Total Michigan

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 Detro...

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...

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...

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...

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. Cla...

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 mak...

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 fro...

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...

Josh Schaeding shares the amazing story behind a staple in Hemlock, Michigan. The Maple Grille. Sponsored by the Stevens Center for Family Business, the episode dives into the restaurant's origin, its commitment to serving locally sourced, farm-to-table dishes, and the challenges of running a destination restaurant in a rural area. The Maple Grille is renowned for its use of whole animals, wood fi...

In this interview, Reverend Kathy Albee, the CEO and founder of 'Released to Reign', expounds on the relevance of the Bible in today's world and the essence of Christianity. Reverend Kathy strongly emphasizes that the Bible is not merely a guide for a good life, but is for the children of God seeking to understand His plan and purpose for their lives. The interview also probes into issues such as...

The interview features the transformation story of Mirakle McGlown, from facing incarceration to becoming a successful entrepreneur. After receiving a 20-year sentence, McGlown turned to spirituality and leather crafting while in prison for solace and personal growth. He went on to win clemency after demonstrating a significant change in behavior and a committed resolve to better his life. Followi...

100K Ideas, a nonprofit centered in Flint, Michigan provides diverse resources for aspiring entrepreneurs. Executive Director Brandee Cook Brown discusses the organization's evolution, including the initial challenges they faced in their infancy and subsequent community outreach efforts. Brandee also shares how 100K Ideas expanded its resource center to include a multitude of programs aimed to equ...

Leona Sullivan, one of the founders, and Amy Bartels Roe, the executive director of Mustard Seed Shelter, a resource for women and children experiencing homelessness. Based in Saginaw, Mustard Seed provides a supportive environment for guests to rebuild their lives, offering help with life skills, housing assistance, and opportunities for healing from traumas and substance misuse. The shelter oper...

Cliff DuVernois engages in a delicious and enlightening chat with Amy Ruis, a Michigander who has turned her passion for food into thriving businesses - Aperitivo and Art of the Table . They discuss the unique joys and challenges that come with running a gourmet store and the importance of providing diverse, high-quality products for customers. In this episode, Amy discusses How to approach trying...

Cindy Schneider, the owner of Beacon Corner Bar in Grand Rapids, Michigan, shares her journey from a teaching degree to the restaurant business, owning popular restaurants like Sanchez and Rome by Sanchez. She explains how the concept of Beacon Corner Bar developed, offering the Grand Rapids area an enjoyable seafood dining in a casual ambiance. The conversation further details the challenges face...

This script is an interview between Cliff Duvernois, the host of 'total Michigan,' and Bernie Arbic, a board member at the Chippewa County Historical Society (CCHS). Topics discussed include the significance of historical preservation, the role of the CCHS, particularly in relation to Sault Ste. Marie's history, Bernie's personal interest in historical photography, and a detailed explanation about...

In this episode, we hear the fascinating journey of Hausbeck Pickles and Peppers, a family business that went from humble beginnings to playing on an international stage. The interview with the president and CEO of Hausbeck Pickles and Peppers, Tim Hausbeck, takes us through his early life, education, and the decision to join the family business. He talks about the challenges the company faced, th...

The script is a conversation between the host, Cliff Duvernois, and Carri Bradley, a board member and co-chair of the I-500 snowmobile race in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. They discuss Carri's involvement with the race, the history and significance of the I-500, the events and activities during race week, and the experience of watching and participating in the race. Carri also talks about the commu...

In this episode of Total Michigan, host Cliff DuVernois talks to Erica Hammel McLaughlin, the woman behind Wyatt's Law, a preventive measure aimed at protecting children from potential harm. After her son Wyatt suffered severe child abuse at the hands of a convicted abuser, she took it upon herself to prevent such tragedies from happening to others. Erica shares her emotional journey of relentless...

Host Cliff DuVernois talks with Peter Jacob and Jason Kakabaker, co-owners of the Cakabakery, a custom bakery out of Grand Rapids, Michigan. They share the backstory of their bakery, recounting how they started over 12 years ago out of a rented house and have grown the business to include three locations. They discuss their experience on the Food Network’s ‘Cupcake Wars’ and the impact that had on...

In this episode of Total Michigan, host Cliff Duvernois sits down with Casey Lowery, the President of Applied Innovation, a technology company based out of Grand Rapids, Michigan. They discuss the company's journey from a startup in the copier and printer industry to its explosive growth into a tech giant with a strong presence in various states. As part of a family-run business, Casey discusses h...

Roger LeLievre is the owner, publisher, and editor of "Know Your Ships" which is now in it's 65th publication. They discuss Roger's passion for ships and the shipping industry, how he inherited the responsibility of publishing the Guide from its original author, Tom Mance, as well as his mission to keep the maritime enthusiasm alive among a younger generation. The conversation includes stories of...

In this episode, host Cliff Duvernois interviews Dr. Don Steele as they explore his intriguing life journey. From Dr. Steele's important role in sports to his interactions with top-tier teams like the Seattle Seahawks and the Green Bay Packers. They discuss thought processes and performance. The discussion delves into the relationship between goal orientations, human behavior and high performance...

Deborah Tacoma is the inventor of the Freedom Wand, a unique device designed to aid the elderly, the disabled, and obesity patients with their personal hygiene. Despite not having any initial experience in business or manufacturing, Deborah bootstrapped her way to create a product that's improving lives around the world. In this episode, we cover: How a back breaking injury inspired a new product...

Cathy Howell is the owner of Wicked Sister in Sault Ste. Marie. Cathy shares her journey and challenges in the restaurant industry. She talks about her experiences starting from being a server to owning a restaurant that has transformed into a beloved local hotspot. The conversation sheds light on her decision-making processes in expanding the business, managing multiple roles, creating a unique m...