royal oak

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/

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/

It was so good I had to make it a two parter!

The Lost Pint Project was kind enough to share his thoughts with me on the inspiration behind his fantasic Instagram account and the current state of play in the UK pub scene.

You can follow him here 
https://www.instagram.com/thelostpintproject/?hl=en

All the important links

• Instagram - @booze_house_tales
• Email boozehousetales@gmail.com
• ko-fi.com/boozehousetales
• YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@boozehousetales
• Support the Show - https://www.buzzsprout.com/645019/support

This week on That's Business our special guest is Tiffany Wisnieski. Tiffany founded Twiz Creative, a marketing agency that helps businesses connect with their ideal clients. With experience working with brands like Chevrolet, Cadillac, Travelocity, and the Detroit Lions, Tiffany now leads the Business Women’s Network as president of the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce, working towards building inclusive communities for entrepreneurs.

Discover how Tiffany started her own business and landed a diverse range of clients by listening to the full episode now!\

Website: https://www.twizcreative.com/

Warning: Some episodes contain explicit language. Please proceed with caution.

On this episode of the ROCC Pod, presented by the Royal Oak Michigan Chamber of Commerce, we have a special guest, Chef Dewayne Gordon from Gus's Fried Chicken, located at the corner of 13 and Woodward. 

Chef Dewayne shares his inspiring journey from a career in IT to becoming a chef. His passion for serving people and cooking led him to work his way up from washing dishes to becoming a chef at Peas and Carrots Hospitality. When the restaurant he was at closed for remodeling, he transitioned to Gus's Fried Chicken, where he now serves as the catering and marketing director.

But what makes Gus's Fried Chicken truly special is its rich history. Chef Dewayne tells the heartwarming story of how the recipe for their famous fried chicken was developed by Napoleon Vanderbilt, affectionately known as Na, and his wife in the racially charged mid-1960s South. The community's love for Na's chicken led to the whole town donating building materials for him to open his first restaurant, which eventually became Gus's Fried Chicken.

The accolades for Gus's Fried Chicken are numerous, including a heartfelt love letter from GQ Magazine, naming it the best fried chicken in the world. They've also won prestigious awards at the National Fried Chicken Festival in New Orleans, a city known for its exceptional cuisine.

Chef Dewayne highlights the various locations of Gus's in Michigan and the extensive catering services they offer. Beyond the mouthwatering fried chicken, their sides, such as sweet collard greens, savory baked beans, and cheesy mac and cheese, add to the Southern dining experience. He also mentions other Southern classics like fried okra and fried green tomatoes, as well as their famous fried pickles.

Outside of work, Chef Dewayne enjoys an active lifestyle, including mountain biking, kayaking, and wake surfing. He also dedicates his time to a ministry that corresponds with incarcerated individuals, helping them overcome addiction.

Gus's Fried Chicken Website: https://gusfriedchicken.com/

Chef Dewayne can be reached via email at dgordon@peasandcarrotshospitality.com for catering inquiries.

You can also learn more about his ministry at https://www.ootmcministries.org/

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/

 Carolyn Elliot, Director of HR Advisory Solutions at HR Pro, delves into the various challenges that employers have faced in the last six months. The discussion revolves around the complexities of HR management and how to navigate them effectively.

Carolyn shares her valuable insights on how to establish a strong foundation for HR compliance, which includes understanding the legal requirements and regulations that govern the workplace. She emphasizes the importance of knowing your team and their unique needs, as well as engaging outside vendors and support to ensure that HR processes run smoothly.

The conversation also touches on the significance of inclusivity and diversity in the workplace, and how it can positively impact the overall success of an organization. Carolyn stresses the importance of creating a culture of inclusivity and diversity, where employees feel valued and respected for their differences.

More about HR Pro: https://www.hrpro.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/

This week we go back to a place near and dear to us - Scapa Flow - for the story of the Royal Navy battleship HMS Royal Oak.

Sources:

Gorbahn, Katja. "Perpetrators, victims, heroes – the Second World War and National
Socialism in Danish history magazines." Commercialised History: Popular History Magazines in Europe.

"Korvettenkapitän Günther Prien." uboat.net. https://uboat.net/men/prien.htm

Mason, Geoffrey B. "HMS Royal Oak, British battleship, WW2."
Service Histories of Royal Navy Warships in World War 2. 2008. http://www.naval-history.net/xGM-Chrono-01BB-Royal%20Oak.htm

Ritzel, Fred. "Das kann doch einen Seemann nicht erschüttern! Über ein Lied aus der Zeit des Kriegsanfangs, seine mediale Präsentation und seine Nachwirkungen." Lied und populäre Kultur, 2014, pp. 143 - 169. 

Today, we are joined by the women of Monarch Coaching, specialists in the space of transformational leadership.   Taylor Miller and Erika Rivera start with their fascinating backstories.   Taylor went from entry-level retail employee to store manager and leadership coach.    Erika, a native of Colombia, lived in South Korea for several years before coming to the United States.

The two quickly hit it off when working together in the corporate world here in Michigan.  When Taylor asked Erika to help her start their own company, Erika says it was a "no brainer."

We spend a lot of time in today's episode talking about leadership and emotional intelligence, or EQ.  Unlike IQ, EQ can be worked on and honed.   But you have to be open to it.   And when it comes to leadership - it's less about the leader and more about the people in their charge.    Taylor and Erika explain.

At Monarch, they want to take their high level leadership training from the corportate world and bring that knowledge to small and medium sized business leaders who want to grow and improve.

More:

Monarch Coaching Co Website: https://www.monarchcoachingco.com/

Monarch Coaching Email:hello@monarchcoachingco.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/

Fortunately, the world of mental health care is becoming less taboo.  However, its till remains extremely difficult to navigate in our current health care system.  Our guest today is Anton Babushkin, founder and CEO of Start My Wellness, a company designed to help simplify the mental health care process.

Start My Wellness offers resources for clients, no matter where they are in their mental health journey.  Some may know what kind of service they need - others may be starting from the very beginning and still figuring it out.

On the provider side, Start My Wellness helps service providers navigate their side of their health care system, and connect them with potential clients and patients.

Anton shares how his life experience led him to getting into this field as a therapist himself, and how he started the company.  He was originally in Troy, but moved to Ferndale last year, and has really enjoyed his new home, as well as getting to know the folks in the Royal Oak Chamber.

During COVID,  he traded salsa dancing for tennis, which is where you'll often find him when he's not working.

More:

Start My Wellness Phone Number: 248 514 4955

Start My Wellness Website: https://startmywellness.com/

Start My Wellness YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/@startmywellness3155

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/

Patricia “Trish” Carruth is a third-generation jeweler, custom engagement ring specialist and owner of Your Personal Jeweler in Royal Oak, MI. Her exposure to the industry began as a young child in her grandfather’s jewelry pawn shop. There, Trish developed a fascination with engagement and wedding jewelry, and the stories that brought these pieces to the business. “I actually wanted to be a wedding planner throughout college … but then I planned my own wedding …,” she laughs. The first jeweler to design the Black in Jewelry Coalition’s Together by Design Award, Trish’s path is one of talent, resiliency and opportunity. Tune in to the Season 3 finale of the For the Love of Jewelers podcast for a heartwarming discussion about family, commitment and the passion to design.

Today, we learn about, quite literally, a hidden gem in Royal Oak.  Habatat Detroit is the country's oldest art gallery dedicated exclusively to glass work.  And their pieces are stunning.

Our guest today is art consultant Regina Loutzinger.   She tells us how she came to join the gallery, and how it married her passion for art with her sales background.

We talk about several of the featured artists at the galleries, and the background for their work.  Regina talks about how folks, when they come to the gallery are blown away (pun intended) by the pieces, and can't believe they didn't know about Habatat.

Regina tells us about several featured events, including this month's featured artists, auctions, and the  Not Grandma's Glass competition, featuring edgier pieces that Grandma isn't likely to put on display.

Habatat is open to the public from 11:00am -5:00pm Wednesday through Saturday, and private tours can be arranged.

Habatat Detroit Fine Art

4400 Fernlee Ave
Royal Oak, MI 48073

Email: info@habatat.com
Phone: 248-554-0590
 

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/

Stealing drinks from expensive clubs. Smashing glasses in your favorite bar. Getting a gun pulled on you. Clubs that don’t open until 4am. Public parks that aren’t owned by the city. You heard the rise now watch the fall. 

Fletcher on Instagram 

Season 1 on YouTube  

What brought so many metalheads to Brooklyn? Who’s painting all this graffiti? Are a dozen punk scenes too many punk scenes for one city? Why do people from Atlanta do so much cocaine? 

Fletcher on Instagram 

Season 1 on YouTube 

Where does your allegiance lie? In the lofts and warehouses of the DIY scene or the dark, horny rooms of the  indie club nights? Hear from a man who swings both ways. 

Fletcher on Instagram  

Season 1 on YouTube  

Today, Lisa and Jon are joined by Dan Fischer, the President and CEO of Citizens State Bank on Woodward Avenue.  Dan came to the bank in September of 2020 after an illustrious career with financial institutions of all different sizes.  However, he now prefers to be at a smaller bank, where he can build relationships with small business owners and other members of the Greater Royal Oak Community.   Their business comes from referrals, and they want to get to know their customers and their businesses.

If you come in for a loan, Dan doesn't like bureaucracy.  Usually you can get a "yes" or a "no" pretty quickly.  But being a smaller institution, they have more tools available to get to "yes."    They often can come up with a customized plan for an individual situation, as Dan explains.  We also talk about the current financial climate, and how its uniqueness can affect the bank's business.

Our podcast today isn't all about dollars and cents, however.  We get to know Dan personally.  He tells us about his blended family that would give the Brady Bunch a run for their money, being a "dual citizen" of Michigan and Ohio, and what he does in his off-time.   And we close with two topics many of our listeners will gravitate to - golf and dogs.

Learn more about Citizens State Bank on their website: https://www.micsb.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/

Today we welcome Jeff Kong of Tri-Covery Massage and Flexibility.   They started in Novi but have recently expanded to Royal Oak, offering a number of services and therapies.

Tri-Covery expanded right at the beginning of COVID, and after the initial shut down, Jeff talks about working through the pandemic.  What they do isn't about luxury and massage, they are about recovery.  When the mind wants to do something and the body can't, that's when they get to work. Tri-Covery represents three methods of recovery: massage, flexibility, and exercise.  Jeff breaks each of these areas down.

We specifically dive in to cupping, IASTM, and percussive therapy, among other specific modalities Jeff and his team offer.  Like our hosts, Jeff loves food, and he's got some great food analogies to describe the body and how these therapies work.  Also, what is a Stick Therapy class? Find out here.

We also discuss Jeff's membership plans and a la carte services, and the different options to meet your needs.  He's also honest with us - he explains how if a client isn't the right fit for Tri-Covery, he's happy to refer them out.

Finally, we ask Jeff our "fishbowl question of the day," and his answer might surprise you!

Learn more about Tri-Covery on their website: https://tri-covery.com/

Or give them a call at (248) 773-8242. 

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/

Today we again turn the microphone on one of our co-hosts, Trish Carruth from Your Personal Jeweler.  

Trish frequently mentions that she's a third generation jeweler, but her path to this field may surprise you.  She specializes in custom engagement rings and wedding bands, combining her love of jewelry with the latent wedding planner in her.

She explains her design process to us, and how she uses Computer Aided Design, or CAD, to generate an image of her custom creations for clients.  She then has two 3D printers to create a wax mold and make sure it's just right before creating the actual piece.

Jon and Lisa ask her about the biggest myths and truths in custom jewelry design, including the misconception that it's too expensive for most customers.  Trish also works with family heirlooms to create more modern, custom designs.

As Your Personal Jeweler, Trish has also added proposal packages to her offerings, because, let's face it.  Guys need all the help they can get.   Jon and Trish both share their unconventional proposal stories.

Finally we talk about what's next for our podcast co-host, which includes getting into wholesaling, and her new space in Royal Oak, opening in December.

To find our guests:

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/

1:05 -What it was like working for a Coca-Cola bottling plant and what he learned from that experience.

3:40 - What has changed in design and architecture throughout his three decades in the business.

6:40 -How hybrid work changes workplace designs.

11:55 - Why HED is moving to Royal Oak.

15:05 - Promoting diversity in the architecture field and what changes should be made to encourage it.

21:20 - Why he keeps a photo of the original Microsoft staff in a garage on his desk.

24:10 - Why he's a fan of independent filmmaking.

26:25 - His biggest failure in business and how he overcame it.

1:05 -What it was like working for a Coca-Cola bottling plant and what he learned from that experience.

3:40 - What has changed in design and architecture throughout his three decades in the business.

6:40 -How hybrid work changes workplace designs.

11:55 - Why HED is moving to Royal Oak.

15:05 - Promoting diversity in the architecture field and what changes should be made to encourage it.

21:20 - Why he keeps a photo of the original Microsoft staff in a garage on his desk.

24:10 - Why he's a fan of independent filmmaking.

26:25 - His biggest failure in business and how he overcame it.