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
Washtenaw
SPARKs Fly
Loren Townes, Jr. of Ann Arbor SPARK
As director of entrepreneurial services at Ann Arbor SPARK, Loren is contributing to Michigan’s business community and inspiring resilience with his life story
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
Ionia
Peak Performance
Joe Cantwell of Summit Personal Training Studio
As the owner of multiple small businesses and organizer of the annual Cow Pie Classic cycling race, Joe Cantwell gives back to the greater Ionia community through health, fitness and fun
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
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
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.