On today’s SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers talks with Lillian Werbin, CEO of Elderly Instruments in Lansing. They sell and repair stringed and fretted musical instruments. Recently named to the list of Michigan 50 Companies to Watch, they have grown to 40 employees and a 36,000 square foot facility. She emphasizes the importance of human interaction in business and the strategic use of AI to support staff. “We use AI a little bit, mostly to de-hassle our staff rather than replace them,” she says. “I think in general, AI is best utilized with a human touch. So that's kind of how we focused on using it.”

She remains active in community music programs and encourages customers to shop online at Elderly.com, highlighting the company's 40 dedicated employees.

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)