If I’m not on the phone or in a meeting, there’s a good chance I’m listening to podcasts while...
About us
At Small Town Startup, we believe in the power of community. Our mission is simple: helping small businesses in small towns grow, thrive, and make a big impact. We offer down-to-earth strategies, creative marketing solutions, and hands-on support to turn your big dreams into reality.
Whether you're a new entrepreneur or a seasoned pro, we're here to help you build your business the neighborly way—through genuine, loyal connection.
Meet the Team
Lisa DiVirgilio Arnold
CEO and Founder
Lisa is a champion for small businesses and a master of turning big dreams into achievable plans.
With a passion for building communities and a knack for creative problem-solving, Lisa has dedicated her career to helping entrepreneurs in small towns thrive.
Her motto, "serve before you sell," reflects her belief that investing in your community is the foundation of business success.
When she's not leading the charge at Small Town Startup, you can find her mentoring, brainstorming new ways to make an impact, or enjoying life with her family and myriad of pets.
Abigail Brown
Director of Education
Abigail is a true small-town girl with a passion for learning and a heart for community.
Born and raised in Adams, TN, Abigail is now enjoying her newlywed life in Orlando, FL, where she works remotely, managing all of our events, social media, and online courses.
When she's back home (which is often!) she’s busy raising chickens and sipping cold brews at BS Brew Works.
As our longest-standing employee and Lisa’s first full-time hire on the marketing agency side, Abigail has been a cornerstone of STS since day one, bringing her love of education and creativity to everything she touches.
Elizabeth Head
Content Creator
Elizabeth has a knack for spotting the latest trends and knows exactly how to tailor them to fit each client perfectly.
Always optimistic with a sharp, dry sense of humor, she keeps our content fresh and fun (and keeps us laughing).
When she’s not behind the camera, you can find her running her mobile petting zoo, Krazy W Farm, home to incredible animals like Rosetta the Camel and Harry the Highland Cow.
With Elizabeth on our team, creativity and a few furry friends are never far behind!
Jaya Herring
Junior Marketing Analyst
Jaya is the secret weapon behind our smooth operations. If there’s a problem, you can bet Jaya has a perfectly organized spreadsheet ready to tackle it.
She’s the queen of turning chaos into clarity, making sure we base all our decisions on solid data points. Jaya’s commitment to capturing every detail ensures our team is always on the same page and nothing slips through the cracks.
A recent graduate of Austin Peay State University, Jaya interned with us for over two years before joining full-time, and she’s been keeping us on track ever since.
With her unmatched ability to organize and strategize, she makes sure we’re always set up for success—one spreadsheet and to do list at a time!
Amanda Overby
Customer Success Manager
Amanda is the heart and soul of Small Town Startup, bringing her empathy and quick problem-solving skills to the table every day.
Known for her sharp wit and boundless positivity, Amanda always finds the good in every situation—even if she cracks a joke about it first.
A champion for small businesses and a dedicated volunteer, you'll often find her out in the community with her family, supporting local shops and organizations.
Reliable, dependable, and a fierce advocate for our clients, Amanda ensures we always deliver on our promises and keep our clients happy.
In the words of Amanda, "Communication is Key!"
Nicole Burdette
Copywriter
Nicole has an incredible talent for getting into the minds of our clients and figuring out exactly what makes them tick.
With her sharp attention to detail, she crafts spot-on copy for a wide range of platforms, ensuring every client’s unique voice shines through.
Whether it’s for a website, social media, or an email campaign, Nicole knows just how to tell the story that best represents each of our clients.
Her dedication to capturing the essence of every business keeps our content authentic, relatable, and always on point.
Raamiah Pattenaude
Graphic Design Intern
Raamiah is a creative force with a keen eye for design.
As a senior at Austin Peay State University, she dives deep into studying all formats and periods of art, bringing that knowledge into every project she touches.
Raamiah not only creates stunning visuals, but she’s also great at explaining her design choices and making sure they align with each client’s unique needs.
When she’s not crafting eye-catching graphics for STS, you’ll find her immersed in makeup, fashion, and hunting for antiques!