8thirtyfour

8thirtyfour Integrated is how we view the world, and it’s also how we deliver communications and learning.

It connects every piece of your company or employees to one clear plan—focused on people, driven by big ideas, and measured through data. We’re not your typical public relations, digital, or marketing agency. We do things differently, and we’re pretty picky about who we work with. If you are seeking a results-focused, hardworking, integrated team you can trust, we’re here for you.

09/01/2026

Have you tuned into The Happy Hour Hustle Podcast yet?

If not, a) you're missing out and b) you need to follow immediately. Hosted by Kim Bode, episodes drop every other week, and feature some pretty bada$$ guests if we do say so ourselves.

Here's a sneak peek of this week's episode, dropping tomorrow. Kim sits down with Kelsey Orchard, VP of Marketing and Communications at Fifth Wheel Freight to talk about attracting the Gen Z talent pool and building a brand that resonates - plus so much more.

Tune in wherever you listen or watch your podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/happy-hour-hustle/id1320016846
https://open.spotify.com/show/2jtPKKSuF51oNLjHLFUCyX
https://www.youtube.com/

08/28/2026

Perimenopause is brain fog, insomnia, rage (so much rage), hair loss, hair growth in the wrong places, and you either want to throat punch someone or cry. Did we mention the rage?

This is an issue affecting over 50% of our population and 44.6% of businesses in Michigan.

Uncomfortable Conversations: The Pause will focus on the impact on our businesses, workplace policies, and improving access to education + resources.

Want to be part of the conversation? Register now: https://8thirtyfour.com/uncomfortable-conversations/

In our early days, we didn't know how to build a support network or find the resources to plan for our growth, so we 'wi...
08/27/2026

In our early days, we didn't know how to build a support network or find the resources to plan for our growth, so we 'winged' it.

Then, when we hit our target revenue and employees, we were stuck in the business and had no time to work on it.

It's exhausting, and we were sick of watching other women-owned small businesses go through the same thing.

So, we built what we needed.

The Women’s Owners Network: The program for what comes first.

The Women’s Entrepreneurial Fellowship: The program for what comes after.

Each program is built, taught, and led by business owners for business owners,
because no one understands your journey better than those who have been there.

Apply. Do it for you, because if you don't build and maintain that foundation, you're walking away from your business.
https://sbamwef.org/apply/

You know we couldn’t miss . Any day to celebrate dogs of all kinds, support rescue groups, and encourage pet adoption…s...
08/26/2026

You know we couldn’t miss .

Any day to celebrate dogs of all kinds, support rescue groups, and encourage pet adoption…sign us up.

At 8THIRTYFOUR, our office is home to nine rescue dogs - each one is an honorary member of our team. From surprise barks on client calls to demanding belly rubs mid-deadline, our pups bring a little extra chaos (and a lot of joy) to the office every day. Although they might not attend every meeting, they definitely keep our days interesting - see photo evidence of Scrappy stuck behind a door.

Happy National Dog Day to all those that celebrate, which honestly, should be everyone.

We always knew 8THIRTYFOUR's home in Creston was cemented when Kim Bode bought the 834 house, but to find out that 1365 ...
08/25/2026

We always knew 8THIRTYFOUR's home in Creston was cemented when Kim Bode bought the 834 house, but to find out that 1365 Plainfield was owned by another female business owner for 66 years...well, that's just kizmet.

Leon and Eva Philips bought the building in 1906, and the L.E. Phillips Jewelry operated there until 1972. In fact their name is stamped on our building.

Eva and Leon were equal partners in the business, and when Dr. Eva Phillips graduated from the North Illinois Optometry School in 1918, she ran her business out of the secondary parlor. She was the only female optometrist in the state of Michigan and the only female to graduate from her class. Talk about a badass.

The next time you walk into our building, remember women have been doing big things here since the beginning.

We are honored to have our legacy intertwined with Dr. Eva Phillips.

A big thank you to the Grand Rapids Public Library for being the keeper of our community's history and for helping us discover Eva's story.

Your network isn't about who you know; it's about who knows you. If you're curious what we mean, register for the Big De...
08/24/2026

Your network isn't about who you know; it's about who knows you.

If you're curious what we mean, register for the Big Deal Energy | Personal branding with a shot of tequila. Workshop on September 23.

This is why we do what we do. Most women business owners are left to navigate business ownership alone, juggling hiring,...
08/20/2026

This is why we do what we do. Most women business owners are left to navigate business ownership alone, juggling hiring, cash flow, and strategy while trying to keep the lights on. It's overwhelming and it's lonely.

The Women's Entrepreneurial Fellowship is designed to change that. It's an intentionally small cohort because real support doesn't happen in a crowded room. Participants will receive the resources they've been missing, and the tools, knowledge, and networks needed to scale - all guided by people who have built and grown businesses themselves.

If you're a second-stage business owner ready to grow, this program is for you. Applications close on September 15.

Apply now: https://sbamwef.org/apply/

Comfort in the uncomfortable. It's kind of our thing (Kim Bode literally has it tattooed on her arm). If you’re followin...
08/17/2026

Comfort in the uncomfortable. It's kind of our thing (Kim Bode literally has it tattooed on her arm).

If you’re following along, you know our next Uncomfortable Community Conversation, in partnership with the Small Business Association of Michigan Women’s Business Council, is back. This time we're talking perimenopause - like, actually, talking about it because there is little to no education on it - and its impact on business owners.

Real conversations with real people + wine = Always a good time as you can see in the photos.

See you at Uncomfortable Conversations: The Pause September 24. And yes, men, we mean you too.

Register now at the link below before spots fill up.

https://8thirtyfour.com/uncomfortable-conversations/

08/13/2026

Just some friendly career advice for young professionals or students in internships. Say yes.

Say yes to the after-hour thing. Say yes to the early morning thing. Say yes when your boss asks you to come to something - happy hour, networking event, whatever it is. SAY YES.

You know who gets the job and opportunities? The ones who show up, volunteer, and add value.

Say yes to the additional learning, the webinar, the networking event...the everything.

Sincerely,

Every business owner everywhere.

We have a pretty sweet space, if we do say so ourselves (we do).If you want to hang out with us, or use the space for yo...
08/11/2026

We have a pretty sweet space, if we do say so ourselves (we do).

If you want to hang out with us, or use the space for your own gathering; fill out the form on our very cool site.

https://8thirtyfour.com/hosts/

Address

1365 Plainfield Avenue NE
Grand Rapids, MI
49505

Telephone

(616)2992677

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