The Unpaved Road:

Chronicles of a Founder

The road isn’t always smooth,

but it’s always worth the journey

Welcome to

The Unpaved Road: Chronicles of a Founder

Starting and building a business is much like exploring uncharted terrain—challenging, unpredictable, and often rewarding in ways you never expected. Through this blog series, I’ll share my experiences as the founder and CEO of Roamlii, navigating the twists and turns of running a startup in the dynamic worlds of tourism and technology.

Here, you’ll find reflections on entrepreneurship, lessons learned (sometimes the hard way), thoughts on the Canadian economy and its impact on small businesses, and a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to build something from the ground up.

My hope is that these chronicles inspire, inform, and connect with anyone blazing their own trail—whether you’re building a business, championing a cause, or simply looking for insights on resilience and innovation.

The road isn’t always smooth, but it’s always worth the journey.

Let’s get started.

The Festival Fade? It’s Not a Bougie Trend, but a Tragedy Unfolding in Real Time

The Festival Fade? It’s Not a Bougie Trend, but a Tragedy Unfolding in Real Time

The Festival Fade? It’s Not a Bougie Trend, but a Tragedy Unfolding in Real Time

Conor K Phillips
Published on: 18/07/2025

Festivals fuel local pride, tourism, and economic momentum—but many are on the brink, and we've lost a few already. This blog dives into what’s really going on behind the scenes, what’s at stake, and why saving our festivals might be one of the most important moves we make.

The Unpaved Road - Chronicles of a Founder
Tourism’s Dirty Little Secret - It’s an Economic Powerhouse

Tourism’s Dirty Little Secret - It’s an Economic Powerhouse

Tourism’s Dirty Little Secret - It’s an Economic PowerhouseConor K Phillips
Published on: 11/07/2025

Tourism isn’t a side hustle for the economy—it’s a core driver. From job creation to cultural preservation, this blog unpacks why it’s time to treat tourism like the powerhouse it truly is.

The Unpaved Road - Chronicles of a Founder
Step Back to Level Up – Why Working ON Your Business is Non-Negotiable

Step Back to Level Up – Why Working ON Your Business is Non-Negotiable

Step Back to Level Up – Why Working ON Your Business is Non-NegotiableConor K Phillips
Published on: 04/07/2025

Always in the weeds? You’re not alone. This blog explores why stepping back to work on your business—strategically and intentionally—isn’t indulgent. It’s essential. Make space for growth, clarity, and leadership that actually moves you forward.

The Unpaved Road - Chronicles of a Founder
The Graceful Grind—How to Grow Without Burning Out

The Graceful Grind—How to Grow Without Burning Out

The Graceful Grind—How to Grow Without Burning OutConor K Phillips
Published on: 27/06/2025

Growth should feel good—not like you’re constantly hanging on by a thread. This blog shares real-world lessons on how to expand your business without losing your head (or your heart) along the way. Strategy, mindset, and permission to breathe.

The Unpaved Road - Chronicles of a Founder

"Roamlii is headquartered in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, on Treaty 6 Territory, and the traditional homeland of the Cree, Saulteaux, Dene, Dakota, Lakota, Nakota, and Métis nations. We pay our respects to the First Nations and Métis ancestors of this great land, and reaffirm our relationship with one another."

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