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© 2025 The Michigan Opportunity
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An economic development podcast featuring candid conversations with business leaders across Michigan.
243 Episodes
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When it comes to attracting talent, supporting employers, and building a competitive future for Michigan, Hilary Doe is up to the challenge! How do you grow a state’s population when faced with challenges like talent migration, employer needs, and quality of life? Michigan’s Chief Growth Officer, Hilary Doe, is tackling the issue head-on with a statewide road show. The Michigan Growth Office initiative highlights entrepreneurship, place making, economic diversification, housing, talent attrac...
Powering the Future: Data Centers, Cybersecurity, and Energy Demands with DTE Energy’s Khalil Rahal Join Khalil Rahal, Director of Economic Development at DTE Energy, as we explore the rising demands of today and tomorrow’s energy landscape. He also gives insight into how Michigan’s energy impacts economic development and site competition with other states. From the critical role of data centers to the challenges of latency, cybersecurity, and global competitiveness, Khalil discusses how Mich...
Transforming Vacant Spaces: Michigan-based leader assists 300 land banks across the U.S. Join Brian Larkin as he explains the interesting economic development organization, the National Land Bank Network (NLBN) at the Center for Community Progress. NLBN is the largest trade association for landbanks across the country, connecting land bank leaders to tools, networks, and resources. Brian breaks down what sets land banks apart from other public entities, the programs NLBN offers, and what drew...
Empowering Disabled Entrepreneurs in the Virtual Marketplace Former DTE Executive, Dave Meador, has launched Trove Market, a new digital platform designed to help disabled entrepreneurs connect with buyers and grow their businesses. Dave shares how his daughter and his previous work in economic development inspired him to bring the market to life. He also discusses ways he’s building support for this community, creating new opportunities and pathways to success and more.
From forests to factories to frosty pints — Matt covers Michigan in 30 minutes! During this segment of Around Michigan in 30 Minutes, we talk with MEDC SVP, Matt McCauley. Matt highlights essential and unique companies from around the state, discusses diverse industries and how regions and communities work together to better economic growth in Michigan.
The Global Epicenter of Mobility (GEM) is driving Detroit’s global mobility leadership in manufacturing, R&D, talent, and growth! Bernard Swiecki is the Vice President of Mobility and Research for the Detroit Regional Partnership (DRP), a leading economic development nonprofit serving the 11-county Detroit Region. In this role, Bernard oversees industry and research work for the Global Epicenter of Mobility (GEM) as the region works to retain and expand its global mobility and autom...
From Velvet Peanut Butter to Craft Beer: Mark Rieth revives a Detroit icon and once again blends legacy with innovation. Best known for growing Atwater Brewery into one of Michigan’s top craft breweries, entrepreneur Mark Rieth’s latest venture is reviving the beloved 90-year-old Detroit brand, Velvet Peanut Butter. In this episode Mark shares how to find your target markets, working with local communities, working with various partners and more. Mark also purchased Lansing Brewing Company in...
Connecting the Dots for Detroit’s Entrepreneurs: Justin Onwenu on Building Opportunity. As the City of Detroit’s first Director of Entrepreneurship and Economic Opportunity, Justin Onwenu is on a mission to create real pathways to better work, higher wages, and long-term wealth for Detroiters. From startup support to access to capital, Justin is helping shape a growing entrepreneurial ecosystem—one that connects residents with tools, talent, and financial backing across the public, priv...
A hidden giant in our backyard: build-to-print CNC machining company, NTL Industries Inc. is changing the game in manufacturing. This week we talk with Greg McArthur, Owner of NTL Industries Inc. in Sterling Heights, MI. He gives insight into CNC manufacturing and shares his recent win as the 2025 US SBA Small Business Persons of the Year. NTL Industries specializes in CNC milling, CNC turning, plasma cutting and more. Their products expand through the aerospace, defense, agriculture industri...
From 1885 to tomorrow — Michigan Technological University’s president takes us on a virtual tour of this R1 research leader. We connect with Michigan Technological University President, Richard Koubek, as he explains the University’s tech and research resources. He also discusses the University’s efforts in preparing career opportunities for students and keeping top talent in the state. Founded in 1885 as the Michigan Mining School, Michigan Tech comprises five colleges and schools and offers...
AI Software, Web and Mobile Apps, Product Design and more! Discover what Michigan company has been custom building software for 200+ Organizations since 2001. In this episode we welcome Jonah Bailey, Managing Partner at Atomic Object, as he talks about the future of AI and software technology. Atomic Object is a software development and design consultancy that customizes programs for each unique client. With offices from Ann Arbor to Grand Rapids, Chicago and North Carolina, they are developi...
In the Southwest Corner of Michigan is the economic powerhouse Cornerstone Alliance, doing business retention and expansion, physical development, and placemaking As President and CEO, Marla Schneider oversees Cornerstone Alliance’s comprehensive efforts to attract and retain businesses, foster entrepreneurship, and create a thriving economic landscape in Southwest Michigan. She shares with us several transformative projects underway, including initiatives focused on business retention and ex...
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) helps power the American dream of entrepreneurship. This week we chat with Everett Woodel, Jr., the Great Lakes Regional Administrator for the U.S. SBA, about how the SBA helps small businesses throughout the Great Lakes area, from crises and disaster resistance services to loan forgiveness and more. Prior to his appointment as the Great Lakes Regional Administrator, Everett served as the District Director for the SBA in Columbus, Ohio overseeing p...
With more than 200 years of rocket science experience combined, scientists and engineers are propelling technology from the Upper Peninsula to the outer corners of the solar system We welcome Dr. Brad King, CEO of Orbion Space Technology in Houghton, Michigan, as he shares the story of how Orbion came to be, the companies they have partnered with, and his connection to the Upper Peninsula. The high-tech aerospace company specializes in Hall-effect thruster (HET) Propulsion Systems, helping sp...
Detroit City FC: Where 7,000 strong pack the stands — and a bold new soccer stadium is on the way. Detroit City Football Club is Detroit's professional soccer team and has established itself as one of the most talked about soccer teams in North America. The club has generated media coverage from publications across the globe. CEO Sean Mann has been involved in every facet of the growing organization, including Detroit City Fieldhouse and City Clubhouse. Sean also shares his unique career path...
From skateboards to hunting blinds, fly fishing gear to motorcycles — Brad Garmon is hitting the road across Michigan, connecting with outdoor recreation entrepreneurs who are building, innovating, and making things happen! As we continue our series Around Michigan in Under 30 Minutes, we talk with Brad Garmon, Executive Director of the Michigan Outdoor Recreation Industry Office. He discusses how the office is charged with supporting and growing the outdoor recreation lifestyle economy of th...
Explore a new AI venture born in Michigan — led by a seasoned tech veteran, focused on strengthening affinity relationships for member-based organizations. We welcome back Trista Van Tine as she shares the story behind her innovative Michigan-based startup and her deep roots in the tech startup ecosystem. Her latest venture, Nunchi, is an AI-powered people intelligence platform built to help membership organizations better understand, engage, and connect with their communities. From early-sta...
Connecting the Future of Smart Cities and Beyond Eric Gannaway, Director of Traffic at D2 Traffic Technologies, has over 20 years of traffic transportation experience with a manufacturing background. In this episode he shares how D2 Traffic Technologies delivers cutting-edge traffic management solutions in the Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) industry. They specifically bring products and solutions designed to meet the growing demand in the transportation, traffic, and smart city mark...
200 small businesses, 12,000 attendees at "All Things Detroit" event at the Eastern Market, food trucks at the NFL Draft, Ask Jennyfer, LLC defines hustle in the new economy! Among other services at Ask Jennyfer, Jennyfer Crawford-Williams conceptualizes, manages and executes the successful small business showcase All Things Detroit, which draws as many as 12,000 attendees and connects them to more than 200 small businesses. Her signature, independently-organized event is held each fall and s...
We continue coverage of the Pure Michigan Governor's Conference on Tourism, a three-day conference focusing on education, networking, and collaboration opportunities to advance the state's tourism industry. The Michigan Opportunity talks with tourism and hospitality leaders about current trends in the travel industry, the economic impact of travel and tourism on Michigan’s economy, and what’s new in Pure Michigan for the 2025 spring and summer travel season. Guests include: Choose Lansing Pre...
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