Total Michigan

What can one person do? Meet Dean O'Brien, founder of Yooper Do-Gooders. He shares the divinely inspired story about a nonprofit that emphasizes neighbors helping neighbors. Dean discusses growing up in a tight-knit community, his journey to starting Yooper Do-Gooders, and how it has grown to involve thousands of members. He shares stories of various community programs, such as 'Shop with a Cop' a...

Beth Thieme, President and CEO of Amigo Mobility International, shares the inspiring origin story of Amigo Mobility, how Beth transitioned from nursing to business, and the significant challenges and achievements the company has faced over the years. The episode also delves into the importance of having a visionary leader like Al Thieme, the development of new business avenues, and the company's m...

Youth pastor to frog mogul? That's the path Josh Willard, CEO and founder of Josh's Frogs, an online retailer of reptile and amphibian products. Josh shares his journey from a youth ministry pastor to a successful entrepreneur who turned his hobby into a multi-million-dollar business. The discussion covers Josh's unique business start, his ethical approach to animal trading, and his company's sign...

Raising a child with special needs takes a special kind of love. Leasa Androl, the CEO and founder of Spectrum Autism Center shares her personal journey of discovering her son's autism and the subsequent struggles she faced in finding adequate resources. Driven by a passion to help other families, she pursued a degree in psychology and started her own center to provide ABA therapy for children wit...

Cierra Crudup knew all her life that she was passionate about one thing: baking. Cierra, the owner of Delicious Sweets Bake Shop in Saginaw, shares her inspiring journey from starting baking at age 11 to quitting her job in social work to pursue her passion full-time. She emphasizes the role of faith in her decision-making and the challenges she faced in entrepreneurship, including managing financ...

What if your best years in life are in front of you? In this episode of Total Michigan, Cliff DuVernois explores the trend of people pursuing new passions later in life. Featuring inspiring stories from Brett Scharnhorst, who switched from IT to winemaking, Patti Christopher, who transitioned from psychologist to chocolatier, and Pam Westridge, who runs Tiny Digs Lakeshores with her family. The ep...

Have you ever wondered about being a lighthouse keeper? Let's find out! Today we talk with Larry Becker and Mimi Herrington from the Pointe aux Barques Maritime Museum. They discuss the history, restoration efforts, and community involvement in maintaining the lighthouse and the life-saving station in Port Hope, Michigan. The episode also highlights the challenges and triumphs related to preservin...

Have you ever kayaked Pictured Rocks? Meet one of the owners who can make this experience happen for you! Bill Duckwall, the owner of Paddling Michigan, recounts his journey from being a commercial pilot to establishing a thriving adventure company offering kayaking tours, lodging, and more in Munising, Michigan. He discusses the challenges of staffing in a small town, the expansion of his busines...

The world of long boards is about to change. Ryan Pelletier, the founder of Morphite Boards. Ryan is a student at Scott L. Carmona College of Business at Saginaw Valley State University. He shares his journey of developing a collapsible skateboard that fits into a backpack. He discusses how SVSU supported his project through access to resources and grants, the initial skepticism and eventual inter...

Jimmy Sherman, an autistic entrepreneur, shares his journey of overcoming challenges from childhood to establish 'Jimmy Frank's Hot Dogs,' a food truck business specializing in hot dogs and Michigan-based products. Despite his struggles with autism and dyslexia, Jimmy's drive led him to create a venture that not only aims to succeed but also plans to provide employment opportunities for others on...

Lawry's Pasties has been a family-run business since 1946, specializing in traditional Cornish pasties and maintaining the original recipe through four generations. Located in Marquette, Michigan, Pete and Addie Lawry share their journey of rebuilding the business after a devastating fire in the strip mall where their shop was located. They used resourcefulness and determination to start over, whi...

Ready to explore Marquette's trails? Lori Hauswirth and Jeni Kilpela from NTN Trails located in Marquette, Michigan discuss the organization's history, volunteer efforts, and extensive trail system. In this episode, we cover: The importance of community support for trail maintenance The diverse year-round activities available on the trails The various events that draw people to the area. Links: NT...

What better way to appreciate Marquette than through its history? Hilary Billman, the Executive Director of the Marquette Maritime Museum discusses the museum's efforts to restore trust with the community after financial mismanagement, Hilary's journey from St. Louis to Marquette, and the challenges and successes of reviving the museum, including updates to exhibits and new additions like the open...

Want to go sailing around Lake Michigan? Then meet Patrick McKee, President of Aquastar Cruises. Patrick shares his family's generations-old connection to the maritime industry, the process of acquiring and renaming the Aquastar, and the exciting range of themed and public cruises they offer on Muskegon Lake and Lake Michigan. The discussion highlights Aquastar Cruises' contributions to the commun...

Who doesn't love chocolate? Patti Christopher, the owner of Patricia's Chocolates in Grand Haven, Michigan. Patti shares her journey from being a school psychologist to becoming a renowned chocolatier. She discusses how she started her business, the importance of using locally sourced ingredients, and the unique characteristics of her artisan European chocolates. Patti also delves into the educati...

How do you go from Law to Lager? Michael Brower, co-founder and Chief Brand Officer of Pigeon Hill Brewing Company, shares his journey from law school to opening a successful brewery in Muskegon, Michigan. Michael shares the challenges and triumphs of starting with a small taproom, the rapid growth that led to multiple expansions, and the importance of local pride and community in their business m...

What is the cutest place to stay in Muskegon? Tiny Digs Lakeshore! Tiny Digs is a collection of Tiny Homes you can rent to enjoy your stay in Muskegon and West Michigan! Owner Pam Westra discusses her mission to bring the tiny house movement to the Midwest, specifically to Muskegon, Michigan, through the establishment of Tiny Digs Lakeshore. Pam shares the origins of her venture, which began with...

How is Saginaw benefiting from the Memorial Cup? Jimmy Greene, the Sales Director of the Saginaw Spirit, shares his journey from growing up in Flint, Michigan, to becoming a key figure in bringing the prestigious Memorial Cup to Saginaw, aiming to make it the grandest edition ever held in the United States. The discussion covers Jimmy's career transitions from childcare development, banking, infor...

How did Saginaw win the prestigious Memorial Cup? Craig Goslin, President and Managing Partner of the Saginaw Spirit, discusses how Saginaw, Michigan won the bid to host the prestigious Memorial Cup, one of Canada's top hockey events. Craig highlights the exhaustive bidding process, the community's support, and the economic and cultural impact of hosting such an event. With a focus on community in...

Denise Illich is a prominent figure in Detroit's business and philanthropic community for over 40 years. Sponsored by the Stevens Center for Family Business , the show delves into Denise's transition from aspiring to pave her own path in the legal field to taking up significant roles in her family's enterprises, including Illich Holdings - the parent company of Little Caesars Enterprise, the Detro...

Ready for some great Mexican cuisine? Mari Sierra, the third-generation owner of Navarro's, shares the story of this family-owned Mexican takeout restaurant in Muskegon Heights. Starting in the 1970s as a grocery store by Mari's grandparents, who were immigrants with a passion for community and culture, Navarro's has evolved into a local culinary landmark. Mari shares the heartwarming story of her...

Ready to make your own customized wine? Brett Scharnhorst, owner of Vinomondo, a unique winery in Port Huron, Michigan, talks about their unique 'do it yourself' winemaking experience. Brett shares his journey from working in IT to becoming a winery owner and describes Vinomondo's distinct approach to wine, which allows customers to participate in the winemaking process, from selection to bottling...

Sadaat Hossain, owner of the Raven Cafe in Port Huron shares the cafe's evolution under two different visions: one focused on creating a unique establishment and the other on operational excellence. Saadat shares his journey from a sound engineer to a restaurateur, culminating in his acquisition and management of the Raven Cafe, known for its espresso and spirit bar, eclectic live music, and Edgar...

What is Yoga? What are the health benefits? Emilee Hartwig, the owner of Happy Dog Yoga Studios. Emilee shares her unexpected journey from aspiring yoga teacher to yoga studio owner, including how she stumbled upon yoga as a new mother seeking physical and mental wellness. Emilee outlines the evolution of Happy Dog Yoga Studios from its inception in Port Huron in 2015, and its expansion to St. Cla...

What's there to do in Port Huron? Plenty! Andrew Kerscher, the Manager of Community Engagement at Port Huron Museums, in Port Huron, Michigan shares his journey from a history-loving high school graduate to his role at the museum, including his time as an interpreter at Mackinac State Historic Parks. He delves into the unique challenges and rewards of museum work, emphasizing the importance of mak...