A process-driven approach to marketing success
The Small Business Association of Michigan’s Small Business Weekly Podcast
Release Date: 04/10/2025
Small manufacturing firm thrives on the cutting edge of aerospace, defense and space industries
The Small Business Association of Michigan’s Small Business Weekly Podcast
On today’s program, Michael Rogers talks with Zack Bishop, president of 4 Flutes Machining, recently honored as a member of the Michigan 50 Companies to Watch for 2025. The company primarily serves aerospace, defense and space industries, manufacturing components for high-value applications. Four Flutes Machining defies the "rust belt" stereotype by embracing a modern approach to manufacturing, succeeding in challenging markets, according to Bishop. Their strategic vision emphasizes diversification, which has driven impressive growth, with most of their manufacturing now serving out-of-state...
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Award-winning firm helps small businesses thrive in the evolving world of SEO and AI
The Small Business Association of Michigan’s Small Business Weekly Podcast
On today’s program, Michael Rogers talks with Rayanne and Lance Beaudry, the co-owners of Avalanche Creative, a company recently honored by being named to the Michigan 50 Companies to Watch list for 2025. Avalanche Creative is a marketing agency specializing deeply in search engine optimization (SEO), also building websites for strategic revenue outcomes from search engines and AI. The Beaudrys discuss SEO's evolving role, noting that its principles benefit AI visibility. “Websites for businesses are still incredibly important for the moment of transaction,” Lance says. “And you can...
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Southeast Michigan glazing firm thrives thanks to family teamwork
The Small Business Association of Michigan’s Small Business Weekly Podcast
On today’s program, Michael talks with Sonny Anani, the president of Dynamic Glazing Systems, Inc., a company recently selected to the Michigan 50 Companies to Watch list for 2025. Dynamic Glazing is a commercial contracting firm based in Southeast Michigan. They handle anything involving glass or aluminum, including commercial facades, storefronts, curtain walls, glass railings, canopies, skylights, doors and mirrors. The company has been in operation since 2005, starting as a family-owned business with Sunny's dad and two of his brothers. Anani notes that while family businesses can face...
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Award-winning company helps small businesses handle HR hassles
The Small Business Association of Michigan’s Small Business Weekly Podcast
On today’s program, Michael talks with Lisa Cooper, the founder and chief people officer for Cooper People Group, a company recently honored as a member of the Michigan 50 Companies to Watch for 2025. The business started four years ago by providing fractional HR services and support to organizations. Cooper People Group also focuses on workforce development and ensuring knowledge transfer and upskilling, using tools like Predictive Index. They have grown rapidly, serving about 175 clients across the Great Lakes and beyond, primarily in West Michigan. Cooper notes that small businesses face...
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There’s no pits in this cherry industry success story
The Small Business Association of Michigan’s Small Business Weekly Podcast
On today’s program, Michael talks with Bob Sutherland, president of , a company recognized as one of Michigan's great small business success stories. Cherry Republic is also a VIP member of the Small Business Association of Michigan. Cherry Republic's mission is to capture Michigan's greatest fruit, specifically the Montmorency red tart cherry, and transform it into various products. They deeply commit to this, aiming to capture the essence of Michigan in the design, appearance, and artwork of their stores. “You know, we've got a million trees in Leelanau County alone,” he says. “And...
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Award-winning woman-owned small business owner on client relationships
The Small Business Association of Michigan’s Small Business Weekly Podcast
On today’s program, Michael talks with Lori Rishard, the CEO of Edge Partnerships, recently recognized by Michigan Celebrate Small Business as a woman-owned Small Business of the Year. Edge Partnerships is a full-service marketing, PR, advertising, design, and event management business located in the heart of downtown Lansing. Established almost 18 years ago, they represent a diverse range of clients from state government to statewide trade associations and corporations. Their first client still remains a client today, which Lori feels speaks volumes about their relationships and how...
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Licensed psychologist offers unique therapeutic service for high-achieving individuals like business owners
The Small Business Association of Michigan’s Small Business Weekly Podcast
On today’s SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers talks with , licensed psychologist and VIP member of the Small Business Association of Michigan. Dr. Agree specializes in helping high-achieving individuals address underlying emotional suffering and patterns rooted in childhood attachment, utilizing her unique blend of skills, including her legal background, to offer logical and relatable insights. She highlights her concierge practice model, emphasizing direct communication, privacy, and a commitment to high-quality insurance-free care, and mentions her plans to expand her practice with new...
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How a furniture store supports their local community and local entrepreneurs
The Small Business Association of Michigan’s Small Business Weekly Podcast
On today’s SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers talks with Ehab Awad, Chief Operating Officer for in Lansing, an SBAM Elite Member. The large family-owned store is described as one of the biggest furniture stores in Michigan. He says Best Furniture Outlet differentiates itself by believing the community is the core of business and focuses on giving back beyond discounts. “On May 17 we're bringing in a car show with over 70 vehicles in collaboration with Capital City Muscle,” he says. “And the best part of all we do support local businesses as well. So we're going to have 35 local...
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Selling or buying a business – advice on getting the most out of your investment
The Small Business Association of Michigan’s Small Business Weekly Podcast
On today’s SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers talks with Kalyan Rachakonda, owner of Transworld Business Advisors of Sterling Heights. He's a VIP member of the Small Business Association of Michigan. The firm helps business owners sell their businesses confidentially and at the best valuation, while also assisting buyers. Rachakonda says that despite economic uncertainty, deals are still happening, and financing is available, including SBA loans and seller financing, although lenders may be more selective. Planning to sell your business? He emphasizes that business owners should plan for an...
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Award-winning strategic focus efforts help winery grow and succeed
The Small Business Association of Michigan’s Small Business Weekly Podcast
On today’s SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers talks with Ginny and Matt Sherrow, owners of , recognized by Michigan Celebrates Small Business with a Michigan 50 Distinguished Alumni Award – Strategically Focused. They credit their continued success to diversification (adding a distillery in 2022) and hiring outstanding people. Ginny emphasizes their mission, saying it’s “to be a part of your story" and highlights their apprenticeship program, noting that “it’s been really fantastic." They also discussed navigating cumbersome regulations and planning a new event center. The ...
info_outlineOn today’s SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers talks with Lisa Smith and Angelique Duphene of Inverve Marketing, recently recognized by Michigan Celebrates Small Business as a Woman-Owned Business of the Year. They are strong believers in data-driven and goal-oriented marketing. “It's really hard to start that journey without understanding who your customers are, having them documented and building a database of them, and understanding who you know and what they need from there,” Smith says. “Once you understand who your customer is, who is that ideal customer, then when you marry that up with the goals of your business like your revenue goals and your inventory goals or whatever, then you can then you can start to put a path together.”
The Small Business Association of Michigan is the only statewide and state-based association that focuses solely on serving the needs of Michigan’s small business community. We have been successfully serving small businesses like yours in all 83 counties of Michigan since 1969. We’re located in Lansing, just one block from the Capitol.
Our mission is to help Michigan small businesses succeed by promoting entrepreneurship, leveraging buying power and engaging in political advocacy. When small businesses band together through the Small Business Association of Michigan, they achieve more than they could on their own.
Our 32,000 members are as diverse as Michigan's economy. From accountants to appliance stores, manufacturers to medical, and restaurants to retailers, what unites the SBAM membership is the spirit of entrepreneurship…a spirit that drove you to start and continue to operate your own business because you believe you can do something better than anyone else is doing it!
(music licensed from www.jukedeck.com)