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
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
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.
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
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
Mackinac
Spill the Beans
Carolyn May of Lucky Bean
As owner of Lucky Bean and a native Mackinac Islander, Carolyn May has been serving up coffee to locals and visitors since 2011
Osceola
The Best Medicine
Michelle Ladd of Evart Pharmacy
Pharmacist Michelle Ladd embraces her small-town roots by serving the community where she grew up
Allegan
Heart and Sole
Alan Baugh of Baugh Shoe Repair
At 93 years old, Alan Baugh continues his family’s century-old legacy business in downtown Wayland
Crawford
Turning the Page
Rae Gosling of Hidden Nook Booksellers
Rae Gosling, former Michigan Main Street Director for the city of Grayling, starts a new chapter as the owner of Hidden Nook Booksellers
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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