The Business Beat Podcast

In this episode of Business Beat, hosts Janelle Smith and Diane Samples sit down with Michael Sage of DTE Energy to discuss the power of volunteerism and its impact on individuals, businesses, and communities. Michael shares how his journey into volunteerism began through corporate opportunities and evolved into a lifelong commitment to service. From international mission trips to local community...

Hosted by Janelle Smith, President of the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce, this episode of Business Beat features guests Amy Zander of Zeedia Media and Kevin Suboski, founder of The Fastest Route and Livingston Entrepreneurship Academy, for an honest conversation about the realities of entrepreneurship. Amy shares her journey from side hustles and failed ventures to burnout, reinvention, and ultim...

In this episode of Business Beat, hosts Janelle Smith and Diane Samples sit down with Kris Ward, owner of Sunshine and Sage, a boho-inspired boutique in downtown Howell that blends retail with mindfulness, joy, and community connection. Kris shares her journey from a corporate career rooted in innovation and risk-taking to taking a leap on herself as an entrepreneur. She discusses the realities of...

This episode of Business Beat features members of the Livingston County Chamber Alliance discussing the power of regional collaboration, chamber partnerships, and leadership development. Karen Storey of the Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce and Emma Lynn Wheaton of the Hartland Area Chamber of Commerce join the conversation to highlight upcoming chamber mixers, Leadership Livingston, econo...

This episode of Business Beat features entrepreneur Caitlin Wilkinson, founder of Inspired Ascend. She discusses her journey from personal adversity to building a business focused on personal growth, breathwork, and community-building for women. Caitlin shares how breathwork and other modalities helped her overcome self-doubt and trauma, ultimately inspiring her to create spaces like her “Girl Din...