Business Development, Content Strategy, Event Management, Fractional CMO
Katie Schrock
A Century of Legacy, and the Work It Takes to ...

This article explores leadership, legacy, and community-building lessons drawn from the 100th anniversary convention of the Dude Ranchers Association. Milestone events like a centennial celebration are more than moments of reflection. They are opportunities to assess relevance, trust, and alignment within an organization.

Drawing on firsthand experience supporting this historic event, the piece examines what it truly takes to gather ranchers and operators who run 24/7 businesses rooted in land, livestock, hospitality, and people. Leaving a ranch to attend a convention requires meaningful programming, thoughtful curation, and a deep respect for members’ time and responsibilities.

The article also addresses one of the most complex challenges facing guest ranches and Western businesses today: succession planning. When a brand is deeply tied to its people, separating identity from operations becomes essential for long-term sustainability.

Through insights on leadership, strategy, and storytelling, this piece offers perspective for organizations navigating growth, transition, and the responsibility of carrying a legacy forward.

A Century of Legacy, and the Work It Takes to Carry It Forward
Business Development, Content Strategy, Fractional CMO, Event Management, Social Media
Katie Schrock
Why Companies Are Desperately Seeking ...

Companies aren’t just looking for marketers anymore — they’re looking for storytellers. As traditional media declines and audiences crave authenticity, storytelling has become a strategic business advantage, especially in Western, agricultural, and event-based industries where culture and community drive connection.

Why Companies Are Desperately Seeking Storytellers
Content Strategy, Social Media
Katie Schrock
Behind the Call: What Meta Taught Me About ...

Nothing will boost your creator confidence like a Meta rep opening a call with: “So… how did you crack the code?” In this behind-the-scenes recap, I break down what Meta shared about the Edits app, trending Reels, real-time analytics, captions and “safe zones,” and why their best practice mirrors my own Instagram Trials Theory: test first, learn fast, and only then scale what works—without burning out or begging for likes.

Behind the Call: What Meta Taught Me About "Trials," Edits, and Smarter Reels
Business Development, Content Strategy, Event Management
Katie Schrock
The Secret to a Lasting Event Isn't Marketing - ...

Discover how Western Insights Media helped the Oregon Jamboree create a lasting legacy through the Pacific Northwest Stompeders - a fan engagement campaign for the 30th Anniversary that turned into a five-state movement and a blueprint for building community through events.

The Secret to a Lasting Event Isn't Marketing - It's Belonging
Business Development, Content Strategy
Katie Schrock
Stop Guessing, Trial Reels: The Instagram ...

Learn the 2025 Instagram Reels strategy that helped my personal Instagram reach over 2.5 million organic views in 28 days. Download the free Instagram Trial Reel Checklist to grow your western brand, your personal brand, your event or small business on social media.

Stop Guessing, Trial Reels: The Instagram Growth Strategy That Actually Works

agriculture

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A Century of Legacy, and the Work It Takes to Carry It Forward

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A Century of Legacy, and the Work It Takes to Carry It Forward

This article explores leadership, legacy, and community-building lessons drawn from the 100th anniversary convention of the Dude Ranchers Association. Milestone events like a centennial celebration are more than moments of reflection. They are opportunities to assess relevance, trust, and alignment within an organization.

Drawing on firsthand experience supporting this historic event, the piece examines what it truly takes to gather ranchers and operators who run 24/7 businesses rooted in land, livestock, hospitality, and people. Leaving a ranch to attend a convention requires meaningful programming, thoughtful curation, and a deep respect for members’ time and responsibilities.

The article also addresses one of the most complex challenges facing guest ranches and Western businesses today: succession planning. When a brand is deeply tied to its people, separating identity from operations becomes essential for long-term sustainability.

Through insights on leadership, strategy, and storytelling, this piece offers perspective for organizations navigating growth, transition, and the responsibility of carrying a legacy forward.

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Harnessing the Power of Influencers in Agriculture and Natural Resources

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Harnessing the Power of Influencers in Agriculture and Natural Resources

In the agriculture and natural resources sectors, finding the right influencers can make all the difference. The key isn’t just reaching a wide audience—it’s connecting with content creators who are genuinely passionate about your brand and its mission. Influencers who are aligned with niche interests in this space bring authenticity and credibility, fostering trust while educating audiences about the importance of their products.

Imagine campaigns like Taylor Chace’s “Steak Salad Sundays” with the Beef Checkoff, or Logan’s cucumber contentwith the Michigan Farm Bureau, each blending humor, creativity, and relatable recipes to inspire a new consumer interest. These types of collaborations provide influencers with industry insights, while they share the unique stories and benefits behind agricultural products with their followers. The result? A fresh, authentic connection with consumers that goes beyond traditional marketing.

In 2025, there’s immense potential to work with these niche influencers to showcase the value, quality, and stories behind our food. If you’re ready to explore partnerships that bring your brand’s story to life, let’s talk!