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Chris Buck
Michigan Reimagined tells the stories of people and organizations who are driving Michigan’s economic sustainability. Chris believes that Michigan residents often lead with an apology for the shortcomings of this fabulous state, and he thinks that is unnecessary. Every city has its perks and problems. Instead of complaining about what we don’t have, healthier behavior is finding those doing great work and giving them a platform to share their results. Whether it’s new restaurants, housing stock, talent retention, transportation innovation, tourism, development incentives, placemaking or arts – this state is full of passionate people in action. Hear their stories in 15 minute, deep-dive interviews on Michigan Reimagined.
Ep. 319: Michigan Creative CEO Launches Imposter Syndrome Book & Community
Small business owners are highlighted on the show regularly. Most have found a path to sanity and success and we discuss what they’ve learned and share their secrets. Joining Chris is Owner & CEO of Michigan Creative, Brian Town, who has published a book, and a subsequent community of sorts,to share his learnings!
30:2020/11/2024
Ep. 318: Red Bike Delivery Puts A New Spin On Delivered Goods Throughout Lansing
Food delivery has been a thing for a long time, and the advent of national brands like GrubHub, DoorDash and UberEats flourished during the pandemic. In this episode, we have a guest that has a unique spin on Delivery in greater Lansing - the Founder of Red Bike Delivery, Jeremy Hurt!
19:0913/11/2024
Ep. 317: Maner Costerisan Gives Back During Maner Cares Day of Impact
Many companies have philanthropic endeavors, and Maner Consterisan in mid-Michigan certainly does their part. Joining Chris to discuss how Maner functions as a successful business - and how they give back - is Maner Costerisan Principal, Sarah Jennings!
19:2306/11/2024
Ep. 316: Attorney Mike Murshak Assists Businesses With Intellectual Property - Patents, Copyrights & Trademarks
We discuss entrepreneurship and small business development regularly on this show. One area I’ve never covered is intellectual property. Inventors and innovators need to protect their inventions and processes. Joining Chris to share how that all works is Senior Attorney from Foster Swift Collins & Smith PC, Mr. Mikhail Murshak!
31:5128/10/2024
Ep. 315: Local Remodeling Company Spearheads New Homeowner Education Program
Whether you’re moving into a new home, or deciding you want to stay where you are but make some improvements, home ownership can be a complicated endeavor. Joining Chris to discuss a new program where homeowners can learn tips and tricks on how to turn your house into a home is the Marketing Manager for Custom Built Design and Remodeling, Isabelle Braeutigam!
26:3622/10/2024
Ep. 314: Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) Deploys the TREK Small Business Support Hub
The Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) recently introduced the TREK Small Business Support Hub. This comprehensive resource center is designed to support small businesses and entrepreneurs in Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham Counties. Joining Chris to explain the program is their Vice President of Small Business and Innovation, Harrison Leffel-Jones!
20:5915/10/2024
Ep. 313: Chris Silker of Keller Williams-Advantage in Team Explains the Current Housing Trends
Purchasing a home is probably the most thrilling and frightening thing a person does in their lifetime. Understanding the process, trends, tricks and traps is intimidating so selecting a great realtor is critical. Someone Chris has gotten to know and trust is Chris Silker, from Keller Williams - Advantage in Team, and he is here to teach us some of what he knows!
27:4208/10/2024
Ep. 312: Waggoner Financial Shares Their Robust Planning Process
Accumulating and managing wealth is - and should be - an extremely complex strategic process. Going it alone is not recommended if you have goals you want to achieve. Joining Chris to share how to create a comprehensive wealth creation and management plan are members of the Waggoner Financial team, President Kiley Eory, Director of Investment & Planning Ankit Jalan, and Financial Advisor Associate Jordan Bowman.
28:2001/10/2024
Ep. 311: University Research Corridor Creates Collaboration To Grow R&D in Michigan
Michigan’s University Research Corridor is a leading national academic research cluster: fostering talent, academic research and economic revitalization in the state, and is created by an alliance of Michigan’s three leading research institutions - Michigan State, University of Michigan, and Wayne State University. Joining Chris to discuss the work of the URC is its Executive Director, Dr. Britany Affolter-Caine!
27:2424/09/2024
Ep. 310: Local Author Allison Spooner Launches Newest Book
Allison Spooner is an author who writes emotional fiction with a hint of sarcasm. She joins Chris to share her journey as a writer and her new forthcoming book titled: The Things We Cannot Change: A Story About The Ghosts Created by Addiction
21:2017/09/2024
Ep. 309: The Fledge Announces Urbandale Farm Acquisition and New Offerings
We've had Jerry Norris from The Fledge in Lansing on the show a number of times, but in this episode we get to discuss a new endeavor which will greatly expand the educational opportunities of those engaged at the Fledge, the purchase of Urbandale Farms. Jerry is back to discuss this bold new step!
18:4810/09/2024
Ep. 308: Michigan College Access Network Targets Post Secondary Education at 60% by 2030
There is a lot of discussion about talent attraction and workforce preparation these days. Fortunately we have groups like the Michigan College Access Network, or MCAN, who are contributing in a big way. Joining Chris to discuss MCAN’s work is their Executive Director, Ryan Fewins-Bliss!
28:2503/09/2024
Ep. 307: Samantha Harkins & Jennifer Estill Team Up on Talent Attraction in Michigan
Michigan has doubled-down on inbound population growth and accelerating talent development in an effort to attract & retain businesses and drive the state’s overall vibrancy. Joining Chris to share the story of a passionate Mid-Michigan based effort are the Founder and CEO of Hundred Place Consulting, Samanth Harkins, and the Principle & Creative Director of Redhead Creative Consultancy, Jennifer Estill!
24:5927/08/2024
Ep. 306: Waggoner Financial Discusses Their RFED Model and Investment Process
Whether you’re an individual or a business owner, having a sound investment strategy is critical when it comes to meeting your financial goals - whatever they may be. Joining to discuss their proprietary stock selection strategy, called RFED, are members of the Waggoner Financial team - Founder, Eric Waggoner, Junior Portfolio Manager, Shanzer Khan, and Financial Planning Assistant, Mark Hu!
36:4820/08/2024
Ep. 305: Start Garden Launches 6th Annual Pitch Competition
Entrepreneurship is a difficult path, but there are fantastic resources to help the process. Start Garden helps start-ups through its pitch competitions and co-working space located in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids. Joining Chris to share the story of Start Garden, and their upcoming installment of The 100 Pitch Competition is their Director of Community Relations, Laurie Supinski!
22:5313/08/2024
Ep. 304: Return to Office - A Furniture Company’s Updated Perspective
There’s been a lot of prognostication and chatter about return to office protocols as the pandemic fades further away. Joining Chris to give us an updated perspective from the Office Furniture industry is the Vice President of Sales for MarxModa, Brian Johnson!
24:0706/08/2024
Ep. 303: Michigan’s Outdoor Recreation Industry Drives National Momentum
For those of us who live here, Michigan is a wonderful place to get outdoors. Whether it’s the great lakes, skiing, hiking or ice fishing, we have plenty to feed our adventurous spirit. But did you know Michigan has a robust outdoor INDUSTRY business ecosystem? Joining Chris to share the efforts of Michigan’s Outdoor Recreation Industry Office is their Executive Director, Brad Garmon!
28:4131/07/2024
Ep. 302: The Amalgamation Project Returns, Highlighting the Michigan Music Scene
Music festivals - highlighting multiple artists at a single event - are all the rage. Lansing’s college radio station Impact 89FM referred to the last installment of the show we’re about to discuss as “A collection of talent sought to destroy the boundaries of genre, to make a new statement on the beauty of local music, and to testify to the joy and benefits of artistic collaboration.” That intrigued Crhis enough to discuss the upcoming Amalgamation Project II with drummer and show promoter, Bryan Knickerbocker!
21:4123/07/2024
Ep. 301: Lansing Community College Celebrates African American Contributions
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion have grown beyond human resources buzzwords and into major directional changes for business, non-profits, and higher education. Lansing Community College has announced and soon will unveil a formal and impressive nod to the Changemakers and Trailblazer of Mid-Michigan. Joining Chris to share the story is LCC Foundation Executive Director Cathy Zell, and LCC President, Steve Robinson!
21:5116/07/2024
Ep. 300: Endurium Provides Full Circle Business Solutions
We talk quite a bit here on Michigan Reimagined about small and medium business support. It’s tough to find harder working and more passionate people than business owners, yet many spin their wheels and struggle to get the returns they feel they deserve. Joining Chris to discuss the services provided by Endurium Advisors are its Founding Partner, Eric Gerdes and their Automation Architect, Matt Downs!
32:0709/07/2024
Ep. 299: TriTerra Assists New Development With Environmental Services
There are several what I would call behind-the-scenes industries when it comes to the revitalization of Michigan. One is environmental consulting. One Lansing-area firm has been growing and winning awards. Joining Chris to share the story of TriTerra is the Director of Economic Development, Dave VanHaaren!
24:3102/07/2024
Ep. 298: Güd Marketing Supports Organizations That Create Strong, Healthy Communities
Building your company’s brand to drive new business & awareness is one of the most important things an organization can do. If you’re not good at doing this yourself, you hire an expert. Joining Chris to share the story and the services of Güd Marketing in Old Town Lansing is its Principal and President, Debbie Horak and the Strategic Planning Director, Jill Holden!
23:2825/06/2024
Ep. 297: Calvin University Partners with Educators and Students to Address Lagging Test Scores
Michigan has deployed a tremendous amount of resources to change the world's narrative of Michigan for the better. One area of our state resources that has come under fire is the quality of our K-12 education system. Joining Chris to share some statistics, and what’s being done to make Michigan a more credible developer of talent, is the Program Director for the School of Education at Calvin University, Erek Kooyman!
27:5218/06/2024
Ep. 296: Sleepwalker Brewery Provides Unique Flavor to Lansing’s REO Town
The US microbrewery revolution is nearly 30 years old now, and Michigan is a nationally renowned “beer state”. Chris loves the experiences and the opportunities to hear the backstory of these artisans. Joining Chris to share the story of Sleepwalker Brewing in Lansing’s REO Town is Owner and Brewer, Jeremy Sprague!
23:3111/06/2024
Ep. 295: Stephen McGee To Launch Resurgo, a 20-Year Detroit Film Project
Chris loves getting to meet fantastic people and companies throughout Michigan, especially those who advocate for the Michigan brand. This episode's guest is a perfect example of Michigan passion. Joining Chris is photographer and emmy-award winning filmmaker Mr. Stephen McGee!
31:1604/06/2024
Ep. 294: Exit Factor Helps Business Owners Increase Their Company’s Value
Business Owners are often too engrossed in operating their business to deliberately drive the value of their company up as they prepare to exit. Joining Chris to explain the offerings of an outsourced service called Exit Factor, are Exit Strategists Jessica Starks and Tom Donaldson!
25:1928/05/2024
Ep. 293: Local Remodeling Company Earns Top 50 Companies to Watch
Each year the Michigan Celebrates Small Business organization - or MCSB - publishes their “Michigan Top 50 Companies to Watch”. Custom Built Design & Remodeling of Okemos was selected for one of the coveted positions from a state-wide pool of candidates. Joining Chris to discuss what makes Custom Built a special small business is Owner, CEO, and Visionary Michael Flory!
26:5621/05/2024
Ep. 292: Dégagé Ministries Provides Services to the Unhoused and Impoverished in Grand Rapids
Dégagé Ministries provides Emergency, Empowerment, and Engagement services to people experiencing homelessness or poverty in Grand Rapids. Joining Chris to discuss the services provided by Dégagé and a new housing program is its Executive Director Thelma Ensink!
19:1515/05/2024
Ep. 291: MSU Foundation Hosts First Fintech Cohort
Spartan Innovations is committed to assisting technology start-ups here in Michigan. Joining Chris to share the story of a recent cohort and why it’s important is the Director of Venture Programming, Tom Stewart!
20:4207/05/2024
Ep. 290: Kinetix IT Solutions Business Offers Unique Scholarship Opportunities
Businesses today rely on technology more and more, and there are many outsourced IT firms assisting businesses large and small. Joining Chris to discuss the services provided - and a unique scholarship program - by Kinetix are its Director of Marketing, Jeremy Johnson and Director of Technology, Mike Warmbier!
23:1730/04/2024
Ep. 289: The Davies Project Hosts annual Max's Race Fundraiser
There are many non-profits out there delivering services to people who need it, and many host fundraising events to keep their mission moving forward. Joining Chris to share the story of the Davies Project, and their upcoming installment of Max’s Race is the Executive Director Pam Miklavcic as well as other members of her team!
22:4323/04/2024
Ep. 288: Strike Out Baseball Lansing - Project Update
In July 2021 we introduced a concept being discussed called Strikeout Baseball. Three years - and lots of hard work later - the team is back to give us a status update. Joining Chris to discuss an exciting concept planned for our region is the Founder of Strikeout Baseball Jeff Lazaros, President Jeff Burke, Community Ambassador & Board Member Ashlee Willis, and Major League Baseball Hall-of-Famer John Smoltz!
32:1716/04/2024
Ep. 287: MCM Communities Manufactures Unique Solution To Housing Shortage
Today we have a returning guest where we’ll dive deeper into the prospect of owning a new home in this time of limited availability and challenged affordability. Joining Chris to talk about his company’s process for home ownership is the Founder and Owner of MCM Communities, Amin C. Khoury!
20:1209/04/2024
Ep. 286: LEPFA Reinvests in Downtown Lansing Event Spaces
Most cities have community gathering places like convention centers, ballparks, festivals. Did you ever wonder how they’re operated and managed? Joining to discuss the work of the Lansing Entertainment & Public Facilities Authority is President and CEO, Scott Keith!
17:4402/04/2024
Ep. 285: The Importance of Housing for Economic Growth (part 2)
Affordable housing is crucial for attracting and retaining a growing workforce, yet affordability is declining nationwide. Joining Chris to discuss part two of this housing conversation is an impressive panel of experts - including the President of TA Forsberg, Brent Forsberg, the Chief Operating Officer for LEAP, Keith Lambert, the Secretary Treasurer at the Michigan Laborers District Council, Alex Zurek, and Vice President of Investor Relations, Mike Ibarra!
35:1726/03/2024
Ep. 284: The Importance of Housing for Economic Growth (part 1)
Affordable housing is crucial for attracting and retaining a growing workforce, yet affordability is declining nationwide. Michigan is taking action to address this challenge. Joining Chris to talk about the state's first-ever statewide housing plan - in a TWO-PART SERIES - are the President of TA Forsberg, Brent Forsberg, the Chief Operating Officer for LEAP, Keith Lambert, the Secretary Treasurer at the Michigan Laborers District Council, Alex Zurek, and the Vice President of Investor Relations, Mike Ibarra!
33:4919/03/2024
Ep. 283: Capital City Film Festival Returns for 2024
We’re on the cusp of the newest season of the award winning Capital City Film Festival! Joining Chris to share this year’s details as we know them at this time are Festival Director Emma Selby, Co-Program Director Jason Gabriel and Board of Director Member & Secretary Samantha Le!
20:4112/03/2024
Ep. 282: Justine Bell Starts Own Firm - Wins Athena Award
It’s refreshing to meet young business people taking risks, finding success and winning awards. Today, we get to meet a local success story - the Principal of BeneGuides, Justine Bell!
24:3705/03/2024
Ep. 281: Trade Network Refines The Barter System
The concept of bartering - exchanging goods & services with another person without using money - has been around for centuries. Joining Chris to share a modern and structured bartering system is the CEO of Trade Network, Evan Kay!
19:1427/02/2024
Ep. 280: TechSmith Thrives to New Heights and to a New Space
Chris loves to highlight significant regional employers - especially brands you may have heard of but don’t really know what they fully do. Joining Chris to share her story is the CEO of TechSmith, Wendy Hamilton!
16:3121/02/2024
Ep. 279: EATRAN to Resume Connector Service, Expands Mobility for Residents
Efficient public transportation and connecting communities is a must if you want to have a vibrant community. Joining Chris to share the story of - and some new services by - the Eaton County Transportation Authority are EATRAN Board Chair and County Commissioner, Terrance Augustine, and the CEO of CATA and Executive Director of EATRAN, Brad Funkhouser!
25:2813/02/2024
Ep. 278: The Lansing Promise Continues to Deliver
Many would say that nothing is more important to the sustainability of a community than the ability to prepare your residents for the jobs available. The Lansing Promise Foundation is a local organization that truly puts its mission where its mouth is. Joining Chris to teach us more about the Lansing Promise is Executive Director, Justin Sheehan!
25:3406/02/2024
Ep. 277: Hospitality Training Institute of MI Launches New Curriculum
The hospitality industry employs a huge number of people and, like any industry, they require training and support. Joining Chris to discuss the work of the Hospitality Training Institute of Michigan is President and CEO, Justin Winslow, and VP of Marketing and Membership Strategy, Emily Daunt!
24:1630/01/2024
Ep. 276: Retail & Restaurant Real Estate Update Post-Covid
Everyone is engaged when it comes to retail shops and restaurants. They tend to drive the fun of a community. Joining Chris to give an update on the retail and restaurant markets are the Retail Advisors for Martin Commercial Properties, Carson Patten and Samantha Le!
23:0123/01/2024
Ep. 275: MCM Communities Manufactures Unique Solution To Housing Shortage
Housing has been a hot topic of late…not enough and too expensive. Joining Chris to talk about a fresh approach to community development and the way houses are manufactured, is the Founder and Owner of MCM Communities, Amin Khoury!
24:2416/01/2024
Ep. 274: Small Business Owner Assists Employers and Job Seekers
Simply put, companies are made up of their people. Production of the product, sales & revenue, administration and management - it’s all people! Joining Chris to discuss services and deliver tips and strategies to employers, and job seekers alike, is the Owner of DS Employment Services, Daniel Shinaver!
18:3209/01/2024
Ep. 273: Local Small Business Owner Now Serves As EOS Implementer
Being a small business owner may be one of the greatest challenges out there. A program called EOS - the Entrepreneur Operating System - is a structured program with many followers, and it appears to bring organization and peace to these owners. Joining Chris to explain what EOS is, and how the use of an Implementer helps, is Mike Maddox of EOS Worldwide.
20:2502/01/2024
Ep. 272: Local Food Truck Owner Evolves to Brick & Mortar
Restaurant ownership is probably one of the most challenging career choices one can make, but a select few find their niche and fight the good fight to success. Joining Chris to share his evolving journey is the CEO and Founder of Tantay, Jose Aste!
17:4626/12/2023
Ep. 271: State Deploys Funding For Entrepreneurial Hubs
Governor Whitmer announced recently that 27 organizations around the state will be funded & serve as entrepreneurial hubs, providing comprehensive resources and support to small businesses. One of those organizations is LEAP - the Lansing Economic Area Partnership. Joining Chris to explain the program is their Chief Equity and Development Officer, Tony Willis, and the Executive Director of the Lansing Regional SmartZone, Harrison Leffel-Jones!
22:3019/12/2023
Ep. 270: Waggoner Financial Provides Thought Leadership on Economy
Trying to track the economy in a post covid world is complex; nothing seems certain or logical. Luckily, we have some professionals who live in this space and share their research. Joining Chris to discuss all this and more is the Managing Partner for Waggoner Financial, Eric Waggoner!
22:0312/12/2023