The Hickory Algorithm is relationship marketing and community hub dedicated to celebrating the stories, culture, and businesses that make Hickory, North Carolina - my favorite. Each Newsletter spotlights solutions, experiences, and a different perspective to help you, the small business owner with insights, inspiration and strategies for personal and professional growth.
Tuesday, I decided to drive up to Pittsburgh from Hickory to see my brother and mom on their birthdays. Though we were only there for less than 24 hours, it gave me a long time in the car to think.
Not so much about how I miss where I grew up or I miss the places but how just walking the same footsteps I did for many years made me appreciate the work I did while there. How those footsteps eventually turned into the place I am standing now, and drives me to the steps not yet taken.
đȘThe Power of Change: From Where We Were to Where Weâre GoingđȘ
Change is inevitable. Growth is a choice.
At The Hickory Algorithm, we donât just celebrate businessesâwe celebrate the journey behind them. Every entrepreneur, creator, and leader started somewhere. But success isnât about staying in one placeâitâs about recognizing how far youâve come and embracing where youâre going next.
This past Tuesday, I made a last-minute decision - ask the wife about it - to drive from Hickory to Pittsburgh to see my brother and mom on their birthdays. It wasnât a long tripâless than 24 hoursâbut the drive gave me something valuable: time to reflect.
Not so much about missing where I grew up, but about what that place meant to my journey. Driving down Carson St., retracing the same paths I had taken for years, I wasnât overcome with nostalgiaâI was overcome with appreciation.
Appreciation for the hard work I put in back then. For the experiences that shaped me. For the challenges that pushed me. And for the realization that every stepđŠ¶taken then led me to the steps Iâm taking now.
As a business owner, you might find yourself in a similar space. You look back on where you startedânot longing to return, but recognizing the growth, resilience, and lessons that brought you here. The relationships youâve built, the risks youâve taken, the pivots youâve madeâall of it has been leading you forward.
But the real power isnât in looking back đâitâs in understanding what comes next.
Every small business owner faces moments of transition. Maybe youâre shifting strategies, expanding your reach, or even questioning if the next step is the right one. Thatâs where the power of change truly lies. Itâs in recognizing that movement is necessary, that forward momentumâno matter how uncertainâkeeps you from staying stagnant.
The Hickory Algorithm exists for exactly this reason. Weâre here to highlight solutions, share experiences, and offer new perspectives to help you navigate change. Because growth doesnât happen in isolationâit happens in community.
So, as you step into the next phase of your business, ask yourself:
đč What lessons has my past taught me?
đč How is my current position preparing me for whatâs next?
đč What small step can I take today to move forward?
Change isnât just about where youâve beenâitâs about where youâre going. And no matter where that is, weâre here to walk alongside you.
Letâs keep moving forward. đ
Speaking of moving forward, our podcast this week features Gail and White Idding. We would have never of met if we didnât uproot and come to Hickory. They were our welcome wagon - when they didnât have to be. I am honored to call them our friends.
đšNew Pod đš
âš This Weekâs Episode: We sit down with Gail and White Idding, longtime neighbors of the Hickory Algorithm when we first moved to Hickory. They share their thoughts on southern hospitality, the LR Bears Club (Go Bears! đ»), and their lasting impact on the community they love as well. Making Hickory, North Carolina - the best.
LINK TO FULL PODCAST HERE <~~~~ Click for YouTube link
Thank you to Midwife Maven for Sponsoring our latest episode. If you are interested in group rates for young girls, women, or any kind of party - she is the person you want to contact!
đ The Pop Tart Prophet đ
Our Pop Tart event at Happy Sips in the Hickory Arcade located in the Tunnel across the street from the Carolina Theatre. Here are some of the photos from the Hickory Algorithm Pop Tart event. If you want to see more, be sure to check out our Facebook page: Hickory Algorithm Facebook Page
Below: John Yang Photography, Happy Sips, your boy, and Proflow Powerwash
Above: Working with Jamie from Golden Rule Music School
âŹïž Sports Photography âŹïž
Spring Sports are just around the corner. Soccer, Lacrosse, Hockey, and baseball try outs, scheduling, and team selection are starting to take shape. If you are looking to get some professional photography done for the athlete in your life.
LINK TO JOHN YANG PHOTOGRAPHY - Work shown above
đŒ BRAND NEW DINNER PLAYLIST đŒ
Def Leppard Dinner / Background Playlist <~~~~ LINK
This Hickory Algorithm playlist features nothing but the band Def Leppard. BUT, be prepared this may not be the Def Leppard from the 1900s - as my kids say.
Here is the track list and a little background of each track:
Stand by me - Remake of the classic track, top tier vocals by Joe Elliot. Surprisingly great.
Animal - a Def Leppard classic but with a orchestra
Spillways - a ghost song but duet with Def Leppard
10 songs in total from deep cuts, remakes, and covers.
I enjoy having music on at my house whenever I am home. If you have been to our studio you have seen the records on the wall.
Every month I update this playlist with what is being played at my house. This is the February update đ
đȘ Partnering with the Hickory Algorithm đȘ
Want to partner with the Hickory Algorithm? Here some ways to do so:
Learn more about the Podcast, Form: HERE
Help with your Facebook management with organic weekly contact, or knowing where to grow your socials, Form: HERE
This Newsletter has partnerships for advertising or sponsorships available, Form: HERE
#fortheloveofthegame