When lawmakers become disconnected from real community needs, it often falls to visionary business leaders to create practical solutions.

That's exactly what Mark Peters, CEO of Butterball Farms, did when he established The SOURCE 20 years ago in Grand Rapids. Kim got the chance to sit down with Mark to talk about the nonprofit, which began as a manufacturer's solution to childcare challenges affecting workplace productivity. It has since evolved into a comprehensive support system connecting community organizations, government resources, and private businesses.

You can read more about the creation of the nonprofit in Mark's book The SOURCE.

You can also check out The Retention Trap, which challenges leaders of small and mid-sized businesses to break free from a cycle that prioritizes costly wages and benefits without addressing the deeper issues that lead to employee turnover. 

The Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA) has been a huge focus (and problem) for Michigan business owners as they work to ensure they are compliant with the new law by February 21. But with uncertainty and changes still happening with ESTA by the minute, a lot of business owners have more questions than answers. 

To help, we brought in an expert.

Lisa Cooper of Cooper People Group joined Kim and Maddie to discuss ESTA and what small business owners need to do NOW to comply. Lisa also provides some incredible resources for those who need help getting compliant before the deadline.

How is it already mid-way through January?!

Maddie and Ashley sit down to talk about planning for 2025 (hopefully you already got started). They discuss the dos and don'ts of keeping everyone on track and why project management systems can be key to success. 

From Gen X to Gen Z, there has been a lot of conversation in recent years about how to best manage multigenerational workplaces. 

We brought in Jennifer Maxson, of Jennifer Maxson & Associates, to talk about strategies to approach different generations, the differences she's seen in her training, and what we all have in common.

Rosalynn Carter famously said: “There are only four kinds of people in the world: those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers."

That's what this episode is all about. 

We are currently facing a growing caregiver crisis - with more and more families filling this crucial role amid a shortage of people to do that work. 

Sarah Milanowski, with LifeCircles PACE, joins Maddie to talk about what they are seeing on the front lines, why it's happening and what we can all do about it. 

We are excited to introduce you to our incredible graphic designer Hannah Cline - who makes all of our shit look good. 

Hannah and Maddie talk about agency life, how she comes up with designs, and the next big thing in the industry.

We are back this week with part two of our conversation with Jen VanSkiver of Special Olympics Michigan - this time, making the economic case for inclusion in the workforce and beyond.

 Jen, Kim and Maddie talk about some of the startling statistics behind the issue, how people with disabilities are currently treated as they look to enter the work force, and how Special Olympics Michigan is hoping to change things with its new Unified Sports & Inclusion Center.

When it comes to inclusivity, it's so important we do more than just talking. That's why Kim and Maddie sat down with Jen VanSkiver of Special Olympics Michigan. The nonprofit is changing the game in inclusivity and empowering athletes far beyond sports. 

In part one of their conversation, Jen dives into her journey as a parent of a child with a cognitive disability, and how the systems built to accommodate those with intellectual disabilities need to do a hell of a lot better. 

We are deep in the heart of event season right now, which is both a fun and crazy time for 8THIRTYFOUR. As we head out on yet another flight, Kim and Maddie sit down to talk about the importance of showing up - and why it's one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your business. 

At 8THIRTYFOUR, we are lucky to have an incredible network of freelancers and contractors we work with to get the job done. But how do you best work with someone who isn't on your staff full-time? 

Maddie sat down with Jenna Brooks, a freelancer and Graphic Design BA from Calvin University, to talk about how she manages those relationships, her client's expectations and what advice she has for anybody who wants to work with a freelancer in the future.