Muskegon Rising

In this inspiring episode of Muskegon Rising, host DJ Hilson sits down with Benika Longmire of Muskegon Public Schools to explore how early career pathways, community partnerships, and hands-on learning are shaping the future of local students. From the innovative “Future of You” conference to real-world internships and career academies, this conversation highlights how education, workforce development, and community collaboration are preparing young people for meaningful careers right here in Muskegon County. A must-watch for students, parents, educators, and community leaders alike.

In this flavorful episode of Muskegon Rising, host Aaron Maike sits down with Tim Taylor of Hamburger Mikey to explore how a local burger joint became one of West Michigan’s most recognizable and community-driven brands. From crafting legendary Burgers of the Month and hand-cut fries to sourcing locally, creating jobs, and giving back through innovative community programs, Tim shares the passion, creativity, and heart behind a true Muskegon success story. Discover how great food, great people, and deep local roots are helping put Muskegon on the culinary map.

In this episode of Muskegon Rising, host Aaron Maike sits down with Meredith Smillie of Bethany Christian Services to explore how strengthening families directly supports student success, workforce stability, and economic growth in West Michigan. The conversation highlights Bethany’s work in foster care, adoption, behavioral health, and refugee services—and how flexible donor support helps families overcome barriers like transportation, childcare, and housing. Learn how family stability fuels educational outcomes, why human services careers are in high demand, and how nonprofits like Bethany partner across Muskegon County to build a stronger, more resilient local economy. Produced by Muskegon Rising, a service of the Muskegon Rotary Club 

In this episode of Muskegon Rising, host Aaron Maike sits down with Sharlene Schineldecker, CEO of the Cherette Group, to explore the vision, strategy, and community collaboration behind one of Muskegon County’s most transformative developments, including the Harvey Street corridor project and the arrival of Costco. Schineldecker details how decades of local investment, data-driven site selection, infrastructure planning, and strong partnerships with Fruitport Township, Norton Shores, and Muskegon County enabled a former golf course to become a mixed-use hub featuring Class-A apartments, townhomes, single-family housing, and more than 200 new jobs. The conversation also demystifies tax increment financing, affordable housing economics, and the long-term economic impact of development that prioritizes local labor, sustainable growth, and community needs—underscoring why Muskegon County is emerging as a model for cooperative economic development on Michigan’s lakeshore.

On this episode of Muskegon Rising, host Aaron Maike sits down with Mona Shores Varsity Basketball Coach TJ Meerman for a powerful conversation about leadership, legacy, and building something bigger than basketball. From growing up in a sports-driven Coopersville family to playing Division I basketball at Central Michigan University, Coach Meerman shares the journey that shaped his approach to coaching. After building a powerhouse program at Grand Rapids Catholic Central, he now brings that same culture-first mindset to Mona Shores—where defense, discipline, academics, and relationships define success. This is not just about wins and losses. Join us for a conversation about culture, character, and what it really means to win.

What do the yellow lines on America’s roads have to do with jobs, safety, and Muskegon’s economic future? In this episode of Muskegon Rising, host Aaron Maike sits down with Erick Couch of Sun Chemical to explore how a world-class pigment manufacturing facility in Muskegon County plays a critical role in road safety, advanced manufacturing, and federal Buy America policy. From innovation and sustainability to high-wage union jobs and bipartisan infrastructure momentum, this conversation reveals how local manufacturing is shaping national impact—and why Muskegon is at the center of it.

In this episode of Muskegon Rising, host Aaron Maike sits down with Greg Sherburn, unit manager of Muskegon State Park and Duck Lake State Park, to explore why Muskegon State Park was ranked among the top nine state parks in the nation by National Geographic. From world-class Lake Michigan shoreline and year-round recreation to the unique Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park and a deep commitment to universal accessibility, this conversation highlights how Michigan’s state parks drive outdoor tourism, protect natural resources, and fuel the local economy. Discover why this “hidden gem” is a must-visit destination in every season.

Economic development in Muskegon County is accelerating—and this episode of Muskegon Rising explains why it matters to jobs, workforce growth, and long-term community prosperity. Host Aaron Maike sits down with Trevor Friedeberg, CEO of Greater Muskegon Economic Development, to explore how strategic planning, infrastructure investment, and regional collaboration are driving more than $800 million in capital investment across the county.

In this conversation, Trevor breaks down how economic development actually works—from confidential business attraction and site selection to catalytic infrastructure projects like the regional wastewater pipeline. He also explains how housing, workforce readiness, adaptive reuse, and brownfield redevelopment are now core components of modern economic development strategy.
This episode is essential viewing for business owners, educators, workforce leaders, policymakers, and residents who want to understand how Muskegon County is positioning itself for sustainable, inclusive growth—and how these investments translate into real jobs and opportunity.

Learn more about Greater Muskegon Economic Development at developmuskegon.org.

In this relaunch episode of Muskegon Rising, co-hosts Aaron Maike and DJ Hilson reintroduce the podcast and explore how education, workforce development, and economic growth are coming together to move Muskegon County forward. Produced in partnership with the Muskegon Rotary Club, Muskegon Rising shares real, timely stories about the people and partnerships driving progress. Each episode builds local pride, supports business growth, and highlights why Muskegon is becoming a place of opportunity.

Muskegon Rising, a community service project of the Muskegon Rotary Club, sits down with community leader and fatherhood advocate Norman Young, founder of Man Cave and the seven-week curriculum A Father’s Love. In this powerful conversation, Norman explains how his Dad Detector Test helps fathers and father figures identify their strengths, uncover blind spots, heal from trauma, and move from fear-based parenting to purposeful, love-driven fatherhood. Serving dads from all backgrounds across Muskegon County, Man Cave offers free weekly cohorts, ongoing Cave Connections alumni gatherings, and partnerships with schools, recovery centers, and local organizations to support men as they grow as parents and leaders at home. Listeners learn how to access the program, bring Man Cave into their own organizations, and why Norman believes that a father’s primary purpose is to love their children—shaping families, communities, and futures in Muskegon and beyond.