The Power of Showing Up: Building community internally and externally

In this value-packed episode of The Kee To Growth Podcast, host Jen McKee sits down with powerhouse guests Stephanie Postell (Anchor Heating & Air), Cindi McNew (Tuck and Howell), and Kerry Sweet (Streamline Services) to explore the transformative impact of showing up for your community—and your team. This conversation pulls back the curtain on what authentic community involvement looks like for businesses in the trades, moving beyond buzzwords and digging into real initiatives that build trust, impact, and sustainable brand visibility. Jen and her guests go deep on how giving back—in ways that align with your company's culture and personal passions—can drive more than just feel-good stories. They talk about how being present in local events, schools, and organizations doesn't just shape your external reputation, but forges a sense of shared purpose within your team. The stories shared range from supporting Make-A-Wish and animal shelters to hands-on volunteering and creative fundraisers involving the whole company. It's an honest look at both the emotional highs and the real-world outcomes of choosing to lead with service. Listen in as these leaders share tactical tips for celebrating your team, from out-of-the-box holiday parties to little (and big) acknowledgments that cultivate a thriving company culture. They acknowledge the messy middle—how hard it can be to balance all the demands, why intentional boundaries matter, and the smallest first steps you can take if community engagement feels daunting. The episode blends marketing strategy with human behavior, reminding us that showing up authentically is far more important than orchestrating a picture-perfect campaign. If you've ever wondered how to bridge the gap between your business and your community—or wished you could find time and energy to celebrate your team—this episode is for you. Jen and her guests give you practical ways to get involved (even if you start small), show how social media can be a force for good, and underscore that growth happens when you align your actions with your purpose. Consider this your nudge to go from idea to implementation—and watch both your business and your people flourish. Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction and episode kickoff with Jen McKee 02:06 – Guest introductions and defining the role of community in business 05:01 – Community involvement: favorite give-back initiatives and why they matter 10:09 – How local partnerships and showing up lead to meaningful connections 14:19 – Making impact as an employee vs. owner: finding your unique contribution 20:40 – Creative ways to celebrate your team during holidays (and beyond) 27:55 – Blending celebration with purpose: giving back while building culture 34:41 – Social media visibility: how sharing your story inspires and amplifies impact 39:19 – First steps for leaders unsure where to start with community involvement 46:39 – Encouragement and practical next steps: implementing what you've learned Meet Your Host: Jen McKee Jen McKee is the founder of Kee Hart Marketing & Events, specializing in award-winning social media strategies for trade services. With expertise in content creation and personal branding, she helps businesses forge authentic connections with their audiences. As the host of the "Kee to Growth" podcast, Jen simplifies marketing strategies and empowers businesses to thrive. Tune in for actionable insights and inspiring stories to elevate your brand! Connect with Jen on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifer.hartman.73/ or LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jen-mckee-72114824/ Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for Kee to Growth in your favorite podcast player. The Kee to Growth Podcast is Powered by: Kee Hart Marketing, the social media company for the trades. Learn more at www.keehartmarketing.com This episode was produced and brought to you by the Skilled Trades Syndicate @ServiceBusinessMasteryPodcast https://www.servicebusinessmastery.com/