Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryker Eckenbarger.
Hi Ryker, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I grew up on a farm in northern Maryland, playing outside and wrestling my brothers. That is when I learned hard work and resiliency. Wrestling opportunities led me to college, where I received my bachelors degree in Computer Sciences. I started off as a software engineer for a Fortune 500 company in 2021. After moving to small-town Virginia, my sense of community exploded. In August 2026, I decided to start Cedar and Stone Marketing to bring my unique balance of computer engineering skills and understanding of the blue collar lifestyle together. The mission of Cedar and Stone Marketing is to serve my local community by highlighting all of the amazing small businesses and increasing their online presence. For a while I was trying to imagine how I could harness my unique blend of life experiences between growing up on a farm and then joining corporate America. Cedar and Stone was the answer I had been looking for, it’s the perfect blend of white collar professionalism and blue collar heart.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has been arduous and long. When I started Cedar and Stone, I had no idea how to start or run a business. I was already working two jobs and had a one year old at home, that meant I had to get up early and stay up late if I was going to add a brand new business to my life. For a long time I was contemplating what I should be doing with my unique gifts and talents and it took me quite a long time to even land on the idea and business plan, but when God had put the idea of Cedar and Stone on my heart, I vowed to let nothing stop me. I took online courses about business creation and management to fill my knowledge gaps, and I had amazing support from my wife.
As you know, we’re big fans of Cedar & Stone Marketing. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I specialize in creating and designing websites for blue collar companies. I also specialize in Search Engine Optimization (SEO). SEO is increasing the online visibility of a company through the google search algorithm. Today we are in a digital age, and when most people need a service, they use a google search to find someone to help. SEO makes your business show up at the top of the list when someone searches for a service in the area. This is important because when someone’s toilet is leaking water everywhere, they are going to google plumbers in the area. We make sure that your plumbing company is the first one on the list.
What sets Cedar and Stone apart from other marketing agencies is our direct knowledge of the blue collar trades and how they operate. Before I became a software engineer, I had worked as a stone mason, access floor installer, demolition laborer, and landscaper. I got to understand what makes each trade so amazing and unique so I understand how to exemplify them.
The Cedar & Stone brand emphasizes strategy and hard work, that is why our logo is the rook. The mission of Cedar and Stone is to serve the local community and glorify God while doing it.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I recommend many books and blogs to increase performance and achieve excellence. One book that comes to mind is The 12 Rules For Life by Jordan B. Peterson and Life at Performance Level by Curtis Zimmerman. Two bloggers I enjoy following are Alex Hormozi and Andy Elliot, they encourage the world to live life up to their fullest potential. They hold people accountable at the highest level, because they wish the best for them, and Cedar and Stone is the same way.
Pricing:
- SEO monthly package – $600 per month
- Website building/design – $600 per page
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cnsmarketing.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cedar_n_stone_marketing/
