Byztopia was born out of a simple but powerful idea: supporting small businesses should be easy.
During the initial COVID-19 shutdowns, I watched people on social media scrambling to find ways to support local shops, restaurants, and makers. It was inspiring to see the outpouring of love for small businesses—but I couldn’t help but wonder, why isn’t there a better way to discover and support them all in one place? That question became the seed of Byztopia.
My passion for small business started long before the pandemic. I grew up in Ellensburg, Washington, working alongside my dad in our family’s automotive shop. That experience instilled in me a deep appreciation for entrepreneurship, community, and the grit it takes to build something of your own. I knew early on that I wanted to dedicate my life to helping small businesses thrive.
Outside of Byztopia, I’m a family man with three kids, a love for gardening (especially fresh veggies), playing guitar, and racing motorcycles. These passions keep me grounded and remind me why community matters—it’s about connection, balance, and creating something lasting for the next generation.
At Byztopia, we’re committed not only to helping people discover and support small businesses but also to doing it with complete transparency. That’s why we plan to openly share how much money we’re making, how much I personally take home, and where our charitable donations are going. We believe people deserve to know exactly how their support makes an impact.
Byztopia is more than just a directory—it’s a community where discovery meets small business, built on trust, transparency, and the belief that together, we can grow stronger.