Total Michigan

The Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn was hit, like many other restaurants, by Covid-19. Learn how they made tough decisions by adhering to their family creed. Also how to keep yourself safe while still having fun and dining out. Show Notes: Bavarian Inn Website ( Click here ) Bavarian Inn Facebook Page ( Click Here ) ** Subscribe to Our Free Email Newsletter ** Quick Links [3:31] Impact of Good Role Model...

Like many cities, Frankenmuth weathered the Covid-19 storm.  Virtually overnight, Frankenmuth went from a tourist destination to a ghost town.  Now the town is open and Mayor Ackerman has empowered people to lead to help this vibrant community reopen its doors. City of Frankenmuth Facebook Page ( Click here ) Mayor Ackerman's Facebook Page ( Click here ) ** Subscribe To Our Email Newslet...

Frankenmuth is open for business!  Jamie Furbush, President of the Frankenmuth Convention and Visitor's Bureau, shares with us how her team is working hand-in-hand with Frankenmuth's businesses to keep visitors safe while creating new memories in Michigan's Little Bavaria. Topics: [14:56] Keeping Your Family Safe in Frankenmuth [19:24] 'Muth' means Courage [21:09] Frankenmuth Rallies Behind F...

Each year, hundreds of thousands of people create wonderful, lasting memories of Mackinac Island.  And each year, Shepler’s Ferry’s transports those people to this beautiful island.  For over 40 years, the Shepler family has worked hard to ensure that people have a pleasant experience.  Chris Shepler, President and CEO, shares with us the history of his family’s business as well as...

Frankenmuth is undoubtedly one of the top tourist destinations in Michigan. Who is it that keeps the city infrastructure humming along? Meet the leader of a great team of people who do just that. Bridget Smith.

After taking a financial impact, Jodie and her family decided to take their bee-keeping hobby and turn it into a business. She talks about how she used Etsy and Influencer marketing to help build Bee Lovely Botanicals into a thriving business. Key Points: [6:02] How to Order Bees [12:16] Why Etsy to Sell Products? [15:43] How to Maintain a High Level of Customer Service [19:48] Working with an Inf...

Kristi Turner has built a successful online make-up business. Using Facebook Live in creative ways, she has built relationships with women across the country. Here is her story and advice on getting started. Main Points: [06:42] Using Facebook Live to Sell Makeup [07:28] Getting Started with Facebook Live [08:54] What Types of Content for Facebook Live [13:43] How to Get Content Ideas From Your Au...

When the stay-at-home order was initiated, all schools shut down. Rather than waiting weeks to start online school, Principal Levi Bringold did it right after the order started. The students didn’t miss a beat and learning continued. In this interview, what lead Levi to take action so quickly? What were the challenges he had to overcome? Key Points [8:56] What Lead Levi to Implement Online Learnin...

Veronica has multiple degrees, multiple certificates, has served in multiple campaigns with differing congressmen as well as being a great wife and mother to her family. How does she balance family with public service? What is the chamber doing to support small businesses in Saginaw County? Three Key Takeaways A good support system is required to get ahead. Family is everything. Don't be afraid to...

In this episode, I share some user reviews; lessons I've learned from other leaders; and leading in uncertain times. In this episode, I talk about: Leadership Lessons from the TV Show Lost What a Student with Dyslexia Taught Me About Leadership My Mission and Commitment To You  

Craig Goslin, President and Managing Partner of the Saginaw Spirit Hockey Club, talks with us about creating a winning team, culture and ego, and what it was like to shut down an entire league due to Covid-19. Three Key Take-Aways: Everyone is important; everyone is critical to success.  Everyone. Culture is cultivated.  What you cultivate, grows. Mentors are important not only for profe...

Adam Barden, owner of the True Value stores in Frankenmuth and Vassar, shares with us how he made an abrupt career change to go into the family business. We talk about “Doing the Right Thing”, not only in your job but also in your business. Also managing a small business through the stay-at-home order. Key Points: [4:26] Getting back in the hardware business [7:40] Defining The Entrepreneurial Spi...

Sean O'Keefe talks to us about what goes into a great bottle of wine. We also discuss some of the history of Michigan Wine and the impact "The Curse of Oak Island" has had on their vineyard. Three Key Takeaways   Key Points of the Interview [5:23] What Grapes Grow in Michigan [24:08] Making Wine in Traverse City [25:50] Why Food and Wine Go Well Together [30:23] Why Mari Vineyards Focuses on...

Today’s theme I explore with Jeff Drozdowski is leadership through service.  Jeff’s mission is to help people thrive in adversity and no better topic than the Covid-19 and Post Covid-19 World.  What would be the ideal “New Normal” that we would like to see?  A great episode that you won’t want to miss!   Three Biggest Takeaways: The best leadership is leadership by example. Set...

SSG Travis Mills had a bad day at the office.  His world was turned upside down, literally, when an IED made him a quadruple amputee.  But it would take a lot more than an IED to break this man’s spirit.  His personality, his story is larger than any of us could have imagined.  He wants you to know that no matter what happens in life, you can overcome it.   Three Key Takea...

Dave Lorenz and his staff at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation put together the success "Pure Michigan" campaign. Hear his amazing story and the idea behind "Pure Michigan". Key Points: [06:25] When others see something in you and guide you along your path [18:30] Where did the idea of "Pure Michigan" come from? [23:49] Biggest Challenge to Overcome [28:00] A Personal Story of Someone...

Sarah Kile is the Director of Michigan 211; a non-profit service that helps connect people in need with various services through Michigan. 211 services 23 counties and over 1 million people. She talks to us today about leadership through service.

First responders are equipped to handle almost any situation. Now they can handle one more. Carter Kits are designed to help First Responders build rapport with people with Autism Spectral Order and Special Needs. Here's the amazing story behind this creation and the first responders who use them.

It's time for bubbly! Mike Laing from Mawby Sparkling Wines hangs out with us today to talk about his passion for wine, with and without bubbles, and offers us some advice on getting started.  He also talks about what it is like to start your own vineyard. [16:57] Naming Convention for Bubbly [18:39] Advice on Getting into Wine [24:10] Founding Big Little Wines [31:42] Mentors in Wine

Melissa Hager from the Comedy Series shares with us her crazy and hilarious journey to bring comedy to Michigan. Her bright, courageous attitude not only serves her well on stage but also helps her confront life's challenges. A sure-fire episode you won't want to miss! [13:21] Transitioning into a Comedian [17:46] Launching the Comedy Series [25:27] Dealing with Real Life Hecklers [31:18] Ladies o...

Adele Martin, the Superintendent of the Frankenmuth School District, shares with us her amazing story and invaluable advice on helping set our kids up for success. [6:16] Thoughts on Women Superintendents [12:08] Community Impact on Schools [13:49] Preparing Students for Next Decade [18:03] Philosophy on Learning From Failure [20:34] Advice for Parents on Helping Kids Learn Mentioned in this episo...

In this heartfelt episode of  Total Michigan , we had the honor of sitting down with the legendary  Dorothy Zehnder , the matriarch of  Frankenmuth’s Bavarian Inn . For over 70 years, Dorothy dedicated her life to building one of Michigan’s most beloved family businesses. From the struggles of purchasing the  Fischer Hotel  in 1950 to the bold decision to embrace a  B...

Join Abby Engel from Pet Angel Adoption as she talks about the origins of Pet Angel Adoption and gives great advice on caring for your cute kitties. In this episode, she covers: How to care for a rescue animal How to entertain your cat for hours How to tell if your cat needs a trip to the Vet Show Notes: [16:57] How to Care for a Rescue Cat [22:27] Quick Way to Entertain Your Cat [26:43] How to Te...

Why should you listen? Great question! I talk about the origins of this podcast and what leadership means to me and to us all.