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In this episode of The Riley Black Project, John and Crystal sit down with Blake from Great Lakes Laser Supply to talk about the Michigan Maker Summit—how it started, why smaller meetups matter, and what really happens when makers get in the same room without the pressure of massive expos.

What began as an idea on a 17-hour drive home from Next Level turned into a full-blown summit planned in just three weeks—and it worked. This conversation digs into the power of community, intimate breakout sessions, real conversations, and why these smaller events often create bigger breakthroughs than giant conferences.

We cover:

How the Michigan Maker Summit came together in record time

Why smaller, more intimate events create safer spaces to ask questions

The difference between learning online vs learning in person

Why not everyone can make it to Vegas, APA, or massive expos

How meetups help newer makers avoid feeling “stupid” asking questions

Why teachers learn just as much as attendees

The hardest part of events: implementing what you learn after you get home

Maker burnout, travel exhaustion, and real-life constraints

This episode is for makers, creatives, and small business owners who want real growth, real connection, and real implementation—not just motivation that fades when you get home.

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