Upper Peninsula Business Today -- December 2024

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PUBLISHER

Sarah Maki • smaki@dailypress.net CIRCULATION

Jennifer Flynn •jflynn@ironmountaindailynews.com

ADVERTISING/EDITORIAL SUBMISSION

Dawn Lapine • dlapine@dailypress.net

Phone: 906-786-2021 ext. 110 / Fax: 906-786-3752 issuu.com/upbusinesstoday

Upper Peninsula Business today is published monthly by the Daily Press, 600 Ludington Street, Escanaba, Michigan 49829. Periodical Postage paid at Escanaba, Michigan 49829, publication No. 022165. “Postmaster” Send address changes to Upper Peninsula Business Today, Escanaba, Michigan 49829

December 2024 • Vol. 36 • Number 12

Gundlach

Transnation Title Agency Celebrates 10 Years of Service in the U.P.

Manistique, MI (October 24, 2024) – Transnation Title Agency, the employee-owned and operated title company, is proud to celebrate its 10th anniversary! Started in October 2014 by Kate Schuetter, Transnation Title has grown from a one-person operation in Manistique to a thriving company serving the

entire Upper Peninsula (UP) and beyond.

“It’s been an incredible journey,” says Kate Schuetter, Owner and Northern Division Manager of Transnation Title Agency. “We started with a vision of providing exceptional service and security for real estate transactions in the UP. Seeing our team grow and the num-

ber of satisfied clients we’ve served has been truly rewarding.”

The Manistique location is currently a staff of 3 full-time employees who are Kate Schuetter, Lisa Sumbera and Rebecca Miron.

A Commitment to Service and Growth

Transnation Title is built on a foundation of employee dedication and teamwork. The company has expanded to include offices in Marquette (opened in 2016), Houghton (opened in 2018), and Escanaba (opened in 2023). With a combined staff of over 15 full-time employees across the UP, Transnation offers exceptional service and local expertise to clients throughout the region.

“We are incredibly proud of our team,” says Schuetter. “They are knowledgeable, dedicated, and always go the extra mile for our clients. Our collaborative culture means that no matter which office you work with, you’ll receive the

same high level of service.”

Looking Ahead: Expansion and Continued Success

Transnation Title’s commitment to excellence has led to closing over 12,000 files since 2014. With recent licensing in Wisconsin, the company is hopeful for continuing growth.

“We are excited about the future,” says Schuetter. “Our main priority is our customers.  We realize that without them, we don’t have jobs.

Providing a seamless, accurate and efficient transaction is what we aim for.  We are very thankful for the Realtors and lenders that continue to send business our way.”

Empowering Consumers to Choose

Many consumers are unaware that they have the option to choose their title company. Transnation Title encourages clients to discuss their options with their real estate agent or lender.

“We want to empower consumers to choose a title company that aligns with their needs,” says Schuetter. “With Transnation Title, you can expect friendly, knowledgeable professionals who are dedicated to making your closing experience positive and efficient.”

Gratitude

Transnation Title Agency would like to express their sincere gratitude to their clients, partners, and dedicated employees for their continued support over the past decade.

Learn More:

• Website: www.transnationtitle.com

• Facebook: Transnation Title Agency MI UP

Contact: Kate Schuetter

Owner & Northern Division Manager

Transnation Title Agency (906) 341-5453

Edwards,

Manager

MI • (906) 452-7004 Fax: (906) 452-6662

Buyers & Procurement Foresters

Veneberg, Munising, MI • (906) 202-1037

West, Traverse City, MI • (906) 630-4918 Randy Oman, Felch, MI • (906) 202-0896 Kollin Long, Florence, WI • (906) 202-0391 Mike McNeill, McMillan, MI • (906) 630-2139

Nominations are in for the

TOP PICKS IN THE

Final Voting 2024

in the 906

Accounting Office

__Fleury & Singler - Iron Mountain

__Kathy Wilkey - Escanaba

__SL&H - Escanaba

__Randy Maleug - Escanaba

__Chapman & Meyers - Marquette

__Lacosse Associates - Ishpeming

Appliance Store

__Pioneer - Escanaba

__Peterson Electric - Norway

__Lowes - Marquette

__Household - Marquette

Assisted Living

__Harbor House - Munising

__Lakeview - Gladstone

Attorney Office

__O Dea Nordeen and Pickens - Marquette

__James Maki - Escanaba

__Cassleman & Henderson - Marquette

ATV Dealer

__Red line - Norway

__Fish & Hunt - Curtis

__Addventure Center - Marquette

Auto Body Shop

__Dave’s Auto Service - Iron Mountain

__Derovins - Escanaba

__Daves Collision Center - Ishpeming

__Edwards Collision - Escanaba

__Rons Auto Body - Munising

__Lindsley - Iron Mountain

__Bartanens - Ishpeming

Auto Repair

__Dave’s Auto Service - Iron Mountain

__Tucks Rapid Rover

__Riverside Chevy - Escanaba

__Muffler Man - Escanaba

__Skips - - Munising

__Era - Norway

__Lemorns - Negaunee

Auto Supply Store

__Auto Value - Isheming

__Auto Value - Munising

__Oreilly - Escanaba

Automotive Detailer

__Riverside Chevy - Escanaba

__Fox - Marquette

__Riverside Ford - Escanaba

__Era - Norway

__Quality Car Care - Marquette

Bait & Tackle Shop

__Bayshore Bait & Hideaway - Gladstone

__Blades Bait & Tackle Kippling

__Gwinn Bait & Tackle - Gwinn

Bakery

__Huron Mountain Bakery - Marquette

__Huron Mountain Bakery - Ishpeming

__Grab & Go - Escanaba

__Dulce Nulla - Iron Mountain

Bank

__First Natl Bank & Trust - Iron Mountain

__Bay Bank - Gladstone

__First Bank - Escanaba

__First Bank - Marquette

__Upper Peninsula State Bank - Escanaba

__Peoples State Bank - Munising

__Range Bank Kingsford

Banquet/Reception Hall

__Holiday Inn - Marquette

__Terrace Bay - Gladstone

__Up North Lodge - Gwinn

__River Rock Lanes - Ishpeming

Bar

__Tavern on Main - Florence WI

__Swallow Inn - Rapid River

__Northern sun Winery - Bark River

__Smarty’s Saloon - Negaunee

__Cheniers - Escanaba

Barber Shop

__The Guys Place - Marquette & Houghton

__Ricks - Iron Mountain

__Man Cave - Marquette

Book Store

__Read my Lips - Marquette

__Snowbound Books - Marquette

__Canterbury Book Store - Escanaba

__Grandpa’s Barn - Copper Harbor

Breakfast

__Jacks - Rapid River

__Holiday Kitchen - Iron Mountain

__Wilson Creek Cafe - Powers

__Sherri’s Diner - Ishpeming

__Drifters - Escanaba

__Early Birds - Munising

__Storheims - Iron Mountain

__Summers Place - Republic

Building Contractor

__Brunette - Gladstone

__Fogaroli Construction - Marquette

__Karls Custom Homes - Marquette

__Wilbur Design & Construct - Marquette

__Dp Construction - Chassell

__Cross General Contractiing - Munising

__Wausau Homes - Marquette

__Dan Perkins - Ishpeming

Bus/Taxi Service

__Checker - Marquette

Upper Peninsula Business Today readers, please cast your vote for the business you think is the Top Pick in the 906!

Winners from each category will be announced in the January edition of UPBT.

Please check one business per category.

__Marq Tran - Marquette

Cabinetry Sales/Installation

__Perks - Escanaba

__Schwalbachs Kitchens - Marquette

__Butchs - Escanaba

Car Wash

__Great North - Escanaba

__Up North - Marquette

__Super Wash - Escanaba

__Bubbs - Ishpeming

Carpet Cleaner

__S&S Carpet Care - Newberry

__All Seasons Carpet Care - Marquette

Chiropractor

__Family Chiropractic - Kingsford

__Turino - Ishpeming

__Fredrick’s - Escanaba

__Palo Maki - Negaunee

Clothing Store

__Lisa Ann Boutique - Escanaba

__Kohls - Marquette

__Getz’s - Marquette

Coffee Shop

__Joe to Go - Escanaba

__Express Coffee - Escanaba

__Moose Jackson Cafe - Iron Mountain

__Biggby Coffee - Marquette

__Gallery - Munising

__Contrast - Marquette

Computer & Technology Services

__Range Telecommunications - Marquette

__Andy’s Computer - Escanaba

__DS Tech - Escanaba

__Orbit - Iron Mountain

__Iron Bay Computer - Marquette

Convenience Store

__Kwik Trip - Iron Mountain

__Massies - Bark River

__Frapps - Escanaba

__Kwik Tripp - Marquette

__581 Little Store - Ishprming

__Sav Mor - Escanaba

Credit Union

__Peninsula Federal Cu - Escanaba

__Tru North Federal Cu - Marquette

__UP State Cu - Escanaba

__Embers - Escanaba

__Marquette Community Cu - Marquette

Customer Service/General

__Grab & Go - Escanaba

__Econo Foods/Tadych’s - Iron Mountain

__Ups Store - Escanaba

__Home Builders Association of the UP

Rippling River - Marquette

__Northern Sun Winery - Bark River

__Old Glory Firearms - Gladstone

__Blades Bait & Tackle - Kippling

Customer Service/Grocery

__Super one - Negaunee

__Walmart - Escanaba

__Elmers - Escanaba

__Tadychs - Iron Mountain

Daycare

__Country School House - Escanaba

__Little Friends Children Center - Negaunee

Decorating Business

__Final Touches - Escanaba

__Mandala Events Design - Marquette

Deli

__Gladstone Deli - Gladstone

__Super One Foods - Iron Mountain

__Super one - Negaunee

__Grab & Go - Escanaba

__Stones - Escanaba

__D&M Subs - Escanaba

__Tadych’s - Iron Mountain

__Meijer - Marquette

Dentist Office

__The John Fornetti Dental Center - Iron Mountain

__Dr Knudson - Escanaba

__Peninsula Family Dentist - Negaunee

__Great Northern - Escanaba

__Dr Uhazie - Escanaba

__Selden - Iron Mountain

__906 Family - Ishpeming

Doctors Office

__Bellin - Escanaba

__OSF - Gladstone

__Bell Family Medical - Ishpeming

__OSF Medical - Escanaba

__Cedar Hill Bark River

__Bellin Health - Iron Mountain

__Monarch Health - Marquette

Drain Cleaning

__Jims Sewer Services and Drain - Dollar Bay

__Ron Hyrkas - Calumet

Electrical Contractor

__B & B Electric - Iron Mountain

__E & K - Escanaba

__Brooks - Iron Mountain

__Cr Meyer - Escanaba

__Billy Electric - Escanaba

__MJ Electric - Iron Mountain

Fast Food Restaurant

__Culvers - Escanaba

__Togo’s Original Sub - Marquette

__Taco Bell - Ishpeming

__Grab Go - Escanaba

__Mcdonalds - Escanaba

__Hardees - Iron Mountain

__Culvers - Marquette

Family Fun Establishment

__Northern Sun Winery - Bark River

__Lakeland - Marquette

__Fun With Friends - Negaunee

Family Style Restaurant

__Jacks - Rapid River

__Wilow Creek Cafe - Powers

__Jeffreys - Marquette

__Big Boy - Marquette

__Stonehouse - Escanaba

__Holiday Kitchen - Iron Mountain

__Buffalo Wild Wings - Marquette

Fine Dining

__Ash’s - Iron Mountain/Spread Eagle WI

__Fresh water Tavern - Gladstone

__Mama Mia’s - Ishpeming

__Elizabeths Chophouse - Marquette

__Laniappe - Marquette

__Stonehouse - Escanaba

__Casa Calabria - Marquette

Fish Fry

__Highland Bark River

__Jacks - Rapid River

__Randville Bar - Iron Mountain

__Stonehouse - Escanaba

__Jerzis 41 Supper Club - Ishpming

__Up North Lodge - Gwinn

__Chatham Pub - Chatham

__Summers Place - Republic

Flooring Store

__Carpet & Drapery - Escanaba

__McCabes - Marquette

__Butchs - Escanaba

__Carpet One - Ishpeming

Florist

__Trotters - Gladstone

__Linnea & Kristine - Iron Mountain

__Wickert Esanaba

__Tadych’s - Iron Mountain

__All Season’s - Ishpeming

Funeral Home

__Skradski - Gladstone

__Erickson, Rochon, & Nash - Iron Mountain

__Crawfords - Escanaba

__Bowerman - Munising

__Nash - Crystal Falls

__Kaskey’s - Negaunee

__Beaulieu - Newberry

__O’Neill-Dennis - Hancock

Furniture Store

__Mike’s Furniture - Norway

__Ashley Furniture - Marquette

__E&E - Escanaba

__Household - Marquette

__Kirkish - Houghton

__Erickson Furniture & Mattress Vault - Ste Marie

__Shunks - Manistique

Gas Station

__Kwik Trip - Iron Mountain

__Kwik Trip - Crossroads

__Carnes - Escanaba

__Meijer - Escanaba

__BP Quinnesec

__Kassels Corner - Negaunee

__Holiday - St Ignace

__The Rez Stop - Lans

Gift Shop

__Linnea & Kristine - Iron Mountain

__Northern Sun Winery - Bark River

__White Maple - Isheming

__Mully & Mo’s - Iron Mountain

__Michigan Fair - Marquette

__Horseshoe Falls Gift shop - Munising

__Treasure City - Manistique

__Red Barn - Rock Autrain

Golf Course

__Gladstone Golf - Gladstone

__Gentzs Homestead - Gwinn

__Highland Bark River

__Red Fox Run - Gwinn

__Wawonwin Country Club - Ishpeming

__Timberstone Golf Course - Iron Mountain

__Pictured Rock’s Golf Course - Munisning

__Wawashkamo Golf Club - Mackinac Island

__Calumet Golf Club - Calumet

Golf Supplies/Repair

__Dunhams - Escanaba

__Meyer Yamaha - Ishpeming

__Down Wind Sports - Marquette

__Center Ice Skate & Sport - Houghton

Greenhouse/Garden Center

Larson’s Pine Creek Green house - Iron Mountain

__Tony’s Green Thumb - Bark River

__Cheniers - Gladstone

__Nagel Kirk - Marquette

__Greniers - Norway

__Spiessls - Ishpeming

__Plesscher - McMillan

__Wymam Nursery - Manistique

Grocery Store

__Superone - Negaunee

Goldie’s Celebrates Store Opening

Schmutzler Earns Real Estate Designation

Nikki Schmutzler, a Realtor with Stephens Real Estate’s Iron Mountain office, recently earned her Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR) designation through the National Association of Realtors’ Center for Realtor Development. The ABR credential is awarded to real estate professionals who successfully complete a series of courses covering various aspects of buyer representation, negotiation strategies, and market trends, as well as fulfill the requirement of practical experience.

Ishpeming, MI – The Lake Superior Community Partnership assisted Goldie’s in celebrating the opening of their business with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at their new downtown location, 212 Cleveland Avenue, Ishpeming, MI 49849. The ceremony took place on Friday, October 25th. Goldie’s, a new vintage boutique, is the dream of sisters Cassandra and Alexa, who have already established themselves in the vintage community by selling unique items at The Better Half in Marquette. Now, they’re bringing their passion to Ishpeming. The store itself is a homage to local history, as the pair discovered that the building they are located in was a business called Goldie’s in the 1950s. Inspired by this piece of history, they decided to revive the name to honor the past and bring their vision to life in a perfect blend of old and new. The boutique will offer a carefully curated selection of vintage home goods, clothing, new artisan pieces, and one-of-a-kind embroidery and screen printing on vintage fabrics. The sisters also plan for the store to serve as a community hub by hosting creative workshops and classes, such as flower-making, sewing, yoga, and crafting sessions. “We are so excited to bring Goldie’s back to downtown Ishpeming and can’t wait to share our love of vintage with the community,” said Cassandra Sturos, Goldie’s Co-owner. “Our vision is to not only sell beautiful items but to create a space where the community can come together for creative and fun events.” For more information, visit their Instagram page: @goldiesish. ~~~~~~~~

“Nikki’s achievement of the ABR designation reflects her commitment to going above and beyond for her clients,” said Ryan Gordon, owner/Broker of Stephens Real Estate. “She has become better equipped to keep up on the issues and trends facing homebuyers.”

“I want to be able to offer the highest standard of service to our community, and I am grateful for the team here at Stephens for encouraging and supporting industry education,” Schmutzler noted.

A lifelong resident of the area, Schmutzler has been in real estate for eight years and is licensed in both Michigan and Wisconsin. In 2023, she handled 17 transactions totaling over $2.5 million in sales. She can be reached at 906396-7808 or at nschmutzler81@gmail.com. ~~~~~~~~

Groom Room and Native Nails Ribbon Cutting Marks the Joint Grand ReOpening of Groom Room and Native Nails Ishpeming, MI. A joint ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrated their new shared location, found at 113 Cleveland Ave, Ishpeming, MI 49849. The businesses welcomed members of the Ishpeming community to experience an expanded range of grooming and beauty services in one convenient location. Amanda Ghanavati, owner of the Groom Room, started her pet grooming business in 2019 as a side project from home. The new location will offer a curated selection of pet accessories, grooming supplies, and natural hygiene products for pets, including specialty shampoos and remedies. Native Nails, under the ownership of Sarah Garver, has proudly served the Ishpeming community for over a decade. Her journey began with the encouragement and support of two community leaders, the late Rosemary Strom and Gary Nelson, who believed in Sarah’s talent and opened doors for her to start her business. Reflecting on the significance of her journey, Sarah shared, “Native Nails is a reflection of my roots and heritage, a place where I feel a deep connection to my community. Rosemary and Gary’s belief in me made this possible, and I am honored to continue serving Ishpeming and sharing my culture with those interested.” As the new joint location opens its doors, Sarah and Amanda look forward to fostering a warm, welcoming space where clients can receive high-quality services and feel at home. Groom Room at (906) 236-4837, Native Nails at (906) 395-1349 .

Nikki Schmutzler

Caruso Is named Store Manager At Erickson Jewelers

IRON MOUNTAIN — Erickson Jewelers has promoted Dawn Caruso to store manager.

Caruso has been with Erickson Jewelers for the past 12 years. Her promotion reflects her exceptional service and extensive knowledge in the jewelry industry, the store’s owners, Randy and Sherri Erickson, said in a news release.

Caruso has a degree from Northern Michigan University in art and design with a concentration in jewelry and metals and is also a certified applied jewelry professional from the Gemological Institute of America.

“Dawn has been an invaluable member of our team for over a decade,” Randy Erickson said. “Her passion for jewelry and her commitment to the craftsmanship and artistry behind each piece have always been evident.”

Sherri Erickson added, “What stands out most about Dawn is her genuine care for our customers. She takes the time to listen, understand their needs, and make each experience special. As store manager, she will continue to build strong relationships and ensure that everyone who walks through our doors feels like part of the Erickson Jewelers family.”

“I am truly honored to take on this role at Erickson Jewelers,” Caruso said. “It’s been an incredible 12 years, and I’m excited

to continue working with such a talented team, as we offer our customers the highest level of service and exquisite jewelry.”

Erickson Jewelers is at 511 S. Stephenson Ave. in downtown Iron Mountain. For more information, call 906-828-1307 or go to the website at www. ericksonjewelers.com.

~~~~~~~~

Budget Host Inn

Hosts Chamber

Ribbon Cutting

Iron Mountain, MI (October 24, 2024)-

Recently Budget Host Inn decided to join forces with the Dickinson Area Chamber of Commerce and hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate. The family recently purchased the Inn and moved to Iron Mountain to manage it.

Budget Host Inn offers direct snowmobile access with ample trailer parking in their newly refreshed parking lot. Close to Lake Antoine, Bay College and many other recreational attractions, they are only minutes away from great dining and shopping.

The rooms offer kitchen units with full sized appliances, microwave and coffee maker. Sleeper sofas in the living areas are offered with two queen beds.

At Budget Host Inn, a traveler enjoys consistently high standards at budget rates, plus the bonus of warm hospitality, which is predominantly associated with family-owned and operated inns.

Budget Host Inn is located at N1585 N. Stephenson Ave in Iron Mountain and can be reached by calling 906-774-6797 or you may visit them online at budgethostironmountain.com ~~~~~~~~

Dickinson County

Title Hosts Chamber

Ribbon Cutting IIron Mountain, MI (October 25, 2024)Recently Dickinson County Title decided to join forces with the Dickinson Area Chamber of Commerce and hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate.

Scott and Jessica Zeuske opened Dickinson County Title in September 2024. Scott is a seasoned title insurance professional with over two decades of industry experience. They moved to Iron Mountain in 2003 and Scott has spent 21 years dedicating his career to client relationships in Dickinson County and the surrounding area.

The experienced team at Dickinson County Title has over 85 years of combined experience and are able to assist you with residential and commercial real estate transactions, as well as title searches and 1031 Exchanges.

As a proud family-owned and locally operated title insurance business, the Zeuske’s and their team members are dedicated to supporting and enriching the lives around them. Family values are at the core of everything they do. Whether it’s through client relationships, involvement in local events or supporting local initiatives, they are dedicated to making a positive impact. They serve Dickinson, Iron & Menominee counties in Michigan and Florence and Marinette counties in Wisconsin.

Dedication. Community. Trust. It’s the DCT Way! Dickinson County Title may be reached by calling 906-779-9187 or by visiting them at 1040 Carpenter Avenue in Iron Mountain. They may also be found online at www.dctitleim.com

Dawn Caruso

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