Max Loves Midland

Welcome to Season Two of the Max Loves Midland Show! In this inspiring episode, tour guide Kevin LaDuke sits down with Jessica Chai, a Dow High School senior who exemplifies leadership, resilience, and a passion for fostering inclusivity in her community. Jessica shares her journey as an active member of several impactful organizations, including the Midland Area Cultural Awareness Coalition, Midl...

“People want a sense of purpose, significance, & impact in both workplace & community. Having one and not the other isn't enough. People want both.” - Jason Story. In this episode of the Max Loves Midland Show, Host Kevin LaDuke sits down with Jason Story, the Director of Talent and Small Business Initiatives for the Midland Business Alliance. They dive deep into a comprehensive framework...

"Are you telling me I'm not living if I'm at work?!?" Jason Story discusses his journey to Midland, Michigan and his work in talent development and community initiatives. Jason shares his background growing up in Oakland County and his experiences living and working in various places around the country, including New York, California, and the Caribbean. He reflects on the importance of finding env...

In this episode of the Max Loves Midland Show, host Kevin LaDuke sits down with Skylyr Zink, a career and college access adviser serving students in the communities of Coleman and Meridian. Skylyr shares his unique perspective on the evolving landscape of postsecondary education, the challenges and opportunities of working in small-town America, and his passion for supporting the next generation....

This Max Loves Midland Show episode features an in-depth conversation with Katie Trzaska-Miller, a community leader and arts advocate. Katie shares her diverse career journey, from working as a young theater executive to her current Midland Area Community Foundation role. The discussion covers Katie's passion for civic engagement, her work to promote equity and inclusion in the community, and her...

This episode provides a behind-the-scenes look at the vital role of local government communications and the power of community engagement. Meet Katie Guyer, Communications Coordinator for the City of Midland. Katie discusses her wide-ranging responsibilities, from managing the city's social media to overseeing community engagement initiatives. She shares insights into her personal journey to Midla...

In this episode, we sit down with PJ Weaver, the assistant basketball coach at Northwood University. PJ shares his inspiring journey from a late bloomer in basketball to a successful college player, and now a dedicated coach giving back to the next generation. PJ discusses the unique challenges and rewards of transitioning from high school to collegiate coaching, as well as his experiences adaptin...

Wally Mayton, Memorial Presbyterian Church, joined the show to discuss the importance of neighboring. Wally shared how neighboring is about building caring relationships and creating a community where everyone has the ability to thrive. He reflected on raising his family in Midland's welcoming spirit over the past 35+ years. With Neighboring Week coming up Sept 22 - 28, Wally encouraged Midlanders...

Ali Huntoon, owner of Allied Group Fitness and Allied HR Solutions, joins The Max Loves Midland show to discuss her experiences as a business owner in Midland. Ali and the Max Loves Midland Tour Guide, Kevin LaDuke, discuss her journey of starting her businesses during the pandemic, her passion for making fitness accessible and inclusive for all, and her involvement in various community organizati...

In this episode of Max Loves Midland, the Max Loves Midland Tour Guide, Kevin LaDuke, sits down with Patrick Schefsky, a lawyer with Poznak Dyer Kanar Schefsky Thompson, PLC.  Highlights include Schefsky sharing his background, from his legal expertise to his theatrical pursuits, and how these two worlds intersect in his work. He discusses the emotional aspects of his practice, particularly in fam...

Marybeth Penkala joins Max Loves Midland's Tour Guide, Kevin LaDuke, to explore the role of a young professional in the community and how the MYPros (Midland Young Professionals) group is approaching talent, attraction, and retention in Midland County.  The highlights of this episode are stories about Marybeth's journey to the role of Director of Membership and Partner Engagement at the Midland Bu...

Jazz Benitez joins Kevin LaDuke to talk about art, inclusion, and Ashman Plaza!  Highlights include a discussion about the role of art in overcoming challenges and pushing beyond comfort zones. They share personal experiences and insights on the importance of embracing identity and creating art that reflects one's experiences. Kevin and Jazz also discuss the significance of public art and murals i...

Brandon Lewis joins the Max Loves Midland Tour Guide, Kevin LaDuke, to talk about all things real estate, fashion, and Midland!    Highlights include Brandon's personal branding as the "Dapper Agent" and his journey growing up in Midland, Michigan, including his experiences with sports, family, and community involvement. He shares his transition from working at Dow to becoming a real estate agent,...

Brad Tunney, Voice of the Great Lakes Loons and Manager of 100.9 The Mitt, discusses people development and retention with Max Loves Midland Tour Guide, Kevin LaDuke.  The key highlights of this episode include Brad Tunney's 10-year career as the voice of the Great Lakes Loons minor league baseball team, his passion for broadcasting and the importance of the Loons ballpark and radio station to the...

Join Kevin LaDuke and special guest Annie Stout for the inaugural episode of the Max Loves Midland Show! Discover the story behind this community-focused initiative and learn about Annie's journey as a local artist and business owner. Highlights: Hosts Kevin LaDuke and Annie Stout dive into the origins of this community-focused initiative and Annie's journey as a local artist and business owner. L...