I am completely spoiled. Every day I get to work with absolutely amazing people across the country. People who are filled with endless passion, hope, and drive for their communities. It’s partners like Amanda and Ian Liddle who make me excited to get out of bed each day!  Read Amanda’s guest blog below and you’ll see why I’m such a...

Walmart challenges and inspires me. While it may seem incongruous for the outspoken leader in America’s growing “buy local” movement to speak out on Walmart’s behalf, there are some things that I have always thought that Walmart really does right. Actually, we have never been anti-Walmart or against big business, we’re just pro-small-business. Our...

I talk to machines a lot more often these days.  I’ve been left with no choice… Whether at the grocery store, the gas pump, or the hardware store, I find myself in the following (maddening) conversation several times a week… [scan my first item] “Thank you for shopping at StuffMart,” chirps the monotone-yet-friendly female...

Every year, Entrepreneur Magazine releases its list of the top franchise opportunities in the United States. (Because RelyLocal isn’t a franchise, we’ll never be on this list…) Do you have a cool $10 Million burning a hole in your pocket? If so, the top franchise opportunity for 2012 is to start a Hampton Inn. Don’t have $10 million? No...

I was recently asked to present a rapid-fire 5-minute presentation at an “Ignite” event on Bainbridge Island (in the Seattle area).  If you haven’t been to an Ignite event, you should find one! If there isn’t one in your area, you should look into hosting one! Ignite events area a really great way to hear and share new (or old) ideas, always...