THE mostly TRAVERSE CITY

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...

In this inspiring episode, we welcome Sarah Lee Sullivan, a powerhouse entrepreneur, community leader, and mental wellness advocate. As the CEO and Owner of Solitude Float & Wellness Spa in Traverse City and the Founder of Sullivan Business Services, Sarah has dedicated her career to helping others—whether through holistic wellness, financial guidance, or nonprofit leadership.

Beyond her businesses, Sarah serves as Treasurer of ...

 A lifelong resident of Northwestern Michigan, [Name] has spent over 25 years immersed in the region’s vibrant business and banking community. A graduate of NMC and Ferris State, he built his career—and his family—in a community where entrepreneurial spirit, strong relationships, and exceptional quality of life go hand in hand. Today, he continues to offer personalized, regionally attuned commercial banking solutions that help loca...

Some friendships are stitched together through shared passions, long-distance support, and the ups and downs of life—and that’s exactly how my friendship with Lisa has grown over the years. We met during chiropractic school (our husbands were classmates!), and though we landed on opposite coasts, our bond has stayed strong, rooted in faith, family, and holistic living.

Now, Lisa is sharing her decades of experience in wellness throu...