Cory Hepola

02/08/2024

"The accepted narrative of rural America does NOT match the reality. We can't sit back and wait for people to discover the truth on their own. We have to show them the success, opportunity and beauty in our small towns."

This was (a part) of my message from my keynote speech in northwest Iowa earlier this month.

I totally get it. Growing up in rural Minnesota, our collective culture is built on the foundation of hard work and modesty. It's not our nature to boast.

But, it's time for our rural communities to own their story. ✅

Our My Town Series is proud to be celebrating Perham MN, Iowa Lakes Corridor, Willmar MN, Beaver Dam WI, Farmington MN, Rugby ND, and Chisholm MN in Season 1.

If your town and/or business is interested in having our TEAM explore your region for Season 2, let me know now!

OR, if you're looking for an inspirational speaker... 😄

Discover Perham Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation Willmar, Minnesota Willmar Area Community Foundation WDS Construction, Inc. City of Farmington, MN - Local Government City of Rugby City of Chisholm KLN Family Brands

02/06/2024

Admittedly, I thought I knew all I needed to know about Iowa.

But, I was dead wrong.

My Town Series is breaking down the popular misconceptions about our rural communities.

Follow Along! ⬇️⬇️⬇️

02/01/2024

Filming has started in Iowa!

Follow My Town Series ⬇️⬇️⬇️

01/30/2024

Our My Town Series Schedule:
-WED, Jan 31st: Spencer, IA
-THURS, Feb 1st: Storm Lake, IA
-FRI, Feb 2nd: Okoboji, Spirit Lake, and Estherville, IA

Find our TEAM and tell us WHY you love where you live!

01/29/2024

-Entrepreneurship
-Manufacturing
-Diversity
-Tourism
-Strong Education
-Nature/Lakes

Seems like Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation has opportunities for everyone... can't wait to explore this week for My Town Series! 👏

ON THE ROAD - to - IOWA!

Here’s our shoot schedule in the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation this week.

If you see Cory Hepola and the “My Town” crew w/ Kvidt Creative, please be sure to say “hi” and share your rural story.

✅ Follow “My Town Series” on YouTube & Facebook
➡️ City of Spencer, Iowa
📅 Premeires October 2024
📍A “Community Venture Network” initiative fromThe Brookshire Company

01/24/2024

7 years ago, I decided to stop telling my life what I was going to do with it.

For as long as I could remember, I was obsessed with the (never-ending) “next step” in my broadcast journalism career: a larger TV Market, better Anchor role, more Awards, more Money. Since I’d started from the very bottom (and failed over and over), I’d trained myself to focus on a specific goal that would one-day make me successful and happy.

Then, I achieved it. Sort of. I made it home to KARE 11 in Minneapolis and won Awards as a TV Anchor, only I didn’t feel successful or too happy about any of it.

That’s because I was focused on the wrong thing - myself - rather than what I could do for someone else.

So, 7 years ago, I decided to stop telling my life what I was going to do with it. Instead, I started preparing by learning my strengths/weaknesses, listening to where I’m being called to help, and then defining my personal mission. I began discovering new doors of opportunity opening all over the place.

Like the door here at The Brookshire Company. 🔶

Many of you have been following along as we’ve started filming our new mission-driven docuseries - "My Town Series” - which serves to advocate for rural communities by breaking down the popular misconceptions that may exist with the rural lifestyle.

But, that story is only a part of… the story.

This month, after 100+ hours of school and 5 major exams, I’ve secured my Commercial Real Estate license!

Never - ever - would I have predicted this path. But, with a personal mission focused on “Community Development,” I’ve been led to serve companies & communities by helping our TEAM w/ strategic Site Selection through utilizing labor analysis, layering in financial incentives, negotiating - and, also - marketing, storytelling, and developing purposeful partnerships.

7 years ago, I decided to stop telling my life what I was going to do with it… and started living.

How can I help?

01/21/2024

Finished filming our first episode of My Town Series in Discover Perham.

FOLLOW ⬇️⬇️⬇️

01/19/2024

The most DIFFICULT part about filming a docuseries…

NOW FILMING!
📺 My Town Series
📍 Perham, Minnesota - Discover Perham
🎥 Kvidt Creative
👏🏼 A “Community Venture Network” initiative from The Brookshire Company

01/17/2024

As a kid - growing up in small-town Perham - I always wanted to get to a larger city.

My TV career was a slow build: Perham ➡ Fargo, ND ➡ Helena, MT ➡ Elmira, NY ➡ Rochester, NY ➡ Austin, TX ➡ Houston, TX ➡ Minneapolis, MN (mixed with 350+ rejections & 2 layoffs).

Now, as an adult, I just want to go home.

And, I wonder - Why was I in such a hurry to leave? What did I miss?

THIS WEEK: we start filming our next documentary series - My Town Series - where we'll explore these major themes, the opportunities in rural America, and the healthy connection between business & community.

It all starts at home... in Perham. ❤️

Here's why PERHAM, MINNESOTA was selected for S1 of "My Town."

"Perham is the inspiration for this series. It's where I'm from, it's where I was shaped, and it's where my heart belongs. For 40+ years, I've watched community leaders and businesses - like KLN Family Brands - come together for the greater good. Perham is the model small town and I'm proud our story will start here." -Cory Hepola, Director & Host.

This week - we'll introduce you to Perham, Minnesota as we celebrate the special people, history, and future of my hometown. 🐝

✅ Follow "My Town Series" on YouTube & Facebook
📍 A "Community Venture Network" initiative from The Brookshire Company
📅 Premieres October 2024
➡️ Discover Perham

01/11/2024

There’s this misconception that leaving a big city for a rural area means you have to “sacrifice your dreams.”

That’s not true. ⬇️

01/07/2024

🗣️ Excited to bring our message to Dawson, Minnesota this week!

“We’re experiencing a Communications Crisis that’s causing us to feel more stressed, more exhausted, and more frustrated than ever before.

This is having a major impact on us as individuals, the success of our small to large businesses, and - ultimately - the health of our communities.

Learn, Listen, Mission identifies the sources of this crisis and lays out a 3-step process to helping us discover the peace that leads to our Joyful Impact, an impact that leads to a greater potential in all we do, right where we are.”

📍Johnson Memorial Health Services

01/04/2024

Willmar, Minnesota is the perfect example of when "Companies Succeed, Communities Thrive."

Back in 1912, the MinnWest Technology Campus was (originally) constructed as one of MN's oldest, state-owned & operated healthcare facilities.

But, in 2004-2005, the state started making changes to its healthcare delivery system that was going to cut or relocate most of the jobs.

SO, a family of private tech & ag businesses in Willmar, bought the 100-acre property from the state, and - w/ support from the city, county, and state - REPURPOSED it into an innovative rural business community that's thriving today.

THIS is why My Town Series exists - to tell these rural success stories.

City of Willmar, Minnesota Kandiyohi County & City of Willmar EDC Willmar Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce Willmar Area Community Foundation

01/03/2024

BOLD Innovation in Willmar.

My Town Series traveling to western Minnesota in March!

Here's why WILLMAR, MINNESOTA was selected for S1 of "My Town."

"People don't often associate innovation with rural America, yet Willmar has maintained a strong culture of innovation for decades. This is a community that - because of its strong and passionate leadership - gets stuff done." -Cory Hepola, Director & Host.

This week - we'll introduce you to Willmar, MN as we celebrate the special people, history, and future of this BOLD small town.

✅ Follow "My Town Series" on YouTube & Facebook
📍 A "Community Venture Network" initiative from The Brookshire Company
📅 Premieres October 2024
➡ City of Willmar, Minnesota Kandiyohi County & City of Willmar EDC MinnWest Technology Campus Willmar Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce Willmar Area Community Foundation

12/28/2023

IOWA: we’re on our way.

My Town Series 🤝 Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation

12/27/2023

Where do we HAVE to go in the Iowa Lakes region?

Here's why the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation was selected for S1 of "My Town."

"From a National perspective, Iowa doesn't get talked about enough for all it has to offer. The Iowa Lakes region is a tourist destination in the summer, but it's also an area where you can start a family, run your own business, and maintain a high quality of life year-round." -Cory Hepola, Director & Host.

This week - we'll introduce you to the Iowa Lakes Corridor as we celebrate the people, opportunities, and THE WINTER! ❄️

✅ Follow "My Town Series" on YouTube & Facebook
📆 Premieres October 2024
📍 A "Community Venture Network" initiative from The Brookshire Company

12/25/2023

“Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” -Luke 6:37

MERRY CHRISTMAS! ✝️

12/22/2023

I LOVE how the state of North Dakota champions its rural communities. These are not just words, the state is doing the work through its "Main Street" initiative and "Rural Food Sustainability Grant Program."

Can't wait to explore the City of Rugby!

And, people of North Dakota... where should My Town Series go for Season 2? 😎

12/22/2023

With respect to its history, City of Chisholm is redefining its future.

12/20/2023

With respect to its history, Chisholm is redefining its future.

Follow our new docuseries - My Town Series.

12/18/2023

Here's why CHISHOLM, MINNESOTA was selected for S1 of "My Town."

"The Iron Mining industry plays an enormous role in the history and success of the state of Minnesota. Yet, today, there's a perceived narrative that the entire Iron Range dying, even though these rural communities are evolving with young adults discovering this as a region full of opportunities for impact, work, and play." -Cory Hepola, Director & Host

This week - we'll introduce you to Chisholm, MN as we celebrate the special people, history, and future of the "evolving" Iron Range.

✅ Follow "My Town Series" on YouTube & Facebook
📅 Premieres October 2024
📍 A "Community Venture Network" initiative from The Brookshire Company
➡ City of Chisholm Chisholm Area Chamber of Commerce

12/14/2023

12/12/2023

“Here we are little RUGBY, NORTH DAKOTA in north-central North Dakota, and we have technology access - specifically internet access - that is second to none in the nation.”

Our next documentary series - “My Town” - will travel to Rugby, ND in May 2024 as we break down the popular misconceptions with the rural lifestyle.

FOLLOW THE JOURNEY & JOIN THE CONVERSATION ➡️ My Town Series

Rugby Chamber of Commerce & CVB City of Rugby Rugby Park District Rugby Job Development Authority

12/11/2023

Tell me what you LOVE the most about the City of Rugby and the state of North Dakota.

🎥 Filming in Rugby set for May 2024!

Here's why RUGBY, NORTH DAKOTA was selected for S1 of "My Town."

"As soon as we announced our 'My Town' series, I bet I heard from at least 6 different people suggesting we explore Rugby because 'it's the perfect example of a thriving small town.' Everyone mentioned the school, opportunities for impact, and the overall high quality of life, which one wouldn't necessarily associate to a community of less than 3,000 people in central North Dakota, just miles from the Canadian border." -Cory Hepola, Director & Host.

This week - we'll introduce you to the City of Rugby as we celebrate the special people, history, and future of this "thriving small town."

✅ Follow "My Town Series" on YouTube & Facebook
📍 A "Community Venture Network" initiative from The Brookshire Company
📅 Premieres October 2024
➡ Rugby Chamber of Commerce & CVB Rugby Park District Rugby Job Development Authority

12/08/2023

December 7th, 2023.

Still wearing Flip-Flop’s outside… in Minnesota.

12/06/2023

Winter isn’t a barrier, it’s an asset for our rural communities in the upper Midwest. ❤️

“Everybody knows what we do in the summer… but what we wanted to highlight was - what does everybody do on a day-to-day basis. What is life really like in the winter and what benefits and great things are there,” Trevor Smith, SVP at Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation, discussing “My Town” on Storm Lake Radio.

Trevor is RIGHT ON!

Winter isn’t a barrier, it’s an asset for our rural communities in the upper Midwest.

Cory Hepola and the “My Town” crew will explore the beauty and opportunity in Iowa Lakes from JAN 31-FEB2, 2024. 👏🏼

LISTEN TO FULL INTERVIEW ➡️ https://stormlakeradio.com/local-news/documentary-series-episode-on-lakes-corridor-development-region-highlighted-at-bv-supervisors-meeting/

12/05/2023

There's a special meaning behind the design of our My Town Series logo.
-History
-Opportunity
-Future

11/30/2023

“Cory has a passion for rural communities that is obvious in every conversation. His message of Learn. Listen. Mission. will give attendees a step-by-step process to creating joyful impact on our communities.” -Curt Strouth, the President & CEO of Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation.

Honored to help inspire & recognize the community stars here in Iowa as we - also - start filming My Town Series!

11/27/2023

The BEST compliment we received from "Rural By Choice" was people saying: "oh, wow, I had a completely different idea of what rural Minnesota was like. I didn't know it could be like that."

We'll keep breaking down those popular misconceptions as the story continues across MN, IA, ND, WI w/ My Town Series. 👏

11/21/2023

Who do YOU know living in a community selected into My Town Series Season 1?

Tag ‘em!

Season 1 is SET.

Tag a person Cory Hepola should meet in these 7 thriving rural communities!

👏🏼 City of Rugby City of Willmar, Minnesota City of Farmington, MN - Local Government Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation City of Chisholm Discover Perham KLN Family Brands WDS Construction, Inc.