The Business Beat - by Howell Area COC

41: Rooted In Community: The Heart Of Junk Removal

In this episode, Janelle and Dianne are joined by Michael Mayernik, co-owner of Mitten Junk Removal, who shares how his business is making a difference in the community. Michael shares how prioritizing people over profit and partnering with local nonprofits have shaped his company’s mission. Together, they explore how entrepreneurship, innovation, and genuine connection can transform both a business and the community it serves.
 
00:00 Introducing Mitten Junk Removal
04:00 Entrepreneurship and Community Service
07:15 Livingston County’s Entrepreneurial Spirit
09:37 Compassionate Junk Removal and Partnerships
14:00 The Livingston Business Hub’s Impact
19:02 Future Growth: Demo, Resale, and More
23:49 Community Initiatives and Chamber’s Vision
 
Thank you to the sponsors of this episode:
Bank of Ann Arbor - https://www.bankofannarbor.com
Wayne Media Group - https://waynemedia.com
 
Show Links
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/howellchamber
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/howellareachamber/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/howell-area-chamber-of-comm/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/HowellChamber
YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfP1T-4lCgHMu8ZhxtEOTyw
Website- https://howell.org/
 
Guest Links
Website: https://mittenjunkremoval.com/about/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mittenjunkremoval/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mittenjunkremoval/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-mayernik-67379322/
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/mitten-junk-removal-howell
Next Door: https://nextdoor.com/pages/mitten-junk-removal-howell-mi/
Email: info@mittenjunkremoval.com
Phone: (734) 648-5865

40: Small Business Marketing 101: Networking, Growth, and AI

In this episode, Janelle and Dianne are joined by Desiree Martinez, from The Kast Agency, who breaks down the marketing must haves for small businesses. Hear her tips on how to build a clear, consistent website to identifying your ideal customer and using past results to guide future efforts. Learn why networking groups are more than just business cards, how AI can streamline (but not replace) real human connection, and how Michigan's growing business climate offers fertile ground for entrepreneurs ready to turn purpose into profit.
 
Thank you to the sponsors of this episode:
NorthStar IT - https://northstarit.org/
Bob Maxey Ford - https://www.bobmaxeyfordhowell.com/
 
Show Links
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/howellchamber
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/howellareachamber/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/howell-area-chamber-of-comm/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/HowellChamber
YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfP1T-4lCgHMu8ZhxtEOTyw
Website- https://howell.org/
 
Guest Links
Website: https://thekastagency.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrsdesireerose
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrsdesireerose/

39: The Power of Purpose: Empowering Entrepreneurs At Every Stage

In this episode, Janelle Smith is joined by Kevin Suboski for a conversation about human centered leadership, entrepreneurship, and building meaningful businesses. They explore the power of aligning purpose with practice, the challenges and rewards of supporting solopreneurs, and how the Livingston Business Hub and upcoming Entrepreneurship Academy are transforming community impact through intentional design and values driven action.
 
Thank you to the sponsors of this episode:
Bank of Ann Arbor - https://www.bankofannarbor.com
Brighton Ford - https://www.brightonford.com 
 
Show Links
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/howellchamber
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/howellareachamber/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/howell-area-chamber-of-comm/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/HowellChamber
YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfP1T-4lCgHMu8ZhxtEOTyw
Website- https://howell.org/
 
Guest Links
Website: https://www.eosworldwide.com/kevin-suboski
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinsuboski/

38: Level Up Your Leadership With Vision, Alignment, & Execution

In this episode, Janelle Smith and Dianne Samples are joined by Julia Keider, the Principal Executive Coach for Keider Consulting Group, to explore how aligning personal values with professional goals strengthens leadership, relationships, and community impact. From navigating the transition from teaching to coaching, hear as they share insights in understanding leadership styles and building authentic, purpose driven connections.
 
Thank you to the sponsors of this episode:
Bob Maxey Ford - https://www.bobmaxeyfordhowell.com/
Lake Trust Credit Union - https://laketrust.org
 
Show Links
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/howellchamber
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/howellareachamber/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/howell-area-chamber-of-comm/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/HowellChamber
YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfP1T-4lCgHMu8ZhxtEOTyw
Website- https://howell.org/
 
Guest Links
Website: https://www.keiderconsulting.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keiderconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-keider/
Email: juliakeider@keiderconsulting.com

37: Reframe Your Reality And Empower Your Future

Janelle Smith and Dianne Samples are joined by John and Danette Bell of Empowering Futures share how understanding human behavior and shifting perspectives can transform leadership, company culture, and personal growth. In their work, they explore how reframing thought patterns and aligning values lead to stronger teams and more intentional leadership.
 
Thank you to the sponsors of this episode:
Pepsi - https://www.pepsi.com/
Wayne Media Group - https://waynemedia.com
 
Show Links
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/howellchamber
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/howellareachamber/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/howell-area-chamber-of-comm/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/HowellChamber
YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfP1T-4lCgHMu8ZhxtEOTyw
Website- https://howell.org/
 
Guest Links
Website: empoweringfuturesllc.com 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmpoweringFutures
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-bell-0660b5282/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danette-bell-93a3297/

36: The Athena Effect: Empowering Women Locally

In this episode, Casey Jacobson of LaFontaine Automotive Group joins Janelle and Dianne to discuss the launch of the Athena chapter in Livingston County, highlighting its mission to empower women through leadership, mentorship, and community impact. Hear as they explore the significance of the Athena Leadership Award, upcoming nomination events, and the personal experiences that bring this initiative to life.
 
Thank you to the sponsors of this episode:
Lake Trust Credit Union - https://laketrust.org
NorthStar IT - https://northstarit.org/
 
Show Links
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/howellchamber
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/howellareachamber/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/howell-area-chamber-of-comm/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/HowellChamber
YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfP1T-4lCgHMu8ZhxtEOTyw
Website- https://howell.org/
 
Guest Links
Website: Familydeal.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaFontaineAutomotiveGroup/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lafontaineauto/
Email: cjacobsen@lafontaine.com
 
Resources
Nomination Links: https://howell.org/athena/

35: Up, Up, and Away: Celebrating 40 Years of Ballooning in Howell

Janelle and Dianne chat with Phil Klinger, longtime hot air balloonist and Competition Director for the Michigan Challenge Balloonfest. Phil shares the thrill that got him into ballooning, what it's like to compete in balloon festivals, and how scoring works in the air. He explains how balloons operate, high altitudes, and long distance flying. Phil also talks about the teamwork and weather planning behind the scenes, and this year’s upcoming 40th anniversary event. This episode lifts the curtain on one of Howell’s most beloved traditions.
 
00:32 Introducing Phil Klinger
01:47 Phil’s Journey into Ballooning
03:36 Understanding Balloon Competitions
06:17 The Role of Weather in Ballooning
09:39 Safety and Regulations in High Altitudes
12:04 The Perception of Risk in Ballooning
18:00 The Logistics Behind the Michigan Challenge
 
40th Annual 2025 Michigan Challenge Balloonfest. June 27-29, 2025. Located at the Howell High School, 1200 W Grand River Rd. Howell, MI 48843. (517) 546-3920
Website: https://michiganchallenge.com/
 
Thank you to the sponsors of this episode:
Bank of Ann Arbor - https://www.bankofannarbor.com
Wayne Media Group - https://waynemedia.com
 
Show Links
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/howellchamber
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/howellareachamber/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/howell-area-chamber-of-comm/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/HowellChamber
YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfP1T-4lCgHMu8ZhxtEOTyw
Website- https://howell.org/

34: Celebrating Small Business Week: Building Business and Community

Janelle and Dianne sit down with Stu Strahan of Fastest Labs and Beth Smith of Beth Smith Couture to celebrate Small Business Week. They share how personal connections, community support, and perseverance have shaped their entrepreneurial journeys, offering insights, advice, and encouragement to join your local chamber of commerce and tap into the valuable resources, networking, and support it provides for business growth.
 
01:08 Meet Beth Smith: The Fashion Innovator
04:21 Stu Strahan: From Construction to Drug Testing
08:00 Entrepreneurial Wins and Woes
12:18 The Power of Community and Networking
16:03 Finding Support in Entrepreneurship
22:12 Celebrating Wins and Building Relationships
30:30 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
 
Thank you to the sponsors of this episode:
Brighton Ford - https://www.brightonford.com 
Lake Trust Credit Union - https://laketrust.org
 
Show Links
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/howellchamber
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/howellareachamber/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/howell-area-chamber-of-comm/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/HowellChamber
YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfP1T-4lCgHMu8ZhxtEOTyw
Website- https://howell.org/
 
Guest Links
Get to know Beth's work!
Beth Smith Couture
Website: https://bethsmithcouture.com/
X: https://x.com/threesheeps
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/bethsmithcouture/_created/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeEeqkMiv3Doo4Ma8nmjfcQ
 
Get to know Stu’s work!
Brighton Website: https://www.fastestlabs.com/brighton/
Brighton Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FastestLabsBrighton
Brighton Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fastestlabs_brighton/
Brighton LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fastest-labs-of-brighton/
Brighton Yelp Reviews: https://www.yelp.com/biz/fastest-labs-of-brighton-howell
Brighton Email: brighton@fastestlabs.com 
Brighton Phone: (810) 255-0209 
Ann Arbor Website: https://www.fastestlabs.com/ann-arbor/
Ann Arbor Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FastestLabsAnnArbor
Ann Arbor Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fastestlabs_annarbor/
Ann Arbor LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fastest-labs-of-ann-arbor/
Ann Arbor Email: annarbor@fastestlabs.com 
Ann Arbor Phone: (734) 499-0539 
X: https://x.com/FastestLabs
Email: stu.strahan@fastestlabs.com