September 2023 Traverse City Business News

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• Our team of professionals holds designations and degrees such as CFP®, CFA, CPA, MBA, and PhD.

• Charles received his MBA from the Kellogg School of Management - Northwestern University, his MA in Economics from WMU, and Executive Education from Harvard Business School and Columbia University.

Charles Zhang, CFP®, MBA, MSFS, ChFC

• Ranked #1 on Barron’s list of America’s TOP Independent Advisors and is the highest ranked NAPFA-Registered Fee-Only Advisor on the list.*

• Ranked #4 in the nation on Forbes’ list of TOP Wealth Advisors and is the ONLY Independent Advisor in the top 10.**

Minimum investment: $1,000,000 in Michigan/$2,000,000 outside of Michigan. Assets under custody of LPL Financial, TD Ameritrade, and Charles Schwab.

*As reported in Barron’s March 11, 2023 and September 17, 2021. Based on assets under management, revenue produced for the firm, regulatory record, quality of practices, and other factors. For fee-only status see NAPFA.org.

**As reported in Forbes April 4, 2023. The Forbes rankings, developed by SHOOK Research, are based on an algorithm of qualitative criteria, mostly gained through telephone and in-person due diligence interviews, and quantitative data. Those advisors that are considered have a minimum of seven years experience, and the algorithm weighs factors like revenue trends, assets under management, compliance records, industry experience and those that encompass best practices in their practices and approach to working with clients. See zhangfinancial.com/disclosure for full ranking criteria.

RETAIL INCUBATOR COMING SOON

A new retail incubator is planned to launch this fall in downtown Traverse City. Called the Cass Street Marketplace , the 2,000 square feet of ground-level space (next to The Pub restaurant) near the corner of Cass and Front streets is being leased by the Downtown Development Authority and will house up to seven start-up businesses. The goal of the project is to create an opportunity for new retailers to have a downtown presence and eventually expand into their own spaces elsewhere.

TCH GEAR OPENING IN INTERLOCHEN

New life is coming to the former Old World Gifts & Furnishings building in Interlochen at 1899 Rogers Road. Tom Jurkovich is opening TCH Gear this month, a locally-owned outdoor retail store offering guns, backpacking and camping gear, fishing bait and tackle, hunting and archery supplies, tactical gifts, and apparel. Jurkovich hopes to “fill a void” in the local market with his location – within a short drive of approximately 600 campsites across several nearby campgrounds - and his emphasis on both national and local products. In addition to stocking brands such as Yeti, Hook’d, Ravin Crossbows, Yamamoto, GlenDel, Glock, and Ruger, TCH Gear will also feature M22 gear, agricultural feed from area farmer Dan Hall, and locally-produced honey, jam, maple syrup, and other similar products.

$593K FOR TRAINING AWARDED

Eighteen businesses in northwest Lower Michigan will receive a total of $593,097 for employee training from a second round of fiscal year 2023 grants from the state’s Going PRO Talent Fund. Employers will use the funding to train 427 new and existing employees across the region. “We are encouraged by the amount of investment local employers are putting toward training their new and existing employees,” said Rob Dickinson, regional director of business services for Northwest Michigan Works!, which assists companies with the funding application process. “The awarded companies have identified their training costs at over $2.5 million in the next year, far above the amount they will be reimbursed from this award. This investment shows a willingness to invest in our community and its people.” Award recipients are businesses across various industries and include RJG, Thirlby Clinic, Lear Corporation, Cherryland Electric Cooperative, Munson Healthcare, and Builders Exchange of Northwest Michigan

TCT LAUNCHES GREEN FOR GOOD

Traverse City Tourism recently announced its Green for Good Challenge, a new program that pairs volunteering for eco-friendly projects and fundraising. The challenge, available through a free mobile passport, makes a $20 donation to one of six environmental organizations for every person who volunteers time to more than a dozen eco-friendly projects, then shares the experience online. Traverse City Tourism will donate up to $50,000 between the groups. Participating organizations include FLOW, TART Trails, Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy, Grand Traverse Conservation District, Friends of Betsie Valley Trail and SEEDS. Complete details at traversecity.com.

LEADERSHIP CLASS ANNOUNCED

Traverse Connect recently announced its 2023/2024 Leadership Grand Traverse class. The community-based program prepares participants for leadership roles in areas such as policy, program implementation, and development. The participants are: Lisa Baldya, Northwestern Michigan College ; Amanda Blanck, Deviate ; Jimmy Chestnut, Huntington Bank ; Shannone Dunlap, Black Diamond Broadcasting ; Brandie Ekren, Traverse City Light & Power ; Zachary Endres, Cherryland Electric Cooperative ; Shelby Eppich, I nterlochen Center for the Arts ; Brendan Franklin, Munson ; Amanda Jackson, Hagerty ; Jeremy Kettlewell, TentCraft; Luke Kreykes, Grand Traverse Conservation District ; Paula Lipinski, Addiction Treatment Services ; Sarah Loiacana, TART Trails ; Laura Mattas, City of Traverse City ; Robert Nelesen, Cherry Capital Airport ; Kevin Olds, Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center ; Shannon Owen, Grand Valley State University ; Trevor Painter, Global Environmental Engineering ; Brittney Primeau, Crystal Mountain ; Christopher Reithel, Grand Traverse County ; Francis Rosales, Lume ; Christine Ruszel, Rehmann ; Mallory Szczepanski, Right Brain Brewery ; and Matthew Waligorski, Peterson McGregor.

PRECISION PLUMBING PLANS NEW HQ

Bob and Leslie Roe, owners of Precision Plumbing and Heating Systems in Traverse City, have purchased the Bay

SVP Commercial Banking

231.941.6303

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John Galbraith

VP Commercial Banking

231.632.9331

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SVP Commercial Banking Manager 231.941.6306

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231.941.6301

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Area Transportation Authority (BATA) Cass Road facility in Traverse City.

According to BATA, the new owners plan to use the property for the future operations of the heating, plumbing and electrical business. BATA will continue to occupy the facility at the intersection of Cass and S. Airport roads for another year until it moves into its new headquarters now under construction at the corner of Hammond and LaFranier roads.

EMPLOYERS RECOGNIZED FOR APPRENTICESHIPS

Several northern Michigan employers received special recognition from federal and state officials at a recent Apprenticeship Launch Network event in Traverse City. Employers participating in the event included SEEDS, Left Foot Charley, Thirlby Clinic, Kilwins , and e-Fulfillment . Educational partners included Northwest Education Services and Northwestern Michigan College Northwest Michigan Works! has the largest apprenticeship intermediary group program in Michigan and was also recognized for its sponsorship of 65 different occupational titles, 140 registered apprentices, and more than 120 different educational resources serving employers throughout the region.

tions are Sept. 6 at The Botanic Gardens at Historic Barns Park, October 4 at Seven Hills, Nov. 1 at TC Golf Performance Center and Dec. 6 at Fox Motors.

NEWCOMER MEETUP: SEPT. 21

The next Fresh Coast Quarterly Club meetup will be held at Short’s Pull Barn in Elk Rapids on Thurs., Sept. 21, 5-7 p.m. The meetups are opportunities for newcomers to the region to get plugged into a network and showcase an entrepreneur or a business that has recently made Traverse City its home. The gathering, presented by Michigan’s Creative Coast (a talent attraction initiative of Traverse Connect) is open to all and free to attend.

‘RECESS’ BACK FOR FALL RECESS,

an after work gathering hosted by The Ticker, is back for fall. Held monthly on the first Wednesday from 5pm-7pm, the event offers casual networking along with hors d’oeuvres, beverages and prizes for a $10 cover charge. The upcoming dates and loca-

CITY PREPARES TO START CONSTRUCTION ON SENIOR CENTER

Construction on a new Traverse City Senior Center is set to begin in September. The rebuild on East Front Street will expand the facility from 5,780 square feet to over 18,114 square feet, including exterior spaces. The building will be “oriented to the north to open park space and views of the public beach from Front Street, and will include exterior covered spaces to maximize the outdoor opportunities and the views along the shores of West Grand Traverse Bay,” according to a city website for the project. Planned amenities include a covered drop-off area, covered patio, green roofs, geothermal and partial snowmelt, improved access to the beach, restroom access for the beach, new tennis/pickleball courts, improved shuffleboard courts, and a commercial kitchen.

WORKFORCE GAPS ADDRESSED

The Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance recently adopted an immigration policy framework geared toward urging the U.S. Congress to act to fill critical workforce gaps. “Employers in the Grand Traverse region are struggling due to workforce shortages that are largely preventable,” said Warren Call, president and CEO of NMCA member organization Traverse Connect. “By increasing quotas for employment-based immigration and expanding the scope of essential worker programs, the U.S. Congress can help small business owners during a time of great need.” The proposal includes suggestions to institute modern, effective, and efficient employment verification reforms; significantly increase annual quotas for employment-based immigrant and non-immigrant visas; expand the scope of essential worker programs; create new visa options for entrepreneurs and other high-demand workers; and increase the human, physical and technological resources along U.S. borders and ports of entry.

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I sought out Dr. Ghaemi. He provides excellent initial and follow-up care. His explanations and medical knowledge are a value to the patient. I look forward to further appointments.

Housing was already hard to find the summer I moved here. After combing ads, I finally found and fell in love with a two-bedroom apartment downtown, especially its attached garage. Standing in the kitchen and ready to request a lease, my prospective landlord figuratively hooked his thumbs in imaginary suspenders, chuffed and told me he was a “Good Ol’ Boy,” and if I moved here, I’d quickly get to know the “Good Ol’ Boys Club.”

In those early days, he was right. Welcome to Traverse City, 2016.

While I was greeted with Good Ol’ Boys charm in my apartment search, I was joining a forward-thinking work team where leadership qualities weren’t confined to gender. Books like “Leading Change” were staples, and meritocracy was encouraged – placing value solely on an individual’s ability and performance. Hiring was rooted in evaluating qualities such as competence, resilience and humor, ultimately resulting in a mostly female leadership team during my tenure.

Outside the workplace, and as a newcomer to the area, I found camaraderie and mentorship in Impact100, a transformative collective giving organization. The mission is profound: inviting women to redefine their philanthropic engagement beyond stereotypical giving only of their time and talents. Through my service on the board, I’ve often heard tales of women rediscovering collaboration and support they hadn’t felt since before adolescence.

While Traverse City provided me with notable opportunities to offset my first impressions of its business and social landscape, a broader view shows mediocre signs of progress. Whenever the Detroit Crain’s magazine issue containing the list of highest paid executives arrives in my

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FROM GOOD OL’ BOYS TO INCLUSIVE LEADERS: Gender, business and the path ahead

mailbox, I make a game out of counting the number of women’s names. I’ve never gotten above 10%. Unsurprising and with some disappointment, that figure mirrors national statistics and women’s representation leading Fortune 500 companies.

Perhaps the lack of advancement and need to carve out their own niches away from unsupportive corporate environments is what has led to a rise in women-owned businesses. However, designation as a woman-owned business offers scant competitive advantage in a capitalist marketplace. Rec-

City, with its budding startup ecosystem, stands poised to carve out a different narrative. Do we emulate the “bro culture” of Silicon Valley, which often arises from startups predominantly hiring for stereotypical masculine attributes, or do we carve our own inclusive path? In the world of startups, venture capitalist “bros” often fund men like them, perpetuating a cycle that’s hard for others to penetrate.

With its emphasis on investing in Traverse City companies that create high value, coupled with its practice of working

Amidst successfully managing change and potential, leadership remains the linchpin. It sets the tone, influencing organizational dynamics and priorities. Fair advancement for staff isn’t just about policies or creating a DEI position and continuing to hire homogeneously; it’s about cultivating a culture of collaboration. Real solutions address opportunity gaps, promote meritocracy and recognize the often overlooked, impactful moments that can uplift or diminish someone.

To champion change, actions resonate much louder than words. If a team member is consistently sidelined, change the meeting dynamics. If office parties are perennially women-led, reassign them. If subtle comments single someone out, be sure to address it, even using a dash of humor while doing so.

ognizing the need to position themselves competitively, but authentically, women comprise 60% of SCORE mentees and have so resoundingly responded to Traverse Connect’s Women’s Leadership Cohort that a second session in 2023 is being launched this fall.

Despite an increasing number of support programs available, access to capital for emerging and scalable startups remains fraught with its own challenges. Studies show that women-led startups saw a mere 2% of invested venture capital in 2022. The reasons are manifold, including few mentorship opportunities, systematic biases, and lack of female role models. Less than 10% of venture capital decision makers are women, allowing biases to emerge as male investors tend to favor pitches by attractive men using male-centric vocabulary.

While traditional venture capitalists have their deep-rooted biases, Traverse

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SERVING: Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau and Benzie counties

closely with its portfolio companies, Boomerang Catapult evaluates business plans based on return potential in the context of local economic impact without respect to gender. As such, it beats the national average by a landslide with 35% of its portfolio invested in women founded and/or led companies.

In today’s digital age, businesses’ actions and cultures are under the magnifying glass more than ever before. Coupled with a tight hiring market, many are walking on thin ice; one crack in the “bro culture” façade and reputations can sink. For instance, Claira, a Michigan-based female-founded tech startup in the Northern Michigan Angels’ portfolio, exemplifies the new wave of businesses challenging entrenched norms. By removing biases from hiring and promotions, Claira uses AI and analytics to match overlooked competencies to companies’ talent needs.

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Building a true meritocracy requires a collective commitment. It’s about fostering environments where every voice is valued, and individuals can thrive. Traverse City’s future hinges on addressing broad concerns. If we’re aiming to become a hub for industries like tech, our focus should be dual-fold: attracting businesses and creating environments within our organizations where innovation is fostered. As we move forward, it’s up to us, the professionals, leaders, and community members of Traverse City to define the culture we’ll accept. And with the exemplary individuals highlighted in this month’s issue, the path ahead looks promising.

Jody (Lundquist) Trietch is chief financial officer of Boomerang Catapult LLC. She is also owner of Taste the Local Difference and executive director of Northern Michigan Angels, an angel investment organization.

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While traditional venture capitalists have their deep-rooted biases, Traverse City, with its budding startup ecosystem, stands poised to carve out a different narrative.

Forty of the region’s best and brightest under 40

Compiled by Ross Boissoneau and Craig Manning

Following is TCBN’s 17th annual list of the 40 most influential regional leaders under age 40.

This list recognizes individuals in Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Benzie and Kalkaska counties under the age of 40 whose professional and community efforts this past year had the most impact on their community, the region and the economy.

The 2023 class is comprised of 21 women and 19 men; more than half are new to the list. Below they describe their regional economic impact, what local person inspires them and their next big thing.

A panel of seven judges reviewed the submissions and chose the 40 influencers out of 100-plus nominations from the community. The panel included Karin Chung, senior recruiter at Hagerty; Damian Lockhart, first vice president/ financial advisor/branch manager of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management Traverse City; Allison Beers, owner of Events North and past 40Under40 recipient; Warren Call, president/CEO of Traverse Connect and past 40Under40 recipient; Luke Haase, publisher of the TCBN, Northern Express and The Ticker; Jillian Manning, executive editor of Northern Express; and Gayle Neu, contributing editor of the TCBN.

First and foremost, judges considered the leadership the nominee shows in his or her job or industry and the economic impact that work has on our region. Judges looked at each nominee’s level of community involvement and actionable forward momentum (i.e., what have they done recently?) Consideration was given to account for relative accomplishments versus relative age.

Many thanks to Hagerty, again this year’s signature sponsor. Watch for 2024 nomination information in the TCBN and The Ticker starting next spring.

Assistant Vice President, Commercial Lender, Honor Bank

Volunteerism/Leadership:

Father Fred Foundation; The Festival Foundation; the Noon Rotary Club of Traverse City; East Bay Masonic Lodge #264; Scottish Rite; Village of Kingsley DDA, BRA, and ZBA; Paradise Township Planning Commission; Kingsley Area Schools Board of Education

Highlight: Being a part of hiring two new superintendents for Kingsley Area Schools. It is the most challenging and important thing any board of education can undertake. Also helping acquire properties in the village of Kingsley through the DDA in a partnership with the Grand Traverse Conservancy Land Bank Authority to environmentally remediate and market the parcels for better use.

Local inspiration: I first met Herb Lemcool through Boy Scouts at a young age. As I learned more about what Herb was involved in, my respect for him only grew. Herb is the recipient of the DSA award, has served as the president of the Cherry Festival, and has also served on countless other boards over the years. We are all lucky that Herb chose Traverse City as home.

Regional economic impact: I was always taught that a passion for cheerful service to others, carried out with a quiet, consistent approach, will yield good things. I’m involved because I love my family and this region. I want to see everyone succeed.

Next big thing: Putting the DDA/GTC Land Bank Authority properties in Kingsley up for (request for proposal) for development with the help of the Kingsley community. It will take community input and hard work, but I know the people of our small village and, by extension, the county will benefit.

Who knew: I love live music! I have attended more than 240 concerts, with plans to attend more. If you count local concerts at small venues, the number is over 1,000.

Chris Archangeli, 37

Medical Director, Behavioral Health Service Line, Munson Healthcare; Chair, Psychiatry Department, Munson Medical Center

Volunteerism/leader -

ship: Psychiatric Services Journal, American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

Highlight: The highlights are always seeing patients get better. From a leadership standpoint, I’m only months into my role as medical director, but it has been fun to recruit several new providers and to think creatively about the problems that face us. I’m proudest of the work on the Grand Traverse Center for Mental Wellness. My colleagues at Munson, in partnership with Northern Lakes CMH and several community partners, have been working for more than a year to find a common vision for crisis care in the region. I’m lucky to get to play a part in that.

Local inspiration: Terri Lacroix-Kelty is the executive director of the Behavioral Health Service Line at Munson. She is hardworking, fair and optimistic. It is a joy to get to work with her and a privilege to know she has my back.

Regional economic impact: The economic impact of mental health is immeasurable. Depression is the leading cause of disability in the United States for individuals ages 15-44. If we succeed in treating mental illness, people can continue their education or go back to work when they didn’t think it was possible.

My next big thing: In addition to working on executing the vision for the Grand Traverse Center for Mental Wellness, I hope to expand behavioral health services for children and make several types of treatment available locally, for which people have historically had to travel to Grand Rapids.

Who knew: I’m the proud owner of 29 chickens.

Max Anderson, 37

Jess Ashmore, 35

Christina Barkel, 36

Robert Blake III, 39

Human Resources Business Partner, Coherent Corp.

Volunteerism/leadership: Traverse Area Human Resources Association (TAHRA), programming committee; Father Fred Foundation, HR committee; Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM)

Highlight: As a human resources business partner for the Coherent facility in Traverse City, I have had the privilege of working with and supporting our dedicated team of 70-plus employees. In 2022, I also took over the HR responsibilities for our new Coherent location in Plymouth, Mich., supporting their team as well.

Vice President, Branch Manager, Honor Bank

Volunteerism/leadership: Brickways board member, treasurer; Kingsley Downtown Development Authority board member, secretary; Kingsley Brownfield Redevelopment board member, secretary; Grand Traverse Industries board member, secretary

Highlight: I was selected as Honor Bank’s 2022 Employee of the Year.

Local inspiration: In spring 2023, I successfully completed the Traverse Connect Mentorship Program. I consider it a privilege to be supported and chosen to participate in a program that has helped me become a better leader professionally. I was lucky enough to be paired with Jamie Gallagher (4 the Win Partners LLC). Jamie has years of leadership experience and was generous enough to donate his time and mentor me on this journey. His wisdom helped me gain a clear understanding of a larger perspective, ultimately contributing to an increased sense of confidence to help realize my potential.

Regional economic impact: Community banking is the lifeblood of our local economy. Being a part of one that has been around longer than any of us has been alive is something I’m very proud of. It’s an honor to work with our local business owners every day to help move this region forward.

My next big thing: Honor Bank’s digital transformation. We have been working on and mapping out our plan from day one of being on the team. Being able to offer everything digital you would expect from the ‘big banks’ has been a long journey involving teamwork and hard work. It is rewarding to see it come to fruition.

Who knew: I am a huge Jeep fan! For my 30th birthday I splurged on my dream car: a 2005 two-door Jeep Wrangler with 89,000 miles on it. On the summer weekends, don’t be surprised to see me cruising around, top off, with my hair blowing crazy in the wind ... and of course, doing the Jeep wave!

Food Equity Specialist, Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities

Volunteerism/leadership: Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities, Big Brothers Big Sisters volunteer, Food Rescue volunteer, Northwest Food Coalition Operating Committee member.

Highlight: Working with the Northwest Food Coalition Purchasing Committee members to create and approve a purchasing plan that will support a wide variety of local farm businesses and increase the amount of healthy food access in our community.

Local inspiration: Val Stone, who recently retired after 29 years of leadership in the community as a social worker and leader of the Northwest Food Coalition. Val is kind, caring, funny and endlessly inspirational. In her farewell email to the Coalition she wrote, ‘We are all alike with different talents using them towards ending hunger and wanting our neighbors to have good nutritious food to improve their lives.’

Regional economic impact: This year, Groundwork, Food Rescue and the Northwest Food Coalition were included in the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians’ Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program proposal, a USDA program that provides funds to purchase food from local farmers and distribute it to food-insecure families in our region. The program brings $550,000 to spend on local food over the next two years, a lot of high-quality, local and healthy food for those who need it, and a significant investment in our local food economy.

My next big thing: I’m interested in not only the immediate and critical work of getting food to our neighbors in need, but also the policy needed so all people have access to food and other basic needs. I was thrilled to support and advocate for the Healthy School Meals for All initiative in the state budget, which covers free breakfast and lunch for students from pre-K through 12th grade for the upcoming school year. Many will include Michigan-grown fruits, vegetables and legumes.

Who knew: Something I look forward to every summer is Swim-a-Day, a group of local friends’ celebration of and challenge to enjoy the fresh water all around us as often as possible. Most evenings in the summer you can find me in Good Harbor Bay.

Local inspiration: My first HR mentor, Laura Neubauer, hired me in February as an HR assistant at Great Wolf Lodge. At the time, I was moving out of the housekeeping department. Laura took the time to coach and mentor me as I learned the ins and outs of human resources.

Regional economic impact: One way I feel I have helped impact our economy is through my membership in the Traverse Area Human Resources Association (TAHRA), especially as a member of the programming committee. Through these programs, our local HR community receives the education and resources they need to go back and help their organizations grow and succeed in our region.

Who knew: In 2017, following our second anniversary, my wife Erin and I decided to start the journey of becoming foster parents through Child and Family Services. After countless hours of training and paperwork, we took our first placement of a three-month-old and a two-and-a-half-year-old girl. Little did we know that three and a half years later, we would get the honor of adopting Ashlyn and Raelynn in 2021!

Biggest fan: “Robert is making an impact on our community every day as a leader that does the work of the teams he is asked to lead. Due to his experiences with the foster care and adoption process, he brings a positive, can-do attitude to everything he does and this radiates to those he works with.” – Jen Seman, Priority Health

Miriam Owsley Briggs, 30

Manager of Strategic Communications, Rotary Charities of Traverse City

Volunteerism/leadership: Rotary Club of Traverse City; Northern Michigan Event Professionals ILEA Michigan - Up North; Council of Michigan Foundations Leadership Development Mentorship Program

Highlight: One of my proudest professional moments was co-presenting the Rotary Club of Traverse City’s Fundraising Gala alongside my fellow Rotarian, Max Anderson. We pulled it off while I was 37 weeks pregnant! Thanks to the generosity of sponsors, auction donors, Rotarians, and guests, we were able to raise over $40,000.

Local inspiration: Sakura Takano, CEO of Rotary Charities. Her ability to bring together people from diverse backgrounds and foster collaboration is truly inspiring.

Regional economic impact: Over the last decade, I have organized a dozen nonprofit events, conferences, and fundraisers, raising over $500,000 for organizations like the Groundwork Center and Rotary Club.

Next big thing: I’m already living it: becoming a mom! Embracing the joys of motherhood while continuing to balance my career and volunteerism is both an exciting and rewarding journey.

Who knew: I have enjoyed making jewelry and sewing clothing since I was young. During the pandemic, I turned my hobby into a business and founded Pleasant Peninsula Designs, crafting handmade accessories and polymer clay jewelry. I developed a technique to create a faux Petoskey stone pattern from polymer clay, and the earrings and necklaces I made from it get mistaken as the real thing regularly!

2023 WINNERS!

GOLDEN GOOSE TEAM RESULTS

3RD

TRAVERSE CITY OPTIMIST CLUB

BLUE RIBBON DUCK DECORATION AWARDS

–FUNNIEST DUCK

1. Taylor - Harborside Dental #1

2. Shell - Mary Ann Foley

3. Stuff It Upholstery

2. Harborside Dental #2

3. J&S Hamburg

“FITS THE BILL” –CREATIVE USE OF LOGO

1. Burritt's Fresh Market

Stuff

2ND

“QUACK-A-TUDE” –TOUGHEST LOOKING

1. Burdco

2. Summit Fire Protection

3. Midland Insurance

CLEVER QUACKER –CREATIVITY

1. Tina Turner - Morse Moving

1.

2.

3.

2. Lakeside Auto

3. Cook’s House

“PRETTY BIRD” –MOST BEAUTIFUL

1. Sarah Shumate

2. Jay Feldman

3. Cass Road Investments

122.

TOP YELLOW DUCKS

1. Geri Johnson

2. Lindsay Perry

3. Geri Johnson

4. Laurie Appier

5. Googly (Wiley)

6. Brent Cooley

7. Lilli

8. Rachal Starks

9. Michelle Reardon

10.Lori Mansfield

THANK YOU SPONSORS!

“A

Northwestern Michigan College

Lily Lajoie #2

By The Bay Glass

CORPORATE DUCKS

Megan Brown, 39

Chief Marketing & Communications Officer, Munson Healthcare

Volunteerism/leadership: Central Neighborhood Association, president; Traverse Connect Executive/C-Suite Roundtable; Munson Healthcare DEI Leadership Task Force; Traverse City Track Club; Public Relations Society of America; Society for Healthcare Strategy & Market Development

Highlight: Being hired as the chief marketing and communications officer for Munson Healthcare has been a meaningful and pivotal experience in my life. I am honored to be back home working as the chief storyteller for northern Michigan’s largest healthcare system.

Local inspiration: Two people: Cate Bearss at Northern Lakes Community Mental Health Authority, who is making a real impact on real people in this region. My husband, Chris, also inspires me – he is a small business owner and our family chief of staff!

Regional economic impact: As a professional mom of two young children, I’m passionate about providing more support across the motherhood continuum: post-par tum services and support, expanding childcare access and family leave policies. I worked with the Perinatal Support Alliance this year to organize welcome gifts for new moms who join their support groups, connecting them to encouraging words, books and resources. I’m also committed to helping facilitate conversations on housing.

My next big thing: Munson Healthcare has a great story to tell. While my coworkers have been recovering physically and emotionally from COVID and healthcare systems continue to face headwinds nationally, all around us there are moving stories of how the MHC team improved someone’s life. In one moment on any given day, there may be an ‘honor walk’ happening upstairs for a patient who is about to undergo organ donation, while a newborn baby is coming into the world downstairs. The team is dealing with miracles, life and death – what industry is more meaningful?

Who knew: I am the only member of the Munson Healthcare Executive Leadership Team who was born at Munson Medical Center.

Kyle Brownley, 37 Director of Marketing, Chateau Chantal

Volunteerism/leadership: Traverse Wine Coast; Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail; Big Little Hero Race, race director

Highlight: This past year I participated in PBS’s ‘Wine First,’ a series focused on the relationship between wine and food. Each episode explores one of the great wine regions of the world. It’s always nice to show off the beauty of Traverse City, but to do so on a national television program was truly special.

Local inspiration: Marie-Chantal Dalese, president and CEO at Chateau Chantal. It’s not uncommon to find her personally assisting guests at the winery while balancing her busy schedule as CEO.

Regional economic impact: I think of myself as championing our wonderful region. One of the reasons I’ve always loved Traverse City is the overwhelming sense of pride residents have in where we live. When people take pride in where they live and where they work, that’s apparent to visitors. I believe it’s a large part of what makes our region so desirable and successful.

My next big thing: Growing Traverse City as one of the premier wine regions in the country. As an organization, Traverse Wine Coast has been consistently pushing our region to the forefront of the American wine industry, and I plan to help continue that effort through new partnerships and opportunities.

Who knew: I have nearly 50 houseplants. What started as a hobby during the pandemic just kept growing, literally. I owe my wife for putting up with me as my home office has slowly turned into a jungle.

Andy Cole, 39

Congratulations

Next big thing: As northern Michigan continues to grow, it’s important that it grows the right way. My new role with Cunningham-Limp, a mission-based and community-focused leader in commercial real estate, puts me in a great position to help shape how northern Michigan grows.

Who knew: I had a streak of adventurous jobs in my 20s. I fixed wind turbines in Canada, installed water filters in the Dominican Republic, studied Traditional Chinese Medicine in China, was a civil engineer in Ecuador, and worked as a cattle hand in the Australian Outback.

Biggest fan: “Andy brings patience, dedication and collaborative leadership to everything he does. He is exceptional at identifying what the community or organizational needs are, and then working diligently and thoughtfully to provide leadership to achieve impact. He is both creative and highly strategic in his approach to developing opportunities and solving problems, and always looks for partnerships to increase the impact of his work.” –

Kate Redman, co-founder, Commongrounds

ON BEING NAMED ONE OF TRAVERSE CITY BUSINESS NEWS' 40 UNDER 40!

Mathew Cooke, 33

Community Planner, Networks Northwest

Volunteerism/leadership: Special Olympics of Michigan Area 2, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Michigan

Highlight: Being part of the 2023 Leadership Grand Traverse cohort.

Local inspiration: Since I met her in 2019, Jan Warren has been one of the most supportive and encouraging people in my life. Jan’s wealth of knowledge, her experiences, and her contributions especially to the region continue to inspire me. I am very lucky to have Jan as a friend.

Regional economic impact: Networks Northwest as an organization has the ability to make a tremendous impact on the region, which has allowed me to assist communities with planning processes, grants, and technical assistance that lead to community growth.

My next big thing: Starting Special Olympics tennis/pickleball in the area.

Who knew: I sliced part of my fingertip with a mandoline. Not the instrument!

Founder, Placecraft, a community planning/ development consultancy based in Traverse City

Volunteerism/leadership: Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation, Commonplace

Highlight: My team was awarded the City of Dearborn’s community plan update project and I will be leading our community engagement. We are hiring an Arabic translator and local community organizers to work alongside us to ensure that our communications and activities are accessible and welcoming to the entire community.

Local inspiration: This is an impossible question, there are so many! Yarrow Brown, Amy Shamroe, Kate Redman, Patricia Soutas-Little, Beth Milligan, Megan Motil, Kristin Hussey, Kaitlyn Nance, Meghan Reszka, Kaylee Lovejoy, Grace Hudson, Jessica Kooiman Parker, Amanda Kik, Stephanie Coates, Becky Cain, Joy Martin-Omar and Katie Jones are among the many people I deeply admire both personally and professionally.

Regional economic impact: Much of my ‘economic development’ work is focused on community engagement and making sure all people have the opportunity to share their ideas and feel heard and understood. Often these conversations are focused on how to repurpose a park, vacant site, corridor, or other significant feature of a community. These improvements take years and involve lots of people playing their part in the process.

My next big thing: This will be a forthe-rest-of-my-life thing, but I’ve been very focused on learning all I can about DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) and practicing what I learn in my personal and professional life. I want to ensure that my work is inclusive, welcoming and open to people of all backgrounds, abilities and experiences.

Who knew: I’ll be officiating a wedding in Rocky Top, Tenn. and have thought about starting an officiant business called LOVEBYRD because I enjoy the process so much. My tagline would be ‘Let’s make lovebyrds.’

Elise Crafts, 33

Mara Davidson, 24

Social Media Manager, Interlochen Center for the Arts; owner/ operator, MJ Digital Marketing

Volunteerism/leadership: Young Progressive Activists of Northwest Michigan, co-founder; Rural Michigan Action Alliance; Manistee County Democratic Party, committee chair

Highlight: Serving as intergenerational organizing workshop facilitator at the National Small Town Summit, being a dinnertime speaker for the Michigan Democratic Party Rural Caucus Summit, and breaking even during the first year of business at MJ Digital Marketing!

Local inspiration: I’d like to recognize the community members under 40 who work faceless, thankless jobs in the service and agricultural industries. Without these young people supporting our local communities and the bustling activity of summertime visitors, our region would not have the potential it does now.

Next big thing: I am working to design a series of low-cost, standalone digital courses and in-person intensive sessions to help break down knowledge barriers in digital literacy, along with making information around social media marketing more accessible to local small businesses and community organizations. I am hoping to partner with regional organizations like the Center for Change to make these resources available to our communities.

Who knew: I’ve been involved in advocacy since I was 10 or 11 years old. My first protest was with my grandmother in 2011 against several Scott Walker-backed bills passed by the Wisconsin state legislature. Not long after, I started speaking up about LGBTQ+ representation in the public school I attended.

Biggest fan: “Mara is internationally educated and sought-after for her expertise around the world. However, she made the decision to move to our region to have an impact where it’s needed most. She is incredibly active in the community, and makes it her personal mission to donate her expertise to nonprofits.” – Maureen Oleson, director of communications, Interlochen Center for the Arts

Caitlin Early, 34

Campaign & Development Officer, TART Trails

Volunteerism/leadership: Traverse City Arts Commission, Recycle-a-Bicycle, Northwest Michigan Arts & Culture Network, The Children’s House, Old Town Playhouse

Highlight: Celebrating the opening of the Boardman Lake Loop alongside project leaders and recreational enthusiasts will be a life-long memory. This community trail is truly reflective of the heights that collaboration can take us, and I’m excited to see what is next!

Local inspiration: I had the privilege of working alongside Kristina Nichols, vice provost at Interlochen Center of the Arts. She is an incredible problem-solver and inspires me to stay curious. I would also be remiss if I didn’t include Julie Clark, TART Trails CEO. Her passion for delivering projects that are reflective of community values is a daily inspiration.

Regional economic impact: Working on the Nakwema Trailway, a 45-mile trail that will connect Traverse City and Charlevoix, and the incredible natural areas and communities in between. Nakwema will fill a gap between the TART Trails and Top of Michigan Trails Council networks, connecting over 400 miles of trail for us to explore.

My next big thing: More public art! In the coming months, the Art on the TART program will be unveiling several new trailside art projects on both the Boardman Lake Loop and the Leelanau Trail. As well, the Traverse City Arts Commission has several projects on tap, including a mural at Bryant Park.

Who knew: I lived in a 16-foot diameter yurt for eight months with my now-husband and our cat.

As our Manager of Strategic Communications, thank you for your commitment to creating communities that are adaptive and thriving for everyone and for collaborating with grantees and changemakers to tell compelling stories that inspire action and lead to lasting community change.

Sebastian Garbsch,

38

Owner, Blue Goat Wine & Provisions; Founder, Formative Fitness

Volunteerism/leadership: Father Fred Foundation, advancement committee; Traverse Symphony Orchestra, board president; TC Tritons Rowing, founding board member; Downtown Traverse City Association, board member

Highlight: A bittersweet and proud moment has been mentoring Brenden Booth, who took over ownership of Formative Fitness in July after co-founding and owning the business with me over the past 14 years.

Local inspiration: McKeel (Hagerty) has helped me grow in countless ways. I couldn’t remotely guess how many books he has given me over the years, ranging from philosophy to health to entrepreneurship and even history. But what really inspires me is his constant desire to learn and grow – not just professionally, but in a wide range of areas. Early on, I met many business owners who put all of their energy into work and didn’t lead remarkable and balanced lives like McKeel does. It’s something I strive to emulate.

Regional economic impact: I made the decision to start Formative Fitness when I was 24, during the recession. A lot of my peers were leaving for bigger opportunities elsewhere, but I wanted to invest in Traverse City. Along the way, I tried to make time to help others, be it employees or friends or through nonprofits. I love inspiring others to follow their dreams as I follow mine.

Next big thing: I’ve definitely got some big ideas, now that I have taken a step back from Formative Fitness. More to come!

Who knew: I have my dual citizenship with Germany and study German each day. One of my big goals is to find a way to do business both here and Germany.

Cyrus Ghaemi, 36

Chief Clinical Officer, Traverse Health Clinic

Highlight: Being part of a workplace systems transformation as Traverse Health Clinic has gone through major transitions in its team and leadership. I’ve worked with others to start laying the groundwork for more collaborative methods of engaging with others for problem solving and development.

Local inspiration: Dr. Joe Cook has been a mentor during my medical training. He embodies excellence in his craft as a physician while also demonstrating deep kindness and humility and embracing a deep sense of joy in life itself.

Regional economic impact: By being part of an organization that focuses on providing care to all those who come to us – regardless of their ability to pay – I strive to make sure that no one’s health gets left behind. As the physical and mental health of our neighbors improves, people are more able to focus on living their lives and caring for themselves, friends, and families, which in turn means placing less of a burden on local emergency health services.

Next big thing: I’m very excited to move forward with our integrated medical and behavioral healthcare approach; the mind and body are inseparable, and it’s exciting to approach caring for patients in a way that works to center that perspective.

Who knew: I used to play a few instruments, and I’m trying to pick up the piano and drums again.

Biggest fan: “Dr. Ghaemi strives to not only improve the health of the individuals for whom he cares, but also to improve the health of the community as a whole through his advocacy for healthier policies and systems. This work makes our region a more vibrant and viable place to live – regardless of one’s economic circumstances.” – Mi Stanley, corporate director of special projects and communications, Traverse Health Clinic

Who knew: I have my dual citizenship with Germany and study German each day. One of my big goals is to find a way to do business both here and Germany.

Lauren Harris, 38

Employee Benefits Specialist – Agent, Advantage Benefits Group

Volunteerism/leadership: Traverse Area Human Resource Association, Venture North Board of Directors, Goodwill Northern Michigan Board of Directors, Traverse Connect Government Relations Committee

Highlight: In the last 12 months I’ve had the opportunity to partner with several of northern Michigan’s employers, and had the pleasure of presenting at Traverse Connect’s Economic Strategy Session to discuss their first Employee Benefits Survey.

Local inspiration: Laura Galbraith, executive director of Venture North. Under Laura’s leadership, Venture North has become a critical funding and resource organization for our local businesses to achieve long-term, economic success. Laura led the organization during the COVID-19 pandemic, pivoting to launch the Regional Resiliency Program that kept over 300 businesses alive by connecting them with (free) grants.

Regional economic impact: Employee benefits are a quiet, yet critical piece to our local economy’s success attracting and retaining talent for our region. Using data analytics, innovation and creativity, we’re helping employers reimagine their employee benefits strategy and creating new options not previously seen in northern Michigan.

My next big thing: This fall my colleague and I will present at the 2023 Michigan Society of Human Resource Management conference (MISHRM) on the recent changes in healthcare transparency laws, and how employers can prevent cost shifting to their employees.

Who knew: Last fall, my family and nine other families opened a dirt bike riding facility in Mancelona called 10Pines.

whom he cares, but also to improve the health of the community as a whole through his advocacy for healthier policies and systems. This work makes our region a more vibrant and viable place to live – regardless of one’s economic circumstances.” – Mi Stanley, corporate director of special projects and communications, Traverse Health Clinic

Megan Holtrey, 32

Operations Manager, Dennos Museum

Volunteerism/leadership : Friends of the Traverse Area District Library, Northwest Michigan Arts & Culture Network, Interlochen Public Radio Community Advisory Council

Highlight: Being asked to write a feature piece for the Record Eagle’s Women’s History Month issue. I was so honored to be among such great company of women in our community!

Local inspiration: Colleen Paveglio from the City of Traverse City. This past spring, I was a member of the inaugural City Academy class the City of Traverse City offered. Colleen was a huge part of the team that put that program together, and it was so inspiring to see how passionate she is about the community and getting more people involved in local government.

Regional economic impact: As manager of the Dennos’s budget, it’s my job to keep spending on track, find ways to increase revenue and help manage the grants the Dennos receives. We use these resources to create programming and bring exhibitions that attract locals and tourists to visit the museum and the region. The money the museum brings into the community ripples out to other areas in the economy, and adds to the cultural capital of the region.

My next big thing: Completing the accreditation process with the American Alliance of Museums. After completing professional assessments of our general operations and collections management, the next big step will be applying for accreditation review. Fewer than 4% of the country’s museums are accredited, so it’s exciting to be a part of this process.

Who knew: This past year, I took up hunting with my dad.

Johnson, 34

President and CEO, United Way of Northwest Michigan

Volunteerism/leadership: Rotary Club of Traverse City, VISTAGE Michigan, Safer Kids Safer Schools

Highlight: In July, after a year of planning and collaborating with essential partners, United Way launched the United We Smile dental clinic. This innovative new dental clinic is serving all children, including those with developmental and cognitive disabilities, pregnant women, and military veterans.

Local inspiration: There are many individuals in the region that inspire me every day and make our region better. It would be impossible to name just one.

Regional economic impact: I am proud of what we have done as staff, volunteers and community members in the last year to grow United Way in our 10-county region. We are making childcare more affordable, increasing access to mental health care to those in crisis, and creating employment pathways to help families become financially stable. We are ensuring that our region and economy has the opportunities to thrive.

My next big thing: As we move forward, we will continue with (the) Less Talk, More Walk (strategy). We will be doing more work around policy development and advocacy work in Lansing, all while tackling regional issues head-on, taking chances and starting new programs, and revamping old systems with fresh ideas.

Who knew: I went to North Park University in Chicago on a vocal scholarship, where I sang with a traveling gospel choir and studied opera.

Parker Jones, 31

Ellie Kebler, 26

Regional economic impact: Through product marketing and content creation at Cherry Republic, I get to showcase local cherry farmers and the region to help drive sales and growth. Through Archie’s Dog Co., I’ve been able to expand my services and opportunities to the dog community by driving sales and visitors to local farmers markets. Archie’s also has a commitment to give 1% of all profits to the Cherryland Humane Society.

Innovation Counselor, MSU Extension

Volunteerism/leadership: Great Lakes Incubator Farm Board, Oryana Food Coop Board, Crosshatch’s Carbon Farming Cohort committee member

Highlight: Being elected to the Oryana Food Co-op Board of Directors is such an honor, helping represent the values of over 10,000 owners. In 2022, Oryana sold over $9 million in products from 194 local entrepreneurs. That’s about 25% of sales, directly supporting businesses within 100 miles of Traverse City. Oryana also supports over 100 local organizations and donated $85,000 of product to Food Rescue.

Local inspiration: Wendy Wieland is a hard-working and innovative food systems professional. She effected transformative change in her 20-plus years with MSU Extension, from visioning the New Entrepreneurial Agriculture to co-founding the Northwest Michigan Food and Farming Network and the Northern Michigan Small Farms Conference.

Regional economic impact: In the next 10 years, the most farmland in American history will transition to new ownership. That’s a threat to the rural lifestyle that draws people and business activity to Traverse City.

I’m proud to have helped launch the Great Lakes Incubator Farm (GLIF), which offers land, equipment, and expertise for beginning farmers to grow their business here in northwest Michigan.

My next big thing: MSU Extension is bringing the Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities Conference to Cadillac in May. The conference embeds educational sessions on economic development within small businesses across a real downtown. It’s amazing to see attendees learn not only from experts and entrepreneurs, but by directly experiencing the downtown spaces with each other. Our model has been replicated by seven other universities since 2009.

Who knew: I lived in Senegal as a Peace Corps Volunteer many moons ago. In my village, I’d only speak Mandinka in my day-to-day. While I haven’t forgotten the language, today I use it solely to encrypt my computer passwords.

Product Marketing & Content Manager, Cherry Republic; Founder, Archie’s Dog Co.

Highlight: Archie’s Dog Co. started a year ago as a way to give local dogs – including my own – the very best all-natural treats, and has allowed me to become an active part of the community while driving me to have a direct impact on the growth of Traverse City. I’ve been fortunate enough to partner with local companies like Mundos Roasting & Co., Jacob’s Farm, Happy Camper Coffee Co., Riley’s Candles, Contigo Dogs, and many more.

Local inspiration: Bob Sutherland is the founder of Cherry Republic and a man I feel fortunate enough to learn from every day. He is a visionary who is always thinking about the future of his company, employees and northern Michigan.

My next big thing : Growing archiesdogco.com through search engine optimization, email marketing, and content creation. I want to grow Archie’s digitally to reach a national level, with the end goal of donating more to organizations that help the world.

Who knew: I worked in the U.S. House of Representatives and received my master’s degree in corporate communications and public relations from Georgetown University while living in Washington, D.C.

Biggest fan: “With Ellie on our team, the future holds endless possibilities. Her boundless enthusiasm and unyielding commitment to our mission drives us forward, ensuring that we not only sell more cherries of joy but also share more of the love, light, and innovation that define us. She is more than a colleague; she is a beacon of positivity and a catalyst for our collective success.” – Sara Harding, vice president of marketing and impact, Cherry Republic

Bradley Matson, 39

Venture Program Manager, Spartan Innovations

Volunteerism/leadership: Lead organizer of Northern Michigan Startup Week (NMSW), board member of TCNewTech

Highlight: Within the last year I’ve transitioned from working with Northern Michigan Angels to working full-time with Spartan Innovations. I am now in a role that allows me to work more closely with startup founders on a daily basis helping to grow their companies.

Local inspiration: Bill Myers is a great asset to our startup ecosystem as the CEO of Promethient and chair of Newton’s Road. He is engaged and willing to help at many stages of the innovation pipeline.

My next big thing: NMSW 2024 will be bigger and better with more events and partner organizations. Spartan Innovation has recently added a Detroit office and will continue to offer venture programming throughout the state.

Who knew: I spent 2018 touring the country in a converted Sprinter van volunteering at various national parks.

Seth

Forbes Top Wealth Management Teams

Meghan McDermott, 33

Deputy Director, Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities

Volunteerism/leadership: Groundwork Center, Commongrounds, Northwest Food Coalition, Food Rescue

Highlight: This summer I had the honor of witnessing Gov. Gretchen Whitmer sign the fiscal year 2024 School Aid budget, which included a continuation of 10 Cents a Meal at $9.3 million, an expansion to offer universal meals for all schoolchildren in Michigan, a historic investment in per-pupil funding and rural bussing.

Local inspiration: Becky Mang & Homer Nye, part of the founding bedrock of Food Rescue (and so much more), stand as pillars of what it means to be committed, connected, and caring within a community. They complement each other so well, and together can achieve just about anything.

Impact on the region’s economy: When I moved to Traverse City 10 years ago, I had never been here, and expected to only stay for a year or two, completing a service term with FoodCorps. Here I am a full decade later, more in love with this region than ever, from 10 Cents a Meal in the state budget to millions of dollars in state and federal investment in rail, the purchase of local food for food pantries, investments in clean energy, protection of the Great Lakes.

My next big thing: My partner and I have been embarking on a DIY renovation of a house at the edge of town. I’m loving the process, but also look forward to moving past spending every spare moment on home improvement projects.

Who knew: Growing up in Illinois as a child, I competed in horse shows, with a green sequined vest, chaps, cowboy hat and all. I even went on to participate in my college’s equestrian team, but still haven’t been to the Traverse City Horse Shows. I need to get on that!

Meagan McLain, 38

Owner/Lead Designer, McLain Designs

Volunteerism/leadership: SheBikes, Northern Michigan Women Mastermind Group

Highlight: Our kitchen designs were featured in Traverse Magazine October 2022. McLain

Designs hired two employees, leased new office space in Traverse City, and added interior design services to our portfolio. Project volume increased over the last year by 15 projects and counting.

Local inspiration: The person who inspires me the most is my dad, Bob McLain. From the time I was young I was exposed to business, with family dinners often taking place around a conference table. He taught me not only the business side of strategic growth, good margins, and sales, but also how to give back to the community through volunteering and organizing community events and outreach through cycling.

Regional economic impact: I’ve been partnering with local builders focused on increasing the availability of affordable housing. I also work with contractors and homeowners on custom high-end projects, which bring revenue to the region. I’ve been able to expand my staff by hiring local moms and working around their schedules, given the limited childcare available in the area.

My next big thing: I’m looking forward to the possibility of expanding our office space in the future to include a design showroom and am really excited about getting my kids involved in volunteering with local cycling events.

a perfect fit for any occasion

ty, as well as a special one-night ‘Wine First’ dinner at the Resort’s Aerie Restaurant & Lounge. It’s an experience I’ll cherish forever.

Local inspiration: Gaye O’Neal, our assistant director of food and beverage at the Resort, has taught me how to successfully manage food operations at our 900-acre property. Whether it’s a 1,200-person banquet dinner, an intimate wedding, or daily service in one of our eight dining outlets, she works to give everyone a grand experience.

Weddings, Business Meetings, Retirement Parties , Showers, Holiday Parties, Birthdays, Corporate Events, Reunions, Memorial Celebrations & More!

Regional economic impact: Working with local vendors is one way I strive to impact our region’s economy. From distributors to local farms, meat suppliers and wineries, plus local breweries, it’s great to show off our Michigan products on our menus and in our dining outlets.

“Exceptional service, delectable food, awesome staff & beautiful venue. A place we will truly cherish for a lifetime.” - Hilary

Next big thing: I love being able to bring new guests to the Resort through food. I love talking with first-time visitors and sharing what else our property offers in terms of the spa, golf courses and other amenities. As a result, I’m always looking at what new events or experiences we can offer at the Resort.

Who knew: I lived in Las Vegas for almost 10 years and worked at a Gordon Ramsay restaurant for seven of those.

Please contact Barbara Olson, Events Director, for more information

231.944.6984

• BARB@MISSIONTABLE.NET

13512 PENINSULA DR, TRAVERSE CITY MISSIONTABLE.NET

• PENINSULAROOM.COM

Biggest fan: “Chef Auston is a top influencer in the Grand Traverse region with the work he does mentoring and teaching the next generation of culinary professionals. Whether it is our foreign labor staff at the Resort, interns, or students in local culinary programs, Chef Auston exudes patience, professionalism and creativity. He is always looking to do new things, get new people involved, and showcase what this region offers.” – Caroline Rizzo, Grand Traverse Resort and Spa

Auston Minnich, 36

Executive Chef, Grand Traverse Resort and Spa

Highlight: My proudest moment from the past year was being involved in the international PBS show ‘Wine First.’ Being challenged to create dishes with three secret ingredients that were then paired with wine from local wineries was exciting. The year-round project wrapped up with a showing of the episode at the State Theatre to the local community, as well as a special one-night ‘Wine First’ dinner at the Resort’s Aerie Restaurant & Lounge. It’s an experience I’ll cherish forever.

Local inspiration: Gaye O’Neal, our assistant director of food and beverage at the Resort, has taught me how to successfully manage food operations at our 900-acre property. Whether it’s a 1,200-person banquet dinner, an intimate wedding, or daily service in one of our eight dining outlets, she works to give everyone a grand experience.

Regional economic impact: Working with local vendors is one way I strive to impact our region’s economy. From distributors to local farms, meat suppliers and wineries, plus local breweries, it’s great to show off our Michigan products on our menus and in our dining outlets.

Next big thing: I love being able to bring new guests to the Resort through food. I love talking with first-time visitors and sharing what else our property offers in terms of the spa, golf courses and other amenities. As a result, I’m always looking at what new events or experiences we can offer at the Resort.

Who knew: I lived in Las Vegas for almost 10 years and worked at a Gordon Ramsay restaurant for seven of those.

Biggest fan: “Chef Auston is a top influencer in the Grand Traverse region with the work he does mentoring and teaching the next generation of culinary professionals. Whether it is our foreign labor staff at the Resort, interns, or students in local culinary programs, Chef Auston exudes patience, professionalism and creativity. He is always looking to do new things, get new people involved, and showcase what this region offers.” –

Caroline Rizzo, Grand Traverse Resort and Spa

JT Olio, 37

our office space in the future to include a design showroom and am really excited about getting my kids involved in volunteering with local cycling events.

Chief Architect & Strategy Officer, Storj Labs Inc

Highlight: Based in Atlanta, Storj has grown tremendously in the last year. Storj is like Airbnb for hard drives: If you have hard drive space you can get paid for it, and if you need space, you can use it. Distributed storage like this is something I’ve been working on for close to two decades, and Storj is really the culmination of my career’s work in software engineering and startups. People are running our software in over 120 countries. The best part is that, because Storj is reusing existing computer hardware instead of building new data centers, it’s massively more environmentally friendly.

Local inspiration: I’m really impressed with Hans Voss and everyone else at the Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities. As the greater Traverse area and other climate havens like it grow, focusing on affordable housing, food security, efficient transportation, and really anything that improves local community resilience is critical.

Regional economic impact: A few years ago, I did an analysis of every county in the United States. I downloaded climate models out to 2090 from most of the major climate research projects, along with census, agricultural, and economic data. Considering affordability, education, air quality, nearby city infrastructure, soil moisture, projected plant hardiness zones, freshwater availability and use, temperature range, crop diversity, humidity, precipitation, drought risk, wildfire risk, and other factors, my family and I concluded that Traverse City was the best place in the nation to raise a child, and we moved here. I’m new here so I want to tread lightly, but I have already started connecting with local folks who are interested in or already working on improving the amount of affordable, energy efficient, and sustainable housing in the area. I definitely want to be part of an inclusive and equitable solution.

Next big thing: I am doing everything I can to get my carbon impact to zero and encourage others to do the same.

Who knew: My one and only time skydiving, I was wearing a gorilla suit.

Jess Ashmore Branch Manager Traverse City Union

Max Anderson Commercial Lender

37

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CARE FOR ALL AGES

Highlight: At the end of last year we set some goals for our business. We decided that if we could reach these goals through the first portion of the year, we would make the financial investment to develop the legal framework for our Employee Ownership program. In April we met those goals.

SERVICES & SUPPORT FOR EVERYONE

Crisis Intervention Services

• 24/7 Crisis Line

833-295-0616

• Crisis Welcoming Center, 105 Hall Street, Traverse City, 6AM to Midnight

• Mobile Crisis Teams for Adults and Children

Integrated Health Services - Integrated Health Clinic

• Primary health care clinic for anyone in the community, all ages, all/no insurance. Accepting new patients. Call for appointment: 231-935-3062.

Kandu Island Drop-In Center – a safe place to be, for all, on South Garfield.

CMH SERVICES FOR ELIGIBLE PEOPLE

• Psychiatry

• Therapy

• Counseling

• Case Management

• Autism Applied Behavioral Analysis

• Specialized Residential Services

• Long-term Services and Support

• Traverse House & Club Cadillac Clubhouses

• See full list at northernlakescmh.org/services

WHEN IN DOUBT, CALL US!

24/7 Crisis Line: 833-295-0616

Access to Service: 800-492-5742

Customer Service: 800-337-8598

Owner, High Five Threads, Great Lakes

Proud, and Forward Inking Design & Print Studio

Volunteerism/leadership: Charlie Golf One, Project Feed the Kids, National Cherry Festival, Cedar Polka Fest, and Great Lakes Strongest Man

Local inspiration: Our owner, Andrew Kohlmann, whose commitment to this community and selfless generosity toward our team inspires me every day. I’m also very fortunate to have a close working relationship with Brian Walter, the president of Clark Manufacturing. His tireless work ethic, attention to detail, and employee-first focus set the bar for me in terms of what it takes to lead a business. And Cody Hendrickson, the owner of Innovo Spa Solutions, has been doing tremendous work growing his small business and creating jobs here and throughout the state.

Regional economic impact: We pride ourselves on helping businesses of all sizes brand themselves confidently and put their best foot forward. For our employees, I believe we are building a pathway toward the American Dream in the face of rising inflation. Developing a plan to transition to an Employee-Owned Cooperative can be daunting, but we are committed to providing our team with appropriately equitable outcomes for the work they put in. In addition, by proving the viability of this model, we can help northern Michigan retain more industry and employment opportunities into the future.

My next big thing: We are completing a major facility layout overhaul that has unlocked a ton of efficiency for us. But more than anything, I’m excited for us to have the Employee Ownership framework functional over the next year and begin rolling that out to our team.

Highlight: Last summer we bought out one of our customers, Great Lakes Proud. We are now able to offer our products through wholesale partnerships in over 500 stores throughout the state. Along with our existing retail location and existing in-house production capabilities, that put us in the perfect position to be awarded the contract by the Michigan DNR to be the exclusive merchandise provider for the Michigan State Parks, trails and waterways.

Local inspiration: Holly Hack, owner/broker of Exit Realty Paramount, is the definition of a community leader, always displaying an ‘attitude of gratitude’ and encouraging anyone around her to be thankful for their blessings. Her work ethic is second to none, but she always puts family and community first. She sits on numerous nonprofit boards throughout the region and gives countless hours volunteering for charitable events.

Regional economic impact: We founded our Michigan lifestyle brand High Five Threads around the premise of ‘Support Local,’ which remains a critical component of our culture today. The more our neighbors buy from us, the more we have a responsibility to circulate that money back into our local economy by purchasing locally when possible and through charitable contributions.

My next big thing: We’ll be celebrating Forward Inking’s 10-year anniversary in March! We saw some major unplanned growth over the last year, so the focus for the near future is sustainable growth with improving internal processes and adding more talent to our awesome team.

Who knew: I started my first official business at the age of 14 (I don’t count the numerous lemonade stands I had as a kid) and haven’t gone without owning a business since then.

ment, My leaders, ry-friendly, Who grow

and system.

Tyler Palsrok, 34

General Manager, Image 360 Volunteerism/leadership: Harvest Bible Chapel Worship Team (Bass)

Natalie Pediatric (Traverse Volunteerism/leadership: Association, On Pediatric Highlight: physical to kids We programs, tions. its main speech-language

bravely I’m and Regional therapy healthcare dren. of

Natalie Ramsey, 38

Pediatric Physical Therapist and Director, Kids On The Go (Traverse City)

Volunteerism/leadership: American Physical Therapist Association, Michigan Physical Therapist Association, Kids On The Go (TC director), Munson Healthcare (Outpatient Pediatric Physical Therapist)

Highlight: Kids On The Go is a nonprofit that provides free physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy to kids with special needs through summer camp programs. We successfully completed our fourth summer camp and were thrilled to offer new programs, expanded enrollment, increased staff size, and new community collaborations. We partnered with NMC Extended Education and relocated our programs to its main campus. Plus, we partnered with MSU to create a new summer internship for speech-language pathology students.

Local inspiration: I’m most inspired by the incredible children we serve. These kids bravely meet physical, emotional, medical, and developmental challenges each day, and I’m so proud of every one of them. I’m equally inspired by their families who support and advocate to help them reach their full potential.

Regional economic impact: Since I took on my role in 2019, we’ve provided summer therapy services for 77 children with special needs, free of charge. We’re expanding healthcare opportunities in our region and increasing access to therapy for local children. We’ve created new job opportunities for pediatric therapists and created a range of new volunteer opportunities for individuals interested in healthcare, child development, and education in an inclusive, play-based setting.

My next big thing: Along with our amazing team of healthcare providers and local leaders, I’m continuing to work on adapting our camp space at NMC into a sensory-friendly, therapeutic environment that fits the needs of our campers and staff.

Who knew: I’m a Canadian. I love bacon and I play the guitar, piano and fiddle. Plus I grow grapes as an amateur winemaker.

Andrew Raymond, 39

Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Kalkaska Memorial Health Center

Volunteerism/leadership: Board of Education treasurer at Traverse City Area Public Schools, member of the TCAPS

Board Finance and Operations Committee, Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, member of the Healthcare Financial Management Association, member of the Small Hospital Council of the Michigan Hospital Association, member of the CFO Council of the Michigan Hospital Association.

Highlight: I recently took and passed the American College of Healthcare Executive’s Board of Governors’ Exam to become an ACHE Fellow.

Local inspiration: Jay Berger, co-founder of the Safer Kids, Safer Schools taskforce. After the May 2022 school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, Jay decided he was going to do something to hopefully prevent a similar tragedy in Traverse City. The SKSS taskforce was created with around 30 members. They held several meetings and created a draft report that identifies five conclusions around school safety, as well as recommendations on how the northern Michigan community might start making strides toward school shooting prevention.

Regional economic impact: Kalkaska Memorial Health Center (KMHC) continues to grow to meet the increasing demand for services. I’m proud to be part of the KMHC team that continues to rise to the challenge to provide high quality care to our communities.

My next big thing: KMHC will be opening our new emergency department and inpatient unit this fall. This new facility will allow the organization to expand capabilities and services to our patients in the community, closer to their home and support system. KMHC will also be celebrating our 70th year of operations!

Volunteerism/leadership: President-elect, Friends of Impact chair, and board member for Impact100 Traverse City; board trustee and Gala Committee chair for Old Town Playhouse; member of Traverse Area Human Resources Association and the Society for Human Resources Management; member of the state bar associations for Virginia and Michigan

Highlight: I conducted several complex workplace investigations this past year, and was able to help organizations through some extremely difficult personnel issues. I am proud and honored to be a trusted advisor during both the good and tough times. That my clients choose to call me when they need help means the world to me.

Local inspiration: Angie Witkowski is an absolute powerhouse. As a business owner, New York Times -bestselling author, podcast host, athlete and mom, she is the real deal. I love her authenticity and vulnerability in leadership, and her enthusiasm is contagious.

Regional economic impact: As small business owners, my partners and I contribute directly to our region’s economy. We are proud to work with and support numerous other local businesses as vendors, clients and friends. My job is to help my clients continue their success and be the best employers they can be. Further, with Impact100 TC, after our annual meeting in September, we will have given over $2.1 million to our region’s nonprofits in only seven years.

Next big thing: I am looking forward to leading Impact100 Traverse City in the coming year, and plan on continuing to connect with hundreds of amazing women and pooling our funds to make transformational gifts to address important needs in our community.

Who knew: I was in a freak bike accident this year while riding my girls to school –which we do most days. I was hospitalized, but the quick thinking of my bike brigade parents and my helmet saved me. Always wear a helmet! You’re worth the investment.

Remington Rice, 30 Health & Farm Stress Extension Educator, Michigan State University Extension

Volunteerism/leadership: Michigan State University Extension, Benzie Conservation District

Highlight: A northern Michigan farmer shared this with me: ‘Thank you. I didn’t believe in the program when you shared it with me, but this program gave me my life back and might have saved it in the process.’

Local inspiration: Josh Stoltz, the executive director of Grow Benzie, a non-profit Rural Prosperity Incubator and community center in Northwest Lower Michigan, is a constant professional inspiration. His community-first focus, magnetic personality, and unwavering support for our local community

Matthew Ross, 39

Executive Director, Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park

Volunteerism/leadership: Sunrise Rotary Club, Friends of Historic Commons, Northern Michigan Nursery Landscape Association Board, Michigan Nursery and Landscape Association, Wild Ones, North American Rock Gardening Society, American Public Gardens Association, Garden Clubs of America.

Highlight: I am overwhelmed with the reception I have received since recently starting. Community members and partners, members of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, volunteers, Laurel Voran and her garden team, students from Pathfinder, and volunteers from the United Way have all embraced two new gardens: The Native American Medicine Wheel and the Foraging Meadow. They celebrate plants with important roles in the ethnobotany and heritage of our region.

Local inspiration: It has been an honor working alongside Joann Cook and Tera John developing the plant palette, deepening my understanding of the important role plants play in the

have left a lasting impact on me. Watching him champion ideas for the betterment of northern Michigan has motivated me to adopt a similar mindset and strive for positive change.

Regional economic impact: The significance of farming cannot be overstated. It is a pillar of our society and has a profound impact on everyone. No farmers = no food. Being able to contribute to such a critical industry, particularly one that my family has been involved in for over a century, gives my work a deeper sense of purpose and meaning.

My next big thing: Establishing an endowment to ensure behavioral health resources are available for the Michigan agricultural community in perpetuity.

Who knew: I’m passionate about TTRPGs (tabletop role-playing games) and behavioral health. TTRPGs, such as Dungeons & Dragons, have gained popularity in part because of shows like ‘Stranger Things’ and ‘Critical Role,’ but TTRPGs also deserve our attention for their positive effects on health too.

lives of the Anishinaabe, and learning more about the work they and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians are doing in the community. Both have made me think differently about the botanical world.

Regional economic impact: Hosting the first ever Great Lakes, Great Plants Symposium brought together a national audience of horticulture professionals and avid gardeners for a three-day event with top botanists, lectures from top authors and plant celebrities, a rare plant auction, and garden tours. It helped the Northern Michigan Nursery and Landscape Association cement its role in elevating our local green industry partners.

My next big thing: The Botanic Garden is amidst a capital campaign to develop a year-round educational center and children’s sensory garden, including a classroom, gallery and event space. We are working with Disability Northern Michigan to select plants and features that will be enjoyed by children of all ages and abilities. It is being developed in partnership with the Friendly Garden Club, and includes a life-size statue of Colantha, a fantastic water feature and an amphitheater.

Who knew: I am a competitive floral designer and have assisted with developing floral installations at the Philadelphia Flower Show for many years, including a 12-foot-tall kangaroo!

derful mentor to me and someone whose leadership style I aspire to emulate.

Program and Fundraising Coordinator, Discovery Center & Pier

Volunteeerism/leadership: Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities, Zonta Club of Traverse City, Rotary Club of Traverse City

Highlight: I’m so incredibly proud of the partnerships we formed and strengthened to make the Discover Fishing at the Pier program a reality. Through many hours of work, our first program was a success, with 60 youth participants and 40 parents/guardians.

Local inspiration: Becky Ewing inspires me both professionally and personally. She is not only an incredibly strong leader and connector, but she does so with an incredible amount of kindness, compassion and patience. She has been a won-

Regional economic impact: I feel so lucky to play a small role in improving diversity, equity and inclusion in our community. Through my work at Discovery Center & Pier and as a member of Groundwork’s Board Equity Committee I’m working to remove barriers for BIPOC communities, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ people and create an inclusive community for all. I believe diverse perspectives, equitable opportunities, and inclusivity are key components for a thriving regional economy.

My next big thing: The first phase of the Discovery Pier Project is nearly finished and the next phase will begin this winter. I’m excited that the next set of improvements will mean even more opportunities for the development of inclusive Great Lakes recreation programming.

Who knew: I studied abroad in South Africa, where I learned about fire ecology in South African parks and nature reserves, went on safari and bush hikes daily, and petted a cheetah at an animal rehabilitation center.

Lindsay Raymond, 38

Labor & Employment Attorney/Owner, Danbrook Adams Raymond PLC

Stephanie Rustem, 35

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Tina Schuett, 37

Owner/Brewer, Rare Bird Brewpub; Founder/President, Pour For More

Volunteerism/leadership: Pour for More, Northwest Michigan Community Development Coalition, Northern Michigan Women in Hospitality

Highlight: My proudest moment in the past 12 years has been becoming a parent. It made me look at my professional life and find a good work/life balance, and I found it has made me way more productive when I’m at work because every minute counts. Being a parent also makes me want to do better every day so I can provide for my daughter and have a positive impact on our community.

Local inspiration: Sue Kurta, owner of Boss Mouse Cheese. Sue had a high-profile, high-paying job on the East Coast and decided to give it up to follow her passion of making cheese and moved back to Michigan to be near her aging parents. Sue makes some of the best cheese around but also is one of the nicest people you’ll meet.

Regional economic impact: Pour for More has had a quiet but lasting impact on our region for the past seven years. We have donated more than $300,000 into local nonprofit organizations in our community. It’s all done by microscale donations from the customer that local establishments collect and then get redistributed by Pour for More.

Next big thing: Rare Bird will celebrate our 10th year in 2024, and it’s hard to believe we’ve been around that long. My co-owner Nate Crane and I started the brewpub with no experience in running a business and we have both grown so much. We weathered COVID and came back stronger and better, so now I believe we can take on anything.

Who knew: I’m a Jill of all trades. I think it comes out of necessity from owning a business, but it has now become second nature. From plumbing to IT management, if a problem arises, I will do my best to fix it on my own and not call in a professional.

Renee Sovis,

33

Program Officer, Neithercut Philanthropy Advisors

Volunteerism/leadership: In our local community, I am a Big Sister for Big Brothers Big Sisters and actively volunteer with both Norte and Great Lakes Humane Society.

I’ve also been on the TEDxTraverseCity Advisory Committee since 2011 and was its event coordinator for many years. In the state, I am a board member and the secretary of Emerging Leaders in Philanthropy, Michigan Chapter.

Highlight: I joined the Rotary Charities Capacity Advisor Pool (CAP) to assist nonprofits with foundation relations. Our clients at Neithercut Philanthropy Advisors are primarily based in southeast Michigan, so I have little opportunity to work with local nonprofits in a professional capacity. Joining CAP allows me to share my experience and expertise closer to home.

Local inspiration: Becky Ewing (formerly the executive director of Rotary Charities) and Sara Harding (VP of marketing and impact for Cherry Republic). Becky takes a holistic approach to navigating the philanthropic landscape and is always willing to share her time and knowledge. Sara is an inspiring leader and I have benefited from her support and guidance for many years.

Regional economic impact: As a former small business manager and owner, I have been making a mark on Front Street for many years. I was the manager of Yen Yoga & Fitness for seven years, where I led a team of over 60 employees and helped navigate the studio’s growth and development during its startup phase. I also co-owned a bridal shop for which we were recognized by the TCBN as one of the “Women Shaping Downtown Traverse City.”

Next big thing: I’m in my last semester of my Master of Science in Administration degree from CMU. Graduating will be my next big milestone.

-

less. My time working at Maxbauer, meanwhile, taught me the importance of givinggan Mac Marketing. I’ve learned a lot about local businesses, how to run a business,

“In my 25 years as a marketing leader – across three different industries – I have interacted with many impressive young marketing professionals. Never have tion side of marketing. As our first marketing manager, McKenzie has demonstrated

Who knew: I’m a Jill of all trades. I think it comes out of necessity from owning a business, but it has now become second nature. From plumbing to IT management, if a problem arises, I will do my best to fix it on my own and not call in a professional.

Tarra Warnes, 39

Vice President of Creative Strategy, Hagerty; Founder & Designer, Lookabout Swimwear

Volunteerism/leadership: I donate 1% of Lookabout Swimwear profits annually to Womens Resource Center. I am also a sponsor of Up North Pride and have been recognized by them as an LGBTQ+ safe and affirming business.

Highlight: In the past year, I’ve doubled my swimwear line’s online sales, expanded my retail presence from one local store to three, and tripled my social media following. One important goal I set for myself going into 2023 was to broaden the size range of body types I have represented modeling my suits, and I am happy with the progress I’ve made there.

Local inspiration: Holly Dalley – my mom! I remember as a child going with my mom to the copy shop and watching her create ads for her local business. Now a designer, I look back with gratitude at the creativity she inspired in me. She also worked really hard, running multiple businesses, doing her own bookkeeping, and waitressing at night. I hope I have some of that drive in me.

Regional economic impact: As a creative leader at Hagerty, over the past 15 years I have had the opportunity to create and implement strategic brand and marketing initiatives – alongside my team – that helped to position us for exponential growth and strengthen our place as a brand leader. As the region’s largest private employer, all of Hagerty’s success has a great impact on our local economy.

Next big thing: I’m currently focused on next spring’s swimwear launch of new prints and styles, and I’m exploring expanding my line into resort wear pieces as well as children’s swim.

Who knew: When I was my school’s Cherry Festival princess in 1991, I became the second generation of junior royalty in my family: My dad was the Traverse Heights Elementary Cherry Festival prince in 1968!

Next big thing: I’m in my last semester of my Master of Science in Administration degree from CMU. Graduating will be my next big milestone.

McKenzie Weeks, 30

Marketing Manager, ATLAS Space Operations

Highlight: My proudest professional moment was writing nominations for ATLAS Space’s Freedom™ software for the World Teleport Association and ViaSatellite, two recognizable organizations in the satellite and space industry. In both cases, we were accepted as runners-up that competed with big names, including Apple and Maxar.

Local inspiration: Paul Mead of ClearPath Strategic. Paul and I have been colleagues since I first moved to Traverse City in 2016, and he has been not only a mentor but a great friend. Paul has helped a number of businesses achieve success and is respected by everyone he meets.

Regional economic impact: My impact has been a bit multifaceted. In my time at Munson Healthcare Foundations, I contributed to improving the wellbeing of the community by raising money for local healthcare – and during a pandemic nonetheless. My time working at Maxbauer, meanwhile, taught me the importance of giving back to those in need.

My next big thing: I recently started my own after-hours marketing company, Michigan Mac Marketing. I’ve learned a lot about local businesses, how to run a business, and how to manage time effectively. It’s really expanded my skill set.

Who knew: People are always surprised to hear that I was a 100-meter dash state champion in high school. Maybe it’s because I’m 5’2”?

Biggest fan: “In my 25 years as a marketing leader – across three different industries – I have interacted with many impressive young marketing professionals. Never have I seen someone with such a broad understanding of both the strategic and execution side of marketing. As our first marketing manager, McKenzie has demonstrated her remarkable way of thinking strategically, positioning our startup company as a leading brand in the satellite communications industry.” – Norman Lee, ATLAS Space

Operations

Plumstead Martin

Emily Wilbert, 36

Director of Talent Management, Hagerty; Varsity Volleyball Coach, Traverse City Central High School

Volunteerism/leadership: Rotary Club of Traverse City; Versiti Blood Center, regular blood donor; volunteer work for Salvation Army, Cherry Festival, and Project Feed the Kids

Highlight: Being named Record Eagle’s Coach of the Year for volleyball!

Local inspiration: NMC President Nick Nissley, a fellow Rotarian and neighbor. It is incredible how quickly he has become an integral member and pillar of this community. The way he engages with his students is genuine and he is committed to helping them build a better future. I’m thankful we have him as a community leader, and for his investment in our region and its residents.

Regional economic impact: In my work for Hagerty, I am actively trying to retain talent through engagement and development activities that prepare them for future leadership growth. I’m also passionate about developing young people and helping them achieve more than they think is possible. Through coaching volleyball and mentoring tennis, I’m able to encourage and inspire student-athletes to believe in their abilities and help them become more confident and capable young people.

Next big thing: Continuing to find ways to positively impact my community through volunteering and inspiring young people. In particular, I plan to connect young people with volunteer opportunities to allow them to start making an impact in the place they live. Volunteering can help people make new connections and learn new skills – and by helping those that may be less fortunate, it can make you a happier, healthier, and more fulfilled person.

Biggest fan: “Through her volunteer service and impact on youth development through coaching, Emily is helping to ensure that our region and its people have the resources, skills, and confidence to thrive and grow. She demonstrates similar passion and impact in her role as director of talent management at Hagerty, where she is contributing to the growth of a local company and leading initiatives focused on engagement and development of Hagerty talent – many of whom are residents of Traverse City.” – Stephanie Johnson, director, employee relations, Hagerty

Alex Zelinski, 35

Commercial Account Executive, Ford Insurance

Volunteerism/leadership: Rotary member and Membership Committee Chairperson; Mud, Sweat, and Beers team member; Festival Foundation volunteer; Elks Member

Highlight: Gaining a commercial insurance license and starting a new career with Ford Insurance.

Local inspiration: There are many reasons why Chuck O’Connor has inspired me professionally. He is kind, creative, intelligent, funny and curious and his professional approach is to generate long-term value for the client. He taught me just how important it is to keep learning and improving (while not taking ourselves too seriously!)

Regional economic impact: It is an honor to be a part of the Ford Insurance team, which works with regional businesses to help make sure their assets are protected as they grow and prosper. I also enjoy and am proud to volunteer and work with local events to make sure they experience success and growth, which in turn positively impacts our region by way of dollars being kept and spent here.

My next big thing: Riding my first Iceman Cometh Challenge in November. Thank you to the Festival Foundation and all those who make the event possible. Wish me luck!

Who knew: I used to be the drummer in a band called Fondue – I haven’t played in years, but am excited to dust off the old drums and start playing again!

CONGRATULATIONS!

Christina Barkel, Food Equity Specialist & Meghan McDermott, Deputy Director

photo by beth price

TC GOES GLOBAL:

Two local manufacturers export nearly everywhere

By Craig Manning

Traverse City is known for more than cherries and wine.

There is an increasingly robust manufacturing sector that exports products all over the world. Per Michigan’s Creative Coast, Grand Traverse companies exported $4.8 billion in goods and services in 2016 alone, $1.3 billion of it from the local manufacturing sector.

In a 2021 TCBN manufacturing survey of 10 local companies, Shoreline Fruit shared its list of export countries – a list that included Canada, Mexico, various countries in South America, Korea, Israel, Australia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Germany, India, Vietnam, and New Zealand.

Meanwhile, Century, Inc. – which works in industries like aerospace, automotive, oil and gas, mining, and energy – reported Mexico, Europe, some of Asia, and Taiwan as its export locations.

Two companies in particular – The R.M. Young Company (YOUNG) and BORIDE Engineered Abrasives – export heavily.

YOUNG has been in business since 1964 and is known for its work in manufacturing professional-grade meteorological instruments. BORIDE has been developing and manufacturing abrasive products for industrial and consumer applications for more than 50 years. Both businesses are headquartered in Traverse City, with offices on Aero Park Drive less than half a mile apart.

So, what kind of global business are these two manufacturers doing from their digs in a Traverse City business-industrial park? Here’s what we learned from both about their export hustle.

R.M. YOUNG COMPANY

Export products: YOUNG specializes in the design and manufacture of professional-level meteorological instruments. “Our primary products are sensors for the measurement of wind, temperature, humidity, precipitation, barometric pressure and visibility,” said Andy Oliver, a sales manager for the company. “Every product manufactured by YOUNG is exported to international markets.”

Export countries: YOUNG currently has 22 international authorized distributors

BORIDE ENGINEERED ABRASIVES

Export products: According to Annette Thompson, sales and marketing manager for BORIDE Engineered Abrasives, the company’s variety of abrasive products for industrial and consumer applications include products for mold and die polishing, concrete and terrazzo floor finishing, and diamond wheel dressing. Additionally, the company develops and manufactures niche products for specialty industries such as dental, gunsmithing and knife sharpening. She adds that all of those product lines are

IT CAN HAPPEN HERE:

Two cybersecurity experts talk evolving threats, best practices, and northern Michigan horror stories

By Craig Manning

Cybercriminals neither know nor care where businesses are based.

Yet, many northern Michigan business owners believe the rural location keeps them safe from online harm.

“’(They’ll say), ‘We’re a small business in a small town. Who is going to come after us?’” said Albert Steed, president of Advanced Computer Solutions, which offers managed IT solutions and cybersecurity protection.

Steed says that cybercriminals neither know nor care where most of the businesses they target are based, nor how big that business might be.

“They don’t know you’re in Traverse City,” Steed said of the typical cybercriminal. “They don’t know that you have a $10 million business, or a $100 million business, or a $4 billion business.”

This approach is increasingly true with artificial intelligence, which makes it

easier for bad actors to automate parts of their process.

“(They can) very quickly and efficiently just shotgun the entire internet and try to get into your bank accounts, try to get into your business so that they can steal money,” he said.

has left some businesses more vulnerable because of lax security measures.

“Those businesses are allowing their employees to utilize their own equipment from home, or are not working with a company to provide them layers in updated technology, from a security

“Those companies are the best protected, regardless of remote work,” he said.

While the COVID era has changed the way that many companies do business, and while AI and other technologies are giving bad actors a leg up they didn’t have before, both Steed and Cerny say the best cybersecurity practices of today are largely the same as they always have been.

According to Tim Cerny, CEO of the Traverse City managed IT services company Safety Net, the increasingly sophisticated nature of cyber threats comes at a bad time for most businesses.

Many companies, he explained, shifted to remote work in 2020, which

perspective,” he said. “Those companies are the most vulnerable.”

Companies that take security seriously exhibit other patterns of behavior, such as company hardware and IT infrastructure that has layers of security and regular updates, says Cerny.

For instance, Cerny is a big believer in regular data backups and redundancy in those backups, in case the primary backup gets corrupted or otherwise compromised. He also recommends cybersecurity insurance for every client at Safety Net, to help them out of tough scrapes ranging from ransomware to revenue losses related to system downtime.

Both Cerny and Steed agree, meanwhile, that the biggest cybersecurity vulnerability any company has is its employees, who might inadvertently trigger a devastating cyber attack simply

“At the request of their ‘key vendor,’ the manufacturer re-routed the wire transfer and unknowingly deposited a $250,000 payment in the threat actor’s bank account. They lost the money.”

- Tim Cerny, CEO, Safety Net

MANUFACTURING: EXPORTING GRAND TRAVERSE TO THE WORLD

by clicking the wrong link, opening a fishy email, choosing a bad password, or neglecting updates on their hardware or software. On that front, both experts said they encourage all businesses to be vigilant with their digital literacy training.

“I would say the training should happen, at a minimum, quarterly,” Steed said.

Steed is also a big believer in ongoing digital literacy testing, a “fake attack” email campaign that purposely baits employees into clicking a bad link, perhaps, or sharing information they shouldn’t.

“So, you might do a campaign that sends out 1-2 emails a month, or maybe even 1-2 emails a week depending on the level of security, and you do that to test your employees to ensure that they’re following procedures,” he explained.

The tests are deliberately difficult to spot if someone isn’t paying close attention or has gotten lazy with security protocols. As a result, Steed said employees are often annoyed or even angry with their employers for what they might see as pure trickery. Like many other aspects of cybersecurity, though, Steed views those kinds of hurt feelings as a necessary evil far better than the alternative.

“We could literally go back to writing everything on paper and pencil, and we’d be almost perfectly secure, but imagine the productivity hit,” he said. “So, at the end of the day, any kind of cybersecurity is a new level of friction that’s going to be there for a while until we get some kind of smarter way of protecting ourselves.”

That friction can take many forms: training, regular testing, frequent password updates, dual-factor authentication processes, limiting the sites employees can visit on the business network, and regular hard- and software updates.

Steed says the return on that investment is a clear choice.

“Am I going to be in business tomorrow – or am I not going to be in business tomorrow,” he said.

The Horror Stories

Given that both Steed and Cerny regularly deal with people who assume cyberattacks don’t happen to small businesses in small northern Michigan towns, we had to ask them to bust the myth by sharing a few local horror stories. While neither could share names or specific identifying information about the clients that fell victim to cyberattacks, the three scenarios below all happened to Safety Net or Advanced Computer Solutions clients doing business right here in Traverse City.

Horror Story #1: The close call

Recently, Steed worked with a local business that was operating with “a server that was left unpatched, unmanaged, they had it on the internet, and the bad guys got in.” That vulnerable access point allowed the bad actors to hijack the server, encrypt all the data, and leave the business with “a classic ransomware scenario: You give us $17,000 worth of Bitcoin and then you can have your data back.”

The story has a happy ending, but only just barely. “This particular customer was one backup drive away from losing everything,” Steed said. “We were able to stop them before they put that last drive in, and were able to clean up the problem and restore everything. But it would have been a business with over 20 years of being in business that would have failed.

They would have lost everything if they had lost that last drive.”

Horror Story #2: The quarter-million-dollar mistake

How much is multi-factor authentication worth? In some cases, it turns out, 250 grand.

Per Cerny, one recent Safety Net client was a local manufacturer “that hadn’t implemented multifactor authentication to access their email.” The oversight “allowed a threat actor to access their system and identify their key suppliers.” Armed with that information, the threat actor impersonated one of the manufacturer’s suppliers and requested a payment of $250,000, to be routed to a different bank account than usual.

“At the request of their ‘key vendor,’ the manufacturer re-routed the wire transfer and unknowingly deposited a $250,000 payment in the threat actor’s bank account,” Cerny said. “They lost the money.”

“This approach is very common, and what companies don’t recognize is that it’s not just the $250,000 that you’ll lose,” Cerny added. “There are significant costs associated with the security

response, remediation, and forensics related to the breach.”

Horror Story #3: The killer is inside the house

“A lot of cyberattacks come from an internal source,” Steed noted. “We just got a new client that had a single-source person who was their ‘IT expert’ and who had basically all of their information: All of the passwords, all of the accounts, all of the dual factor authentication, everything was attached to their own personal accounts.”

“When that person left the business and became hostile to the business, they basically left that business in limbo,” Steed continued. “There was no way to get the emails back. The phone system was down. Everything was down. They were basically out of business.”

This scenario, Steed said, can be instructive to businesses that tend to envision the perpetrators behind cyberattacks as faceless hackers sitting behind computers on the other side of the world. “Cybersecurity and good, solid IT goes beyond the Chinese, the Russians, and all this other stuff. It goes right down to your employees that you have working for you.”

By Rob Dickinson, columnist

EXPORT-ISE:

International trade resources connect businesses to the world

By Chris Bosio, columnist

The Global Trade Alliance of Northern Michigan (GTA) and the Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC) are looking to connect you to export business services.

The GTA connects businesses to service providers and peers to assist in the launch and enhancement of global trade operations. Through our partnerships, we provide a single point of access for market research, entry strategies, sales and distribution channels for regional products, promotional activities including trade missions and shows, and business networking, mentoring and education.

One prime example of these connections at work includes a Traverse Citybased company designing and manufacturing mini golf courses for land and sea. It gained global reach through MEDC’s International Trade services.

The Adventure Golf & Sports (AGS) story tees off in 1975 when the Lundmark family – including Arne, his wife Judy, and two sons Mark and Scott –created a family entertainment center called Arne’s Funland in Traverse City. Eleven years later in 1986, a new company was formed under the Adventure Golf Services banner. Arne began marketing, designing, and building miniature golf courses, baseball batting cages, go-kart tracks, and family entertainment centers. The core product for design/build services for other owner-operators was traditional miniature golf – moving earth and pouring concrete – which helped set AGS apart from the rest.

In the early 2000s, AGS identified a patented modular panel system that opened a wide variety of products and markets including its portable, modular, rooftop, and cruise ship products. In 2009, Arne’s son Scott joined the company as president to help drive sales and develop a succession plan with the family. AGS purchased and renovated its offices and warehouse facility in 2012, and over 10 years later, AGS has steadily grown into a successful company, with nearly 40 full-time and part-time trained and loyal team members installing projects around the world.

The company’s miniature golf product is made with materials from the United States, pre-built in their warehouse in Traverse City, and shipped internationally, accompanied by AGS’ Michigan-based installation crew. AGS also serves domestic clients such as Great Wolf Lodge.

Looking to expand their business, AGS continued to pursue opportunities to make inroads in the international cruise ship family entertainment industry, including miniature golf, lawn courts, putting greens, and golf-hitting bays. The company had the staff required for installation and support services in new markets but needed assistance making connections internationally to earn those contracts.

AGS discovered the MEDC from a Networks Northwest newsletter story about a new MEDC program seeking ways to help fund local companies’ efforts to grow international business. At the suggestion of the GTA, a program of Networks Northwest, AGS met with MEDC’s International Trade Manager Chris Bosio who connected them with in-country consultants who offer expertise at no cost on how to do business in specific foreign markets.

The company then tapped the

MEDC’s International Trade team again to receive support through Michigan’s State Trade Expansion Program (MISTEP). MI-STEP grants gave the company the financial assistance AGS needed to take international sales trips to meet with potential clients and exhibit at international trade shows, which resulted in new contracts and export sales to markets including France, Germany and Spain.

To date, AGS has leveraged more than $55,000 in MI-STEP grants to enter the international mini-golf market and has gone on to earn more than $1.1 million in facilitated exports.

If the visit goes well, it would mean a new UK distributor for Hayes Manufacturing and a huge boost to the bottom line of this small Michigan business.

Located in Fife Lake, Hayes Manufacturing is a third-generation family business recently celebrating its 60th year. The firm is a manufacturer of power transmission products and has 38 employees. The Networks Northwest team made the initial referral to the MEDC Trade Program. Hayes Manufacturing began its relationship with the MEDC International Trade Program by accessing the Michigan Foreign Offices for market research and eventually an MI-STEP grant to relieve the financial burden of foreign travel. The first country they pursued was Australia. Using the affiliated Michigan contractor in Sydney, Australia and the MI-STEP grant, Hayes Manufac-

turing was able to travel to Australia and meet with 15 vetted prospects. The sales trip resulted in Hayes securing several new distributors and, in just over a year and a half, they have increased their sales to Australia by 383%.

Next up: securing a distributor in the United Kingdom. With the help of the Michigan Europe Center, they identified an ideal prospect. The potential UK distributor was so excited about the prospect of partnering with Hayes they decided to travel to Fife Lake rather than wait for Hayes to travel abroad. The onsite, two-day visit is scheduled for next February. The distributor has already indicated a strong desire to replace its current supplier, and an initial purchase order exceeding $150,000 is currently being discussed. If the visit goes well, it would mean a new UK distributor for Hayes Manufacturing and a huge boost to the bottom line of this small Michigan business.

“We would have very little success finding business internationally without the assistance of the MEDC and the Global Trade Alliance of Northern Michigan,” said Penny Challender, CFO/owner of Hayes Manufacturing. “This is not the kind of expertise that a small business has the funding to procure. This is next-level intel that is normally available to large companies with much bigger budgets.

For more information, visit nwm.org/globaltrade

Rob Dickinson is the regional director of business services, Northwest Michigan Works!, Global Trade Alliance of Northern Michigan. He can be reached at (231)929-5053. Chris Bosio is the international trade manager with the Michigan Economic Development Corp. and can be reached at (517)348-9256.

LAW OF THE LAND:

A growing economy and alluring lifestyle increases the local attorney labor pool

By Rick Haglund

Sparkling blue Grand Traverse Bay has pulled in its share of tourists, but it’s also a magnet for lawyers, with many down- and out-of-state offices opening branches here.

Cooper & Riesterer, a Brighton law firm that specializes in property and riparian (water access) rights law, opened a Traverse City office a year ago, in part to serve clients involved in land use issues. Escalating property values in one of the most desirable regions of Michigan has likewise made that area of law particularly lucrative.

“The higher the price of real estate, the more likely people are to fight over it,” said Catherine Riesterer, founder and partner of Cooper & Riesterer. “People will spend $100,000 over an 18inch property line dispute.”

Riesterer said opening an office in Traverse City is a launching pad to expand its work throughout Northwest Michigan, a region she calls “full of lakes and ripe with water issues.” She also sees a lot of opportunity to take

advantage of the region’s explosive economic growth by offering clients a variety of legal services, including business, elder and health care law.

Zach Stewart is currently the firm’s only lawyer in the Cooper & Riesterer Traverse City location. The Kalamazoo native spent summers while in college working at the Homestead Resort in Glen Arbor and says it was his dream to eventually live and work in Traverse City.

Stewart handles local real estate law cases and assists in cases from Cooper & Riesterer’s home office in Brighton. Traverse City is a competitive legal market, he said, and it takes time to build a practice.

“There are a lot of attorneys in town. It’s a tough industry to break through,” he said. “Getting clients isn’t something that happens overnight.”

Lawyers are competing to capitalize on the area’s rapid population and economic growth. Gross domestic product in Grand Traverse County doubled from $2.9 billion in 2001 to $5.8 billion in 2021, according to the latest data from

the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. The county’s population has grown two-and-a-half times over the past 50-plus years, from 39,175 in 1970 to the current Census Bureau estimate of 96,464.

“The economy has had a significant impact on the practice of law,” said Joseph Quandt, a partner at Kuhn Rogers who has worked in Traverse City as an attorney since 1993. “There’s been an

“Traverse City was set up to allow me to travel around the country. I was remote before there was remote.”

– Doug Fierberg, attorney, The Fierberg National Law Group

Dingeman Fierberg Neumann

influx of high net worth clients who have irrevocably changed the legal practice. If you want to be somebody in the top five percent of lawyers, you need an extra level of sophistication, knowledge and experience.”

Those well-heeled clients and the less wealthy have a lot more lawyers in the area to choose from then they had a decade or so ago. There were 688 lawyers living and practicing in Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska and Leelanau counties last year, up 26% from 532 attorneys in 2010, according to State Bar of Michigan statistics.

“The pie’s bigger, but there are more fingers in it,” said Daniel Dingeman, a partner in Dingeman & Dancer who’s been practicing law in Traverse City since 1986.

The 2020 COVID pandemic accelerated the use of remote video conferencing technology, allowing attorneys to make appearances in court and meet with clients on Zoom and other video conferencing applications.

Several law firms with national practices have opened offices here in recent years, giving their founders the opportunity to have the kind of quality of life they’ve long sought.

Doug Fierberg, who says he was seeking “a more sensible lifestyle location,” opened a Traverse City office of The Fierberg National Law Group about five years

ago. Video conferencing and the Cherry Capital Airport, which has direct flights to 16 U.S. cities, make that possible.

“Traverse City was set up to allow me to travel around the country,” Fierberg said. “I was remote before there was remote.”

Fierberg grew up in the Detroit area but left for law school in Washington, D.C. after graduating from the University of Michigan in 1981. He ended up practicing law out East for more than 20 years.

His firm handles a variety of local and national cases, mainly in the areas of personal injury, wrongful death, and sexual assault and harassment. Fierberg said he thinks practicing law in major cases across the country gives him an edge in representing local clients. One of those cases resulted from the 2007 shooting deaths of 32 people on the Virginia Tech campus. Fierberg was the lead lawyer for 21 families and won an $11 million state settlement in the case.

“We’re not insiders with all the other lawyers that are here,” he said. “Sometimes that’s really helpful because we have a different perspective.”

Kelly Neumann, a Michigan native who had worked for a large Boston law firm for two decades, moved back to her home state in 2016 and established the Neumann Law Group. Her Traverse City office serves as a hub for the firm, which specializes in personal injury cases. It also has offices in Detroit, Grand Rapids,

Boston, Los Angeles and New York.

Neumann said she started thinking about returning to Michigan after her brother, Christopher, died in a 2014 plane crash in Boyne City. She also wanted to be closer to her elderly parents. Neumann, a Grosse Pointe native, had regularly vacationed with family at Torch Lake. A large legal award she won for a client in Boston gave her the money she needed to start her own firm.

“I wanted a better lifestyle,” she said. “I made my way here. It’s been great. The quality of life is amazing, just like I thought.”

Working in a smaller market has prompted Neumann to expand into other areas of the law, including criminal defense, estate planning and bankruptcy.

“We’re diverse and we do just about everything,” she said. “If I don’t special -

ize in a practice area, I hire an attorney who knows how to do it.”

Neumann says she has found a collegial atmosphere among the lawyers. She adds that the courts, while highly professional, are generally more tolerant of family emergencies and other issues requiring rescheduling of hearings than courts in big cities.

Video conferencing and other technologies in the legal field will likely result in more lawyers hanging out their shingles in Traverse City and serving clients from a broad geographic area, local attorneys say.

“You don’t have to hire clerks and staff law libraries,” Dingeman said. “You can live where you want. You can practice in an ideal place like Traverse City and handle downstate cases.”

Quandt Riesterer Stewart

On Top Of Northern Michigan With Nick Jacqmain of Springfield Roofing

Nick Jacqmain from Springfield Roofing gets it: You don’t really want to talk or even think about the likely hassle and cost of a new roof on your commercial building. But he insists — and by all accounts his customers agree — the Springfield process is different. The TCBN caught up with him to hear his thoughts on Traverse City’s growth, why they opened a second location and more.

TCBN: I’d love a new roof on our building. But I’m guessing I’m like most of your customers: I don’t know how to get started or I’m putting off starting the conversation or process.

Jacqmain: You’re spot on. Whether you’re a manufacturing facility, a school, or an office space, it’s always exciting for the organization to buy equipment that will help with reviews or, let’s say, a beautiful new gymnasium floor. But as important as a roof is, it’s not exciting - and they only notice it if it’s not working properly. It just tends not to be a huge source of pride. It’s sort of like that referee in a sports game: You only notice them if they’re doing a bad job.

TCBN: So how do you address that?

Jacqmain: The biggest thing we’ve found is customers don’t need help to get “excited” during that process. They’re already there in terms of worry about it all. So we hope to bring the temperature down and explain what the future is going to look like and how positive that will be for them. They’re not as interested in our company’s history. They want to know what the finish line looks like and the fastest route to get there.

TCBN: Springfield specializes in commercial work only. Why is that, and is that unique in your industry?

Jacqmain: Before my time here we did more residential work. As the former owner grew the company and secured more and more commercial accounts, it became hard to be competitive in both arenas. We still do a half dozen residential with flat or low slope roofs a year, but our systems are built

for commercial applications. Our model is definitely different than most. We focus on renovating existing buildings (roofs) rather than new construction. We build most of our relationships by doing repair work on existing roofs until it is time to replace the roof with a new one. This model has helped us align ourselves with the right customers and growth opportunities. We recently found a parallel between commercial roofing and equipment transport. Over the past year, we’ve been helping our customers with the delivery of heavy equipment such as forklifts and scissors lifts to commercial facilities and job sites.

TCBN: I know you’ve opened a second location, so you’re now in Big Rapids. That’s a big move. What brought that about?

Jacqmain: We’ve been servicing central Michigan for years, and while we have some significant clients down there, the area as a whole is underserved. Additionally, we have employees who live in the southernmost part of Grand Traverse and Wexford counties, so it’s not a heavy lift to service the new location. But I think most importantly we really want to not only service the area but invest in it, too, by bringing jobs to the area,supporting local events, organizations, and nonprofits, and giving back to our customers and the communities they live and work in. Like our involvement in the Grand Traverse region, we want to be there.

TCBN: And speaking of “being there,” where are you doing jobs these days? Are most of your customers still right around Traverse City?

Jacqmain: Seventy-five percent of our business is between Cadillac and the Harbor Springs/Petoskey area, but we do have a five-person crew right now down in Lapeer, and we have a big client in Lansing. We have a project coming up on Mackinac Island this fall. So we definitely can service the small clients or the large clients quite a ways beyond Traverse City.

TCBN: I’d be curious to hear your thoughts on the recent and rapid growth of the Traverse City area.

Jacqmain: In the last few years it seems as if the world has gotten a lot smaller. Everybody’s really connected, and distance seems to be less of a factor. I’ve been in the Grand Traverse area since 2007, and while it’s always been viewed as a tourist or seasonal destination, the lines have begun to blur and the area is booming for those interested in the trades and tech. It’s been great to watch our community grow and prosper in a variety of industries.

TCBN: You talk a lot about servant leadership in how you run Springfield. Talk about what that means to you.

Jacqmain: It means a lot. I’ve been really fortunate to have a number of good mentors in my career, people who showed me the right way to do things. Terry, the former owner of Springfield, really embodied that.

Unfortunately in construction, there’s a tendency to put people in two classes: the workers and the office people. Terry did a wonderful job erasing that line - and I’ve made it my goal to ensure we continue that legacy. While education, experience, and skill sets are important, those are not marks of superiority or inferiority at Springfield. And the only people who don’t make it here are those who just don’t get that.

TCBN: And speaking of your people and culture, how is the labor situation?

Jacqmain: Like most businesses, it was at a crisis level for a while there. But we’ve been really fortunate; I would say the last 12-18 months we’ve attracted and retained some very good people. As an organization, we learned we had to improve everything over the past two years; not just raise hourly wages and throw money at a problem, but make this a desirable place to spend the day-to-day. We love what we do!

Can You Afford It?: The art and science of forecasting future liquidity

By Dave Seman, columnist

“Can I really afford it?”

We ask ourselves this question all the time. Whether we’re responsible for the finances of a for-profit company or not-forprofit organization, we frequently face the challenge of how to pay expenses without breaking the bank.

From adding a new product line, to investing in or repairing equipment, to purchasing new office space, it’s important to manage cash flow to meet your budget and reach your goals.

The answer may lie in understanding and evaluating your future liquidity. Start with a 13-week projection of how much cash will come into and how much cash will flow out of your account.

It’s a great way to build a snapshot of your finances that will:

• Increase visibility of potential future cash constraints and provide time to proactively manage and mitigate liquidity shortfalls.

• Improve planning by understanding how decisions impact cash flow and the ability to adjust to changing circumstances.

expansion initiatives, such as purchasing equipment, launching a marketing campaign, hiring additional staff to meet demand, and investing in technology.

Now it’s time to monitor and adjust as needed throughout your projection period. Compare actual weekly cash activity with your projections to identify significant variances in incoming and outgoing cash flow. Use this information to improve your rolling 13-week cash flow model. This process involves a combination of science – using the information you know –coupled with art – using information that’s based on what you can reasonably expect will occur.

Adjust your assumptions to accommodate a change – perhaps an expected dip in sales or increase in rent, or an unexpected expense, like an equipment breakdown – and evaluate how those changes would impact your cash flow.

• Elevate strategic focus by prioritizing decisions and activities.

Let’s get started with a few simple steps to help you manage cash flow.

First, identify the sources of incoming funds that build available cash, such as:

• Customer payments for goods and services, grants, and reimbursements

• Short-term financing such as an advance from a business line of credit

• Owner infusion such as a loan or capital contribution

Next, review and prioritize outgoing cash flow obligations, including:

• Payroll and payroll taxes.

• Recurring expenses like employee health insurance, rent, and utilities.

• Payments to vendors and other suppliers for the goods and services you need to operate your business.

• Spending that supports growth and

Finally, use the model to identify actions you can take to handle a decrease in cash flow, continue to meet your obligations, and maybe even earmark funds to invest in business growth. Run a test case scenario or two.

Adjust your assumptions to accommodate a change –perhaps an expected dip in sales or increase in rent, or an unexpected expense, like an equipment breakdown – and evaluate how those changes would impact your cash flow. Then take another hard look at your plans.

Certainly, a projection is just that – a forecast of a future situation based on a study of present and recent situations and trends – not a promise. And while there are no guarantees in today’s ever-changing business environment, tracking your organization’s cash activity will enable you to develop a cash flow model you can use to make informed decisions and move forward with confidence.

Dave Seman, a principal at Rehmann, is part of the firm’s CFO Advisory Services team. With nearly 20 years of experience in treasury management and financial planning and analysis, he specializes in providing clients fractional CFO leadership services, as well as support in business and financial strategy, capital management, and mergers and acquisitions. He is based in Traverse City.

CRACKING THE CODE:

Common tax mistakes small businesses make and how to avoid them

By Christal Frost

Running a small business requires tenacity, creativity and strategic thinking. Among the myriad challenges small business owners face is navigating the difficult and often changing terrain of the tax landscape.

In this comprehensive guide, two Certified Public Accountants based in Traverse City offer their thoughts about the most common tax pitfalls and how best to avoid them.

Shift your mindset

According to John Sluis, director of Intrust CPA, the most common mistake small business owners make is attempting to make their business look unprofitable. Sluis emphasizes that to be successful in your small business, you must treat your business like a business.

“It’s so common for business owners to come to me only looking for deductions and credits,” he says. “And, while that is important, I try to teach my clients to shift their mindset.

“When you’re getting deductions, it means you’re losing money. The first few years in business tend to be (operating) in a loss. That is common. But you’re not hoping to be in business for just a few years.”

intentionally blurring the lines between business and personal expenses. Sluis says that the easiest way to separate the two worlds is by setting up a checking account and credit card for your business.

“Anything that is business should come

purchase should be categorized as a business expense.

“Ask yourself, ‘If I worked for a company, would I be able to expense this purchase?’ If the answer is no, then it is probably not a business expense,” he said.

Employees vs. contractors

According to Sluis, misclassifying workers is a commonly seen mistake. “We see it most often in the construction trades,” he said, “and the reason is simple: you’re never more profitable until you hire your first employee.”

According to Sluis, being profitable is a marker of success and an important factor for growing your business, especially when it comes to increasing your future borrowing power in the eyes of lenders.

Separate business and personal expenses

Small business owners are often un-

from the business accounts,” he said.

This differentiation, according to Sluis, will not only help business owners discern between business and personal, but it will also make tax season go much smoother.

“Instead of searching for receipts, everything you need is already accounted for,” he said.

Additionally, Sluis offers this advice when it comes to deciding whether a

Sluis says there are easy ways to decipher an employee from a contractor. “A simple test is to ask yourself, ‘Do I control them? Do I set their schedule? Am I their only source of income?’” he said.

Sluis says if you are answering “yes” to these questions, you may have workers who should be classified as employees instead of contractors. “Subcontractors have the right to pick and choose when they come in. They have other clients,” he said.

“I recommend that all businesses have at least one type of business savings account.  And don’t think about it as a ‘savings’ account. Think about it as an ‘account for taxes that just haven’t been sent in yet.’”– Katie Myers, CPA

Prepare for quarterly tax payments and bring in the pros

“I’ve seen many businesses get in trouble because they’re not setting aside enough money for quarterly tax payments,” said Sluis.

Creating an account specifically for taxes is vital to ensuring your business will be able to pay when the quarterly bill is issued. “There are strategies we professionals can utilize if it seems that your estimates are high,” he said.

As for seeking professional services, Sluis says this should be a part of your business growth plan.

“Entrepreneurs are generally the type of people who can do many things. The question is, should you be doing it all? The only resource you cannot create is time, so at some point, you must decide if your time is more valuably spent doing other things and leaving things like accounting to the professionals,” he said.

Have a financial plan

Katie Myers, president of Katie Myers CPA PC, says that businesses should always have a plan for the day-to-day tracking and monitoring financial aspects of the business.

“As an owner, you need to be out in the field growing your business, establishing relationships,” she said. “Most folks – especially tradespeople – don’t

stay on top of tasks and reporting. They will be more accurate and faster than you can be, and you won’t be frustrated.”

Myers adds that despite the best of intentions by collecting receipts, they often “wind up in a big Rubbermaid tote.”

She says that being proactive will keep business owners from spending time “trying to catch up.”

Find a trusted professional

Related to having a financial plan in place, Myers maintains that having quality relationships with trusted tax planners of CPAs will advance your business’s future growth.

“While most career paths include education in the field of your choice, they don’t include basic accounting, tax planning and the day-to-day operation of running a business. (Professionals) can advise and educate you on the rules of your industry for reporting income properly and deducting expenses,” she said.

According to Myers, a good relationship with a tax professional will include knowledge of industry specific software and tips for tracking profit and loss. But don’t just call during tax season.

“Make sure to work with them all year long – not just at tax time!” she said.

“Knowing what the best practices are and how to implement them is always a fantastic goal.”

‘account for taxes that just haven’t been sent in yet,’” she said.

Myers maintains that business owners often experience sticker shock when seeing their tax bills for the first time, especially if they’ve spent years working for businesses that remove payroll taxes automatically.

“In very general terms, if an owner can move 20-25% of their gross sales into this tax account, they will be in a very good position to deal with paying estimated taxes,” she said, adding, that

Find the federal tax classification that fits your business

The IRS has six primary ways a business is classified for tax purposes: sole proprietorship, partnership, C Corporation, S Corporation, Limited Liability Company (LLC) and nonprofit. According to Myers, many small businesses may be moving from a sole proprietorship or an LLC to an S Corporation too quickly.

“I have seen many owners and many

Myers Sluis

By Craig Manning

Monthly, weekly ... sometimes even daily. That’s how frequently the owners of independent insurance agencies field phone calls about selling their businesses. Insurance agency mergers and acquisitions (M&A) have compressed the field in recent years. So, what’s motivating the few holdouts to resist buyouts? The TCBN sat down with two independent stalwarts to find out what’s keeping them in the driver’s seat.

According to Insurance Business America, M&A activity in the global insurance industry hit their highest growth rate in 10 years in the first half of 2022. During that six-month stretch, 242 M&A deals were completed in the insurance industry worldwide, compared to 197 in the first half of 2021 and 221 in the second half.

Inflation and rising interest rates –among other factors – have since caused insurance-related M&A activity to slow. In the first half of 2023, for instance, Insurance Business America reported only 171 deals completed worldwide, and only 79 in the United States.

But while the white-hot trend of insurance M&A may be tapering off, that doesn’t mean it’s stopped. David Ford, the principal and namesake of Traverse City’s Ford Insurance Agency, rarely goes more than a few days without getting approached about selling his still-independent agency to a larger firm.

THE HOLDOUTS:

“Between phone calls, emails, texts, and LinkedIn messages, it’s usually six to eight times a week that I get someone contacting me and saying, ‘Hey, would you consider selling?’” he said.

The offers don’t stop with an outright sale, he says.

“Or it’s ‘You could partner up with us, and we could throw you into our organization, and then we could lend you money

left. The rest are all owned by these big aggregators, as we call them.”

Robert Hughes, president and founder of Advantage Benefits Group based in Grand Rapids with an office in Traverse City, says he has observed many of the same trends that Ford has.

easily and quickly.

In other cases, Ford says an offer from a major national firm can be seen as a way out for an aging business owner who either has no succession plan in place or wants to cash out and not self-finance the debt for the new owners – often current staff.

so that you can expand,’” said Ford. “One of the big sales pitches is definitely ‘We can give you money faster than the bank could give you money.’”

Ford credited “a pretty fierce independent streak in me” as the thing that has dissuaded him from selling or merging with another firm.

“But we’ve definitely seen (that trend of consolidation) locally over the past few years,” he added. “A couple of firms sold, and then another couple firms sold, and now, in northern Michigan, north of about Clare, there are probably only three or so independent agencies of our size

“So many people have sold,” Hughes said. “I can think of four or five of our main local competitors that have been acquired. And then I’ll probably pick up the paper next week, and somebody else will have gone.”

Because of this activity, Hughes says that Advantage is now the biggest independent firm in the state with 45 employees and “tons of volume.”

Both Ford and Hughes say they understand why so many have answered the call of consolidation. In many cases, Ford reasons, agency owners feel their business needs an injection of creativity, technology, leadership, robust insurance carrier representation, or other resources that a large aggregator can bring to the table

“Agencies can be a victim of their own success,” Ford said of the latter situation. “Sometimes, an agency builds a great value; however, those with the desire to own it do not have the finances to swing the deal, or choose to not take on a great deal of debt.”

Hughes, meanwhile, says that the prices business owners have been able to command for their insurance agencies have increased so substantially in recent years that he wouldn’t blame anyone for taking the money.

“When I started in this industry in the ‘80s, if you had a good firm with a decent EBITA (earnings before interest, taxes, and amortization), you could maybe sell it for a price 1.8 or 1.9 times your annual revenue,” Hughes explained. “What I’ve seen over the last three to four years, since private equity became enamored with the insurance brokerage stuff, it’s crazy. I’ve seen offers go from that 1.8 or 1.9 to three, four, five times revenue.”

Years of low interest rates helped drive those offer numbers up, bringing about a record year for insurance M&A activity in 2022. One of the firms helping drive that consolidation trend is based in Traverse City.

“Between phone calls, emails, texts, and LinkedIn messages, it’s usually six to eight times a week that I get someone contacting me and saying, ‘Hey, would you consider selling?’”

- David Ford, principal, Ford Insurance Agency

Two insurance companies resist the M&A tide

In December 2021, the TCBN touched base with Scott Wick of Highstreet Insurance Partners, which has grown its insurance agency through mergers and acquisitions. By the end of 2021, the business had more than 1,750 employees spread across 255 insurance offices in 23 different states.

Now, through 155 acquisitions in the five years since its August 2018 launch, Wick says Highstreet has roughly 2,300 employees, well over 500,000 clients, and physical locations in 31 states.

“Proforma revenue (for Highstreet) is roughly $450 million, with a plan to reach $500 million – and a business valuation of more than $3 billion – by the end of 2023,” he said.

Last December, Business Insurance news agency ranked Highstreet as the 27th largest broker in the U.S.

When asked about agencies that have resisted the pressure to sell and that still see value in staying independent, Wick says he can “understand and respect that mindset,” but ultimately views consolidation as an imperative for the insurance industry as the sector continues to evolve.“Clients’ expectations are changing,” he said. “It’s not only about playing client golf or sponsoring the local sports team anymore.”

This change means more deliverables, he adds.

“They expect that you provide coverage

benchmarking, have in-house claims and loss control expertise, or that your cyber liability expert is part of the local team, just to name a few,” he said. “Families and businesses are facing real headwinds regarding their upcoming insurance renewals and making sure they get and understand what they paid for is more important today than it has ever been. I think our deliverables at Highstreet will exceed their expectations.”

Explaining what an aggregator like Highstreet can bring to the table for its agencies, Wick notes that all the offices in the Highstreet family “tap into many centralized functions, from human capital management tools to banking to data dashboards to agency management systems.”

Hughes from Advantage Benefits Group says that there is still value to

sam@samabood.com

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“being in control of our own destiny and having the ability to make our own mistakes and our own winning decisions, too.”

For one thing, Hughes says he thinks independence is a strong selling point when it comes to recruitment.

“Great talent will be more inspired to work for a place that has the ability to be more entrepreneurial and more in control of things, rather than a place where you have to take orders from someplace in New York or Chicago,” he argued.

He says he also believes that some of the centralized functions insurance conglomerates offer their agencies aren’t necessarily the best solutions on the market.

“With technology, for instance, we’re able to go out and find the best solutions for us,” he said. “A lot of the big nation-

als, they bring in their own solution that they purchased, and it’s not necessarily the best one for the client.”

But there are trade-offs to staying independent, it’s not the “funny money” from the private equity world, says Hughes, who along with Ford is already looking ahead to the types of internal succession and transition plans that will keep the businesses going when they decide to retire.

“When you walk away from those offers right now, you do so knowing you will probably not do as well on the other exit strategy. So, at the end of the day, is staying independent the best thing for me?” he said. “Maybe not, but money isn’t everything in life, and I think staying independent will be better for our business, our clients, and the future of our great employees.”

Ford Hughes Wick

WHERE ELEGANCE MEETS ADVENTURE

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By Tim Cerny, columnist

Labor leverage (or as I like to say it, doing more with less) is essential for businesses in northern Michigan to stay competitive and thrive in today’s fast-paced market.

As the region evolves, the integration of technology becomes a key to optimizing labor leverage and performance. From automation and artificial intelligence (AI), improved communication and collaboration, to streamlined processes and data-driven insights, technology offers solutions to drive success.

Automation and AI

Automation and AI have revolutionized the workplace by taking over repetitive tasks and freeing up valuable time for employees to focus on more critical responsibilities. Organizations can utilize AI-powered tools for data analysis, customer support and administrative tasks, resulting in reduced human error and increased speed. For instance, chatbots can provide instant responses to customer queries, while predictive analytics can help make real-time, data-driven decisions, optimizing overall organizational performance.

AI-enhanced employee performance management

AI can also provide valuable insight into individual and team performance. AI-powered systems can track key indicators, offer personalized feedback, and identify opportunities for development. By leveraging AI for performance management, businesses can maximize talent potential, drive employee development, and improve labor leverage. We utilize AI at Safety Net today to reduce human error, streamline workflows, and provide managers with real-time, actionable data, which leads to improved individual and organizational results.

Embracing cloud computing and collaboration tools

Cloud computing offers a flexible and scalable solution for businesses to enhance organizational and individual performance. By migrating data to the cloud, companies can access their information and applications from anywhere, facilitating remote work and promoting collaboration among team members. Cloud-based

collaboration tools, such as project management platforms and communication software, enable seamless teamwork and efficient information sharing, ultimately driving productivity.

Data analytics for informed decision-making

Data analytics empower businesses to make informed decisions based on actionable insights. Analyzing workforce data can reveal patterns and trends related to productivity, employee engagement and performance. Armed with this information, businesses can optimize labor allocation, identify skill gaps and implement targeted strategies to improve labor leverage.

Internet of Things (IoT) for real-time insights

IoT is revolutionizing industries by providing real-time insights and data. IoT sensors can monitor equipment, track inventory levels, and gather environmental data, allowing businesses to make data-driven decisions and refine operations promptly. By leveraging IoT, organizations can improve efficiency, minimize downtime and enhance overall productivity.

Technology presents boundless opportunities for businesses in northern Michigan to achieve optimal organizational and individual performance. By embracing automation and Artificial Intelligence (AI), cloud computing and collaboration tools, and the Internet of Things (IoT) to make data-driven decisions, organizations can foster efficient teamwork, improve communication, and realize more productivity without having to increase staff.

To excel, businesses must stay agile and responsive to market demands in real-time. By leveraging the right technology, businesses can unlock their full potential, drive innovation, sustain growth, and complete globally, right here in northern Michigan!

Tim Cerny is the CEO of Safety Net, an award-winning IT managed service provider. With two Michigan-based offices, Safety Net supports dozens of small- and mid-sized organizations throughout northern Michigan and metro Detroit. Find out more about their services and upcoming Cybersecurity Symposium – SNetCON 2023 – at safetynet-inc.com.

BOOK REVIEW

By Chris Wendel

Each of us experiences times in our lives when we feel stuck. Be it a stalled job, a bad relationship, or a new business that is slow to get off the ground, acknowledging these inevitable periods of struggle is not easy. Making the correct changes to get unstuck can be even more difficult.

With his expertise in social psychology, bestselling writer and professor Adam Alter’s latest book, “Anatomy of a Breakthrough,” examines and provides solutions for the inevitable ruts that we experience.

What does it mean to be stuck? Alter explains that being stuck can happen when you’re not making progress with something that matters to you, you’re in a place to the point that you feel discomfort, or the strategies you’ve been using in the past aren’t solving a problem.

Alter presents what he terms a friction audit that identifies the root of being stuck. This includes three sources of friction: Heart (counterproductive emotions), Head (unhelpful thought patterns) and Habit (unhelpful behaviors). The book stresses the importance of controlling stuck-related frustration by having the correct mindset to assess problems, while looking for opportunities that may lie just below the surface.

The book points out that in Eastern cultures, change is built into expectation s, while routine and habit is more prevalent in the United States. The only constant is change. Therefore, it’s best to develop skills for maneuvering through the unexpected and the hard stuff.

Alter describes singular projects that can become stuck after a fast start. The middle portion is when things lull and stall, before the project ends in a flourish with the goal in sight. Alter relates this to a ship making a Transatlantic trip: in the beginning there are visible landmarks to gauge progress, while In the middle of the ocean there is no land in sight and enthusiasm wanes. One technique is to break down this middle phase into smaller achievable chunks.

Alter is at his best when he relates interesting stories that explain that getting stuck is a necessary part of one’s journey. He demonstrates this with a variety of circumstances where people strategically worked to success. This includes the story of swimmer Dave Berkoff, who drastically changed his technique to win two Olympic gold medals, the long road to success for Oscar-winning actress Brie Larson, and a unique in-game strategy used by soccer star Lionel Messi to settle his mind.

This pressure to be perfect is demonstrated by how our society celebrates people who appear to rise to the top suddenly without much difficulty. The book emphasizes the trial and error parts of these stories, hidden from view, that took place before the fame and for tune.

ANATOMY OF A BREAKTHROUGH

By Adam Alter

Translated to the business world, it’s worth remembering that Amazon was a fledgling bookseller for years before it became the world’s fifth largest corporation. And Airbnb’s founders stumbled into the short-term rental business while working through other failing start-ups.

Alter stresses that talented people have a strong, perfectionist side to them that can place them in a trough of “stuckness.” Instead of creating, they remain stagnant, sometimes letting deadlines pass. Perfectionism to Alter is unhealthy. Instead, it’s important to act and create something that will have an element of useful work. The book describes how Jeff Tweedy of the musical group Wilco was able to break down perfectionist-related barriers with his song writing by occupying his mind with whatever is present in his subconscious mind.

Alter’s concluding section, “100 Ways to Get Unstuck,” is a summation of techniques that can serve as a handbook for those dealing with or anticipating hurdles. Some of the book’s material is similar to the popular books “When” by Daniel Pink and “Grit” by Angela Duckworth. When it’s all said and done, “Anatomy of a Breakthrough” offers useful tools and inspiration for anyone to use to break out and move forward with their lives.

Chris Wendel works for Northern Initiatives, a mission-based lending organization based in Marquette, Mich. Northern Initiatives provides funding to businesses in Michigan and “know-how” to organizations throughout the United States. Wendel lives and works in Traverse City.

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EMPIRE STATE

The Pujoses open their ninth retail business

By Kierstin Gunsberg

There’s a new clothing store in the former Georgina’s space at 236 E. Front St. in Traverse City. Where diners once noshed on Korean chicken wings and chorizo nachos until the fusion restaurant’s closure in 2020, racks of billowy Free People tunic dresses stand instead.

Clementine – complete with its orange facade – is the eighth storefront opened by the Pujos family in just over a decade.

A Creative Endeavor

When Pierre and Anne Pujos relocated their family from their home in France to northern Michigan, it was the early ‘90s and they’d already spent time as business owners back in Europe. Anne, an artist, had also been working in the beauty industry as a makeup and product line designer for big names like Make Up For Ever.

The pair channeled their past professional experiences into purchasing and running the upscale Pavlova Salon and Spa on Union Street in downtown Traverse City, where they’ve been a mainstay ever since.

Meanwhile, their daughter Ines attend-

ed Interlochen Center for The Arts and, after graduating from high school, earned her masters in creative writing from New York University. Whether selecting shades of rouge, styling a European spa atmosphere in quaint northern Michigan, or producing prose and poetry, creativity runs deep through the Pujos line.

Those same creative tendencies combined with an entrepreneurial spirit helped expand their business roster in

a pampering afternoon at the salon.

“We decided that maybe we should try to do retail,” said Pierre.

They called the new boutique The Exchange and filled it with high-end clothing for shoppers of all ages.

The Exchange – which they eventually moved to its current Front Street location and rebranded for a more casual demographic at a lower price-point – helped Anne and Pierre establish themselves in

two locations in northern Michigan and two more in Brooklyn, New York.

Balancing multi-state ventures

Ever the tight-knit family, the Pujoses decided to expand their Flea brand to both the Park Slope and Boerum Hill neighborhoods of Brooklyn, since that’s where Ines now resides. There, she serves as co-owner of the NY stores while also working with her parents to develop and maintain the brand identities of all of their brands across Michigan and New York.

“When we first opened in Brooklyn, we weren’t sure of the selection because it was mainly from the Michigan stores,” said Ines of figuring out how to duplicate their NoMi traffic on the East Coast.

2012. Pierre says an opportunity struck when the Green Island space south of Pavlova on Union Street became vacant.

After consulting with Ines, who found the empty, historic building inspiring, Pierre and Anne realized the potential to cater to their existing Pavlova clientele by offering products that would complement

the northern Michigan retail community. The couple soon opened a second location in Suttons Bay.

Now the three Pujoses have launched several more clothing boutiques including Clementine, plus Adore Boutique, a lingerie and loungewear shop with a luxe twist. They’ve also opened Flea Boutique, with

“The blueprint was Michigan and we were like, what will translate here and why? What won’t translate? It’s really interesting (to explore) and I love doing that,” she said.

It turns out that their clientele have also found favorites during that exploration, with many of their Michigan store’s lines finding success in Brooklyn, and vice versa.

“We’re not a big brand or chain that imposes or puts our style onto the neighborhood. I think we’re the opposite, where we really let the location tell us what to carry.” – Ines Pujos

As for managing eight boutiques across two states, the Pujoses acknowledge their sales and management teams, with some of their team members even traveling the distance between Cherry Capital Airport to JFK International and back again to keep things running smoothly.

“It’s definitely all hands on deck,” said Ines of their team, which holds steady right around 20 full-timers, but can go up or down a bit depending on the season.

Keeping a small staff is important to the Pujos family, who believe in a healthy work-life balance. That balance includes flexing to accommodate their employees’ personal schedules and reevaluating strategies throughout the year to focus their energy where it’s most needed, such as Michigan’s busy August, which tends to be slow in Brooklyn, Pierre says.

Curate, don’t cultivate

Balancing their inventory is part of the Traverse City/Brooklyn equation.

“(We say to ourselves), ‘Yes, this is work

attained goal, since the nature of boutique clothing lines has its “limitations.”

When it comes to building those lines for their stores, Ines said their priority is in curating around what appeals to shoppers, instead of presenting a particular style with the hope of cultivating a following.

Knowing how to pin down the inventory needs of each of their eight stores based on customer demand has been key to their quick growth, and it’s something Ines keeps a close eye on as part of her role in the family business.

“I really pay attention to who our clients are,” she said. “We’re not a big brand or chain that imposes or puts our style onto the neighborhood. I think we’re the opposite, where we really let the location tell us what to carry.”

In addition to her creative writing degree, Ines also holds a masters in clinical psychology from The New School, which she said helps inform her decision-making when stocking the family’s storefronts.

“I also like to see who’s being left out of the conversation,” she said of choosing

With tight time constraints, build a new 15,000-square-foot plant to house first-of-its-kind veneer manufacturing equipment.

Burdco is the kind of contracting partner we love to work with.They’re responsive, trustworthy, and overall the experience was virtually seamless. We’d work with them again in a heartbeat.

MAKING IT IN NORTHERN MICHIGAN

DIVERSITY HELPS FRANKFORT MANUFACTURING WEATHER TOUGH TIMES

By Clark Miller

Frankfort Manufacturing Co. (FMC), like so many Up North manufacturers, was rolling along until the COVID pandemic hit.

In 2019, the Main Street machine shop in Frankfort had 37 employees. That quickly changed during the pandemic and the company’s future looked grim. Customer orders dropped dramatically and the workforce fell to just 17 employees.

Now, FMC is inching its way back and today has 31 employees.

“Things are kind of slow right now, but I think that sometime in the future we’ll add on some more,” said Tom Charters, plant manager.

FMC – which was founded in 1953 and gained its reputation in the cold heading industry – is part of a group of companies owned by the Don Surber family of Chicago. The Surbers also own Rifast, an American-German supplier of fasteners and assembly equipment mostly for the automotive sector, but also for other types of industries. Over the years, Rifast has usually accounted for about half of FMC’s business.

“When Rifast landed a big contract with auto makers, we always scrambled to get all the work done,” Charters said.

During the worst of the pandemic, the auto industry slumped dramatically, but FMC’s broad customer base helped stave off the worst.

Until even those customers began closing their doors, Charters says.

“It hurt. Eventually, we had to lay off half of our staff,” he said. “I hate laying off people.”

The future now looks brighter. Many longtime customers have returned, and a few new projects have popped up in the medical and electric vehicle markets.

During the worst of the pandemic, hospitals in many parts of the country experienced a shortage of ventilators used for seriously afflicted COVID patients. Through another vendor, FMC got a lucky break – a contract to make parts for toolmaker Spintech, which in turn was providing General Motors and Ventech with ventilator assembling equipment.

“So we got essential status under the Defense Production Act,” Charters said. “The work we did as a result of that kept us going.”

FMC also made parts for assembly tables

THIS ARTICLE

used by the medical industry to pack ventilators and vaccines.

FMC’s story proves the importance of having a variety of product lines and skill sets. The company produces parts but is also known for its expertise in assembling equipment. That paid off in 2021 when Lucid Motors, a California-based maker of upscale electric cars, needed parts and final construction of C-frames, which are key parts for the automotive sector.

“It’s a high-end product,” Charters explained. “We built 15 C-frames for them, and we’re set up to make more for them or anyone else whenever there’s a demand.”

Now eyeing retirement after 37 years at FMC, Charters has cut back to four days a week.

“You could call me the ‘interim plant manager’ at this stage,” he said.

He plans to stay in that role to make sure that FMC attains an ISO 9001 rating. The audit is in mid-January. Then he’ll spend a month or so in Florida during the winter, and return Up North to, as he puts it, “play around with farming,” and do some serious fishing and hunting.

The Grand Traverse Area Manufacturing Council (GTAMC) sponsors this column. The mission of GTAMC is to support a sustainable and globally competitive manufacturing sector for a stronger economy. Learn more about membership options at makegreatthings.org.

Photo courtesy of FMC

THE MARKET

Looking to ease college tuition anxiety?

Looking to ease college tuition anxiety?

Once you realize how many resources may be available and begin your research on college financial assistance, you could be on your way toward easing some of the anxiety often associated with paying for higher education.

According to the College Board’s “Trends in College Pricing and Student Aid 2022,” approximately $235 billion in student aid in the form of grants, Federal Work-Study (FWS), federal loans, and federal tax credits and deductions was awarded to undergraduate and graduate students in the 20212022 academic year.

During that academic year, undergraduate students received an average of $15,330 per full-time equivalent (FTE) student in financial aid: $10,590 in grants, $3,780 in federal loans, $870 in education tax credits and deductions, and $90 in FWS.

5 lessons for seeking help with college costs

Start planning during the high school years. Look to reposition assets or adjust income in the calendar years before your child’s sophomore year. For example, if the student is applying for financial aid for the 2024-2025 school year, the federal aid application will include income from the 2022 tax year (two years prior).

Assume you’re eligible for aid … until you’re told you’re not. There are no specific guidelines or rules of thumb that can accurately predict the aid you and your child may be offered. Because each family’s circumstances are different, keep an open mind as you consider financial aid alternatives.

Two forms will be key to your aid application process: the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the College Scholarship Service Financial Aid Profile (CSS Profile). The FAFSA helps you apply for federal aid, and many states use it to determine a resident student’s eligibility for state aid. Many schools use the CSS Profile to collect additional information before awarding their own funds, i.e., institutional student aid.

Reassess assets held by your children. Federal guidelines expect children to contribute 20% of their assets toward their education’s costs while parents are expected to contribute up to 5.64%.

Assets held in custodial accounts (bank accounts, trust funds, brokerage accounts) in your children’s names may reduce the aid for which your family qualifies more so since they are assessed at the 20% rate. While assets held in Coverdell Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) and 529 plan accounts (if owned by the dependent student or the parent) are factored into the parents’ formula, having less effect on the aid for which the family qualifies.

Apply to multiple schools and compare financial aid awards. This is especially important if there is a noncustodial stepparent because some colleges count this person’s resources while others do not. You may also want to consider asking the financial aid officer for more aid if the current award is not enough for attendance — all they can say is “no.” If there are extenuating circumstances, be sure to attach a letter of explanation to the application.

Go beyond financial aid. Although aid can help, it can be unpredictable and your family may still find it difficult to afford higher education. So rather than relying strictly on financial aid, consider turning to a professional financial advisor for help with determining an appropriate college savings strategy. For the greatest potential impact, beginning to save as early in the child’s life as possible is a good idea.

>> HEALTHCARE

3 - Donald J. Scholten II, M.D., Ph.D., has joined the Munson Healthcare Orthopedic Institute in Traverse City. Dr. Scholten is subspecialty trained in sports medicine with a primary focus on arthroscopic and open treatments of knee and shoulder conditions.

>> HOSPITALITY

4 - Jamie Davison is the new director of golf at Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville, bringing extensive experience in golf operations and leadership at vari -

ous country clubs across the country. Most recently, he was general manager and head golf professional at Michigan’s Gladstone Golf Club.

5 - Arah Johnson has been named senior vice president of sales and marketing at Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville. Johnson first joined Crystal in 1996 and has served as group sales manager, director of sales and, most recently, vice president of sales.

6 - Tim Norman has returned to Grand Traverse Resort and Spa in Acme as general manager. Norman’s hospitality experience spans more than 30 years across the country. He first served as the resort’s GM from 2012 through 2018. Most recently, he was the general manager of the Cherry Valley Hotel and Ohio Event Center.

>> NONPROFIT

7 - Katie Clark is the new business manager for the Old Town Playhouse in Traverse City. Her background includes teaching with the Old Town Play -

house Young Company and recently directing the OTP musical “Something Rotten.”

8 - Karl Fulmer has been named executive director of the Traverse City Housing Commission. Fulmer brings more than 25 years of experience in commercial and affordable housing development, with a focus on affordable housing solutions for resort communities. A Traverse City native, Fulmer most recently led the revitalization of the largest public housing agency in South Dakota.

9 - Caroline Golbeck has joined Norte Youth Cycling in Traverse City as outreach coordinator. Golbeck will identify and engage with community groups that need access to Norte programs and initiatives, with a focus on kids who have limited access to bicycles or activity-based after-school activities.

10 - Chip Hansen has joined The Solvent Group, a nonprofit consulting firm based in northern Michigan, as a strategic consultant. Most recently, he served as president of the Charlevoix County Community Foundation.

1 - R. Eric Lilly, M.D., has joined Munson Healthcare as a cardiothoracic surgeon, practicing at Cardiothoracic Surgeons of Grand Traverse in Traverse City.

2 - Kevin McDowell, Psy.D., has joined Munson Healthcare’s Comprehensive Pain Management Program, located at 550 Munson Ave. in Traverse City.

2 // KEVIN MCDOWELL 3 // DONALD J. SCHOLTEN II 4 // JAMIE DAVISON 5 // ARAH JOHNSON

1 // R. ERIC LILLY

8 // KARL FULMER

9 // CAROLINE GOLBECK 10 // CHIP HANSEN

7 // KATIE CLARK

6 // TIM NORMAN

The Grand Traverse Bay YMCA recently welcomed four new board members:

focus in private bank and investment services as well as commercial lending.

Sonny’s Body Shop in Traverse City announces the following personnel news:

11 - Dean Adams is the owner of Bay Area Contracting in Traverse City. Adams has worked in the building industry since 1998, first as a framer and then as a project manager before starting his own company in 2007.

12 - Laura Glenn is COO of Munson Healthcare in Traverse City. Glenn leads Munson Healthcare’s strategic plan to be a national leader in the delivery of rural healthcare.

13 - Tifini McClyde-Blythe is associate vice president of human resources at Interlochen Center for the Arts. In her role at Interlochen, McClyde-Blythe works to ensure the organization is a destination employer for people of all backgrounds.

14 - Sid VanSlyke is senior vice president of West Shore Bank in Traverse City. VanSlyke has worked in the finance industry for more than 25 years with a

>> OTHER

15 - Karen Armstro ng has joined Bay View Flooring in Traverse City as a sales associate. She brings an extensive background in the home fashions industry, specializing in flooring and tile design, to her new position.

16 - Dustin Insley has joined the Edward Jones office in Elk Rapids as a financial advisor, working alongside Tom Shelder. Insley has been an advisor with the firm for six years.

17 - Susie Janis, Northwestern Michigan College alumnus, supporter and longtime Traverse City area community leader, recently received the 2023 Outstanding Alumnus award from the Michigan Community College Association. Most recently, Janis served as co-chair of NMC’s Be What’s Possible campaign, which raised more than $40 million.

18 - Brandon Gray has joined the company as a detailer.

19 - Destini Hawkins has joined the company as a detailer.

20 - William Mills has been promoted to an apprenticeship role. Mills recently joined the company as a detailer and is now training to become a body technician.

Please send Newsmakers by the 10th of the month to news@tcbusinessnews.com

12 // LAURA GLENN

13 // TIFINI MCCLYDE-BLYTHE 14 // SID VANSLYKE 15 // KAREN ARMSTRONG

11 // DEAN ADAMS

18 // BRANDON GRAY 19 // DESTINI HAWKINS 20 // WILLIAM MILLS

17 // SUSIE JANIS

16 // DUSTIN INSLEY

EXPOSURES

Stephanie Prall, development specialist at Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities, and Jon Throop, executive director of the Benzie Conservation District, at the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation’s Community Happy Hour at Earthen Ales.

A recent ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the inauguration of the NetJets Ring at Traverse City Horse Shows. It’s one of seven show rings at the Flintfields Horse Park.

Aldo Manner, program and grants administrator for the United Way of NWMI; Mary Manner, director of Great Start to Quality Northwest Resource Center at United Way of NWMI; Bill and Michelle White, founders of 5Loaves2Fish; and Samantha Gutowski, personal transformation coach and owner of Be Here Now Baby, at the GTRCF’s Community Happy Hour at Earthen Ales.

TBA Credit Union’s CEO and President Karen Browne presented a check for $14,000 to Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS) Superintendent Dr. John VanWagoner. The donation will support various programs within the TCAPS system, including the Learning, Enrichment and Athletics Program (LEAP).

Traverse Connect staff and ambassadors gathered on the greens at Crystal Mountain for its annual Leadership Grand Traverse Golf Outing Aug. 9.

Keen Technical Solutions staff and friends dug in their golden shovels at the recent groundbreaking ceremony for the future home and headquarters of Keen and TC Millworks.

State Rep. Betsy Coffia and Michigan’s Chief Infrastructure Officer Zachary Kolodin (far right) spoke during a press conference at Cherry Capital Airport on how the airport will invest federal funding from the Airport Infrastructure Program and Airport Terminal Program, as well as state funding from Gov. Whitmer’s “Make it in Michigan” budget. Also pictured: TVC Airport Authority Chair Steve Plamondon and Airport CEO Kevin Klein.