TALK MIDLAND w/ Logan Richetti

Opening a second location in Midland isn’t about confidence — it’s about risk tolerance. The owner of Live Oak Coffee House shares what really went into choosing the east side for their second shop. Would you take that risk in your own business? Logan Richetti sits down with Renee Deckrow to unpack the powerful, heartfelt story behind Live Oak Coffeehouse and the transformation of a forgotten 16,0...

 Most people believe insurance exists to make healthcare better.  What they don’t realize is that it often decides how much care they’re allowed to receive. Today’s conversation isn’t about attacking insurance — it’s about understanding how insurance-based physical therapy and cash-pay physical therapy create two very different patient experiences. Logan Richetti sits down with Kristie Mulder , ow...

Logan Richetti sits down with Bridgette Gransden , Administrator Controller for Midland County, to pull back the curtain on local government. From county services most residents never think about, to how taxes, millages, and budgets really work, Bridgette explains the systems that quietly keep the community running. They discuss everything from veteran services and public guardianship, to how coun...

Logan Richetti sits down with Dave Clark, editor of the Midland Daily News , for an in-depth conversation about the power, purpose, and future of local journalism. With nearly 170 years of history behind it, the Midland Daily News remains deeply rooted in one mission: keeping the community informed, connected, and engaged. Dave shares his personal journey from growing up in Midland to leading one...

Logan Richetti sits down with longtime educator and Co-Director Sarah Grachek , who has spent 24 years shaping young learners at Midland Montessori. She breaks down each of the school’s four programs—from infants to the three-to-six classroom—and explains how hands-on, child-led Montessori education works in real life. You’ll hear what the day-to-day looks like, why toddlers are “the busiest years...

Logan Richetti sits down with Carrie Everett — owner of Midland’s award-winning C&A Servicez and the inventor behind the brand-new Safiee cleaning tool container. Carrie shares the full journey: the light-bulb moment while scrubbing a toilet, the prototype built by SVSU’s innovation lab, navigating patent decisions, finding local support through CMURC and the Midland Business Alliance, and her...

Logan Richetti sits down with Renee Deckrow to unpack the powerful, heartfelt story behind Live Oak Coffeehouse and the transformation of a forgotten 16,000-square-foot building into a hub of creativity, connection, and community. From the early days of capturing community to building a space that incubates businesses, empowers dreamers, and revitalizes a neighborhood, Rene shares the faith, risk,...

Logan Richetti sits down with Bethany Law of 6024 Property Management to uncover the real challenges, wild stories, and behind-the-scenes realities of managing rental properties in Midland. From discovering a fully furnished “secret” basement apartment to scaling her company from 75 to 220 doors, Bethany shares the systems, communication skills, and community connections that make great property m...

Logan Richetti sits down with Christiana Malacara — news reporter and host of That’s What She Said — to explore the power of women’s voices, identity, and community. Christiana shares how interviewing nearly 100 women across the Great Lakes Bay Region has transformed her outlook on balance, purpose, and what it truly means to “practice the pause.” Her journey from reporting local stories to creati...

Logan Richetti sits down with Tina Swanton, President of the Junior League of the Great Lakes Bay Region, to talk about the power of volunteerism, leadership, and community impact. Tina shares how the League empowers women through hands-on leadership training, service projects, and advocacy — all while tackling major issues like food insecurity across Midland, Bay, Saginaw, and Isabella counties....

Logan Richetti sits down with Amir Hassan, a Flint native, Navy veteran, intelligence specialist, and former federal protection agent now running for U.S. Congress in Michigan’s 8th District. Amir shares his journey from serving overseas in Italy, Cuba, and D.C. to standing beside top government leaders—and why those experiences shaped his “America First” platform. From trade and manufacturing to...

Logan Richetti sits down with Andrew Lay, founder of Hierographx , to unpack his journey from building risky, investor-backed apps to launching a full-service digital agency. Andrew shares what he learned from early pivots, the realities of app development, and the hidden costs that most entrepreneurs overlook. They also dive into how small businesses can compete in today’s digital world with bett...

Logan Richetti of Modern Realty sits down with Tony Stamas of the Midland Business Alliance to talk about strengthening businesses and building community. From supporting entrepreneurs through ribbon cuttings and networking events like Wake Up Midland to helping companies navigate growth, challenges, and recovery, Tony shares how the MBA serves as a champion for local businesses across every stage...

Logan Richetti sits down with Justin Finney , owner of Finney Trucking , a family-run excavating company that’s been serving the community since 1972. They dig into what it really takes to manage septic systems, clear lots, and run heavy equipment—while balancing costs, safety, and customer expectations. From navigating health department permits to choosing between plastic and concrete tanks, Just...

Logan Richetti sits down with Brandon Morey, the creative force behind Crêpes Et Amis, Iron Dame, and Enjoy Bakery. Brandon shares how a humble hot dog cart turned into Midland’s first farmers market food truck, the art and science of crafting unforgettable crepes and French pastries, and the systems that keep three unique businesses thriving.  From scaling smart to building customer loyalty throu...

Logan Richetti sits down with Matt Ackels—an unexpected entrepreneur whose journey spans everything from wrenching on ATVs to owning multiple A&W and Biggby Coffee locations. What started as a passion for power sports led Matt into the restaurant and entertainment industries, including Orion’s, a Midland hotspot for axe throwing, laser tag, VR, and more. His story is one of community-driven gr...

Logan Ricchetti sits down with Mark Haskin, the owner of Shine Window Cleaning in Midland, Michigan. What started as a six-month job turned into a 13-year journey through startup chaos, franchise expansion, and building a high-trust team of 15. Mark shares how he went from cleaning windows as a technician in Grand Rapids to becoming the owner-operator of one of the top-performing Shine franchises...

In this episode, Logan Richetti with Modern Realty sits down with Jacob Kain, Assistant City Manager for the City of Midland. Jacob shares what his role really looks like — especially when it comes to city development and planning. Have you ever wondered who decides which roads get repaved — and why it’s not always the worst ones first? Jacob breaks it down. They also dig into the future of the fo...

Logan Richetti of Modern Realty sits down with Mike Rose from the Greater Midland Tennis Center to dive into all things tennis and pickleball ! Mike shares insights on the growing popularity of pickleball, how he coaches everyone from total beginners to seasoned pros , and what makes the sport so fun and accessible. He also highlights an exciting upcoming pickleball event happening August 13–17 ,...

In this milestone episode, Logan Richetti of Modern Realty sits down with Dave Reder of Reder Landscaping to celebrate 60 years of business in Midland, Michigan. Dave dives into the inspiring history of his family’s company—from its humble beginnings to becoming one of the region’s leading landscaping firms. Dave shares powerful stories, key challenges they've overcome, and what has helped th...

Logan Richetti sits down with 18-year-old tech innovator Alexander Habscheid, the mind behind **Rapid React AI** — a groundbreaking AI calling system that has the potential to completely transform how businesses handle front-desk coordination. They dive into what Rapid React AI really is, how it works, and how it can be seamlessly implemented into nearly any business model. Alexander shares the ti...

Logan Richetti sits down with Jarrett Skorup, Marketing and Communications Director at the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, for an informative and thought-provoking conversation about how public policy shapes our lives in ways we often don’t realize. Jarrett explains what the Mackinac Center is and how it operates—producing in-depth studies, videos, opinion articles, and reports that provide rec...

Logan Richetti sits down with Jason Patterson, owner of Midland Monuments, for a thoughtful and eye-opening conversation about an often-overlooked part of life—memorialization. Jason walks listeners through what Midland Monuments is all about, from their deep commitment to craftsmanship to the highly personalized services they offer for headstones and memorials. Customization is at the heart of ev...

Logan Richetti sits down with Scott Holzinger, Sheriff of Midland County, for a candid and informative conversation about the evolving role of law enforcement in our community. Fresh off the heels of the recent election, Sheriff Holzinger opens up about his journey into leadership, what’s new at the department, and how he's putting his own brand on the role—respecting tradition while steering...

Logan Richetti sits down with Laura Vosejpka, Executive Director of Creative 360, for a colorful and inspiring conversation about one of Midland’s most inclusive creative spaces. Laura shares what Creative 360 is all about—its mission, values, and the heart behind its programming. From visual arts to dance and community events, Creative 360 is a space where everyone is encouraged to explore their...