On this episode of the Max Loves Midland Show, Kevin LaDuke sits down with Patrick McElgunn, director of the Alden B. Dow Center for Creativity and Enterprise at Northwood University, to talk about entrepreneurship, placemaking, family life, and why Midland continues to be a community worth investing in. Patrick reflects on growing up in Midland, leaving, and ultimately finding his way back to build a life with his wife Shannon and their three children. Along the way, he shares how his journey took him from coaching lacrosse and launching a basement equipment business to supporting entrepreneurs through the Small Business Development Center, co-owning Grove Tea Lounge, and now helping students and community members bring ideas to life through the Northwood Idea Center. The conversation also explores the impact of the MYPros Community Crowdfund, the importance of creating welcoming third spaces, and Patrick’s hope that future generations will see Midland not as a place to leave behind, but as a place to return to, invest in, and help shape for years to come.

In this episode of the Max Loves Midland Show, Kevin LaDuke sits down with Ben Marsh, co-founder of Creation Coffee, third generation Midlander, husband, and new dad, to talk about the unexpected journey that turned a college coffee hobby into one of Michigan’s largest coffee roasting operations. As Creation Coffee approaches its 10 year anniversary, Ben shares the origin story behind the business, from discovering a “life changing cup of coffee” in college to roasting beans in a garage with a $2 popcorn popper found at a Midland thrift store. What started as a way to make better coffee on a college budget quickly evolved into selling bags to friends and family, then to customers at the Midland Area Farmers Market, and eventually into a growing company with wholesale partnerships, multiple café locations in Midland, Saginaw, Frankenmuth, and Mount Pleasant, and a fifth location on the way through franchising in Wisconsin. Throughout the conversation, Ben reflects on growing up in Midland, leaving to pursue a career in advertising in cities like New York, Richmond, and Los Angeles, and ultimately returning home to build something tangible and meaningful in the community that raised him. Kevin and Ben also explore how Creation Coffee became more than just a coffee company, touching on the role local businesses play in shaping community culture, creating opportunities for young people, and helping Midland become a place where talent can stay and thrive. Ben shares stories about the early days of the business, partnerships with other local coffee pioneers, the importance of the Midland Farmers Market as a launchpad for entrepreneurs, and the unexpected responsibility that comes with leading a growing team. As Creation has expanded into roasting, equipment distribution, and multiple cafés, Ben says one of the most rewarding parts has been creating meaningful jobs and empowering employees to grow their skills and careers. The conversation also dives into Midland life outside of coffee, from childhood bike rides across town and legendary backyard wiffle ball tournaments to the joy of raising a family in a walkable community with access to trails, parks, and local gathering spaces. Ben even maps out his ideal day in Midland, featuring stops at Creation Coffee, Downtown Midland, the Tridge, Pizza Baker, the Chippewa Nature Center, Veedu Cuisine, Witchcraft Taproom, and Nord Social. Whether you are a coffee enthusiast, an aspiring entrepreneur, or simply someone who cares about the future of Midland, this episode highlights how passion, community support, and a little curiosity can grow into something much bigger than expected. Ben closes the conversation by sharing his hopes for the future of Midland, envisioning a community known for its thriving food, beverage, and hospitality scene, where locally owned businesses continue to grow and collaborate to make Midland a vibrant place to live, work, and raise a family.

Holly Miller, President and CEO of United Way of Midland County, joins Kevin to share how her journey from the creative industry into nonprofit leadership has shaped her life. The two stress the importance of this year's United Way Community Campaign. She explains that United Way is an impact organization that listens, uses data, and convenes partners. Hence, resources reach people efficiently, and she underscores that campaign dollars are the how, not the what. The 2025 community campaign runs primarily from early September through early November. This year's goal is $ 4.4 million to fund programs aligned with Midland's most pressing needs. Holly invites everyone to take part by giving what they can, volunteering, or lending their voice, and she notes that current matching opportunities can double individual gifts at unitedwaymidland.org.

Join Kevin LaDuke for a heartfelt conversation with Gary Billotti, Outreach Coordinator for the Midland Area Wellbeing Coalition, as we explore how a one-time skeptic of Midland became one of its most dedicated champions. Gary reflects on growing up in Metro Detroit. This career took him from the YMCA and DuPont to leading Health and Human Performance at Dow. This journey deepened his passion for community connection, mental health, and collaboration across sectors. We dig into Welcome2Midland, a new ambassador initiative helping newcomers and longtimers plug into local life through personal introductions, starter kits, and genuine relationships. We highlight Neighboring Week and how simple acts like a block party build the confidence and belonging that keep people here. Gary shares family stories, favorite Midland days, and hopes for a community where opportunity and access reach every neighbor.

In this episode of the Max Loves Midland Show, Kevin LaDuke sits down with Terri Johnson, President and CEO of Greater Midland, to explore the organization's incredible impact on our community. From leading programs in childcare, corporate wellness, and active adult fitness to nationally-recognized events, Terri highlights how Greater Midland touches the lives of nearly 80% of Midland County residents. She shares her journey from her early career at Dow to her leadership at Greater Midland, reflects on raising a family in Midland, and talks about what it means to build a welcoming, thriving community for every generation.

On this episode of the Max Loves Midland Show, host Kevin LaDuke sits down with Lily Kelsey, Conservation Outreach Coordinator for Little Forks Conservancy, to talk about her journey from growing up in Flint to finding her calling in Midland. Lily shares how athletics, time spent outdoors, and the Flint water crisis shaped her passion for conservation and community work. She explains the mission of Little Forks Conservancy, the importance of protecting rivers and natural spaces, and how conservation is about both preserving land and building connections with people. From favorite preserves and kayaking spots to the role of collaboration, diversity, and accessibility in nature, Lily paints a picture of why Midland is such a unique place for outdoor recreation and community engagement.

Brandon Morey, Co-Owner of Crepes Et Amis, Iron Dame, and Enjoy! Bakery, alongside his wife Katie, joined the Max Loves Midland Show to share his journey from a nursing student (and small-town skateboarder) to an award-winning entrepreneur helping shape the heart of Downtown Midland. In this episode, Brandon discusses starting with a $20 crepe skillet, building a loyal following at the Midland Farmers Market, and growing that following into three thriving businesses. He opens up about the challenges of the pandemic, the importance of community support, and his latest role as recipient of the MYPros Community Crowdfund for the Downtownsend Terrace project—a collaborative effort to create a vibrant, café-style streetscape benefiting multiple local businesses on Townsend Street. From stories of family and business scaling to his vision for placemaking in both Downtown and the Circle, Brandon’s passion for creativity, collaboration, and Midland’s future is on full display. 

Recorded live from Main Street during River Days 2025, this episode of the Max Loves Midland Show features a heartfelt conversation between host Kevin LaDuke and Dennis Pilaske, Executive Director of the Chippewa Nature Center. Dennis shares his 28-year journey with the Nature Center, his rural upbringing in Michigan’s Thumb, and how his love for nature and music have shaped his work and life in Midland. The two discuss community transformation, the importance of outdoor access, and how music, mentorship, and meaningful partnerships create deep connections across generations. With reflections on biking the rail trail, kayaking the rivers, and raising a family rooted in music and service, Dennis paints a vivid picture of why he believes in the power of living where you are and investing in what makes a community thrive.

In this episode of the Max Loves Midland Show, host Kevin LaDuke sits down with Natalia Iakovleva, one of the four owners of Chef Sergey’s Bakery, a European-style bakery nestled in Midland’s Center City. Natalia shares the incredible story of how her family fled Ukraine and, through an unlikely partnership with another refugee family, found hope and purpose by opening a bakery that has quickly become a beacon of community, comfort, and culture. From the classic Ukrainian saying, “bread is the head of everything,” to a deeply rooted philosophy of making everything from scratch, Natalia discusses how bread became not just a product, but a way to nourish lives and bring people together. Hear how Chef Sergey’s was supported through the Midland Area Community Foundation’s impact investing initiative, and how Natalia and her team are creating a new generation of bakers and community builders—right in the heart of the Circle. This episode is a celebration of food, resilience, and the quiet magic that happens when people care deeply for one another.