Post by Patrick Tape Fleming

This past winter, my longtime friend Zack Smith (aka The Stock Cropper) called me with an idea. I've known Zack for more than 20 years—ever since his band, Keepers of the Carpet, recorded an album in my basement in Ames. My tiny record label released it, and we did everything ourselves, including printing four different album covers because we thought it would be fun. It was creative, chaotic, and one of my favorite memories. Twenty years later, Zack wasn't calling about music. He and fellow Iowa farmers James Hepp and Matt Bormann had launched The Lobe Rangers, a grassroots effort to create thoughtful conversations around conservation, clean water, and the future of farming in Iowa. They weren't looking for politics—they wanted to tell their story. They asked if I'd help. Over the past several months, I've worked with them—completely pro bono—building their website, launching their social channels, developing messaging, and helping share their mission with a wider audience. Seeing that work take off has been incredibly rewarding. They've been featured on local television, their audience continues to grow, and important conversations are happening because three farmers decided to use their voices. Five years ago, I lost my dad to cancer. Like so many Iowans, I've watched too many friends and family members face the disease. I don't pretend to have the answers, but I believe conversations about conservation, water quality, and public health matter. That's why this project has meant so much to me. Marketing isn't just about selling products. At its best, it's about helping good people with worthwhile ideas reach the people who need to hear them. Helping businesses grow is rewarding. Helping good causes grow is even better. If you haven't checked out The Lobe Rangers, I encourage you to follow their work and watch their recent KCCI feature. I think they're just getting started. https://lnkd.in/g9v_umJi