Rivet Report Begins

Good morning and welcome to the first issue of Rivet Report. Just like any new endeavor, publishing this is a risk. But like Elroy Dimson said, “risk means more things can happen than will happen.”

BUSINESS PULSE

Economy: Small business optimism held steady in March 2025, with the NFIB Small Business Optimism Index at 97.4, down slightly from 100.7 in February, as tariff concerns linger. Still, 60% of business owners plan to hire in Q2, showing grit. Businesses should focus on flexible budgeting to navigate uncertainty.
Source: NFIB Small Business Economic Trends

Industry: E-commerce logistics is thriving, with transportation and warehousing projected to add 387,000 jobs in 2025, driven by demand for same-day delivery. Small retailers can compete by optimizing supply chains with tech tools.
Source: Paychex Small Business Trends

Startups: U.S. startups raised $45 billion in Q1 2025, with generative AI and SaaS leading. Female founders secured a record 20% of VC deals, signaling a shift in funding dynamics.
Source: Forbes Small Business Trends

LEADERSHIP EDGE

Rally Your Team: Make Your Mission Their Motivation

Your company’s mission isn’t just a statement—it’s the pulse that drives your team. Communicating it clearly can turn employees into advocates, boosting performance. Picture a bank that embraced “joyful banking” as its mission: by linking every role to this purpose, they increased engagement by 25%. As a business owner, your mission—whether it’s innovation or community impact—gives your team a shared goal. Use vivid stories or simple metaphors to make it resonate daily.

Values are the glue that holds your team together, especially in tough times. When you lead with transparency, like sharing goals openly in team updates, you build trust that cuts turnover—think of a tech startup that slashed it by 18%. Your values, like collaboration or grit, should shape how you talk to your team. It’s not about flashy slogans; it’s about showing up consistently, from hiring to hard decisions.

Here’s why mission and values matter in communication:

• Engagement: Teams aligned with a clear mission show 25% higher engagement, per 2024 data.

• Loyalty: Values-driven talks reduce turnover by 18%, saving recruitment costs.

• Motivation: 70% of aligned teams report stronger drive, boosting output by 15%.

• Clarity: Storytelling ties roles to purpose, increasing retention by 27%.

Stories make your mission stick. Share your business origin story or a customer win in a team huddle—it’s not just inspiring, it’s unifying. Companies that embed these narratives in onboarding see retention jump by 27%. You don’t need a blockbuster tale; a retailer might highlight a customer’s gratitude to reflect a service mission. These moments connect your team to the “why” behind their work.

Consistency is key to keeping your team aligned. Hold regular “vision/mission check-ins” or open forums to reinforce the mission and invite feedback. This two-way dialogue drives 70% higher motivation and 15% better productivity, as aligned teams feel empowered. Let your team shape the mission—it’s not just yours, it’s theirs. These conversations turn your employees into your partners in fueling your success.

Small gestures amplify your message. A quick shout-out linking a team member’s work to your values—like praising a designer for “creative excellence”—builds a culture of purpose. Data shows 65% of employees perform better when values are clear. Your communication doesn’t need to be flawless, just intentional. By making your mission a daily touchpoint, you’ll unlock your team’s full potential.

You don’t need a big budget to lead this way—just commitment to your “why.” Clear, values-driven communication cuts misalignment and boosts results. Reflect on how you share your mission and make it a priority to connect with your team. Start small, stay consistent, and watch as your leadership inspires action.

Action Idea: This week, host a 15-minute team meeting to share a story about your business’s founding or a moment that defines your mission. Ask your team how they connect their work to it, and listen as you strengthen your shared vision.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Mike Rice, CEO & Co-Founder of The Momba Group

R. Tell us about your story and your business – what do you do and who do you serve?

Mike. The Momba Group is a purpose-driven IT and engineering staffing firm that’s passionate about making meaningful connections. We help organizations find top-tier talent for both contract and full-time roles, and we do it with a heart for service. With over 25 years of industry experience, we partner with companies of all sizes—from startups to Fortune 500s—across the Midwest and beyond, helping them build high performing teams that drive innovation and growth.

But what really sets us apart is our mission: With every placement we make, we sponsor a child through The Hope Foundation of Kenya. It's our way of turning business success into life changing impact. Every connection we make in the workplace fuels another opportunity for a child to thrive—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. We like to say we’re changing lives, one placement at a time.

R. What inspired you to start this business?

Mike. The inspiration for The Momba Group came during a time of transition and soul-searching. For the first time in my 25+ year career, I was without a job. I’ve always been a man of faith, and in that uncertain season, I had the opportunity to go on a mission trip to Mombasa, Kenya with The Hope Foundation of Kenya—a nonprofit my wife and I had been supporting for years by sponsoring children.

We had always known the names and seen the photos of the kids we were sponsoring, but nothing could have prepared me for the moment I met them in person. Looking into their eyes, seeing their joy and gratitude, and witnessing the life-changing impact of sponsorship—it completely changed me. What had once been a monthly donation suddenly became a deeply personal and spiritual connection. It was no longer just about giving; it was about relationship, purpose, and calling.

While I was there—surrounded by the very children we had prayed for—I felt God speak clearly to my heart: “I want you to start a company. Use the 25 years of experience I’ve given you to help meet this need. Build a company that blesses others—not just here at home, but across the world.” That moment marked a turning point for me. It wasn’t just about finding my next job—it was about stepping into a calling. That’s where the vision for The Momba Group was born.

This business is more than staffing. It’s a mission. With every placement we make, we sponsor a child through The Hope Foundation of Kenya. It’s our way of turning professional success into global impact—changing lives, one placement at a time.

R. What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced – and how did you push through them?

Mike. One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced as a business owner is launching and growing The Momba Group in a time of real economic uncertainty. The job market has shifted. Budgets are tight. Companies are cautious. Starting a business—especially in staffing—during a season like this has required resilience, adaptability, and a lot of faith.

I’m someone who tries to focus on what I can control. And for me, that comes down to two things: attitude and effort. I can’t control market conditions or hiring freezes, but I can control how I show up every day—how I lead, how I serve our clients, and how I stay true to the mission of this company. That mindset has helped me push through the toughest moments.

R. What has been your proudest moment in business so far?

Mike. There have been some great wins—successful placements, incredible client partnerships, and moments of real momentum—but without a doubt, my proudest moment was when we sponsored our first child, Brenda, through The Hope Foundation of Kenya as a direct result of a placement made by The Momba Group.

That moment made it real. It wasn’t just an idea or a dream anymore. It was happening. Brenda—a real child with hopes, potential, and a bright future—now had access to food, education, and care because of the work we were doing right here. It gave me goosebumps then—and honestly, it still does every time we make another placement and get to say, “Because of this, another child’s life will change.”

R. How do you define success – and has that definition changed over time?

Mike. For me, success used to be about the numbers. Hitting the targets. Building something big. And while there’s still value in goals and growth, my definition has absolutely changed over time.

Today, it’s less about success and more about significance.

Success often centers on what we accomplish—it’s about me, or us, and the milestones we reach. But significance? That’s about who we impact. It’s about how our work touches lives, serves others, and leaves a legacy beyond ourselves.

R. What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs or business owners just getting started?

Mike. The most important piece of advice I can give to anyone starting out is to make sure your "why" is compelling—not just for you, but for those you’re serving. Your "why" is the foundation of your business, and it will keep you going when things get tough. It’s what will sustain you through the hard days and propel you through the long nights.

When you’re passionate about your mission and you know your purpose is bigger than just making money or hitting a target, it changes everything. Your vision becomes a driving force that motivates you and inspires others to rally behind you.

And remember, success doesn’t happen overnight. But if you stay true to your "why," work hard, and trust in God's timing, the journey will be worth it.

You can reach Mike at [email protected].