Voices of Detroit #50--Hamlin Pub with Karen Kubicki

Voices of Detroit wraps up its visit to Hamlin Pub in Clarkston by talking to the Pub's General Manager Karen Kubicki.

Karen fills us in on the Pub, the food, the drink, the entertainment and of course the great people that stop in!

Find out the inside scoop on the Hamlin Pub in this Golden Anniversary edition of Voices of Detroit.

Direct download: Voices_of_Detroit_50-Hamlin_Pub.mp3

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Karen Kubicki     www.HamlinPubs.com       248-922-1700

Karen Kubicki  was born and raised in Warren Michigan, graduated from Rochester Adams in 1984 and gained an applied science degree from OCC Farmington Hills.

Went into a culinary program continued my training under Brian Polcyn at Chimayo restaurant in Pontiac Michigan in 1989.
Later completed my Executive Chef training at the Amway Grand Hotel in1990 and moved home to work at Picanos in Troy, Michigan where I trained with Earnie DeMachelle. Ii was with Picanos until 2006, some of my best years were spent there.

I joined the Hamlin Pubs in 2006. I started in the kitchen and became the general manager in May of 2007, I love the Pub!!! I miss the kitchen but I still have my hands in the kitchen, just not a day to day operation. My favorite part of my job is creating a vibe in Pub, with the customers, staff, and music.

Voices of Detroit #49-Lafontaine Automotive Group

Detroit has long been known as the "Automotive Capital of the World" but as we know competition has changed that somewhat.  To stay ahead of the game, the automotive industry is adapting and no one eptimizes that as much as LaFontaine Automotive Group.

LaFontaine has built a brand-new automotive 63,000 square foot showcase in Highland, Michigan that is Gold Leed certified, the first GM dealership in the country to qualify for the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design under the Green Building rating system.

LaFontaine also has embraced the new online world along with complete customer care which includes a cafe, a salon and even loaner laptops on-premise!

Find out more about this forward thinking automotive group on this edition of Voices of Detroit.

Direct download: Voices_of_Detroit_49-LaFontaine_Automotive_Group.mp3

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Kelly LaFontaine     www.FamilyDeal.com        866-LaFontaine

Specialty Operations Manager at LaFontaine Automotive Group and Buyer/Operations Manager of Lady La’s Boutique.

I have been raised in the Automotive Industry. I am on many non-profit committees, love to shop, and enjoy raising my children.

Carol Peters     www.FamilyDeal.com    866-LaFontaine

Business-to-Business Coordinator at LaFontaine Automotive Group.

We have received: Q2 Quality People, Quality County Award
Buisness of the Year Award from Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce
Gold LEED Certified

Carlito Mojica, Jr.    www.FamilyDeal.com   8660LaFontaine

Carlito Mojica Jr. is a proud father of 3 sons and 1 daughter.  Married to his wife Nicole for 10 years.  Currently is an Ecommerce Director for the LaFontaine Automotive Group. 

Not only does he love to spend time with his family but also enjoys camping, skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking and martial arts.  Carlito was raised in Clarkston and attended Waterford Public Schools and Oakland University

Voices of Detroit #48-Advanced PetCare of Oakland and OATS

Just like a bad rash, Voices of Detroit is back in 2010 and kicks off the new year (yeah, I know it's March already) with three shows recorded at the Hamlin Pub in Clarkston, MI.

First up, Nancy Heussner the founder of O.A.T.S. (Offering Alternative Therapy with Smiles) This is a non-profit organization that uses horse riding therapy for special needs individuals from children to adults.

Also in this Voices of Detroit, Dr. Bryan Cornwall, the founder and President of Advanced PetCare of Oakland talks about building his business and the care and treatment of pets.  He also gives us information on a program that helps abandoned animals.

Listen and learn in this edition of Voices of Detroit

Direct download: Voices_of_Detroit_48-Advanced_PetCare_of_Oakland_and_OATS.mp3

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Nancy Huessner   http://www.oatshrh.org/    248-620-0505

I run a Therapeutic Riding Center O.A.T.S. right down from one of Kid Rocks homes. We have a 50 acre facility and service 120 special needs riders a week yr. round.

We are a non profit and also our 18 horses are all donated to us. So you could say we rescue horses as well. Our special need riders range in ages from 24mo. to 74 yrs old.

We have 2 wonderful videos on our website to show what we do. We currently service 4 counties Oakland, Wayne, Genessee, Livingston and Macomb. O.A.T.S Offering Alternative Therapy with Smiles, Inc.

Dr. Bryan Cornwall  http://www.advanced-petcare.com/  248-620-2900

Own and manage a full-service small animal veterinary hospital providing comprehensive medical, surgical, and dental care.

Responsible for all aspects of hospital including medical care, customer service, inventory control, hiring, training, marketing, sales, and growth strategies.

Grew business from one veterinarian with annual sales of $120K to three veterinarians and fourteen support staff with annual sales of over $1M.

Planned and oversaw construction of new 13,000 sq. ft. free standing building in 2007. Moved business from 1,400 sq. ft. storefront hospital to new building with hospital occupying 5,000 sq. ft. Leased remaining 8,000 sq. ft. to Camp Bow Wow, a dog daycare and boarding facility franchise with over eighty-five locations nationwide implementing the first veterinary/Camp Bow Wow combination in existence.

Alan Semonian    http://berkleydda.com/   Twitter:  @BerkleyDDA

Alan Semonian is the chair of the Berkley Downtown Development Authority. 

He is the President of Ameritax Plus, a full service accounting and tax service.  He is a Certified Public Accountant and a member of the American Institute of CPAs and the Michigan Association of CPAs.  

He is also a financial advisor and provides full investment and financial planning services.  He holds a Series 7, Series 63, and  a Life, Accident, and Health license and is registered in 8 states.

He received a B.A. from Albion College in Economics & Management and has a Masters in Business Admistration from Harvard University.

In addition to serving as chair of the Berkley DDA, he also was appointed by the Governor the Michigan Board of Social Work.

Voices of Detroit #45--Berkley Chamber and Bagger Daves

Voices of Detroit has journeyed to Berkley, Michigan to highlight another jewel in the Southeastern Michigan area.

We kickoff a series of three shows in Berkley by setting up shop at Bagger Daves on Coolidge Avenue and talking with Shannon Kubenez the Director of Marketing for Diversified Restaurant Holdings which operates Bagger Daves and Julie Melrose the Executive Director for the Berkley Chamber of Commerce.

Listen and learn about another great part of the state of Michigan!

Direct download: Voices_of_Detroit_45-Bagger_Daves_and_Berkley_Chamber.mp3

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Julie Melrose    julie@berkleychamber.com    www.berkleychamber.com

Julie Melrose joined the Berkley Chamber of Commerce in June 2007 as the Executive Director. She has been a Berkley resident for 14 years. Julie brings over 10 years experience in account and project management, sales, and training. She has an extensive amount of volunteer experience and has served on numerous boards and committees within the Berkley community.

Julie graduated from Michigan State University with a B.A. in Communication.

The Berkley Chamber of Commerce has 105 members and continues to grow. The mission of the Chamber is to promote and encourage business in Berkley by establishing a working relationship between the city and its businesses. The Chamber provides a variety of networking and sponsorship opportunities, publicity through the Chamber web site, monthly newsletter, and Chamber directory. The Chamber is part of a team of community leaders and volunteers. The Berkley Chamber works closely with the City of Berkley and the DDA to promote Berkley businesses and enhance the quality of life for Berkley residents.

Shannon Kubenez  http://www.baggerdaves.com/   248-543-DAVE

Shannon Kubenez is the Director of Marketing for Diversified Restaurant Holdings, Inc. (DRH)- a restaurant management company overseeing the operations and marketing of 16 Buffalo Wild Wings® locations in Michigan and Florida. 

In 2008, DRH launched its own restaurant concept called Bagger Dave’s Legendary Burgers & Fries®. Kubenez has more than 9 years of marketing experience including: communications, public relations, event coordination and management.

She currently handles all marketing efforts for 16 Buffalo Wild Wings locations as well as oversees the advertising, promotions, local restaurant marketing, social media and brand strategy for Bagger Dave’s. She became a board member of the Berkley DDA in July 2009.

Voices of Detroit #44--Clarkston Union and Eric Lines

Voices of Detroit with hosts Larry Henry and David Benjamin couldn't wrap up their visit to the Clarkston Union without getting the 411on this great restaurant and bar.

Voices talks with manager Eric Lines about the establishment which is in a former church and has a Mac & Cheese that is die for! (Okay, we begged for it!)  The beer list is like reading War & Peace..it's that long! They also have gotten into creating great smoke barbecue just down the street at the recently opened Clarkston Woodshop.

Listen to this Voices of Detroit on an empty stomach and you'll he headed to Clarkston within moments.

Direct download: Voices_of_Detroit_44--The_Clarkston_Union--Eric_Lines.mp3

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Eric Lines    248-620-6100     54 South Main Street, Clarkston, MI

(Eric is a man of mystery but great food and beer!)

  Voices of Detroit #43-Clarkston Legal and Four Season ChemDry

After chowing down following recording their first Voices of Detroit program at the Clarkston Union, hosts Larry Henry and David Benjamin welcome two local Clarkston business people to sit in front of their microphones.

Tammy Ullyart owns Four Seasons ChemDry with her husband.  Timothy Flynn is an attorney with Clarkston Legal.

Sit back, relax, listen and learn about their business, how they use social media and what the town of Clarkston has to offer for both business and families.

Direct download: Voices_of_Detroit_43-Clarkston_Legal_and_Four_Seasons_ChemDry.mp3

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Tammy Ullyart  http://www.chem-dry.net/fourseasons.mi    248-625-9921

Tammy started Four Seasons ChemDry almost 4 years ago, after deciding to leave a 12 year career in the Auto Industry. In February of this year, Tammy and her husband, Goy, were the recipients of two National Awards from ChemDry – the Presidents Award and Marketer of the Year Award.

It had been Tammy’s long passion to own her own business. At age 13, she started working for a woman who owned a real estate brokerage firm and that inspired much of Tammy’s entrepreneurial spirit.

Tammy has a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan Technological University. She has three beautiful children and has been a Clarkston resident for the past 10 years.

Timothy Flynn          www.ClarkstonLegal.com      248-625-0600

In addition to his trial work, Mr. Flynn maintains an appellate practice, appearing in the Michigan Supreme Court, Michigan Court of Appeals, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.

Voices of Detroit #42-Clarkston and Michigan Chamber of Commerce

Voices of Detroit with Larry Henry and David Benjamin journey to northern Oakland County to not only check out the outstanding Clarkston Union and it's long list of beers but to also learn about the Clarkston and Michigan Chamber of Commerce.

Hear what both Chamber organizations are doing to help business grow as we talk with Clarkston Chamber Executive Director Penny Shanks and Bob Thomas the Director of Operations for the Michigan Chamber of Commerce.

Direct download: Voices_of_Detroit_42-Clarkston_and_Michigan_Chamber_of_Commerce.mp3

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Penny Shanks    www.clarkston.org       Penny@Clarkston.org

Executive Director Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce since 1997 

Chamber membership 550 in a suburban community of 32,000 residents

Chamber initiatives include three monthly networking events, weekly eNewsletters, dynamic website and key community events such as the Best of the Best EXPO coming up Nov 12; Concerts in the Park—6 weeks of free concerts in Depot Park June/July and Taste of Clarkston held annually at the end of September.

An early adopter for social media—the Clarkston Chamber was the first Chamber is SE Michigan to tweet—and remains one of the few that has the twitter feed on our website.  Maintaining social media doesn’t have to be a black hole of time wasted.

Bob Thomas    www.michamberconnect.org    BThomas@michamber.com

Bob Thomas is the Director of Operations for the Michigan Chamber of Commerce and the Director of the Michigan Association of Chamber Professionals (MACP). Bob has twelve years in the chamber industry assisting chambers of commerce in the areas of governance, program development, and strategic planning. Bob also manages the Council of State Chambers of Commerce, a national association, and sits on the boards of the Michigan Chamber Foundation, US Chamber of Commerce Institute for Organization Management Regents and several committees of the Michigan Society for Association Executives (MSAE).

Bob has a bachelor’s degree from Grand Valley State University and is working to complete his master’s degree in leadership from Central Michigan University.

Voices of Detroit #41-Brides Made Fit with Jenny DiDonato

Voices of Detroit hosts Larry Henry and David Benjamin venture into unknown waters in this episode as we talk physical fitness with a personal trainer. (Anyone that knows us realizes physical fitness isn't one of our main attributes.)

Owner of Brides Made Fit and Made Fit TV Jenny DiDonato tries to whip us into shape and also spread the word about how to create a better you.

You'll enjoy this show and maybe even get in the mood to actually get up and change the channel on the TV manually instead of with the remote!

Direct download: Voices_of_Detroit_41-Brides_Made_Fit-Jennifer_DiDonato.mp3

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Jennifer DiDonato     www.BridesMadeFit.com      Jenny@BridesMadeFit.com

Jennifer DiDonato is the owner and creator of Brides Made Fit, an in-home personal training service for brides-to-be and grooms across Metro Detroit.

Her goal with Brides Made Fit was to make health and fitness more attainable and convenient during the busy and stressful time of planning a wedding. This is made easier because brides-to-be are trained inside their own homes.

Made Fit TV provides health and fitness information and entertainment to everyone! I'm Jennifer DiDonato, a certified personal trainer. I provide a simple and fun approach to exercise and weight-loss through my knowledge, experience, and love for it!

Voices of Detroit #40-ITC Holdings-Linda Blair

Voices of Detroit with Larry Henry and David Benjamin hits the 40 show mark as we get "electrified" in this latest program.

We've all seen those big electrical towers across Michigan but does anyone really understand "the grid" of which they are an integral part?

Linda Blair, Executive Vice President and Chief Business Officer of ITC Holdings, the company that owns and operates those towers and associated lines in Michigan, talks to Voices of Detroit about the challenges the company faces and where it is headed with a shift to Green Power.
Listen and learn!

Direct download: Voices_of_Detroit_40-ITC_Holdings_with_Linda_Blair.mp3

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Linda H. Blair        www.ITCTransco.com

Ms. Blair is executive vice president and chief business officer for ITC Holdings Corp. She is responsible for managing each of ITC's regulated operating companies and the necessary business support functions, including regulatory strategy, federal and state legislative affairs, community government affairs, human resources, marketing and communications, and information technologies and facilities.

Ms. Blair was formerly senior vice president of business strategy for ITC. In this capacity she was responsible for the development and execution of all of ITC's short-and long-term strategic planning, including the newly created ITC Grid Development subsidiary.

Ms. Blair was manager of transmission policy and business planning while ITC was a subsidiary of DTE Energy. Ms. Blair has also served as a supervisor of regulatory relations within Detroit Edison's Regulatory Affairs organization. In this position, her responsibilities included the development and management of all regulatory relations and communications activities with the Michigan Public Service Commission and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

Ms. Blair earned both her MBA and a Bachelor of Science in Public Affairs Management from Michigan State University and is a board member of The Heat and Warmth (THAW) Fund and the Novi Parks Foundation.