Voices

Off-Kilter

Jim Perialas of Irish Kilt Brewing Company

After teaching for 30 years, Jim Perialas moved into local economic development and unexpectedly found himself opening a brewery: “I thought with my wisdom, I'd be able to stay away from starting a business this late in life. But here we are.”

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

Live hAPPLEy

Dan Vannest of The Fruitful Orchard

Inspired by a love for cider and donuts, Gladwin native Dan Vannest decided to change career paths when his hometown apple orchard went up for sale. Now, he’s creating a bushelful of memories for new families at The Fruitful Orchard.

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

Propelling the World Forward

Sean Hilbert of Cobra AERO and Cobra MOTO

As president of Cobra AERO and its sister company Cobra MOTO, Sean Hilbert is contributing to the state’s mobility and aerospace industries and championing Michigan’s leadership in defense

Full STEAM Ahead

Shana Grife of Children’s Museum of Branch County

Serving as executive director for the Children’s Museum of Branch County, Shana Grife is committed to providing residents and visitors of Coldwater with a child-centered space for learning and growing

Community by Design

Jason Ballew of Three Rivers

As a board member of the Three Rivers DDA and chair of its Design Committee, Jason Ballew is using his love for nature and environmental sustainability to create a better community

Under His Wing

Angel Melendez of Kalitta Air

As an Air Force veteran and program manager for the apprenticeship program at Kalitta Air, Angel Melendez is using his expertise to train the next generation of aviation mechanics

Right on Target

Karen Abrahamson of the Bohning Company

Missaukee native Karen Abrahamson has grown into her leadership role at The Bohning Company, a world-leading cornerstone of the archery industry.

Saving Life-Saving History

Mimi Herrington of Pointe aux Barques Maritime Museum

After a career that spanned environmental law, public school teaching and library administration, Mimi Herrington is now dedicated to preserving the history of Pointe aux Barques, including one of the few remaining stations from the precursor to the U.S. Coast Guard.

Beacon of Light

Chuck Clarke of Point Betsie Lighthouse

After growing up vacationing with his family in Benzie County, Chuck Clarke has devoted years to helping preserve one of the community’s key assets and oldest standing building: the Point Betsie Lighthouse

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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