MiBiz Podcast

 All our real estate and development fans - this episode is for you! Kate and Justine are joined by Carrie Wilson, Chief Executive Officer, and Steven Huizenga, President of Freedom Construction. Carrie and her husband Matt started Freedom Construction after identifying a shortage of high-quality commercial building contractors in an industry infamous for poor communication, cost overruns, and missed deadlines. Carrie and Steve share with us how Freedom Construction prioritizes partnering with other woman-owned and minority-owned commercial building contractors and suppliers and brings a much-needed diverse perspective and labor force to the West Michigan industry and economy.Links: Freedom ConstructionFreedom Construction - Project Manager roleAllied Mechanical Services MiBiz article: Younger demographics play in GR’s favor with 2023 economic outlookMiBiz article: Arena board OK’s new agreement to examine amphitheater-adjacent properties; venue design nears completionInterested in sponsoring the podcast? Know an entrepreneur or small business owner we should feature on the show? We'd love to hear from you! Email us at podcast@mibiz.com Learn more here: mibiz.com/podcast This podcast is produced by MiBiz, Inc. Audio production, sound editing, and post-production is handled by Hey Guys Media Group LLC. Want to start a podcast? Need help with editing? Check out our friends at Hey GuysThank You to Our Generous Sponsors: Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) Western Michigan

Heath Verstraete, owner and President of Conveyability in Walker, MI, took an entrepreneurial leap by purchasing the local manufacturing facility just before the pandemic. Tune in to hear how Heath financed the purchase of Conveyability, the improvements he has made during ownership, and the explosion of new business due to a lack of workforce and Industry 4.0.Links: ConveyabilityHealth Verstraete LinkedInThe Right Place - Manufacturers CouncilLumberman’s Calder CapitalIRS website: Rollover as Business Start-UpMiBiz Deals & Dealmakers Awards info MiBiz and The Right Place Manufacturing Services Team: Manufacturing Change LivestreamsMiBiz article: Auto suppliers prepare for more slow growth, challenges, as forecast begins to brightenMiBiz article: Port City Ventures invests in Rolar Products amid expansion to new Muskegon-area plantMiBiz article: ‘We need to be here’: Tier 1 auto supplier Gentex to open production facility in GRMiBiz article: New RoMan Manufacturing president overseeing ‘unprecedented’ company growthMiBiz article: Family-owned HVAC distributor acquired by global manufacturerMiBiz article: New GRCC facility to move automation training ‘years ahead’MiBiz article: Q&A: Continued need for manufacturing automation provides runway for growthThank You to Our Generous Sponsors:Interested in sponsoring the podcast? Know an entrepreneur or small business owner we should feature on the show? We'd love to hear from you! Email us at podcast@mibiz.com Learn more here: mibiz.com/podcast This podcast is produced by MiBiz, Inc. Audio production, sound editing, and post-production is handled by Hey Guys Media Group LLC. Want to start a podcast? Need help with editing? Check out our friends at Hey GuysThank You to Our Generous Sponsors: Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) Western Michigan

Jen Van Ee started her strategic communications firm as a moonlighting project but took the venture full-time after one too many toxic work cultures. Jen chats with Justine and Kate about taking her own advice, the trade-offs between getting the work and completing the work, and how leaning into her core values (supporting women) has led to new contracts and opportunities. Stay tuned after the break as Kate and Justine share a round-up of some of the best West Michigan organizations for networking, finding opportunities, and creating connections. Links: MiBiz Deals & Dealmakers Awards info https://www.wrighttouchmarketing.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/wright05/https://voyagemichigan.com/interview/inspiring-conversations-with-jen-vanee-of-wright-touch-marketing-consulting/Professional Women in Building Grand RapidsAssociated Builders and Contractors (ABC), Western Michigan ChapterNational Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC)Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) West MichiganWest Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce - Transformando ProgramMichigan Women ForwardAssociation for Corporate Growth (ACG) Western Michigan - Young Professionals Happy HourWomen of Habitat KentInforumGrand Rapids Chamber ATHENAShannon CohenInterested in sponsoring the podcast? Know an entrepreneur or small business owner we should feature on the show? We'd love to hear from you! Email us at podcast@mibiz.com Learn more here: mibiz.com/podcast This podcast is produced by MiBiz, Inc. Audio production, sound editing, and post-production is handled by Hey Guys Media Group LLC. Want to start a podcast? Need help with editing? Check out our friends at Hey GuysThank You to Our Generous Sponsors: Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) Western Michigan

Kate and Justine are joined by Marcel “Fable” Price and Foster also known as AutoPilot. Marcel is the Executive Director and Foster teaching artist at The Diatribe, a Grand Rapids based nonprofit that uses performing arts to empower young people. Fable and AutoPilot share their journeys as entrepreneurial artists running The Diatribe to starting capital campaign for a building to anchor their 49507 community. Links: The DiatribeThe Diatribe response to Kent County ARPA funding decisionPURE ArchitectsKennari ConsultingGray TheoryMiBiz article: The Diatribe receives $75K national endowment grant for GR mural projectMiBiz article: The Diatribe acquires West Mich. nonprofit with similar mission to empower youthMiBiz article: The Diatribe plans mixed-use development for new offices, event venue on GR’s south sideMiBiz article: The Diatribe still plans arts, culture hub after $2M Kent County ARPA rejectionMarcel “Fable” Price InstagramMarcel “Fable” Price FacebookMarcel “Fable” Price TwitterMarcel “Fable” Price websiteG “AutoPilot” Foster II InstagramG “AutoPilot” Foster II FacebookG “AutoPilot” Foster II TwitterInterested in sponsoring the podcast? Know an entrepreneur or small business owner we should feature on the show? We'd love to hear from you! Email us at podcast@mibiz.com Learn more here: mibiz.com/podcast This podcast is produced by MiBiz, Inc. Audio production, sound editing, and post-production is handled by Hey Guys Media Group LLC. Want to start a podcast? Need help with editing? Check out our friends at Hey GuysThank You to Our Generous Sponsors: Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) Western Michigan

True Women’s Health is a concierge or membership-based model of primary care for women. Allyn Lebster, CEO, and Dr. Celia Egan, a physician double-boarded in Internal Medicine and Obesity Medicine and a NAMS-certified menopause specialist, walk us through how their science-back model of patient-driven holistic prevention and wellness planning leads to better outcomes. MiBiz senior writer Mark Sanchez joins Justine to co-host and gives his “reporter’s notebook” on things he is watching in the health care industry in 2023.Links: True. Women’s HealthMiBiz article: University of Michigan Health-West, GRCC take on nursing shortage with new partnershipMiBiz article: Michigan life sciences industry ranks among best in nation as employment growsMiBiz article: University of Michigan Health-West performs first open-heart procedure, boosting competition for cardiac surgeryMiBiz article: BHSH System rebrands as Corewell Health after Spectrum-Beaumont mergerMiBiz article: Nursing advocates say proposed bill would help keep practitioners in MichiganInterested in sponsoring the podcast? Know an entrepreneur or small business owner we should feature on the show? We'd love to hear from you! Email us at podcast@mibiz.com Learn more here: mibiz.com/podcast This podcast is produced by MiBiz, Inc. Audio production, sound editing, and post-production is handled by Hey Guys Media Group LLC. Want to start a podcast? Need help with editing? Check out our friends at Hey GuysThank You to Our Generous Sponsors: Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) Western Michigan

The Black Napkin, Korin Hollinshead, and Jason Richardson’s takeout restaurant in Grand Rapids is a reference to the Frank Zappa song, but it’s also a tongue-in-cheek nod to black napkins associated with high-end dining. Korin shares details of moving from their ice cream tricycle to a brick-and-mortar, as well as how they are leveraging technology to improve their margin and focus on customers and working with her romantic partner. Links:  Black Napkin GRAny Color You LikeNational Restaurant Association Report on Ownership Demographics 2022Restaurant Business Online article: AS TECHNOLOGY USE INCREASES, DATA OWNERSHIP REMAINS A CONCERNMiBiz article: Any Colour You Like owners plan Black Napkin to-go restaurant in GRMiBiz article: Michigan small biz growth during pandemic exceeds the national average and shows permanence, SBAM scorecard findsCulinary CultivationsInterested in sponsoring the podcast? Know an entrepreneur or small business owner we should feature on the show? We'd love to hear from you! Email us at podcast@mibiz.com Learn more here: mibiz.com/podcast This podcast is produced by MiBiz, Inc. Audio production, sound editing, and post-production is handled by Hey Guys Media Group LLC. Want to start a podcast? Need help with editing? Check out our friends at Hey GuysThank You to Our Generous Sponsors: Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) Western Michigan

Jarred Biggs’s family has owned small businesses in Middleville for decades. So when it came time for Biggs - a long-time care provider and cannabis grower - to open a dispensary, his hometown was his first choice. Tune in to hear Biggs and Jimmy Strunk, director of sales for the national brand Pablo, talk about their long road to success, the challenges of the cannabis industry, and their take on how to bring more equity into this business.Links: Bo Co Middleville websiteBo Co Middleville InstagramJason Biggs InstagramPablo Canna Co Instagram40 Acres Soul KitchenMiBiz article: West Michigan entrepreneurs to open Middleville’s first dispensaryMiBiz article: Michigan small biz growth during pandemic exceeds the national average and shows permanence, SBAM scorecard findsInterested in sponsoring the podcast? Know an entrepreneur or small business owner we should feature on the show? We'd love to hear from you! Email us at podcast@mibiz.com Learn more here: mibiz.com/podcast This podcast is produced by MiBiz, Inc. Audio production, sound editing, and post-production is handled by Hey Guys Media Group LLC. Want to start a podcast? Need help with editing? Check out our friends at Hey GuysThank You to Our Generous Sponsors: Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) Western Michigan

As the son of entrepreneurs, Corey Hart caught the small business building bug at age 8 while washing dishes. Corey’s career spans coasts and a variety of industries - which makes him a fantastic Chapter Director for StartUp Grind GR, a global community of entrepreneurs. Listen to the end to hear Kate and Justine run down a list of local resources for aspiring business owners and re-emerging sources of funding.Corey Hart Corey Hart LinkedInStart Up Grind Grand RapidsWestern Michigan University - Center for Principled LeadershipWestern Michigan University - The Jungle PodcastGrand Valley State University - Center for Entrepreneurship and InnovationGrand Valley State University - Entrepreneur in ResidenceGrand Rapids Chamber of CommerceWest Michigan Hispanic Chamber of CommerceGrand Rapids Area Black BusinessesSURGE program powered by Lakeshore Advantage (Holland SmartZone)Start Garden (Grand Rapids SmartZone)GROW (formerly Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women)SpringGRU.S. Department of the Treasury announced the first group of plans approved under the new round of the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) MEDC’s Access to Capital Interested in sponsoring the podcast? Know an entrepreneur or small business owner we should feature on the show? We'd love to hear from you! Email us at podcast@mibiz.com Learn more here: mibiz.com/podcast This podcast is produced by MiBiz, Inc. Audio production, sound editing, and post-production is handled by Hey Guys Media Group LLC. Want to start a podcast? Need help with editing? Check out our friends at Hey GuysThank You to Our Generous Sponsors: Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) Western Michigan

Julian Newman is a storyteller - and the Founder and CEO of Culture Creative, an award-winning consulting firm specializing in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) worldwide. He chats with Justine and Kate about why businesses need to treat DEIB work like all other operational cadences, how to build a future based on hope, and where West Michigan needs to put effort to move from “cosmetic inclusion” to “catalytic inclusion.”Links: Culture CreativeCulture Creative blogGlobal Bridge BuildersCultural Intelligence CenterGrand Rapids Community College - The Bob and Aleicia Woodrick Center for Equity and InclusionChamber launches new initiative for BIPOC businessesGrand Rapids Chamber of Commerce DEI supportInterested in sponsoring the podcast? Know an entrepreneur or small business owner we should feature on the show? We'd love to hear from you! Email us at podcast@mibiz.com Learn more here: mibiz.com/podcast This podcast is produced by MiBiz, Inc. Audio production, sound editing, and post-production is handled by Hey Guys Media Group LLC. Want to start a podcast? Need help with editing? Check out our friends at Hey GuysThank You to Our Generous Sponsors: Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) Western Michigan

He was on American Idol, has directed worship choirs since he was a teenager, and now Maurice (Mo) Townsend is the real estate developer MoTown Square affordable, senior housing project. To say that this is a passion project is an understatement: the Townsend family have been residents of this neighborhood for decades and Mo started the project with some of his own parcels. Tune in to hear Mo’s incredible journey and what advice he has for other young, aspiring developers. Links: LINC UPDwelling PlaceHabitat For Humanity of Kent CountyCity of Grand Rapids Affordable Housing FundTowerPinksterOrion ConstructionCusterMiBiz article: LINC Up partners with local developer for GR affordable senior housingMiBiz Article: Public votes determine $2M of GR ARPA funds Kent County officials rank 300+ ARPA projects State Revitalization and Placemaking grants aim to bridge funding gap for many West Michigan housing projectsMiBiz Article: Industrial RE developers, builders brace for slight slowdown Industrial speculative projects in West MichiganMiBiz Article: Well House steps into developer role Muskegon city officials consider reducing dwelling unit sizes to achieve more affordability Interested in sponsoring the podcast? Know an entrepreneur or small business owner we should feature on the show? We'd love to hear from you! Email us at podcast@mibiz.com Learn more here: mibiz.com/podcast This podcast is produced by MiBiz, Inc. Audio production, sound editing, and post-production is handled by Hey Guys Media Group LLC. Want to start a podcast? Need help with editing? Check out our friends at Hey GuysThank You to Our Generous Sponsors: Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) Western Michigan

Episode 12: Culture (Still) Eats Strategy Rob Dwortz left a successful career in finance to become a founding partner of Become Unmistakable. Rob gets granular with the MiBiz Podcast about WHY knowing when and how your people want to grow, what experiences will drive engagement, and which managers are creating a positive employee experience is an important step in solving the so-called talent crisis AND is impactful to companies’ bottom lines. Stay tuned till the end for important mental health resources.Links: Become UnmistakableBecome Unmistakable - 2022 Culture Survey Gallup 2022 Global Engagement SurveyConsultants see long-term role for virtual workforce training despite limitationsTalent First launches rebrand, talent solutions seriesMi SHRM Conference 2022Pine Rest patient volume exceeds expectations since opening psychiatric urgent care center in 2019State budget deal directs hundreds of millions to mental health; $50M planned for Pine Rest facilityPine Rest - 866-852-4001The suicide and Crisis Prevention Hotline is now national. Dial 988-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Interested in sponsoring the podcast? Know an entrepreneur or small business owner we should feature on the show? We'd love to hear from you! Email us at podcast@mibiz.comLearn more here:mibiz.com/podcastThis podcast is produced by MiBiz, Inc. Audio production, sound editing, and post-production is handled by Hey Guys Media Group LLC. Want to start a podcast? Need help with editing? Check out our friends at Hey GuysThank You to Our Generous Sponsors:Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) Western MichiganThe MichInterested in sponsoring the podcast? Know an entrepreneur or small business owner we should feature on the show? We'd love to hear from you! Email us at podcast@mibiz.com Learn more here: mibiz.com/podcast This podcast is produced by MiBiz, Inc. Audio production, sound editing, and post-production is handled by Hey Guys Media Group LLC. Want to start a podcast? Need help with editing? Check out our friends at Hey GuysThank You to Our Generous Sponsors: Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) Western Michigan

Before there was Jack Black and the heartwarming, screwball comedy there was the real School of Rock - which turned boring piano lessons into rock sessions. Today the School of Rock has a franchise model, and Gwen Vryhof Bultema recently opened one in Grand Rapids. Gwen and her music direct Joshua Dreyer talk to the MiBiz Podcast about what drew them to the opportunity, why they think it works, and what our West Michigan gains from their presence. Links: School of Rock Grand RapidsSchool of Rock music school coming to Grand RapidsKyndaConvention/Arena Authority approves amphitheater agreement with Grand Action 2.0Convention/Arena Authority seeks to lease, operate GLC Live at 20 Monroe venueOwners to close, sell Seven Steps Up to cover ongoing losses from Grand Haven concert seriesSeven Steps Up owners list building for $925K: ‘We’re trying to get past this’Frauenthal - full 2022/2023 line-upGilmore Piano Festival ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Interested in sponsoring the podcast? Know an entrepreneur or small business owner we should feature on the show? We'd love to hear from you! Email us at podcast@mibiz.comLearn more here:mibiz.com/podcastThis podcast is produced by MiBiz, Inc. Audio production, sound editing, and post-production is handled by Hey Guys Media Group LLC. Want to start a podcast? Need help with editing? Check out our friends at Hey GuysThank You to Our Generous Sponsors:Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) Western MichiganThe Michigan Film and Digital Media Office (their Creative Industries Rebound Grant is administered by the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce)Interested in sponsoring the podcast? Know an entrepreneur or small business owner we should feature on the show? We'd love to hear from you! Email us at podcast@mibiz.com Learn more here: mibiz.com/podcast This podcast is produced by MiBiz, Inc. Audio production, sound editing, and post-production is handled by Hey Guys Media Group LLC. Want to start a podcast? Need help with editing? Check out our friends at Hey GuysThank You to Our Generous Sponsors: Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) Western Michigan

Aaron Sorrels had a “grown-up job” in marketing, but found himself unemployed and struggling with sobriety. Turning to his love for connecting with people, Aaron became a professional comedian, going by the stage name of the Unemployed Alcoholic. But instead of waiting years to hone his voice and then more years to get recognized in the industry, Aaron created his own entrepreneurial venture for people in the funny business. Today, he runs several financially successful ventures - including Soapstone Comedy Club in Facebook’s MetaVerse. Links: The Unemployed AlcoholicWell MetaVersedJason EarlsComedy club Dr. Grins set to close amid pending sale of The B.O.B.4 new venues join Grand Rapids live music, and performance sceneAmbience GR Kitchen and LoungeThe StraySkelletonesGrand Rapids Comedy ClubFull House Comedy Club----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Interested in sponsoring the podcast? Know an entrepreneur or small business owner we should feature on the show? We'd love to hear from you! Email us at podcast@mibiz.comLearn more here: mibiz.com/podcastThis podcast is produced by MiBiz, Inc. Audio production, sound editing, and post-production is handled by Hey Guys Media Group LLC. Want to start a podcast? Need help with editing? Check out our friends at Hey GuysThank You to Our Generous Sponsors:Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) Western MichiganThe Michigan Film and Digital Media Office (their Creative Industries Rebound Grant is administered by the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce)Interested in sponsoring the podcast? Know an entrepreneur or small business owner we should feature on the show? We'd love to hear from you! Email us at podcast@mibiz.com Learn more here: mibiz.com/podcast This podcast is produced by MiBiz, Inc. Audio production, sound editing, and post-production is handled by Hey Guys Media Group LLC. Want to start a podcast? Need help with editing? Check out our friends at Hey GuysThank You to Our Generous Sponsors: Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) Western Michigan

David Snow and Alvin Richardson II have a combined 30 years of experience in the food service industry, each of them spending countless hours in corporate or restaurant kitchens, senior care facilities, and providing all kinds of catering services. But later this fall the duo launches Imprint Events - a personal chef business for everyone. From intimate dinner parties to meal planning and/or prep, David and Alvin started their own business to better connect with their clients and make their own money. Imprint Events United States Personal Chef Association Court ruling could upend business model for some restaurants and barsBiz groups ‘stunned’ by adopt-and-amend ruling; warn of restaurant and lodging closuresCourt ruling to raise minimum wage, paid sick time delayed to February 2023‘LONG OVERDUE:’ Restaurant workers welcome higher wages, benefits as owners warn of closuresFormer Cherry Deli building sold to growing catering, personal chef business----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Interested in sponsoring the podcast? Know an entrepreneur or small business owner we should feature on the show? We'd love to hear from you! Email us at podcast@mibiz.comLearn more here:mibiz.com/podcastThis podcast is produced by MiBiz, Inc. Audio production, sound editing, and post-production is handled by Hey Guys Media Group LLC. Want to start a podcast? Need help with editing? Check out our friends at Hey GuysThank You to Our Generous Sponsors:Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) Western MichiganThe Michigan Film and Digital Media Office (their Creative Industries Rebound Grant is administered by the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce)Interested in sponsoring the podcast? Know an entrepreneur or small business owner we should feature on the show? We'd love to hear from you! Email us at podcast@mibiz.com Learn more here: mibiz.com/podcast This podcast is produced by MiBiz, Inc. Audio production, sound editing, and post-production is handled by Hey Guys Media Group LLC. Want to start a podcast? Need help with editing? Check out our friends at Hey GuysThank You to Our Generous Sponsors: Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) Western Michigan

Dana Lowell, one of the 3 founders of LilyPad LLC, has leveraged Michigan manufacturing know-how and a circular supply chain to develop and fabricate a solar-powered boat that is a cinch to rent and use - even for first-time boaters. LilyPad’s vision is to create more affordable, clean access to the water for everyone. Stay tuned after the break as Justine and Andy break down EVs, solar, and the energy market in Michigan.LilyPad Labs INCJohnson ControlsFaurecia Seamless IOTRetro Boats Lakeshore Advantage SURGE Centrepolis AcceratelorMichigan Office of Future Mobility and ElectrificationMichigan Office of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE)Global Battery SolutionsEnergy Conservation SourceUrban AshesInterested in sponsoring the podcast? Know an entrepreneur or small business owner we should feature on the show? We'd love to hear from you! Email us at podcast@mibiz.comLearn more here:mibiz.com/podcastThis podcast is produced by MiBiz, Inc. Audio production, sound editing, and post-production is handled by Hey Guys Media Group LLC. Want to start a podcast? Need help with editing? Check out our friends at Hey GuysThank You to Our Generous Sponsors:Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) Western MichiganThe Michigan Film and Digital Media Office (their Creative Industries Rebound Grant is administered by the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce)Interested in sponsoring the podcast? Know an entrepreneur or small business owner we should feature on the show? We'd love to hear from you! Email us at podcast@mibiz.com Learn more here: mibiz.com/podcast This podcast is produced by MiBiz, Inc. Audio production, sound editing, and post-production is handled by Hey Guys Media Group LLC. Want to start a podcast? Need help with editing? Check out our friends at Hey GuysThank You to Our Generous Sponsors: Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) Western Michigan

Black and woman-owned Last Mile Cafe intentionally started its coffee roasting business to be more sustainable and transparent than the average cup of joe. Tune in to hear why and what’s next (brick and mortar location in 49507 coming late summer 2022!) from co-founder and Head of Operations Arick Davis and Head of Coffee MacKenzie Tollas. Links: Last Mile CafeSpring GRRising Grinds CafeStart GardenGrand Rapids Chamber of CommerceSchuil CoffeeRende Progress CapitalForesight ManagementCascade EngineeringIrwin SeatingESG reporting becomes mainstream as companies seek investors, talentMichigan Manufacturers Association partners with Nature Conservancy for sustainability training----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Interested in sponsoring the podcast? Know an entrepreneur or small business owner we should feature on the show? We'd love to hear from you! Email us at podcast@mibiz.comLearn more here:mibiz.com/podcastThis podcast is produced by MiBiz, Inc. Audio production, sound editing, and post-production is handled by Hey Guys Media Group LLC. Want to start a podcast? Need help with editing? Check out our friends at Hey GuysThank You to Our Generous Sponsors:Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) Western MichiganThe Michigan Film and Digital Media Office (their Creative Industries Rebound Grant is administered by the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce)Interested in sponsoring the podcast? Know an entrepreneur or small business owner we should feature on the show? We'd love to hear from you! Email us at podcast@mibiz.com Learn more here: mibiz.com/podcast This podcast is produced by MiBiz, Inc. Audio production, sound editing, and post-production is handled by Hey Guys Media Group LLC. Want to start a podcast? Need help with editing? Check out our friends at Hey GuysThank You to Our Generous Sponsors: Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) Western Michigan

Scott and Christine Vogel of Ohana Ventures, Inc. opened their first (and first in Michigan) Nothing Bundt Cakes franchise in 2017. They went from barely making payroll in that first year to being on the precipice of opening two additional locations. Their bakery’s mission? “Deliver happiness to the community we love one bite at a time.”Links: Nothing Bundt CakesCooper’s HawkBricks and Minifigs KzooLego lovers’ paradise: Bricks & Minifigs opens in KzooSchool of Rock Grand RapidsSchool of Rock announces new location in Grand RapidsSmash My TrashWest Michigan waste compaction franchise goes sustainable with a smash - with video!----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Interested in sponsoring the podcast? Know an entrepreneur or small business owner we should feature on the show? We'd love to hear from you! Email us at podcast@mibiz.comLearn more here:mibiz.com/podcastThis podcast is produced by MiBiz, Inc. Audio production, sound editing, and post-production is handled by Hey Guys Media Group LLC. Want to start a podcast? Need help with editing? Check out our friends at Hey GuysThank You to Our Generous Sponsors:Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) Western MichiganThe Michigan Film and Digital Media Office (their Creative Industries Rebound Grant is administered by the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce)Interested in sponsoring the podcast? Know an entrepreneur or small business owner we should feature on the show? We'd love to hear from you! Email us at podcast@mibiz.com Learn more here: mibiz.com/podcast This podcast is produced by MiBiz, Inc. Audio production, sound editing, and post-production is handled by Hey Guys Media Group LLC. Want to start a podcast? Need help with editing? Check out our friends at Hey GuysThank You to Our Generous Sponsors: Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) Western Michigan

Angela Hill has a lengthy resumé. She started as an aspiring art student only to transition into an intelligence officer working on overt and covert operations inside the Beltway and, eventually, overseas. She then was an owner/operator in a family-business owner and solo-preneur. Today Angela talks with The MiBiz Podcast about why everyone, especially small businesses, should care about cybersecurity, threat intelligence, and social engineering.Links: Navajar LLCLatinas in Cyber (LAIC)LAIC LinkedIn GroupJadexNuWavNicole Scheffler’s podcast and club Tech Diva Success and Tech Diva Success Club TDS.CLUB — Tech Diva Success USA Today: Cyber threat is huge for small businessesKaspersky Lab Report: Measuring the Financial Impact of IT Security on BusinessesTechCrunch: Hackers stole Social Security numbers in Flagstar data breach affecting 1.5 million customersGlen Oaks Community College: Cybersecurity Program (with stat on cybersecurity analyst starting wage in Michigan) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Interested in sponsoring the podcast? Know an entrepreneur or small business owner we should feature on the show? We'd love to hear from you! Email us at podcast@mibiz.comLearn more here:mibiz.com/podcastThis podcast is produced by MiBiz, Inc. Audio production, sound editing, and post-production is handled by Hey Guys Media Group LLC. Want to start a podcast? Need help with editing? Check out our friends at Hey GuysThank You to Our Generous Sponsors:Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) Western MichiganThe Michigan Film and Digital Media Office (their Creative Industries Rebound Grant is administered by the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce)Interested in sponsoring the podcast? Know an entrepreneur or small business owner we should feature on the show? We'd love to hear from you! Email us at podcast@mibiz.com Learn more here: mibiz.com/podcast This podcast is produced by MiBiz, Inc. Audio production, sound editing, and post-production is handled by Hey Guys Media Group LLC. Want to start a podcast? Need help with editing? Check out our friends at Hey GuysThank You to Our Generous Sponsors: Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) Western Michigan

With its recent launch, Grand Rapids-based Biked Inc. seeks to make it easier and more convenient for local cyclists to service their bikes.The app-based company serves as the equivalent to Uber, but for bike service. The three entrepreneurs behind the venture — Jared Lebel, David Hopson, and Alejo Salomon — joined The MiBiz Podcast to chat about their budding business and what they see in the future of biking.Biked websiteBike LinkedINBiked FacebookMUVE app launches in West Mich. to break down transportation accessibility barriersThe Rapid receives $15.8M in federal funding; plans Grandville HQ for paratransit serviceNew operations center to ensure continuity of Go!Bus paratransit servicesFuel, housing costs underscore public transportation access at affordable housing--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Interested in sponsoring the podcast? Know an entrepreneur or small business owner we should feature on the show? We'd love to hear from you! Email us at podcast@mibiz.comLearn more here:mibiz.com/podcastThis podcast is produced by MiBiz, Inc. Audio production, sound editing, and post-production is handled by Hey Guys Media Group LLC. Want to start a podcast? Need help with editing? Check out our friends at Hey Guys Interested in sponsoring the podcast? Know an entrepreneur or small business owner we should feature on the show? We'd love to hear from you! Email us at podcast@mibiz.com Learn more here: mibiz.com/podcast This podcast is produced by MiBiz, Inc. Audio production, sound editing, and post-production is handled by Hey Guys Media Group LLC. Want to start a podcast? Need help with editing? Check out our friends at Hey GuysThank You to Our Generous Sponsors: Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) Western Michigan

Justine and Jayson connect with Jeremy Evans-Smith. A Grand Rapids native, Smith spent time on both coasts before coming home to start Full Cycle, which aims to fix the broken tech recruiting system. Rounding out this episode is a deep dive on West Michigan as a "third coast" for the technology industry. Stratum Technology Management GR software firm specializing in wire transfer fraud protection raises $12.5MAzul SevenMichigan software companies discuss state of the businessTh3rd Coast acquisitionThe Right Place - Information Technology in Greater Grand RapidsFull Cycle School Techni/color/ projectBottlesAndSpins Interested in sponsoring the podcast? Know an entrepreneur or small business owner we should feature on the show? We'd love to hear from you! Email us at podcast@mibiz.comLearn more here:mibiz.com/podcastThis podcast is produced by MiBiz, Inc. Audio production, sound editing, and post-production is handled by Hey Guys Media Group LLC. Want to start a podcast? Need help with editing? Check out our friends at Hey Guys Interested in sponsoring the podcast? Know an entrepreneur or small business owner we should feature on the show? We'd love to hear from you! Email us at podcast@mibiz.com Learn more here: mibiz.com/podcast This podcast is produced by MiBiz, Inc. Audio production, sound editing, and post-production is handled by Hey Guys Media Group LLC. Want to start a podcast? Need help with editing? Check out our friends at Hey GuysThank You to Our Generous Sponsors: Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) Western Michigan