Voices
Voices
Dive into compelling stories from Michigan's 83 counties and hear from business owners, students, and community members as they describe their unique perspectives on living and working in Michigan.
Sometimes people ask me, ‘Why did you found a rocket company in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan?' And I tell them the U.P. is as close to space as anywhere on the planet.
All Stories
Berrien
That’s My Jam
Aiye Akhigbe of Sticky Spoons Jam
From a Navy veteran to a small business owner in Southwest Michigan, Aiye Akhigbe is making the world sweeter with her jam shop
Isabella
Fire Up Chips
Luke Sprague of Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe
As Tribal Council Sub-Chief for the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe, Luke Sprague is honoring tradition and serving his community
Monroe
Don’t Give Up the Ship
Capt. Paul LaMarre III of the Port of Monroe
As a third-generation mariner and proud tugboat captain, Paul LaMarre III is leading the Port of Monroe to become Michigan’s gateway to the world.
Bay
Dyed in the Wool
Jill Zielinski of North Bay Fiber
A dedicated knitter turned yarn maker, Jill Zielinski brings out the natural beauty of sheep’s wool and puts her design skills to work at North Bay Fiber.
Ottawa
Anything but Artificial
Charles Elwood of SolisMatica
From (Power BI) dreams to (AI MVP) realities, Charles Elwood is using his passion for AI to build on Michigan’s leadership in tech
Newaygo
At Schindy’s, You’re Home
Diane Schindlbeck of Schindy’s at Diamond Lake
When life gave them an old gas station, Diane Schindlbeck and husband Eric made one of the best laid-back pizza joints in West Michigan.
Ogemaw
Man of Many Hats
Jeremy Hickmott of West Branch Township
As township clerk, DDA administrator, zoning administrator, and more, Jeremy Hickmott is working to unite preservation and growth in West Branch Township.
Alcona
Love of the Land
Kristine Ranger of Northeast Michigan Healthy Food Initiative
Kristine Ranger has used her consulting and coaching skills to provide services to Northeast Michigan’s small farms and farms across the Midwest for over 25 years
Midland
The Show Must Go On
Josh Holliday of Midland Center for the Arts
After a stint in Nashville, born-and-raised Michigander Josh Holliday is back in the Great Lakes Bay region and embracing the future of art and science programming as Midland Center for the Arts’ vice president of marketing, communications and sales
Oceana
Apples of Her Eye
Amy Baker of Peterson Farms
As senior director of quality and regulatory compliance management for food processor Peterson Farms, Amy Baker is contributing to Michigan’s agribusiness industry with the largest employer in Oceana County – and knows how to spot a good apple.
Genesee
Keeping It 100
Brandee Cooke-Brown of 100K Ideas
Brandee Cooke-Brown knows the power of a good idea. As Executive Director of 100K Ideas, a Flint-based non-profit that helps to promote entrepreneurism, she works each day to uplift aspiring business owners in the Flint community
Charlevoix
A Seat at the Table
Jozef Zebediah of My Grandmother’s Table
From Polish dishes and Thai chicken to a one-hundred-year-old cake recipe from New Orleans, diners can experience the flavors of the world at Jozef Zebediah’s restaurant, My Grandmother’s Table
Ontonagon
The Great Outdoors
Steve Hamilton of Hamilton’s North Coast Adventures
As a Wisconsin transplant, Steve Hamilton is embracing the Yooper lifestyle and welcoming visitors to experience adventure in the U.P.
Cass
All Cass, No Brakes
Emilie LaGrow of Cassopolis
Through the adage “if we invest in ourselves, others will invest in us,” Emilie LaGrow is helping to revive the village of Cassopolis from slowing to growing.
Cheboygan
The Perfect Blend
The Cutter Family of Cheboygan Coffee Roasters
Jane, Jeff and Brody Cutter are brewing up something special in downtown Cheboygan with their family-owned-and-operated coffee roasting business
Macomb
Dynamic Defense
Cemone Moy of General Dynamics Land Systems
As a lifelong Metro Detroiter and manager of international sustainment programs for a military vehicle manufacturer, Cemone Moy is proud to be a part of Michigan’s Defense Corridor
Muskegon
Bowled Over
Corey Dykstra of Brunswick Bowling Products
As CEO for the largest supplier of high-performance bowling equipment and supplies in the world, contributing to Michigan’s manufacturing heritage is right up Corey Dykstra’s alley.
Iron
Home Court Advantage
Jason Gasperich of Connor Sports Flooring
As technical director for the supplier of some of the most famous basketball courts, Jason Gasperich is showing the world what Michigan is made of
Kalkaska
DNA of the DDA
Gayenell Gentelia of Kalkaska Downtown Development Authority
As DDA Associate Director, Gayenell Gentelia is committed to building a stronger Kalkaska community for its residents
Wexford
Staying Grounded
Aaron Fekete of Owl Eye Coffee Roasters
Aaron Fekete is bringing his coffee roasting expertise to caffeinate the Cadillac community and beyond
I’m glad I had the opportunity to make a good impression and do positive things while I was here in a professional capacity as Main Street director, now I’m really excited to get to do this in a new professional capacity.