The Stateline has a reality TV contestant to root for now that Ryan Rydell has been cast to showcase his innovative business “My City Guide” on the reality TV show & start-up competition “The Blox”

Ryan Rydell, owner of RyCOM and founder of the digital franchise business “My City Guide,” has been chosen as a contestant for the reality TV competition “The Blox.” Created and hosted by reality TV star Wes Bergmann, known for his appearances on MTV’s “The Real World” and “The Challenge,” “The Blox” is dubbed as the world’s “largest live-in start-up competition”.

Out of an estimated 50,000 applicants nationwide, Ryan successfully navigated through three rounds of rigorous interviews to secure a coveted spot on the show set to film in July 2024. “The Blox” features entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds and industries competing to grow their businesses under the guidance of industry experts and mentors. The show is currently available on Prime Video, Facebook Series, and the BetaBlox app.

In 2011 Ryan started RyCOM Creative, a local marketing & design agency, but he will be focusing on a new business venture during his time on the show, My City Guide. My City Guide, which has been successfully operating a local site, myrockford.guide, for about 3 years now, offers a unique franchise model that empowers local entrepreneurs to establish and operate their own digital city guide businesses throughout the nation. With exclusive licensing rights per city, My City Guide provides a comprehensive suite of digital tools, including online directories, event listings, coupons, menus, reviews, and marketing resources that enable local businesses to thrive in today’s digital landscape.

Inspired by Ryan’s own entrepreneurial journey, which started in his basement in 2009 and was supplemented by a similar system called “Coupon Cocktail” in 2011 – My City Guide represents a culmination of Ryan’s branding & marketing experience and his vision of empowering aspiring entrepreneurs to take control of their financial future. In the same way Ryan’s personal life brought him to the realization that it’s best to invest in yourself, your family, and your community.

“I am thrilled to be selected as a contestant on ‘The Blox,'” says Ryan. “At first, I wasn’t sure if a reality show was worth my time, but after speaking with the casting director, I realized this opportunity would allow me to showcase My City Guide on a national platform and highlight the potential for entrepreneurship and creativity in our community. I’m excited to learn, grow, and inspire others through this incredible experience.”

Ryan also added, “Of course I intend on winning the competition and representing strong for my city, but even if I don’t win, I will leave with tons of great knowledge, connections, and more motivation to succeed.”

Beyond his professional achievements, Rydell is deeply involved in community initiatives, serving as the head of the local baseball league, Stateline Baseball, and sitting on the board for several local charities and trade associations.

Ryan Rydell is not only a seasoned marketer but also a dedicated mentor in the local community. As a volunteer coach/mentor for Hononegah Community High School’s entrepreneurship program, Rydell has played a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of business leaders. Ryan also has recently partnered with his friend Jim Baluch to create a webcast – “Middle Staged,” a show that features a light-heathered perspective on being a middle-aged male. Through his agency, RyCOM Creative, Ryan has helped launch and grow dozens of local brands, events, and organizations – even expanding to serve hundreds of companies nationwide. Ryan is adamant about adding – with some sarcasm – that Middle Staged is “not a podcast”.

My City Guide, which is currently building out its national scaling systems, is a great way for aspiring entrepreneurs to get into the digital business world without having to invest large amounts of capital and without needing to know anything about coding or app development. It is a full “business in a box” digital franchise. Individuals can secure their own city right now, but Ryan hopes to use this national platform and the lessons learned through “The Blox” to expand the brand to a national audience at a faster rate.

Connect with Ryan on social media through Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to follow his journey on “The Blox” as he competes to elevate My City Guide to new heights and represent our community on the national stage.