Total Michigan

It was 150 years ago that Star of the West started up in Frankenmuth.  During that time, the company has seen and been through many events in our country.  From supplying the ingredients to make breakfast cereals, bread flour and other essential items we need every day.  In this interview, Jim takes us down memory lane to share with us his insights on lessons they learned from the p...

Zak and Korina created Prost Wine Bar and Charcuterie which quickly became a Frankenmuth hotspot. One of my favorite places. What makes Prost so different? Why do people keep coming back? I hope you're hungry because this is a foodie paradise! Show Notes: Prost Wine Bar and Charcuterie Website ( Click here ) Prost Wine Bar and Charcuterie Facebook ( Click here ) ** Subscribe to Our Free Email News...

For most of us, Christmas is something we think about for a month. For Wayne Bronner and his staff, it's a year-round event in Frankenmuth. In this episode, Wayne shares with us the history of Bronners, the future of Bronners, and what they are doing to keep you safe while you visit this Christmas Wonderland! Show Notes: Bronners Christmas Wonderland Website ( Click Here ) Bronners of Frankenmuth...

Everyone has a story. Meet the man who collects the stories of Michigan's heroes. Those men and women who served in the military and the space programs. Show Notes: Michigan Heroes Museum Website ( Click here ) Michigan Heroes Facebook Page ( Cliff Here ) ** Subscribe to Our Free Email Newsletter ** [5:12] History of the Michigan Hero Museum [10:10] Why Pick Frankenmuth for the Museum [11:23] US M...

As Frankenmuth reopens for business, meet the man who worked diligently with local businesses to help them prepare to mitigate the risks of Covid-19. Greg Rummel, third-generation business owner, and fifth-generation Frankenmuth resident shares with us things to think about in the COVID world.  We also talk about beer. Show Notes: Rummel Insurance Website ( Click here ) ** Subscribe to Our Fr...

The world is in transition. Pastor Joe Berkobien, from Frankenmuth Bible Church, has experienced this before in his career. How did he help his church through such a transition? And how did they thrive? And what lessons can we learn going into this new world? Show Notes: Frankenmuth Bible Church Website Frankenmuth Bible Church Facebook Page Frankenmuth Bible Church iPhone App Key Points [24:45] P...

The Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn was hit, like many other restaurants, by Covid-19. Learn how they made tough decisions by adhering to their family creed. Also how to keep yourself safe while still having fun and dining out. Show Notes: Bavarian Inn Website ( Click here ) Bavarian Inn Facebook Page ( Click Here ) ** Subscribe to Our Free Email Newsletter ** Quick Links [3:31] Impact of Good Role Model...

Like many cities, Frankenmuth weathered the Covid-19 storm.  Virtually overnight, Frankenmuth went from a tourist destination to a ghost town.  Now the town is open and Mayor Ackerman has empowered people to lead to help this vibrant community reopen its doors. City of Frankenmuth Facebook Page ( Click here ) Mayor Ackerman's Facebook Page ( Click here ) ** Subscribe To Our Email Newslet...

Frankenmuth is open for business!  Jamie Furbush, President of the Frankenmuth Convention and Visitor's Bureau, shares with us how her team is working hand-in-hand with Frankenmuth's businesses to keep visitors safe while creating new memories in Michigan's Little Bavaria. Topics: [14:56] Keeping Your Family Safe in Frankenmuth [19:24] 'Muth' means Courage [21:09] Frankenmuth Rallies Behind F...

Each year, hundreds of thousands of people create wonderful, lasting memories of Mackinac Island.  And each year, Shepler’s Ferry’s transports those people to this beautiful island.  For over 40 years, the Shepler family has worked hard to ensure that people have a pleasant experience.  Chris Shepler, President and CEO, shares with us the history of his family’s business as well as...

Frankenmuth is undoubtedly one of the top tourist destinations in Michigan. Who is it that keeps the city infrastructure humming along? Meet the leader of a great team of people who do just that. Bridget Smith.

After taking a financial impact, Jodie and her family decided to take their bee-keeping hobby and turn it into a business. She talks about how she used Etsy and Influencer marketing to help build Bee Lovely Botanicals into a thriving business. Key Points: [6:02] How to Order Bees [12:16] Why Etsy to Sell Products? [15:43] How to Maintain a High Level of Customer Service [19:48] Working with an Inf...

Kristi Turner has built a successful online make-up business. Using Facebook Live in creative ways, she has built relationships with women across the country. Here is her story and advice on getting started. Main Points: [06:42] Using Facebook Live to Sell Makeup [07:28] Getting Started with Facebook Live [08:54] What Types of Content for Facebook Live [13:43] How to Get Content Ideas From Your Au...

When the stay-at-home order was initiated, all schools shut down. Rather than waiting weeks to start online school, Principal Levi Bringold did it right after the order started. The students didn’t miss a beat and learning continued. In this interview, what lead Levi to take action so quickly? What were the challenges he had to overcome? Key Points [8:56] What Lead Levi to Implement Online Learnin...

Veronica has multiple degrees, multiple certificates, has served in multiple campaigns with differing congressmen as well as being a great wife and mother to her family. How does she balance family with public service? What is the chamber doing to support small businesses in Saginaw County? Three Key Takeaways A good support system is required to get ahead. Family is everything. Don't be afraid to...

In this episode, I share some user reviews; lessons I've learned from other leaders; and leading in uncertain times. In this episode, I talk about: Leadership Lessons from the TV Show Lost What a Student with Dyslexia Taught Me About Leadership My Mission and Commitment To You  

Craig Goslin, President and Managing Partner of the Saginaw Spirit Hockey Club, talks with us about creating a winning team, culture and ego, and what it was like to shut down an entire league due to Covid-19. Three Key Take-Aways: Everyone is important; everyone is critical to success.  Everyone. Culture is cultivated.  What you cultivate, grows. Mentors are important not only for profe...

Adam Barden, owner of the True Value stores in Frankenmuth and Vassar, shares with us how he made an abrupt career change to go into the family business. We talk about “Doing the Right Thing”, not only in your job but also in your business. Also managing a small business through the stay-at-home order. Key Points: [4:26] Getting back in the hardware business [7:40] Defining The Entrepreneurial Spi...

Sean O'Keefe talks to us about what goes into a great bottle of wine. We also discuss some of the history of Michigan Wine and the impact "The Curse of Oak Island" has had on their vineyard. Three Key Takeaways   Key Points of the Interview [5:23] What Grapes Grow in Michigan [24:08] Making Wine in Traverse City [25:50] Why Food and Wine Go Well Together [30:23] Why Mari Vineyards Focuses on...

Today’s theme I explore with Jeff Drozdowski is leadership through service.  Jeff’s mission is to help people thrive in adversity and no better topic than the Covid-19 and Post Covid-19 World.  What would be the ideal “New Normal” that we would like to see?  A great episode that you won’t want to miss!   Three Biggest Takeaways: The best leadership is leadership by example. Set...

SSG Travis Mills had a bad day at the office.  His world was turned upside down, literally, when an IED made him a quadruple amputee.  But it would take a lot more than an IED to break this man’s spirit.  His personality, his story is larger than any of us could have imagined.  He wants you to know that no matter what happens in life, you can overcome it.   Three Key Takea...

Dave Lorenz and his staff at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation put together the success "Pure Michigan" campaign. Hear his amazing story and the idea behind "Pure Michigan". Key Points: [06:25] When others see something in you and guide you along your path [18:30] Where did the idea of "Pure Michigan" come from? [23:49] Biggest Challenge to Overcome [28:00] A Personal Story of Someone...

Sarah Kile is the Director of Michigan 211; a non-profit service that helps connect people in need with various services through Michigan. 211 services 23 counties and over 1 million people. She talks to us today about leadership through service.

First responders are equipped to handle almost any situation. Now they can handle one more. Carter Kits are designed to help First Responders build rapport with people with Autism Spectral Order and Special Needs. Here's the amazing story behind this creation and the first responders who use them.

It's time for bubbly! Mike Laing from Mawby Sparkling Wines hangs out with us today to talk about his passion for wine, with and without bubbles, and offers us some advice on getting started.  He also talks about what it is like to start your own vineyard. [16:57] Naming Convention for Bubbly [18:39] Advice on Getting into Wine [24:10] Founding Big Little Wines [31:42] Mentors in Wine