Faces of Macomb | 2025

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FACES OF

MACOMB COUNTY 2025

FACES OF

MACOMB COUNTY

2025

WELCOME TO

FACES OF MACOMB COUNTY As a lifelong resident of Macomb County, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the incredible individuals who drive our local businesses, fuel economic growth, and make a lasting impact on our communities.

Faces of Macomb County is a tribute to those leaders — the professionals, entrepreneurs, and visionaries shaping our region.

This publication is more than just a directory; it’s a visually stunning showcase of the people behind the businesses and industries that make Macomb County thrive. Within these pages, you’ll find professionals representing a wide range of fields — from estate planning and real estate to family-owned dining, hometown lending, and health care. Each featured individual is the “Face” of something remarkable in our community, offering their expertise, passion, and dedication.

As you browse through the publication, you may recognize a friend, client, or colleague — or perhaps discover a new connection. I invite you to take a moment to get to know the faces behind the businesses that keep Macomb County moving forward.

Enjoy the publication, and thank you for celebrating the leadership, innovation, and community spirit that make Macomb County such a special place to call home.

Jason Hosko Publisher, Faces of Macomb County 1

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Allergen Free Baking .................................2 Estate Planning .........................................3 Business Connections ............................. 4 Divorce and Entrepreneurship ................ 6 Excellence in Head and Neck Surgery ........................................... 8 Fresh Quality Foods ................................. 9 Family-Owned, Locally Loved Dining .....10 Health Care ............................................. 12 Hometown Lending ................................ 14 Insurance Restoration ............................ 15 Macomb County Business .....................16 Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office ....18 Real Estate Knowledge, Wisdom & Integrity ................................ 20 Personal In-Home Care Services ........... 21 Piera’s Bridal .......................................... 22 Real Estate Excellence ........................... 23 The Italian American Dream ................. 24 The Shamrock Pub ................................ 25 Transportation ....................................... 26

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ALLERGEN FREE BAKING CHRIS AND JESSICA FARRAJ — ALLERGY FREE BAKERY 50421 HAYES ROAD, SHELBY TOWNSHIP, MI 48315 | 586-900-2253 | ALLERGYFREEBAKERY.COM The Allergy Free Bakery was founded by Chris and Jessica Farraj in September 2023 with the sole purpose of giving everyone the ability to enjoy the sweetest things in life. All products are proudly baked free from the top nine allergens: dairy, eggs, gluten, soy, sesame, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish. All baked goods are also gluten-free, vegan, and kosher. Chris and Jessica have three young boys, and they 2

found out two of them had life-threatening food allergies that would restrict them from enjoying social gatherings and events with friends and family. So, they created one of the only bakeries in the world that is completely free of the top nine allergens to give their boys and those with similar food restrictions the opportunity to enjoy life’s celebrations together. The storefront is filled with cupcakes, cookies, doughnuts, scones, muffins, pastries, and coffee — all free of the top nine allergens.

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ESTATE PLANNING CHARLES REGAN SHAW — THE LAW OFFICE OF CHARLES REGAN SHAW, PLC 16950 19 MILE ROAD, SUITE 2, CLINTON TOWNSHIP, MI 48038 | 586-226-3805 | SHAWATLAW.COM Charles Regan Shaw, Esq., has been serving the legal needs of metro Detroit’s families and businesses for over 26 years. His trusted legal expertise has appeared in The Detroit News, the Detroit Free Press, the Macomb Daily, and the Michigan Bar Journal. He is also a featured speaker throughout the tri-county area. His experienced team helps clients

navigate the complex world of estate planning, providing assistance with wills, trusts, powers of attorney, advanced health care directives, and all other aspects of proper estate planning. His team offers personalized solutions that cater to clients’ specific needs and circumstances. Their goal is to protect clients’ assets, respect clients’ wishes, and take care of clients’ loved ones through comprehensive knowledge and robust, effective estate planning.

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BUSINESS CONNECTIONS

JOHN LONG — SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 59 N. WALNUT ST., SUITE 206, MOUNT CLEMENS, MI 48043 | 586-649-8185 | SEMCHAMBER.ORG John Long, chief operating officer of the Southeast Michigan Chamber of Commerce, is reshaping the chamber industry with an innovative, hands-on approach. Recognized as an industry disrupter, he has transformed the traditional chamber model into a dynamic platform that actively drives value for its members. Under his leadership, SMCC has become the fastest-growing chamber in the state by being a catalyst for growth and connecting businesses with unparalleled 4

opportunities in both the private and public sectors.

Long’s strategy focuses on leveraging the chamber’s reputation to open doors for members. By prioritizing personalized support and strategic collaboration, he has redefined the chamber experience, creating a larger tent for businesses of all sizes and industries. His visionary leadership has positioned SMCC as a trailblazer, setting new standards for how chambers operate. His proudest accomplishment is that since 2019, SMCC has driven over $600,000 in charitable donations, solidifying its community impact.

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PROMOTIONAL CONTENT

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DIVORCE AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP RANDALL J. CHIOINI — CHIOINI GROUP, PLLC 14 FIRST ST., MOUNT CLEMENS, MI 48043 | 586-465-4900 | BIRMINGHAM, MI, BY APPOINTMENT | CHIOINIGROUP.COM In almost two decades of practice, Randall J. Chioini and his team have handled over 2,500 divorce matters throughout the state of Michigan, many involving closely held and family businesses. Chioini is a certified mediator and is widely recognized as a leader in technical divorce matters with complex holdings. He has an extensive and unique background in business and finance that helps him navigate clients across a

wide array of industries, including franchising, private equity, automotive/aerospace, and construction. Chioini is a regular speaker and presenter at various legal seminars and has authored dozens of publications on family law and divorce matters that are used by practitioners seeking guidance on technical aspects of the law. Chioini is consistently ranked as a top attorney in Detroit by DBusiness magazine and Super Lawyers, and he is AV-rated as “Preeminent” by attorney peers for divorce and business matters.

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EXCELLENCE IN HEAD AND NECK SURGERY CARLOS A. RAMIREZ, M.D., DDS, FACS — LAKESHORE CENTER FOR HEAD & NECK, MAXILLOFACIAL AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY 11900 E. 12 MILE ROAD, SUITE 210, WARREN, MI 48093 | 586-582-7100 For those confronting complex head and neck conditions, Dr. Carlos A. Ramirez provides expert surgical solutions that inspire confidence. Specializing in benign and malignant tumors, as well as intricate facial reconstruction, Dr. Ramirez combines advanced techniques with a compassionate approach to deliver exceptional results.

Dr. Ramirez, a board-certified maxillofacial/head and neck surgeon, stands out thanks to his extensive fellowship training in advanced cancer management, minimally invasive robotic surgery, 8

and microvascular reconstructive surgery. His distinguished roles as the section chief of maxillofacial surgery at Ascension St. John Hospital and director of the oral/maxillofacial surgery residency program highlight his leadership and commitment to the field.

Recognized repeatedly as a Top Doc, Dr. Ramirez also shares his expertise through national and international lectures. Choosing Dr. Ramirez means receiving cutting-edge care paired with a deeply personalized, compassionate touch, ensuring the best possible outcomes for every patient.

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FRESH QUALITY FOODS VINCE & JOE’S GOURMET MARKET 41790 GARFIELD ROAD, CLINTON TOWNSHIP, MI 48038 | 586-263-7870 55178 VAN DYKE AVE., SHELBY TOWNSHIP, MI 48316 | 586-786-9230 | VINCEANDJOES.COM For more than 40 years, the Vitale family and Vince & Joe’s Gourmet Market have provided the very best farm-fresh produce, meats and poultry, wild-caught seafood, imported cheeses, house-made artisanal breads and pizzas, desserts, and prepared gourmet foods at their two locations.

More than 400 quality people work at Vince & Joe’s serving up fresh foods with great prices and continually striving to

bring customers the finest. That mission began with owners Vince and brother Joe Vitale, along with their wives, Mimma and Maria.

“Our business and family have grown and evolved with the community,” says Mimma Vitale. “We are so grateful to our customers and appreciate getting to know them and serve them. That’s why we do what we do. With now our third generation joining in, we are focused on listening to our customers’ needs.”

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FAMILY-OWNED, LOCALLY LOVED DINING THE BALDWIN FAMILY — J. BALDWIN’S RESTAURANT 16981 18 MILE ROAD, CLINTON TOWNSHIP, MI 48038 | 586-416-3500 | JBALDWINS.COM Jeff Baldwin never imagined he would establish a culinary legacy when he briefly left Michigan to attend and graduate from the prestigious Culinary Institute of America. He went on to become the executive chef at several metro Detroit fine-dining establishments, including Van Dyke Place, The Whitney, and Mac & Ray’s, before opening his own restaurant, J. Baldwin’s, in Clinton Township in 2004. Today, the Baldwin Restaurant Group has expanded to include Testa Barra;

Jeff’s wife, Rosemarie, is the chief financial and marketing officer; and his family has taken on leadership roles within the restaurants. Jeffrey Baldwin, a certified level 2 sommelier, is the group’s director of operations, while Chef Michael Baldwin and his wife, Chef Gabriella Baldwin, both executive chefs and Culinary Institute of America graduates, now run Testa Barra and J. Baldwin’s culinary scene. The Baldwin Restaurant Group is renowned for its innovative cuisine, exceptional hospitality, one-of-a-kind events, and on-site and off-site catering services.

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HEALTH CARE CORNERSTONE MEDICAL GROUP 25 LOCATIONS IN MACOMB COUNTY | CORNERSTONEMEDGROUP.COM Cornerstone Medical Group is a multispecialty group consisting of primary care and specialty physicians all throughout Macomb County. Cornerstone is committed to delivering comprehensive and compassionate health care to patients of all ages and their families.

With 25 locations and eight specialties all throughout Macomb County, Cornerstone takes a cost-effective approach and has a 12

medical team that provides the highest-quality medical care with the best outcome in mind.

You can count on Cornerstone Medical Group for all your health and wellness needs.

Back row: Isabella Scofield, M.D.; Wasim Rathur, M.D.; Jasneet Bhullar, M.D.; Bruce Benderoff, D.O.; Trpko Dimovski, M.D.; Regina Kurian, M.D.; Beena Nagappala, M.D.; and Natalie Bacheldor, M.D. Front Row: Keith Bornstein, D.O.; Sherilynn Russell, M.D.; Timothy Chmielewski, M.D.; and Julie Hrabovsky, M.D.

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HOMETOWN LENDING MATT BAFFO — FIRST STATE BANK NMLS ID: 770988 | 41240 HAYES ROAD, CLINTON TOWNSHIP, MI 48038 | 586-872-8885 | FSB.BANK/MATT Matt Baffo, one of Michigan’s leading residential loan officers, is dedicated to providing a world-class customer experience. As first vice president and mortgage loan sales manager at First State Bank, Baffo draws on over 20 years of industry expertise to ensure clients are well informed about the mortgage and homebuying processes,

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empowering them to make the best loan decisions. He has assisted over 3,000 families with their mortgage needs.

In addition to his role as a loan officer, Baffo oversees the sales efforts of 16 other loan officers at FSB. He and his wife, Jamie, cherish their growing family, including a 3-year-old daughter, a 2-year-old son, and a newborn son. Actively engaged in Macomb County, Baffo serves on various boards and supports local charities and businesses.

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INSURANCE RESTORATION JOSEPH P. CIPRIANO JR., FOUNDER AND CEO — CONSTRUCTEAM INC. 31780 GROESBECK HIGHWAY, FRASER, MI 48026 | 586-620-5500 | RESTOREITRIGHT.COM Constructeam Inc. is a family-owned, industry-leading insurance restoration company based in Fraser, Michigan.

Founded in 2006 by Joseph P. Cipriano Jr., the company was born out of a deep desire to help families rebuild after Cipriano witnessed the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. With over 30 years of construction expertise, Cipriano and his dedicated team have built a reputation for compassionate, expert disaster recovery.

As a family business, Constructeam understands the emotional and financial toll disasters take on homeowners and local businesses. The company’s skilled professionals provide rapid emergency response, seamless property restoration, and transparent insurance claim guidance. Beyond rebuilding homes, Constructeam is committed to strengthening the community — supporting local initiatives and treating every client like family. With integrity, innovation, and a passion for service, Constructeam continues to set the standard for quality and care in the restoration industry.

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MACOMB COUNTY BUSINESS KELLEY LOVATI, PH.D. — MACOMB COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 28 FIRST STREET, SUITE B, MOUNT CLEMENS, MI 48043 | 586-493-7600 | MACOMBCOUNTYCHAMBER.COM The Macomb County Chamber, led by Kelley Lovati, Ph.D., CEO, and president, is the leading voice for small and large businesses in Macomb County. Its mission is to create a positive and sustainable business environment in Macomb County by fostering a supportive business climate, serving as a catalyst for economic development, and encouraging collaboration and networking among chamber membership and the business community.

With its extensive membership, the chamber provides numerous opportunities for 16

connection through regular networking events and educational programs. Its nextGEN group also offers young professionals unique chances to network and collaborate. Through its foundation, the chamber partners with local businesses, civic organizations, and nonprofits to host key annual events, including the prestigious Hall of Fame and ATHENA Leadership Awards®. The chamber’s political advocacy work ensures that members’ voices are heard on critical issues affecting the business landscape. With limitless opportunities for involvement, the Macomb County Chamber is committed to supporting businesses at every stage.

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MACOMB COUNTY PROSECUTOR’S OFFICE PETER J. LUCIDO 1 S. MAIN ST., MOUNT CLEMENS, MI 48043 | 586-469-5350 | MACOMBGOV.ORG/DEPARTMENTS/PROSECUTORS-OFFICE Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido set new standards for excellence, innovation, and diversity; set a record for national good government awards; modernized technology; and streamlined domestic violence, juvenile, and overall case processing better than ever.

Lucido reformed hiring practices and then hired a record number of women — 70% of assistant prosecuting attorney I positions are filled by women, now a majority prosecuting in court. Lucido promoted a record number

of women to lead special units, building a diverse and inclusive team that reflects a significant shift from past hiring practices.

More crime victims get more service, with a 67% increase in victim support. Faster warrant turnarounds and discovery improve transparency and reduce delays. Lucido’s efforts led to the collection of over $1.2 million in child support by targeting those owing $5,000 or more, largely without criminal prosecution, while enhancing support for specialty courts and diversion programs that deliver proven results while saving money.

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REAL ESTATE KNOWLEDGE, WISDOM & INTEGRITY HANK MENDEZ — EXCEL LEGACY REALTY TEAM, POWERED BY REAL ESTATE ONE 56288 VAN DYKE AVE., SHELBY TOWNSHIP, MI 48316 | 586-405-3333 | HANKMENDEZ.COM Hank Mendez, associate broker for Excel Legacy Realty Team, powered by Real Estate One, offers a comprehensive southeastern Michigan real estate website with detailed market information. The site provides buyers with extensive area and neighborhood insights, while sellers gain access to valuable data for preparing and listing their homes. As a fullservice real estate professional in Michigan for the past 34 years, Mendez works with buyers, sellers, and investors, providing 20

knowledge, wisdom, and integrity and bringing clarity to the real estate process.

His expertise spans residential single-family homes, condominiums, multifamily properties, commercial real estate, and vacant land. Whether helping residential buyers navigate the complexities of home ownership or providing investors with detailed return-on-investment calculations, Mendez offers professional and dedicated service. His deep market knowledge and specialized skills make him a trusted resource in the southeastern Michigan real estate market.

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PERSONAL IN-HOME CARE SERVICES KATHERINE CADEAU — CORSOCARE PERSONAL CARE TAILORED SUPPORT RIGHT AT HOME | 586-301-7505 | CORSOCAREPERSONALCARE.COM The team at CorsoCare Personal Care, led by President Katherine Cadeau, brings personalized care directly to your home, ensuring you can live confidently and comfortably. Personal care is about more than just helping with daily tasks — it’s about creating moments of comfort, trust, and connection.

What makes CorsoCare different? It’s the thoughtful approach to pairing individuals with a caregiver who shares the same

interests, hobbies, and personality. This attention to detail creates a bond that feels natural and makes a real difference.

CorsoCare’s caregivers are highly trained and experienced; they have benefited from hands-on learning in both in-home settings and senior living communities and have expertise in key areas of senior care. Whether tidying up, providing aroundthe-clock support, or simply being a friendly companion, they make every day a little brighter. CorsoCare is proud to be a part of Macomb County, providing individuals with care that’s as unique as they are.

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PIERA’S BRIDAL PIERA’S BRIDAL COUTURE 46509 HAYES ROAD, SHELBY TOWNSHIP, MI 48315 | 586-566-7800 | PIERASBRIDAL.COM Piera’s Bridal Couture is a family-owned bridal boutique in Shelby Township. Owner Piera Sbrocca has been in the wedding business for more than 30 years. She opened her first bridal shop in 1986, and after a short “retirement,” she opened Piera’s Bridal Couture in 2009.

Sbrocca has always had a love and passion for wedding gowns and brides.

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awe as the brides left church and walked through her town. She still has that excitement when she sees brides find their dream dresses at Piera’s Bridal Couture.

Family is the most important thing in the world to Sbrocca, and she is happy to work alongside her granddaughters Piera and Gabriella; her daughter Nella; and her two daughters-in-law, Jill and Marina. Together, they love to welcome each and every bride into the Piera’s Bridal family!

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REAL ESTATE EXCELLENCE SHERA CHRISTENSEN — KELLER WILLIAMS 440 S. MAIN ST., ROCHESTER, MI 48307 | 248-609-8000 | SHERASOLDIT.KW.COM A top-producing Realtor at Keller Williams Paint Creek, Shera Christensen has unmatched expertise and more than 25 years of experience in the real estate industry. She is a leading figure in Macomb and Oakland counties, setting herself apart with her exceptional professionalism.

Christensen started her career in 1999 at the esteemed Value Trends Inc. office in metro Detroit, where she assisted with

high-end cases involving condemnation, taxation, and zoning appeals. She quickly scaled the ranks and became a top sales producer, earning multiple awards year after year.

Christensen is renowned for her philanthropic endeavors as well. She supports The Fallen and Wounded Soldiers Fund, dedicating her time and resources to those who have served our country. She also supports animal-based charities.

With her track record of success and heart of service, Christensen is a trusted and respected expert in the industry.

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THE ITALIAN AMERICAN DREAM THE BELCASTRO FAMILY — DA FRANCESCO’S 49521 VAN DYKE AVE., SHELBY TOWNSHIP, MI 48317 | 586-731-7544 | DAFRANCESCOS.COM With just a little more than a dollar and a dream, one young teenager would embark on a journey that would change his life and the lives of his family for generations to come. With his faith in God, Francesco Belcastro made the courageous journey to Detroit from his hometown in Southern Italy. It was the year 1956, and at just 17 years old, Belcastro learned the valuable lessons of hard 24

work, determination, and keeping the faith. Thirty-four years later, with the help of his son Domenic, Belcastro opened Da Francesco’s as a small, 50-seat restaurant.

No strangers to hard work at this point in life, the fatherson duo always believed in their full potential. Brick by brick, the award-winning Da Francesco’s has blossomed into what many consider a gem in Macomb County and, more importantly, a reminder of how far believing in your dreams can get you.

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THE SHAMROCK PUB JOE AND MOLLY MAYERNIK 7715 AUBURN ROAD, UTICA, MI 48317 | SHAMROCKPUBUTICA.COM A fixture in downtown Utica since 1935, the Shamrock Pub has entered a new phase. On the surface, nothing has changed. But most days now, patrons will see a different face supervising the action.

After tending to the business for 44 years, owner Joe Mayernik has handed over the bar towel to his wife, Molly. A veteran of 28 years at “the Rock” herself, mostly part time, Molly took over the reins of the operation last June, immediately

after retiring from her 25-year career as a kindergarten teacher.

Molly assures everyone that the Shamrock will retain the qualities that have made it Utica’s unofficial “corner bar” for decades: a warm and welcoming atmosphere; a hardworking, friendly, and attentive staff; a fine selection of beer on tap; and its indescribably delicious, “Gotta have one when I come home for the holidays” hamburgers, voted “Macomb’s Best” by Hour Detroit magazine nine years in a row.

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TRANSPORTATION DWIGHT A. FERRELL — SUBURBAN MOBILITY AUTHORITY FOR REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION 535 GRISWOLD ST., SUITE 600, DETROIT, MI 48226 | 866-962-5515 | SMARTMOVESUS.ORG As general manager of the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART), Dwight A. Ferrell is driving the future of transit in Southeast Michigan. With decades of experience in public transportation leadership, Ferrell has spearheaded initiatives to enhance mobility, accessibility, and connectivity for riders across Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties. Under his leadership, SMART has 26

implemented groundbreaking programs such as SMARTer Mobility, expanded microtransit zones, and introduced stateof-the-art vehicles to meet the needs of a diverse and dynamic community.

Committed to fostering equity and inclusion, Ferrell ensures SMART’s services reflect the diversity of its riders while supporting local economic growth. His vision prioritizes innovation and collaboration, delivering solutions that empower residents and strengthen the region’s transit infrastructure.

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WHAT ARE YOU THE FACE OF? To inquire about a Faces of Macomb County profile for your business call 248-268-8026 or visit www.hourdetroit.com/advertise

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