Ep. 026: Retain Employees with an Amazing Company Culture w/ Drew Harden

How to Retain Employees with an Amazing Company Culture (Insights for Des Moines Business Owners)

In Episode 026 of the podcast Rhymes with Odd, entrepreneur and CEO of Blue Compass Drew Harden shares powerful insights on how building a strong company culture can directly impact employee retention, client satisfaction, and long-term profitability. For business owners and marketers in Des Moines, Iowa, this conversation offers practical strategies you can apply immediately—whether you’re running a small business, scaling a startup, or leading a growing agency.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Mho1dyz7ZY

Why Company Culture Matters More Than Ever

One of the biggest takeaways from the episode is simple but often overlooked:

When you treat your employees well, they stay—and that’s good for business.

Employee turnover is expensive. Losing a team member doesn’t just mean replacing a role—it means losing institutional knowledge, client relationships, and momentum. Drew emphasizes that when employees stay longer:

• They gain deeper expertise

• Team relationships strengthen

• Productivity improves

• Clients receive better service

For Des Moines businesses competing for talent in a tight labor market, retention is a major competitive advantage.

The Link Between Culture and Profitability

Many business owners think of company culture as a “nice-to-have.” But Drew makes it clear—it’s a profit driver.

A positive internal culture creates a ripple effect:

• Happy employees deliver better customer service

• Clients can feel the positive energy

• Stronger relationships lead to higher retention and referrals

If you’re a local business owner in Des Moines—whether in marketing, healthcare, finance, or retail—this is especially important. In a community-driven market, relationships are everything. Your internal culture directly impacts your external reputation.

Building a Strong Company Culture from Day One

Drew didn’t just stumble into a great culture—he built it intentionally after experiencing the consequences of rapid growth without clear values.

After scaling too quickly, his company faced internal challenges like gossip and misalignment. That’s when he realized:

“You can’t hit a target you can’t see.”

Define Clear Core Values

Every business—whether you define it or not—has a culture. The key is to take control of it early.

Drew’s company values include:

• Positivity

• Supporting one another

• Continuous growth

• Client excellence

• Rejecting drama and gossip

For Des Moines entrepreneurs, this is a crucial lesson:

Don’t copy another company’s values—create ones that reflect your unique vision and team.

Hiring for Culture Fit (Not Just Skill)

One of the most practical tips from the episode is to hire slowly and intentionally.

Even highly skilled employees can damage your culture if they don’t align with your values. Drew stresses the importance of screening for traits like:

• Positivity

• Team collaboration

• Willingness to grow

• Respect for others

In smaller markets like Des Moines, where word travels fast, hiring the wrong person can have long-lasting effects—not just internally, but on your brand reputation.

Employee Experience: The Real Key to Retention

Salary and benefits matter—but they’re not everything.

Drew highlights that daily experience is what truly keeps employees engaged. Ask yourself:

• Do your employees enjoy coming to work?

• Do they feel supported by leadership?

• Do they trust their teammates?

Creating a workplace where people genuinely enjoy Mondays (not just Fridays) should be the goal.

Make Work Fun and Meaningful

Simple efforts can go a long way:

• Team bonding activities

• Celebrating wins

• Creating shared experiences

These moments build trust and camaraderie—two things money can’t buy.

How to Build Culture in Remote or Hybrid Teams

With more Iowa businesses embracing remote and hybrid work, maintaining culture has become more challenging.

Drew emphasizes two key strategies:

1. Over-Communicate

Regular check-ins, one-on-one meetings, and open communication channels are essential.

2. Be Intentional About Connection

Leaders should go beyond task management:

• Send handwritten notes or small gifts

• Acknowledge personal milestones

• Check in on employees as people—not just workers

For remote teams, culture doesn’t happen naturally—you have to create it.

The Power of Personalized Employee Recognition

One standout strategy discussed in the episode is personalized appreciation.

Drew explains that recognition is most effective when it includes:

• Surprise – unexpected gestures have greater emotional impact

• Individualization – tailor recognition to each person’s preferences

For example:

• A favorite coffee delivered unexpectedly

• A custom gift box with personal items

• A handwritten note acknowledging specific contributions

This level of thoughtfulness can significantly boost morale and loyalty—something especially valuable for small and mid-sized businesses in Des Moines.

Marketing Lessons for Des Moines Business Owners

Beyond culture, Drew also shares valuable insights into digital marketing—especially relevant for local businesses looking to grow online.

Focus on Value-Driven Content

Instead of constantly promoting your services, provide helpful content that answers your audience’s questions.

Examples:

• Blog posts

• Educational videos

• How-to guides

This approach builds trust and positions your business as an authority.

Invest in a High-Performing Website

Your website should be more than just visually appealing—it should:

• Load quickly

• Be easy to navigate

• Drive conversions

For Des Moines companies competing locally and regionally, your website is often your first impression.

Understand User Intent

Different platforms serve different purposes:

• Google/SEO → High purchase intent

• Social media → Entertainment and awareness

Meeting your audience where they are—and understanding why they’re there—is key to effective marketing.

How to Protect Your Business (and Employees) from Instability

One of the most insightful business strategies shared in the episode is how Drew avoids layoffs.

Many agencies rely heavily on one or two large clients—creating risk. Instead, his company:

• Diversifies its client base

• Ensures no single client dominates revenue

• Works across multiple industries

For Des Moines business owners, this is a powerful lesson:

Stability protects both your team and your culture.

Final Thoughts: Culture Is Your Competitive Advantage

If there’s one message to take away from this episode with Ryan Snaadt, it’s this:

Company culture isn’t a perk—it’s a strategy.

For businesses in Des Moines, Iowa, where relationships, reputation, and community matter deeply, investing in your people is one of the smartest decisions you can make.

By focusing on:

• Clear values

• Intentional hiring

• Employee experience

• Personalized recognition

• Strong communication

—you can build a workplace that not only attracts great talent but keeps them for the long haul.

And when your team thrives, your business will too.