Chris Holman welcomes Jose Flores, CEO, of Ancor Automotive, Troy, MI.

Jose, you've had an interesting career path, could you briefly tell us about that?

- Tell us about Ancor Automotive and the work you are doing today in the automotive industry?

In May, Ancor Automotive held its grand opening for the Innovation Hub. Tell us about the inspiration behind the innovation hub and some of the work you are doing there?

Tell us about the Monroney Editor, its importance, and its benefits?

Ancor is known for its "Culture" environment. Can you tell us more about this and why it's important?

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Vic Verchereau welcomes Ben Bakken, who is the Senior Vice President and Lansing Market Director for Tri-Star Trust Bank.

Try your best, get better at one thing, have fun is the coaching Ben Bakken gives kids and this advice holds up pretty well in his busy business world as well! Ben Bakken serves as Senior Vice President and Lansing Market Director for Tri-Star Trust Bank. He received a Master of Business Administration from Northwood University and a Bachelor’s in Political Science from Wayne State University, where he was a captain on the Men’s Basketball Team. A lifelong Lansing area resident, Ben is committed to strengthening families and transforming the community.

His path to his current role is a great story of success and commitment. Vic Verchereau and Ben have a great time tracing the journey and relating these steps to the leadership opportunities in business! Listen in to this edition of the Leadership Lowdown!

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Jeffrey Mosher welcomes back Carrie Rosingana, CEO, CAMW! -Captial Area Michigan Works! Lansing, MI, serving Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton Counties of Mid Michigan.

MI CareerQuest Recap.

Recap the 2023 MCQCA

What types of employers were there?

How many students came?

The success of the event.

Importance of hands-on youth career exploration.

Hands-on career exploration activities in middle and high school play a crucial role in helping students make informed decisions about their future careers.

Research has shown that experiential learning, such as internships, job shadowing, or career fairs, allows students to gain first-hand exposure to various professions, fostering a deeper understanding of different career paths. This exposure helps students align their interests, skills and values with potential career choices, leading to more informed decisions.

Other benefits of hands-on career exploration:

Practical experience in a real-world setting.

Skill development.

Networking and mentorship.

Career exploration versatility.

Enhanced employability.

Personal growth.

Relevant facts.

37.5 million Boomers will retire in the next decade, yet only 21 million workers will enter the workforce to replace them.

MiCareerQuest, an innovative, experiential career event, was created in 2015 by Michigan Works! to address these impending workforce shortages.

100 % Hustle Podcast 2 – 3-part Series of Guests

Host: Vicki Hamilton, Senior Executive with International consulting experience. Founder & CEO of Executive Ideation

Topic: Lotions, Potions, and Witch Boxes; a Plant Based Business

Guest: Liz Burman, Owner, Alchemist Apothecary

Guest Bio:

Liz Burman, Founder and owner of Alchemist Apothecary, an online business that sells fascinating products ranging from plant-based oils and lotions to tea readings and witch boxes! Liz started on her herbalist journey when she developed a love for gardening as a young girl. She has always enjoyed drawing, painting, and crafts. She found a way to combine her talents and passions to brew up an enchanting business! With both formal and informal training, Liz developed a deep understanding of the benefits of plant-based medicine and the positive health benefits they offer, such as relieving muscle pain, reducing gastrointestinal pain to calming anxiety. Additionally, crystals, tea leaf readings, and anything esoteric and plant-related are right up her alley!

To visit her shop, to learn more, or just to see what a witch box is, go to: https://www.alchemistapothecary.ca/

And, take a few minutes to scroll through her TikTok or stop by her Etsy shop and buy yourself something that is out of this world!

Etsy Shop: AlchemistApothecaryC

Instagram: alchemistapothecary

TikTok: alchemist_apothecary

Blog Summary:

Vicki Hamilton talks with Liz, who shares her passion for plants and how she turned her love of them into a thriving online business through trial and error. Admitting that she just keeps learning more about her craft and business is a testament to her strength as an entrepreneur. With over 22,000 followers on TikTok alone, she has harnessed this new approach to online business, and she continues to produce low-cost, high-quality marketing to drive interest and sales of her incredibly unique and interesting products and services.

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Jeffrey Mosher welcomes back entrepreneur Carey Bisonet, President, of Alpine Events, Grand Rapids, MI.

As the news came out recently,...Grand Rapids-based Alpine Events acquires event rental division of A1 Rental in Ann Arbor adding 24/7 dispatch center, new inventory and increased production capacity

For this conversation Jeffrey looked to find out several things from Carey: Questions included

●What motivated you to expand?

● Why did you decide to expand to Ann Arbor?

● How does this location differ from the Grand Rapids location?

● How will you support your east side customers?

● What customer benefits are offered?

● What’s next for Alpine Events?

Below is some more context to the effort.

Ann Arbor Expansion ● As of April 1st, Alpine Events acquired the event rental division of A1 Rental Inc in Ann Arbor. ● The expansion will allow Alpine Events to serve customers on the east side of the state and meet the increasing demand for tented events such as weddings, corporate, outdoor parties, university events, and more. ● Growth through acquisition was in the company’s five year plan. An investment in technology and improving processes within the past two years helped make it a reality. ● Alpine Events’ full and expanded line of inventory will be available at the new location, including a variety of new tent models like the Sailcloth and Clearspan Structure tents. ● In addition to tents, their expansive inventory includes seating, fabric, lighting, linens, and more. ● Alpine Events has a core value of being “Customer Centric”: ○ Alpine Events will give customers 24/7 access to a dispatcher center, plus a 24-hour response rate from sales associates. ● The new location will increase overall production capacity for the company. ● A1 Rental has a history of success in Ann Arbor and will give Alpine Events a solid platform to build off of. ● In the coming months, Alpine Events will be hosting an open house to showcase the new space.

About Alpine Events Alpine Events strives to provide quality equipment for a wide range of events so customers can celebrate life’s milestones. Alpine Events specializes in event rentals, vendor coordination, planning, execution, setup, and logistics. Their team has worked hard to provide the best rental equipment in West Michigan for over 30 years. Being passionate about customer events is a staple of the Alpine Events team, and they’re eager to work with you to help create a memorable event for you and your guests. To find out more about Alpine Events, visit www.alpineevents.com. You can also find them on social media at @alpineeventsmi on Instagram, Alp

Also for a frame of reference Carey and Jeffrey had their last discussion in February 2020, so he was welcomed BACK to the 'Michigan Business Beat'.

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Vic Verchereau welcomes Patrick M. O’Keefe, who is the Founder and CEO of O’Keefe.

Mr. O’Keefe is recognized as an expert in the fields of strategic advisory services, corporate reorganization, debt restructuring, turnaround consulting, due diligence support, valuation and litigation support. Mr. O’Keefe has been approved by the U.S. Department of Justice to act as a Chapter 11 trustee and has performed as a court appointed receiver for numerous operating companies. For over 30 years, Mr. O’Keefe has been active as a financial consultant and turnaround advisor to under-performing businesses in various industries including, retail, hospitality, restaurants, construction, automotive, manufacturing, and real estate, and has successfully completed assignments in out-of-court and Chapter 11 restructurings.

His expertise has recently been called to the Upper Peninsula where he is assisting the leadership of Finlandia University in closing down the 126 year old institution. His experience and observations offer great insight to the education arena and those who are carefully planning their next steps in leading great institutions. Pat cautions us not to try and be all things to everyone and encourages us to keep the focus on the priorities. Listen in to what Pat O'Keefe has to say to Vic Verchereau in this latest edition of the Leadership Lowdown.

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Elizabeth Bernhard shares Episode 2 of the relaunched 'Build Smart, Lead Strong' by conducting a four-part interview with Collen Killen-Roberts, Vice President of Entrepreneurship with the Edward Lowe Foundation, and Rodney Parkkonen, Senior Small Business Manager with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

Michigan has invested heavily in its small and medium manufacturers (SMMs), yet many are unaware of the opportunities available to them. In this episode, MGA talks with the pair to find out how they both serve manufacturers in Michigan, and much more. Join this episode to learn about the System for Integrated Growth and Second Stage Growth Solutions, two programs available to you through this collaboration between the Edward Lowe Foundation and MEDC.

Collen Killen-Roberts was recruited to the foundation in 2015. In April 2016 she was promoted to director of entrepreneurship and then named divisional vice president of entrepreneurship in December 2018. In her current role she leads the entrepreneurship team in developing programs that help second-stage entrepreneurs get to the next level. These include: the System for Integrated Growth, PeerSpectives® Roundtables, the American Academy of Entrepreneurs®, Leader Retreats at Big Rock Valley, Entrepreneur in Residence and Legacy Council. Killen-Roberts also cultivates appropriate partners to deliver these programs throughout the country and manages the rollout process.

Rodney Parkkonen serves as small business consultant on the Small Business Services team at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). In his role, Rodney leads programming designed to help second-stage entrepreneurs gain access to strategic information and participate in valuable retreats and roundtables. Additionally, Rodney’s role includes work in building the state’s trusted connector network and helping grow and align the state’s small business support ecosystem. Before joining the Small Business Services team, Rodney worked on teams devoted to securing new business growth, job creation and investment in the State of Michigan.

Colleen and Rodney also both serve on the board for MGA, the Manufacturing Growth Alliance in Michigan. A big focus of this episode is looking ahead to MANUFACTURERS COHORT – A 3-part process to accelerate growth that includes:

#1: A 3-day, 2-night Leadership Retreat at the Edward Lowe Foundation – October 31- November 2, 2023 in Cassopolis, Michigan

A $1,000 value per participant, which includes program facilitation, lodging, meals, snacks and nonalcoholic beverages.

Oct 31, 9:00 AM EDT – Nov 02, 12:00 PM EDT

Edward Lowe Foundation, 58054 Decatur Rd, Cassopolis, MI 49031, USA

100 % Hustle Podcast 2 – 3-part Series of Guests

Host: Vicki Hamilton, Senior Executive with International consulting experience. Founder & CEO of Executive Ideation

Topic: 21st Century Manufacturing

Guest: Cindy Kangas, Executive Director of the Capital Area Manufacturing Council, Lansing, MI.

Guest Bio:

Cindy Kangas is the Executive Director of the Capital Area Manufacturing Council. Two years into her role, she is passionately committed to changing the narrative around STEM and manufacturing jobs. Cindy was acknowledged during the Executive Welcome program hosted by the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce during its inaugural, ‘women only’ executive leaders event. Cindy currently hosts Faces of Manufacturing, a podcast on Michigan Business Network. Cindy claims the most rewarding part of her job is outreach to local schools. She takes great pride in creating and organizing a statewide Rosie the Riveter event at the state capitol in March 2023.

Blog Summary:

Vicki Hamilton talks with Executive Director of Michigan’s Capital Area Manufacturing Council, Cindy Kangas on the Michigan Business Network. They discussed the need to focus on STEM skills and programming to grow the future manufacturing workforce. They touched on organizational culture, women in manufacturing, the evolution of manufacturing and of course Rosie the Riveter, an archetypal Hustler!

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Vic Verchereau welcomes Angela Morrill, who is an Executive Leadership Coach & Trainer at Angela Morrill Leadership & Life Coaching.

"I am right where I am supposed to be and always have been. The road to get here was certainly not straight and often foggy. Looking back on the journey that brought me where I am today, it is clear now how every up and down and twist and turn was preparing me, growing my knowledge, honing my skills, and shaping my beliefs". Angela Morrill reflects on her impressive career and the path that has led her to a successful leadership and life coaching enterprise.

She values having worked in organizations of all sizes from the large multinational to the small single-location organization, and in a wide variety of industries from heavy equipment to service and non-profit, in both publicly-traded and privately-owned firms. She has proudly worked alongside the president in the private office and the mechanic on the shop floor, with every function in the organization from sales to operations, focused on planning horizons from the 10-year strategy to the day ahead.

Angela has so much to offer as she fills this episode of the Leadership Lowdown with buckets of leadership ideas and observations! Listen in as Vic Verchereau helps to unpack the life journey of this great leader!

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For Media Business Episode 54:

Tony Conley welcomes Coach Carl Thomas, a Lansing, Michigan native, with ties all over the state, Thomas is excited to come home. “Not only was the opportunity to be a head coach extremely attractive to me, but to be able to come back home, be closer to my family, all while pursuing this goal and building this program. I could not pass this up once I was given the chance to take it.”

Last August Cleary University Senior Vice President of Campus Operations and Athletic Director Heather Bateman announced that Carl Thomas will be the first head coach of the recently announced Cougar men’s basketball program.

“We are extremely excited to welcome Coach Carl Thomas into the Cleary University family as our first head men’s basketball coach. Carl brings a plethora of coaching experience, including at the (NCAA) Division 1 level. Thomas’ enthusiasm, experience, and recruiting ties make him a perfect fit for our University and Athletic department.”

Thomas has spent the past six seasons on NCAA Division 1 Duquesne University’s coaching staff with Coach Keith Dambrot as the assistant to the head coach. Prior to his time at Duquesne, Thomas was the head coach for NJCAA Jackson College (4 seasons), and was an assistant at NJCAA Owens Community College (2 seasons). Thomas has also spent time as an assistant at his alma mater, NCAA Division 1 Eastern Michigan University from 2005-2011 (6 seasons), and at NCAA Division 1 Maryland Eastern Shore (1 season).

“I’d like to thank Dr. (Alan) Drimmer and Heather (Bateman) for this opportunity,” said Thomas. “To be trusted as the first head coach in the program’s history is a tremendous honor. I look forward to building this program, competing at the highest level in the WHAC, in the nation, and ensuring we do everything in our power to represent the Howell and Livingston County communities.”

As a player, Thomas was a prep standout at Lansing Everett High School, After high school, Thomas, and his twin brother Charles, both attended Eastern Michigan University,

After leaving Ypsilanti, Thomas played in both the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) and the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1991-1999. He played for Fort Wayne and Grand Rapids of the CBA, being called up to the NBA five separate times over his career. He would play a total of 63 games in the NBA with the Sacramento Kings (1991-92), Cleveland Cavaliers (1996-98), Golden State Warriors (1997-98), and Orlando Magic (1997-98). Thomas would also play professionally overseas in France, Sweden, Greece, and Italy from 2000-2003. Carl and Charles Thomas are one of nine sets of twins who have both played in the NBA.

Cleary announced the addition of men’s and women’s basketball to the athletic department on July 25, and both men's and women's programs will begin competition during the 2023-24 season.

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Thank you to Benjamin Robinson and Motor City Skyline's music