Michigan Reimagined

Financial institutions are critical to the economic development of our communities. I’ve also learned that banks and credit unions are not all the same. Joining Chris to share the LAFCU story, and some new endeavors, are two of LAFCU’s executive team: Robyn Howell, Executive Vice President and COO, and Kelli Ellsworth Etchison, Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Diversity Officer for LAFCU who is a...

Many companies have philanthropic endeavors, and Maner Consterisan in mid-Michigan certainly does their part. Joining Chris to discuss how Maner functions as a successful business - and how they give back - is Maner Costerisan Principal, Sarah Jennings!

Land owners have a lot to consider and the environmental condition of their property is a big one. There are more and more regulatory and compliance requirements - and if you have an issue, you need to know who to call for help. Joining me to share the services provided by Hamp Mathews & Associates are their Principal Engineer and Visionary, Joel Parker, and Office Manager and Integrator Holly...

Michigan has arguably one of the best Start-Up ecosystems in the country. Getting an invention turned into a successful endeavor that employs citizens is no easy feat, and it truly takes a village. Joining me to share the amazing story of MotMot, the important work they do, and the partnerships & support it took to launch - is their CEO and Co-Founder, Elliott Smith!

I’ve said a number of times, Michigan may have the most competitive and effective start-up ecosystems in the country. One major player in that space is the Michigan State University Research Foundation. Joining me to share a few of their recent endeavors is their Executive Director for Spartan Innovations, Michigan Rise and Red Cedar Ventures, Jeff Wesley!

Michigan is made up of many special organizations serving our communities, and I’m really excited to highlight one such group on this show. Joining Chris in the studio is the President and CEO of Origami Rehabilitation, Tammy Hannah!

If you are fortunate enough to run a business that is growing quickly, you need to have a great plan to recruit and retain talent. One local financial firm feels they’re set up for long term growth in a variety of ways. Joining Chris to share the Waggoner Financial story are President Kiley Eory and Director of Investment & Planning Ankit Jalan!

Healthcare is a hotly discussed topic and the Health and Wellness of our citizens drives our ability to be a vibrant community. The Lansing Area AIDS Network is a local non-profit with a mission to serve residents in a variety of ways. Joining Chris to discuss that mission and share information is their Executive Director, Kristina Schmidgall!

Significant tragedy can send a person spiraling and change you for the worse forever, or it can motivate you to create real change. Joining Chris to share the amazing story of the Mikey23 Foundation is its Founder, Michael McKissic!

There’s a new development project planned for the intersection of Holmes and Pleasant Grove in Southwest Lansing. This project is unique as it provides a creative investment opportunity for citizens. Joining Chris to share the vision and the strategy for the Holmes & Pleasant Grove project are members of the Lansing Growth Fund, Brent Forsberg and Chris Miller!

The professional finance community has embraced technological advancements at an aggressive rate. After all, they are working to earn your business and perform for their clients. Here to share how the team at Waggoner Global Advisors leans into Fintech projects are Portfolio Manager Shanzer Khan, and Software Engineers Wyat Soule & Chad Hildwein

There are several what I would call behind-the-scenes industries when it comes to the revitalization of Michigan. One is environmental consulting. One Lansing-area owned and operated firm has been growing and receiving national recognition. Joining Chris to share their services and story is the Chief Culture Officer for Tri-Terra, JP Buckingham!

The parent company of Holland Home, one of the state's largest nonprofit senior living providers, has rebranded and aims to make a more substantial impact in the lives of older adults in the region. The Grand Rapids-based entity formerly known as Christian Living Services, is now known as Trillium Living. Joining Chris to share more details is Trillium Living CEO, Troy Vugteveen!

With the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) signed into law, significant tax changes are on the horizon for both individuals and businesses. What do you need to know? Well - let’s listen to the experts as we hear from Maner Costerisan Principal Jen Danko, and Senior Manager Kevin Todd!

Insurance - by definition - is something most people would rather not think about. After all, people and businesses pay real money in the hopes of never having to use the services they’re paying for. Joining Chris to shed some light on why NOT to neglect this critical industry - as a person and as a business - is State Farm agent, Kirk Byrens!

MSHDA, or the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, is a state agency that provides financial and technical assistance to create and preserve affordable housing in Michigan. It offers a wide variety of programs and resources for developers, homeowners, and renters statewide. Joining Chris to discuss more details and programming information is MSHDA CEO and Executive Director, Amy Hovey!

The Gillespie Group has been breathing new life throughout Michigan with unique and inspired redevelopment projects. Joining Chris to discuss the new Spartan Gateway at Michigan State University and the momentum of Downtown Lansing is the Founder and CEO of the Gillespie Group, Pat Gillespie!

What the world refers to as Football, and we Americans often refer to as Soccer, has grown exponentially in popularity over the last decade. Our state’s own Detroit City Football Club recently announced a major investment and huge upgrade in what is to be their new facility. Joining Chris to share the path and the details is the Co-Owner & CEO of the Detroit City Football Club, Sean Mann!

The world economy in early 2025 has been a roller coaster to say the least. Joining Chris to discuss the macroeconomic trends, news, and commentary - and what it might mean to you - are members of the Waggoner team - Founder, CEO Eric Waggoner, and Investment Associate, Mark Hu!

Having the right marketing agency guiding your entity can make or break your ability to achieve your mission. It’s easy as a leader to become antiquated quickly. Joining Chris to share how Güd Marketing serves their clients using the most up-to-date technologies are its Principal and President Debbie Horak and Director of Special Projects, Joel Newport!

The pandemic decimated the foot traffic in many cities, and Lansing may have been hurt more than most due to the state workers being allowed to remain home. Luckily there’s a group focused solely on creative solutions for businesses to thrive within the downtown. Joining Chris  to discuss their recent State of the City address is the Executive Director of Downtown Lansing, Inc., Cathleen Edgerly!

Mid-Michigan recently launched the “Be Our Neighbor” campaign in an effort to drive inbound population growth and accelerate talent development. Joining Chris to share the purpose and importance is the Founder & Executive Director of Lansing 5:01, Chris Sell, the Founder and CEO of Hundred Place Consulting, Samanth Harkins, and the Principle & Creative Director of Redhead Creative Consulta...

There are many non-profits out there delivering services to people who need it, and many host fundraising events to keep their mission moving forward. Joining Chris are a few members of The Davies Project for Mid-Michigan Children team to share their story and their upcoming installment of Max's Race!

Gun violence shatters lives daily - plain and simple. This epidemic is being met with counter measures and a ground swell of those who are not willing to sit idly-by. Joining Chris to discuss the amazing work of FORCE Detroit is their Executive Director, Dujuan "Zoe" Kennedy!

During the pandemic the entertainment industry was literally shut down. Many artists that were on the rise saw their opportunities cancelled for the better part of 18 months. Share The Music Foundation is committed to helping support these artists with concerts held in the Greater Lansing Area. Joining Chris to share the story behind Share the Music Foundation is the Board President, Grant Hendric...