Small Nation

06/16/2026

Preservation is more than a mindset. It takes a team and public/private partnerships to buy, save, restore and revitalize old buildings. Small Nation’s Construction manager Dale Ward was on All Sides this week sharing how he leverages materials, people and processes to take what is old and make it new again.

Columbus Landmark has released its 2026 Most Endangered Sites list.

Included are the Fairwood Elementary School on Columbus’ east side and the Beacon Building downtown.

Hear about endangered historic sites in the city and around the state and what can be done to save them.

Guests:

Chris Hune, CEO of Columbus Landmarks Foundation

Frank Quinn, director of preservation for Heritage Ohio

Dale Ward, construction manager with Small Nation

Listen here:

https://www.wosu.org/show/all-sides/2026-06-12/columbus-landmarks-2026-most-endangered-sites-list

06/11/2026

Small Nation is proud to co-host the National Rural Economic Developers Association (NREDA) Regional Event on June 16-17, 2026, welcoming rural economic development professionals from across the country to Union and Logan counties for two days of learning, collaboration, and firsthand exploration of rural revitalization strategies.

The biennial regional event, titled Making Regional Impact through Rural Routes: Rural Strategies for Destination Development, will bring together economic developers, community leaders, and rural development practitioners to explore successful approaches to destination development, entrepreneurship, placemaking, workforce attraction, and community investment.

As part of the event, attendees will experience both Marysville and Bellefontaine through a series of educational sessions, networking opportunities, and guided tours showcasing the region’s growth and transformation.

The National Rural Economic Developers Association serves professionals dedicated to advancing economic prosperity in rural communities throughout the United States. The regional event offers attendees opportunities to learn from successful projects, exchange ideas with peers, and build relationships that support rural economic growth.

Read more about the event:

June 8, 2026 - Small Nation is proud to co-host the National Rural Economic Developers Association (NREDA) Regional Event on June 16-17, 2026, welcoming rural economic development professionals from across the country to Union and Logan counties for two

06/09/2026

🏈 Small Towns. Big Ideas. Lasting Impact.

The Small Nation team recently spent the day in Ada, Ohio—one of those communities that perfectly demonstrates how small towns can have an outsized impact on the world.

We had the privilege of touring the Wilson Football Factory with Mike and learning the incredible story behind a company that has become synonymous with America’s favorite sport. Since 1955, every official NFL football and every Super Bowl football has been handcrafted right here in Ada, Ohio. It’s a remarkable reminder that world-class products and innovation can come from the heart of small-town America.

What impressed us most wasn’t just the history—it was the craftsmanship, pride, and passion of the people behind the process. Thank you, Mike, for sharing the story and giving us an unforgettable behind-the-scenes look.

We also had the opportunity to experience some of Ada’s outstanding local businesses, fueling up with coffee from Buckeye East Coffee Shop and enjoying lunch at Route 69 Brewery. Supporting locally owned businesses is one of our favorite ways to experience a community and connect with the people who make it special.

The afternoon was spent on the beautiful campus of Ohio Northern University and the T.J. Smull College of Engineering, where our team planned goals for the next quarter, collaborated on new initiatives, and worked on several exciting projects and announcements we’ll be sharing soon.

Days like this reinforce why we love what we do. Small towns are filled with entrepreneurs, innovators, educators, manufacturers, and dreamers who are making a difference every day. Ada is a great example of a community that continues to punch above its weight and inspire others along the way.

Thank you, Ada, for the hospitality, inspiration, and reminder that big things truly happen in small towns.

🏘️🏈☕🍻

06/06/2026

Small Nation visited Ada, Ohio today for a team training and insight day — and it was the perfect reminder of how much inspiration lives in small towns.

Our team gathered at the T.J. Smull College of Engineering at Ohio Northern University for a day of learning, collaboration, and planning for the future. We also toured the legendary Wilson Football Factory, where Wilson has produced the footballs used in every Super Bowl since the very first game in 1967.

We wrapped up the day with an awesome lunch at Route 69 Brewing and great coffee at Buckeye East Coffee Shop.

Days like today fill us up, recharge us, and remind us why we believe so deeply in the power of small towns. Innovation, craftsmanship, entrepreneurship, education, and community are alive and well in places like Ada. We’re grateful for the opportunity to learn, connect, and bring fresh ideas back to the communities we serve.

06/04/2026

🎙 Luciano Gomes, owner of Legado Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, joins episode 103 of the Small Nation Podcast.

Luciano Gomes began his journey as a kid in Brazil and has been a dedicated practitioner of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu since 2014. In this episode, he shares why a healthy community is so important and how he uses his business to make a difference in the lives of his students.

Check out the preview below and click here to listen: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4hLdjj0hGIRVU7PnTIOqSM

You can also find the Small Nation Podcast on Spotify, Soundcloud, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.

👀 Watch at: https://youtu.be/DCGz51DhNF8

05/31/2026

We are so excited to be the Sponsor for this public art installation in Downtown Bellefontiane.

05/24/2026

🚨 FOR LEASE IN DOWNTOWN BELLEFONTAINE 🚨

Big potential. Major improvements planned. Incredible visibility.

📍 130 N. Detroit Street
🏢 4,849 SF
🚗 8+ Dedicated Parking Spaces
💲 Approx. $1,850/month

Ownership plans include:
✔️ New Roof
✔️ New Windows
✔️ New Siding
✔️ Exterior Upgrades
✔️ $20,000 Tenant Improvement Allowance

Perfect for office, retail, wellness, salon, studio, or service-based businesses looking to grow in Downtown Bellefontaine.

📞 Keyne Strickland — (937) 565-9944
📧 [email protected]

Learn more:
https://smallnationstrong.com/properties/130-n-detroit-street-bellefontaine-o

05/23/2026

Now available for lease in Downtown Bellefontaine!

143 W. Columbus Avenue offers 1,062 sq. ft. of flexible space that could be perfect for a professional office, boutique retail store, health food or supplement shop, wellness concept, or other unique business idea.

Located in a growing downtown corridor beside BUILD Cowork + Space and surrounded by thriving local businesses.

Lease Rate: $1,500/month

For more information or to schedule a tour:
Keyne Strickland
📞 (937) 565-9944
📧 [email protected]

Property details:
https://smallnationstrong.com/properties/143-w-columbus-avenue-bellefontaine-ohio/