Total Michigan

What's there to do in Port Huron? Plenty! Andrew Kerscher, the Manager of Community Engagement at Port Huron Museums, in Port Huron, Michigan shares his journey from a history-loving high school graduate to his role at the museum, including his time as an interpreter at Mackinac State Historic Parks.

He delves into the unique challenges and rewards of museum work, emphasizing the importance of making history engaging and accessible in short encounters. Port Huron Museums, managing four distinct sites, including the Carnegie Center and Michigan's oldest lighthouse at Fort Gratiot, offers a wide array of historical and cultural exhibitions ranging from maritime history to Thomas Edison's early life.

The episode also touches on Andrew's personal connection to Port Huron, highlighting how his dedication to the town's history and culture influences his work. Andrew also discusses upcoming and rotating exhibitions, like the unique Barbie exhibit, and how the museum aims to impact its visitors positively. The podcast concludes with ways to connect with Port Huron Museums online to learn more about their offerings and events.

00:00 The Art of Engaging Families in Museums

00:23 Welcome to Total Michigan: Discovering Port Huron

01:31 Exploring the Rich History of Port Huron Museums

03:17 Andrew Kerscher: A Journey Through Michigan's History

06:42 The Challenges and Rewards of Museum Work

07:27 Navigating Career Paths in the Museum Field

07:55 From Big City Museums to Hometown History

09:44 Sponsor Break and Audience Engagement

10:18 Exploring Port Huron Museums with Andrew Kersher

10:39 Diving into the Fort Gratiot Light Station

14:34 The Fascinating World of Thomas Edison in Port Huron

19:43 Discovering the Huron Light Ship Museum

21:22 Inside the Carnegie: A Year-Round Cultural Hub

22:57 The Creative Process Behind the Barbie Exhibit

24:19 Connecting with Port Huron Museums Online

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What is Michigan's contribution to hockey as a sport? Gary Warwick of Warwick Goalie Mask runs a family-run business based out of Port Huron, Michigan. They specialize in high-end, custom goalie masks.

Gary delves into the history of goalie masks, highlighting how Jacques Plante's introduction of the mask in the late 1950s revolutionized the sport. Gary also shares the Warwick family's journey from construction workers to leading innovators in goalie mask production.

He offers insights into the meticulous process behind crafting a custom mask, emphasizing the importance of measurements, preferences, and the advanced materials used today, including carbon fiber and Kevlar. The discussion also covers the evolution of masks from the basic fiberglass models of the past to the highly customized and protective gear available today, underscored by stories of NHL clients and the impact of goalie coaches on Warwick's business. The episode is a deep dive into the craft of making goalie masks, the history behind it, and the singular importance of this protective gear in the world of hockey.

Links:

Warwick Goalie Mask Website: https://www.warwickmaskcompany.com/

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Show Notes:

00:00 The Evolution of Goalie Masks: A Hockey Legacy

01:02 Introducing Warwick Goalie Mask: A Family Business

01:31 The Art of Crafting Custom Goalie Masks

05:54 A Deep Dive into the Warwick Family History

12:39 Taking Over the Family Business: A New Generation

17:14 The Future of Goalie Masks: Innovations and Customizations

24:53 Connecting with Warwick Goalie Mask

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Carol Brooks is the innovative owner of Foundry and the Hallway Entertainment in Port Huron, Michigan. Carol shares her inspiring journey from a photography and history graduate to becoming an entrepreneur who transformed a struggling art gallery into a vibrant hub for art and entertainment.

With a background deeply rooted in her love for photography and history, and a passion to enliven the Port Huron community, Carol ventured into creating the Hallway Entertainment, featuring escape rooms and game shows. She then took over a former nonprofit art gallery, morphing it into Foundry, a dynamic space offering a wide array of art-based activities like pottery classes, cosmic pottery, painting, splat rooms, and more.

Beyond providing entertainment, Foundry also offers immersive experiences with music, dancing, comedy, and various classes, affirming Carol's commitment to making Port Huron a lively place for residents and visitors alike. Carol's story is a testament to the power of creativity, community, and entrepreneurship in reviving and reimagining communal spaces for the betterment of society.

Links:

Foundry Website: (Click here)

Escape Rooms at The Hallway Entertainment (Click here)

Show Notes:

00:00 Introduction and Background

00:55 The Birth of Foundry: A Home for Art and Entertainment

01:50 Carol's Journey: From Photography to Entrepreneurship

05:46 The Evolution of Escape Rooms

05:55 The Power of Entrepreneurship and Community Engagement

08:15 The Expansion of Foundry: From Pottery to Splat Room

14:16 The Listening Room: A New Dimension of Art

14:29 The Growth and Challenges of Foundry

23:10 The Future of Foundry: Iris Photography and More

24:46 How to Connect with Foundry

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Josh Schaeding shares the amazing story behind a staple in Hemlock, Michigan. The Maple Grille. Sponsored by the Stevens Center for Family Business, the episode dives into the restaurant's origin, its commitment to serving locally sourced, farm-to-table dishes, and the challenges of running a destination restaurant in a rural area. The Maple Grille is renowned for its use of whole animals, wood fire cooking, and an open kitchen concept, complementing its distinctive farm-to-table approach.

Josh shares his journey from working in fast food to developing a passion for culinary arts and eventually starting his restaurant, which has become a staple in the community. Despite its location and the initial challenge of lacking a professional kitchen, The Maple Grille thrives through word-of-mouth and minimal advertising, focusing on quality, local ingredients, and a commitment to the community. The episode also touches on the importance of family support in the business, the decision to keep prices affordable, and the restaurant's strategy of menu flexibility to ensure freshness and reduce waste.

Links:

The Maple Grille Restaurant Website: (Click here)

Facebook Page: (Click here)

Address:

13105 Gratiot Road ​

Hemlock, MI 4862​6

Phone: 989-233-2895

Sponsors:

The Stevens Center for Family Business: (Click here)

Show Notes:

00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message

00:25 Welcome to Total Michigan: Interview with Josh Shadian

00:56 The Story Behind Maple Grille

01:35 Josh's Journey into Culinary Arts

02:41 The Birth of Maple Grille

03:26 The Challenges and Successes of Running a Restaurant

04:15 The Farm-to-Table Concept at Maple Grille

09:22 Sponsor Break: Stevens Center for Family Business

11:03 The Family Affair and Community Involvement

15:43 The Unique Dining Experience at Maple Grille

18:22 The Importance of Local Sourcing and Sustainability

25:16 Conclusion and Contact Information

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In this interview, Reverend Kathy Albee, the CEO and founder of 'Released to Reign', expounds on the relevance of the Bible in today's world and the essence of Christianity. Reverend Kathy strongly emphasizes that the Bible is not merely a guide for a good life, but is for the children of God seeking to understand His plan and purpose for their lives. The interview also probes into issues such as the Prosperity Gospel or 'fire insurance' mindset and urges Christians to base their faith and identity in God's love rather than their works. Kathy also elucidates her organization's mission to help Christians grasp their inherited rights as children of God and free themselves from negative mentalities. Moreover, she points out the importance of humility, love, acceptance, security, and significance which manifest through faith.

Contact Kathy:

Phone: 989-415-9329

Email: [email protected]

Show Notes

00:00 Introduction: The Relevance of the Bible

00:21 Meet the Guest: Reverend Kathy Albee

01:28 Understanding 'Released to Reign'

03:23 The Journey to Spiritual Transformation

05:06 Religion vs Relationship: A Deeper Insight

08:13 The Power of Love and Humility in Christianity

14:45 The Bible's Relevance in the Modern World

17:28 The Journey of Jews in Egypt

17:28 The Significance of Ten Commandments

17:42 The Modern Relevance of the Bible

18:31 The Pitfalls of the Prosperity Gospel

19:55 Personal Experiences and the Power of Faith

21:27 The True Gospel and Overcoming the World

22:32 Finding a Good Church and Understanding Doctrine

25:34 The Five Major Needs of Every Human Being

29:03 Reaching Out and Making a Difference

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The interview features the transformation story of Mirakle McGlown, from facing incarceration to becoming a successful entrepreneur. After receiving a 20-year sentence, McGlown turned to spirituality and leather crafting while in prison for solace and personal growth.

He went on to win clemency after demonstrating a significant change in behavior and a committed resolve to better his life.

Following his release, he created 1-Eleven Leather Goods, a brand crafting unique handmade leather products. The brand was named to represent one love, one power, and one God, embodying the spiritual journey of McGlown and his commitment to positive change. The interview includes a detailed account of his life in prison, crafting as a form of therapy, his faith, and the subsequent establishment of a successful business.

Links:

1 Eleven Leather Goods Website: Click Here

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100K Ideas, a nonprofit centered in Flint, Michigan provides diverse resources for aspiring entrepreneurs. Executive Director Brandee Cook Brown discusses the organization's evolution, including the initial challenges they faced in their infancy and subsequent community outreach efforts. Brandee also shares how 100K Ideas expanded its resource center to include a multitude of programs aimed to equip members with business-critical skills such as accounting and usage of QuickBooks. One vital success story highlighted is that of Miracle McGlone, a former client of 100K Ideas who began with crafting handmade leather bags and has now grown his business into a thriving venture.

Links:

100k Ideas Website: https://100kideas.org/

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Show Notes:

01:04 Understanding 100K Ideas

02:01 The Process and Services of 100K Ideas

03:46 Expansion and Impact of 100K Ideas

04:27 Shops on Saginaw: A Platform for Local Businesses

07:35 Brandee's Journey to 100K Ideas

11:23 The Decision to Join 100K Ideas

13:48 Discussing Challenges

14:21 Navigating Community Boundaries

15:29 Addressing Community Engagement

19:38 Highlighting Member Programs

22:46 Sharing Success Stories

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Leona Sullivan, one of the founders, and Amy Bartels Roe, the executive director of Mustard Seed Shelter, a resource for women and children experiencing homelessness. Based in Saginaw, Mustard Seed provides a supportive environment for guests to rebuild their lives, offering help with life skills, housing assistance, and opportunities for healing from traumas and substance misuse. The shelter operates under the principle of 'radical hospitality', ensuring every guest receives new belongings and is treated with dignity.

Amy and Leona also discuss some upcoming fundraising events for Mustard Seed.

Links:

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

Upcoming Events: https://themustardseedshelter.org/events/

Show Notes:

00:00 Warning and Personal Story

01:10 The Mustard Seed: A Place of Hope

02:43 The Mustard Seed: A Closer Look

09:03 The Founding of Mustard Seed

04:45 The Journey of Mustard Seed

08:29 Amy's Involvement with Mustard Seed

10:51 The Unique Approach of Mustard Seed

18:21 Transitioning from Mustard Seed

14:46 The Role of Mental Health and Trauma

15:23 The Importance of Time in Recovery

16:23 Funding and Support

18:26 The Importance of a Comfortable Living Space

19:40 Community Support and Sponsorships

23:47 Upcoming Events and Ways to Help

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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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