The Small Business Association of Michigan's Small Business Weekly Podcast

On today's program, Michael Rogers talks with Sara Barco, owner of TRUE Self Consulting and a VIP member of the Small Business Association of Michigan. Barco, a self-described customer retention detective, helps small businesses, service providers, and teams identify where they're unintentionally losing customers and how to keep them engaged for the long haul. She stresses that retention is just as, if not more, important than attraction, calling it the hidden engine of business growth. "We all know that it costs far more to attract a new customer than to keep the ones that we already have," she says. "And yet, most businesses pour all of their energy into marketing and very little into what happens after the sale. When you retain customers well, you create consistency, referrals, and that brand trust that we all want to need. So, I hear a lot of people talk about referring to retention as that repeat revenue, which it is, and that's great. For me personally, it's also about building that community around the work that you're doing."

The Small Business Association of Michigan is the only statewide and state-based association that focuses solely on serving the needs of Michigan's small business community. We have been successfully serving small businesses like yours in all 83 counties of Michigan since 1969. We're located in Lansing, just one block from the Capitol.

Our mission is to help Michigan small businesses succeed by promoting entrepreneurship, leveraging buying power and engaging in political advocacy. When small businesses band together through the Small Business Association of Michigan, they achieve more than they could on their own.

Our 32,000 members are as diverse as Michigan's economy. From accountants to appliance stores, manufacturers to medical, and restaurants to retailers, what unites the SBAM membership is the spirit of entrepreneurship…a spirit that drove you to start and continue to operate your own business because you believe you can do something better than anyone else is doing it!

(music licensed from www.jukedeck.com)

On today's program, Michael Rogers talks with Zack Bishop, president of 4 Flutes Machining, recently honored as a member of the Michigan 50 Companies to Watch for 2025. The company primarily serves aerospace, defense and space industries, manufacturing components for high-value applications. Four Flutes Machining defies the "rust belt" stereotype by embracing a modern approach to manufacturing, succeeding in challenging markets, according to Bishop. Their strategic vision emphasizes diversification, which has driven impressive growth, with most of their manufacturing now serving out-of-state customers on the coasts. "There's a lot of opportunity out there," he says. "It's harder to get into markets than I think everyone is aware of but it's certainly brought us an enormous amount of success getting our foot in the door." Bishop is very optimistic about Michigan-based manufacturing, noting consistent growth, new opportunities and no slowdowns or layoffs

The Small Business Association of Michigan is the only statewide and state-based association that focuses solely on serving the needs of Michigan's small business community. We have been successfully serving small businesses like yours in all 83 counties of Michigan since 1969. We're located in Lansing, just one block from the Capitol.

Our mission is to help Michigan small businesses succeed by promoting entrepreneurship, leveraging buying power and engaging in political advocacy. When small businesses band together through the Small Business Association of Michigan, they achieve more than they could on their own.

Our 32,000 members are as diverse as Michigan's economy. From accountants to appliance stores, manufacturers to medical, and restaurants to retailers, what unites the SBAM membership is the spirit of entrepreneurship…a spirit that drove you to start and continue to operate your own business because you believe you can do something better than anyone else is doing it!

(music licensed from www.jukedeck.com)

On today's program, Michael Rogers talks with Rayanne and Lance Beaudry, the co-owners of Avalanche Creative, a company recently honored by being named to the Michigan 50 Companies to Watch list for 2025. Avalanche Creative is a marketing agency specializing deeply in search engine optimization (SEO), also building websites for strategic revenue outcomes from search engines and AI.

The Beaudrys discuss SEO's evolving role, noting that its principles benefit AI visibility. "Websites for businesses are still incredibly important for the moment of transaction," Lance says. "And you can influence your visibility as people learn about your business off platform, off of your website. Now on the email marketing side, I think email marketing, SMS marketing are even more important now because you own that list. If you get people to say, yeah, go ahead, email me, text me, it is incredible to own that and as long as you're not bothering them too much, you're keeping them engaged with your brand."

The Small Business Association of Michigan is the only statewide and state-based association that focuses solely on serving the needs of Michigan's small business community. We have been successfully serving small businesses like yours in all 83 counties of Michigan since 1969. We're located in Lansing, just one block from the Capitol.

Our mission is to help Michigan small businesses succeed by promoting entrepreneurship, leveraging buying power and engaging in political advocacy. When small businesses band together through the Small Business Association of Michigan, they achieve more than they could on their own.

Our 32,000 members are as diverse as Michigan's economy. From accountants to appliance stores, manufacturers to medical, and restaurants to retailers, what unites the SBAM membership is the spirit of entrepreneurship…a spirit that drove you to start and continue to operate your own business because you believe you can do something better than anyone else is doing it!

(music licensed from www.jukedeck.com)

On today's program, Michael talks with Sonny Anani, the president of Dynamic Glazing Systems, Inc., a company recently selected to the Michigan 50 Companies to Watch list for 2025. Dynamic Glazing is a commercial contracting firm based in Southeast Michigan. They handle anything involving glass or aluminum, including commercial facades, storefronts, curtain walls, glass railings, canopies, skylights, doors and mirrors.

The company has been in operation since 2005, starting as a family-owned business with Sunny's dad and two of his brothers. Anani notes that while family businesses can face challenges as they grow and differing opinions emerge, working through these issues with delegation and boundaries leads to success. "I have found that people that I talk to that are family businesses in the beginning it's very easy because everybody's on the same team, they're on the same page," he says. "They're walking to the beat of the same drum and they're willing to put in the extra hours."

The Small Business Association of Michigan is the only statewide and state-based association that focuses solely on serving the needs of Michigan's small business community. We have been successfully serving small businesses like yours in all 83 counties of Michigan since 1969. We're located in Lansing, just one block from the Capitol.

Our mission is to help Michigan small businesses succeed by promoting entrepreneurship, leveraging buying power and engaging in political advocacy. When small businesses band together through the Small Business Association of Michigan, they achieve more than they could on their own.

Our 32,000 members are as diverse as Michigan's economy. From accountants to appliance stores, manufacturers to medical, and restaurants to retailers, what unites the SBAM membership is the spirit of entrepreneurship…a spirit that drove you to start and continue to operate your own business because you believe you can do something better than anyone else is doing it!

(music licensed from www.jukedeck.com)

On today's program, Michael talks with Lisa Cooper, the founder and chief people officer for Cooper People Group, a company recently honored as a member of the Michigan 50 Companies to Watch for 2025. The business started four years ago by providing fractional HR services and support to organizations. Cooper People Group also focuses on workforce development and ensuring knowledge transfer and upskilling, using tools like Predictive Index. They have grown rapidly, serving about 175 clients across the Great Lakes and beyond, primarily in West Michigan. Cooper notes that small businesses face significant HR challenges, including finding, developing, and retaining talent, building a strong culture, and maintaining compliance, especially with evolving Michigan employment laws. She notes that most business owners didn't start their companies to be HR experts, and these are often the issues that keep them up at night. "We're all in the same storm," she says. "We have slightly different boats as we weather that storm".

The Small Business Association of Michigan is the only statewide and state-based association that focuses solely on serving the needs of Michigan's small business community. We have been successfully serving small businesses like yours in all 83 counties of Michigan since 1969. We're located in Lansing, just one block from the Capitol.

Our mission is to help Michigan small businesses succeed by promoting entrepreneurship, leveraging buying power and engaging in political advocacy. When small businesses band together through the Small Business Association of Michigan, they achieve more than they could on their own.

Our 32,000 members are as diverse as Michigan's economy. From accountants to appliance stores, manufacturers to medical, and restaurants to retailers, what unites the SBAM membership is the spirit of entrepreneurship…a spirit that drove you to start and continue to operate your own business because you believe you can do something better than anyone else is doing it!

(music licensed from www.jukedeck.com)

On today's program, Michael talks with Bob Sutherland, president of Cherry Republic, a company recognized as one of Michigan's great small business success stories. Cherry Republic is also a VIP member of the Small Business Association of Michigan. Cherry Republic's mission is to capture Michigan's greatest fruit, specifically the Montmorency red tart cherry, and transform it into various products. They deeply commit to this, aiming to capture the essence of Michigan in the design, appearance, and artwork of their stores. "You know, we've got a million trees in Leelanau County alone," he says. "And it's a really special fruit because it can go sweet, tart, savory, umami, that special Japanese word that's mouth rounding, spicy. So, it really goes with so many flavors, and it's one of those rare cherries that you can really cook with, but it also tastes great fresh."

The Small Business Association of Michigan is the only statewide and state-based association that focuses solely on serving the needs of Michigan's small business community. We have been successfully serving small businesses like yours in all 83 counties of Michigan since 1969. We're located in Lansing, just one block from the Capitol.

Our mission is to help Michigan small businesses succeed by promoting entrepreneurship, leveraging buying power and engaging in political advocacy. When small businesses band together through the Small Business Association of Michigan, they achieve more than they could on their own.

Our 32,000 members are as diverse as Michigan's economy. From accountants to appliance stores, manufacturers to medical, and restaurants to retailers, what unites the SBAM membership is the spirit of entrepreneurship…a spirit that drove you to start and continue to operate your own business because you believe you can do something better than anyone else is doing it!

(music licensed from www.jukedeck.com)

On today's program, Michael talks with Lori Rishard, the CEO of Edge Partnerships, recently recognized by Michigan Celebrate Small Business as a woman-owned Small Business of the Year. Edge Partnerships is a full-service marketing, PR, advertising, design, and event management business located in the heart of downtown Lansing. Established almost 18 years ago, they represent a diverse range of clients from state government to statewide trade associations and corporations. Their first client still remains a client today, which Lori feels speaks volumes about their relationships and how integrated they become with their clients, almost like family. "That's very heartening for me to be able to acknowledge that client who remains with us and many others for many many years in this changing world," she says. "Change is the only thing we have, the only constant in our lives and to have a stable, thriving business –I feel very blessed."

Discussing the challenges and rewards of being a business owner, Lori notes that while many small business owners today are driven by not wanting to work for someone else, her primary driver was to create an organization built on foundational values.

The Small Business Association of Michigan is the only statewide and state-based association that focuses solely on serving the needs of Michigan's small business community. We have been successfully serving small businesses like yours in all 83 counties of Michigan since 1969. We're located in Lansing, just one block from the Capitol.

Our mission is to help Michigan small businesses succeed by promoting entrepreneurship, leveraging buying power and engaging in political advocacy. When small businesses band together through the Small Business Association of Michigan, they achieve more than they could on their own.

Our 32,000 members are as diverse as Michigan's economy. From accountants to appliance stores, manufacturers to medical, and restaurants to retailers, what unites the SBAM membership is the spirit of entrepreneurship…a spirit that drove you to start and continue to operate your own business because you believe you can do something better than anyone else is doing it!

(music licensed from www.jukedeck.com)

On today's SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers talks with Dr. Lena Agree, licensed psychologist and VIP member of the Small Business Association of Michigan. Dr. Agree specializes in helping high-achieving individuals address underlying emotional suffering and patterns rooted in childhood attachment, utilizing her unique blend of skills, including her legal background, to offer logical and relatable insights. She highlights her concierge practice model, emphasizing direct communication, privacy, and a commitment to high-quality insurance-free care, and mentions her plans to expand her practice with new therapists.

The Small Business Association of Michigan is the only statewide and state-based association that focuses solely on serving the needs of Michigan's small business community. We have been successfully serving small businesses like yours in all 83 counties of Michigan since 1969. We're located in Lansing, just one block from the Capitol.

Our mission is to help Michigan small businesses succeed by promoting entrepreneurship, leveraging buying power and engaging in political advocacy. When small businesses band together through the Small Business Association of Michigan, they achieve more than they could on their own.

Our 32,000 members are as diverse as Michigan's economy. From accountants to appliance stores, manufacturers to medical, and restaurants to retailers, what unites the SBAM membership is the spirit of entrepreneurship…a spirit that drove you to start and continue to operate your own business because you believe you can do something better than anyone else is doing it!

(music licensed from www.jukedeck.com)

On today's SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers talks with Ehab Awad, Chief Operating Officer for Best Furniture Outlet in Lansing, an SBAM Elite Member. The large family-owned store is described as one of the biggest furniture stores in Michigan. He says Best Furniture Outlet differentiates itself by believing the community is the core of business and focuses on giving back beyond discounts. "On May 17 we're bringing in a car show with over 70 vehicles in collaboration with Capital City Muscle," he says. "And the best part of all we do support local businesses as well. So we're going to have 35 local vendors, new LLC's, new entrepreneurs."

The Small Business Association of Michigan is the only statewide and state-based association that focuses solely on serving the needs of Michigan's small business community. We have been successfully serving small businesses like yours in all 83 counties of Michigan since 1969. We're located in Lansing, just one block from the Capitol.

Our mission is to help Michigan small businesses succeed by promoting entrepreneurship, leveraging buying power and engaging in political advocacy. When small businesses band together through the Small Business Association of Michigan, they achieve more than they could on their own.

Our 32,000 members are as diverse as Michigan's economy. From accountants to appliance stores, manufacturers to medical, and restaurants to retailers, what unites the SBAM membership is the spirit of entrepreneurship…a spirit that drove you to start and continue to operate your own business because you believe you can do something better than anyone else is doing it!

(music licensed from www.jukedeck.com)

On today's SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers talks with Kalyan Rachakonda, owner of Transworld Business Advisors of Sterling Heights. He's a VIP member of the Small Business Association of Michigan. The firm helps business owners sell their businesses confidentially and at the best valuation, while also assisting buyers. Rachakonda says that despite economic uncertainty, deals are still happening, and financing is available, including SBA loans and seller financing, although lenders may be more selective. Planning to sell your business? He emphasizes that business owners should plan for an exit several years in advance, ideally three, to maximize returns and manage the process smoothly.

The Small Business Association of Michigan is the only statewide and state-based association that focuses solely on serving the needs of Michigan's small business community. We have been successfully serving small businesses like yours in all 83 counties of Michigan since 1969. We're located in Lansing, just one block from the Capitol.

Our mission is to help Michigan small businesses succeed by promoting entrepreneurship, leveraging buying power and engaging in political advocacy. When small businesses band together through the Small Business Association of Michigan, they achieve more than they could on their own.

Our 32,000 members are as diverse as Michigan's economy. From accountants to appliance stores, manufacturers to medical, and restaurants to retailers, what unites the SBAM membership is the spirit of entrepreneurship…a spirit that drove you to start and continue to operate your own business because you believe you can do something better than anyone else is doing it!

(music licensed from www.jukedeck.com)