MAURI’S STORY:

 The Promo Video above is an interview where I share some of my story, plus how “Making God #1 In Your Business” came to be!

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

For Maureen Kendall—better known as Mauri Rene—the road to entrepreneurship has been full of twists and turns. After growing up in North Dakota, Mauri built a thriving business life in Virginia, was married to the love of her life, became semi-retired at a young age–Life seemed perfect—until personal and professional challenges turned everything upside down.

During this season of loss, Mauri turned to prayer, asking God how she could help others facing similar struggles. The next morning, she woke up with a clear vision: a referral-based community to empower small businesses. That idea became Step Up Referrals.

Her journey wasn’t easy. Soon after, a life-threatening illness nearly took her life. During recovery, she felt led to write Making God #1 in Your Business, Integrating Faith With Business Practices, a book on integrating faith with business and marketplace ministry. This experience reignited her passion and inspired her to relaunch Step Up Referrals—bigger and better.

Today, Step Up Referrals is more than an international directory—it’s a community where small businesses support each other, share referrals, and grow together. At the center is the Digital Referral Card, an innovative tool that acts like a business card on steroids—shareable online or in person, creating exponential exposure, adding to SEO, and simplifying the referral process, with just a tap.

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  tools they need 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, reviews, their own network and more.

Mauri sums it up best:

“I’ve always been a ‘one-stop shop’ business owner,” Mauri says. “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.”

“This isn’t just a business—it’s my mission to help small businesses grow without breaking the bank. I’ve been where they are, and I want them to stay alive and thrive.”

If you’re ready to grow, connect, and be part of something bigger, visit stepupreferrals.com—and take the next step for your 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!

You can get my book on Amazon here:  MAKING GOD # 1 IN YOUR BUSINESS 2ND EDITION: Integrating Faith With Business Practices: RENE, MAURI: 9781952756559: Amazon.com: Books

You can also purchase at MauriRene.Com.