Small Town Grit

Episode 41 is here! Host Corey Haubs sits down with Steve Clark, the dedicated Superintendent of Vassar Public Schools, for an in-depth conversation about the challenges the district has faced and successfully overcome. They’ll also dive into the exciting improvements funded by recent bonds and discuss the ambitious plans shaping the district’s future. But that’s not all—stick around for an exclus...

🎙️ Ask Corey Anything – Hosted by Jim Kramer. The Small Town Grit team brings you a long-awaited and absolutely hilarious episode! This week, Corey Haubs takes the hot seat for an Ask Corey Anything special, hosted by the one and only Jim Kramer. You, the viewers, sent in your burning questions, and we covered everything:✅ Thought-provoking insights about business ✅ Corey's hot takes on sports...

In this episode of Small Town Grit , host Corey Haubs sits down with Tim Wingert, whose family has deep roots in Mayville, MI. Tim shares the fascinating history of Wingert's Food Center, a local grocery store his family founded 90 years ago. He recounts the growth of the family business, its significant impact on the Mayville community, and the decision to eventually sell the business to Neiman’s...

In this episode of Small Town Grit , host Corey Haubs sits down with Rachel Opperman, the powerhouse behind Knockout Real Estate in Frankenmuth, MI, along with her partner Andrew Keller. Rachel opens up about her journey to becoming a successful real estate business owner and shares the challenges she faced when making the leap to purchase the company. They dive deep into the current real estate m...

For episode 35 of Small Town Grit, host Corey Haubs sits down with Mark Bills, owner of MEER Salvage, to talk about how he and his wife have turned their passion for collectibles into a highly profitable business. Using the auction app Whatnot, they've sold over 20,000 Matchbox and Hot Wheels cars this year alone, keeping the local post office busy with their steady stream of shipments. Mark share...

In this week's episode of Small Town Grit, host Corey Haubs is on-site at Johnson's Pumpkin Farm in Indiantown, MI! Corey sits down with Mike Houghtling, the owner of the farm, to discuss the ins and outs of farm life and the intense grind of their 55-day season. From the challenges of running a seasonal farm to the joy it brings to the local community, Mike shares a glimpse into his world. Stick...

In this episode of Small Town Grit , host Corey Haubs sits down with Laura Walk, the Director of Recruitment for Great Lakes Burn Camp, a life-changing camp for children who are burn survivors. Laura shares the powerful impact this camp has on the lives of young burn victims, providing them with a safe, supportive environment where they can feel comfortable in their own skin. Great Lakes Burn Camp...

Welcome to Episode 34 of the Small Town Grit Podcast! Join host Corey Haubs as he sits down with Peggy Barnes, director of the Vassar Area Food Pantry. In this insightful conversation, Peggy shares the rich history of the pantry and its incredible impact on surrounding communities. For over 40 years, the Vassar Area Food Pantry has served more than 20,000 families, making a significant difference...

In episode 33 of the Small Town Grit podcast, host Corey Haubs interviews Margie Weiss of Weiss Centennial Farms. Margie is a busy woman balancing the demands of her dairy farm, beef sales, and pretzel-making, while launching her annual corn maze on September 27th. In this episode, she shares details about the exciting activities at the Frankenmuth corn maze and the many experiences her centennial...

In this episode of Small Town Grit, host Corey Haubs sits down with Paul Whitney, the Branch Director of Link Learning in Vassar, an online virtual high school that offers education opportunities to kids and adults who haven’t thrived in the traditional public school system. Paul shares his deep passion for helping students succeed and talks about the challenges they face. In addition to his role...

Welcome to Episode 31: Building the Future with John Pichè! In this heartfelt episode of Small Town Grit, Corey Haubs sits down with his father-in-law, John Pichè, the proud owner of J.T. Pichè Co., a well-respected construction company based in Mayville, MI. After 27 years of hard work and dedication, John is embarking on a new chapter—retirement! Corey and John discuss John's remarkable jour...

It's Episode 30! In this episode of Small Town Grit, Corey Haubs interviews Sarah Kribs, the owner and artist at Enchanted Moon Tattoo Studio in Vassar, MI. Sarah shares her journey from the healthcare industry to running her own tattoo shop. She discusses advancements in tattoo technology, her diverse experiences as a tattoo artist, and her passion for serving the community. Tune in to learn...

In this special episode of Small Town Grit , host Corey Haubs takes you on a journey through Vassar's rich history with a remote visit to the Vassar Historical Museum. Join Corey as he interviews Dorothy Watt and Janet Ahrens, uncovering unique stories from the town's past, including insights from the diaries of Vassar's founder and the intriguing history of a human hair wreath. Plus,...

Welcome to Episode 28! In this episode of Small Town Grit, host Corey Haubs chats with Nate Andrus of Andrus Family Farm and Produce Stand in Reese, MI. Nate shares the dedication and hard work that goes into running the produce stand, where you can find a wide variety of vegetables, fruits, honey, and eggs. He also talks about the challenges of maintaining the stand and working in the dirt, all w...

In Episode 27 of Small Town Grit, Corey Haubs sits down with Nick and Sarah Costello, the dynamic entrepreneurs behind Nick's Construction, The Scoop, and Market Grey Boutique in Reese, MI. They share their journey of building these thriving businesses while juggling the challenges of raising five kids. Tune in to hear their inspiring story of perseverance, creativity, and grit. Don't miss...

Join host Corey Haubs for Episode 26 as he sits down with Dr. Sally Blossom of Blossom Into Health Chiropractic. In this inspiring episode, Dr. Sally shares her remarkable journey through the challenges of chiropractic school and her adventurous six years working abroad in Ireland. Discover how Dr. Sally's experience on the high school football sidelines with her father as the "sideline d...

Welcome back to another episode of Small Town Grit! In episode 25, our host Corey Haubs sits down with two special guests, Andrea McArthur, Vassar's Administrative Assistant, and Pat Mecham, a current member of Vassar's City Council. Join us as we dive into all the exciting details of Vassar's 175th anniversary celebration happening this Wednesday, July 24th, from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM. I...

In episode 24 of Small Town Grit, host Corey Haubs sits down with Tyler and Dave Rupprecht of Zwerk and Sons Farm. Join us as we delve into the rich 80+ year history of this Michigan farming legacy. We discuss the vital role of Michigan farming, explore the remarkable advances in farming technology, and learn about the beginning stages of family farm succession. Don't miss this insightful conv...

Welcome to episode 23 of Small Town Grit! In this episode, host Corey Haubs sits down with Matthew Koch, an experienced investment advisor with over 30 years in the business. Matthew serves the city of Vassar and its surrounding areas through Koch Financial Design. Beyond his professional role, Matthew is deeply involved in his community as a Tuscola County Commissioner and the coach of the Franke...

Welcome to Episode 22! In this exciting episode, Corey Haubs interviews the multi-talented Savannah Kreger. Savannah is an entrepreneur with a diverse background, having worked as a hair stylist, photographer, and makeup artist. Now, she combines all these skills into her thriving social media platforms and brand partnerships with daily content creation. Tune in for invaluable social media tips an...

Join Corey Haubs as he interviews Kevin and Jen Spencer, the dynamic duo behind New Finish LLC of Saginaw, MI, in this exciting episode. Discover the innovative refinishing options they offer for kitchens and bathrooms, providing cost-effective remodeling solutions with minimal disruption and quick turnaround times. In this episode, you'll learn about: • The variety of refinishing services New...

Welcome to episode 20 of Small Town Grit! In this special episode, host Corey Haubs sits down with Andrew Niedzinski, the City Manager of Vassar, Michigan. Join us as Andrew shares his unique journey to becoming the city manager and dives deep into the exciting developments happening in Vassar. Get the inside scoop on: - The major water main project transforming the city's infrastructure - Pla...

In Episode 19 of Small Town Grit, Corey Haubs sits down with Mike Richard from the band ADABOY! Join us as we explore Mike's incredible journey from being an small-town, elementary school music teacher to recording new tracks with ADABOY! in the heart of Nashville. Discover how the band is going "all-in" and rapidly moving forward with their success. Don't miss this inspiring sto...

In our 18th episode, Corey Haubs interviews Courtney Owens, the owner of Yellow Daisy Customizations. Courtney shares her inspiring journey of starting a small-town business while working part-time as a village clerk in Reese, MI. She designs unique custom t-shirts for individuals and businesses. Lots of engaging conversations about owner perfectionism and putting the customer first. Other fun top...

Welcome to Episode 17! 🎙️ In this episode, Corey Haubs interviews Chad Ross, a savvy financial advisor from Holvick and Associates. Chad dives into effective exit strategies for business owners and shares his inspiring journey through real estate investment. Learn how Chad worked various jobs, made smart investments, and demonstrated incredible grit while pursuing his dreams and securing his futur...