Diversify To Thrive In Rural Markets - PART 1

Send us Fan MailThe shed world isn’t living in 2021 anymore, and that’s exactly why this conversation matters. We sit down with Tyler Mayhan of Better Barns to unpack what happens when an industry grows up: the easy leads dry up, product mixes shift, and the real work of building sustainable demand begins. From the early days of cordless phones on tool belts to a modern operation where large metal buildings now account for a major share of revenue, Tyler maps a clear arc from hustle to strategy.We get honest about rent-to-own. It opened the door for buyers who couldn’t write a big check, and in Oklahoma it still drives a hefty share of sales. But the monthly-payment mindset can also compress margins and tilt designs toward “good enough.” Tyler offers a balanced view: keep RTO because it serves customers, but don’t let it set your whole roadmap. We explore why traditional financing is slower to catch on in rural markets, how demographics and density shape adoption, and what a resilient offer looks like when you sell across cash, RTO, and finance.The biggest shift is digital. Craigslist had a moment. Facebook Marketplace had a bigger one—until saturation and algorithms made it unreliable. The strongest buyers now arrive through Google to a fast, clear website with real SEO, clean product pages, and simple conversion paths. We talk through rebuilding a site, connecting forms to a CRM, treating online inquiries with the urgency of a phone call, and designing for two realities at once: older buyers who want a human on first ring and younger buyers who prefer forms, text, and self-serve configurators. Add a smart take on verticalization—what to bring in-house, what to leave to specialists—and you have a playbook for staying relevant as the shed industry evolves.If this conversation helps you sharpen your sales mix, rethink your website, or revisit how you use RTO, share it with a colleague. Subscribe, leave a review, and tell us: where are you seeing the best quality leads right now?For more information or to know more about the Shed Geek Podcast visit us at our website.Would you like to receive our weekly newsletter?  Sign up here.Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube at the handle @shedgeekpodcast.To be a guest on the Shed Geek Podcast visit our website and fill out the "Contact Us" form.To suggest show topics or ask questions you want answered email us at [email protected] episodes Sponsors:Studio Sponsor: Shed ProCardinal LeasingDigital Shed BuilderIFABShed HubNewFound Solutions