Marjorie Saulson of Vibrant Vocal Power

The Royal Oak Chamber now has its own app!  From the app, you can view Chamber events, meet other members, view the marketing tools available to your business, and even join the Chamber!   President Shelly Kemp and Chairman of the Board Michael Pesendorfer join us today to discuss.

Download the app on Apple or Android by searching for Your City App!

The Chamber has also partnered with member Tiffany Wisnieski of Twiz Creative for a new social media campaign.  You can hear our interview with Tiffany from a previous episode here: https://roccpod.simplecast.com/episodes/twiz-creative

Be sure to connect with the Chamber on:

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/royaloakchamber

Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/royaloakchamber

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/royaloakchamber/

Michael talks about networking being a "contact" sport, and the Chamber offers so many online and offline opportunities to connect with several business owners.  Not only will you find customers, you're likely to become one, to our members.

We also spend time clearing up some misconceptions about the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce.  It is for anyone who wants to do business in and around Royal Oak, but you do not have to live or work in Royal Oak.  It's open to anyone, regardless of location.  Also, the Chamber is a 501c6 organization.   While it frequently collaborates with the City of Royal Oak, the DDA, and more, it is its own independent entity, not affiliated with any government organization.

We have a number of events on the horizon.  The Summer Concert Series was wildly sucessful in its new home at Centennial Commons in 2023, and that momentum will only build this year.   We've also got an event with Brian Calley of the Small Business Association of Michigan on the horizon, and plenty more to come!

Learn more about the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce: https://www.royaloakchamber.com/

Connect with our hosts:

Jon Gay from JAG in Detroit Podcasts - http://www.jagindetroit.com/

Lisa Bibbee from Keller Williams - http://soldbylisab.com/

To kick off Season 3 of the ROCC Pod, we welcome Jennifer McCallum from Firefly Pet Photography.  Jennifer shares her journey from being a third-level sommelier to a passionate pet photographer. She emphasizes her love for animals, detailing her extensive experience in animal rescue and fostering.

Jennifer's transition into pet photography stemmed from her realization that she could make a greater impact through her business. She highlights the importance of capturing the bond between pets and their owners, a unique aspect of her photography. Jennifer is open to photographing a variety of animals (just not spiders), preferring outdoor settings to showcase Michigan's beauty.

Jennifer outlines her process, from initial consultations to the photo session itself. She stresses the importance of making both pets and owners comfortable and capturing their natural personalities. Her approach includes using leashes but editing them out, and providing guidance on wardrobe choices to ensure clients and their pets stand out in the photos.

Jennifer also talks about her "Pupdate" emails, which inform subscribers about dog-friendly events and opportunities to support animal rescues. She shares her experience with book projects, including "Tails of Childhood: Woof Upon a Time," which raises funds for the Humane Society of Macomb. This project captures the special relationship between children and their pets.

We learn about Jennifer's personal project, "Pure Michigan Pups," inspired by Michigan's diverse landscapes. She aims to photograph dogs in various settings across the state, from the Silver Lake Sand Dunes to the blue ice of Mackinac City. Jennifer's passion for capturing the essence of pets in Michigan's natural beauty is evident.

Firefly on Instgram: https://www.instagram.com/fireflypetphotography

Firefly website (email sign up at bottom): https://fireflypetphotography.com/

Tails of Childhood book: https://fireflypetphotography.com/tails-of-childhood/

Shelter in Home book: https://checkout.square.site/merchant/VNG0RC30FY6VM/checkout/5F4V4XI4UMDR4LGZ6YWC3D4K

Learn more about the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce: https://www.royaloakchamber.com/

Connect with our hosts:

Jon Gay from JAG in Detroit Podcasts - http://www.jagindetroit.com/

Lisa Bibbee from Keller Williams - http://soldbylisab.com/

In this episode of the ROCC Pod, we welcome Kayla Lopez from Good Business. Kayla, a seasoned corporate executive turned consultant, shares her journey and insights into the world of consulting, emphasizing her diverse experience in various industries such as mortgage, banking, automotive, manufacturing, healthcare, and food service.

Kayla begins by defines consulting as providing expert advice for compensation. She reflects on her career progression, highlighting her rapid promotions and the breadth of experience gained across different sectors. Kayla credits her initial foray into the food service industry, where she developed crucial problem-solving skills and resilience, as foundational to her success. We all agree there's value in working in food service or retail!

Transitioning into consulting, Kayla recounts how her career evolved from offering informal advice to peers to formally advising leaders and companies. She emphasizes her focus on strategic development and project planning, aiming to balance performance and employee success. Kayla's approach to consulting involves ensuring leadership buy-in and fostering a culture open to change.

Consultants bring a higher level of expertise and perspective compared to full-time employees. She notes the importance of consultants in providing objective insights and facilitating change. Kayla also shares her experiences working with both for-profit and nonprofit organizations, highlighting the unique challenges and rewards of each sector.

Outside of work, Kayla enjoys cooking, exploring Royal Oak, and engaging in arts and music. Originally from Los Angeles, she appreciates the vibrant community she has found in Royal Oak. She also gives a special mention to her two cats, Mila and Bean.

Connect with Kayla on her website: https://www.goodb.work/

Learn more about the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce: https://www.royaloakchamber.com/

Connect with our hosts:

Jon Gay from JAG in Detroit Podcasts - http://www.jagindetroit.com/

Lisa Bibbee from Keller Williams - http://soldbylisab.com/

In our latest episode of the ROCC Pod, we dive into the world of fitness and entrepreneurship with Erin Szaroleta and Moe Ashley from Home Turf Gym. We start with the common January fitness surge, with many of us feeling the aftermath of holiday indulgence. Erin shares her journey from a collegiate athlete to finding balance in her fitness and diet post-college. She emphasizes the importance of adapting workout routines to fit a busy adult life.

Moe, on the other hand, recounts her experience as a trainer who didn't practice what he preached. Her transformation involved hiring a trainer, venturing into bodybuilding, and making significant lifestyle changes. This journey led her to a healthier path and enabled him to better connect with his clients.

We then explore the concept of cutting out toxic relationships for mental and physical health. Both Erin and Moe stress the importance of surrounding oneself with people who inspire growth and betterment.

Erin and Moe met as trainers at a family-owned gym and bonded over a shared dream of owning a gym. Post-pandemic, they took the leap, overcoming fears and embracing the challenges of entrepreneurship. Moe had harbored this dream for over 25 years, and Erin, despite initial reluctance, joined in to make this dream a reality.

Their gym focuses on strength training, which they believe is central to fitness. They offer both one-on-one and small group training, emphasizing the importance of form and technique. Nutrition counseling is also a key part of their services, as they advocate for adding healthy choices rather than just cutting out the bad.

Erin and Moe discuss their core values, including ownership, consistency, simplicity, and self-awareness. They emphasize the importance of setting realistic fitness goals and integrating them into one's lifestyle. This approach is about making sustainable changes rather than drastic, short-term fixes.

When asked about a day they'd like to relive, Moe chooses the gym's grand opening, a culmination of a long-held dream. Erin picks the day they signed the lease for the gym, marking the start of their entrepreneurial journey.

Home Turf Gym Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hometurfgym

Home Turf Gym Website: https://www.hometurfgym.com/

Learn more about the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce: https://www.royaloakchamber.com/

Connect with our hosts:

Jon Gay from JAG in Detroit Podcasts - http://www.jagindetroit.com/

Lisa Bibbee from Keller Williams - http://soldbylisab.com/

Today's guest is Marjorie Saulson from Vibrant Vocal Power. Marjorie, a communication confidence coach, shares her insights on overcoming the fear of public speaking and effective communication strategies.

Marjorie defines public speaking as any form of communication beyond self-talk. She identifies the emotional fears associated with public speaking, highlighting criticism, rejection, and failure as the primary concerns. We delve into practical strategies for reducing nerves and fear in public speaking. Marjorie advises preparing well, focusing on the message rather than its delivery, and viewing speaking opportunities as a chance to offer a valuable gift to the audience. She emphasizes the importance of breathing deeply to maintain calm and suggests using vocal variety and strategic pauses to enhance speech delivery.

Marjorie also discusses the impact of voice tone and the power of pauses in communication. She provides useful tips for improving voice quality and highlights the significance of vocal variety and strategic pauses in enhancing the impact of a message.

Resources:

Marjorie's free toolkit for podcast listeners: https://vibrantvocalpower.com/interview

Marjorie's website: https://vibrantvocalpower.com/

Book an appointment with Marjorie: https://bookwithmarjorie.com/

Learn more about the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce: https://www.royaloakchamber.com/

Connect with our hosts:

Jon Gay from JAG in Detroit Podcasts - http://www.jagindetroit.com/

Lisa Bibbee from Keller Williams - http://soldbylisab.com/

Joel Chinsky's journey in the world of technology began in the late 80s when his father worked for a company that allowed him to work from home, making them one of the few families to own a home computer at the time. Joel fell in love with technology, spending hours playing games and learning basic programming. This early exposure ignited his passion for technology and set him on a path of exploration and discovery.

Joel’s curiosity and determination led him to build his first home computer, a project that took him six days to complete. This experience of problem-solving and overcoming challenges laid the foundation for his future career in technology.

After working for various large companies, Joel realized that he wanted to do more for businesses and himself. He observed a lack of progress and a short-sighted approach to technology in many organizations. This realization prompted him to start JDC Tek in 2007, with a vision to provide high-quality solutions and elevate the standards in the industry.

In the rapidly evolving world of technology, education is crucial. Joel understands the importance of staying up-to-date with the latest advancements and sharing that knowledge with his clients. Through continuous learning and participation in security and IT peer groups, Joel and his team stay informed about industry trends and best practices.

By focusing on the needs of his clients and providing them with valuable information through newsletters, social media posts, and direct emails, Joel ensures that they are well-informed and equipped to make the best decisions for their businesses. His approach is rooted in transparency and a genuine desire to help his clients succeed.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a topic that has garnered significant attention in recent years. While its potential is vast, there are also concerns about its impact. Joel acknowledges that AI will undoubtedly have an impact on various industries, but the extent of that impact is still uncertain.

Joel believes that AI can be a powerful tool when used ethically and responsibly. It can automate processes, improve efficiency, and enhance user experiences. However, it is essential to remain vigilant and address the potential risks associated with AI, such as data privacy and security concerns.

In today’s digital landscape, cybersecurity is a critical concern for businesses of all sizes. Unfortunately, many companies ignore security concerns until they are forced to deal with them. Joel emphasizes the need for organizations to take cybersecurity seriously and comply with regulations such as HIPAA and PCI.

Joel highlights the importance of implementing best practices, such as using unique passwords for each site and service, and utilizing password managers to enhance security. He also mentions the FTC safeguard rule, which applies to a wide range of businesses and requires compliance to protect sensitive data.

Beyond his passion for technology, Joel also values the joys of life outside the digital realm. He and his family love road trips and exploring the beauty of Michigan in all seasons. Joel’s love for planning and discovering new places allows him to create memorable experiences for his family.

Links:

BitWarden app Joel mentioned: https://bitwarden.com/

JDC Tek Website: https://jdctek.com/

Phone: 248-494-7253

Email: Joel@jdctek.com

Connect with our hosts:

Trish Carruth from The Personal Jeweler - https://www.thepersonaljeweler.com/

Jon Gay from JAG in Detroit Podcasts - http://www.jagindetroit.com/

Lisa Bibbee from Keller Williams - http://soldbylisab.com/

Learn more about the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce: https://www.royaloakchamber.com/

Connect with our hosts:

Jon Gay from JAG in Detroit Podcasts - http://www.jagindetroit.com/

Lisa Bibbee from Keller Williams - http://soldbylisab.com/

Jon Gay and Lisa Bibbee welcome Joe Haney, the President of AssuredPartners of Michigan, one of our state's leading workplace insurance providers. 

We start by acknowledging the importance of mental health support in the workplace. Joe discusses the significance of employee assistance programs (EAP) in addressing the mental health challenges that emerged, especially during and after COVID-19.

The discussion delves into the changing dynamics of workplace culture in the wake of the pandemic. Joe highlights the importance of fostering a balance between remote work and in-person interactions, which helps create a positive workplace culture and improves employee well-being.

The conversation transitions to healthcare coverage trends, with a focus on telemedicine, preventative care, and wellness programs. Joe emphasizes the benefits of telemedicine and the convenience it provides. The conversation also touches on the importance of proactive healthcare measures to reduce costs and improve employee well-being.

Joe also talks about the role of comprehensive benefits in attracting and retaining top talent in a competitive job market. He stresses the importance of offering diverse benefits, such as life insurance, and understanding the value they bring to employees.

The discussion also addresses the significance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace. Joe highlights that a diverse and inclusive company not only performs better but also creates a more welcoming and supportive environment for all employees.

Finally, our fishbowl question of the day lands us on the game of Monopoly - and Lisa provides some history you probably didn't know.   Do not pass go.  Do not collect $200.

Reach Assured Partners at 586-323-5700 or assuredpartners.com.

Connect with our hosts:

Trish Carruth from The Personal Jeweler - https://www.thepersonaljeweler.com/

Jon Gay from JAG in Detroit Podcasts - http://www.jagindetroit.com/

Lisa Bibbee from Keller Williams - http://soldbylisab.com/

Learn more about the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce: https://www.royaloakchamber.com/

Connect with our hosts:

Jon Gay from JAG in Detroit Podcasts - http://www.jagindetroit.com/

Lisa Bibbee from Keller Williams - http://soldbylisab.com/

Just in time for Thanksgiving, we are visiting with new Chamber member Jannie Teitelbaum from Great Lakes Pot Pies.

She was semi-retired and was experimenting with healthy bars, when she brough a pie to a Women's event.  She was told "this should be your business." Jannie's business took off from there, with her pies gaining popularity at the Royal Oak Farmer's Market, which played a crucial role in expanding her customer base and necessitating more staff and kitchen time.

We touch complexities of entering the food business, particularly the legal aspects. Jannie credits the MSU Product Center for providing invaluable guidance and resources, likening it to having a private consultant. This support was instrumental in navigating the challenges of starting and growing her business.

Jannie's pie varieties have evolved over time, starting with large pies and expanding to personal sizes and hand pies. She caters to various dietary needs, including gluten-free and vegetarian options. Her most popular flavors include the classic chicken pot pie and, currently,  a unique Thanksgiving-themed pie, which you HAVE to hear her describe.

We also talk about the pivotal moment of opening her storefront in Clawson. Jannie had outgrown her space in a commercial kitchen and decided to take the leap into establishing a physical store. This move was a significant step, supported by her steady sales and customer base.  And she had to do some math before taking the plunge!

Jannie emphasizes the importance of seeking advice, doing thorough research, and being resilient in the face of skepticism. 

Listeners can find all flavors of Jannie's Great Lakes Pot Pies at her Clawson store, offering nationwide shipping. The chicken pot pie is what you'll find in local grocery stores' freezer sections, from Fresh Thyme to Meijer. 

More:

Website:https://greatlakespotpies.com/

Phone: 248-266-1160

Address: 809 West 14 Mile Road, Clawson (Next to Chicken Shack and Barry's Bagels

Connect with our hosts:

Trish Carruth from The Personal Jeweler - https://www.thepersonaljeweler.com/

Jon Gay from JAG in Detroit Podcasts - http://www.jagindetroit.com/

Lisa Bibbee from Keller Williams - http://soldbylisab.com/

Learn more about the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce: https://www.royaloakchamber.com/

Connect with our hosts:

Jon Gay from JAG in Detroit Podcasts - http://www.jagindetroit.com/

Lisa Bibbee from Keller Williams - http://soldbylisab.com/

Dustin Ryan Walker from Ross Mortgage joins us today. Dustin's insights into the current housing market shed light on the factors affecting housing prices and inventory shortages. The pandemic, work shortages in shipping, and a growing population have all contributed to the current situation. The idea of a housing bubble or collapse is dispelled, and we touch on the impact of factors like Airbnb and the growth of wealth among property investors.

Did you know there's a "do not call list" for solicitors that get your information and call you as soon as you inquire about a mortgage?  There's an effort to outlaw this practice, but for now, Dustin tells us how to opt out.

The conversation then delves into different mortgage options, including USDA loans with 0% down for first-time homeowners and VA loans. Dustin emphasizes the importance of choosing the right lender and building a strong team, including a reliable realtor.

Dustin's explanation of the "household blended rate" highlights how it considers various factors in a mortgage decision.

In their spare time, Dustin enjoys tending to his home, gardening, and golfing, while Lisa thrives in helping clients find their dream homes.

To reach Dustin, find him online at https://www.rossmortgage.com/dustin-ryan-walker/ or call his cell, which he gives at the end of the podcast.

Connect with our hosts:

Trish Carruth from The Personal Jeweler - https://www.thepersonaljeweler.com/

Jon Gay from JAG in Detroit Podcasts - http://www.jagindetroit.com/

Lisa Bibbee from Keller Williams - http://soldbylisab.com/

Learn more about the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce: https://www.royaloakchamber.com/

Connect with our hosts:

Jon Gay from JAG in Detroit Podcasts - http://www.jagindetroit.com/

Lisa Bibbee from Keller Williams - http://soldbylisab.com/

In this episode of The ROCC Pod presented by the Royal Oak Michigan Chamber of Commerce, we welcome Andrea Hicks, a local insurance agent specializing in Medicare. Andrea clarifies the intricacies of Medicare enrollment and the importance of understanding the difference between annual enrollment and open enrollment periods. She emphasizes the significance of having an independent agent to navigate the complex world of Medicare plans and ensure that individuals receive the right coverage tailored to their needs.

The conversation delves into the distinction between advantage plans and supplemental plans, with Andrea simplifying the jargon for a clearer understanding. She highlights that the choice between these plans depends on individual circumstances and health needs, explaining that the government has a way of ensuring everyone pays for their healthcare one way or another.

Then, Andrea shares her extensive involvement in the community, volunteering in various organizations and offering assistance to seniors and those in need of insurance guidance.

Listeners interested in Medicare guidance can contact Andrea Hicks for personalized assistance at 248-733-3959. Or by email: andrea-hicks@outlook.com.

Connect with our hosts:

Trish Carruth from The Personal Jeweler - https://www.thepersonaljeweler.com/

Jon Gay from JAG in Detroit Podcasts - http://www.jagindetroit.com/

Lisa Bibbee from Keller Williams - http://soldbylisab.com/

Learn more about the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce: https://www.royaloakchamber.com/

Connect with our hosts:

Jon Gay from JAG in Detroit Podcasts - http://www.jagindetroit.com/

Lisa Bibbee from Keller Williams - http://soldbylisab.com/