the necessary steps to bring it to fruition. Jake's story is a testament to the power of tenacity, creativity, and resourcefulness. So, tune in for an enlightening, inspiring conversation with Jake Christensen and get a behind-the-scenes look at the making of LawnHero.com.