Michigan Business Network

Having been involved with Youth Haven's ministry all of his life, Lars Carlson would be quick to tell you that God is amazing as He directs people's lives and often changes what is expected. With a career goal of becoming an airline pilot, God clearly moved in Lars' heart and directed him, and his wife Amy, back to the ministry where he grew up as the son and grandson of the founders. So in 1997 they joined the Youth Haven team and have never looked back.  

Lars is President and CEO of Youth Haven Inc.  An organization committed to meeting the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of disadvantaged children. This includes boys and girls living in foster care, single-parent families, or low-income homes, as well as children who have experienced abuse, neglect, gang violence, or even a parent in prison.

Larry Carter by Michigan Business Network

Jeffrey Mosher catches up with Barry Owens, General Manager for Treetops Resort, Gaylord, MI.

They review the services available at that resort, then the conversation covers a 2020 review, the '20-'21 ski season, and looking ahead to '21.

Chris Holman speaks with Mike Laing, Director of MAWBY-ness, MAWBY Wines, Suttons Bay, MI. Welcome back Mike, we understand MAWBY has an interesting way to celebrate this year...

Chris Holman catches up with Andy Hayes, Outgoing President, and David Emmel, incoming President NLEA, Northern Lakes Economic Alliance in Petoskey, and Harbor Springs, MI,

In the interview

Andy, how has 2020 been for NLEA, congrats on your retirement, reflect on the 16 years.

David, welcome, what is your background? {tell us about SBDC Northeast Michigan} how has the transition been going under Andy's guidance?

What are you and NLEA focused on for 2021?

Born in Detroit and ready for prime time, the creators of 8 Mile Vodka stretch their creative minds and come up with a product made here in Michigan. The four masterminds behind the new sensation are

Co-founders Michael and Anthony Tomey and George and Alex Bourkoulas. These successful businessmen have applied their skills to a new venture and it is a huge success!

8 Mile Vodka is distilled in single 90 liter batches to allow for optimal quality control and care. It is then carbon filtered, aerated and bottled at the perfect time to produce a subtle taste with smooth finish and a character all its own. This is an exceptional premium vodka that can be chilled and enjoyed straight, or mixed to create an exceptional cocktail.

Tune in for a great leadership story and a quick sip of what it means to be "Born in Detroit"!

Jeffrey Mosher speaks with MK (Michelle Klassen Merrigan), about her background and this special project:

About Mana:

• Mana is a quarterly subscription box featuring handcrafted, one-of-a-kind pieces created by local women artisans in South Africa and the United States.

• Each box features stylish accessories, décor, and fashions—perfect for any lifestyle.

• Mana is about reviving the livelihood of women artisans and entrepreneurs impacted by the ongoing pandemic.

• In the wake of COVID-19, many small business owners across the world are struggling to make ends meet. These amazing women craft intricate products and pour themselves into their livelihoods.

• When individuals subscribe to Mana, they are empowering a woman to grow her business, which benefits her family and community. It creates a far-reaching impact, far beyond the cost of a box.

Spend a little time with Marc Schupan, CEO of Schupan & Sons and you will come away with a thousand quips and quotes that will make you stop and think or simply laugh out loud!

Schupan & Sons, Inc. was incorporated in 1968 as a non-ferrous industrial scrap processor, by Marc's father, Nelson Schupan. With very humble beginnings, the company has evolved into an international organization launched in Kalamazoo Michigan.

They operate a number of scrap processing yards for ferrous and non-ferrous metals. A large modern facility distributing primarily aluminum and plastic mill products and one of the largest volume processors and brokers of used beverage containers in the U.S.

His formula for success for more than fifty years is simple: "Treat our customers, employees, and consumers as we would wish to be treated. We are proud to build relationships that add value for our customers and give back to the communities that provide opportunities for our employees".

Schupan says, "We are constantly looking for ways to better serve our communities. We believe in old-fashioned values – values that have enabled Schupan & Sons, Inc. to receive awards recognizing our outstanding service and excellent work environment".

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Chris Holman speaks with Rocco Rucinski, Senior Vice President, Market Leader, PNC Financial Services Lansing, MI.

For the 37th year, PNC calculated the cost of Christmas, which presents a unique twist thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic.

-- Big drop in this year's Christmas Price Index due to live performers' season of silence.

-- E-commerce provides pandemic-proof ways to send season's greetings.

Hear the whole story along with its reflection on the broader economy in this interview.

Chris Holman touches base with Josh Gembala, Manager, Enhanced Security Services at ASK,

Their end of year interview covers:

With so many businesses moving to a remote-style work environment, what security challenges have they faced in 2020?

How has the threat landscape changed in the last year?

What are two or three security predictions for 2021?