Community Capital

In this charged up episode Rob sits down with Kisha Polasky, owner of Batteries Plus in Livingston County, to talk career pivots, franchising leaps, and building a business during uncertain times. They're more than just a battery store, They're committed to providing outstanding service and expertise for a variety of solutions, including power, phone repair, auto batteries, key fobs, lighting, and more! Whether you need help finding a replacement battery or to replace a shattered screen on your device, Batteries Plus is here for you.

00:00 Kisha’s Journey to Batteries Plus

03:18 Franchise Opening and Challenges

06:18 Location Selection and Operations

08:57 Hiring and Team Building

11:51 Commercial Focus and Diverse Offerings

14:44 Community Engagement and Services

Show Links

Learn more about the Brighton Chamber by visiting our website.

Website: https://www.brightoncoc.org/

Guest Links

Website: https://www.batteriesplus.com/

Rob sits down with Emily Stone, founder and CEO of Whole Mama Michigan, a Brighton-based “one-stop” wellness collective that’s changing the way moms are born by wrapping parents in holistic, evidence-based, zero-judgment support from preconception through postpartum. From fertility coaching and prenatal yoga to childbirth classes, lactation help, mental health care, and cozy due-date/play groups that crush isolation, Emily shares how community can turn anxious new parents into confident, connected humans, plus what doulas actually do. Warm, practical, and full of heart, this episode feels like a pep talk and a group hug rolled into one.

00:00 Welcome to Whole Mama Michigan

03:19 Understanding the Role of a Doula

05:42 Whole Mama Michigan’s Growth & Uniqueness

07:54 Free vs. Paid Services and future Outlook

09:40 Getting Involved & Impactful Stories

11:03 The Value of In-Person Connection

Show Links

Learn more about the Brighton Chamber by visiting our website.

Website: https://www.brightoncoc.org/

Guest Links

Website: https://www.wholemamamichigan.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566562292552

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wholemamamichigan/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/whole-mama-michigan/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wholemamamichigan

Email: [email protected]

Address:

10407 Grand River Ave Suite 600

Brighton, MI 48116

(810) 775-2789

This week on the Chamber podcast, Rob chats with Krish Kar, developer and founder of Yoganjali, an AI-powered holistic social wellness connection platform where creators and seekers meet “within and beyond.” Krish breaks down Yoganjali’s two-part magic: Inner Connect, featuring mind-body yoga, Pilates, dance, and wellness classes built for everyone from seniors and kids to mental-health and flexibility journeys, and Outer Connect, which uses role-based matching to spark real business connections, pitches, and creative clips without the social noise. Move, Connect and Thrive through Yoganjali!

00:00 Introducing Yoganjali: A New Social Wellness App

03:02 How Yoganjali Connects Creators and Seekers

07:00 Background and App Security

09:05 The Evolution of Yoganjali

13:30 Final Thoughts and Holiday Reflections

Show Links

Learn more about the Brighton Chamber by visiting our website.

Website: https://www.brightoncoc.org/

Guest Links

Website: https://nityvision.com/yoganjali

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575523112461

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/krish.kar.9256

Email: [email protected]

What happens outside the office affects everything inside it.

In this episode, Jo Self, founder of Practical Strengths and creator of the Community Catalyst Project, shares how local businesses can strengthen engagement, retention, and wellbeing by focusing on what’s right with people and the communities they call home. Discover how small acts of connection can create big ripples of impact, why workplace culture starts long before Monday morning, and how the Community Strong initiative is turning civic pride and collaboration into real economic and emotional wellbeing for all.

00:00 Introducing Practical Strengths

03:15 Strengths in a 40-Year Marriage

06:08 Strengths as Weaknesses

09:02 Building Stronger Communities

12:58 Livingston Strong Project

15:05 Final Thoughts and Contact

Show Links

Learn more about the Brighton Chamber by visiting our website.

Website: https://www.brightoncoc.org/

Guest Links

Website: http://practicalstrengths.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/discoverjoself

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/discover_joself

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/joself

YouTube: http://youtube.com/@discoverjoself

Email: [email protected]

Rob sits down with Lauren Coffman, Marketing & Communications Director at Brighton Ford, for a festive and feel-good conversation about their 26th annual Toys for Tots toy drive. From a friendly school competition with $5,000 in prizes to Santa Night on December 4th, it’s complete with free photos, food, and toys, toys, toys. The episode bursts with holiday spirit. Lauren shares community support stories all while inviting listeners to join the fun, donate quality toys, and help top last year’s incredible 3,500-toy milestone. Tune in for the joy, nostalgia, and a chance to make a kid’s season brighter!

00:00 26th Annual Toy Drive

01:12 School Competition and Giving

03:46 Community Involvement and Nostalgia

06:49 How to Get Involved

09:31 Closing Remarks and Invitation

Toys for Tots

Event by Brighton Ford

8240 West Grand River Avenue, Brighton, MI, United States, Michigan 48114

Open to the public:

We are happy to announce the dates for our 26th Annual Santa Night.

TOY DRIVE - Bring your new, unwrapped toys anytime between November 1st - December 4th.

Our in-person Santa Night is December 4th from 6:00 - 8:00 PM

- Free photos with Santa

- Drop off donations

- Pizza and cookies

- Holiday fun!

- Switch 2 giveaway!

Brighton Ford is donating $5,000 in prizes to our Brighton Elementary Schools. The school that donates the most NEW, UNWRAPPED toys WINS. The prizes are as follows:

1st Place - $3,000

2nd Place - $1,000

3rd Place - $500

4th Place - $500 See less

Show Links

Learn more about the Brighton Chamber by visiting our website.

Website: https://www.brightoncoc.org/

Guest Links

Website: BrightonFord.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brightonford

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightonfordmi/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/brightonfordmi

Kick Off the Holiday Season in Downtown Brighton!

Jennifer Bond (Greater Brighton Area Chamber), Barb Binkley (Cooper Binkley Jewelers), Samantha Gardiner (City of Brighton) host this week's podcast to talk about this year's Brighton Holiday Glow & Christmas Market. They'll fill you in on all the merry details and what you can expect. We can't wait to kick off the holiday season with you in Downtown Brighton!

Presented by Cooper & Binkley Jewelers, along with the Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce and Supporting Sponsors Terri Fenolen Group, Mt. Brighton, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, will take place: Saturday, November 22, 2025 - 1:00 PM-7:00 PM

Website: Brighton's Holiday Glow 2025 Webpage ; https://sites.google.com/view/holidayglowbrighton/home

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1182059317074819?active_tab=about

00:00 Welcome to Holiday Glow

02:30 New Lights & Activities

06:40 Holiday Traditions & Performances

11:00 Santa’s Arrival & Local Businesses

15:20 Magical Moments & Photo Ops

20:25 Lamplighters & Final Details

Show Links

Learn more about the Brighton Chamber by visiting our website.

Website: https://www.brightoncoc.org/

Guest Links

Cooper & Binkley Jewelers

Website: https://www.cooperandbinkleyjewelers.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cooperandbinkleyjewelers

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cooperbinkleyjewelers/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CooperandBinkley

&

City of Brighton

Website: https://www.brightoncitymi.gov/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DowntownBrighton

Get ready for an insightful chat as Cameron sits down with Cliff Miller and Nick Keelin from TCA Insurance for a look behind one of the most personable independent agencies in the biz! From their exciting expansion into Livingston County to their one-of-a-kind SaunaShield product (yes, insurance for mobile saunas!), Cliff and Nick share how TCA’s people-first approach, community focus, and tech-savvy tools make insurance anything but boring. Tune in to hear how they’re redefining what it means to truly protect and connect with their clients.

00:00 Welcome and TCA’s Independent Approach

03:19 Expanding to Livingston County and Key Insights

06:11 Personal and Business Insurance Strategies

08:31 Farm Insurance and Unique Offerings

10:36 Payment Plans and Community Involvement

Show Links

Learn more about the Brighton Chamber by visiting our website.

Website: https://www.brightoncoc.org/

Guest Links

Website: https://tcains.biz/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TCAinsurance

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tca-insurance/

Ph: 810-295-2630

Email: [email protected]

Email: [email protected]

Cameron chats with Bill Opre, co-owner of Canopy Lounge, the upscale spot that has quickly became the go-to hangout for fine dining and great drinks. Bill shares how the menu changes every few months to keep things fresh, (think wild game, seafood, and creative chef specials) and how Canopy has become a favorite for private events, from birthdays to weddings. With top Google reviews, special themed nights, and a perfect location near Main Street, this lounge is where elegance meets comfort. FEEL LIKE YOU’RE IN YOUR OWN LIVING ROOM, NOT A BAR.

00:00 Introducing Canopy Lounge

01:29 Unique Menu & Dining Experience

03:50 Events & Location Advantages

06:14 Special Events & Staying Updated

Show Links

Learn more about the Brighton Chamber by visiting our website.

Website: https://www.brightoncoc.org/

Guest Links

Website: https://thecanopylounge.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecanopylounge

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheCanopyLounge

Email: [email protected]

Get ready for a fun and fashionable chat as Cameron sits down with Kayla McCullough, Store Leader at Brighton’s maurices, the women’s fashion brand is celebrating 95 years of style! Kayla shares how maurices brings confidence and community together with inclusive sizing, personal styling, and heartwarming programs that give back to families in need. From upcoming local events and holiday shopping perks to exclusive rewards and feel-good fashion, this episode is packed with style, spirit, and small-town heart!

00:00 Welcome and About maurices

01:06 Personal Styling & Catastrophic Event Program

03:37 Kayla’s Journey & Breast Cancer Partnership

05:22 Upcoming Events and Community Donations

07:02 Rewards Program and Fashion Fun Days

09:50 Contacts

Show Links

Learn more about the Brighton Chamber by visiting our website.

Website: https://www.brightoncoc.org/

Guest Links

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mauricesBrightonMI2282

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maurices.brightonmi/

Cameron sits down with Jerry Wilson, founder of Wilson Estate Vineyards, and Sabrina Dailey, the operations mastermind, to talk about how a humble dairy farm became a thriving winery and soon, a distillery! From cold-weather grapes to community cheers, this episode uncorks passion, creativity, and a splash of Michigan magic.

00:00 Welcome to Wilson Estate Vineyards

02:26 From Passion to Vineyard

05:07 Grape Varieties and Sourcing

09:49 Grand Opening Success

12:30 Community and Growth

15:26 Future Event Space

18:13 The Reserve Society Wine Club

22:34 Meet the Winemaker

26:07 Lavender Farm Collaboration

29:01 Connect with Wilson Estate

Show Links

Learn more about the Brighton Chamber by visiting our website.

Website: https://www.brightoncoc.org/

 

Guest Links

Website: https://wilsonestatevineyards.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Thewilsonestatevineyards/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wilson_estate_vineyards/?igsh=MXRodXk3YWYwZjMxOA%3D%3D#

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@The_Wilson_Estate_Vineyards

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wilson.estate.vin

Email: [email protected]

Ph: (517) 375-2356