BR

Roanoke, Virginia · Building online since 1998

Buddy Rathmell.

I’ve been building on the internet since 1998. Today I run Map Winners (opens in a new tab), helping local businesses get found on Google Maps and in AI search, and I’m writing a book about everything those years taught me.

Book a strategy call (opens in a new tab) Watch my hello 0:23

Rather talk now? Call or text me at (540) 467‑4751

Buddy Rathmell, smiling, in a dark blazer

01 — Now

What I’m building right now.

Founder

Map Winners

Websites, Google Maps ranking, and AI search visibility for local businesses, so the right customers find them on the map and in the answers from ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity.

mapwinners.com (opens in a new tab)
Writing

Startup to Freedom the book

Nearly three decades of building companies, the wins, the $250K loss, and the comeback, written down for founders who want freedom, not just a startup.

Read more below, plus a free workbook

02 — For local businesses

Get found on the map and in the answers.

When people near you need what you sell, they search Google Maps or ask ChatGPT, Gemini, or Perplexity who to call. Through Map Winners, I work to put your business in front of them, right where they’re looking.

Book a strategy call (opens in a new tab) Call (540) 467-4751 Text me

Bring your business, your town, and the question on your mind.

Rather explore first? Start with my free AI ranking checklist (opens in a new tab)

Find your starting point.

Follow a customer’s path. Where could yours be getting stuck?

Google Maps rankingOn the map.

When someone nearby searches for what you do, can they find your business?

A question to bringWhat could help my business show up in local searches?

AI search visibilityIn the answer.

When someone asks ChatGPT, Gemini, or Perplexity who to call, is your business part of the answer?

A question to bringWhere should I start with AI search visibility?

WebsitesAt the next click.

Once someone reaches your website, is it clear what you offer and how to get in touch?

A question to bringDoes my website make it easy to take the next step?

building online
1998
focused on Google Maps
2019

03 — Hello

Thirty-six seconds, straight from me.

Easier than reading a bio. Hit play and say hi.

Then say hi back

04 — The book

Startup to Freedom.

I’m writing a book. Nearly three decades of building companies, and the lessons that came with them, are going into it.

It’s in progress. Want to know when it’s ready?

Email me “tell me when”

Free workbook76 pages · PDF · 2 MB

Already written: Love to Work.

My playbook for building a business your team loves working in. 76 pages of frameworks and worksheets, and you can type right into the worksheets.

Get the free workbook

05 — The route so far

28 years of building online. The scars to prove it.

  1. 1998

    Built my first website

    The internet was dial-up and ugly. I was hooked anyway, and I never stopped building.

  2. 2001

    Fortune 500 consulting

    Recruited by Arthur Andersen Consulting out of college, then founded my own consulting firm serving Fortune 500 companies.

  3. 2003

    Started helping others win online

    Websites, systems, and strategy for business owners.

  4. 2005

    One of the first leadership podcasts

    Leadercast.com grew into a recognized brand, was acquired in 2009, and lives on today as a national leadership event.

  5. 2009

    Founded Stop Slavery

    A nonprofit fighting human trafficking, with teams in Thailand, India, and Cambodia.

  6. The hard
    chapter

    Lost $250K. Paid back every investor.

    Two businesses in two countries went underwater at the same time. I let 15 employees go, repaid $100K to investors, and rebuilt from zero.

  7. 2019

    Fell into Google Maps

    Found the highest-leverage channel in local business, the map pack, and started ranking businesses where their customers actually search.

  8. Now

    You are here

    Map Winners and a book

    Helping local businesses get found, and writing down what I’ve learned, from home in Roanoke.

Buddy at the helm of a boat
Buddy working from a beach chair by the water
An office that moves.

06 — Kind words

What people say about working with Buddy.

We initially brought Buddy in to do a half-day coaching training session with our executive leadership team. We were so impressed, we brought him back for a 1-day annual planning meeting. He was able to draw out of us in five hours what we had not been able to do ourselves in 6 years. Our team was reignited by the new strategy to reach our vision and implemented those changes over the last year. You won't go wrong bringing in Buddy for your Annual & Quarterly Strategy Meetings.

Eric FordCru International

Buddy is an amazing facilitator which is why I bring him to help me with my own team each and every year. He has moved from advisor to friend and I actually consider him an extension of my own team… He always delivers. I can't recommend him highly enough.

Mark PlummerTraining Director, BAMTraining.org

Buddy helped me believe I was ready to launch my cafe and even gave me a loan to help me get started

Bay SareephanFounder, Bay’s Cafevia The BAM School (opens in a new tab)

Buddy helped us work through some team issues and created a safe place for us to take risks and grow together. We're a much stronger team for it.

Evan McCallCo-Owner, Expat Homesvia The BAM School (opens in a new tab)

Buddy is unrelenting in pushing you to be the best version of yourself. Through Buddy, I learned the best way to serve the people I encounter is to know myself well, accept those giftings, and live them out to the fullest… Buddy cares deeply about helping others hone in and be what is right for them and he has the systems and tools to get you there.

Liv SteffenFounder, Liv Thailivthai.com (opens in a new tab)

Super blessed by The BAM School. It shaped, guided, and solidified our mission in Thailand. Oh, and it was super fun. Thanks again, Buddy, for being who you are in the place we needed you. You changed my life...possibly even saved it. Thanks, man.

Mike Gaudetvia The BAM School (opens in a new tab)

08 — Contact

Let’s build something.

Two ways to reach me. Pick the one that fits.

Strategy call

Own a business?

Let’s see where you stand on Google Maps and in AI search.

Book a strategy call with Map Winners (opens in a new tab)

Direct line

Anything else?

The book, an old connection, or just saying hi. Reach me directly.

Call or text (540) 467‑4751

Call me Text me Save my contact

What Map Winners clients say

5.0 on Google · 47 reviews

★★★★★

Before working with [Map Winners], my schedule was only booked about a week in advance… Now, I'm booked out five to six weeks in advance, I've hired another employee, and I'm getting ready to move into a larger office… they WILL get you results.

Joshua MontmenyGoogle review
★★★★★

My business had a nightmare situation on our hands, a vendor made an accidental change to our Google Business Profile that ended up wiping out over almost 1,000 review responses… I reached out to Buddy, and I'm so glad I did! He walked me through what needed to be done to clean things up, and most importantly how to move forward without triggering a suspension.

James T. GordonGoogle review
★★★★★

Buddy is exceptional and a true expert in online marketing and AI-driven strategies… building high-converting sites that drive real results for local businesses.

John ChristopherGoogle review
Read all 47 reviews on Google (opens in a new tab)
Book a strategy call (opens in a new tab)