New Episode! 🎙️

In this episode of Rural Unrecognized, we meet Tracey and John, the owners of @jdbarrettwoodwork , a custom woodworking business that has found success in both urban and rural Alberta. Originally from the UK, John started his career as a joiner, specializing in doors, windows, and staircases before running his own renovation business. Seeking new opportunities and a better lifestyle, he and Tracy made the leap to Canada, where they built a thriving woodworking business known for quality craftsmanship and attention to detail.

What sets JD Barrett Woodworking apart is their ability to create custom, high-end pieces while maintaining a strong commitment to their clients. Their reputation has been built almost entirely through word-of-mouth referrals rather than traditional marketing, proving that exceptional work speaks for itself. They have worked on stunning home renovations, intricate cabinetry, and even custom furniture, bringing a blend of old-world craftsmanship and modern design to their projects.

One of the biggest shifts in their journey was choosing to move from Airdrie to the quiet, scenic community of Alliance located in the Flagstaff Region. While they still travel to Calgary for work, they have found immense benefits in rural living. John and Tracy describe the peace and balance that come with stepping away from the fast-paced demands of city life. In Alliance, they have the freedom to enjoy their property, take breaks in the middle of the day, and truly appreciate the beauty of their surroundings. The sense of community is another major highlight—people are welcoming, supportive, and always looking out for one another.

For those considering a move to a smaller community, John and Tracy’s story is a testament to the opportunities and lifestyle benefits that come with it. Their passion for craftsmanship, combined with the charm and tranquility of rural Alberta, makes their journey one worth sharing!

Listen/watch their full episode using the link in our bio!

Host: @theamandawagner
Producer/Editor: @jce.films ...

🚨 Spots are Almost Gone! 🚨

Our Plan, Post, Profit: A Marketing Workshop for Small Business Owners is already ¾ sold out, and the remaining spots won’t last long! If you’ve been thinking about joining, now is the time—secure your seat before it’s too late!

📅 Date: April 9, 2025
📍 Location: Flagstaff County Administration Office
🎟 Only a few spots left—register now!

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to level up your marketing game! 🔗 Link to register in bio.

📧 Questions? Email klefsrud@flagstaff.ab.ca

#PlanPostProfit #MarketingWorkshop #FlagstaffCounty #smallbizsuccess ...

🚀 Plan, Post, Profit: A Marketing Workshop for Small Business Owners!

Struggling to keep up with marketing? Overwhelmed by content creation? We’ve got you covered!

Join us on April 9th for the Plan, Post, Profit workshop—taught by the experts at @socialpeople.co—and walk away with a clear, structured marketing plan for 2025!

Our Plan, Post, Profit marketing workshop is already 1/4 sold out through email marketing—don’t miss your chance to grab a spot!

📅 April 9, 2025
⏰ 10 AM – 4 PM (Includes a catered lunch!)
📍 Flagstaff County Administration Building
💰 Only $45 (+ Eventbrite fees)

Taught by @socialpeople.co , this hands-on workshop will help you:
✅ Build a structured 2025 marketing plan
✅ Simplify content creation with a week-by-week breakdown
✅ Master storytelling & audience engagement
✅ Learn what works (and what doesn’t) with AI in marketing
✅ Access tools, templates & exclusive resources

🚨 Only 25 spots available, and they’re going fast! Secure yours now before it’s too late!

🔗 Register now: Link in Bio
📩 Once you fill out the form, we’ll send you the payment link. Your spot is only confirmed after payment!

📧 Questions? Email klefsrud@flagstaff.ab.ca

#PlanPostProfit #MarketingWorkshop #FlagstaffCounty #smallbizsuccess ...

Boost Your Business with Google! 🚀

Your Google Listing is often the first impression potential customers have of your business—so make it count! 💡 In this reel, Brian with @strongcoffeemarketing, one of our expert business coaches in the Micro Business Support Program, shares key tips to optimize your Google Listing and attract more customers.
 
✅ Stand out in search results
✅ Build trust with customer reviews
✅ Make it easy for people to find and contact you
✅ Interact with reviews
 
Ready to take action or have more questions? Our Micro Business Support Program is here to provide quick, results-driven solutions to help your business thrive. Using the link in our BIO, you can book a one-hour session today and get the expert guidance you need to move forward with confidence!
 
#FlagstaffCounty #FlagstaffCrafted #SmallBizSuccess #GoogleListingTips #MarketingMadeEasy #OneonOneCoaching #RuralAlberta #RuralSmallBusiness #AlbertaSmallBusiness ...

In this episode of Rural Unrecognized, we sit down with Darek Graff, managing partner of @killamhomehardware, to talk about small-town business, community values, and playing the long
game in entrepreneurship.

Darek shares how Home Hardware’s cooperative model allows his local store to maintain its independence while benefiting from the buying power of a larger organization. This flexibility enables Killam Home Hardware to tailor its inventory and services to the needs of the community while competing with big-box stores. But for Darek - business isn’t just about selling products…it’s about “giving a damn” and building relationships.

A lifelong resident of the Flagstaff region, Darek grew up in the business, starting work at the store at just 12 years old before pursuing carpentry and eventually returning to take over
operations. He reflects on the lessons he learned from his grandparents and parents, particularly around delayed gratification, hard work, and perseverance. Throughout the conversation, Darek emphasizes the importance of community
connection—whether it’s greeting customers by name, coaching youth sports, or volunteering on local boards. He sees small-town businesses as more than just retail spaces; they are hubs
of support, mentorship, and trust.

Darek also opens up about the challenges of growth and leadership, including learning to delegate, avoiding burnout, and striking a balance between business ambitions and family life.
He explains how optimizing operations, investing in the right people, and trusting his team have allowed him to be home for his kids while still driving business success.

As the episode wraps up, Darek shares his hopes for the future of Flagstaff County, including diversifying the local economy to attract young professionals and families. His philosophy is
simple but powerful: do a good job, care about people, and you’ll get recognized.

Tune in to hear Darek’s honest and heartfelt take on running a business in rural Alberta, the power of small-town connections, and why success is all about playing the long game.

Host: @theamandawagner
Producer/Editor: @jce.films ...

💖 This Valentine’s Day, Show Love by Shopping Local! 💖

Looking for the perfect Valentine’s Day gift? 💝 Skip the mass-produced and choose something unique, handmade, and full of heart at the Flagstaff Crafted Marketplace, located inside Wild Rose Co-op in Killam!

🛍️ Why shop local this Valentine’s Day?
✔️ One-of-a-kind gifts – Handmade with love by local artisans ❤️
✔️ Supports small businesses – Every purchase helps a local maker thrive ✨
✔️ Stronger community – Your support keeps our local economy growing! 🌱

Find handcrafted jewelry, cozy candles, delicious treats, and more—thoughtful gifts that mean so much more than something off a big-box store shelf.

📍 Where? Flagstaff Crafted Marketplace, inside Wild Rose Co-op, Killam
🗓 When? Open daily during Co-op store hours

Spread the love this Valentine’s Day—shop local, support local, and give a gift that truly makes a difference! ❤️

Tag a friend who needs to check it out! 👇 #ShopLocal #FlagstaffCrafted #ValentinesDayGifts #SupportSmallBusiness ...