Built on Ag Roots: Family Farm Legacy Shapes Future Entrepreneurship

When people hear “marketing,” they might picture sleek offices and digital dashboards - not tractors, grain bins, and long harvest nights. But for me, my story started on a family farm in Kansas, where hard work, adaptability, and attention to detail were part of everyday life. Those lessons didn’t just stay in the fields - they’re the foundation for how I lead and how our team at Marketing Maven operates today.

Growing Up on the Farm

My grandpa, Richard Brining, ran our family farm for years with the help of hired hands. During busy seasons like harvest, the whole family pitched in. I have fond memories of sitting on his lap in the bale mover, riding along in the combine, or eating tailgate dinners in the field - lovingly prepared by my grandma, Clarice.

As I got older, I started helping after school and on summer breaks. That meant running for parts, swathing and raking alfalfa, driving the grain cart, cleaning trucks, checking sprinklers, and even breaking ice for the cows in the winter. It was a mix of long hours, constant learning, and a shared pride in doing things right.

Lessons in Work Ethic

When my dad, Roger Brining, sold his computer business to return to farming full time, I watched firsthand what it meant to commit to something bigger than yourself. Farming isn’t a job you clock in and out of - it’s a lifestyle that requires early mornings, late nights, and endless problem-solving.

My dad’s influence taught me to do the hard things for the good of the group. Whether that meant cleaning out grain trucks so mice wouldn’t find their way into the sheds or showing up to break ice in freezing wind, the lesson was clear: take pride in the details and follow through, even when it’s uncomfortable.

Those same values show up every day in how we run Marketing Maven - working hard behind the scenes, being accountable to our clients, and giving 100% no matter the project.

Mischief and Memories

Of course, not every memory from the farm was about work. Some of my favorite moments were the mischievous ones - sneaking black licorice nibs from my grandpa’s kitchen, playing for hours on the trampoline, or riding an old four-wheeler off a makeshift dirt ramp that we were sure was safe. Those moments taught me that balance matters: work hard, but make space for fun and creativity too.

The Farm and the Business

Running a business isn’t all that different from running a farm. Both require a blend of long-term vision and short-term focus. On the farm, we balanced planting, harvesting, spraying, and equipment maintenance. In marketing, we juggle strategy, design, content, and client communication. In both worlds, success depends on managing the big picture while paying attention to small details that keep things running smoothly.

That perspective - thinking seasonally, planning ahead, and staying flexible - helps me understand the agricultural clients we serve today. I know what it’s like to rely on timing, weather, and tools that just have to work. When we’re building campaigns for ag-based companies like SurePoint Ag Systems, that shared understanding shapes how we craft messaging, visuals, and timing that resonate with farmers and ag professionals alike.

Staying Rooted in Ag

Having “ag roots” means more than just growing up on a farm - it means understanding the heart behind agriculture. It’s about the pressure farmers face to make ends meet in an unpredictable market, the pride in producing something essential, and the resilience it takes to adapt to constant change.

Even though farming looks different today - with high-tech equipment, precision ag tools, and data-driven operations - the values are the same: work hard, stay humble, and keep learning. That mindset is exactly what we bring to our work at Marketing Maven.

We may spend more time behind screens than behind tractors these days, but those farm-grown values still drive everything we do.

Final Thoughts

The ag industry will always have a special place in my heart. It’s where I learned discipline, creativity, and the importance of teamwork. Those same lessons continue to shape how I lead and how our team supports clients across every industry.

Whether we’re helping a local business grow or building a brand campaign for an ag company, the goal is the same: to work hard, stay grounded, and make a lasting impact - just like the farmers who taught me how it’s done.