MAURI’S STORY:

From Adversity to Empowerment: How Mauri Rene Created Step Up Referrals to Lift Up Small Businesses

For Maureen Kendall, or as her friends and community know her, Mauri Rene, the road to entrepreneurship has been full of twists, turns, and unexpected challenges. Growing up in the harsh, cold tundra of North Dakota, Mauri knew there was more to life than snow and cold. Her desire to find something more led her across the country—from Virginia (Washington, D.C. area), and eventually to Phoenix, Arizona, her happy place in the Valley of the Sun.

It was in Virginia that Mauri built her life and thrived in business, married the love of her life, and then embraced semi-retirement after almost three decades as an entrepreneur. Being back home with family, semi-retired, traveling, enjoying working with her Belgian Malinois, Sami, and enjoying the blessings of a 21-year marriage—life seemed perfect.

But life has a way of throwing unexpected challenges. Mauri’s semi-retirement began to unravel when personal and professional setbacks started piling up.  Mauri faced these dark days with a determined heart, seeking guidance and strength from her faith.

A Prayer That Sparked a Dream

In the midst of losing nearly everything, Mauri turned to prayer. One night, as she reflected on her struggles, she realized that so many other small business owners faced similar hardships—circumstances beyond their control. In her prayers, she asked God, “How can I help them?”

The next morning, she woke up with a clear vision and a business plan in her head—a way to empower small business owners through a referral-based community. And that’s how the idea for Step Up Referrals was born.

But Mauri’s journey wasn’t a smooth road to success. Shortly after, a life-threatening illness sent her to the hospital for emergency surgery. The doctors weren’t sure if she’d make it. Coming out on the other side, Mauri faced a long recovery and hospital bills that added insult to injury.

Despite these challenges, Mauri never lost sight of her mission. During her recovery, she prayed for direction, and God answered. He led her to write a book titled “Making God #1 in Your Business, Integrating Faith With Business Practices.” Through this journey of faith, reflection, and purpose, Mauri reignited her passion for helping small businesses and reimagined Step Up Referrals.

The Rebirth of Step Up Referrals: A Mission to Pay It Forward

Armed with new insights and experience, Mauri relaunched Step Up Referrals, but this time, bigger and better. She combined her Pay It Forward Business Method with innovative tools, creating a platform that didn’t just provide exposure—it provided a community.

“For me, this isn’t just a business,” Mauri explains. “It’s a mission to help small businesses grow without breaking the bank. I’ve been where they are. I’ve faced the highs and the lows, and I want to offer them a way to thrive, even when things get tough.”

Step Up Referrals isn’t just a directory—it’s a place where small businesses connect with each other, support one another, and grow together. It’s about creating a referral-based community where businesses not only list their services but actively share opportunities and refer customers.

The Power of the Digital Referral Card

One of the most exciting aspects of Step Up Referrals is the Digital Referral Card. Mauri wanted to create a tool that businesses could easily share—something that would showcase all the key details and amplify their reach. The Digital Referral Card does just that.

“It’s like a traditional business card, but so much more,” Mauri shares. “You can give it out in person, send it digitally, and anyone who sees your listing can share it too. Every time someone passes it on, your reach grows.”

The Digital Referral Card isn’t just a neat gadget; it’s a way to empower your community to help your business grow. And the best part? The platform tracks every visit, allowing businesses to see exactly how far their reach extends.

A One-Stop Hub for Small Business Success

For Mauri, building Step Up Referrals was about more than creating a referral network. She wanted it to be a comprehensive platform that gave small business owners all the tools they needed to succeed. Each listing on the platform includes a complete profile with everything a potential customer needs to know—social media links, website, videos, booking options, and more.

“I’ve always been a ‘one-stop shop’ business owner,” Mauri says. “So I wanted to create a listing that truly has it all. A place where customers can see your reviews, find your contact info, book appointments, and watch your videos—all in one spot.”

In addition to the public-facing listings, Step Up Referrals features a private collaborative community where business owners can connect with others based on industry, city, or common interests. The goal is to foster collaboration, build relationships, and offer a space for mutual support.

Looking to the Future: Phase 2 and Beyond

Mauri’s vision doesn’t end with what Step Up Referrals is today. Phase 2 will include an international marketing campaign and the launch of a customer app, designed to make it even easier for people to find and connect with local businesses. The app will offer potential customers a seamless experience, giving them access to all of a business’s key details in one place.

“When customers open our app, they’ll find everything they need,” Mauri explains. “They’ll be able to read reviews, watch promo videos, book appointments, and even call or email directly from the app. It’s about creating a level of trust and convenience that other platforms just don’t offer.”

The Digital Referral Card will take on a life of its own as well!  Enhancements will include referral tracking, the opportunity to link up with your circle of business referral partners, opportunities for businesses to grow their affiliate programs and more.  Step Up Referrals is going to be an incredible, innovative way to do business!

A Journey Fueled by Faith and a Passion for People

Mauri’s journey to creating Step Up Referrals hasn’t been easy, but it’s been guided by her faith and a passion for helping others. Her story is a testament to the resilience of small business owners and the importance of community. Mauri’s motto, “Love God, Love People,” is at the heart of everything she does.

“I had a dream to help small businesses in a big way for an affordable price, with a pay-it-forward mentality. And I did it!” Mauri shares. “Now, it’s your turn to step up and take action for your business.”

If you’re ready to join a community that cares about your success, connect with other like-minded entrepreneurs, and tap into powerful digital tools, visit stepupreferrals.com. The opportunity is here—let’s make big things happen for your business!