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
Montmorency
Ready to Sleigh
Matt Smith of Thunder Bay Resort
As the latest owner of one of Northern Michigan’s most unique travel destinations, Matt Smith is helping to usher in a new era at Thunder Bay Resort
Schoolcraft
Smart Solutions
Rob Giles of IQ Designs
As CEO of a global supplier of pharmaceutical and diagnostic products, Rob Giles delivers solutions worldwide right from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
Menominee
ABS of Plastic
Kane Rasner of Advanced Blending Solutions
As president of a plastics manufacturing equipment provider, Kane Rasner is growing the family business into an international powerhouse in Menominee County.
Mecosta
Happy Trails
Paul Griffith of Mecosta County
As an advocate for Michigan’s longest paved trail and the historic depot alongside it in Big Rapids, Paul Griffith brings the wisdom of 50 years’ experience in Mecosta County.
Delta
Like a Fish to Water
Mathew Wastell of Pisces Fish Machinery
As vice president of one of the few companies in the world that manufactures fish-processing machines, Mathew Wastell is scaling his business globally right from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
Keweenaw
Superior Flavor
Wi Mueller of Keweenaw Mountain Lodge
You’ll find one of Michigan’s most intimate meals at the table of Chef Wi Mueller at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge perched on the remote northern tip of the U.P.
Baraga
Construction Zone
Philip LaTendresse of Pettibone
As director of engineering and product support and the fourth generation to work at Pettibone, Philip LaTendresse is continuing the legacy of the industry-leading material handling equipment manufacturer
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
Manistee
Sun, Sand and Ski
Sammie Lukaskiewicz of Manistee Tourism
With the Pure Award-winning “Origins” and USA Today's “No. 1 beach in Michigan,” Sammie Lukaskiewicz has a lot to celebrate in Manistee.
Livingston
Good Vibes Only
Cindy Conn of Vibology
As a spiritual boutique and apothecary, Cindy Conn’s Vibology is a sanctuary nestled in Downtown Howell
Roscommon
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.”
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
Gladwin
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.
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
Hillsdale
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
Branch
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
St. Joseph
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
Iosco
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
Missaukee
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.
Huron
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.
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.