College Grad Helps Small Town Businesses Get Found Online

Kelly Itito noticed something troubling during his college years in Tiffin, Ohio. A local restaurant was cutting hours and closing extra days, yet he'd never even heard of the place.

That conversation with a classmate sparked a question: How many small businesses offer great products but simply aren't known? For Itito, a 2023 Heidelberg University economics graduate, it became more than a question. It became his mission.

He and roommate Isaac Wienen pitched their solution at Tiffin University's 2023 competition. Itito Strategies would help small town businesses reach more customers and keep money flowing in local communities.

Launching officially in January 2024, the duo hit the pavement with a door to door approach. Business owners weren't biting. Two college kids with no track record didn't inspire confidence.

So they changed tactics. Instead of asking for payment, they offered to work for free and build relationships first. Their first customer was Jenny Hale at The Secret Seamstress, who still works with Itito today.

Though Wienen has moved on and Itito relocated to Detroit in February 2025, the business evolved into something more focused. Now operating as Steadi, the company tackles one specific problem: getting customer reviews.

Small businesses, especially in small towns, lack time and money to chase down customer feedback. Steadi connects digital tools directly to a business's point of sale or scheduling system. After a purchase, customers automatically receive a personalized message inviting them to leave a review.

No generic texts. No business owner needing to remember to follow up. Just seamless, automated connection that helps great local shops show up in Google searches.

The Ripple Effect

When small businesses get more visibility online, entire communities benefit. More reviews mean higher search rankings, which means more customers walking through doors. That keeps money circulating locally and helps Main Street businesses compete against chains with bigger marketing budgets.

Itito runs Steadi outside his regular day job in Detroit, still committed to the small town businesses he grew to love during his six years in Tiffin. What started as noticing one struggling restaurant has become a practical solution for countless others facing the same challenge.

Small businesses doing great work don't have to stay hidden anymore.