517 Magazine October 2021 Issue

LOCAL NEWS SNAPSHOT

Medical Staff Played a Role in Design of New McLaren Facility

B U S I N E S S

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L I F E

STATE AND NATIONAL NEWS Going Back to the Workplace Can Rattle Employees

ON THE RECORD

Now That’s Entertainment

October 2021

MEET THE 2021 GREATER LANSING ENTREPRENEURIAL AWARD WINNERS

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publisher’s note

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Not Content to Just Dream

et’s face it… starting a business is hard work. Entrepreneurs aren’t just the dreamers among us; they are the doers who are compelled to act upon those dreams. They are the visionaries who keep the region’s economic engine running by identifying a need, bringing an idea to fruition and improving the quality of life for us all. This year’s Greater Lansing Entrepreneurial Awards — the 27th annual event — deservingly placed a spotlight on six individuals and businesses that helped shape our community over the past year. Award categories included: • Entrepreneur of the Year: This award encourages nominees, and all entrepreneurs, to pursue their goals and attain the level of financial success that past recipients have achieved.

• Greater Lansing Business of the Year: This award recognizes businesses that have significantly grown in recognition since their startup days.

• Entrepreneurial Spirit Award: The winner of this award has managed to operate a business with the spirit and risk-taking tenacity that is so often admired in traditional entrepreneurship.

• Socially Responsible Entrepreneur: The private judging panel of local entrepreneurs analyzes the philanthropic activity of nominees and ways in which the company fulfills social duties.

• Nonprofit of the Year Award: This award is given to a nonprofit that serves the area in a large capacity and produced outstanding accomplishments in fundraising, awareness and education efforts to the public.

This year, 517 Magazine also stepped in with our very first Publisher’s Award, a nonjuried award to recognize a business to watch.

This year’s winners are showcased in the following pages of this issue of 517 Magazine. I want to send a heartfelt congratulations to this year’s winners, as well as to all those who were nominated by their peers. I want to encourage those who are reading this today to patronize local businesses, support them and nominate them for next year’s awards. It’s truly an honor to recognize each business’s efforts in the pages of this magazine. You inspire us all.

Tiffany Dowling Publisher

517 Business and Life, Volume 2, Issue 10, Ocotber 2021.

Publisher Tiffany Dowling tiffany@m3group.biz

517 Business and Life (USPS#020-807) is published monthly by M3 Group at 221 W. Saginaw St., Lansing, MI 48933. Periodicals postage paid at Lansing, Michigan.

Managing Editor Mary Gajda mary@m3group.biz

Subscriptions: Subscriptions are available at $22 per year for postage and handling or $38 for two years.

Call (517) 203-3333 or visit 517mag.com to subscribe.

Postmaster: Send address changes to 517 Business and Life, 221 W. Saginaw St., Lansing, MI 48933. Copyright @2021. 517 Business and Life. All rights reserved.

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Creative Visionary Chad Hussle chad@m3group.biz Lead Editor Christopher Nagy Contributors Rich Adams Susan Combs Metro Melik Kyle Dowling Mary Gajda Erin Hagen Christopher Nagy Omar Sofradzija Graphic Designers Kathryn Aspin Audrey Spring Client Strategists Megan Fleming megan@m3group.biz Liz Reno-Hayes liz@m3group.biz Melissa DeMott melissa@m3group.biz John Tripolsky john@m3group.biz Photographers Kyle Dowling Mary Gajda Metro Melik M3 Group 221 W. Saginaw St. Lansing, MI 48933 P (517) 203-3333 Subscription subscribe@517mag.com

NEED H I R I N G HELP? NEED NG G HELP? NEED HH I RI RI IN HELP? NEED H I R I N G HELP? NEED H I R I N G HELP? NEED H I R I N G HELP? NEED H I R I N G HELP? NEED H I R I N G HELP? NEED H I R I N G HELP? NEED H I R I N G HELP? NEED H I R I N G HELP? NEED H I R I N G HELP? NEED H I R I N G HELP? CONNECTING WITH BUSINESS. STRENGTHENING OUR WORKFORCE. camw.org | 1-800-285-WORK

Capital Area Michigan Works! is a proud partner of the American Job Center network. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, this piece will be made available in an alternative format upon request to Capital Area Michigan Works! Relay Center. Call 711 or 844-578- 5653 (Voice and TDD). Funding for Capital Area Michigan Works! is received in part from the U.S. Department of Labor, the State of Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, and the Talent Investment Agency. An Equal Opportunity Employer/Center.

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contents

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25 Meet the 2021 Greater Lansing Entrepreneurial Award Winners

61 Killing It

True crime is the focus at popular REO Town bookstore

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contents

lifestyle

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AREA SNAPSHOT

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TRENDS

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NOTABLE NEWS

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STATE/NATIONAL

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ON THE RECORD

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PERSPECTIVES

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BIZ TIPS

A Snapshot of Local Business News Affecting the 517 Prepping for Prosperity Professional Highlights from the 517 Region A Brief Look at State and National News Affecting our Region

Finding the Right Job Fit Introducing … Gen Z

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PLACES

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GOOD READS

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RECIPE

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STYLE

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FOOD

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NONPROFIT

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PLAY

The Entertainer

DEPARTMENTS

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WRAP UP

Williamston’s Wonders Small city serves up big portions of local history and pride Business Inspiration in Success Stories New titles help inspire the entrepreneurial spirit Chocolatey S’mores Martini Dress to Impress Elevate your personal brand through your wardrobe Best of the 517 Best of celebration spots Spotless Reputation Cleaning for a Reason helps area cancer patients Visit 517living.com for More Lansing-Area Activities

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BUSINESS HONORS The Greater Lansing Entrepreneurial Awards have been honoring entrepreneurs in the region for 27 years now. Honoring small businesses helps them achieve goals and distinction.

It helps with credibility, client attraction and company morale.

Even the act of applying for business awards is healthy for a company because it forces employers to look at the big picture. How has the company grown? Is the company innovative?

What makes the business stand out? It’s a look in the proverbial mirror and helps identify issues and achieve solutions. No entrepreneurial business is too big or small to apply for a Greater Lansing Entrepreneurial Award.

Watch our Facebook page @517mag for the 2022 nomination round and you could be part of our 28th annual awards!

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THA NK YOU fo r s u p p o r t i n g t h e 2 0 2 1 P a m P o s t h u m u s S i g n a t u r e A u c t i o n Ev e n t !

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A snapshot of local business news affecting the 517

HOUSEHOLDS LOSING INCOME DUE TO DAY CARE ISSUES

BY MARY GAJDA

Outside of businesses taking financial hits, perhaps much of the angst in the earliest days of the coronavirus pandemic was felt by parents.

From being forced to shift to at-home learning for the kids to day care shutdowns, it would be difficult to find someone who wasn’t affected.

But now, like many businesses, day care centers have had issues hiring enough staff to care for children as their parents return to their places of employment, making appropriate care hard to find for many parents.

“Every place we’ve reached out to for our infant has a long wait list,” said Lansing resident Ciara Harris, a new parent who has yet to find day care for her newborn and is expected to return to work in just a few weeks.

While leaving the workforce isn’t an option for Harris, many two-income households have made the decision to tighten their belts and keep one parent home to care for the children.

Jesse Knap of Lansing was paying more than $1,000 every two weeks for day care for his children.

“My wife had to quit her job and be a stayat-home mom to save money,” he said.

Lansing resident Jennifer Peters also left the full-time workforce related to the pandemic.

The financial repercussions of the decision led her family to trim cellphone bills, reduce auto insurance and drop entertainment spending.

“I started cooking from scratch,” Peters said, noting one of the family’s cost-saving measures.

The irony is that Peters was a longtime day care worker. She said the public should know that many day care employees don’t see much income from the job. Peters was a lead infant care giver making $11.50 an hour.

“This is the reason day cares can’t find help,” Peters said.

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MEDICAL STAFF PLAYED A ROLE IN DESIGN OF NEW MCLAREN FACILITY

BILL GIVES AID TO LAID-OFF MANUFACTURING WORKERS

BY OMAR SOFRADZIJA

BY OMAR SOFRADZIJA

Doctors and other medical professionals aren’t waiting for McLaren Greater Lansing’s new health care campus to open in spring 2022 before having an impact on the south Lansing medical complex. They had a role in designing it, too.

“Everything — from the workflows to how the room setups are established for better patient care and better room for our families and visitors — was designed by our clinical staff. They worked with the architects on that,” said Kirk Ray, president and CEO of McLaren Greater Lansing. “And that really provides a much safer environment for patients than what we currently have.”

The $600 million campus, adjacent to Michigan State University between Collins Road and U.S. 127, includes a $253 million hospital with 240 beds, all in private rooms. It also will host a cancer center, an outpatient care center, a health and wellness pavilion, and other facilities supporting health care delivery, education and research. The campus will employ around 1,500 people, 1,000 of those at the hospital.

In the patient tower, every floor will have care team stations and staff resources in the center as well as patient care areas along the perimeter. Ray called it “a racetrack concept” that empowers health care providers to better monitor patients and access resources.

The emergency room will also feature a “vertical express” unit designed to quickly evaluate walk-ins without crowding the ER. The ER also will have its own diagnostic imaging tools and a behavioral health area set up to safely manage patients who may harm themselves or the staff.

“Until someone actually arrives, they’re not going to know that it will be a completely different experience than what they’re used to today,” Ray said.

Manufacturing workers hurt by wobbly supply chains and inconsistent demand that have sporadically stilled mid-Michigan assembly lines are getting some help. The state of Michigan is now allowing laborers temporarily laid off due to a production slowdown to continue receiving unemployment benefits without having to look for a new job.

Senate Bill 501 was sponsored by Sen. Ken Horn, R-Frankenmuth, and signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in July. It allows workers facing temporary layoffs due to certain events like a parts shortage, temporary production volume adjustment or an equipment retooling to continue getting unemployment benefits without starting a job search beyond the traditional 45-day limit.

“We are very happy to have been able to work with the policy team at the Unemployment Insurance Agency and with Sen. Horn to craft a solution that will empower manufacturers who face a supply shortage to keep their employees eligible for benefits during shortterm layoffs,” David Worthams, director of human resource policy for the Michigan Manufacturers Association, said in a prepared statement. “This will, in the long term, help keep people employed and Michigan’s economy strong.”

A global shortage in microchips has hit many industries hard, particularly the automobile sector in Michigan. General Motors temporarily shuttered both its Lansing Delta Township and Lansing Grand River Assembly facilities amid chip shortfalls in July, according to Automotive News.

Around that time, a worker at the Delta Township plant told the Detroit Free Press that there were about 15,000 mostly finished vehicles left parked and undelivered to dealers due to a lack of chips.

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PREPPING FOR PROSPERITY FIVE MORNING RITUALS OF SUCCESSFUL ENTREPRENEURS Morning routines can set the tone for the rest of the day. It’s a time to bring your energy and attitude into focus to face and tackle the challenges and events that await. Here are five a.m. habits of successful entrepreneurs.

EARLY TO RISE Getting out of bed just as the workday is about to begin adds unneeded stress to the day. Rising while the rest of the world sleeps provides a quiet moment of reflection where you can focus your energies.

OUTLINE YOUR GOALS Zoning in on what you plan to accomplish for the day helps establish your priorities and take control of your time. As an added bonus, it assists in avoiding distractions.

MEDITATE OR EXERCISE Exercise balances the body and the mind by increasing energy and sharpening memory and thinking skills.

Meditation quiets the spirit to help harness relaxation and reduce stress.

HANG UP THE PHONE Checking your calendar, email and social media accounts as soon as your feet hit the floor is going to start the day with stress. Take a breath for yourself and ease into the workday at your own pace.

FUEL UP Your body and mind need to stay sharp and precise as the day goes on. Be sure you give yourself the fuel in the morning needed to kickstart your metabolism and stay healthy.

Sources: redbull.com/us-en/routines-of-succesful-entrepreneurs, forbes.com/sites/alejandrocremades/2019/02/16/the-10morning-rituals-of-successful-entrepreneurs/?sh=89a7b1a216bf, nextiva.com/blog/morning-habits-of-entrepreneurs.html, moneyminiblog.com/productivity/entrepreneur-morning-routines/ and webmd.com/food-recipes/breakfast-lose-weight.

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PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE 517 REGION Katherine Japinga

Airport Hires New Marketing Director The Capital Region Airport Authority hired Katherine Japinga as its new marketing director, overseeing marketing activities for the Capital Region International Airport, Mason Jewett Airport and Port Lansing.

“Katherine joins the CRAA management team ready to leverage her extensive knowledge of our state and region to drive

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effective integrated marketing strategies,” said airport authority President and CEO Nicole Noll-Williams. “I couldn’t be more thrilled to have her talents on our team as we continue to grow passenger traffic numbers during an exceptionally challenging time for the aviation industry.”

Japinga comes to the airport authority from the Michigan Senate, where she served as deputy communications director of the Senate Majority Communications Office. Prior to her work in the Senate, Japinga was part of the team at Marketing Resource Group, a fullservice public relations agency.

“I’m looking forward to directing effective strategies that result in the growth of travel volume through the Capital Region International Airport,” Japinga said. “By working with our tremendous community partners, including area businesses and elected leaders, we will be well positioned to navigate nimbly and successfully through this period of change in the travel industry.”

GLAC Elects New Leadership The Greater Lansing Area Club of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs announced its newly elected officers for the two-year term through June 2023.

Renee Morgan Freeman, president, joined in 2001; is a life member; and

has served on the local level as recording secretary, chaired its Annual Founders’ Day Awards Brunch for many years and served as chair of many other programs.

Life member Lural Baltimore will continue in her role as first vice president. She joined in 1985. She also serves as chair of the scholarship committee and as the district’s meeting coordinator.

Stacy Lewis has served as the club’s second vice president and youth adviser since 2019.

She joined in 2013 and is now a life member.

Lewis also has served on several programs and is the chair of the website committee.

ReShane L. Lonzo, financial secretary, joined in 2013. She is a life member and has chaired several program committees.

While involved with many other community organizations, this is the first office Lonzo has held at the local level.

Surae Eaton, a retiree of Sparrow Health System, was elected as treasurer. She is one of the newest members, having joined in 2019. Eaton previously served as the club’s chaplain as well as chair of several program committees.

Henrietta Culmer, secretary, has been a member for 38 years and is a life member. She previously served as chair of the membership committee, women’s history program, the nominating committee on the local and district levels, and several other program committees.

David M. Hart

Hart Joins Michigan Money Management as VP David M. Hart joined Michigan Money Management in East Lansing as vice president of wealth management.

Hart spent the early part of his career working for Guggenheim Investments in Chicago, where he most recently held the title of regional vice president. In that role, he was responsible for business development and intermediary initiatives of Guggenheim’s core fixed income and multi-credit strategies to family offices, private wealth management teams and institutional consultants.

In his role at Michigan Money Management, Hart is responsible for all aspects of client service and investment due diligence. He helps guide the team’s wealth management practice, developing each client’s customized strategic portfolio allocations to help clients achieve their financial short-

and long-term goals. Additionally, he is responsible for performing initial and ongoing investment manager selection and asset allocation modeling.

CASE Credit Union Celebrates 85 Years CASE Credit Union marked its 85th anniversary over the summer with a celebration of financial education webinars, gifts and the chance for members to win a $500 Visa gift card.

“We are so proud to celebrate our 85 years here in Lansing and our dedication to providing area educators, students and community members with the highest level of financial support and solutions,” said Jeffrey Benson, president and CEO of CASE Credit Union. “More importantly, we are thankful for the continued support from our members over the years and look forward to serving their needs and the needs of their families and future generations for another 85 years and beyond.”

Bracken Recognized by Super Lawyers Magazine Jeffrey W. Bracken, an attorney in the Lansing office of Warner Norcross + Judd LLP, has been recognized by Michigan Super Lawyers Magazine.

Bracken has been named to the 2021 Michigan Super Lawyers list for his work in construction litigation. The peer-review award recognizes attorneys who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. Only 5% of the lawyers in Michigan have been named to the list in the 16th annual publication.

McLaren, Walgreens Open Health Clinic in Okemos McLaren CareNow at Walgreens — an all-inone, on-demand health care service delivered

in one location — is welcoming patients inside the Walgreens at 2131 W. Grand River Ave. in Okemos.

“McLaren is thrilled to partner with Walgreens to bring this valuable care choice to residents in the Okemos community,” said Deborah Conlon, vice president of retail clinic operations at McLaren Health Management Group. “The clinic is truly a unique onestop shop for walk-in care, lab testing and pharmacy services where patients can receive nearly everything they need to get better fast.”

Everett Joins M3 Group as Video Strategist M3 Group, a Lansing-based full-service marketing and branding firm, welcomed R.J. Everett as the company’s new video strategist.

Everett graduated from Western Michigan University in 2019, where he pursued film, video and media studies. After college, he performed freelance work on films and television shows, including the Emmywinning “The Henry Ford’s Innovation Nation” on CBS. He enjoys formulating a concept and bringing those ideas and visions to life. In his free time, Everett enjoys music, movies, sports, hanging out with friends and video games.

Michigan Works! Announces Hires, Promotions Capital Area Michigan Works! is growing and evolving its team in the tri-county region to continue to ensure that services to job seekers and employers meet their needs.

New staff members include Derek Manchip as accounting assistant and Naveed Ullah as new Americans navigator.

Manchip has worked in finance and accounting at Siren/Eaton Shelter, MTH Management, PM Environmental and Broadstripe Cable. He earned his associate

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degree in business accounting from Lansing Community College in 2006.

Ullah has master’s degrees in educational alimentation and leadership, education, and English. He is working on his Ph.D. in educational administration and leadership at Michigan State University. Ullah is fluent in English, Urdu, Punjabi and Hindi and is able to communicate in Arabic, Nepali, Pushto, Persian, Balochi, Hindko and Sindhi. As the new Americans navigator, Ullah supports refugees and immigrants, eliminating language and cultural barriers to ensure successful transition into Michigan’s workforce.

In addition to the new hires, three Michigan Works! staff members received promotions: Nick Chaffin was named program compliance manager, Tekea Norwood was named chief operating officer and Amirika Richardson is the new clean slate navigator.

Triterra Hires Feher, Oslosky Triterra, a Lansing-based environmental consulting firm, announced the addition of two new staff members. Carrie Feher joined Triterra as an accounting specialist and Greg Oslosky was named as an associate geologist.

Feher holds a master’s degree in business administration with a concentration in human resources from Davenport University. Her work focuses on invoice processing and managing financial transactions, as well as maintaining vendor invoices and internal entries within the accounting system. Feher also assists with accounts receivable and preparing reports.

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Oslosky’s role will include managing projects, helping grow Triterra in west Michigan and providing technical assistance. He acquired a bachelor’s degree in geology from the University Carrie Feher of South Florida in Tampa. Oslosky has more than 17 years of experience as an environmental consultant, including soil and groundwater investigations under several state and federal programs, Greg Oslosky project management, due diligence environmental site assessments, LNAPL characterization assessments, hydrogeological assessments, and facility decommissioning. Olsosky is originally from Pittsburgh and moved to west Michigan with his family in 2019 to be closer to his wife’s family.

Chamber Recognizes Regional Female Leaders The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce recognized six regional female leaders who are new to their positions since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The recognition was made during an executive welcome program held Sept. 8.

Leaders honored at the event included Helen Johnson of Sparrow Eaton Hospital, Cindy Kangas of the Capital Area Manufacturing Council, Michelle Lantz of the Greater Lansing Food Bank, Julie Pingston of the Greater Lansing Convention and Visitors Bureau, Carrie Rosingana of Capital Area Michigan Works!, and Nicole Noll-Williams of the Capital Region Airport Authority.

“We are particularly excited to recognize these leaders who represent the unprecedented growth in the number of outstanding women leaders in our region,” said Tim Daman, chamber president and CEO. “This particular group of leaders is particularly deserving of recognition in light of the circumstances under which they assumed their new position during a global pandemic. We are very proud of the work they are doing in their organizations and our region.”

Stoll Celebrates 30 Years in Fitness Wendy Stoll, owner of Wendy Stoll Personal Training, is celebrating 30 years working in the health and fitness industry.

Stoll is a certified personal trainer who specializes in designing customized exercise and weight management programs for women.

She has worked with people of all fitness levels and all ages. Stoll got her start in 1991 teaching group fitness classes at local gyms. She later opened a small group aerobics studio in west Lansing. Shortly after that, she decided she loved the individual attention side of personal training and changed her business plan. Stoll has written several health and fitness articles for local magazines.

business / STATE/NATIONAL

A BRIEF LOOK AT STATE AND NATIONAL NEWS AFFECTING OUR REGION

TIKTOK VIDEO RESUMES APPEAL TO GEN Z

BY RICH ADAMS

Back in the day, job seekers compiled paper resumes to mail to employers. That gave way to computer-generated resumes that could be included in online applications.

It seems that was back in the day as well.

In July, TikTok — a video-sharing social networking service geared toward Generation Z — began a TikTok Resumes service, where select employers invited job seekers to apply for entry-level jobs. Among the companies taking part were Chipotle, Target, WWE, Alo Yoga, Shopify, Contra and Movers+Shakers, according to Forbes.

Nick Tran, global head of marketing at TikTok, said enabling users to submit video resumes helped them present themselves in a creative way.

“As an entertainment platform that connects people through creative content and shared interests, we were excited about the opportunity to help reimagine a historically traditional process in a fun and entertaining way,” Tran said. “Regardless of whether we formally continue TikTok Resumes, we’re looking forward to seeing

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more creative career content on TikTok and how the recruiting industry adopts the idea of video resumes.”

Makaila Bolley, 24, of Holt said she wasn’t aware of the resume platform; however, hearing about it piqued her interest.

“After doing some research, they do seem rather interesting, and I do agree that Gen Z would definitely connect to this type of process,” said Bolley, who is on the upper age range of Generation Z. “Allowing a potential employer to experience you as a person versus you as a professional is a unique take on the traditional interview process. It takes the stress out of the interview and the need to be perfect.”

Brianna Seaberg, 21, told “Good Morning America” she took advantage of TikTok Resumes and had results.

“I got about 15-plus emails or messages across my social media or on my personal email sending job descriptions, asking me if I wanted to interview, offering me roles and freelance work,” Seaberg said. “Creating the video was 100% worth it.”

GOING BACK TO THE WORKPLACE CAN RATTLE EMPLOYEES

NEW LAW GOVERNS SALE OF UNREGULATED THC PRODUCTS

BY RICH ADAMS

BY RICH ADAMS

The COVID-19 pandemic may have forever altered the trajectory on what is normal, including the need to have employees work on-site.

After more than 18 months of home offices, many don’t savor returning to the workplace.

There’s even a name for it. Dr. Susan Albers said reentry anxiety is the feeling of going back to the workplace after feeling safe at home.

She said anxiety is good in certain situations, but it can be paralyzing when it overwhelms someone.

With the global impact of the pandemic, there’s a significant level of back-to-work stress. Forty-nine percent of Americans said they feel uneasy about adjusting to in-person interaction, according to the American Psychological Association.

Krissy Brokenshire of Lansing is experiencing reentry anxiety.

She works for the Ingham County court system and, like most workers in the state, was sent home when the shutdown occurred. When she returned to in-person work three days a week, the shortage of child care facilities became a stressor.

“Going back to actual physical work — and I’m a people person — I have never had such social anxiety as being in a group of people in an office setting before,” she said. “(Working from home) was very relaxed, and I got a lot more done when I was working from home.

When we got back to the office setting, especially because we had not seen each other in over a year, people were constantly coming in, and it was very distracting.”

Brokenshire is now working in a different department and said her stress level has dropped because her new division has a culture of looking out for one another. The supervisors speak openly about reentry stress and encourage employees to consider their mental health.

Some convenience stores and smoke shops have used a legal loophole to sell delta-8 products, a derivative of the hemp plant that promises to get users high.

While delta-8 is included on the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration as a Schedule 1 drug, the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 carved out exemptions for hempbased products.

States have been enacting new laws to regulate the products.

Michigan’s legislation, signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in July, takes effect Oct. 11.

“This package of bills continues to show Michigan is the model for the nation in regard to protecting its residents and making sure that those who consume marijuana products do so in a safe manner,” Whitmer said. “I am glad to see Michigan continuing to lead on the implementation and regulation of a safe, secure marijuana industry, which has already brought tens of millions of dollars in new tax revenue to the state, as well as thousands of well-paying jobs.”

Sale of the products also escapes regulation by the industry’s trade association.

“We are aware of the products and that a few of our members sell them,” said Mark Griffin, president of the Michigan Association of Convenience Stores and Michigan Petroleum Association. “Sales like these are up to the individual owners of convenience stores. We have no control over what they sell.”

He welcomed the new law.

“It is a good idea for the government to regulate (delta-8 products) in a straightforward way,” he said.

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business / ON THE RECORD

THE ENTERTAINER HENDRICKSON BALANCES FAMILY, CAREER AND PERFORMING

BY MARY GAJDA

PHOTO BY MARVIN HALL, STUDIO M PORTRAITS

Grant Hendrickson’s parents knew their son had vocal talent by the time he was 3. By age 5, Hendrickson was asking for piano lessons.

Fast forward to the University of Wisconsin, where he became heavily involved with his a cappella group and began to lean into performing and shift away from his desire to teach music.

“I was student teaching K-12, and I just felt if I didn’t give singing a real shot, I would always wonder what could have been,” Hendrickson said.

He landed in Los Angeles, where he worked at The Ivy restaurant waiting on the likes of musician John Mayer, actor Morgan Freeman, and former super couple Seal and Heidi Klum.

“L.A. is tough,” Hendrickson said.

“Major record labels weren’t cutting development deals anymore; you had to come to the table already having been developed.”

That prompted Hendrickson to get back with his college buddies to form The Cat’s Pajamas Vocal Band, performing all over the world via cruise ships for the better part of five years. It was on a ship that Hendrickson met his wife, Sarah, an improv performer. The

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couple spent time in Branson, Missouri, and started an entertainment company called Entertain You Productions, where they represented talent booking gigs nationally and internationally.

The Hendricksons also spent more time performing on cruise ships before landing in East Lansing, where Sarah is from, to make a home and start a family. The two homed in on the wedding side of EYP. “People looking for live music and DJ services but couldn’t really afford a full band — that’s where I came in and started doing 25 to 30 weddings a year,” Hendrickson said.

Hendrickson supplements his income with a full-time job to allow him to spend time with family rather than be on the road — and it’s his ability to connect with people that that makes him a rising star.

Hendrickson became a partner this year at Brogan in East Lansing, helping small and large employers with employee insurance benefits.

“I use my education background now to coach adults on how to best use these insurance programs that are oftentimes confusing and complex,” he said.

As for the trials of the last year and a half, “I always though the wedding industry would be recession-proof, but it’s not pandemicproof,” Hendrickson said. “But no one was dropping their health insurance, they needed us more than ever. If I hadn’t been working doing employee benefits, I don’t know what would have happened.”

Hendrickson takes opportunities to give back to the community and contribute to nonprofit events like Dapper Dads through his time and services. And EYP is working on a backyard concert series for the fall. “People are so hungry for live entertainment and the ability to do it safely outside will allow us to find unique and creative ways to perform,” he said.

The Hendricksons are now noticing a recurrence of his early artistic passion from 5-year-old daughter Madelyn.

“She’s our little artist in training. She loves to sing, dance and do gymnastics,” Hendrickson said. “So sharing our passion for the arts with her is probably one of my greatest joys.”

While the Hendricksons will always support Madelyn’s dreams, following in her family’s footsteps would certainly ensure the show would go on.

business / PERSPECTIVES PERSPECTIVE

FINDING THE RIGHT JOB FIT A Q&A WITH LISA YOUNG, OWNER OF EXPRESS EMPLOYMENT PROFESSIONALS IN LANSING, WINNER OF THE 2020 GREATER LANSING ENTREPRENEURIAL IMPACT AWARD

BY KYLE DOWLING

Q& A

What does Express Employment Professionals do?

We are a premier staffing firm with over 22 locations in Michigan and over 850 locations throughout the United States, Canada, South Africa and Australia. We empower those in our community by providing training, workforce tools and placements that align with local job seekers’ career goals as well as supporting our client companies with a qualified workforce.

How have you navigated the last year with your business?

Navigating a business during these tumultuous times is not for the faint of heart. Had I not experienced similar situations in the past as an entrepreneur, I’m not sure how I would have sustained a positive mindset.

Having training in proven processes and systems certainly kept our team strong, and

understanding business cycles helped as well.

Despite all that was happening, we serviced those companies needing our help to meet the demand, while at the same time being that beacon of hope for our community.

One of the keys was being consistent and disciplined in doing the daily activities to weather the storm. In addition, we helped clients to understand the demands of the current workforce and what it now takes to maintain them.

What do you have planned for the coming months?

We have expanded our divisions and will be launching the Strategic Recruiting Group to support more executive-level searches in a variety of niches in our market.

Do you have any advice for people looking for employment?

I would suggest ongoing personal development, being open to an everchanging work environment and to be mindful of self-care.

I would also recommend those job seekers reentering the workforce to leverage any new skills learned and to understand

that employers are more open to having conversations to ensure success for families.

Anything else you would like our readers to know?

If you are reentering the workforce, you should consider a few things, like what type of work you want to do or, if you are changing career paths or industries, be mindful that you may have transferable skills that will assist as you move forward.

As you go about your job search, be prepared when putting in applications and prepping for interviews. A fantastic tip is to always keep your resume updated along with any other materials that will help with your personal branding. Also be prepared to explain any resume gaps beyond COVID and let your interviewer know what growth took place in that time.

And lastly, be kind to yourself and others as we continue to come out of situations affecting us all.

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THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS & PARTNERS

C

chrysalisENRICHMENT CENTER, LLC

business / BIZ TIPS

INTRODUCING … GEN Z Latest generation brings new values set to the workplace

BY SUSAN COMBS

It seems like just yesterday organizations were all abuzz about millennials: How do we recruit them, retain them and motivate them?

Well, those millennials are moving on to different life stages and have been in the workplace for quite a while now. Half of them are parents already. It’s time to start talking about the next generation coming into the workplace: Generation Z. Gen Z is roughly defined as those born between 1995 and 2012. In the workplace, they are in their late teens and early 20s. They are a cohort of 72 million strong. Compare that to the 80 million baby boomers, the 60 million from Generation X and the 82 million millennials (sometimes known as Generation Y). Gen Z has also been called the iGeneration, digital natives or centennials.

Helping employers everywhere to get a handle on this new generational group

is the book “Gen Z @ Work: How the Next Generation is Transforming the Workplace.” Written by father-and-son duo David Stillman, representing Gen X, and Gen Zer Jonah Stillman, this easy-to-read book offers insights into what has shaped this new generation and how to understand Gen Z’s upbringing and influences.

Gen Z is being raised mostly by Gen Xers, the original latchkey kids who developed independence early on. Gen Z is not the same as the millennials. Gen Z is more pragmatic and realistic, traits they picked up from their Gen X parents as well as a reaction to the societal events of the Gen Z childhood.

As the book lays out, Gen Z has grown up in a rather intense and scary world. The Great Recession had a big impact on them, as does the state of the environment and school shootings. But instead of feeling defeated,

they are ready to fix things and put their stamp on it. In fact, the authors state, “Gen Z sees their place of employment as one of their main vehicles and partners to make the world a better and prosperous place.” Hence the need and the importance for employers to start learning about this new group.

For all organizations, it is in everyone’s best interest to learn about all the different generations, to learn what were the important events to boomers, Xers and millennials growing up. Millennials may be the group onboarding the Gen Z workers and may be their first boss. They would do well to learn about how Gen Z is different than their generation. It is in everyone’s best interest to get along and harness one another’s skills and strengths. Be curious and start the conversation with the new generation coming into the workplace.

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SPECIAL SECTION

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Contact a Rehmann Advisor today and put our experience to work for you. Visit rehmann. com or call 866.799.9580.

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Lansing Community College is an equal opportunity Educational institution/employer.

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27TH ANNUAL ENTREPRENEURIAL AWARDS RETURNS WITH AN IN-PERSON CELEBRATION

BY MARY GAJDA

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SPECIAL SECTION

RISK-TAKERS AND BARRIERBREAKERS

In 2020, the word of the year seemed to be pivot.

Countless businesses and organizations employed that term to its fullest extent as they dealt with the storm and stress of the shifting tides and currents of the coronavirus pandemic. The annual Greater Lansing Entrepreneurial Awards was no exception. Our normal in-person extravaganza was put on hiatus as we pivoted for the first time to honor our award winners in a televised ceremony, which aired on WILX-TV 10 and received stellar ratings for a production of its kind.

This year, we were excited to bring back a safe, inperson element for the 27th annual awards. We weren’t ready to commit to an indoor event due to continuing variables brought on by the ongoing pandemic. Yet we still managed to celebrate in appropriate style at Jackson Field in downtown Lansing with this year’s honorees in attendance. Those who came enjoyed fantastic food and beverages, entertainment from Grant Hendrickson of the East Lansing-based Entertain You Productions, swag bags, and complimentary subscriptions to 517 Magazine.

The awards show, displayed on the big screen at the stadium, was also broadcast on WILX. As usual, the event simply would not have been possible without support from our sponsors, including Michigan State University Federal Credit Union and Physicians Health Plan, which were once again our platinum and gold sponsors, respectively.

The event also received strong support from local businesses including Triterra, The Meridian Co., Cinnaire, Great Lakes State Agency/Auto-Owners Insurance, IBEW, Granger Waste Services, Chrysalis Enrichment Center, High Caliber Karting and Entertainment, Rehmann, Lansing Community College, PNC, Transworld Business Advisors, BRD Printing, Maner Costerisan and the George F. Eyde Family.

Our judges, featured in the September issue of 517 Magazine, had the arduous task of poring through well over 250 pages of documentation from the nominee finalists to choose the winners. Make no mistake, the judges took their jobs very seriously. The end result was a pool of winners with diverse backgrounds and stories, which you’ll read about in this section. The common denominator among them was their tenacity, their entrepreneurial fortitude and their willingness to take risks.

It is those attributes that have helped some of them on their roads to success and will allow others to forge through even the hardest of times. We congratulate them and wish them the very best in the years to come.

Follow 517 Magazine on Facebook and stay tuned to our Facebook page @517mag for the next round of nominations for the 2022 awards.

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WE LOVE MID-MICHIGAN SCOTT NORMAN, VICE PRESIDENT, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND MEDICARE, PHYSICIANS HEALTH PLAN Why do we love Mid-Michigan? The land of the Spartans and our state capital are a couple of big reasons. But the heartbeat comes from the local businesses, shops, and restaurants that make Mid-Michigan our community. The brave entrepreneurs who are willing to invest in our community help to shape our culture and make our part of the state a great place.

Physicians Health Plan is proud to be the only locally-based health plan, and we’ve been improving the health of Mid-Michigan for nearly 40 years. We congratulate all of the entrepreneurs and risktakers that make Mid-Michigan our home.

Whether you’re a large manufacturer or small startup, your people are your biggest asset. The ability to attract and retain a highly productive and engaged workforce is critical to your bottom line. Having a highquality and affordable health plan will help you do just that.

As your local health plan, PHP is invested in our region and committed to delivering great healthcare coverage for employers big and small. We partner with employers to provide a flexible menu of plan options with a personal touch. With broad provider networks, award-winning (and local) customer service, and employee wellness

solutions, we help employers provide health coverage options their employees truly value.

Best of all, our Sparrow affiliation allows us to better coordinate care for our members, which improves health outcomes, lowers cost, and helps you have a healthy, productive workforce. Helping you help our bottom line.

At PHP, we salute the entrepreneurs and local businesses that make Mid-Michigan a great place to live and work. We’re here to provide you local, personal, and flexible health plan solutions that let you focus on growing your business and the local economy.

Thank you for all that you do for Mid-Michigan.

SPECIAL SECTION

GREATER LANSING ENTREPRENEURIAL AWARDS:

PAST WINNERS NAME

POSITION

COMPANY

AWARD

LOCATION

Glenn Granger Jerry Norris Tobi Lyon Amanda HayhoeKruger Irene Savoyat and Chris Reay Debbie Horak Lisa Young Marion Owen

President and CEO Primus inter pares President and CEO President

Granger Construction The Fledge Ngage Management Hayhoe Asphalt

Socially Responsible Entrepreneur Entrepreneurial Spirit Entrepreneur of the Year Leadership Award

Lansing Lansing Holt East Lansing

Co-founders

Creative Wellness

Innovative Company Award

Lansing

President Owner and operator Executive director

Güd Marketing Express Professionals of Lansing Tri-County Office on Aging

Business of the Year Impact Award Pivot Award

East Lansing Lansing Lansing

Kathy Valentine Brian Town Brian Posey Missey Trudell Terry Grimm

President Founder and CEO President and CEO Managing partner President and senior scientist

The Plant Professionals Michigan Creative The Ticket Machine Paper Image Niowave Inc.

Socially Responsible Entrepreneur Entrepreneurial Spirit Entrepreneur of the Year Leadership Award Innovative Company Award

Lansing Lansing Okemos Holt Lansing

2019

Lauren Palmer Jennifer Hinze Molly Chan Rick Preuss Karen and Robert Schroeder

Owner Owner Owner and CEO Owner Founders

Curvaceous Lingerie Polka Dots Boutique Alliance Payment Solutions Preuss Pets Mayberry Homes

Emerging Entrepreneur Socially Responsible Entrepreneur Entrepreneurial Spirit Entrepreneur of the Year Business of the Year

Lansing Lansing Okemos Lansing East Lansing

2018

Sam Short, Aaron Matthews and Alan Hooper Lynn Ross Dawn-Marie Joseph Jill Marlan Pat Maltby

Owners

Potent Potables Project

Emerging Entrepreneur

Lansing

Owner Owner Founder Chief operating officer

Mother & Earth Baby Boutique Estate Planning & Preservation Peak Performance Dewpoint

Socially Responsible Entrepreneur Entrepreneurial Spirit Entrepreneur of the Year Business of the Year

Lansing Williamston Lansing Lansing

Jeffrey McWherter Keith Granger Kellie Johnson Pat Gillespie Tom Kuschinski Nick Uppal Colin Cronin Raji Uppal

Owner CEO Owner Founder and president Co-founder and president Co-founder and corp. treasurer Co-owner and vice president Co-owner and vice president

Gravity Works Design Granger Kellie’s Consignments Gillespie Group DTN Management Co.

Emerging Entrepreneur Socially Responsible Entrepreneur Entrepreneurial Spirit Entrepreneur of the Year Business of the Year

Lansing Lansing Okemos Lansing Lansing

Ian Richardson Don McNabb Mike Maddox Ron Boji Jeff Kresnak

Founder and CEO Founder and CEO President and CEO President Owner

Doberman Technologies Triterra ASK Boji Group Superior Asphalt

Emerging Entrepreneur Socially Responsible Entrepreneur Entrepreneurial Spirit Entrepreneur of the Year Business of the Year

Mason Lansing Lansing Lansing Grand Rapids

2020

2017

2016 2015 10.21 | 517

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Megan Doherty

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2021 ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR:

MEGAN DOHERTY PRESIDENT AND CEO OF F.D. HAYES ELECTRIC CO.

Whoever came up with the idiom that you shouldn’t change horses midstream never met Megan Doherty.

The Lansing native left Michigan State University in 2007 with a degree in animal science and agri-business management to successfully pursue a career as an Indianapolis-based professional equestrian.

However, Doherty’s career path took an odd detour off the trail in 2014, when she returned to the family business at F.D. Hayes Electric Co. She assumed the role of president and CEO after she her husband purchased the business from Doherty’s father in 2016 — and she’s been riding tall in the saddle ever since, growing the company and bringing its reputation and recognition to new heights. It’s why Doherty was selected as the Entrepreneur of the Year in the 2021 Greater Lansing Entrepreneurial Awards.

“When I bought the company in 2016, I felt the enormity of the legacy left behind by the outgoing president of 35 years — my dad, Patrick Hayes,” Doherty said. “I quickly realized that in order for us to succeed, our future vision was as important as our legacy. I also knew I couldn’t do any of this alone. I’ve got a tremendously talented and dedicated team that uses their drive to carry out this vision every day.

This award is a credit to our collective ability to develop a vision and then bring it to life.”

Based in Lansing, F.D. Hayes Electric Co. is one of Michigan’s leading electrical contractors. The construction and facility services business provides electrical and telecommunication design and construction services to commercial, industrial and institutional facilities throughout the state. F.D. Hayes has been family owned and operated since its inception in 1923. Doherty is the fourth generation of the Hayes family to take the reins of the company.

Doherty grew up with the business, serving in a number of roles before being named as controller upon her return in 2014. In the time since she became president and CEO two years later, Doherty established two primary goals for the business. The first was to solidify F.D. Hayes’ position as a trusted community partner and elite construction partner with staying power for the next generation. The second was to become established in niche and developing markets

that would complement F.D. Hayes’ existing line of business and propel future growth.

In line with those goals, F.D. Hayes strategically acquired three construction companies in mid-Michigan since 2018. The acquisitions and outlined targets for continued success has pushed F.D. Hayes back into a growth-success stage of business. Doherty also implemented the Entrepreneurial Operating System as the company’s management system and strategic planning tool in 2018, which has helped focus the business on its values, mission and vision.

Doherty has cemented the excellent reputation and longstanding community relationships established at F.D. Hayes by her father and developed a vision for further growth and success. Since taking ownership, the company has grown from 40 to 80 full-time employees and received recognition from within the industry for safety and standards.

Building and maintaining strong relationships with both employees and clients has been a key to the continued success of the organization.

“Our customers value that they can call one provider to fulfill many of their facilities’ needs, and that we can save our customers time and money by being able streamline the delivery of our products and services,” Doherty wrote in her nomination form. “Most of our major customers today have a relationship over 20 years long with F.D. Hayes.

Some of our longest-standing relationships go back over 50 years.”

In addition to clients, F.D. Hayes has continued its mission to play an active role in the community where its employees live and work by giving back and supporting such projects and initiatives as Women in Skilled Trades, The Davies Project, Mid-Michigan Recovery Services, Lansing Promise and other investments.

As for the future, Doherty said F.D. Hayes will continue to adapt innovative approaches to its work as times, attitudes and needs continue to evolve.

“Construction is an exciting place to be right now,” Doherty said.

“With such a focus placed on clean energy right now, we are poised and ready to help our customers with all of their power needs: energy-efficient upgrades or new builds; low-voltage, structured cabling; AV needs; backup generator power; and EV charging.”

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33

From left, Steve Klaver, co-owner, vice president and chief operating officer, and George Snyder, co-owner and president

34

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2021 GREATER LANSING BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

DBI IN THE BUSINESS OF WORKPLACE SOLUTIONS

The combination of form, function and comfort are the three steps to transform any office into a productive one — and that has been the mission and purpose of DBI for nearly four decades.

From pens and paper to space planning and moveable walls, the Lansing-based DBI has prided itself on being the one source/ one solution option for any and all workplace needs since 1984. If the traits of a successful entrepreneurial enterprise are passion, confidence and determination, the leadership at DBI has exemplified those characteristics tenfold over the years. It’s why the organization received the honor of Greater Lansing Business of the Year in the 2021 Greater Lansing Entrepreneurial Awards.

“We feel honored and appreciate all that nominated DBI,” said George Snyder, president and owner of DBI. “We have been successful because of our great members who solve customer opportunities daily and truly deliver a value-added solution to all DBI customers.”

Snyder established his credibility and credentials from the beginning of his career. Starting at DBI in the warehouse and achieving success in every department from purchasing to accounting and sales, he worked his way up the ranks to ownership and CEO. Snyder and partners Steve Klaver and Doug Smith purchased the Doubleday Brothers Inc. furniture company two months after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Shortly after, their dealer affiliate, U.S. Office Products, filed for bankruptcy. With Snyder’s leadership, DBI was able to pull through its uncertain first year in business and continued to prevail, even amid a global pandemic.

Combining open-environment collaborative areas with moveable walls, sound masking and state-of-the-art meeting areas, DBI’s showroom aligns work environments with work styles, allowing clients to

experience firsthand furniture and environment options based on their individual criteria. The DBI showroom experience heightens customer relationships and creates an atmosphere for conversation that guides the strategy in providing the right space, furniture and equipment to optimize each customer’s workplace performance.

That attention to detail has paid off.

In 2019, DBI was recognized as one of “Michigan’s 50 Companies to Watch,” an awards program presented by Michigan Celebrates Small Business. Haworth, a world-class manufacturer of office environments, honored DBI’s culture of excellence with the 2021 designation of Best in Class for the 10th consecutive year.

Yet the company leadership knows that it can’t rest its reputation on past recognitions and understands that the future of sales is transitioning along with customer expectations.

“The landscape for the office has totally changed,” said Snyder.

“We must be strategic in navigating the post-pandemic working environment.”

Snyder has long recognized the importance of brand communication.

He envisions DBI’s brand as the total customer experience — from logo and print ads to the website, digital exposure, social media experiences and even the way customers experience staff. The company foresees a seismic shift coming in how customers buy and the services they are going to value. Understanding the market and the customer, defining ownership’s future vision, and communicating that vision to every DBI member is a critical component to DBI’s future success.

“We will continue to try to navigate this new business landscape that we all have been exposed to and continue to give back to our local economy as good business stewards,” Snyder said.

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35

Martin Commercial Properties Michigan Premier Events Corporate Event Management Company

The Boji Tower, Suite 1410 michiganpremierevents.com “I’ve been working with Martin for two years.

They’re more about community building and partnerships, they’re not all about sales. They make sure people are finding the right space for their needs.”

Ashlee Willis Founder & CEO

All Grand Events + Floral Floral, Event Design, and Wedding Planning Studio

2233 W. Grand River Road, Okemos allgrandevents.com “All Grand Events + Floral has grown tremendously since 2013. We were looking for a special location for our design studio and headquarters. Martin represented the seller of building that was previously a photography studio and it was the perfect fit for us. ” Emily Dawson & Lynette Ulman Owner, Floral Designer & Planner

Photo By Megan Hannon Photography

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9/13/21 4:56 PM

FOOTPRINTS OF MICHIGAN ONE SMALL STEP TURNED INTO ONE GIANT LEAP

Geronimo Lerma III

In his own way, Geronimo Lerma III helps those in need regain their footing.

The founder and executive director of Footprints of Michigan started the nonprofit in 2014 after witnessing how a gesture as small and simple as giving someone a better pair of shoes can significantly alter an outlook and attitude. Lerma left his job of 12 years in 2018 to devote himself full time to Footprints of Michigan, which distributes new and gently used footwear to Greater Lansing’s population in need of assistance.

More than a charitable act, Lerma’s endeavor provides comfort and decency to residents facing some of the worst struggles and hardships in life. He does it all without drawing a salary, relying on volunteers, fundraisers, and likeminded community members with open hearts and open minds to make it happen.

Knowing a man of such compassion walks among us made it easy to name Footprints of Michigan as the Nonprofit of the Year in the 2021 Greater Lansing Entrepreneurial Awards.

“Winning this award is such a great honor — what started out as a dream in the attic of my parents’ house has become reality and is growing each day,” Lerma said. “There is no better feeling in this world than to know you have made a lasting footprint in someone’s life. The countless hours our volunteers give to prepare the footwear or setting up at an event is a blessing. This just shows that when you work hard for something and you have a vision, don’t let anything stop you. Your work speaks for itself. Any of us can make a ‘soleful’ footprint in the lives of others, so do your part and let’s make this world just a little bit better.”

Many of the people who receive support from Footprints of Michigan make it a priority to give back, often reciprocating by volunteering countless hours in the nonprofit’s warehouse cleaning, sorting and even delivering shoes to shelters or events. The nonprofit regularly collaborates with numerous organizations in its efforts, such as Homeless Angels, Two Men and a Truck, Boy Scouts of America, Men Making a Difference, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6132, Playmakers and the Ingham County Sheriff’s Department.

Lerma said he has no plans of slowing down anytime soon.

“We will continue to assist those in need in the state of Michigan,” Lerma said. “We would like to obtain some larger grants to sustain operational costs along with a possible building fund so that we may have our own building with enough space to store the items we need. We are also working on a 2022 tour, Footprints Across America, where we will go across the country and give footwear to those in need in different states and bring awareness to communities hardest hit in small towns — showing what the power of giving one pair of shoes can do to a person.”

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SPECIAL SECTION

2021 NONPROFIT OF THE YEAR

39

JUNK IN THE TRUNK FINDING NEW LIFE IN OLD THINGS

Audra Ellis

If anyone in Greater Lansing has what can be considered a green thumb, it may be Audra Ellis.

Yet instead of reaping what she sows, she recycles what you sow as the founder and owner of the Grand Ledge-based Junk in the Trunk.

Combining her passions for making positive contributions toward community change and positive repurposing, Ellis started Junk in the Trunk in 2015 as an eco-friendly estate liquidation and clean-out service that not only recycles but also breathes new life into discarded treasures through reasonable resale and donations to community causes.

In essence, before you chuck it out, Ellis wants to check it out.

That salvage sensibility helped Ellis and Junk in the Trunk secure the Socially Responsible Award in the 2021 Greater Lansing Entrepreneurial Awards.

“This award means everything to me. It’s not just an award, it’s an opportunity to not only grow my small business but also make positive change to our community,” Ellis said. “I’m someone who believes in leaving this world better than when I found it. My hope is that this award will give me the key to open doors that were once locked. It also means the saying ‘You can do anything you set your mind to’ is still very true. Our hard work is finally paying off.”

Run with the assistance of Ellis’ fiancé, Aaron Winegar, Junk in the Trunk is more than a business. It’s also a community resource.

With free recycling drop-off available by appointment, Junk in the Trunk provides a location for residents to unburden themselves of cardboard, plastic bottles, paper and metal as well as nontraditional recycling items such as jeans, shoes, pens and Rubbermaid food containers. Junk in the Trunk partners with a number of regional businesses to help almost any item stay out of a landfill.

“Anyone can contact us about recycling oddball items,” Ellis wrote in her nomination. “If we know how to recycle it, we will provide information on how to do so. If we can recycle said item, they can set up an appointment to drop off to us.”

However, it’s the clean-out work that may be most intriguing. Ellis noted that at times Junk in the Trunk liquidates three to four homes a week, working up to 18 hours a day. While some of that effort is geared toward recycling and resale, a significant portion is dedicated toward providing assistance to a variety of local causes and projects.

The unfortunate fact is that there will always be an overabundance of items being discarded, which is why Ellis hopes to continue to network and build relationships so Junk in the Trunk can expand its environmentally friendly efforts and achievements into the future.

“We plan to grow our recycling efforts by offering and advertising the free recycling drop-off option as a program,” Ellis said. “We will continue to research new ways to recycle unusual items, hopefully find ways to turn the recycling we collect into a profit by selling it. We plan to expand our business by offering recycling consulting and connecting compatible resources and organizations. We want to get more involved in clearing out abandoned properties and similar situations to keep recyclables and reusable materials out of landfills. We hope to form many new relationships with local businesses and nonprofits to help us find new ways to sell and donate items quicker. Eventually, we plan to open an actual storefront and just use our warehouse as storage.”

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SPECIAL SECTION

2021 SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE ENTREPRENEUR

41

Good for Growth

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ANDY HEDBERG THE PRODUCTION DEPARTMENT INC. AND TRAILER CONSIGNMENTS LLC

Andy Hedberg

The dulcet tones of Andy Hedberg helped craft a recipe for success.

Hedberg began a professional voice-over career while still attending Lansing Community College. His ability to deliver a line, plus a $10,000 loan from Old Kent Bank, led the aspiring entrepreneur to found The Production Department Inc. in 1993 — and later the neighboring Trailer Consignments LLC in Lansing.

The Production Department was formed to support a small group of mid-Michigan business owners who required recurring audio productions for the message-on-hold and overhead-messaging industries. That business model proved to be a ripe seed for growth, and The Production Department now supports over 50 message-on-hold and audio marketing firms across the nation and abroad, including key partnerships in the U.K. and Canada.

Through another of Hedberg enterprises, Pdept Properties LLC, he purchased property along Grand River Avenue in Lansing to establish the headquarters of The Production Department. A number of years later, Hedberg used the neighboring vacant parcel to establish Trailer Consignments LLC, a trailer rental and sales business that has grown to a rental pool of more than 25 trailers, a newly renovated shop and a retail office.

That tenacity and drive earned Hedberg the distinction of the Entrepreneurial Spirit Award in the 2021 Greater Lansing Entrepreneurial Awards.

“Understanding how long the Greater Lansing Entrepreneurial Awards have been around and the many great businesses that have won the award in the past give me a sincere feeling of pride,” Hedberg said.

“It’s the kind of recognition a business owner rarely gets from its local business leaders. Starting, running and maintaining a successful business is hard work, involves risk and takes dedication. I feel extremely humbled and honored for this recognition.”

The Production Department’s a la carte style of audio production and creative services allows dealer customers to pick and choose what level of services are required of the company to meet their businesses goals and their clients’ marketing objectives. Around 2000, the business had more than nine employees under one roof, including writers, audio engineers, voice talents, clerical, customer service and a shipping department. However, due to a telephone technology shift to web-based business phone systems, the team transitioned to a more virtual system of supporting customers’ needs.

The future is bright for both operations. Trailer Consignments’ business expansion plans include a dealership package that incorporates a small inventory of popular trailers as well as networking of key territories across the nation to include a trailer “sharing” concept among territory owners to take advantage of the one-way needs of consumers.

As far as The Production Department’s future, the voice audio marketing industry is not going away, but it continues to evolve with new telephone-on-hold, auto-attendant and point-of-purchase marketing opportunities. And Hedberg plans to transition to accommodate the growing demand as it arises.

“The foundation is laid. The growth plan is in motion,” Hedberg said. “Moving forward with the long-term plan for expansion might involve an acquisition or two of my vendors in the business. New data management tools are on top of the list of must haves to ensure continued success. Lastly, a fine tuning of the business plan that addresses the emerging opportunities I see on the horizon.”

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SPECIAL SECTION

2021 ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT

45

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HIGH CALIBER KARTING AND ENTERTAINMENT BRINGING AN ADRENALINE RUSH TO THE REGION

W NE S I TH R! A YE

Jordan Munsters

Sometimes an entrepreneurial enterprise starts off with bubble gum and soda pop.

Jordan Munsters was only 8 years old when he was purchasing those items from a local store to resell; however, that determination and ingenuity were only a sign of things to come later in life. Since 2018, Munsters has been giving residents of the region a much-needed rush of adrenaline and excitement as the president and CEO of High Caliber Karting and Entertainment. Located in the Meridian Mall, High Caliber offers everything under the sun needed to “punch boredom in the face,” from two indoor go-kart tracks, racing simulators and a full arcade to ax throwing, archery tag, and a bar and bistro.

Providing residents with an immersive entertainment experience is why High Caliber is the recipient of the 517 Magazine Publisher’s Award in the 2021 Greater Lansing Entrepreneurial Awards.

“Last year, I was lying in a hospital bed about a month after shutdown. I had shattered my hip socket and broken four vertebrae and three ribs,” Munsters said. “After 11 hours of surgery, I woke up to the surgeon telling me that there was a possibility I would not be able to walk again. In that moment I remember vividly thinking, ‘Screw you; I will run, and I will do it faster than I ever have before.’

“This award is a symbol of that single thought. The thought that anyone can have facing any adversity,” he continued. “While that accident and recovery had nothing to do with business, it happened during one of the most challenging times for businesses I will likely ever experience. It showed me that even when I am not capable to continue, the right mindset and being surrounded by the right people will make everything still run and survive even through the toughest times.”

High Caliber Karting started with an event hosted annually at Munsters’ home called “Day of Man.” The event grew each year and spawned the idea of an entertainment venue for adults. He and his wife cashed out their retirement funds as well as sold properties, vehicles and major assets while also refinancing their home to fund the project.

“The day we opened for business, we had $5 total in the bank and all credit cards maxed out. It was tight, but we made it work,” Munsters said.

In addition to High Caliber, Munsters also founded Combat Karting LCC, a software tech company that develops immersive entertainment offerings. Together with his team of “experience creators,” the staff at High Caliber and Combat Karting constantly push one another to improve and provide guests with a positive and joyful experience.

The dedication has paid off. A recent 25,000-square-foot expansion brought the total footprint of High Caliber to 105,000 square feet of fun. The expansion was a focus of the business throughout the pandemic shutdown, and it isn’t the last idea for forward momentum that Munsters has on his mind.

“Beyond that, my other company, Combat Karting, will be doing installations in two very popular entertainment centers in other states,” he said. “We will revolutionize karting and finally give people that desire to experience real-like ‘Mario Kart’ the opportunity to do it. That will likely fill the next year or so. After that, we have some additional ideas.”

Game on!

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SPECIAL SECTION

2021 517 MAGAZINE PUBLISHER’S AWARD

49

points might be useful. If you shop at a particular retailer, a card connected to that merchant could make sense.

However, earning cash back by using your credit card may be the best possible reward as it allows you to purchase whatever you want, such as airline tickets, clothes from your favorite retailer, and more.

ARE YOU GET TING THE MOST FROM YOUR REWARDS CREDIT CARD?

The best way to manage your card is by paying off the balance quickly.

And even if the rewards increase when you spend more, that doesn’t mean you should do so. You should use the card only for purchases you already planned to make, and for those purchases you can afford.

Earning rewards by using your credit card is a great bonus, but do you know if you are getting the most out of it? Here are some ways to ensure you’re maximizing your rewards.

If you’re able, pay off the full balance each month; this way you will reap the rewards and save money on interest.

You should also keep track of all spending to stay within your budget and avoid adding debt.

First, have a credit card offering rewards that match your spending habits.

For example, if you are an avid traveler, a card offering airline miles or travel

The bottom line: review your budget — and your goals — to determine the

By Deidre Davis, MSU Federal Credit Union’s Chief Marketing Officer

type of rewards credit card that works best for you.

MSUFCU offers several credit cards, all with tap-to-pay technology, that are easy to add to your smartphone payment service. In addition, ID Navigator protection by NortonLifeLock is now available for free on MSUFCU Visa credit cards. The Credit Union’s Visa Signature® Credit Card offers cash back on all purchases. For groceries, you’ll earn 3% cash back; 2% for gas and travel; and 1% on all other purchases. For more information, visit msufcu.org/visasignature.

DEIDRE DAVIS

Chief Marketing Officer MSU Federal Credit Union deidre.davis@msufcu.org | 517-333-2424 Headquarters: 3777 West Rd., East Lansing, MI 48823

lifestyle

PLACES p.52 GOOD READS p.54 RECIPE p.55 STYLE p.56 FOOD p.57 NONPROFIT p.66 PLAY p.68

TAKING CONTROL OF YOUR HEALTH The facts show we’ve neglected ourselves. We’re overworking, we’re juggling a hybrid work-life balance and we’re skipping on self-care.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death among women in the U.S. and the leading cause of cancer death among women globally, according to dosomething.org.

Even if you can’t make the time for a mammogram this month, take the time to schedule your mammogram. Placing that phone call will take less than 10 minutes, and it could make all the difference in your health. Cancer doesn’t wait; you shouldn’t either.

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lifestyle / PLACES

WILLIAMSTON’S WONDERS SMALL CITY SERVES UP BIG PORTIONS OF LOCAL HISTORY AND PRIDE PHOTOS AND ARTICLE BY METRO MELIK

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t ent a cont more G.COM A 517M

Sometimes it’s the small towns that offer the biggest rewards, especially when a little light exploration unearths hidden treasures and divulges unique local attractions.

Williamston in Ingham County is such a place, with Grand River Avenue lazily doglegging through the city’s downtown district of historic buildings and unique storefronts —from the stately Andrews Hotel building to the nostalgic neon on the Sun Theatre’s marquee.

In 1834 Hiram and Joseph Putnam cut a road through the forest between what is now Stockbridge and the Red Cedar River. That road exists today as Williamston Road — and within the city limits, it is named Putnam Street in their honor.

In 1971, on the 100th anniversary of the incorporation of Williamston, a group of citizens created a festival to celebrate the occasion. So much fun was had that the Red Cedar Jubilee was created soon after. The jubilee has hosted many different types of events over the years, including bluegrass festivals, rodeos and carnivals. The festival is built on the idea of giving back to the community. The Duck Race helps fund the Sunrise Rotary Club. A steak sandwich from the food and beverage tent helps fund the local Lions Club program to purchase prescription glasses for the underprivileged.

Visiting Williamston provides a chance to take in a few of the area’s secrets.

Original Goat Yoga is located on a parcel of former farmland. Shawn Cannarile is the matriarch of Hilltop Views Farm and the second location of Original Goat Yoga. Imagine a goat nudging you to help you forget

did you know?

about your worries and stress. I think there is a reason that goats are called kids. They want to play. Although at Hilltop Views Farm, you’ll be playing with goats that have been rescued.

The Antiques Market of Williamston is a member of AntiqueTrail. com. People have an opportunity to rent spaces to sell their wares. Owner Bob Rogers prides himself on the “quality of products with one of the most comprehensive antique malls in Michigan.” Collectibles have to be from 1980 or before. Furniture is from 1965 or older. You won’t see bar codes at this business. The market is a full-service entity where you can receive anything from assistance with your purchase to help loading it into your vehicle.

Dave Porter’s Fireworks Glass Studio turns up the heat in Williamston — to 2,100 degrees to be exact. The business has showcased and celebrated its glass-blowing skills to customers around the world for 15 years.

Williamston City Hall was designed and built by Hiram E. Higbee.

The main building was completed in November 1890. The small park in front of City Hall was designed to allow for gatherings, memorials and ceremonies.

McCormick Park is located just north of downtown Williamston on the banks of the Red Cedar River. The park has two play structures, a bandshell, baseball diamond, pickleball courts, sand volleyball and tetherball. The park has a paved path, many benches, two picnic shelters, a historical gazebo, a war memorial, restrooms and a concession stand. A highlight is the tree sculpture art that dots the park throughout the green space.

• In addition to McCormick Park, the city of Williamston has seven parks.

• The Red Cedar River’s source is Cedar Lake in Livingston County’s Marion Township.

It travels 51 miles to meet the Grand River just south of downtown Lansing.

lifestyle / GOOD READS

BUSINESS INSPIRATION IN SUCCESS STORIES NEW TITLES HELP INSPIRE THE ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT

A

longside crisp days and pumpkin lattes, autumn brings new titles to library and bookstore shelves. Many of those focus on the topics of business and entrepreneurship.

While some are designed to serve as how-to guides, others seek to inspire by recounting personal stories of success.

One of my favorite recent titles in the inspirational genre is “My Life in Full: Work, Family and our Future” by Indra Nooyi. As the former CEO and chairman of PepsiCo Inc. as well as the first South Asian CEO of a Fortune 500 company, Nooyi is renowned as an exceptional leader, consultant and strategist.

Starting with her childhood in India in the 1960s, the book details her incredible life story, describing how she passionately pursued a career while at the same time kept striving to be a dedicated parent to her two daughters. As a result of her

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BY CHERYL LINDEMANN, COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST AT CAPITAL AREA DISTRICT LIBRARIES AND CO-HOST OF THE “CADL CAST” PODCAST

experiences, Nooyi champions the goal of changing business culture to support families, believing that these changes benefit all of society.

Another new title of interest to those with aspirations in the business world is “Becoming Trader Joe: How I Did Business My Way and Still Beat the Big Guys.” Trader Joe’s founder Joe Coulombe (with Patty Civalleri) describes the creative thinking, risk taking and commitment to employee satisfaction at the heart of his approach. Those business practices ended up fueling the wild success of the now-beloved grocery store chain.

Both these titles are available in our collection at cadl.org catalog. For anyone interested in developing an existing business or starting a new one, check out the articles, databases and local resources under the Research & Learn tab at cadl.org by clicking on “Business” in the Research Tools section.

recipe

CHOCOLATEY S’MORES MARTINI INGREDIENTS CHOCOLATE SYRUP CRUSHED GRAHAM CRACKERS 2 OUNCES OF GODIVA CHOCOLATE LIQUEUR 2 OUNCES OF RUMCHATA VODKA 2 TEASPOONS OF CHOCOLATE SYRUP 1/4 CUP OF HEAVY CREAM 3 LARGE MARSHMALLOWS

p

• Chocolate syru rs • Graham cracke liqueur te ola oc ch va di • Go a • RumChat • Vodka • Heavy cream • Marshmallows

INSTRUCTIONS IN A SHALLOW DISH, ADD A LAYER OF CRUSHED GRAHAM CRACKERS. DRIZZLE CHOCOLATE SYRUP ON A PIECE OF PAPER TOWEL AND RIM A MARTINI GLASS, THEN DIP THE GLASS INTO THE GRAHAM CRACKER CRUMBS. PLACE THE 2 TEASPOONS OF CHOCOLATE SYRUP IN THE BOTTOM OF THE GLASS. MIX THE RUMCHATA AND CHOCOLATE LIQUEUR TOGETHER IN A COCKTAIL SHAKER, THEN STRAIN INTO THE MARTINI GLASS AND ADD A SPLASH OF VODKA. WHIP THE HEAVY CREAM UNTIL IT FORMS STIFF PEAKS, THEN SPOON IT ON TOP OF THE MARTINI. ADD THREE MARSHMALLOWS TO A SKEWER. USING A KITCHEN TORCH (OR THE FIRE PIT), TOAST THE MARSHMALLOWS UNTIL THEY GET SLIGHTLY TOASTED. PLACE THE MARSHMALLOWS ON TOP OF THE MARTINI GLASS AND SPRINKLE ON CRUSHED GRAHAM CRACKERS. ADD MORE CHOCOLATE SYRUP IF YOU CHOOSE.

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lifestyle / STYLE

DRESS TO IMPRESS

ELEVATE YOUR PERSONAL BRAND THROUGH YOUR WARDROBE

T

here’s a scene in the 1999 film “Magnolia” where Tom Cruise’s character, the rather unpleasant self-help guru Frank T.J. Mackey, is confronted by a reporter’s uncomfortable questions regarding his personal background.

Instead of responding, Mackey stoically stares ahead unblinking. When asked what he’s doing, Mackey responds, “I’m quietly judging you.”

It’s likely the most memorable line in the film, but — for better or worse — it rings true all too often in both overt and subtle ways of everyday life.

People forget that within the first seven seconds of meeting someone, they have already formed a first impression — and it takes even less time than that to make a mental determination of someone’s trustworthiness. That’s not a lot of time to win people over, which is why dressing for the part you hope to play can be an important first step in the foundation for a connection. Developing your personal brand can set you apart from your colleagues and help to elevate you to the next level personally and professionally.

If you want to be the boss, you need to dress like one. Some ideas for this are signature or core colors for your wardrobe.

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BY ERIN HAGEN

These colors generally aren’t bold or bright but more muted. It’s good to get some pieces in your color that are more structured and can stand the test of time throughout a busy day, such as a blazer or a structured vest for the fall. They hold their shape and don’t look slouchy or messy — staying fresh and crisp all day. Flowy or loose-fitting clothing is not the best option, depending on who you are seeing that day. Blousy dresses or tops can be too feminine for the office and look disheveled by the end of the day, sending the message of being tired, for example.

Another easy on-trend trick for looking put together and organized is by dressing monochromatic or layering the same color. Think of it in terms of business suits: They are the same color, and it gives the same effect. Think dark, clean jeans with a navy blazer over a light-blue shirt. Even a T-shirt, if it’s fitted properly, can give a clean, tailored look. If you’re on your feet all day and busy, sneakers can be a tailored-looking option as long as they are clean, bright and sleek.

Dressing for the part can be daunting, but there are professionals out there to help. They can take out the guesswork and leave the shining and showing off to you. Get out there and show off your brand of success.

lifestyle / FOOD

best of

BEST OF CELEBRATION SPOTS YOU’VE JUST WON A BIG AWARD, AND YOU WANT TO GO OUT TO DINNER OR DRINKS TO CELEBRATE. WHERE ARE YOU GOING? WHAT ARE YOU HAVING? WE POLLED OUR READERS ON OUR SOCIAL MEDIA CHANNELS AND IN PERSON.

BY MARY GAJDA

BOWDIE’S CHOPHOUSE

SLEEPWALKER

People often want to celebrate with a great steak, and Fonda from Delta Township said, “Bowdie’s Chophouse for a delicious ribeye and their magnificent sides.” Bowdie’s, 320 E. Michigan Ave. in Lansing, also has locations in Saugatuck and East Grand Rapids. The Lansing menu offers everything from shrimp cocktail, porterhouse, cowboy ribeyes and bone-in filets to shrimp bisque and Faroe Islands salmon. Find Bowdie’s online at bowdieschophouse.com or on Facebook @bowdieslansing.

“Sleepwalker-made hard ciders/seltzers and whatever food special,” said Michelle of Lansing. “They never disappoint, and it’s most always locally sourced.” Sleepwalker, 1101 Washington Ave. in Lansing, is a microbrewery pizzeria in Old Town. A check of the establishment’s Facebook page showed some pretty epic pizza choices, including the brief appearance of a Coney pizza on the menu. Visit drinksleepwalker. com for more information for find the business on Facebook @drinksleepwalker.

CAPITAL PRIME/ ENGLISH INN Instagrammer Sirirainone chimed in with “English Inn or Capital Prime — salmon and wine!”

Located at 2324 Showtime Drive in the Eastwood Towne Center in Lansing, Capital Prime is a steak and seafood restaurant. Find the restaurant at capitalprimelansing. com or on Facebook at @ capitalprimelansing. The English Inn, 677 S. Michigan Road in Eaton Rapids, has been a longtime favorite restaurant and pub located inside a beautiful Tudor mansion. Find the business on Facebook @ EnglishInnEatonRapids or online at englishinn.com.

TAKE PART IN OUR POLLS

It’s important to note that no matter where you are in the 517, there are exceptional places to celebrate any occasion — and we love seeing the support for our local restaurants. Missed your favorite in this poll? Then make sure you follow us on Facebook @517mag and watch for our monthly polls. We also poll on Instagram and on the streets when we are out and about.

Have an idea for our “Best Of” monthly food feature? Email mary@m3group.biz.

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S P E C I A L A DV E R T I S E M E N T

COACHING KNOWLEDGE:

PERSONALIZED SUPPORT FOR ACADEMIC SUCCESS AT LANSING’S COLLEGE

BY ANDY BRENT

Community college students transform communities. They become nurses, police officers, firefighters and lineworkers.

As they study to fill these essential positions, many are more likely than university students to face social and economic challenges to academic progress. Community college students are sometimes parents. They work, often full-time. Many are returning to college after a long absence, or are enrolling for the first time as adults.

To ensure all students receive the support necessary to thrive, Lansing Community College (LCC) tailors programs specifically to students’ needs. A dedicated campus space – the StarZone –provides personalized student support through academic success coaches, who engage with students to guide them over obstacles and offer advice through graduation or program completion.

For students, academic success coaching at LCC means a one-on-one relationship with a full-time academic professional. All students receive an opportunity to engage with success coaches, by request or referral, and many student-coach relationships begin at new student orientation. Success coaches build relationships Photography by Kevin Fowler

with students to facilitate trust, and from that foundation build a plan to keep students on track.

Sarah Garcia-Linz, academic success coach director at LCC, oversees a program meant to engage with students on a productive, goal-focused basis.

“Academic success coaches provide support and guidance to LCC students in order to teach skills and overcome any barriers getting in the way of their academic success,” Garcia-Linz said. “We have a great team of 18 full-time, student-centered academic success coaches. We are here, first, to build relationships and connect with students so they have a ‘go to’ person to ask questions or seek solutions. We also work with students on things like time management, organization, online course navigation, and understanding the skills needed to be a successful college student.”

“We don’t want any student to feel lost or confused, and want all students to feel empowered and have the tools necessary to have a positive college experience.”

The personalization of LCC’s success coaching is one of the program’s biggest strengths. More than a listing of support outlets or study strategies, LCC’s academic success coaches develop nuanced relationships with students. Academic success coaches coach – they become invested in the success of the students they serve.

“We coach students one-on-one, through conversations in person, over the phone, or virtual meetings,” Garcia-Linz continued. “We also do a lot of texting and emailing with students – whatever works best for the student works for us. College can be complicated. It is very different from high school and, especially, for returning adult students is a lot to navigate on top of other responsibilities. We don’t want any student to feel lost or confused, and want all students to feel empowered and have the tools necessary to have a positive college experience.”

Academic success coaches are one StarZone resource, but there are many more. At the StarZone, students may receive individual help with forms, processes, financial aid, scheduling classes, discovering college resources and more, providing a dynamic hub for all relevant resources.

Stephanie Bogard Trapp, senior director of financial aid and Title IV compliance at LCC, recognizes how essential help with the financial aid process can be.

“We assist students through the submission of their financial aid applications through the disbursement of their funds,” Bogard Trapp said. “The financial aid process can be overwhelming and having dedicated, trained professionals to help navigate the process is invaluable to our students as they apply for funds for tuition and other expenses such as rent, transportation and food.”

LCC Dean of Student Affairs Ronda Miller knows LCC’s StarZone provides a pathway to success for students.

“The StarZone is designed to provide a one-stop-shop experience for current and prospective students and is home to academic advising, testing services, student finance and financial aid,” Miller said. “In the StarZone, students are met by a member of our Customer Relationship Specialist (CRS) team. A CRS assists students with admissions, registration, FAFSA completion, setting up payment plans and referring students to services within the college. That level of personalized assistance is very helpful for students as they get going.”

An important aspect of student success support at LCC is faculty referral. Faculty see students on a daily basis and the college’s small class sizes allow them to build personal connections with students. These referrals make sure students who would most benefit from StarZone resources and academic success coaching utilize these programs.

“Faculty refer students to success coaches when they are falling behind in class, missing assignments or have expressed other concerns or barriers that a success coach may help with,” Garcia-Linz said. “I always tell students if they hear from a coach because we heard from their instructor, it is a good thing! It means there is a team of people who care about them and their success so we work together to offer support.”

Personalized academic support at LCC means a bridge between enrollment and student success.

Interested students and potential students should visit lcc.edu/starzone for more information. Dean Ronda Miller knows the calming stability this kind of support can provide.

“As a former student, I remember how daunting it can be to understand the nuances of higher education,” Miller said. “Having someone listen and connect me to the services I was seeking helped put me at ease and made for a more pleasant student experience.”

SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT

HARNESSING YOUR MIND to Boost Your Health One thing is for certain, we have all underplayed the importance of the mind-body connections in our health. If you’re wondering what that even means, you’re not alone. It took me years to understand the sheer potency of the mind (both emotional and cognitive contributions) to influence our health (or disease) outcomes….one way or the other.

We, as Doctors, often used this awkward term, “psychosomatic”. It meant that my patients internal stress caused or aggravated their illness. Among health professionals, that categorization often seemed to garner an eyeroll. It developed a connotation of “crazy” or “irrational”. If that’s not enough, psychosomatic illness also became a euphemism for the sidebar labeling of a patient as a “ hypochondriac”, someone who is just hyper-anxious about their health.

I’m so done with these terms, in everyday practice. (Yes, the psychological diagnoses are real, they are just not most of ours to make).

Today there are wheelbarrows full of peer-reviewed research publications supporting the truth: That our personal beliefs, current thoughts, and present emotions affect our ability to get sick, stay sick or get well. They also significantly effect treatment outcomes, so we should all be paying attention.

By the way, this is true not just for our patients, but for us, their doctors, as well!

If you haven’t watched the William-Hurtacted movie The Doctor in a while, tune it in. When the doctor suddenly becomes the patient, (as will happen for all of us), he discovers the potency of the mind body connection by heart.

Brain scientists have delineated the neural pathways that spark connections from the cerebral cortex to the adrenal medulla—the part of the brain that is responsible for the body’s instantaneous response in stressful situations. These findings precisely map how stress, anxiety, depression and other mental states can alter body function, healing and treatment outcomes.

So, don’t shrug it off. If you’re dealing with a health challenge, do your inner work. Part of your treatment protocol might just mean finding a mental health therapist to help you develop a mindful approach to managing your fears, stress and/or anxiety. Remember this: YOU are not your thoughts! You can manage your thoughts to help you cultivate an optimistic outlook. In the long run, it could be what matters most in achieving a positive outcome for your personal health.

Dr. Susan Maples is a dentist in Holt.

She is also a speaker, health educator and author of “BlabberMouth! 77 Secrets Only Your Mouth Can Tell You to Live a Healthier, Happier, Sexier Life.” Reach her at Susan@DrSusanMaples.com

drsusanmaples.com 517-694-0353

FEATURE

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IS THE RIME R C E U PULA RE TR AT PO TO S S U K C FO BOO N W O REO T Y

R NAG OPHE T S ELIK I R TRO M E

BY CH M Y OS B PHOT

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ou’re never really working if you love the work you do — even if what you love to do tends to slightly veer into the shadowed corners of the strange and lurid.

Jenn Carpenter said she has performed that danse macabre for most of her life.

What she never fully understood until she opened Deadtime Stories is that there was a whole tribe of others doing the same morbid mambo. She started the bookstore dedicated to true crime in late 2020 in a small basement space under Thrift Witch in Old Town Lansing, but demand and popularity prompted her to move into her own larger storefront at 1132 S. Washington Ave. in Lansing’s REO Town this March. In the handful of months since, Carpenter expanded even further, opening the Screamatorium gift shop and ice-cream counter next door.

“Things were going well enough in Old Town that I needed a storefront, my own space,” Carpenter said. “I thought if I had more room, I could do so much more. So I left my job of 13 years with the state and decided to make the move, make the push.”

The REO Town location of Deadtime Stories increased the store’s square footage by sixfold even before she opened the Screamatorium.

While true crime dominates the shelf space at Deadtime Stories, some stock is reserved for tales of hauntings and the paranormal. An author of two tomes herself through Arcadia Publishing — 2018’s “Haunted Lansing” and the recently released “The Cereal Killer Chronicles of Battle Creek” — Carpenter keeps a Michigan-centric spotlight on much of her inventory.

“Because I had a relationship with Arcadia, I reached out to them early on and brought in some of their books,” she said. “And I had relationships with other local authors like John K. Addis, who wrote “The Eaton,” and John Robinson, who wrote “Paranormal Michigan.” … So, a lot of it is Michigan. We like to keep a local focus.”

Carpenter said she has leaned toward the unsettling for as long as she can remember.

“It’s just always been my thing. I’ve always been into the really dark stuff,” she said. “When my mom would finish a Stephen King book, I would read it when I was in my preteen years. And back then, I think “20/20” was pretty much it as far as true-crime documentaries (on television). But I would always watch that kind of stuff — “Unsolved Mysteries,” “Rescue 911.” I was super into all of that as a kid.”

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A trip to Chicago where she and her family explored The Congress Plaza Hotel, dubbed the most haunted place in Illinois by Travel + Leisure magazine, helped prompt Carpenter to start Demented Mitten Tours LLC in 2016. The company takes guests on excursions of the eerie and unnatural true-crime and paranormal locales in mid-Michigan. She also began hosting the “So Dead” true-crime podcast.

The touring company and the podcast helped clue Carpenter in that there was a much wider audience just like her who were drawn toward the outlandish. The success of Deadtime Stories only confirmed it.

“I think that people like to talk. I don’t want to call it gossip, but people like to tell stories: ‘Hey, did you hear what happened to so and so?’ And that’s what these books are,” Carpenter said. “A lot of people like to get into the psychology of it. Some people are just interested in different aspects of history or life stories. Why people like true crime is a difficult question to answer. On the one hand, it can be a bit harder to read. On the other hand, it’s just fascinating to wonder about the whys and hows.”

As far as she is aware, Deadtime Stories may be the only bookstore dedicated to true crime; and she has heard from people who find its focus on unsettling events distasteful as well as those who have been personally touched by the subject matter and are happy the lives of their loved ones are not being forgotten. The latter outweighs the former.

“I had three separate people come in on Friday because it was their birthday and they didn’t have plans,” Carpenter said. “This is where they wanted to come — to the true-crime bookstore and get true-crime books.”

Perhaps it can be called a conjuring of souls from a unique shared spirit — or at times an environment of emotional unburdening.

Carpenter noted that one of her customers was a man who visited the store to kill time while his wife was at an appointment. He began talking to Carpenter about his niece who was horrifically murdered back in the 1980s.

“At first I was like, why are you telling me this? Then I realized many people have these stories, and they don’t have anybody to talk to about them because they’re so awful and people don’t want to hear it,” she said. “But now they’re like, ‘Oh, there’s that weird lady with all the murder books. I can go there.’ So that’s been interesting.

“I’ve always felt like such a weirdo, and it’s not that way anymore.

I appreciate that,” Carpenter said. “I think it’s just the atmosphere and knowing that, you know, it’s not weird. You’re not weird for being into this stuff. Because, look, there’s a whole store full of it.”

FEATURE FEATURE

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I THINK IT’S JUST THE ATMOSPHERE AND KNOWING THAT, YOU KNOW, IT’S NOT WEIRD. YOU’RE NOT WEIRD FOR BEING INTO THIS STUFF. BECAUSE, LOOK, THERE’S A WHOLE STORE FULL OF IT.

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ENTREPRENEURSHIP MAY FEEL LONELY, BUT YOU’RE NOT ALONE

By Carrie Rosingana, CEO of Capital Area Michigan Works!

Startups and small businesses are where innovation and creativity flourish. A report by the U.S. Small Business Association notes small businesses create almost two-thirds of all net new jobs and account for 44% of U.S. economic activity. In Michigan, small businesses employ almost half — 49.1% — of the workforce.

It is comforting to know our state has been successful in these endeavors. But, running a small business or launching your startup can be difficult. When an entrepreneur goes off on their own to create a small business, it may be reassuring to know there are vast resources to help create and manage it. The Michigan Small Business Development Center, the Small Business Association of Michigan, LEAP and Capital Area Michigan Works! are just a few organizations here to help.

Michigan Small Business Development Center — headquartered at Grand Valley State University, with regional offices and directors including at Lansing Community College — is a resource for entrepreneurs who want help starting, growing and advancing their business. Its consultants offer help creating business development plans and training sessions to assist with financial management, strategic planning and organizational development.

The Small Business Association of Michigan offers a variety of membership benefits to qualifying small businesses, which are defined as a business with fewer than 500 employees and an annual revenue equal to or less than $25 million. Membership gives you access to resources related to insurance, information technology, business law and sales/marketing. Learn more about the certification and membership process on SBAM’s website and contact its membership department at 800-362-5461 for more details on membership resources.

LEAP, or Lansing Economic Area Partnership, has a host of resources available to those starting a new business, including an

entire section of its website dedicated to tools at purelansing.com/Areyou-Starting-a-new-business. From its PROTO Accelerator and youth programs to its One and All program and pitch competitions, LEAP can help startups and entrepreneurs navigate the new business landscape here in Lansing and across the state. Be sure to keep an eye on LEAP’s business relief page for grant support.

Once small businesses and startups receive funding, are assigned a Federal Employer Identification Number and have set business objectives, it’s usually the right time to seek the help of CAMW!. When startups and entrepreneurs are ready to hire their first employee(s), CAMW!’s business services team (BST) is there to assist.

The BST can help them with their recruiting strategy, writing job postings, determining a marketable starting wage, searching for candidates, screening candidates, scheduling interviews, writing interview questions and conducting phone interviews.

To learn more about how CAMW! can assist startups and entrepreneurs as they launch their business, contact Teri Sand at (517) 492-5516 or tsand@camw.net or make an appointment to stop by any of our American Job Centers in Lansing, Charlotte and St. Johns.

With the right resources and support, entrepreneurs and startups have a foundation to build something great. So, reach out and turn your great idea into something bigger — know that you don’t have to do it alone.

Carrie Rosingana is the CEO of Capital Area Michigan Works!. Visit camw.org for assistance with career exploration or staffing needs. CAMW!, a proud partner of the American Job Center Network, offers services in Ingham, Clinton and Eaton counties at our Lansing, St. Johns and Charlotte American Job Centers.

lifestyle / JACK DAVIS LEGACY NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

DAZZLE CLEANING SERVICE PARTNERS WITH CLEANING FOR A REASON TO HELP REGIONAL CANCER PATIENTS.

SPOTLESS REPUTATION CLEANING FOR A REASON HELPS AREA CANCER PATIENTS

BY KYLE DOWLING

There are countless motives why people partner with Cleaning for a Reason. For Amy Smith, the grounds were personal.

“Cleaning for a Reason really touched my heart. Both of my grandmothers had breast cancer, but what hit me the hardest was when I lost a very young friend to breast cancer,” said Smith, who started Dazzle Cleaning Service in St. Johns in 1990. “My sister also had breast cancer but has thankfully been cancer-free for five years.

It’s easy to imagine what it’s like for people, but it’s another thing to see people you know going through it.”

Founded by Debbie Sardone in 2006, Cleaning for a Reason has worked to ease the burden of people going through one of the toughest times in their lives. The nonprofit partners with 1,200 cleaning companies across the United States and Canada, and it has helped more than 43,000 cancer patients and totaled more than $14 million in donated cleaning services.

Smith said that when she heard about Cleaning for a Reason, she knew that it would be a fantastic way to give back to the community that has supported her mid-Michigan business for the past three decades. Not only do the people in need appreciate the

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help, but the technicians at Dazzle Cleaning Service also enjoy being provided the opportunity to give cancer patients one less daily chore to worry about.

“It’s the greatest feeling to know how much you are helping somebody in need,” Smith said. “And the cleaning technicians love it too, being able to do their job and to help somebody in their community that is in need. It’s a different sense of satisfaction at the end of the day, knowing it was something that a person could not do on their own and making their environment safer and healthier for them.”

Dazzle Cleaning is also working to shine a light on the work that Cleaning for a Reason is doing across the continent by holding the weeklong Cleaning for Cancer event Oct. 11-15. The business is looking to spread awareness and clean for new patients. The week ends with an event called Jam for a Reason, sponsored by Royal Scot Golf and Bowl, and inludes a live performance by the duo Pryorities, a cash bar and an auction to raise money for Cleaning for a Reason.

For more information about Cleaning for a Reason and the Cleaning for Cancer event hosted by Dazzle Cleaning Service, visit dazzlecleaningservice.com/cleaning-for-a-reason-2/.

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Please Turn Your Attention to the Center Ring NITRO CIRCUS: ‘YOU GOT THIS TOUR’ Oct. 1 Watch them go; see them fly. The Nitro Circus “You Got This Tour” comes to Jackson Field in Lansing this month for an adrenaline-charged spectacle featuring world-class athletes, including several X Games medalists, in FMX, BMX, skate, scooter and more. Prepare to be amazed as these athletes attempt record-breaking feats and spectacular stunts in an action-packed show for fans of all ages. For questions or more information, email info@lansinglugnuts.com or call (517) 485-4500. For tickets, visit milb.com/ lansing/ballpark/nitro-circus.

THIS MONTH’S EVENTS Editor’s note: Please call event venues directly to make sure times and dates haven’t changed due to cancellations and postponements related to COVID-19.

Follow our friends at 517living.com for other upcoming events in the region.

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18th Annual Blues Brawl Oct. 3 Blues acts from across midMichigan will perform from 4-8 p.m. One band and one solo/ duo act will be named winners and represent the Capital Area Blues Society at the 2022 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee. As a Blues Foundation affiliate, the Capital Area Blues Society follows the national format for its local competition to select the region’s representatives at the international event. The master of ceremonies at the Blues Brawl will be Daedalian Lowry, general manager and host of BLUErock on Lansing Community College radio, WLNZ-FM 89.7. Visit capitalareablues.org for details.

Grub Crawl in Downtown Lansing Oct. 7 The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce Grub Crawl, presented by the Lansing Board of Water and Light, is back and taking over downtown Lansing at 5 p.m. Oct.

7. In partnership with Downtown Lansing Inc., downtown Lansing restaurants will be serving up great grub and drink specials.

This celebration of food and drink is a great opportunity to support the local community and grow awareness of the restaurants in the Greater Lansing area. Visit downtownlansing.org/event/ downtown-grub-crawl/ for event details.

Potter Park Zoo’s 2021 Fall Zoo-tacular Oct. 9-24 Get ready for an event full of colors, costumes, candy and more. From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturdays and Sundays from Oct. 9-24, gather the family, put on your best Halloween getup and join a seasonal stroll through Potter Park Zoo. Beautiful autumn colors and decor will accompany you as you visit all your favorite animals. Gift bags of assorted candy will also be available for all who visit. For full details, visit potterparkzoo.org/ events/.

Archaeology Day at the Michigan History Museum Oct. 23 The 2021 Archaeology Day returns to the Michigan History Museum in Lansing.

The event is your chance to meet archaeologists, learn of their research, and see oneday-only exhibits from their excavations and underwater explorations. The day includes free admission and free parking.

Archaeology Day is presented in partnership with Michigan Economic Development Corp. and the State Historic Preservation Office. The Michigan History Museum, the flagship of the Michigan History Museum System, is in the east wing of the Michigan Library and Historical Center.

For a schedule of events, visit michigan.gov/mhc/0,9075,7361-85129_61086-506563-,00.html#:~:text=The%20 2021%20Archaeology%20 Day%20will,Free%20 admission%2C%20free%20 parking.

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A Q & A with Darrin Rockcole

News 10 First Alert Chief Meteorologist Q: What is your favorite thing about doing the weather?

Darrin: My favorite part of being a meteorologist the fact that no two days are alike. While I do have the same tasks every day to prepare a forecast, the actual weather is always different and presents different challenges to preparing the forecast.

Q: What are some of your favorite things to do when you have a day off?

Darrin: When I am not at work you will usually find me work on my yard or walking my dog Moe the Smooth Fox Terrier. We are lucky in Mid-Michigan to have such a great network of trails and parks for walking and running.

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Darrin: Viewers may not know that I am actually a very good cook. I am not a fancy French chef, but I do know where the kitchen is located in my house and know how to use everything in it.

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By Liz Winowiecki Owner of Hair United

Photo by Jena Hovey

I’m Liz Winowiecki, and I opened Hair United in November 2020.

As a local business owner, I feel empowered to share topics relevant to Hair United’s unique mission: to provide safe, sensitive and fun hair services that are responsive and relevant to our clients.

WHY HAIR UNITED?

A little background: before I would ever touch a pair of shears, I was a Humanities graduate with a desire to make life good. I graduated at a bad time (google: “financial crisis of 2007-2008”) and enrolled in a trade school after a few internships in the non-profit world.

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It wasn’t until I began my career in hair that I saw how much we breathe ourselves into our work. Every day, my job reflects my background and mission: to make life good for me and those around me. This means my salon is a response to critical issues the beauty industry faces, like the segregation of clients based on race, gender, class, age and more.

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Your beauty counts!

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Liz Winowiecki (she/her) owns Hair United, located at 515 West Ionia Street. Find her on Instagram @lizlizzyliz. Find the salon @_hairunited_ Website: www.HairUnitesUs.com Photo by Rain Lundberg

W WRAP UP P MASTERING THE HUMBLEBRAG Showcase business accomplishments without being cringeworthy

BY CHRISTOPHER NAGY

Just like the film “This is Spinal Tap” taught us all that there is “a fine line between stupid and clever,” the line between confidence and arrogance walks an equally precarious razor’s edge.

Enter the humblebrag — that wonderful way to tout your qualifications and business accomplishments without being offputtingly obnoxious. Here are five ways to do a low-key flex without inducing a reflexive eyeroll.

Email Signature

Placing a statement or logo of an achievement in a business email signature is a nice subtle way to bring attention to an accomplishment or award as well as legitimize the seriousness and dedication of the company in its mission and values without going over the top.

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Reviews and Testimonials

Why toot your own horn when others will do it for you — and bring a level of sincerity of trustworthiness in the process? Reviews and testimonials are powerful tools that lend a sense of credibility to your achievements. At the same time, they help convert potential customers into new customers.

Videos

Sharing video on social media channels or your website not only enhances the visitor experience, but it also is a great way to showcase the positive things happening in the company and with your teammates. Go ahead and share that awards ceremony or acceptance speech.

Press Releases

A press release highlighting an accomplishment lends an aura of newsy-ness to the achievement as well as shows the value you provide to customers and the community.

People love reading about changes or new things taking place at businesses within their communities.

It’s why the Professional Highlights section in 517 Magazine is so well read.

Bring a Wider Focus

Even if you received an individual recognition and want to spread the word, don’t forget to mention what the honor means in bringing prestige and value to the entire company. Very few things are accomplished alone. More than likely, there was a whole team of people paving the way for your success.

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