Vic Verchereau welcomes Chris Shepler, who is the President of Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry Service.

The Shepler’s motto is specific and meaningful – give the best possible service with a smile, use modern equipment and employ a well-trained staff. From the early charter boat days to today, Shepler’s approach to transporting people to Mackinac Island has been one of class and value. You may have ridden the ferry boats to the Island, but do you know the whole story of how the company was founded and how they survived throughout the years?

Meet the organization's President, Chris Shepler and join us on this edition of the Leadership Lowdown to hear the engaging and thorough picture of how a family-owned business developed, overcame challenges and interacted with the rich context of the northern Michigan tourism industry. It is a very rare story of a three-generation family-owned and family-operated business that has had to fight for survival for 70 years. Fierce competition from other ferry lines, treacherous weather conditions, costly maintenance on passenger and freight vessels, changing governmental regulations and depressed economic conditions in the State of Michigan are but a few of the challenges the Sheplers have faced over the years.  Join Vic Verchereau on this voyage across the Mackinac Straits to hear all about the leadership challenges this iconic Michigan family has faced.

» Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/
» Subscribe to MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN
» Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork
» Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/
» MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/

Leadership Lowdown | Chris Shepler - The Shepler Traditions

Jasey Cordeta drops off his latest single entitled "Family Business" featuring Dipset Capo Jim Jones hosted by Trap-A-Holics!

JASEY CORDETA - FAMILY BUSINESS FT. JIM JONES

Family Business (Concrete Boys)

Many family-owned businesses struggle with managing growth and family dynamics. To get some insights into how to successfully navigate that process, Welsh & Associates CEO Sheri Welsh talks with Michelle Timmerman, Vice President and General Manager of Grand Rapids-based Direct Supply Inc. This episode is sponsored by the Family Business Alliance.

The Welsh Wire features professional recruiting expert Sheri Welsh and moderator Mike Rogers. Listen in as leaders from a wide array of small to mid-size west Michigan companies weigh in and share their experiences and insights on a variety of business topics, including employee retention challenges and recruitment success stories.

SBAM Weekly Podcast

The Welsh Wire: Managing Business Growth and Family Dynamics ft. Michelle Timmerman

The College Dropout

Kanye West Slow Jamz/Breathe In Breathe Out/Family Business TCD Mix

Jeffrey Mosher welcomed three guests promoting an upcoming anchor event set for September 23rd, and tied into a Six-Day-Project.

Business owners and business leaders looking to make a significant impact on their companies, families and communities are invited to a special event, Anchored, on September 23 in Detroit.

This free event supports the Detroit nonprofit, Life Remodeled.
With me today are:
· Michael Fencil: Host of the event/ Mercury Sound & Lighting, Wixom, MI,
Michael will talk about the event in beginning and end on how to register.
· Chris Lambert: Founder/CEO of Life Remodeled, Detroit, MI, 
Chris will talk about the non-profit Life Remodeled. a Detroit-based nonprofit dedicated to city-wide transformation through neighborhood revitalization.
· Dr. Tom Deans: Keynote speaker/Author of the all-time best-selling family business book, Every Family’s Business, listed by The New York Times as one of the top ten books
 business owners should read, Orangeville, Ontario, Canada,
He also wrote another international best-seller, Willing Wisdom and his third book, The Happy Inheritor.
Dr. Deans will give us a preview for his planned remarks.
QUESTIONS:
The special FREE one-time event is being held September 23 in Detroit for business owners and business leaders.
 The purpose is to support Life Remodeled, a nonprofit in Detroit and also provide inspiration for business professionals' growth. There will be 3 keynote speakers and author Dr. Deans who is with us is one of the speakers.
To MICHAEL FENCIL, representing Mercury Sound & Lighting who is hosting the event.
· Michael, tell us about this special event and who should come?
· What should business owners and business leaders have a couple reasons to attend?
Tell us about them.
· Why is it being held?
To CHRIS LAMBERT/Founder & CEO of Life Remodeled
· Chris, for those who are unfamiliar with Life Remodeled, tell us about your mission and what you do?
· I understand you have a special event coming up on the day of this event called the Six Day Project from September 23-28. What is the event about?
JEFFREY/transition
· There will be Three Key Note Speakers:
Michael Komara: will unpack the key principles from his book, Unlimited Upside,
detailing his seven F’s that can help make your personal life and professional life soar!
Mark Ostach, who is from Clarkston: Mark just released The Walk Forward Journal, written with his wife. Ostach will show how movement and journaling can ignite the reflection needed for emotional healing and spiritual growth. The practices he will discuss can positively impact not just you, but your family, your community and your business.
AND Dr. Tom Deans.
· DR. DEANS, there’s a lot to running a family business. I understand you will talk about one the most challenging questions a family business owner and their family will face about money, the business and the estate. Please give us a reader’s digest version.
· Why is it a message every business owner needs to hear?
JEFFREY: WRAP UP
Great information about a special event set to be held
Monday, September 23, 4:00-7:00 pm
Durfee Innovation Society
2470 Collingwood Street Detroit
· Michael, how can people register to attend this free event?
MICHAEL:
Event registration
OR
Mercury Sounds & Lighting: 734-507-1177, michael@mercurysl.com

Michigan Business Beat | All About Anchored Business Event Supporting LIFE REMODELED Sept. 23rd

Pete Walsh is a Master Coach and trusted advisor with 30 years of family business experience. He uses humor, compassion, and tough love to guide family business and executive clients. Author of "Coach to Win the Leadership Game," Pete has coached many successful small and mid-sized family businesses across the U.S. Through the Family Business Performance Center, he helps families build stronger relationships and sustainable businesses. His Peak Workout Business Coaching transforms leaders to transform their organizations.

In this podcast you will learn:

- Discover how genuinely caring about your team can enhance leadership effectiveness and foster trust within your organization.
- Learn techniques for truly listening to and understanding your team members' needs, leading to improved collaboration and morale.
- Get practical advice on setting boundaries and maintaining a healthy work-life balance to prevent burnout and enhance personal fulfillment.
- Explore strategies for riding the unpredictable waves of business challenges and staying motivated through setbacks.
- Understand the importance of sleep hygiene and personal well-being in sustaining high energy levels and peak performance.
- Find out how being open and authentic with your team can strengthen connections and improve leadership impact.
- Gain insights from actionable advice and practical exercises to drive success in both family-run and personal ventures.

Connect with Pete here:
https://www.familybusinessperformance.com 
https://www.peakcoach.com

How to Transform Your Family Business: Strategies for Authentic Leadership and Lasting Growth

How to Transform Your Family Business with Pete Walsh | Ep 244 Thrive Radio

What do you do when you cannot agree, as a hashtag#familybusiness? Especially if that is about agreeing to get help?

This was a wonderful, vulnerable Strategy Café discussion with the incredible Mairi Mickel and Martin Stellar, looking at this conundrum from the family's perspective, the adviser's perspective and as a coach to the adviser.

Amazing, you get three different views of the same problem here with some really rich ideas and solutions. Recommended for family's in business and family business advisers alike.

Strategy Café: Mairi Mickel and Martin Stellar: How do families in business start to make changes when they can’t agree?

Hey Fuller House Fans,

Angela Bowen here, the host of Oh Mylanta Holy Chalupas: An Unofficial Full House Fuller House Podcast.

Today, I covered S5E2: Hale's Kitchen, which aired on December 6, 2019.

In this episode DJ and Steve take a cooking class. Meanwhile, Stephanie has a hard time keeping a promise to Max. Ramona falls for the cute food delivery guy.

I thought this was such a fun episode, we get to meet Ethan, such a sweetie who falls for Ramona, and Stephanie and Max bonding time when she brings the Renaissance fair to Max when she can't take him to the actual one, due to her taking care of baby Danielle. DJ super got on my nerves and annoyed me this episode, her competitiveness was next level to the point where I think even Steve had had enough of her.

and also I covered S5E3: Family Business, in this episode, Jackson accidentally sends a bad post to Ramona's new boyfriend from her phone, Fernando has a crisis at the start of the Formula One Season after his retirement, Max is trying to do his first high dive.

Let me correct this Jackson/Ethan/Ramona plot. Ramona accidently likes one of Ethan's old Instagram pics on her phone and now she thinks Ethan is going to find her a bit on the stalkerish side for scrolling through and liking his old IG posts. Jackson makes matters worse by commenting on it.

Honestly Ethan is just confused that she liked one of his childhood photos and then unliked it, which sent him a notification. He's a totally super chill dude.

The start of the family buying Uncle Monty's Sub Sandwich Imporium.

Season 5 has honestly gotta be one of my favorite Seasons of the show. It's so fun to see how everyone has evolved since Season 1. So much has happened in that time.

I hope you all enjoy the podcast episodes and have a great weekend!

Fuller House: S5E2: Hale's Kitchen & S5E3: Family Business

Fascia’s Chocolates president Carmen Romeo has a sweet job.
“I still have a vision that until everybody has had a piece of Fascia’s Chocolates, then my job's not done,” Romeo told the CBIA BizCast.
But Romeo wasn’t always in the chocolate business.
As an engineer, Romeo spent the first part of his career working for different manufacturing companies in different parts of the country.
In 1995, he met his wife Louise, the daughter of John and Helen Fascia, the founders of Fascia’s Chocolates.
“When you marry into the family, you learn quickly about the business,” Romeo said.
Fascia’s has been part of the Waterbury community for 60 years, ever since John Fascia started the business in his basement when Helen was pregnant with Louise.
“He just wanted to make a little extra money,” Romeo said.
“He would go to New York and buy nuts—literally, big bags of nuts—and re-bag them and sell them to his coworkers.
“And somebody finally said, ‘You should put chocolate with those.’”
Fourteen years later, the business outgrew the basement and moved into its first retail store, even though John Fascia was still working full-time as an electronic technician.
“When they finally went all in in 1985 it was a risk, but they had enough of a following that they were able to stay and grow,” Romeo said.
Things changed in 2008, when the Fascias were notified that their lease was ending.
“They’re forced to move without a retirement plan,” Romeo said. “And that was really when it was a little bit of crisis mode.”
At the same time, the company Romeo was working for was moving and he didn’t want to move with it.
“So I convinced my wife that we should be in the chocolate business,” he said.
Romeo said it wasn’t always easy, but they were able to slowly rebuild.
That rebuilding process began with the product itself, still made the old fashioned way.
“The product is as pure as it’s ever been, and as long as I’m around, we’ll stay that way,” he said.
Romeo’s main goal early on was getting the company more well known.
Romeo said they began doing events, like chocolate lessons teaching people about making truffles or pairing classes. 
“We then focused on, not only making and selling chocolate, but what we call experiencing your chocolate,” Romeo said.
He said that helped them buy the building they are in today, setting themselves up for future growth.
Romeo said the company has evolved to focus on retail, tourism, and an expanding wholesale market.
You can now find the company’s chocolates in 135 locations—and counting.
The company also offers custom orders for businesses, including using company logos to create molded chocolates for branded boxes.
“It comes down to the product itself,” Romeo said. “If I can get it into people’s mouths, it usually does the job.”
Romeo said that it’s not always easy to do business in Connecticut, but he’s motivated to keep it going as a testament to his in-laws and the legacy they created.
“I want to be able to live on the business,” he said. “I want to be able to say it was successful.
“But the legacy from my in laws—it’s the family name, and I don’t ever forget that. It’s the family name.”
And Romeo said he hopes that legacy will continue with the next generation.
His son has joined the family business as wholesale manager.
In the end, Romeo said the goal is to keep creating memories for their customers.
“When a mother comes in with her daughter and says, ‘I had Fascia’s at my wedding as a favor, now my daughter is going to have it as a favor,’ there’s nothing more gratifying than that,” he said.
“That’s the legacy that we want to continue.”

Related Links
Fascia’s Chocolates
Website: https://faschoc.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fascia's-chocolate's/
Carmen Romeo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmenromeo/

CBIA
Website: https://www.cbia.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cbia/

Fascia’s Chocolates’ Sweet Legacy

Hey everybody, this is Pete Worrell from Bigelow, and I'd like to welcome you to this episode of the Positive Enterprise Value Podcast. In this podcast we interview seasoned, successful, high-performing Entrepreneur Owner-Managers (EOMs), people who own and lead significant enterprises in a variety of domains and niches across the country.
Have you ever noticed that some private enterprises successfully transitioned through evolutions and revolutions in leadership, management and even ownership?  Some ending up with a terrific new majority owner, the EOM moving gracefully into the next interesting and rewarding chapter in their lives, surrounded by friends with their positive legacy intact, and their independence powered or fueled by the fortune they just realized. While others’ outcomes look more like a train wreck. Is it luck or is it more than luck? We think it's more than luck.
In this episode I have the fun of interviewing Michael Kiolbassa. Michael and I have known each other for almost 10 years. He is the CEO of Kiolbassa Provision Company (link: https://kiolbassa.com/) in San Antonio, TX where they're celebrating their 75th year in business. It was Michael's grandfather and then his father, who shepherded the business, which was largely a fresh meat slaughtering house until Michael came along. And now, of course, it is widely known as one of the highest quality sausage and provision companies in the country.

Michael talks us through when he joined the business. Some of the challenges he had both in the business and with his family (Michael’s father and uncle had owned the business until then, so Michale had both his own immediate family as well as cousins in the business.) He shares some of his hopes and dreams to become a national business and some of the adversity he encountered along the way.
Michael is extremely articulate and candid and vulnerable about some of the challenges, failures and learnings; I know you will love this episode because I surely did.  Without further ado, join me in listening to Michael Kiolbassa.

Your Ego Is NOT Your AMIGO

Professor Mat Hughes interviews Ryan Chute, the Wizard of Ads, about his journey from his family's furniture business to becoming his own entrepreneur as a leading strategic marketer and the Wizard of Ads. We talk about his formative experience in the family business, the pivotal moments in his journey, and what makes a good entrepreneur and a good manager.

From Family Business to Entrepreneur

Originally Uploaded December 16th, reloaded January 18th
For Media Business Episode 81:
Tony Conley has a three-part conversation welcoming M2N2 Insurance Billing owners (CEO) Melissa and (COO) John Newman share their journey from military & pharmacy to medical billing, prioritize work-life balance for their 45 employees & navigate healthcare costs, while aiming to grow the business

Questions included:
Their background, leading up to their current business?

John, if you had to, could you fly a helicopter right now?

So Melissa, you've got a pretty strong background when you decide to start the business. Tell us about the humble beginnings if you will cuz now you have 45 employees.

John, discuss challenges?

And Mel, you're a mom. You know exactly what that's like. It seems like you guys could be a role model for a lot of other businesses thinking about things like that?

Compliance issues?

Melissa, what's it like running a small business in the state of Michigan? Is it easy? Is it tough? And you know, to piggyback on that, what could the state do to help folks like you?

So, John, when you talk about benefits, that could be a costly proposition, especially for 45 people. How do you guys make it work?

So, we just completed an election cycle and heard a lot about small business business and how small businesses between who you listen to 40 and 50% they employ 40 to 50% of the people in the United States. And what I wanted to know and either one of you can answer this. It seems like there's a lot of rules and regulations that kind of keep small businesses from growing and from doing bigger and better things. Talk a little bit about that if you will?

Melissa, the toughest part of running a small business is?

John. I know you both very well. Melissa is like me, a very emotional, competitive person. John is like some of my friends, a little bit more laidback, but very comp Ive also although it's inwardly. So how does this working dynamic with someone you go home with every night? How's that work?

Anything to add to that, Melissa?

Have you ever thought of firing your COO?

I want both of you to answer this, John. So, what's next for the business, (Melissa)?

This podcast interview features Melissa and John Newman, a married couple who are the CEO and COO, respectively, of M2N2 Insurance Billing. They discuss the founding and growth of their medical billing company, including the challenges of managing a business, employing mostly women, and providing competitive benefits. The Newmans also share their personal and professional backgrounds, highlighting their unique paths to entrepreneurship. The interview touches on the difficulties of running a small business in Michigan, specifically rising healthcare costs and the impact of government regulations. Finally, they express their hopes for continued growth and employee retention.

» Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/
» Watch MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN
» Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork
» Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/
» MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/

Media Business | Melissa & John Newman | How Media Deals with Evolving Business Pursuits

Commercial Banking SVP Doug McClure offers a pulse-check of Midwest business: stability should carry into 2025, with modest growth potential. Challenges remain interest rates, hiring, and tariffs, as businesses focus on retention and look to AI for productivity. Agile smaller businesses may actually see a bump in 2025, with tax cuts playing a role.

02/27/2025: Doug McClure - How regional businesses are facing 2025

In this episode, Sarah interviews Stephen and Olivia, a father-daughter duo who own Tippi Toes Cape Coral. Stephen brings years of experience from the world of corporate retail, offering strategic business insight. Olivia, driven by her deep love for dance and working with children, brings the heart and creative spark to their venture. Together, they’re building a business that not only thrives but is also bringing joy to countless young dancers. 

Episode 18: Franchise Owner Experience with Stephen Moore and Olivia Zacarius

Jeffrey Mosher welcomed Butch and Niki Irwin, the father-daughter team behind the Comfort Keepers of Southeast Michigan and Northwest Ohio.
He had several questions for them in this interview just ahead of Fathers Day:
The Origin Story: "Butch, your pitch mentions your grandfather as a key inspiration. Can you tell us more about that memory and how it shaped your understanding of care and led you into this field?"
Father-Daughter Dynamic: "Niki, how has working with your father, Butch, influenced your professional path? What are the unique strengths each of you brings to running Comfort Keepers as a father-daughter team?"
Defining "Care": "Your pitch states you're 'redefining what it means to care.' In your own words, what does that mean to you, and how does Comfort Keepers of Southeast Michigan and Northwest Ohio embody that philosophy?"
Clinical vs. Personal: "You emphasize a 'clinically informed, deeply personal approach.' Can you give us an example of how those two elements come together in the care you provide?"
Building a Legacy: "Butch, as a multi-generational business, what does 'building a legacy' mean to you in the context of senior care? What hopes do you have for the future of Comfort Keepers?"
Challenges and Triumphs: "What have been some of the most significant challenges and, conversely, the most rewarding triumphs you've experienced in nearly a decade of running this business?"
Community Impact: "How do you see your presence impacting the communities of Monroe and Brooklyn, Michigan, and Perrysburg, Ohio? Are there specific needs you address in these areas?"
The Caregiving Industry: "From your perspective, what are the most pressing issues facing the senior care industry today, and how is Comfort Keepers adapting or leading the way?"
Family Involvement: "Beyond the two of you, how have other family members become involved, and what roles do they play in the operation?"
Future Vision: "What's next for Comfort Keepers of Southeast Michigan and Northwest Ohio? Do you have plans for further expansion or new service offerings?"

» Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/
» Subscribe to MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN
» Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork
» Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/
» MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/

Comfort Keepers is a leading provider of in-home, non-medical care for seniors and other adults in need of assistance with daily activities.
Our highly trained and dedicated caregivers can help your loved one stay in the comfort of their home for as long as safely possible - a dream come true for many elders.

We understand the struggle family members face when a loved one needs extra assistance in their home.

We’re here to help. Our caregivers alleviate this stress by providing professional in-home care services with a personal touch.

Our Mission: Our goal is to enrich the lives of our clients while maintaining their safety, well-being, and comfort as they continue to live independently at home despite disease and other age-related conditions.

Our Team: Our caregivers, or our Comfort Keepers, are carefully selected, screened, and trained to provide professional, compassion assistance. Through our unique approach called Interactive Caregiving™, our caregivers build true friendships with their clients in order to fulfill their emotional and social needs.



Michigan Business Beat | Butch and Niki Irwin, Comfort Keepers of SE Michigan & NW Ohio

30 Years Old

Twitter  - @DeltaSigDox
IG - @RyanChrisey

The Home of Business in Michigan. Get on-demand access to audio programs, articles and resources presented by savvy business leaders and industry experts.

Personal, unscripted interviews with high-performing Entrepreneurs from both for-profit and not-for-profit enterprises.

This is a podcast where I discuss the many adventures of the spunky and sweet Punky Brewster, so grab your mismatched shoes and hold on to your pigtails and join me your host Angela Bowen, as we go through all 88 episodes of the beloved 80's sitcom.

Some of Associated Bank's most well-respected financial leaders offer their analysis of current events in the financial world. You won't want to miss these conversations. From discussing local commercial real estate to assessing national and global economic trends to dissecting political implications on the banking industry – anything is fair game.

This podcast is dedicated to the 80's television show sitcom The Wonder Years.
A Grown Kevin Arnold recalls his days growing up in the tumultuous times of the late 60s and early 70s. In this podcast I pick out my favorite episodes of each season and review them. So join me your host Angela Bowen as I take a trip back in time to the hippie movement, the Vietnam War, the Beatles and so much more. So don your bellbottom pants, power up that lava lamp and crank up some Beach Boys and join me as I take us back to The Wonder Years.

The Welsh Wire - Where Talent & Business Connect in West Michigan

The Welsh Wire features moderator Mike Rogers and professional recruiting expert Sheri Welsh in this weekly podcast. Listen in as leaders from a wide array of small to mid-size West Michigan companies weigh in and share their experiences and insights on a variety of business topics including employee retention challenges and recruitment success stories. For more information, visit www.welshandassociates.net.

We help businesses with shared vision, strategy and implementation, and engaging passion with new purpose.

A podcast for the business-minded in Connecticut. Interviews consist of business and community leaders who are shaping the future of Connecticut’s economy. The CBIA BizCast provides new content every other week, introduces members of the business community, and tells stories about how businesses are innovating and growing in Connecticut!

BizCast provides new content every other week, introduces members of CBIA staff, and tells stories about how businesses are innovating and growing in Connecticut!

Professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation.
Listed as one of the Top 25 UK Innovation Podcasts by Feedspot: https://blog.feedspot.com/uk_innovation_podcasts/

Podcast dedicated to the entrepreneurial journey, achieving success in all areas of life. Interviews that provide innovative business and life strategy to do the impossible!  Aimee is digital marketer, million dollar business owner and a strategic intervention life coach. www.acalltothrive.com

New tracks tagged #family business