The world has been turned on its ear in the last two years.  And that's certainly true in the world of human resources.  Today's guest, Jill Berti, started Workery Consulting during the pandemic.  She provides outsourced HR solutions to small businesses in an ever-changing human resources landscape.

Jill explains why company culture is so important.  It's not something you simply dictate  It starts with your very first hire. Also, are you hiring employees or contractors?  There are very specific legal rules around this, and you don't want to get in trouble with the IRS!

The average cost of an employment lawsuit in the US is $200,000.  That's why you need an HR person, even a contracted one, to help solve problems before they escalate.

Prior to COVID, employers were all about the perks - "Bagel Fridays," even one company that installed a two story slide!  But as Jill explains, that's not what employees are looking for in 2022.   They want good benefits, flexibility, and more.  Bagels on Fridays do not make up for a poor company culture.

Finally, Jill explains the services she offers her clients, as well as the resources available on her website, https://www.workeryconsulting.com/

Jon Gay from JAG in Detroit Podcasts - http://www.jagindetroit.com/

Trish Carruth from The Personal Jeweler - https://www.thepersonaljeweler.com/

Lisa Bibbee from Keller Williams - http://soldbylisab.com/

Andrea Arndt of Dickinson Wright - https://www.dickinson-wright.com/

Know a Chamber member that wants to be a guest on our show? Email us!  [email protected]

And if you'd like to know more about the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce, or join, find them here:  https://www.royaloakchamber.com/

Learn more about the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce: https://www.royaloakchamber.com/

Connect with our hosts:

Jon Gay from JAG in Detroit Podcasts - http://www.jagindetroit.com/

Lisa Bibbee from Century 21 Northland - http://soldbylisab.com/

The Michigan World War II Legacy Memorial is actually the official state memorial, and it will live right here in Royal Oak, in Memorial Park.  Groundbreaking is scheduled for April 7th.

Today, we are joined by Judy Maten from the project.  She explains how the idea was born out of the Michigan Honor Flight, used to bring World War II survivors to the national memorial in Washington, D.C. 

Fun fact: Former Royal Oak Chamber President Michael Gordon created the original design for this state-of-the-art, interactive memorial.

The exhibit will be interactive for visitors of all ages, and showcase how World War II was not just fought by soldiers around the world.  It took all of us, from Rosie the Riveter to children picking milkweed - and how that helped our troops.

Not only is the Memorial working closely with veterans organizations and but they are also working with educators across Michigan - to create lessons for kids that meet core curriculum standards.  It's important for all generations, present and future, to understand what happened 80 years ago. 

Judy does a great job of "walking us through" the Michigan World War II Legacy Memorial, and all its different interactive exhibits.  We also find out a little more about her.

More info:

Michigan World War II Legacy Memorial Website: https://michiganww2memorial.org/

Jon Gay from JAG in Detroit Podcasts - http://www.jagindetroit.com/

Trish Carruth from The Personal Jeweler - https://www.thepersonaljeweler.com/

Lisa Bibbee from Keller Williams - http://soldbylisab.com/

Andrea Arndt of Dickinson Wright - https://www.dickinson-wright.com/

Know a Chamber member that wants to be a guest on our show? Email us!  [email protected]

And if you'd like to know more about the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce, or join, find them here:  https://www.royaloakchamber.com/

Learn more about the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce: https://www.royaloakchamber.com/

Connect with our hosts:

Jon Gay from JAG in Detroit Podcasts - http://www.jagindetroit.com/

Lisa Bibbee from Century 21 Northland - http://soldbylisab.com/

The Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce has a great relationship with the city itself, and a big part of that is Todd Fenton, Deputy City Manager of Royal Oak.  Todd is our guest today.

We start by exploring looking at the ways the Chamber and the City really help each other serve the residents and businesses of our community.  Todd sees the Chamber as a huge asset.  Next, we start talking about the city itself.

Todd explains what his role is on the Planning Commission, and how they aim to bring businesses to Royal Oak as well as serve the ones that are here.  Community outreach is a big part of this.

What's happening with the old Hermann's bakery?  The answer will appeal to your sweet tooth!

Downtown Royal Oak used to be thought of as a 5pm-2am area, known primarily for its nightlife.  But since the pandemic, that's changing.  More businesses and restaurants are coming downtown, making it a busy area between 9am and 5pm as well.  And there are more bars and restaurants.  Todd jokes that Royal Oak has gone from a "$5 a pitcher town" to a "$5 a pint town."

But the downtown area isn't the only area expanding in Royal Oak - the Woodward Corridor is seeing growth as well - including the Woodward Corners area set up by Beaumont.

We also ask Todd about the $28 million that Royal Oak is receiving from the federal government through the American Rescue Plan Act - and how that money can be allocated.

And of course, we cover the hot topic in town - marijuana licenses.

Finally, we ask Todd a little bit about himself.  You might be surprised to hear what line of work he was in immediately after he graduated from the University of Michigan!

Additional Resources:

City of Royal Oak Website: https://romi.gov/

American Rescue Plan Act for Royal Oak: www.romi.gov/arpa

Todd's email:  [email protected]

Jon Gay from JAG in Detroit Podcasts - http://www.jagindetroit.com/

Trish Carruth from The Personal Jeweler - https://www.thepersonaljeweler.com/

Lisa Bibbee from Keller Williams - http://soldbylisab.com/

Andrea Arndt of Dickinson Wright - https://www.dickinson-wright.com/

And if you'd like to know more about the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce, or join, find them here:  https://www.royaloakchamber.com/

Learn more about the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce: https://www.royaloakchamber.com/

Connect with our hosts:

Jon Gay from JAG in Detroit Podcasts - http://www.jagindetroit.com/

Lisa Bibbee from Century 21 Northland - http://soldbylisab.com/

We've had some great guests so far on the ROCC Pod, but some of you  have asked to know more about our 4 co-hosts.  Today, we put Lisa Bibbee of Keller Williams Advantage in the hot seat, and pick her brain about the real estate market in 2022.

First, Lisa explains why real estate is such a hyper-local business and explains what the numbers have looked like specifcally in Royal Oak. And more generally speaking, buyers who weren't able to get new homes in 2021 may be making a move to do so in 2022.

Factors that go into how quickly you can sell a home include price point, condition, and marketing.  Lisa sets herself apart by using creative videos to showcase homes for her clients, including Andrea, whose Ferndale home she helped sell recently. (Link below). 

Lisa represents both buyers and sellers, and she shares some great tips on both sides.  For example, sellers can negotiate occupancy into a deal in case they are having trouble finding a new home.   Conversely, for buyers, even with the market and inflation high, it's still a great time to buy because you can make up the cost difference with low mortgage rates now, before they go up.  Also, what home repairs are necessary before selling your home?  Well, as Lisa explains, it depends.

Finally, we ask Lisa what the strangest thing she's seen in a house is.  Well...it's not exactly something she saw....

More:

Lisa's YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/soldbyLisaB

Lisa's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soldbylisab

Lisa's Website: https://soldbylisab.kw.com/

Lisa's Phone Number: 248-981-3610

Jon Gay from JAG in Detroit Podcasts - http://www.jagindetroit.com/

Trish Carruth from The Personal Jeweler - https://www.thepersonaljeweler.com/

Andrea Arndt of Dickinson Wright - https://www.dickinson-wright.com/

And if you'd like to know more about the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce, or join, find them here:  https://www.royaloakchamber.com/

If you're a member of the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce and would like to be a guest on our show, send us an email - [email protected].

Steampunk Video Lisa did for Andrea's house sale can be seen here.

Learn more about the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce: https://www.royaloakchamber.com/

Connect with our hosts:

Jon Gay from JAG in Detroit Podcasts - http://www.jagindetroit.com/

Lisa Bibbee from Century 21 Northland - http://soldbylisab.com/

Six and a half years ago, Michael Pesendorfer brought his 37 years of investment experience, and his  team at M3 Investment Services to Royal Oak. He says he's finally found a home here - both personally and professionally.  In fact, when we asked him where he likes to eat, he had a hard time choosing!

Michael started out of college working for a large investment firm, but learned that was not the best forum for him to provide the care and attention he felt his clients deserve.  We asked him about his process, the pride he takes growing the wealth of M3's clients, and his overall perspective and expectations for the market in 2022.   

And yes, we even asked him about Crypto.

Here's the link to the Drume artist Lisa spoke about.

Jon Gay from JAG in Detroit Podcasts - http://www.jagindetroit.com/

Trish Carruth from The Personal Jeweler - https://www.thepersonaljeweler.com/

Lisa Bibbee from Keller Williams - http://soldbylisab.com/

Andrea Arndt of Dickinson Wright - https://www.dickinson-wright.com/

And if you'd like to know more about the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce, or join, find them here:  https://www.royaloakchamber.com/

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed herein are those of Michael Pesendorfer and may or may not represent the views of Capital Analysts or Lincoln Investment. The material presented is provided for informational purposes only.  Advisory services offered through Capital Analysts or Lincoln Investment, Registered Investment Advisers. Securities offered through Lincoln Investment, Broker-Dealer, Member FINRA/SIPC www.lincolninvestment.com.  M3 Investment Services and the above firms are independent and non-affiliated.

Learn more about the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce: https://www.royaloakchamber.com/

Connect with our hosts:

Jon Gay from JAG in Detroit Podcasts - http://www.jagindetroit.com/

Lisa Bibbee from Century 21 Northland - http://soldbylisab.com/

Note: In the time between when we recorded this interview with Jeff and when we published the episode, Jeff left ERSI for another opportunity.  We have published this episode with his permission to explain the work that ERSI does.

Jeff Selik from Emergency Response Services Inc (ERSI), covering southeast Michigan to talk about the havoc that Michigan can wreak on homes - from water and fire damage to ice dams, downed trees, lost power, and more.

Jeff tells us about some really important do's (such as a monitoring system for your sump), and don'ts (like why you should not run down and grab all your stuff off the floor when the basement starts to flood).

We also talk a little bit about the insurance claims process, and what to do when the unthinkable happens.

More:
ERSI Website: https://877jobdone.com/

Phone Number: 877-JOB-DONE or 877-562-3663

Jon Gay from JAG in Detroit Podcasts - http://www.jagindetroit.com/

Trish Carruth from The Personal Jeweler - https://www.thepersonaljeweler.com/

Lisa Bibbee from Keller Williams - http://soldbylisab.com/

Andrea Arndt of Dickinson Wright - https://www.dickinson-wright.com/

And if you'd like to know more about the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce, or join, find them here:  https://www.royaloakchamber.com/

If you're a member of the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce and would like to be a guest on our show, send us an email - [email protected].

Learn more about the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce: https://www.royaloakchamber.com/

Connect with our hosts:

Jon Gay from JAG in Detroit Podcasts - http://www.jagindetroit.com/

Lisa Bibbee from Century 21 Northland - http://soldbylisab.com/

Today's guest is Peter Boyse of Boyse CPA.  With the new year here, there are many things you need to know about filing your 2021 taxes, so you don't leave any money on the table.  Peter Boyse of Boyse CPA joins us to explain, in laymen's terms, what all business owners need to know.  We cover

• Goal Setting
• Employee Retention Tax Credit
• The Differences between a CPA, and accountant, and a tax preparer
• What to look for when choosing any of the above
• COVID provisions for 2021 tax returns
• Stimulus Payments
• The Child Tax Credit - and why it could be the difference between getting the refund and owing the IRS money!
• How to check you information on the IRS website
• Business meals being 100% deductible in 2021?
• What to do now, with tax rates expected to go up in the near future

Finally, we get Peter to talk about his passion for biking, how it relates to his black eye, and what he does to maintain his sanity during the upcoming busy tax season.

More:

Peter Boyse, Boyse CPA: https://boysecpa.com/

Or call him at (248) 652-9900

Jon Gay from JAG in Detroit Podcasts - http://www.jagindetroit.com/

Trish Carruth from The Personal Jeweler - https://www.thepersonaljeweler.com/

Lisa Bibbee from Keller Williams - http://soldbylisab.com/

Andrea Arndt of Dickinson Wright - https://www.dickinson-wright.com/

And if you'd like to know more about the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce, or join, find them here:  https://www.royaloakchamber.com/

Learn more about the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce: https://www.royaloakchamber.com/

Connect with our hosts:

Jon Gay from JAG in Detroit Podcasts - http://www.jagindetroit.com/

Lisa Bibbee from Century 21 Northland - http://soldbylisab.com/

Ever since she was a little girl, Patt Trama has always been interested in writing.  She's won multiple awards for her work across many different genres.  Today, she sits down with Jon, Lisa, Trish, and Andrea to reflect on her journey.

Patt believes if a picture is worth a thousand words, you can take those thousand words and create a picture with them.  We talk about her writing style, her process, and how she's had to adapt her approach over the decades.   She's worked with the University of Windsor and Wayne State University.   And of course she's been a mainstay in Royal Oak, beginning with the city's first open mic night.  She's written about the city's 75th and 100th anniversaries, and even the Chamber of Commerce.   She takes us through some of her more interesting works, including some Christmas writing, just in time for the holidays.

More:

Patt's Word Art: https://www.pattswordart.com/

Jon Gay from JAG in Detroit Podcasts - http://www.jagindetroit.com/

Trish Carruth from The Personal Jeweler - https://www.thepersonaljeweler.com/

Lisa Bibbee from Keller Williams - http://soldbylisab.com/

Andrea Arndt of Dickinson Wright - https://www.dickinson-wright.com/

And if you'd like to know more about the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce, or join, find them here:  https://www.royaloakchamber.com/

Learn more about the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce: https://www.royaloakchamber.com/

Connect with our hosts:

Jon Gay from JAG in Detroit Podcasts - http://www.jagindetroit.com/

Lisa Bibbee from Century 21 Northland - http://soldbylisab.com/

Today's episode is a bit longer than usual, because there's a lot of important information in it.  Royal Oak Chamber member Kathleen Novetsky of AAA Insurance walks us through the recent changes to Michigan's No Fault Auto Insurance Laws, and what ramifications and choices now exist for you.

Kathleen also talks with Jon, Andrea, Lisa, and Trish about what she recommends for auto and homeowners coverage, when to make a claim, when not to make a claim, and what other insurance coverages she recommends.

Yes, your driving record can have a big effect on your insurance rates, but with new technology, how you drive can actually save you money as well.

We also cover AAA's roadside assistance program and other benefits that come with membership.

Resources:

Kathleen Novetsky, AAA: (248) 270-4350.  [email protected]

Jon Gay from JAG in Detroit Podcasts - http://www.jagindetroit.com/

Trish Carruth from The Personal Jeweler - https://www.thepersonaljeweler.com/

Lisa Bibbee from Keller Williams - http://soldbylisab.com/

Andrea Arndt of Dickinson Wright - https://www.dickinson-wright.com/

And if you'd like to know more about the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce, or join, find them here:  https://www.royaloakchamber.com/

Learn more about the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce: https://www.royaloakchamber.com/

Connect with our hosts:

Jon Gay from JAG in Detroit Podcasts - http://www.jagindetroit.com/

Lisa Bibbee from Century 21 Northland - http://soldbylisab.com/

Ken Aubuchon purchased the Namaste Yoga studio in Royal Oak right at the beginning of the pandemic.  While adapting to this new world was a new experience for him, the studio and yoga itself were not.  The previous owners of the oldest yoga studio in our community were mentors to him, and today, Ken walks us through the world of yoga.  He truly believes "you are your own guru."

Yoga is available for beginners as well as more seasoned yogis, and can offer help with everything from injury recovery, overall relaxation, and even prenatal care (as Trish can attest!)  And while you may experience some discomfort as you re-engage muscles, you should never feel sharp pain.  The instructors at Namaste check in with their clients regularly.

Finally, we ask Ken: If he could travel anywhere in the world, where would he go?  He tells us about a country that passed a lot making happiness more important than money.

For more on Namaste Yoga, you can visit their website at https://namaste-yoga.net/

Or call them at 248.399.YOGA (9642)

Ken mentioned a book on the Yoga Sutras.  Here's a link: https://www.amazon.com/Yoga-Sutras-Patanjali-Sacred-Teachings/dp/0609609599/

Jon Gay from JAG in Detroit Podcasts - http://www.jagindetroit.com/

Trish Carruth from The Personal Jeweler - https://www.thepersonaljeweler.com/

Lisa Bibbee from Keller Williams - http://soldbylisab.com/

Andrea Arndt of Dickinson Wright - https://www.dickinson-wright.com/

And if you'd like to know more about the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce, or join, find them here:  https://www.royaloakchamber.com/

Learn more about the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce: https://www.royaloakchamber.com/

Connect with our hosts:

Jon Gay from JAG in Detroit Podcasts - http://www.jagindetroit.com/

Lisa Bibbee from Century 21 Northland - http://soldbylisab.com/