Chamber Insider Blog

Thanks to Rusty Foster, owner of BowTie Strategies, for answering a few questions with us! Congratulations on your nomination!

BowTie Strategies – Rusty Foster, Owner

Finalist for Home-Based Business of the Year

1. What would it mean to you and your company to win a Small Business Award?

I started my business because I love public relations, assisting businesses in building controlling, and promoting their respective stories to the masses, and I always wanted my own company. However, when you start your own business, you’re flying blind. Yes, you have your business plan and your mentors, etc., but there’s not a cookie-cutter method or recipe that makes operating and growing your business easy. Every entrepreneur has their own path. Therefore, winning a Small Business Award would add credibility to my business, and validate that all of the hard work, long hours, mistakes, failures, etc., would all have been worth it, and mean that my business is heading in the right direction.

2. What business person has influenced you the most?

Stilson Greene. This man has been in business for 30+ years, has had a major impact in his industry, but more importantly, he has had an impact in his community. This man gets it. And, he’s another business person that continues to demonstrate what it means to pay it forward and to give back to community. We can all have a thriving business, but it is the true business owners that give back to their communities that demonstrate what it means to thrive. His actions have had a major influence on my life and how I operate my business. 

3. If you weren’t running your own business, what would you be doing?

I would still be in the public relations industry.  I love hearing peoples’ stories and helping them. 

4. What book are you reading now?

“The Servant” by James C. Hunter

5. What is your favorite app?

Instagram – you can tell a big story to the masses through one picture at a time. 

6. If you had only 24 hours off, and your family was out of town, what would you do?

Take a long nap on the couch. 

7. What is the smallest thing that has had the largest impact on your business?

Dixie May – my six-year-old pug. She’s always with me – has her own bed under my desk at the office. She makes me laugh, calms me down, and forces me to get up from the desk every now and then. She’s my copilot, advisor, and best friend. Dixie has had more of a positive impact on Bow Tie Strategies than she really understands. 

Thanks Rusty! Check out BowTie Strategies’ website here.

Register Here for the 21st Annual Small Business Awards, Friday, November 6th at The National