Total Michigan

How can a family-owned hotel compete against the big chains? Simple. Play the game better! Jim Engel shares with us the history of this beloved and beautiful hotel and also the effort it takes to build a relationship with their loyal customers. Their affordable rewards program is simply second to none and has allowed them to blow their competition away by leveraging their ability to provide a supe...

Hot Air Ballooning is very much alive in Michigan! And the West Michigan Balloon Association works hard to make sure that people of all ages can enjoy the thrill of this beautiful sport. Derrick Jones, Director of the West Michigan Balloon Association shares with us about the history of his organization, what their mission and goals are, and how this sport has inspired so many people to enjoy hot...

Going from school teacher to CEO of one of Michigan’s top 50 businesses to watch. Kathie Fuce-Hobohm stepped into the CEO role because she loved what she was doing. In this episode, we cover the history of her company Space Inc, the succession of her family business to the next generation, and causes she strongly believes in. Links : Space Inc.’s Website ( Click here ) Space Inc.’s Facebook ( Clic...

In this episode, Andy Jacobson, Tasting Room Manager for Mari Vineyards, shares with us not only some of their great wines but also how to do a proper tasting at a wine room. We talk about how to properly clean your pallet, what to focus on with aromas, and how to take the stress off of tasting wine. Links : Mari Vineyard Website Mari Vineyard Facebook Page Wine We Tried: Grüner Veltliner (White)...

The Farm Restaurant is in the middle of nowhere.  And yet this hidden gem thrives when so many others fail.  In this episode, co-owner Chris Roth walks us through how they engineer the perfect customer experience in both good times and bad times.   Links : The Farm Restaurant Website The Farm Restaurant Facebook Page The Farm Restaurant Address: 699 Port Crescent Rd Port Austin, MI...

Mike Laing is back! Today he walks us through two wonderful wines, one from his own bigLITTLE wines and a wonderful bubbly from Mawby Sparkling. We talk about how bigLittle wines developed a signature white pinot noir; Mawby's partnership with Cherry Republic, and how Michigan wines fit into the world stage of wines. Links: bigLITTLE Wines Website Mawby Sparkling Website Mike Laing's first intervi...

What does it take to live life on your own terms? Jim Doyon from Woodward Movement knows and he shares that with us today. From starting his own business, helping others grow theirs, to taking his family on an extended multi-year road trip, Jim shows no signs of slowing down and he's loving it. Links: Woodward Movement Remote Start Podcast Join the Call of Leadership Community at https://calloflea...

In this episode, I talk about what happened to cause this super long break in the podcast.  And how it's coming back!  We have new people coming by as well as old friends who are sharing their incredible stories and journeys with us. You can follow along at https://callofleadership.com    

Jim Holton's Family has been running Mountain Town Station Restaurant & Brew Pub for many moons. Hear the incredible story behind this institution. And their plans for coming back Post Covid-19. Links : Mountain Town Station Restaurant & Brew Pub Website Mountain Town Station Restaurant & Brew Pub Facebook Page Join the Call of Leadership Podcast at https://callofleadership.com/email

American Museum of Magic.  Board member and Magician Jeffrey Alan takes us through the history behind this great little gem as well as the amazing links between the history of Michigan and the history of magic. Links : American Museum of Magic Website American Museum of Magic Facebook Page Join the Call of Leadership Podcast at https://callofleadership.com/email

St Julian Wines is now celebrating their 100th Anniversary in 2021!  Nancie Oxley, the Vice President in Charge of Wine Making (which is the coolest title ever!) shares with us the rich history of St Julian Winery, what it takes to put together a great tasting bottle of vino, and some recommendations to try this year. Links : St Julian Website St Julian's Facebook Page Join the Community! Joi...

Keweenaw Mountain Lodge is located in one of the most northern tips of Michigan. And it can't wait to go! This place boasts cabins and open space to appeal to anyone who really wants to "get away". Mariah Summers shares with us the history and the goodness that awaits visitors to this great place.  Enjoy! Links : Keweenaw Mountain Lodge Website   Keweenaw Mountain Lodge Instagram Address...

Dog Sledding in Michigan is alive and well!  At least while there's snow on the ground.  This bit of a "lost art" is kept alive by Liza Dietzen from Team Evergreen Kennel.  Hear how she took over this kennel of energetic dogs and turned it into a fun event everyone can enjoy! Links : Team Evergreen Kennel Website Team Evergreen Facebook Page Join the Community! Join the Call of Lead...

Snowmobiling is a favorite sport to many. In some parts of Michigan, it's the only way to get around! John Newman, President of the Michigan Snowmobile and ORV Association, shares with us the history behind this great organization and what they are doing to bring more awareness to this great sport! Links : Michigan Snowmobile and ORV Association Website ( Click here ) Michigan Snowmobile and ORV A...

Sleeping Bear Dunes is one of those Michigan "right of passages".  Every parent takes their kid there to have them run the dunes to simply wear them out.  I know.  I experienced this first hand.  But that doesn't detract from the beauty of this wonderful park.  In the winter and the summer.  Join us as Scott Tucker walks us through the history, the beauty and how they...

This interview was fun!  Sherri Fenton, the managing owner of Black Star Farms, sits down with us and shares Black Star's rich history, their philosophy in creating great customer experiences, and some great wines for you to try. We also talk about snow-shoeing around their farm, winter events that are happening ... and how they are doing wine tasting safely. So grab a glass of your favorite...

Zehnders Snowfest for 2021 is on! John Shelton, VP of Sales and Marketing for Zehnders, shares with us the history of this great Michigan tradition, the impact it has had on the community, and what Frankenmuths Snowfest will look like in 2021. Links: Zehnder's Snowfest Website Zehnder's Snowfest Facebook Page Join the Community! Join the Call of Leadership Podcast at https://callofleadership.com/e...

Michigan is definitely a top stopping point for people to enjoy all of the great snow sports that are out there.  The Michigan Snowsports Industries Association promotes skiing and snowboarding in Michigan.  Mickey Macwilliams shares with us how this great organization is getting Michiganders out and bringing tourists in to help drive Michigan's Winter Economy. Links: Michigan Snowsports...

The Detroit Public Library.  One of the beautiful crown jewels in Detroit.  This building is so much more than a collection of books.  It also contains exhibits, collections of some of the most prolific writers in history.  Joanne Mondowney takes us through the history of this gorgeous building.  And how this institution is staying relevant not only in the 21st century but...

Amy Grossi, the third generation of the Bavarian Inn Zehnders, shares with us her journey and growth within her family's business.  It's daunting to think of running one of Michigan's top travel destinations but Amy handles it with grace and style.  With her incredible team, she continues the time-honored tradition started by her grandfather and expanded by her father. Links : Bavarian I...

Imagine my surprise to discover that Michigan has an Aerospace Museum.  And it is awesome!  Troy Thrash and his staff worked incredibly hard to elevate this museum into a family experience.  It piques curiosity and tickles the imagination.  Located over by Kalamazoo, this museum is definitely worth the trek. Links : AirZoo Website AirZoo Facebook Page Address : 6151 Portage Rd,...

Winter is here!  This means snow and outdoor fun!  And Nubs Nob is one of the premier ski locations in Michigan.  Ben shares with us not only his love of skiing but also how this is a family favorite of snow-bound Michiganders. Links : Nubs Nob Ski Area Website Nubs Nob Facebook Location : 500 Nub’s Nob Rd. Harbor Springs, MI 49740 Join the Community! Join the Call of Leadership Com...

For Kevin, being in the restaurant business was his first and only professional love.  With this drive, he spearheads the Main Street Restaurant group which includes great restaurants such as Real Seafood Company. Links: Real Seafood Company Website Recommended Dishes (Real Seafood Company): Parmesan Crusted Flounder Miso Glaze Seabass Paella Locations: 199 Uptown Dr, Bay City, MI 48708 341 S...

Over the last 20 years, Detroit has experienced a real renaissance. It is the cultural hub of Michigan.  Elana Rugh, President of the Detroit Historical Society, shares how this remarkable journey happened with the support not only of local government but businesses as well as a supportive community. Links : Detroit Historical Society Website Detroit Historical Museum Facebook *** Click here...

Relationships are an area all of us can improve one.  Josh Wesolek decided to take his ideas and turn them into a book.  Quick and easy to read, this book gives men 30 different ways to show up for the women who they love. Show Notes: By buying this book, you are accomplishing three things You will have supported this author You will have supported this podcast You'll have another 30 different way...