Cliff DuVernois engages in a delicious and enlightening chat with Amy Ruis, a Michigander who has turned her passion for food into thriving businesses - Aperitivo and Art of the Table. They discuss the unique joys and challenges that come with running a gourmet store and the importance of providing diverse, high-quality products for customers.

In this episode, Amy discusses

• How to approach trying new things
• Making the experience of new cheeses fun
• What you can expect at Aperitivo

Show Notes:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

01:06 The Story of Aperitivo

01:41 Amy's Journey to Grand Rapids

02:53 The Birth of Art of the Table

04:05 Why Retail? Amy's Love for the Business

05:14 The Evolution of Art of the Table

08:00 The Creation of Aperitivo

09:42 The Art of Cheese and Wine

11:18 Educating Customers and Staff

15:14 Overcoming Challenges in Business

15:32 The Struggles of Running a Business Solo

18:39 Exploring the Cheese Shop Experience

18:54 The Art of Choosing and Tasting Cheese

21:34 The Unique Wine Collection at Aperitivo

23:01 Cheese Recommendations and Where to Find Us

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Cindy Schneider, the owner of Beacon Corner Bar in Grand Rapids, Michigan, shares her journey from a teaching degree to the restaurant business, owning popular restaurants like Sanchez and Rome by Sanchez. She explains how the concept of Beacon Corner Bar developed, offering the Grand Rapids area an enjoyable seafood dining in a casual ambiance. The conversation further details the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, sourcing and maintaining the quality of seafood, and their menu, including signature dishes like walleye bites, seafood boils, lobster rolls, among others. Her restaurant also offers extensive mocktails, cocktails, and wine menu to overlay the diverse palate of customers.

Links:

Beacon Corner Bar Website (Click here)

Beacon Corner Bar Facebook (Click here)

San Chez Tapas Bistro Bar (Click here)

Address:

38 Fulton St W, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

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This script is an interview between Cliff Duvernois, the host of 'total Michigan,' and Bernie Arbic, a board member at the Chippewa County Historical Society (CCHS). Topics discussed include the significance of historical preservation, the role of the CCHS, particularly in relation to Sault Ste. Marie's history, Bernie's personal interest in historical photography, and a detailed explanation about the CCHS's unique model railroad display. Other topics covered include Sault Ste. Marie's past industries, military history and Bernie's story about the Mackinac Bridge. Lastly, Bernie shares the ways for people to get involved or visit the CCHS.

Links:

Chippewa County Historical Society of Michigan Website (Click here)

CCHS Facebook Page (Click here)

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In this episode, we hear the fascinating journey of Hausbeck Pickles and Peppers, a family business that went from humble beginnings to playing on an international stage. The interview with the president and CEO of Hausbeck Pickles and Peppers, Tim Hausbeck, takes us through his early life, education, and the decision to join the family business. He talks about the challenges the company faced, their growth journey, and their transition from supplying local grocery stores to becoming a major supplier of Burger King, Subway, and other fast food chains.

Today, they ship out around 60 semis a week to Canada and the U.S, and their pickles are a part of over a billion meals a year. Tim also shares his business philosophy, giving insights into his leadership style. Finally, he talks about his proudest moments in the company.

Show notes:

00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Acknowledgement

01:19 Getting to Know Tim Hausbeck

03:56 The History of Hausbeck Pickles and Peppers

06:29 Challenges and Growth of the Family Business

07:28 Transition of Leadership in the Family Business

08:26 Tim's Journey into the Family Business

09:49 The Growth and Expansion of Hausbeck Pickles

13:02 The Journey of Landing Major Fast Food Chains

19:00 The Challenges of Expansion and Growth

22:36 The Decision to Stay in Saginaw

23:48 Tim's Ascension to President and CEO

Links:

Hausbeck Pickles and Peppers Website: https://hausbeck.com

Sponsor:

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

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The script is a conversation between the host, Cliff Duvernois, and Carri Bradley, a board member and co-chair of the I-500 snowmobile race in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. They discuss Carri's involvement with the race, the history and significance of the I-500, the events and activities during race week, and the experience of watching and participating in the race. Carri also talks about the community involvement and volunteers needed for the event.

Links:

https://i-500.com/

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In this episode of Total Michigan, host Cliff DuVernois talks to Erica Hammel McLaughlin, the woman behind Wyatt's Law, a preventive measure aimed at protecting children from potential harm. After her son Wyatt suffered severe child abuse at the hands of a convicted abuser, she took it upon herself to prevent such tragedies from happening to others. Erica shares her emotional journey of relentless advocacy that led to the introduction and passing of Wyatt's Law, making part of Michigan's Central child abuse registry accessible to the public. Listen as Erica shares the challenges she faced, the lessons she learned, and the hope she has for safer future for all children.

Links:

Wyatt's Law for Parents: https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/adult-child-serv/abuse-neglect/accordion/forms/central-registry-clearance-requests

Follow Wyatt's Journey on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/237703759718130

Get These Interviews Sent Directly to Your Inbox: https://totalmichigan.com/join/

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Background

00:16 The Start of a Heartbreaking Journey

01:33 Erica's Early Life and Marriage

09:26 The Tragic Incident and Hospital Experience

12:30 The Aftermath and Legal Proceedings

16:11 The Fight for Justice and Wyatt's Law

18:22 A Mother's Fight: The Emergency Room Incident

18:22 The Aftermath: Dealing with the Legal System

18:59 The Birth of Wyatt's Law: A Mother's Crusade

19:51 The Struggle: Navigating the Political Landscape

25:22 The Turning Point: A New Direction for Wyatt's Law

26:41 The Triumph: Wyatt's Law Becomes a Reality

27:02 The Impact: Wyatt's Law in Action

29:19 The Future: Advocacy and Awareness

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Host Cliff DuVernois talks with Peter Jacob and Jason Kakabaker, co-owners of the Cakabakery, a custom bakery out of Grand Rapids, Michigan. They share the backstory of their bakery, recounting how they started over 12 years ago out of a rented house and have grown the business to include three locations. They discuss their experience on the Food Network’s ‘Cupcake Wars’ and the impact that had on their business.

They shed light on their signature offerings, the Dark Chocolate Merlot cupcake and the award-winning chocolate chunk cookie among others.

Links from the show:

The Cakabakery Website: https://thecakabakery.com/

The Cakabakery Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/THECAKABAKERY

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In this episode of Total Michigan, host Cliff Duvernois sits down with Casey Lowery, the President of Applied Innovation, a technology company based out of Grand Rapids, Michigan. They discuss the company's journey from a startup in the copier and printer industry to its explosive growth into a tech giant with a strong presence in various states. As part of a family-run business, Casey discusses his experiences stepping into different roles within the company and his transition into his current position as President. The discussion provides unique insights into how Applied Innovation maintained its customer-focused ethos while growing and diversifying their services. The company's unique culture, transition into the IT space, and their approach to customer service are all discussed, revealing a story of perseverance, strategic growth, and the power of a service-centric approach.

Links from this Interview:

Applied Innovation Website: https://www.appliedinnovation.com/

Children's Healing Center: https://childrenshealing.org/

Simon Sinek Start with Why Ted Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4ZoJKF_VuA

Atomic Habits Book: https://a.co/d/9TQiYwE

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Roger LeLievre is the owner, publisher, and editor of "Know Your Ships" which is now in it's 65th publication. They discuss Roger's passion for ships and the shipping industry, how he inherited the responsibility of publishing the Guide from its original author, Tom Mance, as well as his mission to keep the maritime enthusiasm alive among a younger generation. The conversation includes stories of interesting vessels and anecdotes, depicting Roger's path from being a boat nerd to a recognized figure in the maritime industry. Roger also details his efforts to keep the "Know Your Ships" Guide relevant and engaging.

Links:

https://knowyourships.com/

https://boatnerd.com/

Get these excellent episodes delivered straight to your inbox at https://totalmichigan.com/join/

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In this episode, host Cliff Duvernois interviews Dr. Don Steele as they explore his intriguing life journey. From Dr. Steele's important role in sports to his interactions with top-tier teams like the Seattle Seahawks and the Green Bay Packers. They discuss thought processes and performance.

The discussion delves into the relationship between goal orientations, human behavior and high performance - all under the purview of psychological dynamics. Moreover, the conversation reveals Dr. Steele's unexpected knack for music and his thoughtful contribution to his community. All these and more make the Podcast-Radio Dr. Don Steele an absorbing discussion, uncovering the fascinating path to enhancing personal and professional success on multiple fronts.

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