Building Community Connections: What I Learned from Co-Founding GetKnit Events

In 2013, I co-founded GetKnit Events to bring exciting experiences to people while supporting Minnesota’s local businesses. Together with two partners, I helped come up with the idea, plan events, and grow the business. What started as a small idea turned into a success, attracting over 500,000 visitors to our website in just the first year.

Through this experience, I learned a lot about marketing, working with others, and the importance of supporting local communities. Here’s what I took away from that journey.

Turning a Dream Into Reality

When we started GetKnit Events, we saw an opportunity to create something special. Minnesota was already known for its beautiful landscapes and active tourism, but we felt there was a need for new and fun ways to experience the state.

We designed unique events like the Dog Sledding and Snowshoeing Adventure, the Rails & Ales Light Rail Brewery Crawl, and Lake Superior Sea Kayaking. These weren’t just activities—they were ways for people to get to know Minnesota better, explore new places, and enjoy what the local businesses had to offer.

Creating a Website and Brand That Stands Out

One of my main jobs was to develop the website and marketing plan. We needed a place where people could easily learn about our events and sign up. I worked with a team to create a website that was not only easy to use but also fun and exciting to look at.

I also wrote content that helped tell the story of our events. Instead of just listing what we were doing, I shared the fun, unique details about Minnesota and the people behind our local businesses. This made our website more than just a sign-up page—it became a resource people wanted to visit.

Using Social Media to Connect

Once we had a website, it was time to get the word out. I took charge of our social media, where I posted pictures and videos of our events and shared cool facts about Minnesota. I also spotlighted local businesses and their products to help people see what else they could explore while attending our events.

We didn’t just post about the events; we made sure our posts felt personal and relatable, building trust with our followers. This approach helped us grow our audience and connect with people who cared about Minnesota as much as we did.

Supporting Local Businesses

Our goal wasn’t just to create fun events—it was also to help local businesses grow. By working with them and promoting their products, we were able to bring more visitors to their doors. Every event we held helped drive more customers to these businesses, creating a win-win situation for everyone involved.

In our first year, we reached over 500,000 people through our website and social media. But the real success was seeing how the businesses we worked with saw growth because of the attention we brought them. It proved that connecting people with the community could make a real difference.

Proud of the Ongoing Success

I am incredibly proud of my friends Nick and Shannon Blake, who continue to successfully run GetKnit Events, and for the community they have built. They have kept the spirit of GetKnit alive, driving thousands of people to local businesses every year and truly knitting the community together. Their hard work and dedication to the Minnesota tourism industry are inspiring, and I’m thrilled to see them thrive.

What I Learned

Looking back, GetKnit Events taught me so much about marketing, teamwork, and the power of connecting people to what they love. We didn’t just focus on selling a product; we focused on creating meaningful experiences that helped people learn more about Minnesota while supporting local businesses.

What stands out the most is how important it is to align your goals with the needs of the community. Marketing is about more than just advertising—it’s about building relationships and making an impact. These lessons continue to guide me in my work today, especially at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona, where I focus on mission-driven marketing.

The time I spent working with GetKnit Events showed me the power of creativity, collaboration, and making a difference. It’s a reminder that great things happen when you take a chance on something new and work hard to make it happen.