Algorithm Newsletter
Where you been? Where you going? The Power of Change.
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.
💪The Power of Change: From Where We Were to Where We’re Going💪
Change is inevitable. Growth is a choice.
At The Hickory Algorithm, we don’t just celebrate businesses—we celebrate the journey behind them. Every entrepreneur, creator, and leader started somewhere. But success isn’t about staying in one place—it’s about recognizing how far you’ve come and embracing where you’re 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 wasn’t a long trip—less than 24 hours—but 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 wasn’t overcome with nostalgia—I 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 step🦶taken then led me to the steps I’m taking now.
As a business owner, you might find yourself in a similar space. You look back on where you started—not longing to return, but recognizing the growth, resilience, and lessons that brought you here. The relationships you’ve built, the risks you’ve taken, the pivots you’ve made—all of it has been leading you forward.
But the real power isn’t in looking back 👀—it’s in understanding what comes next.
Every small business owner faces moments of transition. Maybe you’re shifting strategies, expanding your reach, or even questioning if the next step is the right one. That’s where the power of change truly lies. It’s in recognizing that movement is necessary, that forward momentum—no matter how uncertain—keeps you from staying stagnant.
The Hickory Algorithm exists for exactly this reason. We’re here to highlight solutions, share experiences, and offer new perspectives to help you navigate change. Because growth doesn’t happen in isolation—it happens in community.
So, as you step into the next phase of your business, ask yourself:
🔹 What lessons has my past taught me?
🔹 How is my current position preparing me for what’s next?
🔹 What small step can I take today to move forward?
Change isn’t just about where you’ve been—it’s about where you’re going. And no matter where that is, we’re here to walk alongside you.
Let’s keep moving forward. 🚀
Speaking of moving forward, our podcast this week features Gail and White Idding. We would have never of met if we didn’t uproot and come to Hickory. They were our welcome wagon - when they didn’t have to be. I am honored to call them our friends.
🚨New Pod 🚨
✨ This Week’s 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! 🐻), 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!
😉 The Pop Tart Prophet 😉
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
⬇️ Sports Photography ⬇️
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
🎼 BRAND NEW DINNER PLAYLIST 🎼
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 👀
💪 Partnering with the Hickory Algorithm 💪
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