021: Millennials Are Choosing Small-Town Charm: A Community-Minded Series, PART 1, with Nick Villaume

The thought of small-town life may sound undesirable for some, but there are benefits to small-town living which may just have you packing up to leave the bright lights faster than a New York minute. In this episode, Nick Villaume, a local entrepreneur, and influencer in Lake Charles joins Dustin and I to talk about the benefits of living and working in a small town, why you should be an ambassador for your community and why loving where you live can dramatically improve your quality of life. Check out this awesome episode to hear more!

Here’s What You’ll Learn [2:00] How would you rank your quality of life? Here’s one way to improve it. [3:15] Nick Villaume may just be a big fish in a little pond, would you agree? [4:30] Here’s why millennials are transforming small-town America [5:30] Learn how to find the movers, shakers, and influencers in your community. Who knows, it may even be you... [6:00] Nick Villaume shares his vision for the Lake Charles community [9:15] The advantages of living and working in a smaller town [25:15] How improving the city or town where you live can improve your quality of life [32:00] How to be a joyful ambassador [33:30] Tips to improve your community [42:15] Why risk takers and pioneers are needed in every community The advantages of living and working in a smaller town

The advantages of small-town life may not always be apparent from the start, but evidence shows there are some strong reasons to consider these types of communities. For one, the cost of living is significantly lower, compared to larger cities. Smaller cities or towns may also offer more opportunities to connect with local influencers and risk-takers who are helping to bring about positive changes in the community. Nick shares his unique perspective on why he chose a smaller, cozier community instead of the hustle and bustle of Atlanta. Listen to hear more of this inspiring conversation!

How improving the city or town where you live can improve your quality of life

Nick Villaume says you should love where you live and take pride in what your community has to offer. When communities rally around a common identity, people can connect, and their ideas and opinions are valued and respected because everyone knows the goal is to always be improving and innovating. What would you do to improve your city? If you need inspiration, this episode is a great place to start!

Tips to improve your community

Chances are, your city has some awesome traits that set it apart from other places. It has a personality, so to speak. Maybe it’s quirky or adventurous or sophisticated. In Lake Charles, there are several individuals that have started awesome projects for the community! Jason Holder is one of those guys. He loves biking, so he started Slow Spokes, a group of people who love to go for a casual bike ride around the city. The intent is not to make money...it’s a free event, one that happens to have 50-60 people who regularly ride together. How cool is that?! This is just one way Lake Charles residents are taking pride in their city. What kind of group would you start? We would love to hear your ideas!

Risk takers and pioneers are needed in every community

Is there something about your community that you wish was different? What if you are the person your community has been waiting for to help make a change? There has to be people in every community who are willing to stand up and start a movement or present an idea, regardless of how risky it might be. Go first, do something small...your success will build on itself. If the community believes they are capable of great things, they are going to do great things!

Resources & People Mentioned Pops and Rockets Nick Villaume’s Couchsurfing Profile Americancraftbeer.com Lake Charles Downtown Development Authority Slow Spokes Love Where You Live BOOK Connect With Danielle and Dustin Ask your questions! On Facebook On Twitter Connect with Dustin on Twitter: @DRGranger