Gold Thread Marketing & Events

10/10/2026

Yesterday I attended the Homesteaders of America Conference in Front Royal, Virginia, and as always it was such a refreshing reminder of what so many Americans are working toward right now.

Movements centered on healthy living and sustainable practices matter more than ever. Nearly 200 vendors and countless families showed up — farmers, gardeners, food makers, and educators all committed like The Lunatic Farmer Joel Salatin and his son Daniel ftom the famous Polyface Farm in Swoope VA. Topics on raising their own food, stewarding their land, and preserving skills that have shaped our country.

I also enjoyed hearing former Delegate Nick Freitas speak again — three years in a row now. He’s always generous with his time, and hearing perspectives from someone who’s served in state government is invaluable. Id encourage you to follow his podcast. My years with the Retail Merchants Association taught me how important it is to stay informed and engaged at the state level. Looking forward to seeing Nick again at the freedom event at Liberty University weekend of October 24th.

Grateful for the conversations, the inspiration, and the reminder that the American story is still being built by communities choosing to live with intention.

Thank you Cheryl Masters Franklin with the Ozarks Homesteading Expo and Homesteading Roots podcast for joining me.

10/02/2026

Friday Inspiration — Welcome to Q4 🍁🍂

I can’t believe we’re already in Q4. It feels like we were just talking about Q1. October always hits me with that mix of excitement and reflection — especially this year with my son turning 18. Big milestones remind us how quickly life and business move.

For my small business owners: January comes fast once the holidays start. Please don’t run your business without a plan. Your team deserves direction, and you deserve peace of mind.

Q4 Quick Check
🧵 Review your goals
🧵 Check your Q4 budget
🧵 What’s happening locally
🧵 Tighten up holiday plans
🧵 Look ahead to 2027 events
🧵 Audit LinkedIn Business Page & Profile

October is also full of meaningful causes — Breast Cancer Awareness and Domestic Violence Awareness — important moments for women and for our community. 🎀

If you’re not getting a clear plan from leadership, or you’re a salesperson or director wondering why there isn’t one, it’s worth asking. Strong companies plan ahead. Period.

I’ve lived and worked in this community for decades, and I’m always happy to help you find the right annual events, visibility opportunities, and marketing direction — whether you’re a solo entrepreneur or a larger team.

And if you know someone who isn’t using LinkedIn well, send them my way. It truly can be a lifeline.

Here’s to a strong start to Q4. Let’s make it count.

10/02/2026

Timberlake Tavern in Campbell County Virginia is such a treasure, built in 1929 it has been a variety of things over the years but now it is an amazing event center for intimate weddings, retreats, conferences, family reunions, or holiday parties. Southern Charm rustic field large porches something truly of a Time Gone by this place has so much personality. In addition they have six Charming sleeping rooms that can be used while visiting town or for any special occasion nestled away in this vintage little historic area of Timberlake easy access to the highway which can get you to almost anywhere in town fast. Marnie Branham Whitten can give you more information.

10/02/2026

I had the privilege of teaching my Leveraging Up Your LinkedIn course at the Next Chapter Veterans Job & Career Fair today at the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance, sponsored by Veterans Voices Magazine. The veterans who attended brought great enthusiasm and thoughtful questions, and I appreciated every bit of their feedback.

Teaching LinkedIn under GoldthreadMarketing.com continues to be one of the most rewarding parts of my work.

09/25/2026

"IS YOUR HIGH SCHOOL OR COLLEGE STUDENT LINKEDIN READY?"

The biggest LinkedIn mistake I see? Waiting until college graduation to create a profile.

Over the past year, I've had the opportunity to help college students and recent graduates develop their LinkedIn presence, and one thing has become clear:

The students who start early have a tremendous advantage.

LinkedIn isn't just a place to look for a job.
It's a place to build relationships, learn from professionals, showcase accomplishments, document experiences, and create opportunities long before they're needed.

Imagine graduating with:

✅ A strong professional network
✅ Recommendations and endorsements
✅ A visible record of projects and achievements
✅ Connections in the industries you're interested in
That's a much different starting point than creating a profile during a last-minute job search.
In my opinion, we should start talking about LinkedIn in high school, not just college.

Because building a network is easier when you're planting seeds than when you're desperately looking for a harvest.
Is your high school or college student LinkedIn ready?

"IS YOUR HIGH SCHOOL OR COLLEGE STUDENT LINKEDIN READY?" The biggest LinkedIn mistake I see? Waiting until college graduation to create a profile. Over the past year, I've had the opportunity to help college students and recent graduates develop their LinkedIn presence, and one thing has become clea...

09/25/2026

Wonderful night with the ladies from LYH Women in Business fall kick off.

09/23/2026

Mascot challenge template in comments.

Busy Bee is my headset‑wearing, clipboard‑holding director sidekick who keeps the whole operation buzzing. He’s basically the LinkedIn instructor version of a bee: loud, organized, and convinced he’s running a live broadcast at all times.

“Buzzing, directing, repeating.”

09/23/2026

09/20/2026

Central Virginia Business Coalition Supporting Centerfest in Bedford Virginia yesterday, one the the seasons best annual events! Mark your calendars for next year.