The Small Business Association of Michigan’s Small Business Weekly Podcast
The Small Business Association of Michigan’s Small Business Weekly Podcast presents a dynamic audio interview from a top-notch expert on entrepreneurial success. Hear great tips and advice on how to be a more effective small business owner.
info_outline
Southeast Michigan distillery crafts best-in-world whiskeys
01/13/2026
Southeast Michigan distillery crafts best-in-world whiskeys
On today’s program, Michael Rogers talks with Christi Lower, founder of Highline Spirits, selected by Michigan Celebrates Small Business as a Michigan SBDC Best Small Business for 2025. She discusses her craft distillery's focus on blending and special finishing whiskey, which has earned multiple national and international awards, including two Best in Class whiskeys in 2025. “It is really important that people consume safely and responsibly,” she says. “We don't offer shots, we don't create an environment that supports that, either in our tasting rooms and then also on our marketing materials. It's always important to have legal drinking age adults represented that are very clearly grown ups, and then use language that's appropriate for an adult to be enjoying our spirits. So it's important that we market and then also create environments where people are drinking responsibly.” The 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 )
/episode/index/show/sbamentrepreneurialinsights/id/39716870
info_outline
The importance of personal branding and real interactions in an AI marketing world
01/06/2026
The importance of personal branding and real interactions in an AI marketing world
On today’s program, Michael Rogers talks with Kim Bode, owner of 8THIRTYFOUR, recognized by Michigan Celebrates Small Business as a Women-Owned Small Business of the Year. Her firm specializes in the fractional CMO model and offers soft skills training through 8THIRTYFOUR Schools. Bodie highlights the importance of real, unpolished interactions in a world dominated by AI. “The best idea is an idea that comes from you,” she says. “It's not going to be something that comes from AI, and whatever they create out there. You still have to personalize and you still have to make it relevant to what you do, or your industry, your business, whatever it is. So I think it's a great tool to get you started on stuff. I use it for research all the time, but then I also fact check it, because you know, just a lot of stuff can go wrong.” The 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 )
/episode/index/show/sbamentrepreneurialinsights/id/39628705
info_outline
Design and brand experience as a key element of small business success
12/31/2025
Design and brand experience as a key element of small business success
On today’s program, Michael Rogers talks with Rachel Nelson, CEO and principal designer of Concetti, a Detroit-based interior design strategy studio, recognized as a Michigan Celebrates Small Business's Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year for 2025. Concetti specializes in interior design and brand experience, emphasizing co-creation with clients. “Design is often thought of as frivolous or something that would be nice to have, but I love to argue and educate that design is problem solving,” she says. “Design is being strategic and intentional, and starting with a hypothesis, how might this new location help me reach my business goals, of my revenue goals of x, my employment goals of y, because that's how things should be viewed.” The 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 )
/episode/index/show/sbamentrepreneurialinsights/id/39575090
info_outline
How AI will help your small business punch above its weight class
12/16/2025
How AI will help your small business punch above its weight class
On today’s program, Michael Rogers talks with Michael Weinberger, owner of Proactive Technology Management. They are VIP members of the Small Business Association of Michigan. He discusses his company's 18-year history of serving small businesses with MSP support and full-stack software development, including AI and data analytics. Weinberger notes AI's potential to enhance business efficiency. “We are at an opportunity where AI is going to allow organizations to punch above their weight class,” he says. “That is impactful on the small to medium size business community because it allows them to respond as if they are a larger enterprise than they are, whether it's proposal generation or streamlining processes to respond to client issues, whether it's their order to cash process in manufacturing, whether it's their reporting and aggregation in the private equity space in order to create reports. I think that AI is going to continue to allow us to do more with less, and it certainly has impacted how I run my business.” The 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 )
/episode/index/show/sbamentrepreneurialinsights/id/39428760
info_outline
Customer service pushes this salon to be an elite small business
12/09/2025
Customer service pushes this salon to be an elite small business
On today’s program, Michael Rogers talks with Jerad Rushlow, owner of Jarad Anthony Salon and an Elite Member of the Small Business Association of Michigan. Rushlo discusses his background in the beauty industry, explaining how his family started their business in the early 1970s and how he eventually separated and rebranded his own full-service salon and spa. “The key to success for us is, hands down, the customer service,” he says. “You can go get a hair service anywhere, you can get your nails painted, you can get a pedicure wherever you want to go. But what are the extra things that a service provider is willing to do to gain your trust and gain that respect so you want to come back and see this person more often? So, we do a lot of little extra things in our business that attract people to come back a little more often. Here's a little bit of wine during your services that's complimentary, we have nice tea, we do hand massages when your color's processing – little things like that to just amplify the service.” The 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 )
/episode/index/show/sbamentrepreneurialinsights/id/39343675
info_outline
Her customers are up-in-the-air but not her business plan
11/17/2025
Her customers are up-in-the-air but not her business plan
On today’s program, Michael Rogers talks with Christina VanDam, owner of Zeal Aerial Fitness in Grand Rapids, winner of a 2025 Micro Business Award from Michigan Celebrates Small Business. She discusses her journey from being a public school teacher to founding an aerial fitness studio that offers classes in silks, hoop, hammock, bungee, pole and aerial yoga, catering to diverse age groups. “If you're going to the YMCA, you're running on a treadmill or lifting weights, and we're not that kind of place,” she says. “You use your whole body for your workout. I think what a lot of people don't realize is that aerials burn quite a bit of calories. It is still quite a new, new thing in the fitness industry, but there have been studies done that say that doing an hour of aerial silks can be equivalent to doing a three mile run.” The 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 )
/episode/index/show/sbamentrepreneurialinsights/id/39066040
info_outline
Environmentally-friendly shipping pallets power growth for this two-decade-old small business
11/14/2025
Environmentally-friendly shipping pallets power growth for this two-decade-old small business
On today’s program, Michael Rogers talks with Mo Alakoli, CEO of PALLETCO. The company has been selected as a member of the Michigan 50 Companies to Watch by Michigan Celebrates Small Business. Founded in 2003, the company employs eco-friendly practices, ensuring pallets are repurposed for biofuel, animal bedding or mulch at the end of their life cycle. “We try to be as green as possible, given that we're a smaller, family owned company that has scaled a lot in the last five years, we're always trying to catch up to that green initiative,” he says. “But a pallet is a very environmentally friendly product.” The 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 )
/episode/index/show/sbamentrepreneurialinsights/id/39040265
info_outline
Concrete foundations are their literal foundation for growth
11/13/2025
Concrete foundations are their literal foundation for growth
On today’s program, Michael Rogers talks with Hussein Mokahal, owner of LED LION in Westland, selected by Michigan Celebrates Small Business as a member of the Michigan 50 Companies to Watch for 2025. LED LION handles the foundational side of projects like underground utilities, concrete foundations and infrastructure work for public and private sectors, and 3D concrete printing for bridges and infrastructure. The company has partnered on significant projects like the 2024 NFL draft and has collaborated with Lawrence Tech University and the National Science Foundation. Hall advises small business owners to practice proactive property maintenance. “A lot of property owners wait until they start seeing cracks and leaks or drainage issues, and by then the fix is probably far more expensive, so simple, routine inspections, especially around drainage systems, concrete slabs and foundations can ultimately save thousands down the line,” he says. The 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 )
/episode/index/show/sbamentrepreneurialinsights/id/39027300
info_outline
Family-founded business thrives in west Michigan’s culture of growth and entrepreneurship
11/10/2025
Family-founded business thrives in west Michigan’s culture of growth and entrepreneurship
On today’s program, Michael Rogers talks with Evan Mathison, a member of the Small Business Association of Michigan board of directors and Founding Principal of Mathison | Mathison Architects, a design-focused architecture and interiors firm based in Grand Rapids. He and his father Tom founded the company in 2013. “I grew up here in the Grand Rapids area and went to undergrad here, then moved to New England for grad school, and stayed out there and worked for 10 years,” he says. “I always knew that I wanted to move back and be a part of the growth of west Michigan. I knew I wanted to be close to family and be part of that growth trajectory. Our team also reinforces that story. You know, almost everyone on our team grew up in Michigan, moved somewhere else to go to school or work and then returned home with the goal of doing really high quality design work that they were a part of in other parts of the country and the world. And I really do believe that this kind of richness adds to the entrepreneurial spirit of Michigan, that desire for growth, desire for change and impact.” The 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 )
/episode/index/show/sbamentrepreneurialinsights/id/38982120
info_outline
Expanding veterinary hospital focuses on compassionate care and community involvement
11/04/2025
Expanding veterinary hospital focuses on compassionate care and community involvement
On today’s program, Michael Rogers talks with Dr. Lindsay Ruland, DVM, owner and chief of medicine at Emergency Veterinary Hospital in Ann Arbor. They were named to the list of Michigan 50 Companies to Watch for 2025. The hospital treats a wide range of animals and emphasizes compassionate care for both pets and their owners. Dr. Ruland highlighted the importance of proper care for exotic pets, the rise of pet insurance and the role of veterinarians in determining pet nutrition. The hospital recently expanded to three operating rooms and plans to add more specialists. They also focus on inspiring future veterinarians through community engagement. “We are very passionate about being part of our community, getting out in the community, speaking with kids, and hoping to inspire them to understand that veterinary medicine can be a tough job, but it is so deeply rewarding and very much worth it in the end. And so don't, don't let anyone tell you that you can't do it,” she says. The 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 )
/episode/index/show/sbamentrepreneurialinsights/id/38909680
info_outline
Creating a work environment that encourages employees to grow and want to stay
10/28/2025
Creating a work environment that encourages employees to grow and want to stay
On today’s program, Michael Rogers talks with Joe Bamberger, managing partner of Emerge, named this year to the list of Michigan 50 Companies to Watch. They help businesses retain talent by understanding what the next generation (Gen Z and Gen Alpha) wants in a workplace. Bamberger says the key is creating an environment where employees feel they are constantly developing professionally and making a meaningful contribution, which increases their likelihood of staying with a company. “It's a matter of growth, it's a matter of creating impact, right? And so if you can create an environment where your employees are consistently learning and growing and receiving more and varied opportunities, and that you're connecting them with a bigger mission or impact that they're able to achieve, that leads to a lot of retention,” he says. The 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 )
/episode/index/show/sbamentrepreneurialinsights/id/38811045
info_outline
The importance of expanding your knowledge and growth potential while remaining true to your core values
10/20/2025
The importance of expanding your knowledge and growth potential while remaining true to your core values
On today’s program, Michael Rogers talks with Heather Isch, President & Owner of LKF Marketing in Kalamazoo and a member of the SBAM board of directors. This year her firm was selected as a member of the Michigan 50 Companies to Watch. LKF Marketing has worked with hundreds of companies, big and small over the years, and in the interview Isch shares some of the entrepreneurial lessons from their work to help these firms be more successful. “I think one of the things that is hardest for entrepreneurs and especially founders is to get to the place where they're comfortable adding more leaders or managers, surrounding themselves with people who are smarter than them or more gifted in areas and really growing for the future,” she says. “Sometimes it's hard to let go of what we've built, and in order to be successful, you have to expand on that knowledge and grow and also stay focused on really what your core vision and mission and values are. Sometimes it's very easy to get distracted by shiny things, and a lot of times that is what keeps us from growing.” The 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 )
/episode/index/show/sbamentrepreneurialinsights/id/38648820
info_outline
Award-winning small business has great advice on inclusion and accessibility for the neurodiverse in your workplace
10/14/2025
Award-winning small business has great advice on inclusion and accessibility for the neurodiverse in your workplace
On today’s program, Michael Rogers talks with Reena Naami, Owner and Founding CEO of the Spark Center for Autism, honored this year as a member of the prestigious Michigan 50 Companies to Watch. The center has grown from a two-person operation to nearly 50 employees, offering new programs like a summer learning program and internships. She highlighted the importance of inclusion and small adjustments for neurodiversity in workplaces. “It's really important to remember that inclusion and accessibility benefits everyone, and not just those who are meant to be the recipients of accommodations,” she says. “So when we think about it as business owners and entrepreneurs, providing accommodations can actually have a really great return on investment across the board. And the other point is that adjustments and accommodations don't need to be on a huge scale or necessarily require a lot of work or even money. They can be small adjustments that can still make really large impacts.” The 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 )
/episode/index/show/sbamentrepreneurialinsights/id/38578320
info_outline
Fast growing Sunfield Center honored as one of Michigan 50 Companies to Watch
09/15/2025
Fast growing Sunfield Center honored as one of Michigan 50 Companies to Watch
On today’s program, Michael Rogers talks with Jeff Snyder, managing director of the Sunfield Center in Ann Arbor. They were recognized this year as a member of the Michigan 50 Companies to Watch. The Center focuses on clinical services for autism, ADHD, anxiety, and other behavioral health disorders. The center, founded in 2011, also provides professional training through the Sunfield Institute and has grown from three staff members in 2015 to 35 today, serving over 5,000 families in Michigan and offering training globally. “One of the biggest misconceptions [about autism] that fortunately I think is going away, is that if you know one person who's autistic, you know everybody who's autistic,” he says. “It very much is a spectrum, there is such variance about autism and what that might look like.” The 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 )
/episode/index/show/sbamentrepreneurialinsights/id/38224490
info_outline
Helping your small business turn challenges into opportunities
09/15/2025
Helping your small business turn challenges into opportunities
On today’s program, Michael Rogers talks with Blaine Schultz, owner of Cooper Consulting and a VIP member of the Small Business Association of Michigan. Schultz has a 34-year career in staffing and human resource outsourcing, and in the interview highlights his firm's focus on small business operations, particularly family-owned businesses, leveraging his expertise in accounting, finance, and succession planning. Schultz emphasized the importance of servant leadership and building mutually beneficial business relationships. “You know, you can't avoid waves, but you can learn how to turn your boat into the wave and get through it,” he says. “So as a practical matter, I've been around the block. I've seen a lot.” The 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 )
/episode/index/show/sbamentrepreneurialinsights/id/38223300
info_outline
How to spend your marketing dollars on things that don’t just look nice but actually work
09/13/2025
How to spend your marketing dollars on things that don’t just look nice but actually work
On today’s program, Michael Rogers talks with Janeve Helmbold, owner and creative director of Crystal Cranes Media and an Elite member of the Small Business Association of Michigan. Inspired by her parents' immigrant journey and successful restaurant, she developed the PRISM model: Prove it, Research it, Invert it, Shape it, Make it – a framework that helps businesses identify and leverage their unique differentiators. “Very similarly to my parents, small businesses usually have the least amount of money for marketing and don't have the luxury of trial and error,” she says. “Every dollar that they spend has to count, and so that's why being strategy forward is so important. If you don't start with clarity and direction, you can end up pouring money into things that look nice but don't actually move the needle.” The 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 )
/episode/index/show/sbamentrepreneurialinsights/id/38208710
info_outline
Understanding interpersonal and intrapersonal intelligence
09/08/2025
Understanding interpersonal and intrapersonal intelligence
On today’s program, Michael Rogers talks with Amina Hedayat Khalil. She is an Executive and Team Leadership Coach and Consultant and owner of Audere Interpersonal Intelligence. She is also an Elite Member of the Small Business Association of Michigan. “It's called executive coaching, training, consulting, but for me, in my world and the way that I love to help people. I call it human evolvement,” she says. “Different people, they need to evolve in different ways like growing in their careers, developing relationships and communication skills. When I work with them, I help them to gain a lot of understanding of their strengths, their values, their capabilities.” The 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 )
/episode/index/show/sbamentrepreneurialinsights/id/38130440
info_outline
Everything's “fishy” about this family owned smoked fish products company
09/02/2025
Everything's “fishy” about this family owned smoked fish products company
On today’s program, Michael Rogers talks with Bruce Osterhaven, President of Big O Smokehouse and an Elite member of the Small Business Association of Michigan. Established in 1997, the company offers a wide variety of smoked fish products sourced from the Great Lakes and Canadian fisheries, focusing on white fish and lake trout. “We're hopefully starting to reach a lot more of Michigan, and people are getting to know us a little bit more and seeing the value of smoked fish as a high quality protein source,” he says. “As soon as my dad got me introduced into it, it was something that I definitely could see, a passion and a purpose for getting people to eat healthy.” The 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 )
/episode/index/show/sbamentrepreneurialinsights/id/38058365
info_outline
The political power and influence of many small businesses working together
08/26/2025
The political power and influence of many small businesses working together
On today’s program, Michael Rogers talks with Adrian Hemond, CEO of Grassroots Midwest, a bipartisan, multi-client political and marketing consultancy. He also serves on the SBAM Board of Directors. “The fact of the matter is, a huge multinational corporation is always going to find a way to have their voice heard, right? But a mom and pop dry cleaner in Southgate, or a small marketing agency in Muskegon, or an oil change shop in Lansing, they don't have the same sort of voice that a huge multinational corporation does, and so the only way that we can make our voices heard as small business owners is together. And of course, that's one of the great value added of being involved with SBAM is that it aggregates these voices of many diverse small businesses across the state,” he says. The 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 )
/episode/index/show/sbamentrepreneurialinsights/id/37960725
info_outline
How Foster Swift experts help navigate the women-owned and minority-owned certification process
08/19/2025
How Foster Swift experts help navigate the women-owned and minority-owned certification process
On today’s program, Michael Rogers talks with Amanda J. Dernovshek and Lindsey M. Mead, members of Foster Swift’s business and tax practice group in Lansing. They discuss how they assist their clients with obtaining women-owned and minority-owned business certifications. “We have worked with clients to have conversations about whether they qualify, and ask some of the key details to say yes you would or no you would not qualify for a certification,” Dernovshek said. “We've reviewed organizational documents to kind of flag any issues that we see in terms of certifying qualifications that are required. And then some certification programs will allow a business to designate a delegate or a representative on behalf of the business who works through the application and essentially does the application for the business. So Lindsay and I have experience with assisting clients through that process.” The 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 )
/episode/index/show/sbamentrepreneurialinsights/id/37879555
info_outline
Innovative small firm offers unique travel-sized personal care products
08/12/2025
Innovative small firm offers unique travel-sized personal care products
On today’s program, Michael Rogers talks with Kate Cervini, the founder of 100 ML and an Elite member of the Small Business Association of Michigan. Her company simplifies pre-travel preparation by offering a convenient one-stop shop for travel-sized personal care products. Cervini discusses her entrepreneurial journey, highlighting how her own travel experiences inspired the creation of 100 ML to address the inconvenience of sourcing travel essentials. “The majority of our products are clean and sustainable and many of them are actually from female-founded companies, which is very important to me,” she says. “What I did was I made a long list of products that are quite popular within the beauty and skincare markets but then I also had products that are actually quite essential for travelers.” The 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 )
/episode/index/show/sbamentrepreneurialinsights/id/37776515
info_outline
Key information that DTE wants you to know about 811 Day and digging safely around your small business or home
08/07/2025
Key information that DTE wants you to know about 811 Day and digging safely around your small business or home
On today’s program, Michael Rogers talks with Jonathan Wilson, regional representative for DTE, about 811 Day in Michigan (Aug. 11) and how important it is to comply with essential safety procedures, such as calling 811 before digging and what to do in case of a natural gas leak. Wilson also discusses the operational risks of non-compliance with MISS DIG requirements, and DTE's role in educating customers and improving excavation safety standards. The 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 )
/episode/index/show/sbamentrepreneurialinsights/id/37717785
info_outline
A small business leveraging the power of customer service
07/19/2025
A small business leveraging the power of customer service
On today’s program, Michael Rogers talks with Jim Byrum, owner of Byrum Ace Hardware, a collection of successful hardware stores across mid-Michigan. Byrum’s entrepreneurial journey began over 42 years ago in Leslie, where he identified a need for local hardware stores with more convenient hours. Bryum Ace Hardware has since grown organically to eight locations. The company distinguishes itself from big box stores by prioritizing excellent, personalized customer service. “The big box stores certainly have a place and they do well, but we pride ourselves on service,” he says. “When somebody walks in the door, we want to make sure that we meet their demand. We ask them what we can do to help them. We provide that assistance. And frankly, that's the niche we have.” They pride themselves on having knowledgeable staff who provide quick, on-demand assistance for immediate customer needs. Bum highlights their focus on smaller communities, fostering strong customer relationships where managers often know customers personally. He emphasizes the continuous challenge of innovation and growth to meet evolving customer demands, stating, "you can't stay static or you're falling behind". The 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 )
/episode/index/show/sbamentrepreneurialinsights/id/37466295
info_outline
Customer retention as the hidden engine of business growth
07/15/2025
Customer retention as the hidden engine of business growth
On today’s program, Michael Rogers talks with Sara Barco, owner of and a VIP member of the Small Business Association of Michigan. Barco, a self-described customer retention detective, helps small businesses, service providers, and teams identify where they're unintentionally losing customers and how to keep them engaged for the long haul. She stresses that retention is just as, if not more, important than attraction, calling it the hidden engine of business growth. “We all know that it costs far more to attract a new customer than to keep the ones that we already have,” she says. “And yet, most businesses pour all of their energy into marketing and very little into what happens after the sale. When you retain customers well, you create consistency, referrals, and that brand trust that we all want to need. So, I hear a lot of people talk about referring to retention as that repeat revenue, which it is, and that's great. For me personally, it's also about building that community around the work that you're doing.” The 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 )
/episode/index/show/sbamentrepreneurialinsights/id/37414905
info_outline
Small manufacturing firm thrives on the cutting edge of aerospace, defense and space industries
07/09/2025
Small manufacturing firm thrives on the cutting edge of aerospace, defense and space industries
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 customers on the coasts. “There's a lot of opportunity out there,” he says. “It’s harder to get into markets than I think everyone is aware of but it's certainly brought us an enormous amount of success getting our foot in the door.” Bishop is very optimistic about Michigan-based manufacturing, noting consistent growth, new opportunities and no slowdowns or layoffs The 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 )
/episode/index/show/sbamentrepreneurialinsights/id/37342280
info_outline
Award-winning firm helps small businesses thrive in the evolving world of SEO and AI
07/01/2025
Award-winning firm helps small businesses thrive in the evolving world of SEO and AI
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 influence your visibility as people learn about your business off platform, off of your website. Now on the email marketing side, I think email marketing, SMS marketing are even more important now because you own that list. If you get people to say, yeah, go ahead, email me, text me, it is incredible to own that and as long as you're not bothering them too much, you're keeping them engaged with your brand.” The 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 )
/episode/index/show/sbamentrepreneurialinsights/id/37238020
info_outline
Southeast Michigan glazing firm thrives thanks to family teamwork
06/23/2025
Southeast Michigan glazing firm thrives thanks to family teamwork
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 challenges as they grow and differing opinions emerge, working through these issues with delegation and boundaries leads to success. “I have found that people that I talk to that are family businesses in the beginning it's very easy because everybody's on the same team, they're on the same page,” he says. “They're walking to the beat of the same drum and they're willing to put in the extra hours.” The 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 )
/episode/index/show/sbamentrepreneurialinsights/id/37116300
info_outline
Award-winning company helps small businesses handle HR hassles
06/17/2025
Award-winning company helps small businesses handle HR hassles
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 significant HR challenges, including finding, developing, and retaining talent, building a strong culture, and maintaining compliance, especially with evolving Michigan employment laws. She notes that most business owners didn't start their companies to be HR experts, and these are often the issues that keep them up at night. “We’re all in the same storm,” she says. “We have slightly different boats as we weather that storm”. The 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 )
/episode/index/show/sbamentrepreneurialinsights/id/37041565
info_outline
There’s no pits in this cherry industry success story
06/09/2025
There’s no pits in this cherry industry success story
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 it's a really special fruit because it can go sweet, tart, savory, umami, that special Japanese word that's mouth rounding, spicy. So, it really goes with so many flavors, and it's one of those rare cherries that you can really cook with, but it also tastes great fresh.” The 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 )
/episode/index/show/sbamentrepreneurialinsights/id/36925625
info_outline
Award-winning woman-owned small business owner on client relationships
06/03/2025
Award-winning woman-owned small business owner on client relationships
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 integrated they become with their clients, almost like family. “That's very heartening for me to be able to acknowledge that client who remains with us and many others for many many years in this changing world,” she says. “Change is the only thing we have, the only constant in our lives and to have a stable, thriving business –I feel very blessed.” Discussing the challenges and rewards of being a business owner, Lori notes that while many small business owners today are driven by not wanting to work for someone else, her primary driver was to create an organization built on foundational values. The 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 )
/episode/index/show/sbamentrepreneurialinsights/id/36835795