The Michigan Opportunity Podcast

Roberto Vazquez, Mexican Consul, Detroit

We welcome back Roberto Vazquez of the Consulate of Mexico in Detroit to talk about the important work happening every day to support Mexican nationals and strengthening ties with Michigan. We talk about the rise of trade between Michigan and Mexico across several industries including the large automotive manufacturing partnership, international diplomacy, and how community engagement comes together in Michigan. 

Mary Buchzeiger, CEO, Lucerne International

On this episode we sit down with Lucerne International CEO, Mary Buchzeiger, getting an inside look at how this certified Women Business Enterprise (WBE) company is connecting advanced manufacturing with partners and customers around the world. Mary offers a candid conversation on international trade, reshoring, foreign trade zones and more. Hear how this Michigan company is thriving in the global marketplace while staying rooted locally.

Steven Wilson, Executive Director, Economic Growth Institute, University of Michigan

In this episode we talk with the University of Michigan - Economic Growth Institute (EGI) Executive Director, Steven Wilson, about how EGI provides strategic support, funding, research analysis, and hands-on collaboration with companies and communities to build long-term economic vitality across Michigan and beyond. Steve also talks about how EGI is working with the MEDC, the Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation, and shares about his deep Michigan roots.

Matt Elliott, Founder and CEO, Blue Lake Ideas

Matt Elliott, Founder and CEO of Blue Lake Ideas, is a nationally recognized business and sustainability leader who advises executives and boards on navigating complexity and driving durable growth through his The Power of &™ leadership framework. In this episode Matt discusses his background as President of Bank of America Michigan and Sustainability Executive for Business and Global Commercial Banking. Diving into how he led teams across nine states and deployed more than $35 billion in sustainable capital.

Lori Lancaster, Vice Chairwoman, Emotiv Mobility and Tony Tomczak, Strategic Energy Lead, Emotiv Mobility

On this episode we highlight Emotiv Mobility, a Michigan-based leader in supply chain integration, assembly, and advanced logistics. Vice Chairwoman, Lori Lancaster and Strategic Energy Lead, Tony Tomczak, discuss how Emotiv Mobility integrates logistics, engineered systems, manufacturing, and value-added assembly to power the next generation of mobility and energy infrastructure. 

Ryan Smith, Global Marketing Director, Dow Mobility Science

As the Global Marketing and Strategy Director for Dow Mobility Science™, Ryan Smith is at the forefront of the automotive industry's rapid transition toward electrification and sustainability. He leads global go-to-market strategies that align Dow’s deep material science expertise with the needs of the growing EV market. In this episode he discusses how Dow materials work with autonomous vehicles, vehicle electrification process, and more. 

John Gutierrez, Executive Director, The Michigan Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation

Colonel John T. Gutierrez, U.S. United States Marine Corps (Ret.), brings over 30 years of operational, logistics, and defense acquisition leadership to his role as Executive Director of the Michigan Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation. In this episode, he shares how Michigan’s “Arsenal of Democracy” legacy is being modernized—helping companies win federal contracts, strengthen cybersecurity, and advancing innovation and advanced manufacturing.

Michael Zahuranic, Director of Business Development, BAE Systems

Hear from Michael Zahuranic, Director of Business Development at BAE Systems, as he talks about how their Sterling Heights campus serves as a key hub for engineering, program management, and prototyping of military ground vehicles. BAE Systems is a global defense and aerospace leader delivering advanced military vehicles, systems, and technologies to the U.S. Department of Defense and international partners. Michael also discusses his more than 21 years of US Army experience and why his family chose Michigan to call home.

Quentin L. Messer, Jr., Chief Executive Officer and Economic Competitiveness Officer of the MEDC

Quentin L. Messer, Jr. is the Chief Executive Officer and Economic Competitiveness Officer of the MEDC where he leads statewide efforts to attract business investment, create jobs, support community development, and enhance Michigan’s economic brand. In his role, Messer champions business attraction and expansion, small business support, access to capital, and equitable economic growth that benefits all Michiganders. Under his leadership, MEDC has secured more than $13 billion in electric vehicle and battery manufacturing investments and nearly 13,000 good-paying jobs for Michigan families.

Justine Johnson, Chief Mobility Officer, Office of Future Mobility and Electrification

Recently recognized as a Leader in TIME100’s Climate 2025 list, Justine Johnson shares how the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification is driving a total transformation of the state's workforce and high-tech transit ecosystem across land, water and air. She also discusses industry changes during her 2 years as Chief Mobility Officer, highlights top projects and more.