Michigan Reimagined

For decades businesses have been chasing SEO - Search Engine Optimization - for their websites. AI is changing things, and it likely will require a new strategy to get discovered as a business. Joining Chris to share how Güd Marketing is learning and sharing their findings are Principal and President Debbie Horak and Director of Special Projects, Joel Newport!

Bridges - An Intergenerational Center - is preparing to open in Lansing, offering a truly unique model that brings young children and older adults together for shared learning and connection. After two years of searching for the right building and facing an uphill battle with multiple lenders, this small business turned a corner when they found LAFCU — a credit union known for putting people over profits and finding creative solutions to help entrepreneurs succeed. Joining me today are Sandra Tryon, director of Bridges, and Brook Jones, commercial lending officer at LAFCU, to talk about the dream behind Bridges, the hurdles they overcame, and what it means for families, seniors, and the community!

Accessible housing has been a hotly discussed topic around Michigan - and on this show - for a while now. Our next guest has found a way to develop 204 units of mixed-income housing in Midland MI called The Dean, Apartments at Eastlawn. Joining Chris to share the journey is the President of River Caddis Group, John McGraw!

AI isn’t just for answers. Joining Chris is Private Investor & Community Builder, Dave Silva Smith uses it to surface high-leverage questions about himself - turning reflection into action: a better father, a better partner, and clear actions to try!

Inventors and innovators need to protect their inventions and processes. And it’s not a one-time effort! Here to share some important need-to-know tips, and how to follow him for regular updates, is Senior Attorney from Foster Swift Collins & Smith PC, Mikhail Murshak

Financial institutions are critical to the economic development of our communities. I’ve also learned that banks and credit unions are not all the same. Joining Chris to share the LAFCU story, and some new endeavors, are two of LAFCU’s executive team: Robyn Howell, Executive Vice President and COO, and Kelli Ellsworth Etchison, Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Diversity Officer for LAFCU who is also the CEO of StableCommunities Foundation!

Many companies have philanthropic endeavors, and Maner Consterisan in mid-Michigan certainly does their part. Joining Chris to discuss how Maner functions as a successful business - and how they give back - is Maner Costerisan Principal, Sarah Jennings!

Land owners have a lot to consider and the environmental condition of their property is a big one. There are more and more regulatory and compliance requirements - and if you have an issue, you need to know who to call for help. Joining me to share the services provided by Hamp Mathews & Associates are their Principal Engineer and Visionary, Joel Parker, and Office Manager and Integrator Holly Petroff!

Michigan has arguably one of the best Start-Up ecosystems in the country. Getting an invention turned into a successful endeavor that employs citizens is no easy feat, and it truly takes a village. Joining me to share the amazing story of MotMot, the important work they do, and the partnerships & support it took to launch - is their CEO and Co-Founder, Elliott Smith!

I’ve said a number of times, Michigan may have the most competitive and effective start-up ecosystems in the country. One major player in that space is the Michigan State University Research Foundation. Joining me to share a few of their recent endeavors is their Executive Director for Spartan Innovations, Michigan Rise and Red Cedar Ventures, Jeff Wesley!