Total Michigan

The world of long boards is about to change. Ryan Pelletier, the founder of Morphite Boards. Ryan is a student at Scott L. Carmona College of Business at Saginaw Valley State University. He shares his journey of developing a collapsible skateboard that fits into a backpack. He discusses how SVSU supported his project through access to resources and grants, the initial skepticism and eventual interest in his product online, and his ...

Jimmy Sherman, an autistic entrepreneur, shares his journey of overcoming challenges from childhood to establish 'Jimmy Frank's Hot Dogs,' a food truck business specializing in hot dogs and Michigan-based products. Despite his struggles with autism and dyslexia, Jimmy's drive led him to create a venture that not only aims to succeed but also plans to provide employment opportunities for others on the autism spectrum. Supported by h...

Lawry's Pasties has been a family-run business since 1946, specializing in traditional Cornish pasties and maintaining the original recipe through four generations. Located in Marquette, Michigan, Pete and Addie Lawry share their journey of rebuilding the business after a devastating fire in the strip mall where their shop was located. They used resourcefulness and determination to start over, which included using equipment from Pe...

Ready to explore Marquette's trails? Lori Hauswirth and Jeni Kilpela from NTN Trails located in Marquette, Michigan discuss the organization's history, volunteer efforts, and extensive trail system.

In this episode, we cover:

• The importance of community support for trail maintenance
• The diverse year-round activities available on the trails
• The various events that draw people to the area.

Links:

NTN Trails Website: https:...

What better way to appreciate Marquette than through its history? Hilary Billman, the Executive Director of the Marquette Maritime Museum discusses the museum's efforts to restore trust with the community after financial mismanagement, Hilary's journey from St. Louis to Marquette, and the challenges and successes of reviving the museum, including updates to exhibits and new additions like the opening of the second floor of the lig...

Want to go sailing around Lake Michigan? Then meet Patrick McKee, President of Aquastar Cruises.

Patrick shares his family's generations-old connection to the maritime industry, the process of acquiring and renaming the Aquastar, and the exciting range of themed and public cruises they offer on Muskegon Lake and Lake Michigan.

The discussion highlights Aquastar Cruises' contributions to the community, their dedication to safety, an...

Who doesn't love chocolate? Patti Christopher, the owner of Patricia's Chocolates in Grand Haven, Michigan. Patti shares her journey from being a school psychologist to becoming a renowned chocolatier. She discusses how she started her business, the importance of using locally sourced ingredients, and the unique characteristics of her artisan European chocolates.

Patti also delves into the educational aspect of her work, training ...

How do you go from Law to Lager? Michael Brower, co-founder and Chief Brand Officer of Pigeon Hill Brewing Company, shares his journey from law school to opening a successful brewery in Muskegon, Michigan. Michael shares the challenges and triumphs of starting with a small taproom, the rapid growth that led to multiple expansions, and the importance of local pride and community in their business model.

Michael shares how the brewe...

What is the cutest place to stay in Muskegon? Tiny Digs Lakeshore! Tiny Digs is a collection of Tiny Homes you can rent to enjoy your stay in Muskegon and West Michigan!

Owner Pam Westra discusses her mission to bring the tiny house movement to the Midwest, specifically to Muskegon, Michigan, through the establishment of Tiny Digs Lakeshore. Pam shares the origins of her venture, which began with the Tiny Digs Hotel in Portland, O...

How is Saginaw benefiting from the Memorial Cup? Jimmy Greene, the Sales Director of the Saginaw Spirit, shares his journey from growing up in Flint, Michigan, to becoming a key figure in bringing the prestigious Memorial Cup to Saginaw, aiming to make it the grandest edition ever held in the United States.

The discussion covers Jimmy's career transitions from childcare development, banking, information technology, to his significa...

How did Saginaw win the prestigious Memorial Cup?

Craig Goslin, President and Managing Partner of the Saginaw Spirit, discusses how Saginaw, Michigan won the bid to host the prestigious Memorial Cup, one of Canada's top hockey events.

Craig highlights the exhaustive bidding process, the community's support, and the economic and cultural impact of hosting such an event. With a focus on community involvement and regional cooperation, t...

Denise Illich is a prominent figure in Detroit's business and philanthropic community for over 40 years. Sponsored by the Stevens Center for Family Business, the show delves into Denise's transition from aspiring to pave her own path in the legal field to taking up significant roles in her family's enterprises, including Illich Holdings - the parent company of Little Caesars Enterprise, the Detroit Redwings, and the Detroit Tigers,...

Ready for some great Mexican cuisine? Mari Sierra, the third-generation owner of Navarro's, shares the story of this family-owned Mexican takeout restaurant in Muskegon Heights.

Starting in the 1970s as a grocery store by Mari's grandparents, who were immigrants with a passion for community and culture, Navarro's has evolved into a local culinary landmark. Mari shares the heartwarming story of her family's journey, highlighting the...

Ready to make your own customized wine? Brett Scharnhorst, owner of Vinomondo, a unique winery in Port Huron, Michigan, talks about their unique 'do it yourself' winemaking experience.

Brett shares his journey from working in IT to becoming a winery owner and describes Vinomondo's distinct approach to wine, which allows customers to participate in the winemaking process, from selection to bottling.

The winery provides an extensive...

Sadaat Hossain, owner of the Raven Cafe in Port Huron shares the cafe's evolution under two different visions: one focused on creating a unique establishment and the other on operational excellence. Saadat shares his journey from a sound engineer to a restaurateur, culminating in his acquisition and management of the Raven Cafe, known for its espresso and spirit bar, eclectic live music, and Edgar Allan Poe-inspired ambiance.

The e...

What is Yoga? What are the health benefits? Emilee Hartwig, the owner of Happy Dog Yoga Studios. Emilee shares her unexpected journey from aspiring yoga teacher to yoga studio owner, including how she stumbled upon yoga as a new mother seeking physical and mental wellness.

Emilee outlines the evolution of Happy Dog Yoga Studios from its inception in Port Huron in 2015, and its expansion to St. Clair, offering a range of services i...

What's there to do in Port Huron? Plenty! Andrew Kerscher, the Manager of Community Engagement at Port Huron Museums, in Port Huron, Michigan shares his journey from a history-loving high school graduate to his role at the museum, including his time as an interpreter at Mackinac State Historic Parks.

He delves into the unique challenges and rewards of museum work, emphasizing the importance of making history engaging and accessib...

What is Michigan's contribution to hockey as a sport? Gary Warwick of Warwick Goalie Mask runs a family-run business based out of Port Huron, Michigan. They specialize in high-end, custom goalie masks.

Gary delves into the history of goalie masks, highlighting how Jacques Plante's introduction of the mask in the late 1950s revolutionized the sport. Gary also shares the Warwick family's journey from construction workers to leading...

Carol Brooks is the innovative owner of Foundry and the Hallway Entertainment in Port Huron, Michigan. Carol shares her inspiring journey from a photography and history graduate to becoming an entrepreneur who transformed a struggling art gallery into a vibrant hub for art and entertainment.

With a background deeply rooted in her love for photography and history, and a passion to enliven the Port Huron community, Carol ventured int...