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TRAVERSE CITY BUSINESS NEWS

SEPTEMBER 2026

SEPTEMBER 2026 • VOLUME 31 • NUMBER 2

YOUTH MOVEMENT The region’s future is bright with our 20th annual 40Under40

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GTP NAMED TOP SUPPLIER Grand Traverse Plastics in Williamsburg was recently named a GM Supplier of the Year. The company, which manufactures injection-molded components for a several automakers, is in its 46th year of business. This is the sixth time the company has received the recognition, and the second year in a row. $500K IN LOCAL TRAINING FUNDS Thirteen employers across Northwest Michigan have been awarded a total of $502,000 in Going PRO Talent Fund dollars. These state training awards fuel critical skill development and upskilling for 327 regional workers, including 264 current employees and 63 newly hired team members. Highlighting a strong focus on long-term career pathways and talent development, 45 of these trainees are registered apprentices. The funded training spans diverse high-demand sectors in the region, including manufacturing, agriculture, health care, construction and energy. Among the local recipients are Bay Motor Products, Dan Brady Painting, Lear Corporation, and Munson Healthcare. TC GOLF CENTER EXPANDS Traverse City Golf Performance recently purchased Swing Theory, the four-bay indoor golf simulator business located near the intersection of Four Mile and US-31. It has been renamed Traverse City Golf Performance East. In addition to the existing TrackMan experience, there are enhanced services and amenities coming to the East Bay location.

OUTDOOR GEAR CONSIGNMENT SHOP AMONG OPENINGS A new outdoor gear consignment and retail shop is coming to Logan’s Landing in Traverse City this fall next to Vince’s Jewelry and the planned Short’s Brewing Company taproom. Second Third First Hand (aka 231 Hand), founded by outdoor enthusiast Cari Lick, is “built around the idea that the best equipment already exists – it just needs the right second, or third, home,” she said. The store will offer “a curated mix of quality used outdoor gear accepted on consign-

ment alongside a thoughtfully selected inventory of new products from small cottage and eco-conscious brands.” In other local business news, Michigan-based Mediterranean chain Pita Way recently opened its first Traverse City location in an outlot building next to Starbucks at the Cherryland Center. The restaurant specializes in a “build-your-own” bowl concept along with options like curry and lentil soups. And Lee Studio, home to the artwork and books of local owner Leslie Lee, has opened at 400 Cass St. in Old Town. The gallery offers “framed original plein air watercolor paintings, framed and unframed fine art reproductions, greeting cards, collectible stickers, coasters, micro puzzles, maps and more.”

FORD INSURANCE RELOCATES Ford Insurance Agency in Traverse City has a new home. The office is now located at 400 Webster St., Ste. 1A in the newly renovated Boardman Building. RETIREMENT EXPERT COMING TO TC Nationally recognized retirement educator and bestselling author Ed Slott is coming to Traverse City. “An Evening with Ed,” hosted by Prout Financial Design, is set for Tuesday, Sept. 29, 6 to 8 p.m. at the Park Place Hotel and Conference Center. The free event will be focused on retirement tax planning and is intended for individuals who are approaching retirement, currently retired or interested in understanding how taxes may affect their long-term financial plans. Slott’s presentation will be followed by a book signing featuring his latest work, “The Retirement Savings Time Bomb Ticks Louder.” Advance registration is requested through proutfinancialdesign. com or eventbrite.com. $11K FOR YOUTH LITERACY The National Writers Series in Traverse City was recently awarded an $11,000 grant from the Grand Traverse County chapter of 100+ Women Who Care for StoryLoft (formerly known as Raising Writers), the nonprofit’s youth literacy program, engaging 1,000 students a year. “All of our programs are entirely free for youth to participate,” said Audrey Irontree, education director. “Awards like these mean that we can continue to provide our students with world-class teaching artists and the chance to meet

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SEPTEMBER 2026

COMMENTARY BY WARREN CALL

CHARTING OUR COURSE: Are we ready for what’s next in the Grand Traverse Region?

After nearly 15 years on the waitlist, I finally secured a boat slip in Clinch Marina for this season. I purchased an old sailboat and have spent the summer reacquainting myself with marine navigation, studying the charts, checking the conditions, identifying the hazards and charting a course. The better prepared I am, the better the journey once underway. September (a.k.a. Locals’ Summer) has always felt like the Grand Traverse region’s natural season for reviewing our charted course. As the festival crowds thin and students head back to school – and before the pace of fall meetings and budget cycles picks back up – I find myself asking the same question every year around this time: Are we on course and more ready for what’s coming than we were a year ago, or did we just manage to get through another busy summer? That question is not new for anyone who lives here. If you have ever tried to get a building permit approved, find a rental under $1,800 a month or figure out why one township has a water system and the next one over doesn’t, you know the feeling firsthand. What has been missing is a way to talk about readiness that isn’t just about anecdotes and disagreements on growth. We’ve had plenty of frustration and plenty of opinions. What we haven’t had is a shared, evidence-based dashboard of exactly where the region is ready for what’s ahead, and where it isn’t. The Grand Traverse region’s population has grown faster than the corresponding capacity of our municipal service delivery, local regulatory frameworks

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and regional infrastructure. That is not a knock on any single county, township, village or city. It’s the predictable result of a region that became more desirable faster than most of our governing systems were built to handle. The consequence is real risk to the attractive character that drew people here in the first place, and additional risk to ensure we can provide jobs, expand business opportunity and attract the investment necessary for a bright future. When readiness lags demand, we end

here requires inventing something new. It just requires being honest about where we stand and being deliberate about closing the gaps. That honesty is the piece Traverse Connect has been working on this summer. In partnership with business leaders across the region, we’ve been building what we’re calling a Regional Readiness Index, a navigational chart for the Grand Traverse region, evaluating readiness across five categories that determine whether our communities are prepared to meet the

The Grand Traverse region’s population has grown faster than the corresponding capacity of our municipal service delivery, local regulatory frameworks and regional infrastructure. up absorbing pressure in an unmanaged way, and unmanaged growth pressures are exactly what turn neighbors against new housing, developers against townships and townships against each other. The good news is that this is a solvable problem, not an unprecedented one. Other Michigan communities have already navigated similar waters. There are counties with joint planning commissions that allow 10 townships to coordinate on land use instead of each one improvising alone. There are county-wide water authorities that get ahead of infrastructure demand instead of playing catch-up permit by permit. None of what needs to happen

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moment: regional collaboration, zoning and land use, infrastructure readiness, housing supply and business climate. Just as a sailor relies on multiple navigational markers rather than a single buoy, nor can one of these areas can carry a region by itself. A jurisdiction can’t make up for outdated zoning with good roads, or for a thin housing supply with generous incentives. All five categories must move together, and increasingly, our counties, cities, villages and townships must move together in unison as well. We are also looking outward, not just inward. Part of this work compares Grand Traverse to counties like Ottawa, Washt-

SERVING Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau and Benzie counties AD SALES Lisa Gillespie lisa@northernexpress.com Kim Murray kmurray@tcbusinessnews.com Kaitlyn Nance knance@northernexpress.com Abby Walton Porter aporter@northernexpress.com Michele Young myoung@tcbusinessnews.com

enaw and Livingston. Michigan’s other fast-growth counties face similar pressures, as do communities around the country that resemble our mix of tourism, professional services, advanced manufacturing and a growing innovation sector. Where their approaches differ from ours becomes a starting point for a real conversation about what’s possible here, grounded in examples that are already working elsewhere. The index project is not meant to produce a list of winners and losers, or a scoreboard for pointing fingers across township lines. It’s meant to give elected officials, appointed commissions, business leaders, and residents a common, evidence-based starting point so the next round of decisions about zoning, infrastructure spending, and housing policy is grounded in facts, not just the seasonal gut-check each of us is left to do on our own. You’ll hear a lot more on this topic this fall. For now, think about this: If someone handed you an honest, evidence-based chart of how ready your community is for the next decade, showing where you’re on course, where hazards remain, and where new opportunities lie, I think most of us would want to see it, whether we expect an easy path or a difficult one. That instinct, wanting to know rather than guess, is exactly what this work is built on. A successful future for the Grand Traverse Region requires that we study the chart, honestly evaluate the conditions and then plot a course forward together. Warren Call is president and CEO of Traverse Connect.

The Traverse City Business News Published monthly by Eyes Only Media, LLC P.O. Box 4020 Traverse City, MI 49685 231-947-8787 Periodical postage qualification pending at Traverse City, MI. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Traverse City Business News, PO Box 1810, Traverse City, MI 49685-1810. The Traverse City Business News is not responsible for unsolicited contributions. Content ©2026 Eyes Only Media, LLC. All rights reserved.

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TRAVERSE CITY BUSINESS NEWS

Twenty years ago, Twitter was brand new, the Nintendo Wii was flying off store shelves, and the average Traverse City home cost about $235,000. It was also the year the Traverse City Business News introduced its first 40Under40 list. Much has changed since 2006. But the purpose of 40Under40 remains the same: to recognize young leaders shaping the future of northern Michigan. This year, the TCBN is proud to present its 20th annual class. The honorees come from Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Benzie and Kalkaska counties and are being recognized for the impact of their professional achievements, civic involvement and leadership during the past year. More than 100 nominations were submitted. From those nominees, a panel of judges selected the 40 individuals creating the greatest momentum for their organizations, communities and the regional economy. This year, we were honored to welcome Rick Baker,

SEPTEMBER 2026

president and CEO of the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce, as a guest judge. He joined Karin Chung of Hagerty; Mandy Sentieri of Traverse Connect; Max Anderson of Ford Insurance; Allison Beers of Events North; Luke Haase, publisher of the TCBN, Northern Express and The Ticker; and Gayle Neu, contributing editor of the TCBN. Judges consider leadership within a nominee’s profession, the economic impact of that work, meaningful community involvement and clear forward momentum. They also consider accomplishments relative to age. The result is a class that reflects both how much our region has changed over 20 years and the people who will help determine where it goes next. Many thanks to Hagerty, again the signature sponsor of 40Under40. And a big thanks to House of 301 owner Jules Brown for capturing our 2026 class so superbly and to Ross Boissoneau for compiling their answers. Watch the TCBN and The Ticker next spring for 2027 nomination information.

8 SEPTEMBER 2026

TRAVERSE CITY BUSINESS NEWS

40 UNDER 40 WINNERS UNDER ONE ROOF

TWO OF THE REGION’S BEST & BRIGHTEST We’re proud to have two Grand Traverse Region 40 Under 40 honorees under one roof, bringing heart, smarts and a deeply personal approach to insurance. Tom Bisbee is passionate about helping people and giving back to the community he calls home, while Madison Ford is a thoughtful problem solver known for creating customized solutions that truly fit each client. Together, they represent the next generation of insurance leadership. They are bright, involved, approachable and ready to help individuals, families and businesses protect what matters most with genuine care.

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TRAVERSE CITY BUSINESS NEWS

SEPTEMBER 2026

Jess L. ASHMORE

38 | Vice President, Treasury Management Officer, Honor Bank My defining 2025 moment: Completing my first full year as Honor Bank’s Treasury Management Officer, a role that was entirely new to our bank. Having the opportunity to build the position from the ground up, develop relationships with customers and colleagues and contribute to the bank’s growth was challenging and rewarding. With the support of senior management and the board, they allowed me to make the role my own while creating a foundation that will support our organization for years to come. My next big thing: Seeing a major downtown development project in Kingsley move from vision to reality. Serving as secretary of the Downtown Development Authority, I have had the opportunity to contribute to a project that will help shape the future of the community where I grew up in and which I deeply love. I am thankful to serve alongside a group of talented community leaders who generously share their experience and have helped guide this project. What I’d like people to say about me: That I show up with passion, purpose, and a smile that makes the room a little brighter. That I bring energy that is contagious, while fiercely being supportive of my people and always being in their corner, clapping the loudest. Fun fact: I used to confidently say I would never be a dog owner, and now I have a one-year-old Boston Terrier named “Boss” who runs my schedule, household, and basically my entire life. My friends and coworkers love reminding me of that.

Christina BARKEL 39 | Senior Program Specialist, Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities

My defining 2025 moment: There are 70-ish food pantries and meal sites that make up the Northwest Food Coalition, and this year we learned we are on track to be able to say that 100% of them have fresh fruits and vegetables available when they open their doors. In 2014, only 13% of coalition members said yes when asked that question. We’ve achieved this goal of increasing the amount of fresh, healthy food available to people in need in our communities through hard work, collaboration and the efforts of so many, including farmers, food pantry coordinators, foundations, volunteers and more. My next big thing: I hope to someday grow all the vegetables I need for an entire year between my own garden and those of my neighbors and friends. I’m getting close with a few crops, like garlic, tomatoes and kale!

What I’d like people to say about me: That I’m honest, supportive and a good listener with a sense of humor. I hope to elevate others around me and to make a tangible difference in my communities. Historical/business/political figure I admire: Dolores Huerta, first because of her incredible life’s work at the forefront of efforts to create the United Farm Workers Union, which helped protect and give rights to millions of agricultural laborers. Secondly, because of her incredible bravery in speaking up about the abuse and sexual misconduct she and other women in that movement endured. She inspires me to keep imagining and working toward collective and liberatory futures, and to always speak up against injustice and for what’s right.

10 SEPTEMBER 2026

TRAVERSE CITY BUSINESS NEWS

David BEARSS

39 | Project Manager and Senior Hydrographer, ASI Group

My defining 2025 moment: My defining moment of 2025 was becoming a dad for the second time. It is the best job I have.

My next big thing: My focus is on expanding my professional capabilities to support our team through a major period of growth. As operations expand and the stakes get higher, we need greater precision. By gaining these advanced skills, I’ll be ready to take on more responsibility, help streamline our daily operations, and anchor the core crew. What I’d like people to say about me: I want people to say I’m completely dependable – the person they want next to them when the stakes are high. I hope to be known as a teammate who brings technical precision, prioritizes safety and never cuts corners; someone who makes a tough project run smoother; and that I always pull my weight to help us succeed. Most of all, I want the people in my life to say I’m a kind person, a good friend and a great dad. Historical/business/political figure I admire: I deeply admire local leaders Larry and Mary Nykerk, who are celebrating 50 years with Grand Traverse Tennis Camps this summer. Running a successful operation for half a century takes more than just a passion for the sport – it requires incredible dependability and steady execution through changing times. I respect how they have spent decades quietly building the capabilities of others, mentoring generations of teams, and serving as a trusted, positive anchor for our community.

Bailor

BELL

38 | Attorney, The Fierberg National Law Group

My defining 2025 moment: My firm represents victims and their families in personal injury matters, including cases involving school violence. As a result, we often meet with families in the aftermath of unimaginable tragedy. This past year that involved sitting with the mother of a school shooting victim. She spoke about waking up the night before to find masked, armed individuals outside her window and shared her desire to one day be able to help children escape dangerous situations and neighborhoods. Being able to help resolve her case in a way that allowed her to tell us that she could finally leave that environment and begin helping others do the same was incredibly meaningful and rewarding. My next big thing: I am excited about this year’s Leelanau County Youth League baseball and softball season. Taking over the league alongside Kerri Scheeler, Ben Herman and Heidi Flake has meant a lot of late nights, juggling countless moving pieces and figuring things out as we go. I am incredibly grateful for all of their hard work and dedication. Historical/business/political figure I admire: Fintan Bray. He was one of the first people with Down syndrome in the world to be elected to a political office. Fun fact: My wife and I are the lucky parents of three wonderful kids including our youngest, Archie, who has Down syndrome. In the past year, Archie’s picture was selected and shown on the big screen in Times Square as part of the National Down Syndrome Society Buddy Walk.

decades quietly building the capabilities of others, mentoring generations of teams, and serving as a trusted, positive anchor for our community. TRAVERSE CITY BUSINESS NEWS

Bailor

SEPTEMBER 2026

BELL

38 | Attorney, The Fierberg National Law Group

12 SEPTEMBER 2026

TRAVERSE CITY BUSINESS NEWS

Ben

BERGER

39 | Principal, Traverse City Central High School

My next big thing: The next big thing we have planned at Central is continuing to create opportunities for students to show mastery in the state standards in authentic ways. We have a greenhouse being built that will serve as an experiential component for a ton of our classes. Science courses will work to care for what is being grown, while business classes may work on the commerce side. At the same time, we will be unveiling the Ride Lab where we will use the building of skateboards, snowboards and surfboards to deliver physics and business curriculum. It’s our hope that experiences like these will create

Brent BEUTLER 30 | Area Manager, Avflight Corp. My defining 2025 moment: Developing my team by building capability, confidence and leadership in others. Seeing their growth has translated into our collective success. My next big thing: Taking my aviation expertise on the road and traveling across the country to provide solutions, from improving operations and maintenance to navigating compliance and growth. By working directly with customers, I aim to deliver practical, customized solutions that improve safety, efficiency and success. What I’d like people to say about me: People would probably say I’m dependable and someone they can count on. I’m always available when people need me, and I try to be the person who shows up, helps out and follows through. Historical/business/political figure I admire: Theodore Roosevelt, because he was a strong leader who believed in protecting the environment, improving the country and standing up for what he thought was right.

the middle of the Venn diagram where rigor, relevance and engagement meet. What I’d like people to say about me: I hope people say that I am authentic and that I live my core values of joy, inclusivity, resilience, curiosity and excellence to help people improve their personal best. Historical/business/political figure I admire: Gregg Popovich, former coach for the San Antonio Spurs, for his deep empathy and care for all of his players. Fun fact: I was on a reality show with my family when I was a junior in high school: “National Geographic’s Worlds Apart.”

TRAVERSE CITY BUSINESS NEWS

Tom BISBEE

SEPTEMBER 2026

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37 | Director of Enterprise Sales, Motive; Co-Founder, Prelude Response 38 | Personal Lines Service Manager, Ford Insurance Agency My defining 2025 moment: Starting my Executive MBA program with Michigan State. I have already learned so much and incorporated much of it into my day-to-day work. I am part of a cohort that will graduate in May 2027. Learning from their experiences has been as valuable as what is shared by the professors. The EMBA program also helped me establish a new career with the Ford Insurance Agency here in town. It’s been a lot of work, and more work to come, but I’m very grateful for the opportunity! My next big thing: I want to help with the continued expansion of the arts program at Glen Lake Community Schools. As a board member I want to partner with existing staff, boosters and the community to ensure in the next five years Glen Lake has a standalone auditorium for performances. Band, choir, musical theater ... the list goes on! Historical/business/political figure I admire: I recently finished Walter Isaacson’s biography on Benjamin Franklin and came away so impressed by all Franklin did. He was successful as a businessman, scientist, politician, writer and philanthropist. He had his faults, but he did his best to overcome them through hard work and curiosity. Fun fact: I have an identical twin brother!

My defining 2025 moment: Getting elected to the Traverse City City Commission. I ran on a platform called HOME: Housing. Opportunity. Modern infrastructure. Environment. Voters trusted that agenda. Now the work begins. My next big thing: Motive is an AI-powered website platform built for automotive dealers. We are serving 500-plus rooftops across the 3530Getting Northto Country Dr, Traverse City | 231.929.5600 country. 1,000 means more dealers stop leaving money on the table and their customers enjoy a world-class online shopping 202 E State St, Traverse City | 231.941.6320 experience. Prelude is a drone-as-first-responder startup built for rural communities in northern Michigan. Working with local agency partners, Prelude deploys a network of remotely stationed Real Rewards Checking (Real ground-level Rewards) is available for consumer deposits only. Annual Percentage drones at dedicated docking stations across the Yield (“APY”) is accurate as of 3/1/2025. Real Rewards is a variable rate account. Your APY may change region. When 911 dispatches a ground unit, a drone simultaneousat any time after your account is opened, at the discretion of Nicolet National Bank. Real Rewards is ly launches automatically, carrying lifesaving equipment to the a tiered rate product. If qualifications are met for the qualification cycle, Tier 1: The portion of your scene, AED or than Naloxone, arriving before first responders, balancelike that isan equal to or less $25,000 will earn 3.00% APY. Tier 2: The portion of your balance so thathave is over $25,000 will earn to APYsave. in the range of 0.61% to 3.00%, depending on the balance in your they someone account. If qualifications are not met for the qualification cycle, your entire balance will earn APY in the range of 0.03% to 0.15%, depending on the balance in your account. You must enroll in online banking Funandfact: I’ve been flying in planes since I was just a few weeks old, e-statements in order to qualify. Transactions required each qualification cycle: At least ten posted andandnow I fly in the(ATM-processed region fortransactions fun anddoservice a private pilot. cleared debitplanes card transactions not count asas qualifying debit card and at least of onethe postedlocal and cleared of payroll or social security. Disclosed I’mtransactions), also a member Civildirect Airdeposit Patrol squadron, which assists APY assumes all interest remains on deposit. Fees and withdrawals of interest will reduce earnings and in regional search and rescue missions and other government and Air APY. All Nicolet National Bank checking accounts are subject to credit approval. Additional terms and Force-sanctioned missions, youth leadership development programs conditions apply. See Nicoletbank.com for details. Member FDIC.

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14 SEPTEMBER 2026

TRAVERSE CITY BUSINESS NEWS

Karlene Kuhn, thank you for BISBEE helping our garden grow

Tom

Lance BOEHMER

Congratulations on being named one of Traverse City Business News 40under40 winners!

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37 | Director of Enterprise Sales, Motive; Co-Founder, Prelude Response 38 | Personal Lines Service Manager, Ford Insurance Agency My defining 2025 moment: Starting my Executive MBA program with Michigan State. I have already learned so much and incorporated much of it into my day-to-day work. I am part of a cohort that will graduate in May 2027. Learning from their experiences has been as valuable as what is shared by the professors. The EMBA program also helped me establish a new career with the Ford Insurance Agency here in town. It’s been a lot of work, and more work to come, but I’m very grateful for the opportunity! My next big thing: I want to help with the continued expansion of the arts program at Glen Lake Community Schools. As a board member 13615 CHIPPEWA CAMP ROAD | RAPID CITY, MI I want to partner with existing staff, boosters and the community to Set on 10.13 remarkably private acres with nearly 300’ of ensure in the next five years Glen Lake has a standalone auditorium for shoreline, this extraordinary Town & Country estate offers a performances. Band, choir, musical theater ... the list goes on! rare combination of seclusion, luxury, and timeless Northern Michigan beauty.

Historical/business/political figure I admire: I recently finished Walter Isaacson’s biography on Benjamin Franklin and came away so impressed by all Franklin did. He was successful as a businessman, scientist, politician, writer and philanthropist. He had his faults, but he did his SHAWN SCHMIDT best to overcome them BROKER through hard work and curiosity. ASSOCIATE Fun fact: I have231.499.1990 an identical twin brother! shawn@shawnschmidtsmith.com

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TRAVERSE CITY BUSINESS NEWS

SEPTEMBER 2026

LUEDTKE BOROZAN

38 | Executive Director, Housing Trust of Benzie

My defining 2025 moment: Less than a month into my new role as executive director of the Housing Trust of Benzie, we broke ground on our second project, Cottages at Corning. Less than a week later, my husband and I bought my childhood home from my mom in Frankfort. There’s a reason homeownership sits at the heart of the American dream: Once you have some stability in your housing, everything else has room to fall into place. My next big thing: I’m optimistic about building a pipeline of parcels that allows for more mid- to long-term planning. Finding suitable land is genuinely difficult: site conditions, access to sewer and water, and zoning restrictions can all make or break a project before the first foundation is poured. I’d love to see a larger site host multiple types of housing, like a small apartment complex paired with single-family homes at a range of price points.

Right now, organizations across Benzie and the region tend to work in isolation, but as land costs rise, collaboration will be essential. What I’d like people to say about me: People have called me passionate and energetic for as long as I can remember, and that hasn’t changed as I near 40. I was a senior in high school when Hurricane Katrina hit, and a desire to help pushed me to join AmeriCorps right after graduation. The pledge I took then has stuck with me ever since: faced with apathy, take action; faced with conflict, seek common ground; faced with adversity, persevere. If people remember me for one thing, I hope it’s as someone who showed up, built connections and helped move the needle on an issue that touches everyone.

Historical/business/political figure I admire: My great-grandfather, E.R. “Duke” Luedtke, started Luedtke Engineering Co. in Frankfort when he was just 29 years old. Over 95 years, it grew into one of the largest marine engineering firms on the Great Lakes, working on breakwaters, bridges and dredging projects in nearly every major port across all five lakes.

Alexis BREMER

34 | Business Operations Director, The Festival Foundation

My defining 2025 moment: I foster dogs through HANDDS to the Rescue and last year one of my closest friends was able to adopt one of my fosters, which happened to be best friends with my dog. Now I get to watch that friendship blossom and see firsthand how happy he is after his adoption. It was a full circle moment that just reminded me of why I’m okay with my house never being fully clean ever again.

My next big thing: I’ve really been hoping to spend more time hiking and have been looking at doing a multi-day group hike somewhere on the West Coast. I really want to challenge myself and get out of my comfort zone and only hope that I can convince my sisters to come with me. What I’d like people to say about me: I would love for people to say that I make their life easier. No matter how small it might be, I really hope that I take some pressure off of those around me both in my personal and professional life. Historical/business/political figure I admire: Dolly Parton has accomplished so many remarkable things throughout her extensive career, not only as a legendary musician but also as a dedicated philanthropist. Her commitment to giving back to her community is truly inspiring. Through initiatives like establishing her own foundation and supporting numerous charitable causes, she has a deep passion for helping others. I greatly admire the way she has successfully diversified her career while using her platform to make a positive impact on countless lives.

16 SEPTEMBER 2026

TRAVERSE CITY BUSINESS NEWS

38 | Jail Diversion Discharge Planning Specialist, Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office My defining 2025 moment: The successful development and implementation of the Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office Jail Diversion and Discharge Planning Program. Sheriff Michael Shea recognized a critical gap between the criminal justice system and mental health services. With his support I created a program designed to identify high-frequency utilizers of law enforcement and emergency services and connect individuals to substance and mental health treatment and community resources to reduce unnecessary incarceration for those experiencing mental health and substance use challenges. This approach helped reduce repeat law enforcement contacts while prioritizing public safety and building a strong relationship with the Behavioral Health Center, improving outcomes for community members in crisis.

Drew

CASTINE

Sara BUSH

My next big thing: Over the next year, my focus is on expanding and strengthening diversion and behavioral health initiatives within the criminal justice system while continuing to build sustainable partnerships throughout our community. I plan to further develop pre-arrest diversion opportunities and enhance discharge planning and reentry services. I am also committed to advancing training and education for the Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Deputies regarding mental health, substance use disorders, and crisis intervention, ensuring that individuals receive the most appropriate response and support possible. Historical/business/political figure I admire: Clara Barton was a decisive and relentless leader in moments of crisis who didn’t wait for systems to be perfect before she acted. Clara built them while responding to urgent human need. Her ability to organize chaos into structured, life-saving response systems reflects a level of leadership grounded in action, accountability and results.

36 | Founder, Acorn Growth Advisors My defining 2025 moment: I founded Acorn Growth Advisors at the start of 2025 and spent the next several months helping small business owners in my own network make five- and six-figure improvements to their bottom line. One client had run a break-even business for three years straight. After we worked together, we improved his profits by more than $100,000 in 2025. That’s the moment that proved the model: give great operators a deeper understanding of the financial side of their business, and the profit growth follows. What I’d like people to say about me: Family first, always. Family calendar events get written in pen, everything else in pencil. That’s why I coach all my kids in sports, why I spend almost every Thursday at home with our toddler, why we take so many fun trips together. That’s exactly why I’m so passionate about helping small business owners build a business that funds the life they actually want, instead of running their life. Historical/business/political figure I admire: (President) Teddy Roosevelt. He believed in the man in the arena over the critic in the stands, and he built his Square Deal (domestic program) to give the small operator a fair shot against the bigger players. That’s the same fight I show up for every day: leveling the financial playing field for business owners who are great at their craft but never got the tools the big guys have. He was also a father who never let the work crowd out his family, which I respect just as much as the policy. Fun fact: I’m a lifelong MSU fan, and I share a birthday with Sparty. He debuted at an MSU home game against Notre Dame, and I was born later that same afternoon. Look it up!

TRAVERSE CITY BUSINESS NEWS

SEPTEMBER 2026

Mathew COOKE

Abby

CLEAR

34 | Founder, Owner & Creative Director, Lakes And Grapes My defining 2025 moment: Watching Lakes And Grapes Walk Club – an initiative I created – grow into one of the largest community gatherings of its kind in northern Michigan. What began as a way to bring people together has grown into a weekly event welcoming 100 to 200 people, creating friendships, supporting local businesses and fostering a stronger sense of community. Seeing that impact firsthand reminded me that some of the most meaningful successes aren’t measured in sales, but in the connections we help create. My next big thing: Continuing to grow Lakes And Grapes while

staying true to the lifestyle and community that inspired it from the beginning. A major focus this year is investing in new product development and manufacturing, with an emphasis on elevated quality, thoughtful design, and expanding our product offerings across apparel, accessories, and home goods. I’m also excited to continue growing the brand into new markets, building meaningful partnerships and collaborations and creating even more opportunities for community connection through events and experiences. Fun fact: I was a Division I college volleyball player and delivered the commencement address for the University of Minnesota’s College of Liberal Arts.

36 | Community Planner, Networks Northwest My defining 2025 moment: TART Trail’s 2025 Ambassador of the Year. My next big thing: Special Olympics Area 2 Basketball. With nearly 40 athletes in the 2026 season, we are excited to expand to multiple teams and return to competitive tournaments and state games. What I’d like people to say about me: That I am someone who brings people together (for work and play!), leads and inspires through action, and (aims) to have a positive impact on any community I am a part of. Historical/business/political figure I admire: Nelson Mandela. Fun fact: I have heterochromia - one blue eye and one green eye.

18 SEPTEMBER 2026

TRAVERSE CITY BUSINESS NEWS

SEPTEMBER 2026

Tiffany

COUTURIER

33 | Child Welfare Program Manager; Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Kalkaska Co. Michigan Department of Health and Human Services My defining 2025 moment: I entered an office experiencing high staff turnover, low morale and the demands of a complex and evolving work environment. My defining moment came when I realized that improving outcomes for children and families required first rebuilding trust among staff. I focused on changing the office culture by increasing transparency, creating opportunities for staff input, recognizing accomplishments and addressing concerns. The most meaningful milestone was seeing staff who had been disengaged begin to participate in solutions, support one another and express renewed commitment to the work. My next big thing: Strengthening our community’s capacity to support families before crises occur while continuing to ensure the safety and well-being of children. My focus is on deepening partnerships with community providers, schools, courts, law enforcement, behavioral health agencies and other stakeholders to create a more coordinated support system for families. Success will be measured not only by the services we provide, but by our ability to keep children safe, strengthen families, and build lasting trust within the community. Historical/business/political figure I admire: Jane Addams – an American social reformer, philosopher and peace activist. A leading voice of the Progressive Era, labor rights and world peace, becoming the first American woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. Fun fact: I am ambidextrous, which is found in only 1% of the global population. 36 | Lead QA Engineer, LoopQA My defining 2025 moment: 2025 was a year focused on shifting where I spend my time and energy to allow for a more balanced approach to life. I am not just my work or my networking circles or my contributions to certain forms of activism. I’m taking time for myself day-to-day to be healthy and creative and fulfilled. It also means that I’ve worked hard to create healthy work life boundaries and understand that I am not just one thing. In other words, “I contain multitudes.” My next big thing: I would consider running for an elected position because I want to move the needle in a productive direction for future generations and I don’t feel that keeping Traverse City a relevant community for younger investment is being prioritized. It feels like our current elected officials focus primarily on meeting the wants of a specific group of people. I believe that my eye toward a sustainable

and cooperative community, balancing both the uniqueness of the area with a realistic understanding that we need people to be able to build a life here, would make me a good leader in the region. What I’d like people to say about me: I try my best not to worry about what other people think about me. If I’m going to reflect on it, then I’d say I hope they think that I’m kind, thoughtful and fair. I believe they’d say I am someone who is not afraid to speak up when I see something that isn’t right happening in and around our community. Historical/business/political figure I admire: Katie Sturino, co-founder of Megababe. Katie started her business with two other women and produces female-centric personal care products that meet needs rarely addressed for women. She is also a published author, known mostly for her book “Body Talk,” challenging the common narratives around body image.

Anna DITURI

20 SEPTEMBER 2026

TRAVERSE CITY BUSINESS NEWS

35 | Communications and Member Relations Manager, Cherryland Electric Cooperative

Courtney

My defining 2025 moment: The ice storm that impacted northern Michigan. While Cherryland’s electrical system was largely spared, the storm devastated communities served by our sister cooperatives to the north. In response, electric cooperatives across the state launched the largest mutual aid effort in Michigan co-op history to get the lights back on and begin repairing hundreds of millions of dollars in damage. The storm was a powerful reminder of just how essential electricity is to our daily lives. But more than that, it was a reminder of what people are capable of when they’re needed most. I saw restaurants, churches, schools and neighbors open their doors to provide meals, showers, charging stations and a warm place to gather for people who had gone days without power.

DOYLE

My next big thing: The groundbreaking on Cherryland’s new headquarters facility off of Rennie School Road. The co-op has operated out of our current headquarters for 54 years, over half the co-op’s lifetime. The construction of a new facility is a historic moment for Cherryland, and I’m really proud of the work that went into it and that I got to be a part of it. What I’d like people to say about me: I hope whenever my name comes up, people say I’m someone they can count on, no matter what. I hope they’d say I’m willing to jump in, learn something new and figure it out along the way, even if I don’t have all the answers when I start. Historical/business/political figure I admire: As a former journalist and news anchor, I’ve always admired Walter Cronkite. He understood that communication isn’t really about talking; it’s about helping people make sense of the world around them. I admire the trust he built with his audience and the responsibility he felt to serve them well.

Patrick ELLIS

37 | Member and Managing Partner, Kuhn Rogers PLC My defining 2025 moment: Serving as lead (merger and acquisition) counsel to the founders and management team of Cambium Analytica in its October 2025 sale to NSF, a global public health and safety organization. Cambium is a true Traverse City success story, a homegrown testing and product-development company that grew to 69 employees at the time of acquisition. The acquisition was a great deal for the company that rewarded its investors and team, while keeping those jobs and the headquarters local. My next big thing: Joining the board of directors of 20Fathoms, Traverse City’s nonprofit hub for startups and technology. 20Fath-

oms has been a tremendous resource for the community and for me. In 2025 alone it served 288 entrepreneurs across 10 counties, many of whom have traditionally been underfunded. Much of my practice focuses on helping founders start a company, grow it and eventually realize the value of what they’ve built. What I’d like people to say about me: That I’m a good dad. Historical/business/political figure I admire: My law partner, Greg Donahue. Greg has been an extraordinary mentor and not just on the practice of law. He has a wonderful (and big) family, is invested in the community and has shown me that a thriving practice and deeply rooted family life aren’t a trade-off.

helping people make sense of the world around them. I admire the trust he built with his audience and the responsibility he felt to serve them well. TRAVERSE CITY BUSINESS NEWS

Patrick ELLIS

40u40 FOUR years running!

SEPTEMBER 2026

22 SEPTEMBER 2026

TRAVERSE CITY BUSINESS NEWS

Madison FORD

38 | Director of Operations, Ford Insurance Agency My defining 2025 moment: Leading the reorganization of Ford Insurance Agency. Not because reorganizing org charts is exciting (it's not), but because it gave us the opportunity to intentionally build the company we want to become. We spent time clarifying our mission, defining the values that guide our decisions and creating a structure that can scale while still feeling personal. Building a business is a little like renovating a house while you're living in it: messy and unpredictable, but seeing the foundation take shape has been worth every minute. My next big thing: I'm focused on helping Ford Insurance Agency become the best independent agency in Michigan. To me, that means balancing growth with the neighborly, local feel that has defined our agency for generations. We're making decisions with the next 10 years in mind, not just the next quarter. We want to continue growing while staying deeply rooted in the communities we serve. What I’d like people to say about me: I hope they would describe me as someone who lives my values – humility, integrity and optimism – and encouraged others to do the same. Someone who built a culture-centered company where people felt valued, challenged, supported and free to be the best versions of themselves. If they also remember me as the guy who gave the best high fives in the office, I'd consider that a bonus. Fun fact: I met my wife playing Ultimate Frisbee!

Jacob GOODMAN

29 | Attorney, The Fierberg National Law Group, PLLC My defining 2025 moment: Buying a house. My spouse and I feel more intertwined with our community and are loving the life we are building in Traverse City. My next big thing: Continuing to become further involved with the State Bar of Michigan Young Lawyers Section as the only representative from northern Michigan. Our goal over the next year is to increase interest among high school and college students from areas with minimal legal services to attend law school and to educate students on our justice system

as well as encourage young lawyers working in larger cities to move to those areas, which includes almost all of northern Michigan. What I’d like people to say about me: I hope that people who interact with me find me a person of integrity. I believe our legal system is at a crossroads with eroding public trust. And I hope to be an example of why the public should have confidence in our system and work to improve the areas where trust is weakening. Historical/business/political figure I admire: Walter Reuther

TRAVERSE CITY BUSINESS NEWS

SEPTEMBER 2026

Samantha GUTOWSKI

Micah HAVEN

35 | Executive and Mindfulness Coach, Be Here Now Baby My defining 2025 moment: Celebrating five years as a coach. When I first started this business, I received a lot of “What’s your plan B?” and “Do people really need a mindfulness coach?” But deep down, I knew how powerful mindfulness is, and I believed there was a need for this work. Reaching the five-year milestone was a meaningful reminder of how far I’ve come and what can happen when you trust yourself enough to pursue something you believe in and have loved ones who believe in you, too. My next big thing: Completing my first book on mindful leadership. As AI continues to transform how we work and live, I believe the uniquely human skills of presence, self-awareness and emotional intelligence will become even more important. My goal is to help leaders bring mindfulness into the workplace in practical ways that support both performance and well-being. I want to help people recognize that mindfulness isn’t about slowing down the pace of life – it’s about learning how to stay present and intentional. What I’d like people to say about me: I hope people would say that when they’re around me, they feel safe, seen and inspired. That they feel like they have my full attention and presence, and know I’m always in their corner, cheering them on and reminding them of who they are when they forget. More than anything, I want to be remembered as someone who helped others see the incredible person they already are. Historical/business/political figure I admire: Ellen Langer has had a profound influence on both my work and my life. Often referred to as the “mother of mindfulness,” she challenged the idea that mindfulness is only meditation and instead taught that it is about actively noticing, staying curious and engaging with life as it unfolds. Her research demonstrated how our mindset shapes our experience, health and well-being. I admire her willingness to challenge conventional thinking.

34 | Program Director, Grand Traverse Industries My defining 2025 moment: The birth of my son, Luke. My next big thing: I believe little things add up to big things, so I want to keep being faithful with the responsibilities I have today and say yes to opportunities that help me grow, even when they make me uncomfortable. What I’d like people to say about me: That I am kind even when I am stressed, disagree with someone, or have to say something they don’t want to hear. Historical/business/political figure I admire: Jesus. I am inspired by how he identified with people who were vulnerable, overlooked and excluded, and how he consistently treated them with dignity and compassion. Fun fact: I once spent the entire night at Meijer on the day before Thanksgiving so I could buy a heavily discounted Microsoft Zune.

24 SEPTEMBER 2026

TRAVERSE CITY BUSINESS NEWS

Bryan KAY 39 | Principal, TCAPS My defining 2025 moment: Completing the Bayshore Marathon in under three hours alongside my best friend, Ben Berger. While the achievement was meaningful, sharing it with someone who has consistently inspired me to push beyond my limits made it even more special. The dedication, organization, and daily commitment required to reach this goal sharpened how I approach other areas of my life and helped me become more intentional with my time and priorities. Having my wife and two boys cheering me on along the course and celebrating at the finish line made the accomplishment even more rewarding. It was especially meaningful to model for my sons that hard work, consistency and perseverance can help turn ambitious goals into reality. My next big thing: To broaden my impact by coaching and supporting other educators and leaders. After recently completing coaching and mentor training, I am excited to help others navigate challenges, build on their strengths and grow in their roles. Some of the most rewarding parts of leadership have been supporting the development of others and I look forward to finding new opportunities to share what I have learned while continuing to learn from those around me. What I’d like people to say about me: I would like people to say that I strive to remain consistently positive while also acknowledging challenges and advocating for those I lead. Rather than sitting in difficulties, I focus on doing what I can to move others and myself forward. Above all, I hope people know that my decisions and actions are guided by a genuine desire to help others succeed and do what is best for those I serve. Historical/business/political figure I admire: James Clear

Meaghan KENNY

36 | Owner, fox & fern events My defining 2025 moment: I personally went through some serious medical issues last year that caused me to take a step back from my day-to-day and still managed to scale fox & fern events from two to three full-time employees and have our biggest revenue year yet. We focus on working with local vendors for our events, which means we were able to work with local teams to put back over $1.5 million into the northern Michigan community. My next big thing: fox & fern events turns 10 this year, and we’re celebrating with a karaoke party. What I’d like people to say about me: I would hope people would say that I am someone who is both organized and professional, but enjoyable to be around. I strive to always create an environment of respect and gratitude and I hope that’s reflected and noticed. Historical/business/political figure I admire: Michelle Obama. What a powerhouse of a woman.

TRAVERSE CITY BUSINESS NEWS

SEPTEMBER 2026

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26 SEPTEMBER 2026

Troy KIERCZYNSKI

TRAVERSE CITY BUSINESS NEWS

39 | VP for Finance and Administration, NMC; Treasurer, Traverse Bay Children’s Advocacy Center My defining 2025 moment: Last September’s ribbon cutting for NMC’s expanded Aviation Hangar Building was a milestone moment for our aviation flight program, the college, and this community. My charge was to turn this strategic vision into a reality and the culmination of the efforts behind it all was special. Our flight program can now reduce its waitlist by serving nearly 50% more students while addressing a labor shortage in a high-demand, high-earnings field. My next big thing: Following the sale of our Boardman Lake Campus this Spring, I believe NMC has a “once-in-a-generation” opportunity for capital reinvestment and renewal

of our facilities. We have a geothermal energy infrastructure project currently in process on Front Street Campus that replaces our aging steam boiler plant, a highly anticipated renovation of our Osterlin Building to convert it into a “onestop shop” student services hub, and ambitious campus housing expansion and renovation goals. I look forward to planning and delivering these projects over the next few years! What I’d like people to say about me: He listens and leads with integrity, courage and empathy. And he’s a great dad. Fun fact: I’m left-handed, but play sports right-handed. The story goes that my Dad mistakenly bought me a wrong-handed baseball mitt as a kid, so I learned to throw with my right hand. My brother and sister are pure lefties too, which is statistically rare for three siblings.

Karlene

KUHN

GROWING OUR LEADERSHIP EXPANDING OUR IMPACT

My next big thing: I’m working to expand service-based workforce development opportunities in northern Michigan. Over DGN welcomes Anthony Last, CPA, MST as the newest partner, the past four years, I’ve supported more than 200 AmeriCorps Volunteers through my work at PHI Center for Health Leaderreinforcing our commitment to strong leadership, trusted guidance, ship & Impact, and I’d like to bring more of those opportunities home. Through partnerships with nonprofits, national service and exceptional client service throughout northern Michigan. commissions and community organizations, I hope to create pathways that help people gain skills, explore careers and strengthen their communities through service. What I’d like people to say about me: I hope people say that I helped them recognize their own ability to make a difference. Anthony Last, CPA, MST as a volunteer, colleague or community member, I Whether want people to feel welcomed, valued and empowered to contribute their talents. The work I’m most proud of isn’t what I’ve accomplished myself, but the opportunities I’ve helped create for others to lead and serve.

DENNIS, GARTLAND & NIERGARTH CPAs

BUSINESS ADVISORS

231.946.1722 • www.dgncpa.com

Historical/business/political figure I admire: Sargent Shriver. TRAVERSE CITY PETOSKEY He helped create the Peace Corps and was a driving force behind modern national service in America.

for capital reinvestment and renewal

which is statistically rare for three siblings. TRAVERSE CITY BUSINESS NEWS

Karlene KUHN

SEPTEMBER 2026

32 | AmeriCorps VISTA Hub Manager, PHI Center for Health Leadership & Impact My defining 2025 moment: One highlight was advising volunteer and national service initiatives at The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park. Through this work, the Botanic Garden secured a Russ Mawby Signature Service Project grant that brought nearly 75 volunteers together from across northern Michigan for a regional day of service. The Garden also secured support to host two paid AmeriCorps VISTA Summer Associates, creating opportunities for emerging professionals to gain hands-on experience while helping the Botanic Garden grow. My next big thing: I’m working to expand service-based workforce development opportunities in northern Michigan. Over the past four years, I’ve supported more than 200 AmeriCorps Volunteers through my work at PHI Center for Health Leadership & Impact, and I’d like to bring more of those opportunities home. Through partnerships with nonprofits, national service commissions and community organizations, I hope to create pathways that help people gain skills, explore careers and strengthen their communities through service. What I’d like people to say about me: I hope people say that I helped them recognize their own ability to make a difference. Whether as a volunteer, colleague or community member, I want people to feel welcomed, valued and empowered to contribute their talents. The work I’m most proud of isn’t what I’ve accomplished myself, but the opportunities I’ve helped create for others to lead and serve. Historical/business/political figure I admire: Sargent Shriver. He helped create the Peace Corps and was a driving force behind modern national service in America.

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28 SEPTEMBER 2026

TRAVERSE CITY BUSINESS NEWS

Jack

LANKFORD

24 | Health and Wellness Coordinator, Priority Health

My defining 2025 moment: Deciding to step down from a leadership position on a board of an organization that I founded to allow for new ideas and energy to come in and to allow myself to pursue some professional development. It was really difficult to set aside something I had spent so much time and energy on, but it allowed me to grow so much and experience so many new things. My next big thing: Finishing my bachelor’s in public health and getting ready for graduate school applications! I have worked full time while pushing myself through school.

What I’d like people to say about me: I hope people find me to be welcoming, kind and helpful. I care a lot about being nonjudgmental and I hope people see my eagerness to learn, understand and develop as a rounded person. I care more about being seen as competent and thorough rather than impressive and important. Historical/business/political figure I admire: I know it sounds silly, but Elle Woods from “Legally Blonde.” It really helped me accept the fact that two things could be true; I could be bubbly and fun and enthusiastic while also being intelligent and confident. I struggle a lot with balancing being true to myself and authentic while also meeting expectations of society and what I feel like I should mold to as I grow up.

Ashley 32 | Director, Whistle Stop Learning Center

LINDSTROM

My defining 2025 moment: There was no single milestone that stood out. Instead, it was realizing that I could successfully balance being a mom to two young boys while operating a growing child care center, opening a second summer camp location for local school-aged children, serving on two nonprofit boards, organizing community events and pursuing my master’s degree. My next big thing: Continuing to make an impact and create positive change for families in my community. I was born and raised in Copemish, and being able to give back to the area that helped shape who I am today is incredibly meaningful to me. I want families to have access to the resources they need and children to have opportunities they might not otherwise experience. I am also excited to complete my master’s in educational leadership within the next year, which will help me continue serving children, families and the community in even greater ways. What I’d like people to say about me: I’d like people to say that I cared deeply about my community and worked hard to make it a better place for children and families. I hope they see someone who was dependable, willing to step up when help was needed, and committed to creating opportunities for others. Most importantly, I hope people remember that I used my time, energy and talents to make a positive difference in the lives of those around me. Fun fact: Between 2012 and 2018, I was lucky enough to travel to four amazing places across three continents: Beijing, China; Singapore; Italy; and Oaxaca, Mexico. Getting to experience different cultures, foods and ways of life was an incredible experience and gave me a broader perspective that I still carry with me today.

TRAVERSE CITY BUSINESS NEWS

SEPTEMBER 2026

Katharine Z. MARVIN

Ryan MATER

36 | Vice President of College Advancement, NMC, and Executive Director, NMC Foundation My defining 2025 moment: We kicked off the best fundraising year in NMC’s history, resulting in more than $16 million in gifts, right as I stepped into the vice president role and began rebuilding our team. It’s been a privilege helping donors make this kind of impact for our students. I’m incredibly proud of building a highly talented team that is truly passionate about making education and the arts possible in our region. It’s no coincidence that team-building and record-breaking fundraising went hand-in-hand this past year. My next big thing: I’m gearing up to complete the celebration of NMC’s 75th Anniversary and the Dennos’s 35th Anniversary this year, all while preparing to welcome our second child. The second half of 2026 and into 2027 will bring even more excitement on the fundraising front, alongside the museum’s rigorous accreditation process – a distinction held by fewer than 4% of museums nationwide. There are so many big things in the works over the next few years for NMC’s Advancement Division, which includes the NMC Foundation, the Dennos, the International Affairs Forum and WNMC Radio. Historical/business/political figure I admire: Bari Weiss and Jonathan Haidt – both for their immense courage to dissent. They had the bravery to question orthodoxy and promote viewpoint diversity at a time when it wasn’t fashionable. Haidt’s book, “The Coddling of the American Mind,” profoundly impacted my intellectual life and Weiss’s media company, The Free Press, constantly challenges me to think, re-think and reconsider the other side of today’s most important issues.

28 | Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder, Hybrid Robotics, Inc. My defining 2025 moment: One of the defining realizations of the past year was recognizing that Hybrid Robotics had reached a new level of maturity and impact. Through operational growth, deeper engagement with first responders and the entrepreneurial ecosystem, and continued expansion of our technology and market reach, I saw firsthand how our technology and decisions were affecting more people than ever before. The most rewarding part has been seeing solutions we built solve real-world problems and create meaningful outcomes for the people who rely on them. My next big thing: The next big thing for me is bringing the next generation of marine technology to market. By listening closely to customers and industry needs, we’ve developed new solutions that unlock capabilities that were previously impractical, overly complex or cost-prohibitive. As Hybrid Robotics continues to grow, I’m excited to see these technologies create new opportunities for marine operators while contributing to Michigan’s growing Blue Economy and reputation as a hub for maritime innovation. Historical/business/political figure I admire: Jacques Cousteau. I’ve always admired his curiosity, sense of exploration and willingness to push beyond what was known at the time. He combined innovation with a genuine passion for understanding the underwater world, and his work inspired generations of people to explore, learn and think differently. Those same qualities continue to resonate with me today.

30 SEPTEMBER 2026

TRAVERSE CITY BUSINESS NEWS

Katharine Z. DRIVEN MARVIN to make a difference.

SOUNDS LIKE OUR KIND OF PEOPLE.

Ryan MATER

Congrats to this year’s 40 Under 40!

TRAVERSE CITY BUSINESS NEWS

SEPTEMBER 2026

32 SEPTEMBER 2026

TRAVERSE CITY BUSINESS NEWS

Taylor MOORE 35 | Food Rescue Director, Goodwill Northern Michigan My defining 2025 moment: In 2025, Food Rescue increased deliveries of healthy food to food pantries and meal programs by 20%. An anonymous donation allowed us to purchase new box trucks and a grant from Impact100 helped us triple our cold storage capacity, enabling us to distribute more fresh produce than ever before. The impact has been immediate. At the beginning of 2026, for the first time in our region’s history, 100% of food pantries always had fruits and vegetables available when they opened their doors. My next big thing: My goal is to ensure that every food pantry in our region always has fresh fruits and vegetables available for our neighbors year-round. To achieve this, we need to expand partnerships with farms, processors and food distributors. Each year, an estimated 1.2 billion pounds of fruits and vegetables from Michigan farms go unsold or unharvested, representing an opportunity to increase access to healthy food while reducing waste. This year, Food Rescue will launch a pilot program that gives consumers a new way to support local farms by helping fund the donation of surplus produce to food pantries. Fun fact: I am documenting Leelanau County’s largest glacial erratics (boulders). If you know of any, please reach out!

Tyler PALSROK

37 | General Manager/Owner, Image360 My defining 2025 moment: Our team winning the Alliance Franchise Brands AFB Project of the Year for the third consecutive year, while our company also simultaneously absorbed growth to hit record revenue and profitability goals. My next big thing: In early 2026 our Director of Operations Rachael Peterson officially joined the Image360 company ownership team, which was an important milestone for our long-term succession plan.

I’m still looking forward to even more members of our team joining company ownership! What I’d like people to say about me: I’d like people to say that I gave my best effort to impact my community positively, to improve the lives of our team members and above all else to be a great father to my girls. Historical/business/political figure I admire: Cincinnatus Fun fact: I played defensive line at Eastern Michigan University.

TRAVERSE CITY BUSINESS NEWS

SEPTEMBER 2026

Dana PFLUGHOEFT

27 | Community Engagement Coordinator, TART Trails

My defining 2025 moment: In 2025, I launched the TART Trails Sustainability Initiative. The initiative is a formalization of the environmentally-conscious practices already in place at TART Trails – all of my colleagues care deeply for the natural world. Creating non-motorized pathways through our communities is a radical, sustainable act to begin with. The Sustainability Initiative encourages TART Trails to write these internal principles into policy and hold our future selves accountable. My next big thing: I am all in for the Three Mile Trail Project, a trail extension decades in the making. The existing Three Mile Trail ends at South Air-

port Road, and the extension will reach to Hammond Road and beyond. Seven schools and thousands of residents are ready for a safe, beautiful connection to the rest of the 100-plus mile TART Trails network.

What I’d like people to say about me: I would like people to say that I am a creative, thoughtful collaborator who is always up for a brainstorming session or bike ride meeting, that I work hard and also soak up all of the joy life has to offer. Fun fact: During college, I worked for Elizabeth Warren’s presidential campaign and knocked on over 1,000 doors in one month throughout rural New Hampshire. It was a fascinating way to get to know a community.

Amanda PORTER

HAGERTY IS PROUD TO HELP FUEL THE TCBN 40 UNDER 40

33 | Behavioral Neurologist, Kalkaska Medical Associates

My defining 2025 moment: As my first full year back home in northern Michigan I was able to meet with many professionals in northern Michigan, including physical therapists, occupational therapists, primary care doctors and specialists to help advance the care we offer and build collaborative relationships. I also officially joined the amazing team in Kalkaska.

Congratulations to this year’s recipients!

My next big thing: Memory evaluation, workup and longitudinal care have a long way to go in northern Michigan. We are constantly working on improving access to behavioral neurology, anti-amyloid therapy to slow progression of Alzheimer’s disease, and optimizing day-to-day in-home care and day-center options around northern Michigan. With a growing population of aging adults, memory disorders are prevalent. Our need for respite care options, support groups and professionals working with and optimizing safety and day-to-day care is only going to keep growing. What I’d like people to say about me: That I truly care. I’m human and often times I fall short. But if anything, I hope people see that I’m trying my hardest to be a great mom, partner, a caring community member, neighbor, advocate and physician.

NEVER STOP DRIVING

Historical/business/political figure I admire: Kaitlyn Malaski PT, DPT, NCS. She is HAGERTY.COM the only neurologically boarded physical therapist in our area north of Grand Rapids, and she has created a thriving physical therapy practice and helped so many people in northern Michigan. It has changed the landscape of physical therapy for patients with dizziness, imbalance and neurologically driven challenges.

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Amanda PORTER 33 | Behavioral Neurologist, Kalkaska Medical Associates My defining 2025 moment: As my first full year back home in northern Michigan I was able to meet with many professionals in northern Michigan, including physical therapists, occupational therapists, primary care doctors and specialists to help advance the care we offer and build collaborative relationships. I also officially joined the amazing team in Kalkaska. My next big thing: Memory evaluation, workup and longitudinal care have a long way to go in northern Michigan. We are constantly working on improving access to behavioral neurology, anti-amyloid therapy to slow progression of Alzheimer’s disease, and optimizing day-to-day in-home care and day-center options around northern Michigan. With a growing population of aging adults, memory disorders are prevalent. Our need for respite care options, support groups and professionals working with and optimizing safety and day-to-day care is only going to keep growing. What I’d like people to say about me: That I truly care. I’m human and often times I fall short. But if anything, I hope people see that I’m trying my hardest to be a great mom, partner, a caring community member, neighbor, advocate and physician. Historical/business/political figure I admire: Kaitlyn Malaski PT, DPT, NCS. She is the only neurologically boarded physical therapist in our area north of Grand Rapids, and she has created a thriving physical therapy practice and helped so many people in northern Michigan. It has changed the landscape of physical therapy for patients with dizziness, imbalance and neurologically driven challenges.

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23 | Engagement Coordinator, Northern Lakes Economic Alliance

My defining 2025 moment: Joining the NLEA team after graduating college and being accepted into the 2025-2026 Leadership Charlevoix County class. These opportunities have challenged me, expanded my perspective and helped me grow both professionally and personally. My next big thing: I’m focused on growing the NLEA through marketing and communications efforts while also helping build stronger connections among young professionals in the Charlevoix County area by working to create a young professionals network. What I’d like people to say about me: That my love for Jesus is evident in the way I live and serves as the foundation for all aspects of my life. Fun fact: My dream car is a 1991 Ford Bronco Eddie Bauer Edition with a V8 engine, blue exterior and tan interior. And, of course, it has to have the iconic “rainbow trees” pattern on the seats. I’m still keeping an eye out for the perfect one!

34 | Artist Relations and Special Projects Coordinator, Interlochen Center for the Arts My defining 2025 moment: I was the main liaison for all of the featured artists on our national tour, Interlochen US: Celebrating America at 250. Getting to work with people I’ve admired my whole life and seeing their commitment to the next generation and future of the arts was something I’ll never forget. Sometimes I pinch myself, because as my husband (who also works at Interlochen) and I always say, “We are living the dream!” What I’d like people to say about me: Above all, whether it’s an email, an event or a small conversation in passing, I strive to make someone’s day a little brighter. This is my north star, and it’s what pulled me toward the arts at a very young age. And most importantly, no matter how stressful or difficult things get, I will never let it diminish the kindness I always try to uphold. I sign my emails with “sincerest appreciation,” and I mean it. Fun fact: It’s not a secret that my style icon is Ms. Frizzle, but there’s a method behind the madness! I wear floral as often as possible as an homage to my two grandmothers, and I wear fun earrings because when I was teaching on Zoom, I couldn’t think of a clearer way to share my whimsy and kindness from the neck up.

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Merek ROMAN 39 | Senior Finance Manager, Rush University Hospital My defining 2025 moment: Taking a four-month inclusive process to fully update the Slabtown Neighborhood’s bylaws and present them at the fall 2025 meeting. My next big thing: Idea to create an app that will utilize AI with open-source mapping software to create mapping images for municipal governments. What I’d like people to say about me: That he leads by example, maintains unwavering professional integrity, and lives out the core values of an Eagle Scout every day. Historical/business/political figure I admire: Casey Cowell Fun fact: I enjoy cold plunging in Lake Michigan.

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38 | President/Owner, Traverse Outdoor My defining 2025 moment: My business partner Joe Brummitt and I closed our second acquisition in September 2025 when we acquired J.P. Landscape & Irrigation. My next big thing: Traverse Outdoor turns 50 in 2027 and we are planning a lot of fun activities next year to celebrate and share that milestone with the community. What I’d like people to say about me: I’d like people to say that I utilize my resources, my privilege and leadership

to make a tangible, positive difference in the lives of others. That I lead with strength, empathy and kindness. Historical/business/political figure I admire: I admire Warren Buffett for democratizing wealth creation through an approachable, low-risk philosophy that empowers everyday individuals, proving that long-term financial success is achieved through patience and integrity rather than complex, high-risk strategies or the empty idolization of money. Fun fact: I once was part of an opening act for the band Poison. Proud partners with

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38 | Technology Director, City of Traverse City My defining 2025 moment: Deploying the city’s first network and founding the technology department. Spearheading a once-in-a-career initiative like this was incredibly challenging, but it delivered immense value, driving both my personal growth and a major modernization for our city government. My next big thing: The city continues to modernize its operations through technology. As a newly established department, our immediate focus is building a rock-solid foundation by tackling critical, baseline infrastructure projects, including telecommunications, cabling, core software implementations and enterprise stacks. Simultaneously, I am investing in my own professional development. Having enrolled in several courses with the IT Management and Leadership Institute, my ultimate goal is to achieve the Certified Government Chief Information Officer designation to better lead the city’s digital evolution.

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What I’d like people to say about me: I have a knack for finding common ground and building genuine personal connections. By seamlessly collaborating across diverse disciplines, I build the strong relationships necessary to find solutions and truly move the needle. Fun fact: My wife Ashley and I spent a year living on the tiny island of Weno, Chuuk, in the Federated States of Micronesia (just seven degrees north of the equator). We taught English at the local high school, connected with her family roots there, and developed a permanent love for island life, Spam and kimchi.

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39 | Realtor, Five Star Real Estate, Found Realty; Owner/Instructor/Choreographer, Dance Leelanau; Co-Owner, V Gallery My defining 2025 moment: I ranked among the Top 5 Five Star Real Estate Independent Sales agents in all of Michigan. The vast majority of my 2025 sales volume came entirely from referrals. The best reward was partnering with repeat clients and their close circles. Another defining moment was watching two of my former ballet students perform the role of Clara in “The Nutcracker.” It is always pure magic to watch my dancers continue the art form of dance. My next big thing: Well, turning 40 will be a fun milestone. Historical/business/political figure I admire: My parents, who are the entrepreneurs behind Baabaazuzu, Capital Dog and formerly The Riverside Inn. They showed me firsthand what it takes to successfully build and run businesses alongside your spouse. They instilled in me an incredible work ethic and taught me how to pivot when challenges arise, proving that there are always options when the course changes, and that reinvention can be joyful and prosperous. Fun fact: I’m a semi-lucid dreamer, and much of the time I’m able to alter the plot of my dreams.

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40UNDER40

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Connecting with four former 40Under40 winners By Art Bukowski

For 20 years, the TCBN’s 40Under40 has highlighted some of the best and brightest in the region. Here, we take a look at what four past winners are up to (and most proud of) in 2026.

Christie PERDUE Inaugural Class of 2006

Christie Perdue is a principal at The Solvent Group, a Traverse City-based firm that has provided a variety of capacity-building services to more than 100 nonprofits across the country. “I’m just super proud of the missions that we’re supporting, because it’s really amazing work,” Perdue said. “Everything from food insecurity to homelessness to child welfare to recovery to arts and culture, education and the environment.” Though Solvent offers several services to empower nonprofits – board development, executive coaching, talent searches, marketing, communications and more – it prides itself on fundraising strategy and assistance. “It’s really fun to be a part of these incredible missions and to watch our direct efforts in helping these nonprofits build relationships with donors and connect with new and prospective donors,” Perdue said. “All of that fuels these missions.” While almost all businesses or organizations can benefit from consulting, nonprofits – which run on slim staffs with limited expertise – are often in serious need of outside help. Perdue is glad to help turn their idealism into real results. “Nobody grows up saying ‘I want to be an executive director of a nonprofit.’ They get into that role because they’re passionate about the work and they have a mission that inspires them,” Perdue said. “Then they need to figure out how to fund their programs, and that’s where we come in … it really is about taking those current leaders of a nonprofit and helping them be as effective as they can be.” Perdue was a fresh 24-year-old and working at the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation when she was named in the TCBN’s inaugural 40Under40 class. She later logged 10 years at Otsego Memorial Hospital, where she worked in fundraising and marketing, before launching her consulting business in 2017. She had fond memories of her 40Under40 win. “I really was so excited about that award 20 years ago. Not only was I excited that I was on the list, but I was excited that a nonprofit was listed,” she said. “It just felt like such a recognition of important work that’s being done in that nonprofit space.”

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Joe SHORT Class of 2012

Then as now, Joe Short was and is the wizard behind Short’s Brewing Co, which has continued to capture hearts, minds and market share since its 2004 founding in Bellaire. “The number one thing I’m excited about is the fact that we’re Michigan’s largest independent brewer,” he said. “We’re the biggest of the small and the smallest of the big, and we’re still a very tight-knit, ma and pa operation.” The company now employs about 150 people and operates locations in Bellaire and Elk Rapids, with a third coming soon to Traverse City’s aging Logan’s Landing (to be rebranded, at least on the Short’s side, as Short’s Landing) sometime next year. “We’re adding our third location, which I’ve been reluctant to do for a long time, but we couldn’t say no because we have an affinity for shitty old buildings that need some love,” Short joked. The original Bellaire location now consumes most of a city block and hosts tens of thousands of customers a year for food, drink, music and merch. The company also distributes, with its flagship Local’s Light being the state’s bestselling craft lager. Short, who’s “47 going on 30,” remains very plugged in and active in virtually all aspects of the busi-

ness, which he feels keeps the “magic” alive. But he’s also deeply grateful for his staff and leadership team, several of which have been with him since day one. “Being able to hang out with these folks after 23 years is a real big joy,” he said. “We’ve acquired a ton of experience cumulatively together, and at this point it’s like dancing blindfolded. We know where our zones are, where our strengths are and where they’re not.” Short’s continues to grow. It’s never been out of a desire to get bigger, Short says, but instead the simple need to expand to meet customer demand. “We just kept reinvesting everything that we’ve had into working backwards from the consumer experience to deliver the best possible version that Short’s could be delivering,” Short said. Short says he feels the company is stronger than ever in its 23rd year, even as the beer market continues to falter. “The industry’s peaked and on a decline, and so we’re navigating that. But we’re well positioned as Michigan’s largest independent craft brewer to weather the storm,” he said. “We’ve got great communities around us, and we’ve got a great following that’s going to keep the beer flowing off the shelves and into the pints and the tap rooms.” Short said landing on the 40Under40 list was a “big deal.” “It meant that what we were doing in our sleepy

little Villages in Elk Rapids and Bellaire was being noticed,” he said. “It’s always nice to have that nod of encouragement when you’re moving fast without a clue of what you’re doing!”

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Tim PULLIAM Class of 2013

Tim Pulliam is a community builder – and a placemaker – at heart. In 2008, he and a partner started Keen Technical Solutions, which delivers sustainable, energy-efficient solutions to clients across the country. And while Pulliam is certainly proud of that work, he gets most jazzed up at a variety of ongoing development projects now led by Keen. “It’s all about community development,” he said. “We’re really, really excited about the Woodmere project and bringing that entire corridor to life.” The Woodmere project Pulliam speaks of is the mixed-use development Mill District project, which is under construction now. It will include housing, retail and restaurant space tucked between Woodmere Avenue and the very popular Boardman Lake Loop trail. “We want family-friendly amenities around that loop. Boardman Lake is beautiful and it’s the center of our town, but since they completed the loop, there’s thousands of trips a day in the peak season with only one or two things to stop at along the way,” he said. “We’re going to do it with

Woodmere and we’re going to do it with Logan’s Landing.” Keen jointly purchased the entire east side of Logan’s Landing with Short’s Brewing Company, with plans for a Short’s location and other attractions there. It’s all part of a natural evolution for Pulliam and Keen, who spent their first several years chasing big contracts before deciding to dedicate their time and energy in projects located right in their own backyard. “We were running all over the country trying to do work for all of these people that just didn’t really align with our goals or our mission. After COVID, my guys and I said ‘Let’s bring that value back to town. What can we do right here?’ And that’s when we started thinking about development,” Pulliam said. “We took all the lessons we learned and we’re spreading that value back around in the community.” Pulliam is honored to be a past 40Under40 winner. “There were so many inspiring people in Traverse City when I first moved here,” he said. “And I remember thinking, ‘Wow, I can’t believe that when I think of all of these people I look up to, now I’m on this list.’ You’ve always got to remember that there’s people who want you to succeed – you’re not in this alone.”

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40UNDER40

Kate REDMAN Classes of 2014 and 2015

Kate Redman is perhaps best known for spearheading the ambitious Commongrounds project, which resulted in a vibrant mixed-use development on Eighth Street in Traverse City. The building includes a school, restaurant, bookstore, event venue (The Alluvion), housing, office space, coworking space and more. It opened in 2023 as northern Michigan’s first real estate cooperative, meaning it’s owned by its tenants and the community at large via shares. “I feel really, really fortunate to have gotten to work on Commongrounds,” said Redman, 45. “So many people in our community worked on it and made it possible. We had a big learning curve, and people in the community … jumped in and helped us. In that way it’s also representative of what a great community we have.” Redman now works for Nest Community Partners, an organization housed in Commongrounds that focuses on two of the Grand Traverse Region’s biggest challenges. “We recognize that affordable workforce housing and childcare are two of our biggest needs, so we’re really trying to make some progress on those,” she said. “It really feels motivating to me to know that we could have a meaningful impact on the community.” The organization has counted wins and a few struggles as it works on these matters. They’ll press on regardless. “If these were easy problems to fix, they wouldn’t be the two biggest, persistent challenges we’re facing,” Redman said. Redman was an attorney at the environmental law firm of Olson, Bzdok & Howard when she landed on the 40Under40 list. She recalls feeling honored to be on a list with so many impactful peers. “When you’re a younger person in the community, you’re less likely to see your name in print, and it did definitely feel kind of cool to see that, especially alongside a bunch of other smart, kind and cool people doing interesting things,” she said. “I still look forward to the 40Under40 issue today.”

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CANARY IN THE TOOL SHOP What America’s tool and die decline means for efforts to reshore manufacturing

By Craig Manning A canary in the coal mine. That’s how some experts see the domestic tool and die industry, a quiet but crucial backbone to the American manufacturing economy. Conventional wisdom says the tool and die sector in the United States is dying, with businesses closing their doors, the workforce aging out, and too few young people coming in to take up the mantle. It’s a status quo that has some manufacturing leaders sounding the alarm bells, insisting that saving tool and die is tantamount to saving American manufacturing, period. Erin Hoffmann, CEO of the Grand Rapids-based Tier 1 supplier ArtiFlex Manufacturing, is one of the state’s loudest voices on that front, advocating for what he describes as “a comprehensive ‘restore the health of the tool and die industry’ campaign.” ArtiFlex, he says, has “created a document that outlines what needs to be done” to save Michigan’s tool and die industry. Hoffmann is starting to have conversations with industry colleagues, state and federal policymakers, and other stakeholders in hopes of planting those seeds. Last August, Hoffmann brought those talking points to Traverse City as part of ReShore, a now-annual event co-hosted by Traverse Connect and MichAuto that convenes industry leaders, innovators and policymakers for discussions about the future of advanced manufacturing, mobility and economic growth in Michigan. Sitting on a panel focused on reshoring Michigan’s manufacturing competitiveness, Hoffmann used the opportunity to highlight the state’s slide from tool and die powerhouse to relative has-been. The tool and die apex “Most of the tooling in this coun-

try – 80 to 90% of it – was built for the automotive industry,” Hoffmann told the TCBN. “Automotive has been the biggest buyer of stamping dies, molds and high-pressure die cast dies, and those are the three primary types of tools.” While other industries – agriculture, defense, heavy-duty trucking – have leaned heavily upon tool and die shops, too, the fact that most of the work was being done for auto companies meant Michigan was historically a powerful player in the tool and die world. As the auto industry underwent meteoric growth between the 1960s and the turn of the millennium, Hoffmann says it made for a consistently “healthy” era for tool and die. “Maybe a tool shop had 30 to 60 employees, and maybe we’ll call it $5 to $15 million in revenue, and there were a lot of companies like that,” Hoffmann said. “Each company would specialize in

Cracks in the foundation Now that period of relative prosperity is in the rearview mirror. According to Scott Bedow, a Wisconsin-based manufacturing manager and podcaster who has written extensively about the decline of tool and die in America, the sector is at real risk of becoming “a permanently hollowed-out industry.” One problem is the “Silver Tsunami,” a term used to describe the aging U.S. population – and specifically, the social and economic changes brought on by the baby boomer generation reaching retirement age en masse. According to Bedow, the tool and die industry is particularly vulnerable to this shift, with 90% of its 55,000-person workforce older than 40 as of 2024, and with only about 1,200 registered apprentices in the pipeline to replace them. By 2030, Bedow estimates “that nearly 20% of the

“If the tooling is being built here, it creates jobs, and those jobs that it creates have a ripple effect throughout the economy.”

– Erin Hoffmann, CEO, ArtiFlex Manufacturing a particular type of tooling, and those companies could thrive because their repeat customers valued their capabilities and their know-how. Those companies also tended to have good, strong apprenticeship programs, so they were constantly increasing the skills in their workforce and adding to their workforce.” The tool and die industry, by designing and building the precision dies, molds, jigs, fixtures and machine tools necessary for all forms of mass production, in turn played a crucial role in propelling American manufacturing forward.

most experienced master toolmakers will retire, taking decades of ‘tribal knowledge’ with them that hasn’t been digitized.” “The cohort of workers that should be stepping into senior roles is nearly nonexistent, a historical fait accompli from the offshoring and educational shifts of the 1990s and 2000s,” Bedow writes. “Our high schools and our counselors haven’t been promoting skilled trades for a long time,” Hoffmann concurred. “They’ve been promoting college, and the idea that ‘you’re not going to be successful if you don’t go to college.’ The truth is that, if you join a company like ArtiFlex

GR-based ArtiFlex is a fully integrated manufacturing group and Tier 1 supplier, with design, engineering, tooling, automation and manufacturing capabilities.

today as a 17- or 18-year-old, you’re going to get an associate’s degree paid for by the company, you’ll have no debt, you’ll be in an apprentice program almost immediately, with a rapidly rising paycheck, and by the time you’re in your early 20s, you can probably afford to buy your own home, debt-free.” The China factor The exodus of young people from tool and die and other skilled trades created an opening in the market for other players to gain a foothold. Enter China, a country Hoffmann says “did not exist” on the tool and die landscape until about 30 years ago. “In the ‘90s or early 2000s, what happened is the Chinese had a vision for building up an automotive industry that could not only compete with the likes of ours, but also Germany’s, Europe’s, you name it,” Hoffmann said. “They wanted to build a dominant industry, and the way to manufacture cars is to understand how the tools get made to make the parts. So, they had to start by building up a tooling industry, and the way to do that and to learn is to start doing business with North America.” Fast-forward a quarter-century, and things have changed. China’s investment in manufacturing has made the nation a force to be reckoned with. In 2024, European think tank VoxEU dubbed China “the world’s sole manufacturing superpower,” noting that it now accounts for 35% of global output – “more than the nine next largest manufacturers combined.” Consequences, consequences Bedow warns that America’s slide into manufacturing irrelevance will only accel-

TRAVERSE CITY BUSINESS NEWS

SEPTEMBER 2026

MANUFACTURING & AUTOMATION erate if the country can’t reverse its tool and die problem. “You cannot have ‘Made in America’ without the jigs, fixtures, dies and molds that make mass production possible,” he wrote. “If we lose the tooling base, we lose our (manufacturing) independence.” Losing that independence, Hoffmann insists, is nothing short of a national security risk. “All those new products that protect us and defend us? There has to be a manufacturing process to make those, and more often than not, there is some tooling applied,” Hoffmann explained. “The tool and die industry being unhealthy means it’s very hard for us to tool up for the next major intervention. In World War II, we won by outproducing everyone else. We won by being able to increase production, and by using our automotive industry as the powerhouse and shifting its productive capacity into tanks and planes and submarines and ships. If we were to try to do that today, we’d need to build new tooling rapidly, and we’re nowhere near what China’s capability is to do that.” Even beyond a hypothetical defense situation, Hoffmann says a healthy tool and die industry would do wonders to reshore more manufacturing to the United States, and to bring a spirit of innovation back to American industry. As an example, he points to Tesla and its game-changing electric vehicles. There is

Hoffmann

European think tank VoxEU used this graphic to illustrate the shifting powers of global manufacturing, and China’s increasingly dominant position.

innovation in the manufacturing of those vehicles, he says. But even though Tesla is an American company, much of that innovation is dependent on foreign companies. “You can read about Tesla making giga presses and giga dies to make the casting of the car,” Hoffmann said. “They cast in one casting, and in doing so, they eliminate about 70 to 80 stampings. So, it’s a very large, complex tool, and those tools are not built in the U.S. No shop in the U.S. has the capacity or the capability to build a giga die. You can’t even find one here, except for in Tesla’s facilities. Who’s making the machine? Well, the machine

technology was originally developed by an Italian company, some German companies, and what was formerly an American company. But all that technology has been transferred to China, as they bought those companies. All those large machines are being made by Chinese companies. So, we’re losing the race to innovate in process and development and design, because we don’t make our own machines here.” Bedow sees this “permanent loss of sovereign capability” as a harbinger of other problems, too: production bottlenecks, longer lead times, slower time-to-market rates, higher production costs “for all industries,”

and end-consumer price hikes. He goes so far as to call the decline of American tool and die work as an “engine for inflation.” Avoiding catastrophe Avoiding that future, Bedow says, calls for “a national response,” including federal and state subsidies to offset the cost of training new tool and die apprentices; funding for “knowledge management systems” that could preserve the institutional knowledge of aging and retiring tool and die workers’ and rebranding and “aggressively marketing” the tool and die trade to young people – “not as a ‘dirty job’ but as a high-tech career in ‘industrial engineer-

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MANUFACTURING & AUTOMATION

This graphic from Scott Bedow illustrates the demographic challenges leading to a nationwide decline in the tool and die industry.

ing and applied metallurgy.’” Hoffmann, meanwhile, is calling for “minimum spending requirements” in the United States, to reshore a certain percentage of tool and die work and keep it domestic for good. “We need to spend one-third of our dollars locally,” he said. “Require that for

any program that’s going to require new tooling that’s going to run in this country. That would have a dramatic positive impact day one on the ability to invest in worldclass tooling and equipment to build more productive die shops and mold shops, and to train the next generation.”

At the state level, Hoffmann says Michigan legislators could start advocating for a tax credit “for any investment made in new tooling build in Michigan.” That kind of change, he thinks, might be the easiest sell of all. “If the tooling is being built here, it

creates jobs, and those jobs that it creates have a ripple effect throughout the economy,” Hoffmann said. “For every dollar of revenue in tool and die, it creates about seven times that in the economy, which is a huge multiplier effect – much higher than you would get in any other market.”

TRAVERSE CITY BUSINESS NEWS

SEPTEMBER 2026

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP AWARD PRESENTED BY KEEN

OVERVIEW KEEN has had the pleasure of implementing the first-of-its-kind solar canopy carport for Traverse City Light and Power. SOLUTIONS A cutting-edge 78 solar panel cantilevered carport seamlessly integrated with an advanced battery storage system, engineered to slash energy costs through intelligent peak-demand shaving.

We’re fortunate to have expertise like KEEN right in our backyard. There is something especially meaningful about partnering with a local company that is not only bringing technical expertise to the project, but is also invested in this community and how it evolves. That shared commitment to anticipating what comes next and building for the future aligns naturally with TCLP’s vision of being an innovative and trusted community partner.

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Brandie Ekren

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48 SEPTEMBER 2026

TRAVERSE CITY BUSINESS NEWS

MANUFACTURING & AUTOMATION

The Manufacturing ‘Who Knew’ List Three local players quietly achieving greatness

By Craig Manning Northern Michigan’s manufacturing industry makes it all: car parts, world-class sporting gear, even musical instruments. And yet, while the products made locally are bought, used and admired far beyond the boundaries of our region, these same manufacturers eschew the spotlight, doing their work so quietly that they fly under the radar even for the people who reside here year-round. This month, in tribute to these quiet but mighty businesses, the TCBN takes you inside three local manufacturers and the oft-overlooked details that make them powerhouses.

THE AWARD-WINNING GM SUPPLIER The company: Grand Traverse Plastics (GTP) Established: 1981 Specialty: Injection molded plastic parts, particularly for the automotive industry. Who knew: On the evening of August 1, hundreds of GTP associates gathered at Turtle Creek Stadium for dinner, a Traverse City Pit Spitters baseball game, and most importantly, a mid-game celebration of their company. Between innings, executives from General Motors (GM) took to the pitcher’s mound to present GTP CEO Bill Knable with a GM “Supplier of the Year” award. It was the sixth time GTP had earned that particular honor. According to Knable, GTP has quietly become one of GM’s most trusted parts manufacturers over the years. The Williamsburg-based manufacturer has been a GM supplier since 1985, supplying parts like functional black plastic, engine covers, oil caps, and all kinds of inside-the-engine components to the automotive giant. In 2018, GTP was acquired by Covington Partners, a private equity firm based in southeast Michigan. The acquisition,

Knable says, helped supercharge GTP to 25% year-over-year growth – “though, in the last couple years, we’ve had about 35% growth per year,” he added. “As an example, we went from 120 employees to over 200 in the last three years,” Knable said. Now a $50 million company, GTP has become a near-perennial fixture in GM’s Supplier of the Year awards, including back-to-back recognition this year and last. Speaking to MOTOR Magazine earlier this year, Shilpan Amin, GM’s senior vice president and chief procurement and supply chain officer, explained the Supplier of the Year honors as a way of recognizing the fact that “nearly 70% of the value of a car is actually done outside of GM,” including wheels, tires, seats, door panels, technology and more. That supplier network spans thousands of companies from 120 countries. The ones that “deliver the best results should be rewarded and recognized accordingly,” Amin reasoned. “On average, we recognize about a hundred suppliers out of up to 20,000 globally,” he said. The award, Knable says, is exceptionally meaningful for a company like GTP. “Our relationship with that particular customer is amazing, and it’s allowed us to grow exponentially up here in Williamsburg,” Knable said. “We’ve

Peter Layer of GM with Bill Knable, Sam Tomlinson, and Joe Robinson of Grand Traverse Plastics, celebrating this year’s Supplier of the Year award.

expanded the facility several times, most recently about four years ago, when we added about 30,000 square feet. We’re looking to expand again sometime soon, and will probably kick that off sometime in the next year.” The next expansion, Knable says, will be about “creating more space to

do what we already do, but also going into larger, more complex components.” He declined to share specifically which classes of automotive parts GTP could soon be building, other than to say the company is eyeing “more complex assemblies that are going to require much more automation.”

TRAVERSE CITY BUSINESS NEWS

SEPTEMBER 2026

MANUFACTURING & AUTOMATION The company: Bohning Established: 1946 Specialty: Archery adhesives, parts and accessories Who knew: Not far from Traverse City, in the woods of Lake City, sits an archery industry titan. Founded 80 years ago this year, Bohning took shape because founder and namesake Rollin Bohning saw a need for better archery cement. In Michigan, bow hunting was growing in popularity at the time, and the market was calling for an adhesive that could more reliably attach broadheads to wooden arrow shafts. Bohning – a chemist who had cut his teeth working in the automotive industry – welcomed the challenge. He solved the problem, and then some. Bohning patents – including Ferr-L-Tite adhesive, which bonds metal points to wooden arrow shafts; and Fletch-Tite, the first-ever commercially available adhesive for attaching broadheads to aluminum arrows – were foundational to the archery market as it exists today. Moreover, the company Rollin built continues to be a global leader not just in adhesives, but also vanes, points, nocks, lubes, jigs, wraps, quivers, arm guards, bow grips and most other archery parts or accessories. In 2004, Rollin Bohning was even inducted into the Archery Hall of Fame and Museum in Springfield, Missouri, earning

THE OLYMPIC-GRADE ARCHERY BRAND

the recognition for being a key “contributor to the sport.” Speaking to the magazine Archery Business in 2024, CEO Larry Griffith estimated Bohning “owns roughly 750 to 1,200 intellectual property assets” worldwide and ships to “between 90 and 140 countries” annually, with its products available “in an additional 30 to 40 countries or territories via distributors.” The business also continues to

innovate, including with the 2020 release of the Griffin vane, which was designed, manufactured and tested specifically with Olympic archers in mind. Through its evolution, Bohning has remained rooted in Lake City, where it has “two plant sites and tens of thousands of feet of production space,” per Griffith’s interview with Archery Business. “We live here because we enjoy seeing nature and its ever-changing wildlife,”

Griffith told the publication, of the company’s northern Michigan home base. “Many employees are hunters or married to hunters. Almost all shoot guns, bows and or crossbows. Most everyone has a range and targets set up behind their homes. If this is the definition of redneck, it is a title we happily wear.” The TCBN was unable to reach Griffith for comment on this article.

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MANUFACTURING & AUTOMATION

THE NICHE MUSIC INDUSTRY PLAYER The company: Farmer Foot Drums Established: 2005 Specialty: Foot percussion systems Who knew: If you’ve ever watched the Apple TV series “Ted Lasso,” you may recall the season one episode where Ted, scrambling to find a musical performer for a gala event after a last-minute cancellation by pop star Robbie Williams, recruits an unknown street musician to take the stage. That musician, the London-based busker Cam Cole, is known for his one-man band take on the Delta Blues, and one of the key instruments in his setup is a foot drum made by a company in Leelanau County. Based in Cedar, Farmer Foot Drums custom-builds compact, lightweight percussion systems “for guitar players and multi-instrumentalists who want a professional, full drum kit sound played with your feet.” The kits use multi-pedal designs to let musicians play various types of drums and percussion – snare, bass, hi-hats and cymbals, and even shakers or jingles – without lifting a finger. “The Farmer Foot Drum opened so many doors for me,” said Cole, who now has nearly 200,000 subscribers on YouTube.

Pete and Kate Farmer

The foot drums are the brainchild of Pete Farmer, a self-taught musician who started playing around with the concept in the early 2000s. Farmer lived in Seattle at the time, and was a fan of hitting the streets every so often for a busking outing. He started experimenting with kickdrum systems that would allow him to expand his street performer sound beyond just an acoustic guitar. Soon, he was calling on some amateur – albeit, adventurous – woodworking skills to create the first Farmer Foot Drum prototypes. “My dad was really lenient with the rules in the woodshop as I was growing

up,” Farmer once told TCBN sister publication The Ticker. “He would just let me go for it with a hammer, probably at too young of an age.” Farmer’s adventurous instincts paid off. His kickdrums caught the eye of passerby in Seattle, a fair number of whom even offered to buy them right out from under his feet. In 2005, he formally started the Farmer Foot Drum business, making custom foot drums for other musicians out of a single-car renter garage. After losing his job as a high school social studies teacher in 2008, right at the start of the Great Recession, Farmer redoubled his focus on

the business – though he told The Ticker it wasn’t until he and his wife relocated to northern Michigan in 2014 that things really took off. Based out of a barn, Farmer Foot Drums has become a more sophisticated manufacturing operation, even investing in a custom CNC (computer numerical control) system a few years ago to streamline and automate the production of “all of the wood pieces, levers, and pedals” for the foot drums. The automation has helped the company keep pace with orders, which now come from all over the world.

TRAVERSE CITY BUSINESS NEWS

SEPTEMBER 2026

THE THE SHORELINE SHORELINE PERSPECTIVE PERSPECTIVE

Manufacturing’s Next Chapter: How automation is strengthening northern Michigan businesses

A Community Banker’s Perspective on While northern Michigan is often their ability to deliver quality products Construction in Northern Michigan recognized for tourism, manufacturing efficiently and consistently. Automation By Ryan Popa, VP Commercial Lender at West Shore Bank

continues to be a vital VP/Commercial driver of our Lending caninhelp manufacturers meet those By Lori VanAntwerp, Traverse City at West Shore Bank region’s economy. From automotive expectations while maintaining profitsuppliers and isprecision machine shops ability. the Loop. It’s this level of passion and intentionality Construction essential and increasingly thatTechnology will continue to set our community complex. housingmarine demandmanufaccontinues to to food Strong processors, investments aloneapart. are not support opportunities, yet the proturers, development and wood products companies, enough. The most successful companies Layered capital structures are increasingly cess of delivering new supply requires thoughtful these businesses provide year-round jobs are also investing in their workforce. common planning, creative financing, and a good underand economic stability for communities Modern manufacturing increasingly Often, to make a project viable, developers standing of local market conditions. across the region. requires employees who operate will utilize funding from manycan sources. The adRegional nonprofit Housing North estimates capital may include: thatToday, approximately 31,000 additional are housing many manufacturers vancedstack equipment, interpret production • Senior construction loans from community units willa be needed across northwest Michigan facing common challenge: finding data, and adapt to evolving technologies. and regional banks by 2027. Meeting this demand requires a wide and retaining workers. Labor shortages, Partnerships with schools, technical • Public incentives from the MEDC – such as range of housing types – from attainable starter retirements, and increasing programs, and and workforce development the Revitalization Placemaking grants (RAP) homes to multi-family rentals, anddemand thought- for skilled trades have led business owners organizations will continue to play a crit• MSHDA funding fully designed mixed-use projects. As a result, Brownfield Tax Increment Financing (TIF) construction activity acrossgets the done. region is gradually to rethink how work Increasical• role in preparing the next generation Mezzanine debt or preferred equity evolving to better serveisa becoming diverse and growing ingly, automation part of the of •skilled workers. • Partnerships with nonprofit organizations population. solution. For business owners, deciding when utilizing Low-Income Housing Tax Credit proBuilding in northern Michigan presents As a commercial lender working with and to invest in automation requires gramshow (LIHTC) distinct challenges, including shorter construcbusinesses throughout northern Michcareful planning. Equipment purchases • Alternative funding sources such as Venture tion season, skilled labor shortages, and limited North, Northern Initiatives and Illinois Facilities contractor availability, which can extend in project igan, I have seen growing interest and facility upgrades represent significant (IFF) timelines increase costs. These realities robotics,and automated production systems, Fund investments, and leaders must evalurequire careful planning and lenders to take a artificial intelligence, and other smart ate expected returns, implementation What community banks focus on in construclong-term view when evaluating construction manufacturing technologies. What was timelines, tion lending and long-term business goals. opportunities. once practical only for large manufacturQuestions around cash flow, growth From a lender’s perspective, several factorsprocan strengthen a construction Developers are responding with creativity andfor significantly ers has become increasingly accessible jections, and workforce needs allproject: factor • Maintaining appropriate contingency commitment small and mid-sized companies looking into the decision-making process. reserves – this will provide a cushion during pricRegional developers are adapting in different to improve productivity and remain This is where community banks can ing spikes, construction delays and unforeseen ways to help expand housing supply. competitive. play an important role. Beyond financing project challenges In the downtown market, recent projects have Importantly, automation is not simply equipment and expansion projects, • Preserving a strong liquidity position –lendthis focused on renovating and revitalizing historic to capital, like cash, stocks, properties. This hasworkers. created attractive about replacing In manyresidencases, it includes ers can easy helpaccess business owners evaluate bonds, etc. Lenders are often told by structure borrowers tial living spaces while modernizing anduse is helping manufacturers makeretail better investment opportunities and ‘If I had the cash, I wouldn’t need a bank.’ That can office environments. Importantly, they have also of the talent they already have. Automated solutions that support both immediate be true to an extent. But when we are talking preserved the architectural character and longsystems can of take repetitive physioperational needsyouand long-term growth about construction, need a Plan A, B &C term vibrancy theover community. As aor lifelong cally demanding tasks, allowing employees objectives. • Including financially capable guarantors resident, I am especially grateful for the care they whoNorthern can supportMichigan projects through completion. A have takenon to improve and preserve these as assets. to focus higher-value work such manufacturguarantor financial strength independent Preserving historicalprogramming, elements of a project costs quality control, troubleers have with a long history of adapting to of the specific construction project further enhancfar more than tearing down and starting from shooting, and process improvement. change. While today’s challenges may es the viability of financing scratch. THANK YOU to developers that have A machine shop, example, may look different than those ofregarding previousab• Using realistic assumptions chosen preservation overfor profits. add robotic equipment to load and decades, the entrepreneurial spirit thatIs sorption, pricing, and interest rate sensitivity. Elsewhere, some builders are pursuing a the price/sq supported by thestrong. market? neighborhood-based mulunload materials,strategy, while aconstructing food processor hassales fueled the ft sector remains I’d be doing clients a disservice moving tiple simultaneously within mayspeculative automatehomes portions of its packaging Automation is not a cure-all, nor is it a forward with projects that lack sufficient liquidity new and established subdivisions. This approach operation. These investments often help replacement for skilled employees. Rathand guarantor strength. If a major hiccup occurs allows for improved coordination with subconbusinesses increase output, improve er, it is a tool that can help businesses and the borrower doesn’t have the funds to finish tractors, efficient material purchasing, and better consistency, and reduce production strengthen the project, nooperations, one wins. address workforce overall project scheduling. These efficiencies can Responsibleand development preserve the help moderate without construction costs andsignificant improve bottlenecks requiring challenges, positionhelps themselves character andgrowth. quality ofManufacturers life that make thisthat region affordability. increases in staffing. for future attractive to residents and visitors alike. CommuniOne developer I work with recently shared, At the same time, broader economic embrace innovation while continuing to ty banks play an important role in balancing these after years of success in the local real estate trends are creating new opportunities. invest in their people will be well posipriorities by supporting projects that align with industry: “I’ve made a lot of money in Traverse City chain disruptions the pastto tioneddemand to thrive the years ahead.goals. market and in long-term community –Supply now I want to give back.” Thatover commitment reinvesting in the community plays an important several years have prompted many comrole in addressing regional housing needs. panies to reassess overseas manufacturing THIS ARTICLE IS MADE POSSIBLE BY We’re currently reviewing a project designed relationships. As more organizations seek to breathe new life into the area surrounding the domestic Lake suppliers resilient Boardman Loop. and Developers are supply committed chains, manufacturers across Michigan to creating a vibrant hub of housing, retail, andare gathering spaces that invitetoour community finding opportunities expand theirtocusenjoy thebase natural of the region. They untomer andbeauty take on additional work. derstand that success depends on a collaborative To compete for those opportunities, relationship with the city and township to ensure however, businesses must demonstrate the project aligns with the long-term vision for

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52 SEPTEMBER 2026

TRAVERSE CITY BUSINESS NEWS

MANUFACTURING & AUTOMATION

TentCraft

‘ABSOLUTELY CRITICAL’ NMC launches industrial sewing program

By Art Bukowski Northwestern Michigan College is offering a new program designed to fill a specific need in the local manufacturing scene. Later this month, NMC Extended Education & Training will offer its first industrial sewing program to provide hands-on training for people looking to land careers in the industrial textile manufacturing industry. The program was developed in collaboration with the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (MMTC) and Northwest Michigan Works!, which had all heard about a significant need for people trained in sewing. “Our three organizations talk quite often about needs and what people are looking for, and it came up that there’s been a lot of growth around here with employers who employ sewers, and they were all having trouble finding training (or skilled workers),” said Elizabeth Sonnabend, program manager at NMC Extended Education & Training. At least a dozen local manufacturers of all sizes employ sewers for a variety of tasks tied to upholstery, apparel manufacturing, marine canvases, sails, tents, promotional products, custom fabrication and more,

and a lack of skilled talent in that area has become a big problem as these companies look to grow. “For years, our local manufacturing scene has faced a persistent gap in finding specialized sewing talent,” said Rob Dickinson, regional director of business services for Northwest Michigan Works! “The skills addressed by this training program are absolutely critical for major

the industry. “We tried to keep it broad enough because there’s so many different things being sewn in the region,” Sonnabend said. “So we said, ‘What are the core, basic skills that would give you a head start at any of the employers involved?’” Participants will be trained on industrial sewing equipment by two master upholsterers from Traverse City-based Neuco,

“For years, our local manufacturing scene has faced a persistent gap in finding specialized sewing talent. The skills addressed by this training program are absolutely critical for major regional employers.” – Rob Dickinson, Regional Director of Business Services, Northwest Michigan Works! regional employers.” The upcoming NMC program, which runs from Sept. 21 to Oct. 28, was finetuned through input from nine such local employers, Sonnabend says. It’s designed to teach participants enough to plug in any place they might want to go within

which offers a wide variety of upholstering services. Diane Arnold, who owns Neuco, points out that sewing was once commonly taught in school and passed from generation to generation, but like so many other skilled trades, has fallen by

the wayside. Her two employees that will be teaching have a combined 60 years of experience, and she’s glad they’re passing their knowledge along. “I’m extremely excited that they’ll get to use those skills and teach the next generation, and hopefully while they’re there, they can make some great contacts and some of (the participants) can come on board at my company or others in the community,” she said. The NMC program is especially helpful because it handles training that employers would have a hard time providing themselves, Arnold says. “Our community has several companies that require skilled sewers, and many companies don’t have the bandwidth to train or have an apprenticeship,” she said. Paul Britten, president of local manufacturing giant Britten Inc., is particularly excited about the new program. His company – particularly its Britten Banners division – is always in need of skilled sewers for a variety of applications. “I believe the new Industrial sewing initiative at NMC is going to be a home run for Britten Banners as well as all our friends across the USA that are making awnings, sails, tarpaulins, upholstery sys-

TRAVERSE CITY BUSINESS NEWS

SEPTEMBER 2026

MANUFACTURING & AUTOMATION

tems, garments, military gear, backpacks,” he said. “The list goes on.” The same goes for TentCraft, which is sending three of its employees to be trained in the inaugural program. TentCraft, which had a seat at the table as the program was developed, is also donating sewing machines and materials. “While our team is already highly skilled in the sewing techniques we use every day, this program provides an opportunity to broaden their knowledge by exposing them to new products, materials, methods and perspectives,” said Rob Hanel, TentCraft’s director of people and space. “Our slogan at TentCraft is ‘Make it Better’ and I think that kind of continuous learning creates

a more skilled, engaged and adaptable workforce.” Hanel adds that perhaps most of

term career opportunities, and we hope this program encourages more people to see industrial sewing as a respected profes-

“Manufacturing offers rewarding, long-term career opportunities, and we hope this program encourages more people to see industrial sewing as a respected profession with real growth potential.” – Rob Hanel, Director of People and Space, TentCraft all, the team at TentCraft is “excited to help elevate industrial sewing as a skilled trade.” “Manufacturing offers rewarding, long-

sion with real growth potential,” he said. Sonnabend echoes that sentiment. She says this sewing class is a great way to get more local folks connected with solid,

high-paying jobs. “(When you look at) the pathways that will get people from just surviving to a thriving career, one of the biggest pathways is manufacturing,” Sonnabend said. “Especially if you only have a high school degree, manufacturing is one of the best ways to get a sustainable wage in the region.” Last but certainly not least, the program also could be of use to entrepreneurs looking to start their own businesses. “In addition to the fact that there are great jobs in the region doing this, if you’re a creative person, there’s actually a lot of home-based sewing businesses that are a good opportunity for people as well,” Sonnabend said.

NMC Celebrates

40 Under 40 Honorees Congratulations to Troy Kierczynski and Katharine Marvin on their selection for the TCBN 40 Under 40 list. Thank you for your leadership and extraordinary work that helps make our college and community a place to grow and thrive. Learn how you can join an inspiring team making a positive impact every day. Scan code for the most current opportunities. jobs.nmc.edu

54 SEPTEMBER 2026

TRAVERSE CITY BUSINESS NEWS

SEPTEMBER 2026

MANUFACTURING

By Rick Haglund Strata Design took the plunge into the murky world of artificial intelligence in April, seeking to get a leg up on competitors and boost efficiencies. “We’re always challenged to do more with less in the environment we live in,” said Jon Dreher, Strata’s chief operating officer. Strata, based in Traverse City, provides architectural millwork and custom fixtures for healthcare, education and hospitality businesses across North America. After being solicited by numerous vendors, Strata chose Anthropic’s Claude AI assistant, which it uses throughout the company’s business processes. “There are a lot of companies trying to sell AI,” Dreher said. “We just decided to go out on our own and commit to one brand we thought was best for our business needs.” Strata is at the forefront of what local industry leaders say is a nascent movement by local manufacturers to adopt AI, which experts predict will have a profound impact on the economy and workforce. Most local manufacturers have yet to implement AI and are first trying to understand how this revolutionary new technology might benefit their businesses before committing to it. “I can’t have a meeting with a client or a partner in which the topic of AI doesn’t come up in the first 12½ minutes,” said Kevin Olds, regional vice president at the northern Michigan office of the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (MMTC). “It’s top of mind.” The MMTC, based in Plymouth, provides consulting services to small and midsize manufacturers. It has begun offering classes on implementing AI and held an event in August on the topic in Cadillac that drew about 60 attendees. Olds said he’s had private conversations with manufacturers throughout the region about AI. Many are skittish about jumping in because of a lack of understanding about the technology and what it could do to improve business processes. “A lot of them are confused and overwhelmed,” Olds said. “They’re trying to sift through the noise.” The Grand Traverse Area Manufacturers Council is working to help its members navigate the complexities of AI. “We are only just beginning to try and understand what AI can do,” said Tim Healy, CEO of Century LLC and Clark Manufacturing in Traverse City, who also chairs the Grand Traverse Area Manufacturing Council. “We don’t have many examples of how it is being used, only that we want to learn.” The council became a unit of Traverse Connect in 2024. The two organizations held an AI information session in August that included leaders from the area’s manufacturing, professional services, education, healthcare and arts sectors “to discuss the possible impacts of AI on our

‘ADOPT OR GO HOME’ Local manufacturers grapple with the AI wave

community,” Traverse Connect President and CEO Warren Call said. “Our board and manufacturing council will be reviewing ways in which we can collaborate with partner organizations going forward,” Call said. AI is a touchy subject for many companies because of its perceived potential to destroy millions of jobs, exacerbate income inequality and possibly wipe out humanity. And there is widespread public dissent over massive data centers required to power AI. But Dreher says reducing headcount wasn’t a consideration in Strata’s adoption of the technology. “It allows us to do more without having to add more people,” he said. “We’re not trying to eliminate jobs.” Strata employs 45 people. Like many manufacturing and construction companies in the area, it struggles to find new skilled workers and replace workers who retire or leave for other reasons. AI could make it easier for the company to identify workflow improvements and absorb those losses, Dreher says. Manufacturing employment in the four-county Traverse City metropolitan statistical area (MSA) has hovered around 6,000 for years and is down from its most recent peak of 8,600 workers in 1998, according to state labor statistics. The Traverse City MSA includes Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska and Leelanau counties. One reason for the static manufacturing jobs picture could be that employers have largely given up trying to grow their businesses by hiring more workers.

“There are many manufacturers who would expand their workforce if they could find more people,” Call said. “But part of the issue is the lack of affordable housing for their workforce.” Call says the manufacturing council is pushing local governments to revamp zoning and building permit regulations and improve transportation as ways to grow the area’s labor force. Age demographics are also working against growing manufacturing employment, one state official says. “One issue you might be seeing is that in 2030 the youngest baby boomer turns 65. That’s not great for manufacturing,” said Dylan Schafer, economic manager at the Michigan Center for Data and Analytics. AI optimists say it could create millions of jobs that haven’t been thought of yet, similar to past technical revolutions. Dreher says AI is saving time on tasks such as comparing engineering drawings from customers’ engineering drawings to its own in designing millwork and cabinetry. Strata also has integrated AI into its enterprise planning resource software, allowing the company to automate routine tasks and gain better data analysis for forecasting and decision-making. The safe use of AI agents is another concern for companies implementing the technology. There have been recent reports of AI agents escaping human control and attacking other companies, something Dreher says Stata has taken steps to prevent. And humans still need to check AI agents’ work. “Until it’s more trustworthy, it’s hard to

let go and let AI drive,” Dreher said. “But that’s coming quickly.” About a third of Strata’s workers – department leaders and some of their direct reports – have AI subscriptions. They are “absolutely embracing it and moving us forward rapidly,” Dreher said. “With AI your usage has a ceiling and when you hit it, you must purchase more ‘tokens.’ I am constantly getting requests to add more tokens with the amount of usage,” he said. Olds of the MMTC says many companies will have little choice but to adopt AI in their offices and in automation on their factory to survive a technical revolution in manufacturing. “It’s adopt or go home,” he said. Manufacturing employment in Benzie, Grand Traverse, Leelanau and Kalkaska counties 2019 (pre-Covid) ______________6,300 2020______________________________5,700 2021______________________________5,800 2022_____________________________ 5,900 2023 _____________________________5,900 2024 _____________________________5,800 2025 _____________________________5,900 2026 (through June) ________6,000 Source: Michigan Center for Data and Analytics

56 SEPTEMBER 2026

TRAVERSE CITY BUSINESS NEWS

ACCOUNTING INSURANCE & LAW

Beitner Road collapse

UNDERWATER Most homeowners lack flood coverage; some pay dearly

By Art Bukowski When it rains, it pours. Sometimes it rains, pours and floods, causing millions of dollars in damage and considerable headaches for property owners and civic authorities. Such was the case in April, when historic rainfall caused extensive flooding along the Boardman River and a complete washout of the bridge at Beitner Road, the lack of which is still causing traffic problems in the region. Aside from issues along the Boardman, scores of homeowners throughout the region experienced some degree of flooding in their basements or other associated water damage due to a wicked combination of heavy snowmelt, partially frozen ground and torrential rain. Unfortunately, from an insurance standpoint, many of these homeowners were out of luck. Standard homeowner policies do not cover floods, groundwater seepage or other sorts of water incursions from outside the home. Flood insurance

covers much of this, but few people outside of designated flood zones (or other known risk areas) purchase it. This meant a lot of tough conversations for local insurance agents. “It’s frustrating. I’ve been doing it for

“We had some difficult conversations. There were some people that had to dig into their own pockets to cover damage, there’s no doubt,” added Chris Hathaway of Ford Insurance Agency. “It’s never a good situation when you

“Unfortunately we’re starting to see these ‘once in a hundred year’ storms or events happening more frequently. So as consumers, maybe we need to think a little more strongly about how comfortable we are rolling the dice.” – Tyler Bartosh, Vice President, Top O’ Michigan Insurance Solutions

25 years, and I don’t have very many times where I’ve had to tell someone ‘I’m sorry, you don’t have coverage,’” said Scott Carter, a local Farm Bureau Insurance agent. “(Insurance agents) make their careers out of helping people, and when we have to tell them there’s not coverage for something like that, it’s a rough day.”

can’t tell people ‘Hey, we’ve got coverage for your loss.’ That’s just never good for anybody.” Other incidents – notably the Gaylord-area ice storms of early 2025 – may have caused more total monetary damages, but the April floods exposed more people to out-of-pocket costs.

“As far as a situation in which there’s a lack of standard policy coverage, this is definitely going to rank right up there,” Hathaway said. Flood insurance basics Flood insurance is most often purchased through private insurance companies, with many plans backed by the federal government through the National Flood Insurance Program. While almost every homeowner has homeowner’s insurance, far, far fewer have flood insurance. “I’ve read some statistics that in Michigan, it might be one, two or three percent of property owners buying flood insurance,” said Tyler Bartosh of Top O’ Michigan Insurance Solutions’ Traverse City office. “And in our experience, many people that are buying flood insurance only buy it because it was required by their lender, so it was not by choice.” Such was the case along the Boardman

TRAVERSE CITY BUSINESS NEWS

SEPTEMBER 2026

ACCOUNTING, INSURANCE & LAW River, local insurance industry folks say, where many homeowners with damage were able to get coverage because they had lender-imposed flood insurance. “But if they don’t still have a mortgage, it’s probably 50-50,” said Corinna Huffman of Cardinal Insurance Group. Even people in flood zones as designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (the Boardman River is in one) often fight tooth and nail to avoid having to pay for coverage. “In my 20 years in the business, I’ve had (several) clients try to get out of buying flood insurance,” Bartosh said. “When it’s been a lender requirement, they’ve paid to have new surveys done or rezoning; they’ve gone through more hoops than I would have to get out of paying for it.” Bartosh gets it. “Most buyers are like all of us,” he said. “They opt out of getting something like flood insurance because it costs extra money and because we have a pretty low historical risk. Especially if you don’t have a lender requirement, (you just aren’t) going to go that way.” Not just for flood zone Cardinal Insurance offers flood insurance to everyone, Huffman says, regardless of whether they’re in a flood zone. “We do explain to people why we offer

Carter

Huffman

it to everyone, but a lot of them say, ‘Well, I’m not in a flood zone, I’m up on a high hill. I don’t need it,’” she said. Cardinal’s team goes on to explain that flood insurance covers a lot more than floods in the traditional sense, including the exact types of situations that played out in April, and that many flooding incidents happen outside of designated flood zones. “We give those prime examples of heavy rains where surface water pools on top of snow, collapse of land, mud flows, stuff like that,” she said. “So when they say no, we then start with our spiel and educate them. Although you’re not in the flood plain, did you know that pooling or runoff of surface water from any source is not covered (without flood insurance)?”

One client near Lake Ann had lower level flooding due to the April rains combined with some poor landscaping, Huffman says, and Huffman had to point out to this irate client specifically where she declined flood insurance. “Our business model is set up to educate clients on what they’re purchasing and what the ramifications are of not purchasing it,” she said. “So to be honest with you, the conversations we have can be difficult, but they kind of have an inkling up front.” Fortunately, the perfect mix of factors that caused damage in April is simply not common. “I’ve been in this 20 plus years, and this is kind of an anomaly, with the frozen ground, heavy rains, the amount of runoff we had. You don’t generally see this

Bartosh

for homeowners that are in a normal, everyday subdivision,” Hathaway said. “The couple of people I talked to that I knew were in situations that I would have never expected to have issues with their basements.” Bartosh says that even after April’s flooding, he and some others he works with are unlikely to purchase flood insurance for themselves. But, he says, passing on those types of coverages seems to be an increasingly risky endeavor. His office is likely to start pushing flood insurance more regularly. “Unfortunately we’re starting to see these ‘once in a hundred year’ storms or events happening more frequently,” he said. “So as consumers, maybe we need to think a little more strongly about how comfortable we are rolling the dice.”

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TRAVERSE CITY BUSINESS NEWS

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TRAVERSE CITY BUSINESS NEWS

SEPTEMBER 2026

ACCOUNTING INSURANCE & LAW

By Andi Dolan, columnist If your executive hiring strategy relies on outbidding Fortune 500 companies on standard corporate benefits, you are playing a game you were never built to win. Small business owners fall into this trap by dangling off-the-shelf health plans and modest 401(k) matches, then wondering why top talent chooses corporate conglomerates instead. You do not need to outspend enterprise treasuries to attract tier-one leadership. You simply need to outsmart them. Industry giants deploy massive compensation budgets, but are bogged down by administrative bloat, rigid policies and slow-moving bureaucracy. A smaller employer’s greatest asset isn’t a deeper vault. It is agility, personal alignment and the freedom to build rewards around what exceptional professionals actually value. Moving beyond ‘check-the-box’ Most business owners treat benefits like a routine administrative chore: Sit down with an agent once a year, renew the conventional group health plan, match a few retirement dollars and check the box. Experienced leaders view standard benefits as the bare minimum. If a candidate is already covered through a spouse, offering another generic package provides virtually no pull. The real differentiation comes from intentional financial design. To win the talent you are seeking, your strategy must sit at the intersection of four practical levers: household protection, operational freedom, lifestyle resources and long-term security. Lever 1: Immediate financial impact and family protection While enterprise competitors can get bogged down in committee meetings, smaller firms can make swift, tailored decisions. Personalization is a powerful advantage when competing for elite hires. A few easy moves to consider: • Dependent life coverage: Extending company-funded life insurance to include spouse and children is remarkably inexpensive. It closes a glaring household protection gap, demonstrating a meaningful commitment to the people who depend on them at a fraction of typical benefit costs.

How Small Employers Win Big Talent • Trump accounts for minor children: They aren’t just for newborns. Beginning July 4, 2026, employers can contribute up to $2,500 annually to a qualifying IRC 530A Trump Account for an employee or the employee’s dependent. The employer contribution is excluded from the employee’s gross income, subject to the statutory requirements and annual limits. The $2,500 employer exclusion applies per employee, not separately to each dependent. • Student debt relief: Under Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 127, employers can provide up to $5,250 annually in tax-free educational assistance, including payments toward student loan principal and interest, freeing up immediate monthly cash flow for rising stars. • Targeted family support: Specialized eldercare resources and tax-advantaged adoption assistance under IRC Section 137 replace generic offerings with meaningful financial relief right where families feel the pinch. Lever 2: Schedule sovereignty and operational freedom Top candidates measure organizational value by how much friction a company removes from daily life. Agile firms convert operational flexibility into a retention magnet without inflating base payroll: • Asynchronous protocols and deep-work mandates: Evaluate senior professionals strictly on objective and high-impact outcomes rather than physical presence on-site. Eliminating calendar clutter protects critical cognitive bandwidth and delivers instant satisfaction at minimal additional cost. • Accelerated sabbaticals: Ditch decade-long tenure carrots for a structured four-week paid sabbatical at years three or five. When properly structured as a bona fide leave program, the arrangement may fall outside the scope of IRC 409A. • Bandwidth and cybersecurity logistics: Shield elite leaders from digital threats through employer-provided security tools, clean travel hardware and anti-phishing safeguards. Where the costs are primarily business-related and meet the requirements

of IRC 132(d), they may qualify as working-condition fringe benefits. Lever 3: Lifestyle concierge and personal well-being • Calibrate your offerings toward high-utility tools that protect your leadership’s physical health, mental capacity and strategic focus: • Healthcare, direct primary care and health savings accounts: Reduce medical friction by pairing an HDHP and fully funded HSA with a direct primary care (DPC) membership. Beginning in 2026, certain DPC arrangements may coexist with HSA eligibility. As well, layer on sponsored annual executive physicals (such as Mayo Clinic assessments) and proactive burnout prevention programs to safeguard your senior team’s health and energy. • Professional growth and coaching: Dedicated allowances for one-on-one coaching, industry summits and peer networks signal that a business is committed to investing in professional capacity over the long haul. • Lifestyle and personal advisory stipends: Generic wellness portals sit unused. Top talent prefers practical resources that remove daily stresses, such as flexible $150 monthly lifestyle stipends for fitness or home office upgrades, alongside annual stipends covering estate planning, tax strategy and personal wealth advisory. Lever 4: Financial architecture and contractual protections To win high-caliber employees, smaller firms can layer wealth-building engines and contractual protections that rival common enterprise packages: • Cash-balance plans: Combine a hybrid cash-balance plan with a standard 401(k) to push pre-tax retirement savings well into six figures for key executives. By structuring a qualified “combo plan” that includes modest gateway contributions for rank-and-file, small firms can satisfy IRC nondiscrimination testing while securing substantial corporate tax deduc-

tions and deferred wealth accumulation. • Deferred compensation and supplemental executive retirement plans: Go beyond traditional qualified-plan limits with non-qualified deferred compensation (NQDC) and supplemental executive retirement plans (SERPs) for a select group of senior leaders. These arrangements let executives defer substantial compensation while giving the company flexibility to tailor vesting, distribution and retention terms by creating powerful “golden handcuffs.” Unlike qualified retirement plans, NQDC benefits generally remain an unsecured promise of the company, so they should be designed with both retention value and executive confidence in mind. • Contractual safety nets: Eliminate transition anxiety by offering 12 to 24 months of severance and change-in-control multipliers. Properly structured severance can qualify for exceptions under IRC 409A, while qualifying privately held companies and S-corporations may benefit from specific exceptions that can reduce or eliminate “golden parachute” tax penalties and related corporate deduction losses. These rules can give smaller firms additional flexibility in structuring generous exit protections without creating unnecessary tax costs. Winning talent without outspending giants Winning top talent doesn’t require matching Fortune 500 compensation budgets. It demands outmaneuvering them through smarter design, tax efficiency and operational agility. While corporate giants remain bound to rigid, standardized packages, nimble employers can construct bespoke rewards that safeguard an executive’s wealth, well-being and career trajectory. Aligning compensation with these priorities transforms a routine business expense into an enduring competitive advantage and gives smaller employers a powerful way to compete for exceptional talent. Andi Dolan is the owner of Traverse Benefits, an independent insurance and employee benefits agency serving employers, individuals and Medicare beneficiaries across northern Michigan.

60 SEPTEMBER 2026

TRAVERSE CITY BUSINESS NEWS

ACCOUNTING INSURANCE & LAW

A POLICY FOR GROWTH Area insurance agencies on the move locally and nationally

By Bill O’Brien Change is a constant in the Grand Traverse region’s insurance sector, as agencies continue to expand and evolve both in physical space and organizational structure. Ford Insurance Agency based in Traverse City is among those in transition. The family-owned company just completed a high-profile move into Traverse City Area Public School’s former administration building on Boardman Avenue, across from the city-county Governmental Center. Agency President David Ford says the search for more office space started five years ago as the firm began to outgrow its former home on Garfield Avenue. “We were we on a pretty good growth rate before,” Ford said. “At some point we had to add more staff and more staff, so we had people doubling up in offices in the different departments. We saw that coming, and we started looking for new space.” Ford says there was office space available in the surrounding townships, but it was important to him to keep the office in “the hub of Traverse City.” “The search for good, quality office space where there’s parking, where there’s visibility in a professional atmosphere was our priority,” Ford said. “It’s location, location, location.”

Ford learned that local architect Ken Richmond and a partner were purchasing the TCAPS building – which once served as a schoolhouse for the district. “We became aware that (the TCAPS) building was going to get sold by TCAPS and redeveloped, so we stepped in and raised our hand and asked for more information about could we move our office into this building,” Ford said. More than two years later – and an investment upwards of $8 million to purchase and remodel the 9,000 square foot space – the company moved in late June and is settling into its new space. The agency, which dates to the early ‘70s in Traverse City, also operated out of Glen Arbor in an office started by David’s father, George Ford, in 1983. He joined the agency in 1985 when it had three full-time employees. These days, it has 40 full-time employees, and serves more than 5,000 individual and commercial clients around the U.S. and beyond. “We do more business in a day than the original agency did in a year,” Ford said. Ford’s son Madison also joined the agency back in 2020, making him the third generation of the family to work in the business. He’s currently the agency’s director of operations. Ford Insurance Agency has expanded its

products lines beyond traditional offerings like home, auto and business insurance. It also assists its clients with providing employee benefits, group health plans, pre-retirement health care planning and Medicare supplement coverage. Operating in a unique space in a high-profile location is important to the agency, Ford says. “We want people to be proud that they can come to work here,” he said. “Having a nice place is not only a draw for clients, but it’s a draw for future employees … some of our national competitors have nice, prominent buildings in town. We figured if we were going to be a player we might as well act like we belong in the business and we’re here to stay. “We needed a place that was representative of what we’ve become and how far we’ve gone.” Bay View Insurance is another local agency that’s in a growth mode. It opened a second office in a commercial complex along Fourth Street in Suttons Bay in late 2025, in addition to its original location on Three Mile Road near Traverse City that dates to 1997. Owner-agent Don Nowka bought the agency in 2016. Nowka says Bay View’s expansion into Leelanau County was generated by significant growth over the past decade. The

agency has 13 employees and serves more than 5,000 clients, with more than 90% of those in Michigan. “We’ve seen some pretty strong growth over the last 10 years,” Nowka said. “Since we’ve opened (in Suttons Bay), it’s kind of been gangbusters.” There are numerous factors that go into expansion decisions, Nowka says. They include geographic location to best serve the agency’s client base, as well as seeking input from the insurance lines it offers. Bay View is an independent agency that offers policies from Auto-Owners, Travelers, Progressive and others. “You can’t just open an office without some input from the carriers you do business with,” he said. Bay View is continuing on its growth trend. Agent Ben Garreis, who joined Bay View seven years ago and has spent a dozen years in the industry, is being promoted to a partner in the agency. It’s also on the lookout for a third local office location after the successful launch in Suttons Bay. “We do have some tentative future plans in the next few years for expansion,” Nowka said. Other area insurance firms are growing through their national affiliations. Global Marine Insurance Agency, which operates out of the waterfront CenterPointe

TRAVERSE CITY BUSINESS NEWS

ACCOUNTING, INSURANCE & LAW

SEPTEMBER 2026

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David Ford at the company’s new headquarters in the former TCAPS administration building.

Building along M-22 in Greilickville, was founded in 1989 by partners Mike Smith and Pam Stanley. It originally specialized in providing insurance for boats and pleasure yachts in the Great Lakes area. Global Marine President and owner Matt Anderson, who joined the agency in 2001, said the company also hired a national business director around that time. It began to expand into other marine insurance offerings including super yachts and jet skis, and added agencies in other waterfront areas including Florida, Wisconsin and Detroit. “The one thing that we started to understand is there’s a lot of different lifestyle types at marinas around the country,” Anderson said. The company launched a commercial marine division and offered insurance to commercial and recreation marinas, passenger vessels, boat dealers, shipyards and even lobster boats. “We were a small business, but we were a national business here in Traverse City,” Anderson said. “There’s a lot of different products in the marine group now.” The agency took another step in late 2016 when it became part of New Jersey-based Specialty Program Group. SPG had been launched a year earlier as a wholly owned subsidiary of HUB International, one of the world’s largest insurance companies that’s based in Chicago. Anderson’s responsibilities have also increased at SPG, where he leads its specialty retail division that handles its marine business and its growing involvement in sports and entertainment operations

around the U.S. SPG’s marine group has around 100 employees around the U.S., Anderson says, including about 30 who work at Global Marine in Traverse City. The company serves an estimated 60,000 clients throughout the U.S. and the Caribbean. Global Marine’s parent company could soon undergo another transition as HUB Insurance considers a move to take the company public. The company announced in late June that it had confidentially submitted a draft registration statement with the U.S. Security and Exchange Commission related to the proposed initial public offering of its common stock. The timing, number of shares to be offered and the price range for the proposed offering have not been determined, although industry sources estimate it could raise approximately $3 billion in new capital for the company. Anderson said those changes won’t shift Global Marine’s mission. “We’re a small, small part of that overall organization,” Anderson said. “We’re focused on the day-to-day business, and focused on our customers and employees.” Both Ford and Nowka say they are frequently approached by larger companies with purchase offers for their agencies. But they’ve built successful companies working as locally owned agencies, and have no plans to change that formula anytime soon. “The majority of our people are folks that want a local insurance agent to talk to – it’s been fun to work with people who value that service,” Nowka said. “The only thing we have to sell is ourselves, and that trust. We want to make sure people trust us.”

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TRAVERSE CITY BUSINESS NEWS

SEPTEMBER 2026

ACCOUNTING INSURANCE & LAW

By Jon Sluis, columnist Across the board, businesses and consumers remain fundamentally healthy. But cash flow has tightened. With stimulus-era spending behind us, revenue is moving through the economy more slowly, even for highly profitable companies. Stock market results are largely attributed to AI capital spending, not day-to-day commerce here in northern Michigan. As incentive dollars disappear, consumers spend less, businesses see less revenue and many owners are re-examining costs, such as marketing budgets, bonuses, and other discretionary spending, that grew steadily over the past several years. This is not a sign of weakness. It is a return to discipline after a period of unusually cash-rich conditions. Businesses that grew accustomed to above-average returns, both in the market and in their own operations, are now recalibrating to a more normal environment. One trend is not likely to reverse: labor cost inflation. Wage gains from the stimulus period have become the new baseline for many workers, particularly those at lower income levels, for whom that additional stimulus-based cash flow was transformative rather than incidental. Those increases are now structural, not temporary, and they continue to work their way into the broader cost of goods and services. Business owners should plan for continued labor inflation over the next several years, not just the current fiscal year. With that backdrop in mind, here are several areas of focus for owners preparing for a slower demand cycle or a broader downturn: Stress-test your margins. Model the impact of a 7% to 8% increase in labor costs for multiple years, with particular focus on fixed-price contracts or highly price-sensitive products. Separately, evaluate what would happen if you lost one or more major clients. If a small number of accounts represent a large share of revenue, that concentration risk is worth addressing now before it becomes a liability. Understand your cost structure. Separate your fixed expenses from your variable ones. Know which costs you

PLANNING FOR INFLATION AND TOUGHER TIMES What business owners should be doing now

could reduce quickly and by how much, if revenue slowed. Owners who wait until a downturn is underway to ask this question have far fewer options than those who map it out in advance. Secure access to capital early. Lenders are most willing to extend a line of credit to businesses that do not urgently need one and where a relationship already exists. Establish the relationship and the access now, while conditions are favorable, so you have the relationship in place later – even if you never draw on the line of credit. Maintain adequate cash reserves. A reasonable benchmark is three to six months of operating expenses held in reserve. This has been easier in a highly cash-liquid era. However, as we see this come to a close, days in A/R and inventory become extremely important metrics. The higher cash reserves cushion lets you manage through a period of reduced revenue without disrupting operations or making decisions under pressure. Protect your strongest people. Labor is often treated purely as a cost to control, but retaining key employees is just as important to your business’s resilience. As you look for places to cut, be deliberate about protecting the roles and relationships that matter most to your long-term stability.

Plan your response to market volatility. Consider how a significant downturn – for example, a 40% decline in an investment account – would affect your finances and your decisions. If you rely on investment income or retirement distri-

The advice itself is not new: Know your numbers, stress test, spend less than you make, pay down debt and plan ahead.

butions, talk with your financial advisor about contingency plans before volatility hits, not during it. The goal is not to predict a crash. It is to know in advance how you would respond to one. It also helps to reframe how we think about downside scenarios. If unemployment rose from 5% to 10%, it would garner national attention. However, if reframed, it would still mean 90% employ-

ment. Even an extreme scenario of 20% unemployment would still leave 80% of the workforce employed. The real question for business owners is not whether a downturn will happen. It is whether their business and their team are positioned to be part of that resilient majority. The advice itself is not new: Know your numbers, stress test, spend less than you make, pay down debt and plan ahead. I feel somewhat simplistic even having to write this; however, in an era where many businesses have not had to practice that discipline during several years of above-average conditions, the basics are so easily forgotten. The businesses that start applying age-old wisdom and best practices now while conditions are still favorable will be the ones best positioned for whatever comes next. Jon Sluis, CPA and president, graduated from Calvin College with a bachelor’s in accounting and a double minor in international business and philosophy. Areas of expertise include federal taxation law, tax credit financing, longrange strategic and financial planning, entity structuring, financial improvement measures and financial reporting; (231) 935-1590, www.intrustcpa.us.

64 SEPTEMBER 2026

TRAVERSE CITY BUSINESS NEWS

ACCOUNTING INSURANCE & LAW

DIGITAL DETECTIVE Interlochen businessman provides forensic services to clients across the country By Art Bukowski

Kenneth Hartman looks for the truth. He looks for it in places that most people wouldn’t know how to navigate. In fact, most people wouldn’t even know if they saw it. That’s because the type of truths Hartman looks for are hidden in the deep, multi-layered and complex recesses of digital devices. But Hartman, a digital forensic investigator based in Interlochen, has been around the block plenty of times. If you want to know something about the contents or use of a computer, phone, hard drive or something similar, he’s your guy. Lawyers from across the country on both sides of criminal or civil (lawsuit) cases seek Hartman out to find and interpret digital evidence in a variety of cases. Sometimes he directly investigates; other times he’s just a neutral testifying expert. Regardless, it’s an in-demand job – and that demand is only growing. “The volume of digital evidence is growing much faster than the number of people

TRAVERSE CITY BUSINESS NEWS

SEPTEMBER 2026

ACCOUNTING, INSURANCE & LAW qualified to interpret it,” said Hartman, who rebranded his long-time consulting business to Lucid Truth Technologies in 2022. “Nearly every case now has a phone in it, and the supply of people who can explain what is on that phone, and defend the explanation under cross-examination, is not keeping pace.” Hartman declines to discuss specific case details, citing confidentiality and other client concerns. But he says he feels proud to play a role in sorting out justice. “In a criminal case, somebody can lose their liberty. They can be imprisoned for long periods of time if they’re found guilty and they’re not. Or on the other hand, if they actually are guilty, they need an appropriate punishment … and the forensic evidence helps get the appropriate sentence,” he said. “And in the case of civil cases, there can be company reputation and thousands or millions of dollars at stake.” It’s because of these stakes that Hartman feels an obligation to the truth. “Regardless of what side has hired me, I want to make sure I’m getting the truth out there,” he said. “I keep it to what the evidence shows.” Examples of things he might be hired to find are the very existence of certain types of data (files, images, texts) or whether the data is genuine or otherwise corrupted. He also provides critical con-

text about how this data may have gotten there, who may have accessed it (and when) and what it all means. “The lawyers don’t have a data problem, they have a problem extracting meaning from all of that data. I want Lucid Truth to be a resource to them to make sense of that data,” Hartman said.

neer,” he said. “My mom kind of steered me away from law enforcement and I went into electrical engineering, which is something I really loved. It was later in my career that they both converged: the engineering with the investigative aspect.” He has built up a wealth of training – including a master’s degree from the

“The volume of digital evidence is growing much faster than the number of people qualified to interpret it. Nearly every case now has a phone in it, and the supply of people who can explain what is on that phone, and defend the explanation under cross-examination, is not keeping pace.” - Kenneth Hartman, Owner, Lucid Truth Technologies

“Lawyers need to be aware of what all the evidence says.” Hartman is from Cheboygan and went to Michigan Tech for electrical engineering. He worked in electrical engineering and cybersecurity for many years, logging time at companies like Oscar Meyer and Google, along with a private health information technology startup. “My father was a detective with the Emmet County Sheriff’s Department … and my uncle on my mom’s side was an engi-

SANS Technology Institute in Bethesda, Maryland, a leading cybersecurity school, where he’s taught and remains connected – and has published papers on various topics within the realm. He also has a “driving curiosity” that leads to plenty of his own research and experimentation. “(I have) excellent training from leading practitioners through SANS … and then the other is just time in the saddle, trying things, experimenting, an

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inordinate amount of time doing that type of research,” he said. “I like technical challenges and I like to understand how things work.” He has to, after all, in an ever-changing field with constantly evolving threats. Artificial intelligence, for one, is rapidly changing the game. Anyone can claim anything is fake these days, and it’s getting much more difficult to prove them wrong. “Fortunately, AI still leaves some fingerprints,” he said. “You’re just having to look harder and harder to find those fingerprints.” Ultimately, Hartman wants to deliver an airtight representation of the data, regardless of the form it takes. “If I’m writing a forensic report, I want to make sure that every claim I make in that forensic report is testable and can be reproduced accurately,” he said. “And that’s really what I consider the science of a good forensic examiner is: Can somebody repeat the steps that I did accurately?” Local attorney Jesse Williams has hired Hartman on several occasions. He says Hartman is “professional, incredibly helpful and knowledgeable.” “He’s a great guy to work with for a number of reasons,” Williams said. “He keeps up with technology, which is a full-time job in and of itself, and he’s very good at explaining things.”

66 SEPTEMBER 2026

TRAVERSE CITY BUSINESS NEWS

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TRAVERSE CITY BUSINESS NEWS

SEPTEMBER 2026

BOOK REVIEW By Chris Wendel

People like a good old-fashioned rivalry. In sports, an adversary creates interest, strengthens team loyalty, and gives fans something to rally around. In “The Strategic Enemy,” Laura Ries applies that same dynamic to business, arguing that brands can become more memorable and distinctive when they define what they stand against. Ries builds on the principles of positioning she helped advance with her late father, Al Ries, when they cowrote the seminal 1981 marketing book “Positioning: The Battle for Your Mind.” Her central observation is straightforward: consumers are overwhelmed with information, so they simplify. They then categorize products and companies quickly and remember them through a few distinctive associations. A clearly defined enemy can sharpen those associations by creating contrast. This idea is more powerful than simply telling customers why a company is better. A claim such as “we have better service” or “our product is higher quality” can easily become lost among competitors making the same promises. Defining an enemy gives consumers a clearer choice. It tells them not only what the brand represents, but what it isn’t. Ries illustrates the concept throughout the book with dozens of examples. Liquid Death positions itself against plastic water bottles, while Chick-fil-A’s “Eat Mor Chikin” campaign creates a memorable contrast with beef. These brands do more than promote their own attributes, they establish an opponent that makes their position easier for buyers to understand and remember. For early-stage companies or products trying to carve out a market niche, Ries argues that a focused effort eventually reveals the enemy. Airbnb began when hotel rooms were nearly sold out for a local conference, prompting the founders to rent extra space in their small apartment. When people willingly paid for a place to sleep, the opportunity (and enemy: hotels) became clear after Airbnb’s focus quickly emerged. For most startups, that focus and the eventual enemy may not be obvious at first. But as a company clarifies its purpose and narrows its focus, the competitive contrast often becomes clearer. The book points out that a common threat to successful brands is expansion. Once a company establishes a distinctive position, management and owners naturally want to extend the brand into new products, categories, and markets. But every new product can dilute the original one. A brand that tries to stand for everything eventually risks standing for nothing distinctive. Saying “no” therefore becomes an important part of the book’s strategy. Maintaining a position requires discipline, particularly when growth opportu-

THE STRATEGIC ENEMY How To Position & Hold A Brand Worth Fighting For By Laura Ries

nities appear attractive. Ries argues that leaders must protect the brand’s focus and resist the temptation to broaden it simply because they can. “The Strategic Enemy” also creates something many brands struggle to generate – conversations. Opposition attracts attention because it creates conflict and debate. When customers have something to discuss, defend, and identify with, that can produce publicity, emotional attachment and loyalty in ways that traditional products often cannot. Ries’s argument extends beyond advertising. In the long run, positioning influences product development, competitive strategy, and organizational priorities. The enemy a company chooses, or the alternative it chooses to challenge, can become a strategic focal point for the entire organization. The overall message of “The Strategic Enemy” is ultimately about discipline. A strong brand does not simply ask consumers to choose it. It gives them a reason to reject an alternative. The best brands create a distinctive position, communicate it consistently, and have the organizational courage to defend it. “The Strategic Enemy” is relevant to a broad audience, from aspiring entrepreneurs to seasoned professionals. Although the book’s central premise begins to feel repetitive, the companies and products Ries profiles help sustain interest in the later chapters. Overall, her message is simple: a brand becomes distinctive when it gives consumers both something to believe in and something to stand against. In that sense, the book offers a practical framework for turning a rival into a lasting source of focus and inspiration. Chris Wendel works for Venture North, a mission-based lending organization located in Traverse City, providing funding to small businesses throughout Northwest Lower Michigan. He lives and works in Traverse City.

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TRAVERSE CITY BUSINESS NEWS

ACCOUNTING INSURANCE & LAW

By Josh Traeger, columnist

A few blocks from our house sits F&M Park, and for one week every July it becomes the beating heart of my kids’ summer. It’s Cherry Festival time in Traverse City — and this year marked the 100th. A full century of community, parades, air shows and more Gibby’s French fries than any of us should admit to eating. For my family, the festival is a tradition measured in short walks and long afternoons, close enough that we can hear the crowd from our porch. This year, my five-year-old daughter found herself in the middle of the cherry pie-eating contest. If you’ve never watched a row of small children attack a plate of cherry pie with their hands tied behind their backs — no forks, no dignity, no mercy — I highly recommend it. It is chaos. It is glorious. Faces vanish into filling. Parents cheer like it’s the fourth quarter of a one-point Michigan football game. The whistle blows, and it becomes a red, sticky sprint to the bottom of the plate. My daughter took two enthusiastic bites. And then she stopped. She looked down at her pie. She looked at the other kids, nose-deep and racing. And she made a decision I’m not sure I would have made at five — or at 42, for that matter. She looked up at me and my wife, cherry filling on her chin, and said she’d rather take her pie home so she could actually enjoy it. No trophy. No ribbon. No glory. Just a little girl who had quietly concluded that the whole point of a cherry pie is to savor it — not to inhale it. We walked home, pie in hand. And I’ve thought about that moment more than I expected to. A rare convergence of candles Because this September, we find ourselves in a rare convergence of milestones. America has marked its 250th birthday. Traverse City just celebrated the 100th National Cherry Festival. And right here in these pages, the Traverse

THE POWER OF THE PAUSE What anniversaries teach us about building businesses that last

City Business News honors its 20th Annual 40 Under 40 class — two decades of spotlighting the people shaping our region’s future. That is a lot of candles on a lot of cakes. It would be easy to let these anniversaries wash over us – to clap politely, snap a photo and hurry on to the next thing. But I’d argue anniversaries are worth far more than that. An anniversary is not merely a look backward. It’s an intentional pause: a chance to honor how far we’ve come, to be genuinely present in where we are, and to cast a clear vision for where we’re headed. In other words, an anniversary is the grown-up version of my daughter’s cherry pie. It’s permission to stop racing long enough to make sure that, in our hurry to consume the next thing, we haven’t missed the very thing worth having.

The pause is not soft. It’s strategic And here is the part that should catch the attention of every results-driven owner reading this: The pause isn’t just sentimental. It’s strategic – and there’s research to prove it. In a widely cited Harvard Business School study, researchers Francesca Gino, Gary Pisano and their colleagues followed employees being trained at a busy call center. One group ended each day by spending just 15 minutes reflecting on what they had learned. The other group kept working straight through. By the end, the reflectors outperformed their peers by nearly 23%. Fifteen minutes. Twenty-three percent. Same people, same training, same clock. The only difference was the discipline to stop and think. The researchers titled their paper “Learning by Thinking,” and

the lesson lands squarely for business owners: Reflection is not time taken away from performance. It is an investment in it. I’ll admit this discipline doesn’t come naturally to me or, I suspect, to most of us. A few nights before the pie contest, I stood at Clinch Marina on the Fourth of July watching my 11-year-old son tear around the waterfront with a pack of his friends. A stunt plane cut across Grand Traverse Bay, LED drones glowed overhead and fireworks threw red and gold across the water as the nation turned 250. My son never broke stride. He and his buddies ran straight through the middle of all of it, full speed, laughing at something only they understood. There is real beauty in that kind of momentum. But watching him, I was reminded that a business run entirely at a dead sprint – head down, heedless of

TRAVERSE CITY BUSINESS NEWS

SEPTEMBER 2026

ACCOUNTING, INSURANCE & LAW everything happening overhead – eventually trips over something it never saw coming. Build a tradition of the pause The most resilient organizations I work with have learned the difference. Once a year or so, they pause. They build a deliberate tradition of reflection – an annual legal and operational checkup – the same way a family builds a tradition around a holiday. Not because something is broken, but because pausing on purpose is how you keep it from breaking in the first place. Here is what that pause can look like. Revisit your governing documents. Your operating agreement, bylaws, or partnership agreement were written for the business you were then. Do they still describe the business you are now? Ownership shifts, roles evolve, and handshake understandings have a way of drifting from what’s on paper. An annual read-through keeps your foundation honest. Review your employment practices. Employment law rarely sits still. Take a fresh look at your handbook, your offer

letters, classifications and policies. Are they current? Are they consistent? The goal isn’t fear, it’s clarity, so that when a hard decision comes, your process already tells a fair and consistent story. Audit your contracts. Pull the agreements you actually rely on with vendors,

operations, headcount and real exposure. Protect what makes you, you. Your brand, your content, your systems. Your intellectual property is often your most valuable and least-protected asset. Make sure your trademarks, copyrights and confidentiality agreements are in place and enforced.

Two decades of 40Under40 honorees didn’t build lasting careers by only ever sprinting. They endured because, somewhere along the way, they learned to pause with purpose.

clients, landlords and partners. Which ones quietly auto-renewed without anyone reading them? Which ones no longer reflect how you truly operate? A 30-minute review now is far cheaper than a dispute next summer. Check your insurance and your risk. Coverage that fit you three years ago may not fit the business you’ve grown into. Confirm your policies still match your

Look down the road. Succession planning isn’t only for the owner eyeing retirement. Life is unpredictable. A clear plan for what happens if you step away – by choice or by surprise – protects your people, your customers and the legacy you’ve worked to build. Confirm you’re in compliance. Licenses, filings, registrations and regulatory obligations tend to pile up quietly. A

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yearly sweep ensures nothing important slipped through the cracks while you were busy running the business. None of this is glamorous. It won’t win a trophy or a 40Under40 nod. But it is exactly the kind of quiet, intentional work that lets a business last long enough to have milestones of its own. Because that is the true lesson of these anniversary years. The Cherry Festival didn’t reach 100 by accident. America didn’t reach 250 without pausing again and again to take stock and correct course. And two decades of 40Under40 honorees didn’t build lasting careers by only ever sprinting. They endured because, somewhere along the way, they learned to pause with purpose. Josh Traeger is an accomplished entrepreneur, seasoned attorney, military veteran and founder of two legal enterprises: True North Legal Group and The Military Defense Firm. At True North Legal Group, he offers community-centered legal services, focusing on small business and nonprofit development. As leader of The Military Defense Firm, Josh and his team provide dedicated representation to military personnel worldwide, handling courts-martial, separation boards and other disciplinary matters.

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DAILY GRIND “My day starts with morning load-outs and quality-control checks for scheduled jobs, then moves into inventory, material claims, stock ordering, and keeping the warehouse running smoothly. Accurate inventory and catching material issues as soon as they arrive are especially important—they help prevent delays and keep installation schedules moving.”

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TRAVERSE CITY BUSINESS NEWS

SEPTEMBER 2026

NEWSMAKERS

1 // RACHAEL MILLIMAN

2 // BRITTNEY PRIMEAU

3 // STEPHEN SICILIANO

4 // JEFF HARRAND

5 // BRITTANY LANINGA

6 // TAMMY LISS

7 // MARISSA MILLIRON

8 // KENDAL HANSEN

9 // CATHERINE BOOMUS

10 // RACHEL DECKER

11 // MARY KRZYSTOWCZYK

12 // JENNA STODDARD

>> EDUCATION 1 - Rachael Milliman has been appointed president of Grand Traverse Area Catholic Schools. Previously, Milliman served as managing director of finance and operations for the school system. She follows Superintendent Michael Buell, who retired after 27 years.

experienced lender, with more than 30 years in the banking industry.

5 - Brittany Laninga, CPA, has been promoted to audit manager at Dennis, Gartland & Niergarth in Traverse City. Laninga joined the firm in 2018.

2 - Brittney Primeau has joined Grand Traverse Area Catholic Schools as director of marketing and communications. Primeau brings more than 13 years of experience in strategic communications, community partnerships, media relations, and content creation to her new role. Most recently, Primeau served as director of communications for Crystal Mountain.

6 - Tammy Liss has joined State Savings Bank in Traverse City as relationship manager for investment and trust services. Liss brings 28 years of business experience to her new position.

3 - Stephen Siciliano, vice president for educational services at Northwestern Michigan College, recently received the Outstanding Staff Award from the Michigan Community College Association in recognition of three decades of academic leadership.

>> FINANCIAL SERVICES 4 - Jeff Harrand has joined State Savings Bank in Traverse City as a mortgage originator. Harrand is an

7 - Marissa Milliron, CPA, has been promoted to audit manager at Dennis, Gartland & Niergarth in Traverse City Milliron joined the firm in 2009.

>> HEALTHCARE 8 - Kendal Hansen, M.D., has joined the direct primary care physician team at Table Health in Traverse City. Hansen sees patients of all ages with a focus on pediatrics, mental health, women’s health, nutrition and in-office procedures. She will also offer specialized medical weight loss and hormonal health services.

Munson Healthcare in Traverse City announces the following:

9 - Catherine Boomus, M.D., has joined Occupational Health and Medicine in Traverse City. Boomus has special interests in surveillance required from exposures to toxicants, regulatory examinations, causation evaluations, and fitness for duty exams.

10 - Rachel Decker, nurse practitioner, recently joined the Orthopedic Institute. Decker has a special interest in upper extremity orthopedics, injections and assisting in surgery.

11 - Mary Krzystowczyk, nurse practitioner, has joined the Geriatric Inpatient Services team. Krzystowczyk has a special interest in caring for patients with neurocognitive disorders.

12 - Jenna Stoddard, nurse practitioner, has joined the Bay Area Urology team. Stoddard has spent much of her career in the specialty of urology and has extensive experience across the span of urologic conditions.

72 SEPTEMBER 2026

TRAVERSE CITY BUSINESS NEWS

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SEPTEMBER 2026

NEWSMAKERS

13 // KAYLA VERMEER

14 // ABIGAIL L. BOSCO MCGREAHAM

15// BREANNE NEROS

16 // ZACHARY E. STEWART

17 // MELISSA DAVIDSON

18 // LISA DRAKE

19 // CHRISTINE ENOKSEN

20 // JESSICA MACKEY

21 // SARAH PAYETTE

22 // CLAIRE KARNER

23 // NICK NERBONNE

24 // NOAH STRUGALA

13 - Kayla Vermeer, physician assistant, has joined the Neurosurgery team, helping patients navigate recovery after experiencing a stroke.

>> LAW Alward Fisher in Traverse City announces the following:

14 - Abigail L. Bosco McGreaham has been elevated to partner. Bosco McGreaham’s practice areas include civil litigation, criminal matters and banking.

15 - Breanne Neros is now a partner at the firm. Neros’ practice areas include family law and criminal matters.

16 - Zachary E. Stewart has been elevated to partner. Stewart’s practice areas include civil litigation, real property, business transactions, and estate planning.

>> NONPROFIT 17 - Melissa Davidson has joined the board of directors of Better Together of Northern Michigan in Tra-

verse City. Davidson is a recently-retired primary care physician.

18 - Lisa Drake is the new executive director of Child & Family Services of Northwestern Michigan. Drake has more than 18 years of nonprofit executive leadership experience, with much of her career focused on child advocacy and supporting children and families involved in the child welfare system. Drake succeeds Gina Aranki, who recently retired.

19 - Christine Enoksen has joined Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Michigan as a mentoring specialist. Enoksen brings experience as a lead behavioral aide with Traverse City Area Public Schools to her new role.

20 - Jessica Mackey has joined Better Together of Northern Michigan in Traverse City as art program coordinator. Mackey has a background in business management, community service, and supporting individuals with disabilities.

21 - Sarah Payette has joined Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Michigan as director of mentoring. Payette brings more than a decade of leadership in education and nonprofit programming to her new

role. Most recently, she was the program director for Generations Ahead.

>> OTHER 22 - Claire Karner, director of planning & zoning for East Bay Charter Township, has been selected to receive the 2026 Planning Leadership Award from the Michigan Association of Planning. Karner was selected for her work advancing trail development, securing funding for non-motorized transportation projects, and guiding planning efforts.

23 - Nick Nerbonne is the new communications director for Traverse City Tourism. Nerbonne’s career spans more than 25 years and includes extensive work with tourism, hospitality, and television news organizations. Most recently, he was with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

24 - Noah Strugala has joined the team at Flight Path Creative in Traverse City. Strugala brings experience in sales and business development to his new position and will work with businesses to identify opportunities and develop marketing strategies.

74 SEPTEMBER 2026

TRAVERSE CITY BUSINESS NEWS

EXPOSURES

Kingsley Lumber is now operating out of a new facility at the corner of Hammond and Garfield roads in Traverse City. The company was founded in Kingsley in 1937.

Hungry Howie’s recently opened its second Traverse City location at 903 U.S Hwy. 31 S. in Chums Corner. The location is owned by multiunit franchisee Kory Hershock (pictured far left) and his father Kevin (not pictured), as well as partners Kylee Bird (middle) and Jason Freese. At 24, Bird is the youngest Hungry Howie’s franchisee in the Traverse City market.

Financial advisory firm Cary Stamp & Co. has opened at 999 Sixth St. Pictured far right is CEO Cary Stamp.

MMTC-North can now be found at its new location at 1001 Bay Street. Marking the August opening were members of the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center team, industry partners, and community leaders from across northern Michigan. The event showcased products made by local manufacturers.

The DTCA held two Friday Night Live events in August featuring live music and performances, nonprofit organizations providing interactive games, food and beverage vendors, and a variety of entertainment.

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