The Michigan Opportunity Podcast

Zach Bishop, President, 4Flutes

Zach Bishop, President of 4Flutes, talks about building a Vicksburg based company around advanced tooling, manufacturing expertise and a relentless focus on solving real-world problems for customers. From precision manufacturing to new technologies and skilled talent, 4Flutes demonstrates how Michigan’s manufacturing heritage can become an advantage in the next generation of industry.

Jim Schirmer, Senior Vice President of Programs, and Chris Haag, Vice President of Business Development and Strategy, American Rheinmetall

In this conversation, we talk with Jim Schirmer, Senior Vice President of Programs, and Chris Haag, Vice President of Business Development and Strategy at American Rheinmetall about how Michigan continues to be a standout location for global innovators including: a deep engineering talent pool, world-class R&D assets, manufacturing heritage, a defense ecosystem and more.

Sandy K. Baruah, President and CEO, Detroit Regional Chamber

Sandy K. Baruah, President and CEO of the Detroit Regional Chamber, talks about Michigan’s economic future—and what it will take to compete, grow, and prosper in the decades ahead. Sandy brings a candid perspective on Michigan’s economic-development challenges and opportunities, from attracting investment and talent to strengthening education, infrastructure, manufacturing, and more. 

Steve Przesmitzki, President, United States Council for Automotive Research

Steve Przesmitzki is President of the United States Council for Automotive Research (USCAR), the collaborative research organization founded by Ford Motor Company, General Motors, and Stellantis. He talks about how for more than three decades, USCAR has brought together automakers, suppliers and government partners to conduct pre-competitive research advancing manufacturing, electrification, propulsion systems, sustainability, and more - all while defining the next generation of transportation. 

Scott Wilbur, President, MOTIV Bowling

Scott Wilbur of Motiv Bowling discusses how his family came together to grow their business presence while supporting Michigan manufacturing, local jobs, and community engagement. Scott talks about the culture behind Motiv Bowling, the commitment to quality and performance, and giving back to the Muskegon region that has supported its success. From entrepreneurship to manufacturing, we talk about how West Michigan remains an important place to build, invest, and grow a business.

Mackinac Policy Conference 2026 Part 2

We continue broadcasting from Media Row at the legendary Mackinac Policy Conference. Part 2 guests include: Joe White, High Speed Rodeo Substack; Matt Elliott, Blue Lake Ideas; Carmen Wells Quigg, Economic Growth Institute; Kelly Wolgamott, Pure Michigan; Carolina Pluszczynski, Michigan Central; Dr. Robert McMahan, Kettering University; Rachel Kuntzsch, Public Sector Consultants

Mackinac Policy Conference 2026 Part 1

The Michigan Opportunity Podcast once again broadcasted from Media Row at the legendary Mackinac Policy Conference, hosted at the iconic Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. Part 1 Guests include: Tricia Keith of Blue Cross Blue Shield, Hilary Doe of MoveDetroit, Colin Bird of Canadian Consul, Richard A. Bierschbach of Wayne State University, Laura Lee McIntyre of Michigan State University, Stephen Rapundalo of MichBio, Mary Lewis of Gary Burnstein Community Health Clinic.

AUVSI XPONENTIAL Conference: Michigan at the Center of Air, Land, Water & Space

In this special multi-guest episode from the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) XPONENTIAL Conference, industry leaders and innovators discuss the future of uncrewed systems across air, land, water, and space. Our guests dive into why Michigan is uniquely positioned to lead this rapidly evolving global sector. The conversation explores advanced mobility, defense applications, AI, economic development, manufacturing, and the growing ecosystem shaping the future of autonomous technology.

Colonel Lucas J. Lanczy, Garrison Commander, Camp Grayling

Colonel Lucas J. Lanczy is the current Garrison Commander of the Camp Graying Joint Maneuver Training Center. On this episode Col. Lanczy gives us a deeper look into the training base in Northern Michigan. We discuss Camp Grayling's training facilities for land, air, maritime, cyber, and space defense domains, as well as hosting the Northern Strike exercise. He also talks about the Michigan National Guard and their impact on the community.

Maureen Donohue Krauss, CEO, Detroit Regional Partnership

We sit down with Maureen Donohue Krauss, Detroit Regional Partnership (DRP) CEO, to explore how Southeast Michigan is attracting investment, growing jobs, and competing on the world stage. Maureen shares insights on the region’s strategy to win major projects, including the initiatives – VIP by DRP and Global Epicenter of Mobility. From advanced manufacturing and mobility to emerging technologies, she highlights how Metro Detroit is leveraging its legacy strengths while building for the future.