Meet Leah Rybak | Small Business Marketing Consultant & Storyteller

We had the good fortune of connecting with Leah Rybak and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Leah, what makes you happy? Why?
I find joy in creating, connecting with people, and exploring nature. In my business, these sources of joy allow me to see people and their businesses as they are, then dig down, use Colorado’s natural beauty as inspiration, and create marketing content that authentically connects with our community.

Personally, the value of human relationships is a catalyst for so many things in my life. Whether that’s laughter, inspiration, the feeling of connectedness, or the idea that we are all tied together, connecting with people brings happiness to my life. Creativity and exploring nature are ways to step outside of myself, stop thinking, be present, and make space for that happiness, which is crucial when there are so many other stressors and worries in the world.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My business is LMR Consulting and I do small business marketing consulting in Colorado. I am a Colorado local and grew up in the mountains. I always had a creative streak and ended up going to college at the University of Nothern Colorado in Greeley for Communications and Journalism. I pictured myself as a journalist on the front lines, but life had other plans. The year I graduated was when the first shift to online journalism began and newspapers began to shut down all over the country. Lost, unsure, and in the middle of a recession, I applied for countless numbers of jobs and finally got a marketing internship at a nonprofit. I’ve been in the marketing world ever since.

By my mid-twenties, I was burnt out and decided to make a big change and move to Barcelona. During that time, I helped my family’s restaurant with website content, social media, and advertising while exploring Europe and teaching English. I saw firsthand how challenging it was to be a business owner and do it all, and was so grateful I could be of help. I also was overjoyed to be able to travel and be a part of their business even from afar.

When I returned home, I knew that my love for my hometown small businesses and my passion for marketing had an opportunity to grow into something amazing. For the first few years, I juggled bartending and client work, taking calls on bathroom breaks and working insane hours, leaning on my husband for support and encouragement. I was terrified all the time, never felt like I knew what I was doing, and was making things up as I went along- growing and evolving with each lesson. I knew the marketing and strategy side of things, but running a business was a whole new ball game. After 2 years of double duty, I finally went full-time with my business in the fall of 2019.

The pandemic was a surprising catalyst for growth for me. I loved (and still do) being able to partner with businesses strategically, brainstorm ways to be more effective, or communicate to our audience more efficiently, and as a result, see sales and awareness grow. The early days of March 2020 allowed me to truly help the small businesses in my community and proved that I could sustain my business as well.

My favorite part about my business is connecting with like-minded business owners, who value our mountain community. I’m so proud to say that I truly partner with business owners– I want to know every nook and cranny of your business and be able to articulate that like it is my own business. As a business owner myself, I know there is no way to do it all alone so my goal is to take marketing off the checklist of things to worry about in your business. I love Summit County and Colorado as a whole, and I love the people that are dedicated to living, growing, and supporting it here.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My itinerary involves adventure, local businesses, and time to relax.

Adventures:
Whitewater Rafting in Browns Canyon
Mountain Biking in Breckenridge
Soaking in Mt. Princeton Hot Springs to relax
Paddleboarding on Lake Dillon
Driving out to Palisade to drink Colorado wine and see the desert

Local Businesses I love:
The Pad
Impact Minimal & Alpine Gardens
Souvenirs from Everything Colorado
Crystals from Unearthed Store
Checking out stores on main street Frisco and Breckenridge

Other activities:
A show at Silverthorne Performing Arts Center
TEDxBreckenridge’s yearly event
Yoga at Thrive Yoga Summit

Restaurants:
Arapahoe Cafe and Pub
Rootstalk
Mountain Dweller Coffee and Roastery
Outer Range Brewery

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My dear friend Lori Hodel, owner of Unearthed Store, has stood by me in my entrepreneurial journey and allowed me to bear witness to hers. She has been there for every phone call, breakdown, fear of failure, and celebration of success. Her support means the world to me!

Website: leahmarierybak.com

Instagram: lmr_consulting

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahmarierybak/

Twitter: Leah_Rybak

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lmrconsulting

Image Credits
Photos: Cassie Connor Photography