The Small Business Association of Michigan's Small Business Weekly Podcast

On today's program, Michael talks with Sonny Anani, the president of Dynamic Glazing Systems, Inc., a company recently selected to the Michigan 50 Companies to Watch list for 2025. Dynamic Glazing is a commercial contracting firm based in Southeast Michigan. They handle anything involving glass or aluminum, including commercial facades, storefronts, curtain walls, glass railings, canopies, skyligh...

On today's program, Michael talks with Lisa Cooper, the founder and chief people officer for Cooper People Group, a company recently honored as a member of the Michigan 50 Companies to Watch for 2025. The business started four years ago by providing fractional HR services and support to organizations. Cooper People Group also focuses on workforce development and ensuring knowledge transfer and ups...

On today's program, Michael talks with Bob Sutherland, president of Cherry Republic , a company recognized as one of Michigan's great small business success stories. Cherry Republic is also a VIP member of the Small Business Association of Michigan. Cherry Republic's mission is to capture Michigan's greatest fruit, specifically the Montmorency red tart cherry, and transform it into various product...

On today's program, Michael talks with Lori Rishard, the CEO of Edge Partnerships, recently recognized by Michigan Celebrate Small Business as a woman-owned Small Business of the Year. Edge Partnerships is a full-service marketing, PR, advertising, design, and event management business located in the heart of downtown Lansing. Established almost 18 years ago, they represent a diverse range of clie...

On today's SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers talks with Dr. Lena Agree , licensed psychologist and VIP member of the Small Business Association of Michigan. Dr. Agree specializes in helping high-achieving individuals address underlying emotional suffering and patterns rooted in childhood attachment, utilizing her unique blend of skills, including her legal background, to offer logical and relata...

On today's SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers talks with Ehab Awad, Chief Operating Officer for Best Furniture Outlet in Lansing, an SBAM Elite Member. The large family-owned store is described as one of the biggest furniture stores in Michigan. He says Best Furniture Outlet differentiates itself by believing the community is the core of business and focuses on giving back beyond discounts. "On M...

On today's SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers talks with Kalyan Rachakonda, owner of Transworld Business Advisors of Sterling Heights. He's a VIP member of the Small Business Association of Michigan. The firm helps business owners sell their businesses confidentially and at the best valuation, while also assisting buyers. Rachakonda says that despite economic uncertainty, deals are still happenin...

On today's SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers talks with Ginny and Matt Sherrow, owners of Fenton Winery and Brewery and Dream Machine Distillery , recognized by Michigan Celebrates Small Business with a Michigan 50 Distinguished Alumni Award – Strategically Focused. They credit their continued success to diversification (adding a distillery in 2022) and hiring outstanding people. Ginny emphasize...

On today's SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers talks with Justin Caine, the owner of Good Fruit Video , recently recognized by Michigan Celebrate Small Business as the Disability-Owned Small Business of the Year. Caine discusses the importance of video marketing and his journey as a business owner with a disability. He highlights the power of video for engaging audiences and conveying information...

On today's SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers talks with Lisa Smith and Angelique Duphene of Inverve Marketing , recently recognized by Michigan Celebrates Small Business as a Woman-Owned Business of the Year. They are strong believers in data-driven and goal-oriented marketing. "It's really hard to start that journey without understanding who your customers are, having them documented and buildi...

On today's SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers talks with Christy Howden, the CEO and co-founder of very successful and growing Wolverine Pickleball in Ann Arbor. She and her company and her co-founder Leslie White were recently profiled in the SBAM Focus Magazine. "We started before everyone knew what pickleball was," Howden says. "So, we really had to make a market. Starting small, it doesn't ha...

On today's SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers talks with business consultant Alisha Congioloso, a member of SBAM's Leadership Council and owner of Biz iQologly . She is committed to helping business owners develop independent decision-making skills, understand the critical importance of employee development and retention in today's business environment, and focus on exit planning as an integral p...

On today's SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers talks with Lainie Buckles, owner of Domestic Divas Cleaning Services . They are VIP members of the Small Business Association of Michigan. Buckles' business depends on good reliable workers. "Our company culture is all about making our team feel like the unicorns that they are," she says. "We foster an environment of inclusivity, respect and teamwork....

On today's SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers talks with Stacy Collick, sales manager for Dollar Bill Printing . They are VIP members of the Small Business Association of Michigan. The firm emphasizes quality, particularly through digital presses, and exceptional customer service. Collick says despite the digital age, business cards remain relevant, with QR codes and high-quality finishes gaining...

On today's SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers talks with Megan Anders, General Manager and VP of Frame Industries, Inc., also known as Chelsea Plank Flooring . They are VIP members of SBAM. The three decade old company produces solid pre-finished U.S.-sourced hardwood at a rate of about 10,000 square feet daily. The company also manufactures transition moldings and custom treads. "I would say one...

On today's SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers talks with Jim Voss, co-owner of Hydro-Chem Systems and a member of SBAM's Leadership Council. Hydro-Chem specializes in manufacturing and installing vehicle washing equipment and producing soaps and chemicals for semi-trucks, buses and large vehicles. The company, which is employee-owned (ESOP), has been in operation since 1971, operates nationwide a...

On today's SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers talks with Dianne Harwell, president of Little Blessings Childcare and a member of the SBAM Board of Directors. Hartwell emphasized the importance of developing trusting relationships, effective communication and continuous training for her staff. She also stressed her commitment to community involvement and her business model of "Love, Laugh, and Pra...

On today's SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers talks with Blaine Tillander, owner of Granite Networks and a member of SBAM's Leadership Council. Established in 1998, Granite Networks provides comprehensive IT support, from leadership to help desk. Tillander highlighted the evolution of IT management from a break-fix model to ongoing support, emphasizing the importance of security and proactive mea...

On today's SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers talks with Jeff Welsh, President and Owner of Right At Home In Home Care & Assistance, based in southeast Michigan. He's a member of SBAM's Leadership Council. He discusses the benefits of in-home care for seniors, emphasizing the personalized care his company provides and the importance of caregiver adaptability. He highlights the growing demand for...

On today's SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers talks with Jami Moore, president of JEM Tech Group , a VIP member of the Small Business Association of Michigan and member of the 2024 Michigan 50 Companies to Watch. JEM Tech Group's involvement in the local community and mentorship programs has been a significant contributor to the company's success. "I would be lost without SBAM, because I've built...

On today's SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers talks with Karen Hairston, CEO of K Hairston Services, also known as 3S Smart Consulting . She is a business and profitability consultant who recently wrote a very interesting article for SBAM's Focus magazine, called Scale or Fail: the power of effective systems. She emphasizes that systems, whether low-tech or high-tech, document the steps and respo...

On today's SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers talks with Elite SBAM member Karen Scarpino, owner and CEO of Green Giftz by Promotional Impact . The promotional products industry has evolved significantly over the past 30 years, according to Scarpino. "The industry was often referred to as trinkets and trash, and we just didn't want to be connected with that – we wanted to really help our clients...

On today's SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers talks with SBAM Elite Member Vladimir Gendelman, founder and CEO of Company Folders, Inc. ( https://www.companyfolders.com/ )   They discuss the importance of printed marketing materials in complementing digital campaigns. Gendelman emphasizes that printed materials, such as presentation folders, engage multiple senses and enhance retention and recall...

On today's SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers talks with Michael Cole, a member of the Fahey Schultz Burzych Rhodes law firm. They are VIP members of the Small Business Association of Michigan and this year were named to the list of Michigan 50 Companies to Watch for 2024. Cole discusses the firm's growth from four lawyers in 2008 to 40 today, and its diverse practice areas, including business fr...

On today's SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers talks with Ryan Dost and Adam McCauley, owners of Sandlot Sports , specializing in apparel decorating. They are  VIP members of the Small Business Association of Michigan, and were named this year to the Michigan 50 Companies to Watch list. Future plans include doubling revenue in five years through dedicated outside sales and automation. Sandlot Spor...