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 exit several years in advance, ideally three, to maximize returns an...

On today’s SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers talks with Ginny and Matt Sherrow, owners of Fenton Winery and Brewery and Dream Machine Distillery, 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 Small Business Association of Michigan is the only s...

On today’s SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers talks with Justin Caine, the owner of Good Fruit Video, recently recognized by Michigan Celebrate Small Business as the Disability-Owned Small Business of the Year. Caine discusses the importance of video marketing and his journey as a business owner with a disability. He highlights the power of video for engaging audiences and conveying information effectively, stating that "when you are hearing something and you're seeing it at the same time, that's just doubling the power of what's going on." Regarding his award and efforts to improve disability awareness, Keane says "My wh...

On 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...

On today’s SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers talks with Christy Howden, the CEO and co-founder of very successful and growing Wolverine Pickleball in Ann Arbor. She and her company and her co-founder Leslie White were recently profiled in the SBAM Focus Magazine. “We started before everyone knew what pickleball was,” Howden says. “So, we really had to make a market. Starting small, it doesn't have to be perfect to start. I think one of the biggest keys for any small business is that you don't need to start at the top. It's better to do low stakes and figure o...

On today’s SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers talks with business consultant Alisha Congioloso, a member of SBAM's Leadership Council and owner of Biz iQologly. She is committed to helping business owners develop independent decision-making skills, understand the critical importance of employee development and retention in today's business environment, and focus on exit planning as an integral part of a business strategy from its inception. She also shared information about her initiative, the Impact Business Community, which provides a platform for business owners to educate each other and build strategic partnerships

The Small Business Association of Michigan is...

On today’s SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers talks with Lainie Buckles, owner of Domestic Divas Cleaning Services. They are VIP members of the Small Business Association of Michigan. Buckles’ business depends on good reliable workers. “Our company culture is all about making our team feel like the unicorns that they are,” she says. “We foster an environment of inclusivity, respect and teamwork. And I'm always looking for ways to show my support and appreciation for my team. We offer competitive pay, benefits, bonuses, incentives and opportunities for growth. We create a workplace that keeps employees motivated so that they stay...

On today’s SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers talks with Stacy Collick, sales manager for Dollar Bill Printing. They are VIP members of the Small Business Association of Michigan. The firm emphasizes quality, particularly through digital presses, and exceptional customer service. Collick says despite the digital age, business cards remain relevant, with QR codes and high-quality finishes gaining popularity. “There's just nothing like reaching into your pocket and taking out especially a nice printed business card. You look at it, you feel it, and then I take it back, I put it on my desk. I write the person an e...

On today’s SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers talks with Megan Anders, General Manager and VP of Frame Industries, Inc., also known as Chelsea Plank Flooring. They are VIP members of SBAM. The three decade old company produces solid pre-finished U.S.-sourced hardwood at a rate of about 10,000 square feet daily. The company also manufactures transition moldings and custom treads. “I would say one of the things that have really put us in a strong position is listening and taking seriously feedback from our customers and our dealers, and some of that is opportunities for improvement, and others are...

On today’s SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers talks with Jim Voss, co-owner of Hydro-Chem Systems and a member of SBAM’s Leadership Council. Hydro-Chem specializes in manufacturing and installing vehicle washing equipment and producing soaps and chemicals for semi-trucks, buses and large vehicles. The company, which is employee-owned (ESOP), has been in operation since 1971, operates nationwide and employs around 50 people. Voss emphasizes the importance of teamwork and customer service. “Over half of our people are fully vested from a stockholder perspective, and everyone around the room is at least partially invested,” he says. “So when I look around and see my...

On today’s SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers talks with Dianne Harwell, president of Little Blessings Childcare and a member of the SBAM Board of Directors. Hartwell emphasized the importance of developing trusting relationships, effective communication and continuous training for her staff. She also stressed her commitment to community involvement and her business model of "Love, Laugh, and Pray." “I've got this mindset, like, if you're going to complain, get up and make a change,” she says. “And that's what I'm doing. I'm getting involved, trying to see what is needed, talking with people that are also in my field. Y...

On today’s SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers talks with Blaine Tillander, owner of Granite Networks and a member of SBAM’s Leadership Council. Established in 1998, Granite Networks provides comprehensive IT support, from leadership to help desk. Tillander highlighted the evolution of IT management from a break-fix model to ongoing support, emphasizing the importance of security and proactive measures. “Security is really about layers,” he says. “And while email security is important you have to assume it's going to fail, and if it fails, then let's say all your tools fail. Having a third party backup of your entire ecosystem...

On today’s SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers talks with Jeff Welsh, President and Owner of Right At Home In Home Care & Assistance, based in southeast Michigan. He's a member of SBAM's Leadership Council. He discusses the benefits of in-home care for seniors, emphasizing the personalized care his company provides and the importance of caregiver adaptability. He highlights the growing demand for in-home care services due to Michigan's aging population. “There's no way that assisted living, nursing homes and even independent living can grow fast enough to keep up with the aging of our population,” Welsh says. “Most people want to...

On today’s SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers talks with Jami Moore, president of JEM Tech Group, a VIP member of the Small Business Association of Michigan and member of the 2024 Michigan 50 Companies to Watch. JEM Tech Group's involvement in the local community and mentorship programs has been a significant contributor to the company's success. “I would be lost without SBAM, because I've built so many friendships, and even though the people that I've met were not necessarily in the same industry we're all entrepreneurs, and we can, we can share ideas together,” she says.

The Small Busine...

On today’s SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers talks with Karen Hairston, CEO of K Hairston Services, also known as 3S Smart Consulting. She is a business and profitability consultant who recently wrote a very interesting article for SBAM's Focus magazine, called Scale or Fail: the power of effective systems. She emphasizes that systems, whether low-tech or high-tech, document the steps and responsibilities needed for consistent, efficient operations. “I would say start with anything that touches a customer, because if you don't have a customer or client, you don't have a business,” she says. “Those range from your marketing and sale...

On today’s SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers talks with Elite SBAM member Karen Scarpino, owner and CEO of Green Giftz by Promotional Impact. The promotional products industry has evolved significantly over the past 30 years, according to Scarpino. “The industry was often referred to as trinkets and trash, and we just didn't want to be connected with that – we wanted to really help our clients stand out,” she says.

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 succe...

On today’s SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers talks with SBAM Elite Member Vladimir Gendelman, founder and CEO of Company Folders, Inc. (https://www.companyfolders.com/)   They discuss the importance of printed marketing materials in complementing digital campaigns. Gendelman emphasizes that printed materials, such as presentation folders, engage multiple senses and enhance retention and recall. Gendelman also shares his background as an immigrant from the Soviet Union and how it influenced his success as a Michigan small business owner. 

The Small Business Association of Michigan is the only statewide and state-based association that focuses solely on serving the...

On today’s SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers talks with Michael Cole, a member of the Fahey Schultz Burzych Rhodes law firm. They are VIP members of the Small Business Association of Michigan and this year were named to the list of Michigan 50 Companies to Watch for 2024. Cole discusses the firm's growth from four lawyers in 2008 to 40 today, and its diverse practice areas, including business franchising, labor and employment, municipal law, and water resources. The firm offers comprehensive legal services for small businesses, from formation to sale, emphasizing franchising as a growth model. “The franchise model takes a lot of w...

On today’s SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers talks with Ryan Dost and Adam McCauley, owners of Sandlot Sports, specializing in apparel decorating. They are  VIP members of the Small Business Association of Michigan, and were named this year to the Michigan 50 Companies to Watch list. Future plans include doubling revenue in five years through dedicated outside sales and automation. Sandlot Sports also engages in community service through their 501(c)(3) Sandlot Shares, supporting local families and schools. “We've adopted a family in Bay City, a family in Saginaw, and we're helping out one of the shelters in Midland, collecting donat...

On today’s SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers talks with Michael Flory, Owner, CEO & Visionary for Custom Built Design & Remodeling with locations in Okemos and Boyne City. They were named to the list of Michigan 50 Companies to Watch for 2024. The company has grown from a one-person operation to a team of over 30, with locations in Okemos and Boyne City. Flory highlights the challenges in attracting and retaining skilled workers, particularly carpenters, and the importance of a strong company culture. “We have clear core values, we have team events, those kinds of things to really kind of build camaraderie,” he says...

On today’s SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers talks with Certified Focal Point Business and Executive Coach Dan Fleetwood -- an Elite member of the Small Business Association of Michigan. He discusses his work with small business owners on strategic planning and goal setting. He emphasizes the importance of entrepreneurs working on their business rather than just in it, navigating external distractions and mastering internal operations. “While I primarily draw from my own experience to help out my clients, it's incredibly powerful to have access to over 250 coaches around the globe, and we have quite the collaborative community that allo...

On today’s SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers talks with Seth Wixtrom, owner of Excelsior Digital Consulting. His firm specializes in process automation, and website design and maintenance and is an Elite member of the Small Business Association of Michigan. Wickstrom emphasized the importance of technology in today's business landscape and encouraged businesses to explore AI's potential benefits. “My analogy that I like to use is our kids are going to look at artificial intelligence the same way that we look at a calculator. Forty years ago you weren't allowed to use a calculator in math class, and now it's...

On today’s SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers talks with Lillian Werbin, CEO of Elderly Instruments in Lansing. They sell and repair stringed and fretted musical instruments. Recently named to the list of Michigan 50 Companies to Watch, they have grown to 40 employees and a 36,000 square foot facility. She emphasizes the importance of human interaction in business and the strategic use of AI to support staff. “We use AI a little bit, mostly to de-hassle our staff rather than replace them,” she says. “I think in general, AI is best utilized with a human touch. So that's kind of how we focus...

On today’s SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers talks with Dr. Brenda Oldham, an Elite member of the Small Business Association of Michigan and President/CEO of RAM Insurance & Financial Services. Oldham highlights the evolving landscape of employee benefits, noting the need for tailored plans and the benefits of health savings accounts. “One thing with employee benefits, they continuously change,” she says. “And what do I mean by that? The workforce changes the different things offered within that employee benefit. If we're talking about group health insurance, as we all know, we've gone through many different transitions. Most employers are not...

On today’s SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers talks with Cyndee Harrison, Principal at Synaptic. She is a VIP member of the Small Business Association of Michigan. Her company connects business leaders and subject matter experts with their audiences through content marketing, public relations, and storytelling. “We often say that we specialize in the under-told, meaning there are so many great business stories out there, just latent, just untapped,” she says. “The people running these businesses and their teams are focusing exactly where they should be, on serving their customers and stakeholders. So we really like working with them to flesh...

On today’s SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers talks with SBAM VIP Member Doug Watkoski, owner and founder of BTM Industrial, one of the fastest-growing asset disposition companies in the industry. Headquartered in Muskegon, it assists some of the largest companies in the United States with all facets of surplus assets. The company’s asset disposition program enables customers to efficiently liquidate unwanted and excess assets while enhancing their value recovery potential. The comprehensive program covers surplus operational machinery and MRO and tooling cribs items, as well as significantly reducing project costs related to scrap CNC machinery and automated line...

On today’s SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers talks with executive leadership coach, trainer and workshop facilitator Angela Morrill. She wrote an article for the September/October issue of SBAM's member-only Focus magazine called Six Ways to Optimize Leadership Performance. “I was inspired by the many leaders that I work with in my coaching and my training, particularly small business owners, a lot of them feel like they have a big weight on their shoulders,” Morrill says. “This drive to be successful, and the expectations that are on them to be successful, whether it be their own or others. The resu...

On today’s SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers talks with Monica Gauthier, a member of the SBAM Board of Directors and co-owner of Groovy Donuts in mid-Michigan. Groovy Donuts was recognized as the SBDC Capital Region's Best Small Business and Greater Lansing Entrepreneurs of the Year in 2023. They offer fall flavors, tailgate donuts, catering services, host an annual donut design contest and celebrate customers with an annual Customer Appreciation Day. 

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...

On today’s SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers talks with Catherine Behrenbrinker, President & CEO of Symplicity Communications in Grand Rapids. Her firm was recently named by Michigan Celebrates Small Business as an APEX Accelerator Best Small Business for 2024. She discusses the challenges and successes of scaling their government contracting division over the past two years, including hiring experts and optimizing technology procurement; emphasizes the importance of leveraging resources like the APEX Accelerator program for navigating government contracts, and notes the significant impact small businesses have on the economy, particularly in job creation and innovation. Behrenbrinker aims to grow her te...

On today’s SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers talks with Jenny Brown, CEO of Dutton Farm, a nonprofit in Oakland County. Dutton Farm was recently recognized as one of Michigan's 50 companies to watch for its unique hiring practices and inclusive business model. She discusses her organization's mission to provide skill-building, community access, and workforce development for adults with developmental disabilities.

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 coun...

On today’s SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers talks with Jen Julien, who with her husband Jon owns Braveworks in Houghton Michigan. Their company this year was selected as a member of the Michigan 50 Companies to Watch. Braveworks plans for 40 percent growth in 2024, with further expansion in 2025. “We're really excited to expand into the Marquette community, that's just been a really good fit for our growth and for what we're doing here, and we're just really honored to be selected as a Michigan 50 Companies to Watch,” she says. 

The Small Business Association of Michigan is the only statewi...

On today’s SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers talks with Peter Van Dyke, CEO of VVK PR + Creative, a member of the Small Business Association of Michigan. His firm was recently named to the list of Michigan 50 Companies to Watch for 2024. “For any startup company or small company developing a social media strategy, it doesn't take a high level expertise to think about the timeline of your business over a year, over a month, and think about how you can share key elements of your business that can attract customers or clients,” he says. “It is probably the best, most acc...

On today’s SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers talks with Gina Jacquart Thorsen, CEO of Jacquart Fabric Products, home of the iconic Michigan brand Stormy Kromer. Gina was named SBAM's 2024 Advocate of the Year. “Small business owners, you know, we hear politicians all the time say that small businesses are the backbone of the economy. But they don't really understand what that means. Many of them are not, have never been and will never be small business owners. We have to be the ones that tell our stories. We have to be the ones that share both our successes and...

On today’s SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers talks with Paul Deters, president of Metro Signs & Lighting. They are Premium Members of the Small Business Association of Michigan, and have been selected to the list of Michigan 50 Companies to Watch for 2024. “We hear all the time that the world is going digital, and that has certainly been evident in our industry,” Deters says. “When we first started it's hard to believe that neon was the preferred lighting method. And then we saw a little bit of a migration towards more efficiency and then huge gains of efficiency as we've migrated...

On today’s SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers talks with Anne Bridgewater, the president of AIM Targeted Intelligence in Midland. She is a newly elected member of the Board of Directors for the Small Business Association of Michigan. “Information is available online, there's a lot of it and I always feel like the bigger the haystack, the harder to find the needle, right?” she says. “But we have experienced researchers who have degrees, like in Masters of Library of Science and Information Science, and these folks are trained and experienced in knowing where to go, what's reliable information sources, and then...

On today’s SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers talks with Ryan Jankovic, a VIP member of the Small Business Association of Michigan and an EOS Worldwide Professional Implementer. “I ask everyone, when I meet them for the first time and before we take a client engagement, what do you want from your business?” he says. “And it's not a knee jerk reaction –  I want sales, and I want my people to do the things that I need them to do. What do you really want? And I slow it down. What do you really want from your business? And when you th...

On today’s SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers talks with Shannon Enders, founder of Lakeshore Employee Benefits in Norton Shores. He is a new member of the SBAM board of directors. “Typically, health insurance is the cornerstone [of benefits] and most employers do want to offer that, and need to, because they do need to attract and retain employees,” he says. “Rates are high, and we're going through another period of high increases throughout the state. But what's been interesting is the fear of not being able to attract or the fear of losing employees has been even bigger than the...

On today’s SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers talks with Erick Stewart, owner of LAGNIAPPE Strategic Consulting in Battle Creek. Erick is serving as SBAM's Board Chair for 2024-2025. “We're a great organization, and we're scrappy, and I want to continue that scrappiness because being scrappy, you're ready for whatever comes around the corner,” he says. “We take our members through that as we deal with all types of legislative issues, we deal with having input and all types of things that happen throughout the state.” 

The Small Business Association of Michigan is the only statewide and state-based...

On today’s SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers talks with Camron Gnass, founder of Lansing-based creative studio Traction. Among many other community activities, he is a founding member of the Capital City Film Festival. “Our intention was to prove that there is a desire for people to come together and have a shared experience,” he says. “What we did is we began finding venues or buildings that were either shuttered or getting ready to come online, other pretty non-traditional gathering spaces, and created community gathering spaces over the course of what started as four days to now expanded to 11 days. It...

On today’s SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers talks with Kevin Sodermark, Vice President of L&C Enterprises-USA d/b/a Delta Fence & Construction. They were recently recognized by Michigan Celebrates Small Business as one of the Michigan 50 Companies to Watch for 2024. “We support many different things around the community, and then doing quality work, I think, is one of the main things,” he says. “They're happy with our product. They tell their neighbors, they tell their family to come to us. We do work all over the UP into northern Wisconsin, and a lot of that is you've done wor...