The Business Beat Podcast

What does the next generation of Livingston County leaders need to succeed? Sometimes, all it takes is someone helping them see the next step.

In this episode of The Business Beat, host Dianne Samples welcomes Kelly Genei, MBA, Dean of Undergraduate Studies at Cleary University, for a conversation about entrepreneurship, mentorship, and unlocking the potential of future leaders.

From Kelly's journey as an entrepreneur and inaugural Livingston ATHENA Leadership Award recipient to the opportunities created through the National Civics Bee and DECA, they explore how encouragement, connection, and real-world experience can turn ideas into action.

Kelly also shares what's ahead at Cleary University, including new educational opportunities and its growing role in developing Livingston County's future workforce.

Chapters

Thank You to Our Episode Sponsors!

Lake Trust Credit Union

Brighton Ford

Northstar IT

Connect with Kelly Genei & Cleary University

Kelly Genei on LinkedIn:

Cleary University Website:

Facebook:

LinkedIn:

Connect with the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce

Website: https://howell.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/howellchamber

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/howellareachamber/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/howellchamber

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@howellchamber

About The Business Beat

The Business Beat is a podcast of the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce, connecting the people, businesses, and organizations helping shape our community.

In this episode of Business Beat, host Janelle Smith, President of the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce, and co-host Diane Samples sit down with Jason Tracey, founder of Roar Consulting, to explore why so many great businesses remain the best kept secret in their industry—and how authentic content can change that.

Jason shares how one conversation can become dozens of opportunities through podcasting, storytelling, and consistent content creation. Together, they discuss why building influence isn't about going viral—it's about building trust, creating meaningful connections, and becoming known before you ever walk into the room.

The conversation also introduces the Difference Maker Podcast & Influence Builder Workshop at the Livingston Business HUB, designed to help entrepreneurs, business owners, and professionals confidently tell their stories, create authentic content, and amplify their impact.

Whether you're just getting started or looking to elevate your marketing strategy, this episode offers practical insights into turning your expertise into influence and your story into opportunity.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome & introducing Jason Tracey

Thank you to the sponsors of this video

Lake Trust - https://laketrust.org/

Guest Links

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/jason.tracey.39

Howell Area Chamber Links

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/howellchamber

In this episode of Business Beat, hosts Janelle Smith and Diane Samples sit down with Michael Sage of DTE Energy to discuss the power of volunteerism and its impact on individuals, businesses, and communities.

Michael shares how his journey into volunteerism began through corporate opportunities and evolved into a lifelong commitment to service. From international mission trips to local community engagement, he reflects on how giving back has shaped both his personal and professional life.

The conversation also highlights the Michigan Challenge Balloon Fest, a signature community event that brings together volunteers, businesses, and families to create lasting memories and meaningful connections. Michael and the hosts explore how events like these not only strengthen community bonds but also drive economic impact and regional visibility.

This episode is a powerful reminder that volunteerism is more than an activity—it’s a lifestyle that builds relationships, fosters connection, and creates opportunities for impact across generations.

00:00 Introduction to Michael Sage and DTE Energy

Thank you to the sponsors of this video

Guest Links 

Facebook-   / mlsagefamily  

Howell Area Chamber Links

Facebook-    / howellchamber  

Hosted by Janelle Smith, President of the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce, this episode of Business Beat features guests Amy Zander of Zeedia Media and Kevin Suboski, founder of The Fastest Route and Livingston Entrepreneurship Academy, for an honest conversation about the realities of entrepreneurship.

Amy shares her journey from side hustles and failed ventures to burnout, reinvention, and ultimately redesigning her business around her strengths. Together, the conversation explores entrepreneurship mindset, mentorship, isolation, finding your “superpower,” and what it really means to build a business that aligns with who you are.

The episode also highlights the growing entrepreneurship ecosystem in Livingston County through the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce and Livingston Entrepreneurship Academy, and the importance of intentional community, collaboration, and support for entrepreneurs at every stage.

Show Links -

Guest Links - 

Kevin Suboski

Amy Zander

In this episode of Business Beat, hosts Janelle Smith and Diane Samples sit down with Kris Ward, owner of Sunshine and Sage, a boho-inspired boutique in downtown Howell that blends retail with mindfulness, joy, and community connection.

Kris shares her journey from a corporate career rooted in innovation and risk-taking to taking a leap on herself as an entrepreneur. She discusses the realities of building a small business—from the loneliness of entrepreneurship to the importance of mentorship, collaboration, and community support.

The conversation dives into how Kris has intentionally designed her shop as more than just a retail space—creating an experience where customers can relax, connect, and find meaningful moments. She also reflects on her experience pitching her business in a competitive entrepreneurship program, emphasizing the value of “small moments that matter” in a world often focused on scale.

This episode highlights the evolving role of small businesses in creating community, the power of local collaboration, and why meaningful, in-person experiences still matter in a digital world.

00:00 Introduction to Kris Ward and Sunshine & Sage

Thank you to the sponsors of this episode:

Brighton Ford - https://www.brightonford.com/

Northstar IT - https://www.brightonford.com/

Stay connected

Show Links -

Guest Links - 

This episode of Business Beat features members of the Livingston County Chamber Alliance discussing the power of regional collaboration, chamber partnerships, and leadership development. Karen Storey of the Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce and Emma Lynn Wheaton of the Hartland Area Chamber of Commerce join the conversation to highlight upcoming chamber mixers, Leadership Livingston, economic forecasting initiatives, and the importance of cultivating future community leaders. The discussion explores how collaboration across chambers strengthens Livingston County’s business community while creating opportunities for meaningful networking, civic engagement, and professional growth.

00:00  Introduction to the Livingston County Chamber Alliance

Thank you to the sponsors of this episode:

Brighton Ford - https://www.brightonford.com/

Northstar IT - https://www.brightonford.com/

Show Links

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/howellchamber

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/howellareachamber/ 

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/howellchamber/?viewAsMember=true

YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@UCfP1T-4lCgHMu8ZhxtEOTyw 

Website- https://howell.org/

Guest Links

Karen Storey

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/GreaterBrightonAreaChamber/#

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/brighton_chamber/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-greater-brighton-area-chamber-of-commerce/?trk=nav_account_sub_nav_company_admin

YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@greaterbrightonchamber

Website- https://www.brightoncoc.org/

Emma Lynn Wheaton

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/HartlandChamber

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/hartlandareachamber/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/hartland-area-chamber-commerce/

YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@hartlandchamber3520

Website- https://hartlandchamber.org/

This episode of Business Beat features entrepreneur Caitlin Wilkinson, founder of Inspired Ascend. She discusses her journey from personal adversity to building a business focused on personal growth, breathwork, and community-building for women. Caitlin shares how breathwork and other modalities helped her overcome self-doubt and trauma, ultimately inspiring her to create spaces like her “Girl Dinner” gatherings and retreats that foster authentic conversation, healing, and empowerment.

The conversation explores entrepreneurship, vulnerability, leadership, and the importance of supportive community networks.

00:00 Introduction & Meet Caitlin Wilkinson

00:40 Inspired Ascend & What She Does

02:00 The Story Behind “Girl Dinner”

03:30 Taking the Leap Into Entrepreneurship

05:15 How Breathwork Changed Her Life 11:00 Self-Worth, Identity & Personal Growth

16:00 Helping Others & Facilitating Breathwork

20:30 Training, Retreats & Building Her Practice

24:30 Career Journey, Mentorship & Athena

30:30 Reflections & Closing

Thoughts Thank you to the sponsors of this episode:

Lake Trust - https://laketrust.org/

Brighton Ford - https://www.brightonford.com/

Northstar IT - https://www.brightonford.com/

Show Links

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/howellchamber

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/howellareachamber/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/howellchamber/?viewAsMember=true

YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@UCfP1T-4lCgHMu8ZhxtEOTyw

Website- https://howell.org/ Guest Links

Website: https://www.inspiredascend.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/inspiredascend

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspiredascend

Email: [email protected]