What if the secret to spreading love was as simple as baking a pie?

In this episode, we visit Sweetie-Licious Bakery in DeWitt, Michigan, where Linda Hundt turned her passion for baking into a mission of joy and connection. From battling personal struggles to earning national acclaim, Linda’s story is proof that love can be baked into every bite. Join us as we uncover the heartwarming journey behind Sweetie-Licious and the legacy Linda is creating, one pie at a time.

What you'll discover in this episode:

• The life-changing moment that led Linda to embrace her calling.
• How Sweetie-Licious grew from a farmhouse porch to a nationally recognized bakery.
• The powerful connection between food, tradition, and community.

Tune in for a slice of inspiration, baked fresh from the heart!

Links:

Sweetie Licious Bakery Website: Click here

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Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@totalmichigan

Show Notes:

00:00 Introduction

01:24 Linda's Background and Education

03:57 The Love for Baking Begins

05:15 Family Influence and Early Baking Memories

12:50 The Turning Point: From Politics to Pies

18:06 Starting the Pie Business

19:44 Challenges and Triumphs

25:20 Legacy and Family

28:43 Connecting

30:43 Conclusion

Everywhere you look, there's a help wanted sign. Today we talk to Ben Rogers, the owner of Ziebart Automotive franchise in Bay City, Michigan. Rogers shares his journey from working in automotive service to running a successful franchise, emphasizing the importance of finding fulfillment and passion in work. He also discusses overcoming staffing challenges, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, by hiring special needs employees, which significantly boosted morale and productivity in his shop. Rogers attributes much of his success to answered prayers and community support, highlighting the value of perseverance and faith in business.

Links:

Ziebart in Bay City Website: Click here

Subscribe to our Email Newsletter: https://totalmichigan.com/join/

Find us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/totalmichigan

Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@totalmichigan

Show Notes:

00:00 Introduction

00:26 Michigan's Employment Challenges

03:03 Ben's Background and Passion for Automotives

03:43 Starting the Business with Family

11:43 The Importance of Fulfillment

14:48 Challenges and Growth

20:16 Finding Good Help

23:58 Faith and Community Support

27:36 Impact and Future Outlook

29:08 Conclusion

Curious how someone with no management experience took over a family-owned bar and turned it into a successful restaurant? In this episode of Total Michigan, Cliff DuVernois sits down with Cathy Howell, the owner of The Wicked Sister in Sault Ste. Marie, to discuss her journey from waiting tables to owning a bustling restaurant. Cathy shares the challenges she faced, the strategies she implemented, and the importance of community in her business.

Key topics include:

• Cathy's background and initial lack of management experience
• The evolution of The Wicked Sister's menu and the decision to add a kitchen
• The restaurant's focus on community engagement and developing a loyal local customer base.

Links:

Subscribe to our Email Newsletter: https://totalmichigan.com/join/

Find us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/totalmichigan

Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@totalmichigan

Show Notes:

00:00 Starting with No Experience

00:23 Welcome to Total Michigan

00:50 Meet Cathy Howell

00:59 Cathy's Early Life and Career

02:19 Falling in Love with the Restaurant Business

03:06 The Birth of the Wicked Sister

04:42 Building a Successful Restaurant

06:58 Creating a Unique Menu

12:39 Hiring a Chef and Growing the Business

18:39 Focusing on Local Customers

20:36 Community Involvement and Events

23:09 Signature Dishes and Final Thoughts

How important is local art to a community?  Michele Leclaire, the Executive Director of Buckham Gallery in Flint, Michigan, discusses the 41-year history of the gallery, its mission to enrich the community through contemporary art, and her personal journey from Orlando to Flint.

Key highlights include:

- The founding of Buckham Gallery by local artists in 1984 to create a supportive artistic community and showcase innovative contemporary art.

- Michele's background in art, her move from Orlando to Philadelphia for art school, and eventually settling in Flint with her artist husband.

- The annual 'Build Your Own Collection' event and other initiatives that support local artists and engage the community.

Links:

Buckham Gallery Website:  https://www.buckhamgallery.org

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/buckham-gallery/

Subscribe to our Email Newsletter: https://totalmichigan.com/join/

Find us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/totalmichigan

Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@totalmichigan

Address:

121 W Second Street

Flint, MI 48502

810-239-6233

Show Notes:

00:00 Introduction to Buckham Gallery

02:08 Michele's Background and Journey

06:33 The Founding of Buckham Gallery

09:14 Challenges and Growth

17:39 Current and Upcoming Events

21:23 Visiting Buckham Gallery

24:58 Conclusion

How does a stay at home mom turn into a chocolate entrepreneur?  Michelle Daniels founded Homemade Chocolates by Michelle in Flint Township. Michelle shares her transformative journey from being a stay-at-home mom and part-time dental hygienist to becoming an entrepreneur after her husband's death. 

We discuss: 

• the emotional and financial challenges she faced
• the pivotal moments and people who helped her
• the unique aspects of her chocolate business that make it a beloved local staple.

Links:

Homemade Chocoltes by Michelle Website: https://www.michelleschocolate.com

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/HMCbyMichelle

Subscribe to our Email Newsletter: https://totalmichigan.com/join/

Find us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/totalmichigan

Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@totalmichigan

Show Notes:

00:00 A Life-Changing Encounter

00:52 Meet Michelle Daniels

02:28 Overcoming Adversity

03:08 From Hobby to Business

09:51 The Bereavement Trays

15:02 Expanding the Business

16:47 Negotiating and Expanding the Business

17:14 Realizing the Business Potential

18:22 Support from Unexpected Angels

24:14 Custom Orders and Special Occasions

27:21 Connecting with Customers

30:02 Final Thoughts and Inspiration

Deborah Tacoma, the inventor of the Freedom Wand. Discover how a car accident and a personal need for better hygiene solutions led Deborah to design a multifunctional tool that has changed lives worldwide. From her humble beginnings in Holland, Michigan, to international distribution, hear Deborah's inspiring story of innovation, faith, and determination.

We discuss:

• How did a bathroom hygiene product take Deborah from her basement workshop to international markets?
• Learn about the creation and impact of the Freedom Wand, a lifesaving tool for individuals with limited mobility and obesity.
• Explore Deborah's journey, including the challenges of patenting, manufacturing, and marketing her invention.

Links:

Freedom Wand Website: https://freedomwand.com/

Subscribe to our Email Newsletter: https://totalmichigan.com/join/

Find us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/totalmichigan

Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@totalmichigan

Show Notes:

00:00 Introduction

02:35 Deborah's Background and Life Story

03:25 The Accident and Its Aftermath

05:36 Creating the Freedom Wand

13:36 Manufacturing and Market Entry

17:10 Product Features and Extensions

21:05 Marketing and Success Stories

24:52 Conclusion and Contact Information

More Michigan Magic with Mooville. Eric Westendorp of Mooville, uncovers the evolution of their on-farm creamery and the family's journey from dairy farming to producing award-winning ice cream. Eric shares insights on the challenges of family business dynamics, the unique qualities of their 'Creamline' milk, and their commitment to preserving a farm-to-table experience. Tune in to hear how Mooville has become a staple in Michigan's dairy industry, blending tradition with innovation.

Links:

Moo-ville Website: https://www.moo-ville.com/

Moo-ville Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MOOville

Show Notes:

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage

00:21 Welcome to Total Michigan

00:53 Meet Eric Westendorp of Moo-ville

01:15 The Origins of Moo-ville

02:39 What is Moo-ville Today?

06:55 The Ice Cream Journey

14:10 Challenges and Family Dynamics

17:20 Community Engagement and Faith

18:18 Production and Popularity

23:41 Where to Find Moo-ville Products

Dive into the world of Last Level, a unique game bar set up with a nostalgic retro theme. Host Cliff DuVernois interviews Ed McNulty, owner of Last Level in Fenton, Michigan, as they explore the concept behind combining classic arcade gaming with console gaming and social activities. Discover how Ed transitioned from a law enforcement career to owning a game bar, and learn about the challenges and triumphs of maintaining a diverse entertainment venue.

Links:

Last Level Website: https://www.lastlevelfenton.com/

Subscribe to our Email Newsletter: https://totalmichigan.com/join/

Find us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/totalmichigan

Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@totalmichigan

Address:

14281 N. Fenton Rd 

Fenton MI 48430

Show Notes:

00:00 Introduction and Childhood Memories

00:44 Discovering Last Level

01:12 What is a Game Bar?

02:37 The Evolution of Gaming

05:10 Ed's Background and Career

06:08 From Police Officer to Entrepreneur

07:19 Opening the Ninja Warrior Gym

07:54 Adapting to COVID Challenges

09:56 Building Last Level

21:35 The Unique Pricing Model

23:58 Creating a Social Gaming Space

26:32 Connecting and Farewell

What is Radical Hospitality? Leona Sullivan and Amy Bartels Roe from Mustard Seed Shelter discuss the founding and mission of Mustard Seed Shelter, which provides a home for women and children experiencing homelessness in Saginaw. The episode delves into the unique, compassionate approach of the shelter, the support they receive from the community, and the specific programs they offer to help guests transition to stable, independent living. Additionally, details are shared about an upcoming fundraising concert by Stone Street Revival to support the shelter.

Links:

Mustard Seed Shelter Website: https://themustardseedshelter.org/

Show Notes:

00:00 Introduction and Trigger Warning

00:27 Personal Story of Loss and Struggle

04:14 Founding of Mustard Seed

07:44 Challenges and Early Days

08:29 Amy's Journey with Mustard Seed

10:51 Unique Approach and Community Support

17:17 Future Plans and Community Involvement

23:47 Upcoming Concert and Final Thoughts

What kind of passion goes into a really god cup of coffee? Rodney Hensley, owner of Sozo Coffee in Ionia, Michigan. Rodney shares his journey from being a traveling musician to starting a coffee roasting company 18 years ago with his wife.

In this episode, we cover:

• The importance of building direct relationships with coffee farmers.
• Ensuring fair compensation, and the commitment to quality in every cup.
• Insights into the best methods for brewing coffee at home to achieve an exceptional coffee experience.

Links:

Sozo Coffee: https://www.sozocoffee.com/

Sozo Coffee FB: https://www.facebook.com/sozocoffeeroasting/

Sozo Coffee IG: https://www.instagram.com/sozocoffee/

Subscribe to our Email Newsletter: https://totalmichigan.com/join/

Find us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/totalmichigan

Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@totalmichigan

Show Notes:

00:00 Supporting Farmers and Communities

03:06 The Journey to Starting Sozo Coffee

04:52 From Hobby to Business

07:06 Life Before Sozo Coffee

15:52 The Importance of Direct Trade

23:24 Brewing the Perfect Cup at Home

27:38 Where to Find Sozo Coffee

28:29 Conclusion and Farewell