Michelle Armstrong of TAG Multimedia is at the forefront of internet technology - and sees where the digital landscape is going next.

In today's episode, Michelle explains how TAG creates digital versions of small businesses and their owners.  This allows your potential customers to interact with you online.  Not only does it free you up to run your business, but it provides an additional layer of safety for those who are still wary of COVID-19.

Michelle explains the differences between this "augmented reality" and virtual reality technologies, and the fact that we are used to interacting in two dimensions but can now interact in 3D.

Not only is this technology now available for small business owners, but it can provide an amazing skill for students to learn, no matter what career field they pursue.

Additional Resources:

TAG Multimedia: https://tagmultimedia.net/ 

(248) 571-4991.  Michelle'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/

Michele Prudhome is the President and principal percussionist of the Royal Oak Symphony Orchestra.  She sat down with us to talk about the symphony, its background, and her own musical background.

We talk about what you can expect at a concert, how that's changed over the years, and plans for their big holiday show coming up in December.

Resources:

Royal Oak Symphony Orchestra Website: http://royaloakorchestra.org/

Royal Oak Symphony Orchestra Phone Number: 248-549-0262

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/

Justine Bennett cares about animals and the environment.  With a background in nutrition and food science, she used spent grain from her fiancé's home brewing to create treats for her dog, Oliver.  Soon, she wasn't just making Oliver's Beer Biscuits. She started Oliver's Foundation to help end pet homelessness.

Justine joins us today to talk about the many groups she works with to help provide better lives for pets - and their people.  We talk about COVID's influence on our four-legged friends, and what challenges the pandemic created -and exacerbated.  There's also outreach for underserved communities that may be less trustful of government organizations.

Oliver's Foundation has a number of events and programs geared toward helping animals in our community.  We discuss those, new product lines for Oliver's Beer Biscuits and River's Rescue Treats, and even have a brief chat about the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

Resources:

Oliver's Foundation (and resources!): https://www.oliversfoundation.org/

Oliver's Beer Biscuits: https://www.oliversbeerbiscuits.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/

How does an engineer-by-trade end up running a successful framing shop out of her home in Huntington Woods?  We find out today on the ROCC Pod, with guest Jill Plamper of Distinctive Framing.

Jill tells us about the flexibility her business allows for in scheduling clients, and understanding that if a client wants something framed, it has significant value to them.   We talk about the process of client concept to finished product, and the various steps along the way.  There are differences in wood, French lining, shadow boxes, museum glass, and more.

With the holidays approaching, we ask Jill about some of her favorite client projects from the last several years, as well as ideas on how to create a one-of-a-kind gift for someone special.

Find out more:

Distinctive Framing Website: https://distinctiveframing.com/

Call Jill at 248-252-8396

Email Jill: [email protected]

Distinctive Framing Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/DistinctiveFramingLLC/

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 figured that after 13 great Royal Oak Chamber guests, we should take an episode to go straight to the source - the Chamber itself.  Executive Director Shelly Kemp joins us today.

We hear about Shelly's background - what made her unique in Key West, and how an earthquake brought her home from California.

We also learn about the Chamber, its wonderful staff, and why it's sometimes considered the "sherpa" of Royal Oak - going above and beyond for residents.

Shelly walks us through the different networking groups within the Chamber, including the Business Women's Network, the ALPHA and ROYAL groups, TAC, and the new walking club. There truly is a group for everyone.

The Chamber has three big annual events - Art of Fire, Royal Oak in Bloom, and Barktoberfest - and Shelly teases a potential fourth event for 2022.

Most importantly, the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce exists to help local  businesses - through ribbon cuttings, the Monday Morning Memo, social media support, and so much more. 

Now in its 100th year (just like Royal Oak itself), we talk about some anniversary events planned, and of course the upcoming Holiday Soiree.

Finally, you don't have to live or work in Royal Oak to be a Chamber member.  In fact, one of our hosts now lives out of state.  Can you guess which one?

Resources:

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/

After losing their 2020-2021 season to the pandemic, Stagecrafters is returning to Royal Oak and about to start this year's schedule.  Today, we are joined by marketing manager Erin McKay.

After learning about Erin's background, we jump into the 2021 schedule, which opens with "Don't Drink The Water" September 17th.  We also discuss the season's other shows, including Cinderella, A Midsummer Night's Dream, and Nine to Five.

Not only do the amazing volunteers at Stagecrafters put on high quality entertainment, they are also heavily involved with local businesses and nonprofit organizations - we learn more about that.

And we can't let Erin go without asking her for some behind the scenes details.  Is there really a ghost in the theater?

Resources:

Stagecrafters Website: https://www.stagecrafters.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/

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/

Kurt Pfister has quite a life story, spanning a radius of 5,000 miles.  He was born in Miami, moved to Detroit as a kid, and left to go to school at the University of Hawaii.  

Kurt tells us how a hobby of creating T-shirts  became his full time career, how he kept white t-shirts white while living with college students, and why on Earth he left Hawaii weather for Michigan's.

Once he came back to Michigan, Kurt created shirts and more for some very profile entities, including Bob Seger, the Red Wings in their glory days, and more.  He shares some stories of waiting for the final horn, and how quickly large quantities needed to be produced.

Today, Kurt's Kustom Promotions also works with many local  businesses to provide promotional items for all times of organizations, causes, and events.

Resources:

Kurt's Kustom Promotions on the web: https://kurtskustom.biz/

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/

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Light The Night is back in person this year!  Anne Bradley of LLS joins us today to talk about the many ways to get involved.  The event will be September 30th in Hart Plaza (with a virtual component for those who are more comfortable).  Anne walks us through the return of this amazing event.

All of us know someone touched by cancer.  Thanks to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's work, blood cancer survival rates have gone from 3% in the 1960's to between 80 and 90 percent today. Also, LLS has been involved in funding 40% of drugs in these areas.  Obviously, to continue this work, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society needs to raise money.

Anne tells us about all the different ways to raise money for Light The Night, including challenges for executives and young professionals.  She also mentions some great perks for the winners of these competitions - you'll want to hear this.

We also spend some time discussing resources provided by LLS - Andrea has participated in webinars for patients and supporters.  We preview more to come.

Finally, we get to know Anne, a true Renaissance woman.  In addition to her fundraising work, she's a vocalist for a punk rock band, a gardener, and a fitness instructor.

More info:

Light The Night Detroit: https://www.lightthenight.org/events/detroit

Leukemia and Lymphoma Society: https://lls.org/

Anne's Band, The Lowcocks, on BandCamp: https://thelowcocks.bandcamp.com/

Anne's Fat Fit Punk: Fat Positive, Health Focused, Exercise for Misfits https://fatfitpunk.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/

With so much change and upheaval in the workforce since the start of the pandemic, we needed to turn to an expert.  Today we welcome Angela Buccellato of the Resume Rescue to cover all aspects of job seeking!

Angela says when you're job hunting, to avoid the "spray and pray" approach.  And she explains how to be more targeted with your search.   Part of this is networking - LinkedIn, alumni networks, you name it.

We then had to ask her a follow up question -  namely, when do you follow up after a job interview?   

There's a debate on direct hires versus using recruiters, so we wanted Angela's thoughts on that.

By now, we should all know that social media posts can sink your job prospects, but you'd be surprised who is still learning that!

What exactly has the pandemic done to the workforce, and what will it look like going forward?  Angela's answers may surprise you.

More info:

The Resume Rescue Website: https://theresumerescue.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/

Matt Lifter has been working with cars ever since doing detailing work in high school.   He actually had to tow a customer's vehicle just prior to our scheduled interview, so he joined us from the road.

Matt takes us through his journey from the music business back to cars, his founding of Motor City Auto Spa, and some of the more exotic vehicles he's seen, worked on, and even owned!

We cover everything from auto detailing, how to battle the damage done by Michigan winters, the details of window tinting, exotic paint schemes, and of course, the craziness of the Woodward Dream Cruise (Spoiler alert: if you haven't already booked an appointment, you may be too late.)

More:

Motor City Auto Spa Website: https://motorcityautospa.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/