Community Capital

On this episode of Community Capital, Rob sits down with Amy Gallegos, founder of Peak Physical Therapy in Brighton. Amy has been a physical therapist since 2002 and built Peak around a simple conviction: patients deserve an unhurried, one-on-one hour and a practitioner willing to find the root of the problem. She talks about starting your own business, how her approach goes well beyond traditional PT, and why aging in pain is not something you just have to accept.

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David Lawrence founded MECA Personal Training in a small Wixom warehouse in 2012 with one client and a clear vision for what a performance training company should look like. On this episode of Community Capital, Rob sits down with David to talk about building a business that gets results, retains great coaches, and has grown almost entirely on word of mouth into four locations across Michigan.

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This week on Community Capital, Rob sits down with Alison Pol, owner of Alison Productions in Pinckney, Michigan. Alison creates high-energy, short-form videos for small businesses and nonprofits, helping them communicate their mission or story in under 60 seconds. She shares her winding path to entrepreneurship, from serving in the Navy to teaching through COVID to discovering video editing. The conversation covers how she translates client messages visually, why short-form content is one of the most powerful tools a small business can have, and what it means to help Habitat for Humanity bring their story to life on screen. Alison also previews plans for a mini-series spotlighting local businesses and farms in the area, and gives a shoutout to the Whitmore Lake Farmers Market where she serves as market manager.

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On this episode of Community Capital, Rob Johnson sits down with Paul Kolby, owner of Kolby & Co. and broker-agent with Keller Williams Professionals in Brighton. Paul shares how he made the jump from a 30-year career in engineering and program management into real estate, stepping into the industry just before the market shifted dramatically in 2020. The conversation covers what it took to build momentum as a new agent during an unpredictable time, how passion and consistency helped him stay the course, and why real estate decisions are ultimately personal, not one-size-fits-all. Paul also talks about growing Kolby & Co. alongside his wife, the importance of training and relationships in the industry, and how community involvement, from local events to his work with Lines of Heroes, continues to shape the way he does business.

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The Brighton Chamber podcast enters a new chapter as “Community Capital”, a show dedicated to highlighting the people, businesses, and ideas that move the Greater Brighton community forward. To kick things off, Rob Johnson sits down with Dr. Vincent McGinniss, founder of Elements Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics in Brighton. Dr. McGinniss shares his journey from medical school to serving as an Air Force flight surgeon caring for fighter pilots, and eventually launching his own facial plastic surgery practice. He discusses the challenges of starting a business, why Brighton was the right place to build his practice, and his philosophy that great plastic surgery should enhance a person’s natural appearance while helping them feel confident and refreshed. 

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This week on the Chamber Podcast, Rob sits down with Kelly LaBelle and Maureen Theodore, designers at Cabinets For You in downtown Brighton. As a locally owned, full-service cabinet company, Cabinets For You offers three cabinet lines ranging from affordable to fully custom, serving homeowners and builders alike. Kelly and Maureen share how their years of experience help prevent costly mistakes by carefully planning measurements, appliance placement, plumbing, electrical, and overall flow before cabinets ever arrive. The conversation dives into builder relationships, why retention matters, and how thoughtful design blends function with personality. They also discuss current kitchen trends, from warm wood tones and jewel colors to the return of bold statements, while encouraging homeowners to design for their own lifestyle rather than resale value. With deep roots in the community and a growing outlook for 2026, Cabinets For You continues to help Brighton families create spaces they love.

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This week on the Chamber Podcast, Rob sits down with Jessica Pomerville, speech-language pathologist and Clinical Director of the new Brighton location of Thrive Therapy Center. Jessica shares Thrive’s mission of supporting families and helping children build communication skills and daily living independence through evidence-based speech and occupational therapy. The conversation highlights Thrive’s family-owned roots, their whole-person approach, and the importance of creating a safe, supportive space for both children and parents. Jessica reflects on the deep bonds formed with families, the emotional impact of the work, and what it means to bring Thrive’s 40-year legacy into her hometown of Brighton. With locations in Davison, Clarkston, and now Brighton, Thrive is focused on growth, connection, and helping more families truly thrive. 

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This week on the Chamber Podcast, Rob sits down with Blake Williams, Account Manager at the Herndon Family Agency Farm Bureau Insurance, to talk about local insurance done the right way. Blake shares how the family-run agency has served Livingston County for over 20 years and why staying Michigan-focused matters when it comes to protecting families and businesses. The conversation covers common insurance mistakes like being underinsured or paying too much for coverage, changes to Michigan auto insurance laws, and why reviewing policies regularly can make a real financial difference. Blake also talks about his passion for community involvement, his experience with the Brighton Chamber, and how building personal relationships helps clients feel confident and covered. 

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This week on the Chamber Podcast, Rob sits down with Rex Streetman, owner of The Rex Effect, a Howell-based DJ and entertainment company built to keep the party going long after everyone else clocks out. Rex shares how a “crazy idea” to look at DJ equipment turned into a full-blown business, starting with karaoke nights and growing into a team of 10+ employees across 10+ venues. Today, The Rex Effect delivers everything from weddings and corporate events to karaoke, trivia, Music Bingo, and even plans to expand into dance floor rentals. Rex and Rob talk about what it takes to build a following, manage a growing crew, and evolve through industry shifts like COVID, all while staying focused on fun, energy, and unforgettable experiences. 

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This week on the Chamber Podcast, Rob sits down with Steve Grech, CEO of LOC Credit Union, and Stephanie Hamlin, Community Impact Manager, to talk about what it really means to be a community-first financial institution. With 90 years of history and more than 50 years serving Livingston County, LOC focuses on doing a few things exceptionally well, from affordable car loans and home equity lending to strong digital banking paired with real human relationships. Steve shares how LOC differentiates itself in a crowded financial market through thoughtful lending practices and service-driven culture, while Stephanie highlights the credit union’s deep investment in financial education, school partnerships, and local programs that build confidence from elementary school through adulthood. The conversation offers a clear look at how staying focused, accessible, and people-centered helps LOC strengthen both financial health and community trust.

00:00 LOC Credit Union’s Journey

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Our Brighton Branch opened in June of 2024 and is located on Grand River Avenue just outside of downtown, next to Planet Fitness and AutoZone. 

We have had a presence in Livingston County for 50 years. In 1976 we opened in Howell and have been at our current location on Grand River since 1997. Our current Hartland location opened in 2007 at Old 23 and M59. As we continue to invest in Livingston County, we will be building a full-service branch with a drive thru in 2026. This branch will be adjacent to the Hartland Target parking lot. 

Community Sponsorships and Volunteer Involvement: 

Brighton, Howell and Hartland - Athletic Business Sponsorships 

Brighton Chamber Efforts and Events- the Farmer's Market Flower Day- Bouquet Building Station, Volunteering at Chamber Events such as the Smokin Blues and Brighton Holiday Glow Reindeer Game Sponsorship.  For the third year in a row, we sponsored the Tunnel of Lights at the Millpond Bridge for the community to enjoy a seasonable photo opportunity.

Financial Literacy and Education Efforts