Total Michigan

John Tuttle, born in Milford Michigan, has climbed to the top of the Financial Capital of the world ... the New York Stock Exchange. In this episode, we talk about how he started his career in finance, advice he would give others looking to work in his world, and what he thinks about the future. John was introduced to Total Michigan through another guest, Mike McFall, the CEO of Biggby Coffee. Lin...

Kewadin Casinos dots the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and employs over 2,000 people. To truly make this a success requires hard work for everyone and that includes the CEO. Allen Cerrige literally started from the ground floor and worked his way up the corporate ladder. Now Kewadin is getting ready to enter a new era of gaming and customer experience. In this episode, we talk about: How working you...

Mike Laing gave up a promising career in teaching mathematics in order to pursue their family passion for winemaking. All these years later and Mike and his brother Peter have carved quite a niche for themselves in Michigan wines. In this episode, Mike shares how they create fantastic wines with unique names, what wines you should try, and how to best enjoy your wines. Links: https://biglittlewine...

Next to the Soo Locks, the Museum Ship Valley Camp is a staple in Sault Ste Marie. From the history of Sault Ste Marie to the history of shipping in Lake Super and the Soo Locks, the Valley Camp covers it all. In this episode, Curator Paul Sabourin takes us on a tour of not only the Valley Camp but the history surrounding Sault Ste Marie. Including some fascinating exhibits from the Edmund Fitzger...

Happy Birthday! Mawby Sparkling turns 50 this year! Break out the bubbly! In this episode, Mike Laing, Director of Mawbyness, shares with us the history behind Mawby Sparkling Wine, how to pick out a good bubbly for your next event, and what some of his personal favorites are. You won't want to miss this! Links: https://mawby.wine Address :  4519 Elm Valley Rd. Suttons Bay, MI 49682 Mentioned...

Blackstar Farms knows a thing or two about experiences. Starting as a simple vineyard, they have grown into a world-class experience that includes a plush hotel, beautiful horses, hiking and all kinds of activities. Sherri Fenton, General Manager shares with us the history of Blackstar Farms, what you can expect when you go, and how they made it to 25 years in this very competitive business! Links...

Cultured Pop is just one of the great stores that Steve and Kathy Twardy own in Sault Ste Marie. This store holds not only great bougie popcorn but also an impressive collection of olive oils and vinegars. In this episode, Kathy and Steve share why they decided to call Sault Ste Marie home, how they got started, and why "Michigan Made" has become their credo. Address: 341 W Portage Ave, Sault Ste....

Every August, thousands of fans of the paranormal converge onto Sault Ste Marie for the annual MI-Paracon. This paranormal convention has become one of the top paranormal conventions in the US. In this episode, we interview the founders, Tim Ellis and Brad Blair. They share with us where the idea came from, how they used relationships to build this convention up, and what they have in store for us...

Mike starts his journey as a broke college student looking for a job. Starting at a barista and growing from there, the opportunity to be a part of something truly special was too much to resist. Now Biggby Coffee stretches across 13 states with well over 200 locations. This barista turned co-CEO and Co-Founder shares his story along with his newest book "Grow" with us. Links: Mike McFall's websit...

It's hard not to think about Sault Ste Marie without thinking about the Soo Locks. In this episode, Captain Scott Labonte, general manager for Famous Soo Lock Boat Tours, takes us behind the scenes of what it takes to run this great company. Also how they delight tens of thousands of passengers every single year. Links from the Show: Famous Soo Lock Boat Tours Website: https://famoussoolocks.com F...

There is so much more to Sault Ste Marie than just big boats. And Ken and Wilda want you to experience it. Birds Eye Outfitters was created to get people outside and enjoy the beautiful nature that permeates every inch of Sault Ste Marie. From hiking to lantern snow-shoeing, from Kayaking to Paddle Boarding, Ken and Wilda created some amazing experiences that will expand your love for all things S...

Sault Ste. Marie is a staple to any Michigander traveling around the state. While the Soo Locks are impressive, there's a lot more to Sault Ste Marie than just the locks. Linda Hoath, Executive Director of the Sault Ste Marie Conventions and Visitor's Bureau (CVB) shares with us not only a bit of history but also what other activities are going on in Sault Ste Marie to make it a true destination....

Saginaw, Michigan is undergoing a renaissance. It's full of people working hard to turn this city around. This brought me to Nancy Parker, the Executive Director of the Saginaw Zoo. In this episode, she shares her journey literally starting from scratch to become the person in charge of delighting families and igniting passion in our children's futures. In this episode, we talk about: Igniting a s...

Buddy's Pizza is the Home of Detroit Style Pizza. What started as a single, simple home has grown into a thriving chain of restaurants that focuses on maintaining the original feel that made Buddy's Pizza so popular. Wesley Pikula, Chief Brand Officer, shares with us the history of Buddy's Pizza, including how they always managed to take advantage of national press to help push their restaurant to...

Terry Duperon discovered in third grade that he couldn't read. Today we know this as dyslexia. But when Terry was a child, you were labelled as stupid. While most would hide in the corner, Terry decided to make his dyslexia work for him. Today he owns Duperon Corporation, a multi-million dollar company. And he also founded his own school. Links Mentioned in the Show Duperon Corporation Duperon Edu...

Jamal had a life much like anyone else. Until Covid-19 shut down his world. Sinking into depression, he found his only way back was to be Unstoppable. This gave birth not only to a clothing line but to a movement and a mission. His mission: to let other people know that they are also Unstoppable. Links: Junior Collectibles on Facebook Also on Instagram Listen to Rhonda Alexia Webb's Interview by c...

For this Memorial Day weekend, I revisit a previous guest at the Michigan Heroes Museum. John Ryder, Executive Director, shares with us 3 stories of Michiganders who gave their lives in service of their country. In this episode, we talk about: The Mission of the Michigan Heroes Museum Specialist Holly McGeogh PFC DeWayne T. Williams SP5 Michael May To get more of these interviews delivered straigh...

Leasa knew something wasn't right with her child Aiden. With the diagnosis of Autism, it changed her world completely. Having a child with autism brings a whole litany of challenges that most parents don't have to face. But from this struggle, an organization was formed that now helps families impacted by autism all over the thumb area of Michigan. In this episode, we talk about: Facing the realit...

Dean had one simple passion: to help people. But he wasn't sure how. Until one day, God gave him a vision and he ran with it. Today, this simple Facebook group has impacted the lives of thousands of people proving that you don't need to have tons of money, diplomas or degrees in order to impact people. Links: Yooper Do-Gooder Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/593876801343442/ Get the...

Here's the scenario: you quit your job for a new job. Only to find out your new job got canceled. With a wife and child at home, what would you do? Josh did something a wee bit crazy and decided to turn his childhood hobby into a business. A business that is now on Inc 5000 fastest growing companies. His incredible and inspirational story of how this happened is nothing short of amazing. Links: Jo...

Tulip Time Festival is here! And what better way to celebrate spring than to dance in wooden shoes and eat dutch food! The Tulip Time Festival is at it's 94th appearance and it has been flagged as one of the top events in all the United States. The people of Holland, Michigan really embraced their heritage to create a unique experience for all of those who attend. To guide us on this adventure is...

There is so much more to Holland, Michigan that just tulips. In this episode, Linda Hart, Executive Director of the Holland Convention and Visitor's Bureau guides us on a trip through the various festivals that take place throughout the year. Holland has a very diverse culture and their goal is to celebrate them all. Links: Discover Holland Tulip Time Juneteeth Pride Festival Latino Festival Celti...

Windmill Island Gardens really is the face of Holland, Michigan. Maintaining the centuries-old windmill to ensuring that the tulips and other plants always look pristine is the challenge for Matt Helmus and his team. In this episode, we talk about: The Different Events That Take Place in the Windmill Island Gardens Managing the Pressure and Expectations of the Windmill Island Gardens with Visitors...

Holland, Michigan is one of the top destinations along Michigan's West Coast. And there's no one to better represent them than Mayor Nathan Bocks. In this episode, we talk about what makes Holland great, the supportive community around this city, and what you can expect when you visit this great city. Links: City of Holland, Michigan Website Mayor Bocks Facebook Page Sign up for our free newslette...

The Flint Institute of Arts does a fantastic job of telling the story of history through the artifacts, paintings, tapestries and other objet des arts. Links: https://www.flintarts.org/ Join the Newsletter to get all kinds of free goodies: https://totalmichigan.com/join/