Meet Renee Sobotka, the founder and CEO of True North Technologies.
Tell us a little about your business. – We help small businesses develop websites and mobile apps. We also provide Search Engine Optimization (SEO), branding, text message marketing, and digital marketing services. By adding product lines, we are really giving people the tools they need to thrive. We love what we do, and it shows! We know our industry like the back of our hands. There’s no challenge too big or too small, and we dedicate ourselves to every project we take on. Every customer is unique. That’s why we customize each of our plans to fit your needs exactly. Whether it’s a small strategy or a comprehensive effort, we’ll sit down with you, listen to your needs, and prepare a customized plan. We help your business communicate clearly with effective messaging that resonates with your customers.
How did you get started in the business? – I grew up in West Point, NE. It’s a small town with strong local business. My entire family owns small businesses, and I wanted do the same. After graduating from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, I took the traditional route. I worked for some amazing companies, and I was given great opportunities to implement new software. I was able to see how these implementations propelled those companies to their next stage of growth. When I found an affordable way to develop websites and mobile apps to help small business owners compete, True North Technologies was born.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – When my dad died three years ago, it really made me think about life. Was I really doing what I wanted to be doing? The answer was no. I needed start my own company to really be fulfilled. I was selling myself short, and I knew it. It brought me back to finding my True North and living each day with my values of growth, family, and honesty. I knew I had to take a leap of faith if this little dream had any chance of surviving.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – Earning the Forbes Next 1000!
Tell us a little about your family. – I have two kids, Morgan (15) and Mason (13), and two fur babies, Benny and Carl.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – In 2016, I was recovering from a surgery and going through a divorce. I read an article about “Discovering Your True North”. It asked, “Are you all you want to be? Do you have a path to fulfilling your dreams?” True North is your fixed point in a spinning world that helps you stay on track and stay true to who you are. It’s derived from your most deeply held beliefs, values, and principles. The concept of making all of my decisions based on my values has stayed with me.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – Spend it at the lake with my kids and friends, golf, or go for a bike ride.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – Don’t pay the dumb tax twice!
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – Adventurous.
What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – I am on the boards of the AMA – Lincoln Chapter, LIBA, and ELBA. I love helping grow the organizations and connecting awesome people!
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? – Shoe Dog, Phil Knight’s story about building the Nike empire.
What is your favorite local restaurant? – Vincenzo’s.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – (402) 420-5101; renee@go-tnt.com; www.go-tnt.com.