I have written for a number of publications across Mid-Michigan, telling the stories of the businesses and people that contribute the communities in this corner of the Great Lake State.
This is a sampling of those articles.
Don’t let them call you sweetheart: Women entrepreneurs break the glass ceiling in West Michigan
*This piece originally appeared in Rapid Growth.
It was suggested, in an article in Entrepreneur magazine, that “successful startups demand entrepreneurs who are all in, and women are subject to second-guessing” and are “less inclined toward the hyper-confidence and self-promotion often associated with success.”
A quick look at the women entrepreneurs of Grand Rapids and West Michigan, however, shows that this couldn’t be further from the truth.
Read the rest of the article, here.
Block Imaging, where people matter
*This article was originally featured in Capital Gains
Sometimes, you get into an industry by accident. This is how it happened for Bruce Block. Since its inception in 1997, Block Imaging – making quality medical imaging equipment, parts, and services available to people around the world – has grown from a one-man shop to an internationally known company. “It’s been quite a ride,” says Bruce.
Read the rest of the article, here.
Problem solving with real-time data: GR on the road to become a Smart City
*This piece originally appeared in Rapid Growth.
Described by The Wall Street Journal as a sweeping change in the way cities are run, Smart Cities are changing the way people interact with the communities in which they live. While the term Smart City might paint a picture that looks like something out of a sci-fi movie or comic book, Smart Cities are a much more concrete and realistic venture and the idea behind them is simple: Smart Cities use data to solve problems.
Read the rest of the article, here.
Reaching Generation Z: Many Businesses Are Rethinking Social Media
*This article was originally featured in Greater Lansing Business Monthly
After years of focusing on Millennials, it’s time for businesses to turn their attention to the newest kids on the block, Gen Z.
Born between the years 1995 and 2015, they’re between 2 and 23 years old and there’s nearly 74 million of them in the U.S. While the 2-year-olds aren’t doing much buying, a large percentage of this generation has access to $44 billion in buying power with a high ratio of discretionary spending.
Read the rest of the article, here.
What’s the Secret to a Lasting Lansing Restaurant
*This article was originally featured in Greater Lansing Business Monthly
The owners of Saddleback BBQ in Old Town and now Okemos, know how hard it can be to open a restaurant in Lansing. In fact, when Travis Stoliker and Matt Gillett opened Saddleback in REO Town in June of 2015, they weren’t sure it would work out. “There was a little bit of doubt,” says Gillet. But, armed with great food and great service, Saddleback found a loyal family and enough success to open another location.
Read the rest of the article, here.