Total Michigan

Adria Shook, owner of Grooming with Adria, shares her amazing story of growing up on a beef farm to becoming a successful dog groomer.

Key points include:

- The influence of her entrepreneurial stepdad and community support in her business journey.

- Strategies for managing customer expectations and handling anxious dogs.

- The use of technology and future plans for expanding her business into a comprehensive pet care facility.

Links:

Grooming with Adria Website: https://www.groomingwithadria.com/

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

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 The Science Behind a Perfect Haircut

00:17 Introducing Adria Shook and Grooming with Adria

01:26 Adria's Journey: From College to Grooming

02:38 Starting the Business: Challenges and Successes

05:11 The Rapid Growth of Grooming with Adria

10:04 Navigating Client Expectations and Policies

13:24 Finding the Perfect Location for the Business

15:26 Unexpected Business Boom

15:43 Training and Expanding the Team

16:41 Handling Anxious Dogs

19:24 Grooming Tips for Different Breeds

24:03 The Role of Technology in Grooming

25:58 Future Plans and Business Growth

28:01 Support from the Tribe

28:42 Contact and Closing Remarks

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Meet a real life, underwater Indiana Jones! Tom Farnquist, director emeritus of the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society, shares stories of his passion for underwater exploration and the role of the society in discovering and preserving shipwrecks in the Great Lakes. He shares the challenges and stories behind finding significant shipwrecks like the Edmund Fitzgerald and elaborates on the importance of historical research and technology in his work.

Links:

Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society: https://shipwreckmuseum.com/

Show Notes:

00:00 A Diver's Close Call

00:26 Welcome to Total Michigan

00:53 Introducing Tom Farnquist

01:20 The Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society

02:41 Tom's Early Life and Diving Passion

04:09 Diving Adventures and Challenges

08:26 Forming the Shipwreck Historical Society

14:31 Finding Shipwrecks: The Process

21:26 The Edmund Fitzgerald Connection

23:30 Exploring the Historical Society

25:42 Conclusion and Farewell

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Want does it take to transform ordinary into extraordinary? Meet Josh and Angela Fields, who run the Fields Farm and Garden in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. The couple shares their amazing journey including Josh's career in the Coast Guard, which took them across the U.S., and their eventual decision to settle in Michigan's Upper Peninsula to start a new chapter. They describe embracing the local community spirit and discuss their Full Moon Market events, which have grown to host numerous vendors and attract hundreds of visitors, fostering a sense of community and supporting local businesses.

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089971741318

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 Wild Start

00:55 Meet Josh and Angela Fields

01:40 Josh's Coast Guard Journey

03:16 Angela's Background and Meeting Josh

05:54 Settling in Sault Ste. Marie

09:43 Starting Fields Farm and Garden

12:15 Challenges and Community Support

17:00 Full Moon Market

17:44 Event Attendance and Logistics

18:26 The Origin of the Idea

19:11 First Event and Initial Challenges

20:45 Vendor and Food Truck Struggles

24:07 Growing Popularity and Success

27:44 Future Plans and Vision

30:29 Contact and Closing Remarks

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What lengths do you go through to find meaning in your work? Ben Coughlin, the front house manager of Bayne's Apple Valley in Freeland, Michigan. Ben shares the journey of his family buying and transforming the longstanding apple orchard into a thriving community spot that offers more than just apple products, including a live music venue, full-service bar, and a restaurant. The episode explores the challenges they faced, the extensive efforts to revamp the space, and the focus on creating memorable, experiential visits for all guests.

Links:

Bayne's Apple Valley Website: https://www.baynesapplevalley.com/

Bayne's Apple Valley Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BaynesAppleValley/

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 and Personal Story

00:27 Welcome to Total Michigan

00:37 Exploring Bayne's Apple Valley

01:22 The Evolution of Bayne's Apple Valley

04:46 Family's Journey and Vision

09:39 Challenges and Changes

12:40 Creating a Unique Experience

26:20 Upcoming Events and Community Impact

29:15 Conclusion and Contact Information

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What does it take to run a top Michigan Apple Cider Destination? Meet Allan Robinette of Robinette's Apple Haus and Winery. Allan shares insights into the time sacrifices and challenges of managing a farm and business, the history of his family's farm since 1911, and the diversification strategies that have helped the business thrive, including adding a winery and various agritourism activities.

Links:

Robinette's Website: https://robinettes.com/

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robinettesapplehaus/

Address:

3142 4 Mile Rd NE

Grand Rapids, MI 49525

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

01:00 Meet Allan Robinette

02:38 The History of Robinette's Apple Haus

07:01 Challenges of Farming and Business Management

08:27 Retail Transformation and Diversification

10:21 Year-Round Operations and Customer Engagement

17:54 Expanding Offerings: Wine, Hard Cider, and More

20:23 U-Pick and Seasonal Activities

27:58 Conclusion and Contact Information

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Where do you go to get some great cider? Look no further than Uncle John's Cider Mill. Mike Beck, co-owner of Uncle John's Cider Mill in St. Johns, Michigan. Mike shares the history and transformation of the family farm from a wholesale apple producer to a retail destination featuring apple cider, hard cider, and various family activities. He also discusses the impact of changing consumer habits, the expansion of the farm into a major attraction with events and amenities, and the challenges and rewards of maintaining the business through generations.

Address:

8614 US-127

St Johns, MI 48879

Links:

Uncle John's Cider Mill Website: https://www.ujcidermill.com/

Uncle John's Cider Mill Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UJCiderMill/

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 The Changing Apple Market in the 60s and 70s

00:32 Introduction to Total Michigan and Uncle John's Cider Mill

01:12 Meet Mike Beck: Fifth Generation Farmer

02:23 The History of Uncle John's Cider Mill

07:26 Expanding the Farm: From Cider to Amusement Park

09:42 The Rise of Hard Cider

11:23 Managing the Seasonal Rush

17:52 Community Engagement and Events

19:28 The Famous Corn Maze

22:32 Award-Winning Cider and Hard Cider

24:52 Visiting Uncle John's Cider Mill

25:44 Conclusion and Contact Information

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What can one person do? Meet Dean O'Brien, founder of Yooper Do-Gooders. He shares the divinely inspired story about a nonprofit that emphasizes neighbors helping neighbors. Dean discusses growing up in a tight-knit community, his journey to starting Yooper Do-Gooders, and how it has grown to involve thousands of members. He shares stories of various community programs, such as 'Shop with a Cop' and providing food assistance, and highlights the importance of community involvement and divine inspiration in driving the group's success.

Links:

Join Yooper Do-Gooders: https://www.facebook.com/groups/593876801343442

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

00:23 Meet Dean O'Brien: Founder of Yooper Do-Gooders

01:04 Dean's Background and Upbringing

02:32 The Birth of Yooper Do-Gooders

04:45 The Facebook Group and Its Impact

07:45 Challenges and Lessons Learned

12:13 Community Programs and Initiatives

16:20 The Nonprofit Journey

17:38 Collaborations and Future Plans

20:27 Heartwarming Stories and Miracles

24:55 How to Get Involved

Beth Thieme, President and CEO of Amigo Mobility International, shares the inspiring origin story of Amigo Mobility, how Beth transitioned from nursing to business, and the significant challenges and achievements the company has faced over the years. The episode also delves into the importance of having a visionary leader like Al Thieme, the development of new business avenues, and the company's mission to improve lives through mobility.

Links:

Amigo Mobility's Website: https://www.myamigo.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

Sponsor:

Stevens Center for Family Business: http://svsu.edu/scfb

Casey Stevens Contact Information: 989-964-2776

Show Notes:

00:00 Introduction

00:25 Meet Beth Thieme: Early Life and Career

02:15 The Birth of Amigo Mobility

04:15 Challenges and Growth

07:57 Overcoming Financial Struggles

17:57 Diversification and Innovation

24:36 Vision for the Future

25:42 How to connect with Amigo Mobility

Youth pastor to frog mogul? That's the path Josh Willard, CEO and founder of Josh's Frogs, an online retailer of reptile and amphibian products. Josh shares his journey from a youth ministry pastor to a successful entrepreneur who turned his hobby into a multi-million-dollar business. The discussion covers Josh's unique business start, his ethical approach to animal trading, and his company's significant growth and impact on the exotic pet industry.

Link:

Josh's Frogs: https://joshsfrogs.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 A Tough Start: Losing a Job and Facing Uncertainty

01:10 Meet Josh Willard: From Youth Ministry to Frog Enthusiast

01:59 From Pastor to Frog Seller: The Unexpected Career Shift

02:54 Building a Business from a Hobby

04:20 The Leap to Entrepreneurship: Risks and Rewards

05:43 Overcoming Financial Hurdles: The Birth of Josh's Frogs

10:58 The First Steps: Launching the Website and Early Sales

13:03 Explosive Growth: From Hobby to Multi-Million Dollar Business

15:54 Building a Team and Expanding the Business

16:52 Ethical and Sustainable Practices

17:20 Conservation Partnerships

17:55 Innovative Online Retail Strategy

18:57 Challenges of Captive Breeding

21:06 Decision to Stay Online

22:42 Expanding into New Species

24:06 Unique Hiring Practices

27:15 Navigating Legal and Regulatory Challenges

33:04 Conclusion and Contact Information

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Raising a child with special needs takes a special kind of love. Leasa Androl, the CEO and founder of Spectrum Autism Center shares her personal journey of discovering her son's autism and the subsequent struggles she faced in finding adequate resources. Driven by a passion to help other families, she pursued a degree in psychology and started her own center to provide ABA therapy for children with autism. The episode delves into the challenges and triumphs of opening multiple centers, the impact of legislative changes on autism services, and the future of her organization.

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 Ep 109 Leasa Androl

03:23 When Leasa realized her son was different

09:43 The Search for Family Resources

12:23 Why would God allow this? Depression sets in.

15:28 Hope: Aiden responds to this treatment

19:49 The Journey to Certification

22:21 What is the Autism Manadate

24:40 A Touch Choice is Made

28:56 Confronting Possible Failure

32:32 Growing Pains

34:13 What do Families say about ABA therapy

36:07 How ABA Therapy has changed

38:43 Advice to parents about ABA therapy

41:05 What the Future holds for Spectrum Autism Center

43:21 Resources for Families

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