TK Business Magazine To Compass: Building Community-Driven Marketing in Topeka | Tara Dimick

We trace Tara Dimick’s path from Washburn to TK Business Magazine and Compass, exploring how a premium print brand thrives alongside a full-service agency that acts like an embedded marketing team. Along the way we unpack entrepreneurial mindset, hiring creatives, and why Topeka’s underdog energy fuels real growth.• TK Business Magazine acquisition story and evolution• Why print still works when quality is high• Advertiser-funded model and multi-channel distribution• Letting experts lead and avoiding micromanagement• Building Compass as a plug-in marketing department• Strategy, content, media buying, and execution end-to-end• Entrepreneur strengths, failure tolerance, and momentum• Topeka’s scrappy identity and community advantages• Practical advice for starting a business locally• Local favorites, rapid fire, and where to find TK and Compass________________________________________This podcast has been brought to you by Choose Topeka. If you're thinking about making a move, Choose Topeka can get you up to fifteen thousand dollars to relocate. Apply now at ChooseTopeka.com________________________________________0:00 - Cold Open, Sponsor, And Guest Intro0:39 - Tara’s Washburn Roots And Sports Culture3:20 - Entrepreneurial Upbringing And Mindset9:28 - Acquiring TK Business Magazine12:05 - Why Print Endures And How It’s Funded17:12 - Let Great People Do Great Work24:32 - Launching Compass Marketing And What They Do30:10 - Clients, Community, And Growth Strategy34:00 - Why Topeka: Underdog Energy And Belonging39:10 - Chaos, Strengths, And The Entrepreneur’s Drive45:15 - Practical Advice For New Founders49:25 - Rapid Fire: Local Favorites And Hot Takes52:42 - Where To Find TK And Compass_________________________________________Beyond the Podcast: 🎙️Be sure to follow our Topeka Insider Socials below and check out our website for additional stories and articles pertaining to Topeka, KSWebsite -- https://topekainsider.com/Facebook -- https://www.facebook.com/topekainsider Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/topekainsider/Follow Your Hosts: 📱Follow both Justin & Jon on their personal socials to get connected. They would love to connect and answer any questions about the show or their day to day.Jon Griffith's Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/thejongriffith/Justin Armbruster's Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/armbruster_jdFor Any Inquiries, please DM @TopekaInsider on Instagram!