Michigan Business Network

Jeffrey Mosher welcomed Butch and Niki Irwin, the father-daughter team behind the Comfort Keepers of Southeast Michigan and Northwest Ohio. He had several questions for them in this interview just ahead of Fathers Day: The Origin Story: "Butch, your pitch mentions your grandfather as a key inspiration. Can you tell us more about that memory and how it shaped your understanding of care and led you into this field?" Father-Daughter Dynamic: "Niki, how has working with your father, Butch, influenced your professional path? What are the unique strengths each of you brings to running Comfort Keepers as a father-daughter team?" Defining "Care": "Your pitch states you're 'redefining what it means to care.' In your own words, what does that mean to you, and how does Comfort Keepers of Southeast Michigan and Northwest Ohio embody that philosophy?" Clinical vs. Personal: "You emphasize a 'clinically informed, deeply personal approach.' Can you give us an example of how those two elements come together in the care you p

Originally loaded May 9, reedited June 13th. Jeffrey Mosher welcomes Greg & Maria Longe, Franchisers with Phoenix Franchise Brands, Livonia, MI. 1. Greg and Maria, can you start by giving us an overview of Phoenix Franchise Brands and what inspired you to build a multi-brand franchising company based right here in Michigan? 2. You recently expanded your portfolio with the acquisition of Worried Bird Window Washing and Steel Coated Epoxy Floors. What made these two brands a strategic fit for your growth vision? 3. Phoenix Franchise Brands supports more than 150 franchise owners across the country. What do you think sets your approach apart from other franchisors in the home services and pet care industries? 4. As you bring franchise development operations in-house, how does your Michigan headquarters play a role in supporting franchisees nationwide—and in attracting entrepreneurial talent locally? 5. Michigan has always been home for your company. How has being based here influenced your values, growth strateg

Vic Verchereau welcomes Kelly Wolgamott, who is the Vice President of Pure Michigan. The State of Michigan is blessed with the riches of unspoiled nature: the nation's longest freshwater coastline, lakes that feel like oceans, golden beaches, an abundance of fresh produce straight from the farm, glorious sunrises and sunsets and endless opportunities for recreation. Here you will find more than 100 public beaches, some of the highest freshwater sand dunes in the world, stunning multi-colored sandstone cliffs, two national lake-shores and the only national marine sanctuary in the Great Lakes-the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary in Lake Huron. Along the shoreline discover 129 lighthouses, numerous maritime museums, ten shipwreck-diving preserves, historic military fortifications, and so much more! Michigan Corners host Vic Verchereau takes us on a VIP tour with Kelly Wolgamott, Vice President of Pure Michigan. No argument here! It is the most beautiful place in the world! » Visit MBN website: www.m

Vic Verchereau welcomes Scott Stewart, who is the Senior Commercial Banker at Independent Bank. Senior Commercial Banker Scott Stewart has enjoyed a significant career in the banking industry through perseverance in tough times and being a professional that listens for ways to help. His dedication to the client and his family has created an impressive story about what is important and what makes for legendary customer service. Independent Bank is based in Michigan as a local, community bank headquartered in Grand Rapids and is a brick-and-mortar bank with over 60 branches across Michigan's lower peninsula. They offer a range of financial services, including commercial banking, mortgage lending, and investments. As a commercial lender, Scott Stewart shares his thoughts on business, family and commitment to excellence in this edition of the Leadership Lowdown with host Vic Verchereau. » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@Michiganbusinessnetwor

Vic Verchereau welcomes Scott Corder, who is the Owner, Producer, and Director at Scott Corder, Inc. Scott is a classically trained message-strategist, film-maker and story-teller with college degrees in Graphic Design, Photography and Architecture. These complimentary skills mean the client's message will always be clearly articulated and visually stimulating. Scott has been successfully informing, motivating, and delighting audiences for 40 years. Throughout that time, Scott’s efforts have regularly been awarded top honors in nearly every major national and international competition in the production industry. His experience has given him great insight and he shares those lessons with host Vic Vercereau on this edition of the Leadership Lowdown! Lights, camera, action; the show is about to begin! » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ »

Vic Verchereau welcomes Tony McCaul, who is the Executive Director at Critter Barn. Before joining Critter Barn, Tony McCaul worked with the Ottawa County ISD for 14 years as an Ag Tech teacher. Tony is a graduate of Michigan State University and Colorado State University with Bachelors and Masters degrees in Agriscience, Agriculture Education, and Biology. As the Executive Director of the Critter Barn, Tony says, "we serve children and youth from all walks of life and engage them in activities on our farm. We celebrate our farming heritage and share stories of days gone by. We teach that agriculture is a gift of nature and give people of all ages the opportunity to witness the wonder of new life. Together we study the impact of the seasons and the role that plants, animals and the environment play in our sustainability." With 36 Acres and thousands of visitors, Tony is busy leading and setting the course for his team. Vic Verchereau, goes down on the farm to hear all about this story on the Leadership Lowd

Originally uploaded December 17th, re-edited May 17th. Jeffrey Mosher welcomes back Amirika Richardson, T3 Education Officer. Question: How would you summarize the overall experience of MiCareerQuest Capital Area this year, and what were the key takeaways in terms of engagement and the industries showcased? This year, over 2,000 students attended our morning sessions from area schools and over X people joined us for our first public session in the event's history. our first public session in the event's history. The majority of students are from our local communities in Eaton, Ingham and Clinton counties, which allows them to see the opportunities right in their back yard. Over 70 local businesses highlighted their industries through hands-on exhibits at MiCareerQuest Capital Area. Amirika, please feel free to add additional information. Question: How did students respond to the exhibitors at MiCareerQuest Capital Area? Were there any exhibits that particularly stood out to students or any me

Vic Verchereau welcomes Sarah Kwilinski, who is the President and Founder of Sundial Classical Farmstead. Sundial Classical Farmstead’s President and founder, Sarah Kwilinski, used her 20+ years as a special education teacher and consultant to identify structural and systemic barriers to learning found in modern educational practices. A certified special education teacher with a Masters of Arts in Classical Teaching from the Templeton Honors College at Eastern University. Her interest in high-quality pedagogy and curricula led her to the classical education renewal movement Sarah says, our mission is to form virtuous people by savoring beauty, cultivating gifts, pursuing knowledge, loving wisdom and truth, and practicing hospitality together. Vic Verchereau gets the update on all that is going on at this new "Non-Traditional" School on this edition of the Leadership Lowdown! Listen and learn! » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@Michiganbusi

Originally uploaded April 24th, reloaded May 15th. Chris Holman welcomes back T. Rann Paynter, President & CEO, Michigan Bankers Association, Lansing, MI. There were several things Chris wanted to find out from Rann in this conversation: Welcome back Rann, remind the Michigan business community about the Michigan Bankers Association? Briefly what were some highlights from 2024 that we should be aware of? MBA was busy in Lansing working on the Paid Sick Leave issue, share some details? MBA Announced 2025 Banker of the Year William B. Kessel, President and CEO, Independent Bank? 18 Banks in the Michigan Area Won the MBA Financial Literacy Award tell us about that? » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/

Chris Holman welcomes Troy Baker, VP of Strategic Partnerships and Market Expansion, Better Business Bureau® of Michigan, Southfield, MI. Talk briefly about the merging of the BBBs of Eastern and Western Michigan? What inspired the creation of the BBB Trades Scholarship, and how does it align with BBB’s broader mission? Can you walk us through the eligibility criteria and application process for this year’s scholarship? How does the scholarship benefit both young workers and the BBB Accredited Businesses that employ them? What impact have you seen from last year’s scholarship awards, and can you share any success stories? Why is investing in skilled trades so critical to Michigan’s economy and workforce development right now? Troy Baker, is the person who created this scholarship he stepped up for this interview since it's something he has worked on from inception. Invest in Your Future — BBB® Trades Scholarship Now Accepting Applications MICHIGAN (May 2025) - The Better Business Bureau® of Michi

Originally uploaded July 30th, reloaded May 14th. Chris Holman welcomes Jonathan Smith, Senior Chief Deputy Director for LEO - Labor & Economic Opportunity - Michigan, East Lansing. There were several things Chris wanted to find out from Jonathan in this conversation: Can you provide an overview of the Community & Worker Economic Transition Office and the primary goals of the office? How are state and West Michigan leaders collaborating to create a strategy for Michiganders and businesses to benefit from clean energy jobs? How will this new office contribute to Michigan’s economy and the creation of good paying, middle-class jobs? What are some of the biggest challenges and opportunities in this transition to clean energy? How is the Community & Worker Economic Transition Office engaging with local communities and stakeholders to ensure their needs and concerns are addressed? What role will educational, and training programs play in preparing Michigan’s workforce for the demands of clean energy and hig

Originally uploaded July 12, re-edited May 12. Chris Holman welcomes back Eric A Schertzing, Consultant, Michigan Land Bank Association, who is joined for this conversation by Michelle Thompson, New Executive Director, Michigan Land Bank Association. So Michelle, you were added new in March what was your background before this? Michelle, I understand you have a great story to tell from Benzie County and the Land Bank laying the foundation for 22 housing units? (Business needs employees, and employees need housing!) Eric you've been working for years on these issues in Ingham County bring us up to speed - something about Condo Developments? Can either of you share about Private and public housing projects that are being enabled by Land Banks around the State? Michelle has a great story to tell from Benzie County and the Land Bank laying the foundation for 22 housing units. Business needs employees, and employees need housing! Eric's perspective are the years of work to have housing ready parcels in a co

Originally uploaded March 6th, reloaded May 3rd. Chris Holman welcomes back Nick Chaffin, Program Compliance Officer, CAMW! Capital Area Michigan Works! Lansing, MI, but serving Ingham, Eaton and Clinton Counties. THEME: Capital Area Michigan Works! reviews the Rapid Response program and its role in supporting employers and employees through a layoff. Question: What is the Rapid Response program and how does it support businesses facing layoffs or closures? The Rapid Response Program aims to respond to downsizing and closures that impact our region’s workforce, enabling those affected to return to work as soon as possible. The program's benefits are two-fold: supporting employees impacted by job loss and benefiting businesses as they navigate business changes. We know that layoffs are a difficult decision for employers to make. By working with our Rapid Response Team, employers can implement strategies before a layoff to prevent downsizing or ensure their employees are supported and connected to other a

Jeffrey Mosher welcomes back Teri Sand, SHRM-CP, PHR, CBSP, CRP, Business Services Manager, Capital Area Michigan Works!, Lansing, MI, but serving Ingham Eaton, and Clinton Counties Theme: Teri talks about the fourth annual DHHS Job Fair, which took place the previous day, and previews the upcoming Juneteenth Job Fair. Question 1: Yesterday was the fourth annual MDHHS Spring Job Fair. Can you tell us about this event, how many employers and job-seekers attended, and how it’s changed over the years? The annual DHHS job fair is quickly becoming one of the signature events on the Capital Area’s workforce development calendar. MDHHS partnered with Capital Area Michigan Works!; Catholic Charities of Ingham, Eaton & Clinton Counties; and the Lansing Police Department for this year’s event. It started in the parking lot of the Ingham County Health Department in 2022, coming out of the pandemic, and featured 20 or so employers, including local government agencies. This year, we had more than 40 employers and [[

Chris Holman welcomes back Lorri Rishar, MBA, Owner & CEO, EDGE Partnerships, Lansing, Marquette, Chicago. Welcome back Lorri, remind the Michigan business community about EDGE? We celebrated with you at the Michigan Celebrates Small Business gala last week, tell us about your award? {A Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year}. Was this your first MCSB Gala? No, previously won A Michigan 50 Companies to Watch Award. What does it mean to be named among the ten Woman-Owned Small Businesses of the Year? Does this inspire you and your team going forward? » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Watch MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/ MCSB: Woman-Owned Small Businesses of the Year 8THIRTYFOUR Integrated Communications – Grand Rapids The Aroma Labs – Kalamazoo Bundled – West Bloomfield Capital Steel & Wire – DeWitt Concetti – Detroit Edge Pa

Originally uploaded April 15, reloaded April 28th. Chris Holman welcomes back Anthony Dalimonte, Associate, Foster Swift Collins & Smith PC, Southfield, MI, one of Foster Swift's 6 branches across Michigan. Chris and Tony's Topic for this conversation: N.I.L. What is the NCAA House settlement and why is it such a big deal for college athletics? What is the status of the House case? Has the settlement been approved? Do you think it will be approved? What does this mean for athletes in non-revenue sports? What does this mean for name, image, and likeness agreements (NIL) going forward? Wrap – plug Foster Swift Sports Law group – representing athletes and organizations to navigate NIL deals. As a four-year member of the University of Michigan football team, Tony brings to the growing world of complex NIL business issues personal knowledge, a unique perspective, and a work ethic honed as a team member. Tony was instrumental in forming the firm's NIL Law Team to counsel student-athletes, businesses/organi

Originally uploaded January 29, reloaded April 26th. Chris Holman welcomes Dave Lee, President & CEO, BRD Printing, Lansing, MI. Welcome Dave, share your company's history/story? What were the highlights for 2024? What do you expect for 2025? Can you share more about one of your service lines or new machines? How does BRD handle the talent issue? » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Watch MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/

Originally uploaded April 11th, reloaded April 25th. Chris Holman welcomes Jeran Culina, Manager, Business Leaders United at National Skills Coalition, Middleville, MI. Welcome Jeran, tell us about Business Leaders United? What is your role at National Skills Coalition and how are you currently connected in the state of Michigan? What is the current state of workforce at the federal level? Why is this important for business to be connected into? How can a business get involved in your work? » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Watch MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/ About BLU Business Leaders United for Workforce Partnerships (BLU) is comprised of employers from a range of industries across the nation who are concerned about our nation’s skills mismatch, who are working with local partners to train and hire community residents fo

Chris Holman welcomes Bill Hufnagel, President & CEO Dart Bank, Mason, MI. Dart Bank marked a significant milestone on Friday, March 21, tell us about that? Share the story of Rollin C. Dart and his son, Doc Campbell Dart, in 1925? Talk about the growth and your footprint across Michigan at this point? So, I'm hearing trust, innovation, and a deep dedication to the communities, go deeper into those innovations? Michigan Bankers Association was on hand for your celebration, share how they help Dart Bank? Where is Dart Bank headed at 100 years? » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Watch MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/ Since 1925, Dart Bank has been more than just a financial institution to our communities. They’ve been a trusted life-long financial partner, helping individuals, families, and businesses reach their goals. For the

Jeffrey Mosher welcomes back Suzanne Greenberg, Executive Director from Children Trust Michigan, Lansing, MI: 23rd Annual Pam Posthumus Signature Auction coming up! Welcome back Suzanne, remind the Michigan business community about Children Trust Michigan that rebranded from the Michigan Children’s Trust Fund in 2022? What inspired this year’s focus on child abuse prevention for the live auction’s Mission Moment? How does CTM partner with communities to deliver these prevention education programs? Can you explain how donations directly impact local efforts to prevent child sexual abuse? What are some success stories or feedback from communities already using the program? How can the Michigan business community support the $100,000 goal, even if they can't attend the auction in person? » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Inst