WE DON'T JUST MARKET
WE TELL STORIES THAT MATTER
Every business has a story. Ours started with a simple realization—small businesses deserve a voice.
Every business has a story. Ours started with a simple realization—small businesses deserve a voice.
From the Streets of Pittsburgh
TO THE HEART OF HICKORY
I'm Chris Goldby, I grew up in Pittsburgh, PA, navigating the city's public school system and starting my first job at 15. I made $5.15 an hour stocking shelves at a small grocery store. But I didn’t just clock in and out—I stayed for over 20 years, eventually managing a team of 70+ employees, training new leaders, handling marketing, and seeing firsthand what it takes to run a small business.
That experience changed me. Working side by side with small business owners, I saw the grit, resilience, and creativity it takes to make it. But I also saw the struggles—the lack of resources, the constant battle to get noticed, the feeling of being outgunned by bigger brands with bigger budgets.
I knew there had to be a better way.
That experience changed me. Working side by side with small business owners, I saw the grit, resilience, and creativity it takes to make it. But I also saw the struggles—the lack of resources, the constant battle to get noticed, the feeling of being outgunned by bigger brands with bigger budgets.
I knew there had to be a better way.
The Moment
THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING
Moving to Hickory, NC, I saw something special—a city full of incredible businesses and passionate entrepreneurs. But something was missing. Their stories weren’t being told. Their voices were getting lost in the noise.
For a while, I worked for a marketing company that promised to help small businesses, but it didn’t sit right with me. It felt transactional, not transformational. I realized if I really wanted to make a difference, I had to build something of my own.
So I left. And I launched Hickory Algorithm.
The goal? To create marketing that actually works for small businesses. To build a community where local entrepreneurs support each other. To provide high-quality, engaging content that doesn’t just sell—but truly connects.
For a while, I worked for a marketing company that promised to help small businesses, but it didn’t sit right with me. It felt transactional, not transformational. I realized if I really wanted to make a difference, I had to build something of my own.
So I left. And I launched Hickory Algorithm.
The goal? To create marketing that actually works for small businesses. To build a community where local entrepreneurs support each other. To provide high-quality, engaging content that doesn’t just sell—but truly connects.
What We Stand For
GIVING SMALL BUSINESSES A VOICE
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all marketing. Instead, we focus on what makes each business unique, helping them reach the right people with the right message.
🔹 Storytelling First – Every business has a unique journey. We help you tell it.
🔹 Community & Connection – Business isn’t just about sales; it’s about relationships.
🔹 High-Quality Content – Not just marketing, but engaging, professional-grade content that resonates.
🔹 Results-Driven Approach – Visibility and engagement that actually move the needle for businesses.
🔹 Storytelling First – Every business has a unique journey. We help you tell it.
🔹 Community & Connection – Business isn’t just about sales; it’s about relationships.
🔹 High-Quality Content – Not just marketing, but engaging, professional-grade content that resonates.
🔹 Results-Driven Approach – Visibility and engagement that actually move the needle for businesses.
JOIN THE MOVEMENT
BE A PART OF THE STORY
If you’re a small business owner trying to get your name out there, we’ve got you. Whether you need videography, social media marketing, or just a place to start, Hickory Algorithm is here to help.
JOIN THE COMMUNITY
Hickory Algorithm Newsletter is a community hub dedicated to celebrating the stories, culture, and businesses that make Hickory, North Carolina - my favorite.
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