THE mostly TRAVERSE CITY

Liz Belt, owner and operator of Intrepid Cycling Company in Traverse City, Michigan, and a dedicated board member of the Charlie Golf One Non-Profit, embodies fierce drive and ambition. Her passion extends beyond her businesses, deeply rooted in her advocacy for the outdoors and community, and an unwavering love for her country.

Liz's commitment to service is undeniable, having made the pivotal decision to enlist in the U.S. Ar...

Ashley Torchio

Dr. Ashley Torchio, DC, is a passionate chiropractor and co-founder of Pangea Chiropractic in Bend, Oregon. A Spencer, Iowa native, she earned her Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College and spent years traveling across the U.S. and internationally, gaining experience through chiropractic missions and holistic health outreach before planting roots in Central Oregon. Known for her patient-centered, whole...

Mike DeVries

Mike DeVries is a renowned golf course architect known for his minimalist approach and deep respect for the natural landscape. A Michigan native, he grew up playing at Crystal Downs, where his passion for classic course design was born. After studying landscape architecture at the University of Michigan and apprenticing with architects like Tom Doak and Tom Fazio, he launched his own practice. His standout designs ...

Meet Your Hosts — as Guests! In this special episode, The (mostly) Traverse City Podcast turns inward as Dr. Don Piché and Dr. Julie Brons share their own story—how they built a thriving chiropractic practice, raised a family in Northern Michigan, and why they launched this podcast to celebrate the people and places that make this region one-of-a-kind. Health, heart, humor, and a whole lot of love for Traverse City—don’t miss it. L...

I’ve worked in the beauty industry for nearly 40 years—starting at 16 and eventually opening Epiphany Salon & Spa in 1999, now with multiple locations and an advanced academy. I’m licensed across all beauty fields, teach cosmetology, and serve on the Michigan State Board of Cosmetology. My husband and I also run Bardon’s Wonder Freeze, a local Traverse City gem, and mentor students through a new salon space in Acme. My path was...

Trevor Tkatch

Trevor Tkach is the President and CEO of Traverse City Tourism, where he leads efforts to promote the region as a year-round destination for visitors from around the world. A lifelong Michigander and passionate advocate for Northern Michigan, Trevor combines strategic vision with deep local roots to support sustainable tourism, regional growth, and community well-being. Under his leadership, Traverse City has earn...

Alaina Dodds Leech is the co-owner of Lake District Wine Co., a boutique wine shop in downtown Traverse City known for its curated global selection and warm, welcoming vibe. With a deep love for storytelling and a palate shaped by years of travel and study, Alaina brings both expertise and heart to the world of wine. She’s passionate about connecting people through shared experiences—whether that’s an intimate tasting, a community ...

Nick Olson is a Traverse City native with a passion for building vibrant “third spaces”—places beyond home and work that foster real community and connection. After eight years in New Jersey, he returned in 2018 and has since founded Grand Traverse Social Sports, ELEV8 Climbing and Fitness, and Hearth Sauna.

Nick’s community-building spirit shines through events like two of the nation’s largest slackline festivals and Michigan’s fir...

Born and raised in Traverse City, Michigan, Kyan Olshove grew up riding local trails with his dad. That weekend hobby turned into a full-blown passion after joining Norte Youth Cycling, where he found both competition and community.

Now a semi-professional mountain bike racer, Kyan competes internationally while chasing his dream of making cycling a full-time career. He’s known for his focus, grit, and deep connection to the Norther...

 "Farming is a profession of hope." We’re a women- and veteran-owned business rooted in love for our land, animals, and what we create. Our brands—Little Long Ears Provisions, TC Spirit Donkeys, Old Mission Ciders, and Harpers Ridge Farm—grew from our farm on Old Mission Peninsula, founded in 2016. Today we care for 800+ organic fruit trees and a vibrant ecosystem of bees, chickens, donkeys, sheep, and more. We make wine ...

Born and raised in Elk Rapids, Alice Rubert always felt the deep pull of Northern Michigan. After years of travel and a career in real estate, it was burnout during COVID that led her to a powerful shift. Through meditation and breathwork, she began a personal journey of healing that transformed her life—mind, body, and spirit.

In 2022, Alice co-founded Waterside Wellness, a woman-owned wellness space in the heart of Elk Rapids, off...

Jennifer Szunko – Co-Owner, The Discovery Cruise

Jennifer Szunko is a passionate advocate for the active, outdoor lifestyle that defines Northern Michigan. A graduate of Northwood University, her dynamic career has taken her from the slopes of Vail to the fast-paced corridors of Washington, D.C., before bringing her home to Traverse City in 1987. Since then, she’s played a pivotal role in the region’s hospitality and tourism landsca...

Personal Information:

• Full Name:  Marjie Rich
• Email Address: marjier@generationsahead.org

On a whim, my husband and I hand-picked moving to TC in 1994, from the West Coast.  We found jobs and moved here with a one year old, thinking it would be a short 5-7 year stay. It's been just over 30 years now- longer than either of us have lived anywhere else. Clearly, we love the area and have found deep roots in our community. 

M...

Born and raised in Northern Michigan, Holly Hack has never called anywhere else home. From humble beginnings in a trailer in Grawn, she built a life grounded in hard work, purpose, and deep community roots. Her mother’s wisdom—“All that is needed for evil to exist is for good people to do nothing”—became her lifelong compass.

A single mom turned real estate leader, Holly found in real estate not just a career, but a calling: helping...

Kegan Gill is a former Navy F/A-18 pilot who survived the fastest ejection in naval aviation history—and lived to fly again. Paralyzed but not defeated, his journey of grit and recovery defies all odds. Now a bestselling author, motivational speaker, and performance coach, Kegan shares lessons in mindset, perseverance, and rising stronger. His memoir, Phoenix Revival, is a testament to the human spirit.

Learn more at KeganGill.com o...