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.
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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
Oakland
ONE in a Million
Holly Schwarzwalder of Our Next Energy
Holly Schwarzwalder moved to Michigan to pursue a career in the state’s thriving automotive industry. Now she’s a program manager with Our Next Energy, a Michigan-born energy storage company looking to electrify the future.
St. Clair
On the Market
Steve Fernandez of PH Country Style Market
As the owners of a full-service grocery store in downtown Port Huron – a former food desert – Steve Fernandez and his wife Michele Jones are serving and feeding their local community
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
Wayne
La Vida Detroit
Cristina Zamora of Xochi’s Gift Shop
Cristina Zamora is keeping her family’s gift shop and Mexican heritage alive in the heart of Mexicantown
Presque Isle
State of the Art
Tim Pritchard of Domaci Gallery
Tim Pritchard is creating a home for art and community at Domaci Gallery in Rogers City
Marquette
Rise UP
Bugsy Sailor of the Upper Peninsula Supply Company
As a prolific photographer of Michigan sunrises, co-founder of the Fresh Coast Film Festival and creator of 906 Day and Plaidurday, Bugsy Sailor is spreading his love of the U.P. across the state and the globe
Eaton
A Novel Idea
Nyshell Lawrence of Socialight Society
Nyshell Lawrence is capturing the attention of book lovers – including Oprah – with Socialight Society, a shop celebrating Black women and literature
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
Alpena
Beer Necessities
Blake and Brant Austin of Austin Brothers Beer Company
As the brothers of Austin Brothers Beer Company in Alpena, California transplants Blake and Brant Austin are contributing to Michigan’s robust craft beer industry
Sanilac
Raise a Glass
Kristi Nichols-Shopbell of 3 North Vines
As a lifelong Michigander, Kristi Nichols-Shopbell grew up with a love for the state’s natural attributes, from its four seasons to the plentiful ways to enjoy the water. Kristi attended Michigan State University and met her husband Nate in a wine tasting elective class.
Clare
The Show Must Go On
Lisa Benic of the Ideal Theater
After learning that their childhood movie theater was closing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Lisa Benic and her sisters breathed new life into the downtown Clare gem
Saginaw
Think Positive
Jeanne Conger of Positive Results Downtown Saginaw
As executive director of Positive Results Downtown Saginaw, Jeanne Conger oversees efforts to support the local community and bring positive attention to Saginaw’s downtown.
Lapeer
Hitting the Pavement
Cliff Cameron of KM International
Cliff Cameron has always had a vision for the road ahead; taking KM International from a small business in a pole barn to industry hall of fame.
Chippewa
Culture and Community
Whitney Gravelle of Bay Mills Indian Community
As President of Bay Mills Indian Community, Whitney Gravelle is connecting with her past while leading her community into the future
Gogebic
There’s Snow Place Like Home
Benjamin Bartz of Snowriver Mountain Resort
For Benjamin Bartz, the U.P. is more than the place where he lives and works – it’s a way of life
Tuscola
True Blue
Amy Stocking of Turner’s Blueberry Farm
Amy Stocking and her husband Dan are growing their family and a superfood at Turner’s Blueberry Farm in Caro
VanBuren
Through the Grapevine
Nancie Oxley of St. Julian Winery
As Michigan’s first female winemaker, Nancie Oxley has stayed true to her Midwest roots and grown her career at St. Julian Winery
Calhoun
All You Need is Love and Tacos
Javier Fortoso of Torti Taco
Javier Fortoso followed his heart to Michigan — and found a love for craft tacos that became his passion
Alger
Chasing Waterfalls
Bill Thompson of Michigan Ice Fest
As an event organizer for the annual ice climbing festival, Thompson draws climbers and legends from across the nation and around the world to Munising in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
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.
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