In this episode of the ROCC Pod, we sit down with Christina DeGregory, an independent insurance broker with Health Markets, to talk through her journey from a biology major (!) to health insurance and how she’s using her science background to educate and empower clients. Christina shares that she holds a master’s in biological sciences and once worked as a teaching assistant in cell biology and microbiology. That experience, she explains, helped shape her ability to explain complex topics—like health insurance—in clear, simple terms. She’s now channeling that same teaching energy into her role as a broker, with a personal motto: “Insurance is hard, let me make it easier for you.”

We talk through how she transitioned out of academia and into insurance after facing a stagnant job market post-grad school. What drew her to this career was the opportunity to connect with people, educate them, and help them understand their options. As an independent broker, Christina runs her own business under the Health Markets umbrella, helping individuals find coverage through the Affordable Care Act. She explains open enrollment, special enrollment periods, and how certain life events can trigger eligibility to enroll outside the standard window.

We also touch on the most common challenges her clients face, such as confusion around deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums. Christina emphasizes her goal of making sure clients truly understand their coverage, payments, and what to expect in case of hospitalization or routine care. She works primarily with people who aren’t eligible for employer-sponsored insurance—1099 workers, part-time employees, or those in between jobs—and particularly helps those in lower-income brackets who may qualify for subsidized or even $0 monthly premium plans.

Christina also works with supplemental insurance like dental, vision, and indemnity plans that offer payouts for accidents, illnesses, or hospital stays. She outlines how these offerings can protect against crushing medical debt, especially for vulnerable populations. Soon, she’ll also be licensed in Medicare to help retirees navigate yet another complicated health care system.

Outside of work, Christina’s passionate about music and community. A long-time fan of Detroit’s EDM scene, she talks about attending Movement and Electric Forest every year. We also learn about her positive experience joining the Royal Oak Chamber and her love for being involved in local networking events.

Throughout the episode, it’s clear Christina brings not only technical knowledge to her work but also empathy, patience, and a genuine passion for helping people navigate the confusing world of health insurance.

Call Christina: 248-981-3610

Visit her website: https://www.healthmarkets.com/local-health-insurance-agent/cdegregory/

Or find her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christina_degregory/

Learn more about the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce: https://www.royaloakchamber.com/

Connect with our hosts:

Jon Gay from JAG in Detroit Podcasts - http://www.jagindetroit.com/

Lisa Bibbee from Century 21 Northland - http://soldbylisab.com/

In this episode of the ROCC Pod, we sit down with Mark Friday of RJ Telecommunications to explore how his company has grown from a family-run operation to a full-scale managed service provider. Mark walks us through the company’s origins, starting in 1996 and his joining in 2004 as a teenager. Back then, RJ focused mainly on physical phone systems, but with the rise of VoIP and the decline of traditional systems like Nortel, the company evolved. By 2013, they were developing their own phone software and expanding into managed internet services, fiber, and network infrastructure.

We learn how this growth led RJ to become a true MSP, offering IT services, cybersecurity, and full network management while maintaining a commitment to transparency. Mark emphasizes his mission to grow honestly, in contrast to other IT vendors who often sell fear-based solutions or unnecessary services. His goal is to provide practical, effective, and affordable tech solutions—especially for fellow small businesses.

Mark also shares his experiences working with family, explaining that trust has been critical to the company’s culture and customer service. His older cousin, who once babysat him, now plays a key role in the business. As RJ has scaled from three to nine employees in just two years, he’s been able to delegate roles while ensuring the customer-first approach remains central to their work.

Looking ahead, Mark is focused on growing RJ’s presence in the IT space with integrity. He wants to build a team that can run day-to-day operations, freeing him up to engage more with the community, attend networking events, and explore interests in real estate investment. He shares his past ventures, including flipping a house and running a sandwich shop and video store before returning to RJ and becoming the sole owner.

We also touch on RJ’s approach to security camera installations, which is guided by customer needs and budget, avoiding one-size-fits-all solutions. Mark speaks positively about his experience with the Royal Oak Chamber and how its lively, supportive environment has helped RJ build local relationships.

You'll also find our how actor Donald Faison enters our conversation. More on him here:

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0265668

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donald_Faison

More on RJ Telecommunications: https://now.rj10.com/

Phone: 248-442-2100

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/RJ-Telecommunications-inc/61554279984531/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rj-telecommunications-inc/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rjtelecommunications/

Learn more about the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce: https://www.royaloakchamber.com/

Connect with our hosts:

Jon Gay from JAG in Detroit Podcasts - http://www.jagindetroit.com/

Lisa Bibbee from Century 21 Northland - http://soldbylisab.com/

In this episode of the ROCC Pod, we sit down with Christine Scott from Paul Scott Plumbing to talk about her journey in the plumbing industry, the importance of clean water, and the value of careers in the trades. Christine shares how she transitioned from the car business to plumbing after meeting her husband, Paul, and how she eventually became a licensed journeyman and contractor to help run the family business. After Paul's passing in 2016, she took over operations, continuing the legacy with the help of her two sons, who are now licensed master plumbers.

We discuss the growing demand for skilled tradespeople and how plumbing offers a rewarding career path without the burden of student loan debt. Christine emphasizes the need for both men and women in the trades and actively mentors young professionals. She also highlights the importance of maintaining clean and safe water, referencing the ongoing presence of lead water lines in communities and the impact of the Flint water crisis. She advises homeowners to install water filtration systems, not just for drinking water but for household use as well.

Real estate plays a big role in plumbing concerns, and Lisa shares her experience with buyers who assume city water is always safe. Christine stresses the importance of sewer inspections before purchasing a home, as unexpected repairs can cost tens of thousands of dollars. She explains the value of sewer scopes, which Paul Scott Plumbing provides for $450, and preventative maintenance like hydro jetting to keep pipes clear.

Beyond plumbing, Christine shares her love for scuba diving, describing her experiences exploring the underwater world, including a recent trip to Hawaii where she swam with manta rays. We wrap up with a lighthearted fishbowl question about fashion trends, where Christine reveals her appreciation for vintage 50s styles.

Paul Scott Plumbing serves Oakland, Macomb, and parts of Wayne and Genesee counties, offering 24/7 emergency services. To contact them, visit www.paulscottplumbing.com or call (248) 547-9334.

Learn more about the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce: https://www.royaloakchamber.com/

Connect with our hosts:

Jon Gay from JAG in Detroit Podcasts - http://www.jagindetroit.com/

Lisa Bibbee from Century 21 Northland - http://soldbylisab.com/

Today on The ROCC Pod, we sit down with Kyle Vandeventer from the Royal Oak Sandlot League to talk about baseball, softball, and community engagement. Kyle shares how the league, which has been a staple in Royal Oak since 1959, continues to provide affordable, high-quality youth sports opportunities for kids aged 4 to 18. With roughly 1,000 athletes participating annually, the league is powered entirely by volunteers dedicated to fostering a love for the game.

Kyle's journey into the league began when his then-four-year-old son wanted to play baseball. He initially signed up as an assistant coach, but after voicing concerns about areas that needed improvement, he was invited to step up and make changes himself. Four years later, he plays multiple roles, from coaching to managing registration, marketing, and social media.

A major focus for the league is keeping costs low while maintaining a high-quality experience. Registration fees start at just $60 for tee-ball and cap at $160 for older players. Sponsorships and fundraising efforts help keep expenses manageable, ensuring that all kids, regardless of financial background, have a chance to play. Businesses can sponsor teams, with their logos featured on jerseys that kids wear around town, offering great local exposure.

Beyond affordability, the league emphasizes three core principles: fun, safety, and learning. Starting kids as young as four allows them to develop fundamental skills and a love for the game early. The league also partners with the Royal Oak Leprechauns, giving players access to special events and games.

Kyle also shares his background in the beer industry, where he spent 15 years before transitioning to financial planning. He reflects on how fatherhood has taught him patience and laughs about his self-proclaimed Olympic-level laundry skills.

For those looking to get involved as sponsors, coaches, or volunteers, all information is available at royaloaksandlot.com. Registration for summer baseball is open until April 1, with late sign-ups accepted afterward. Practices start in late March or early April, with games running through July.

We wrap up with a fun discussion about balancing work, family, and volunteer commitments, and, of course, some hopeful thoughts about the upcoming Detroit Tigers season.

Learn more about the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce: https://www.royaloakchamber.com/

Connect with our hosts:

Jon Gay from JAG in Detroit Podcasts - http://www.jagindetroit.com/

Lisa Bibbee from Century 21 Northland - http://soldbylisab.com/

Today, we sit down with Alex Bartell from Cinch I.T., a new Royal Oak Chamber member. Right away, Alex shares his unique talent for impressions, though he keeps them for in-person encounters—so if you see him at an event, be sure to ask! He also recounts a hilarious story of accidentally taking a ferry into Canada- you've got to hear this.

Moving into business, Alex explains that Cinch I.T. is a franchise, started by his partner Josh Fett. Josh initially sought sales team members but ultimately realized he needed a business strategist. That’s where Alex came in. Together, they’ve been working to expand the company by focusing on customer service first, believing that while technical skills can be taught, strong communication and problem-solving abilities set them apart.

Speed is another key factor. The industry average for IT response time is four hours, but Cinch I.T. boasts an impressive 11-minute average over the last three years. Their ideal client ranges from 10 to 100 employees, where they can offer either full-service IT support or co-managed services alongside existing IT teams. Beyond troubleshooting, they emphasize consulting, ensuring that IT strategies align with business growth plans.

Alex also shares ambitious goals for 2025, aiming to add 560 new users to their client base. The Chamber has already been a valuable resource, and he’s enjoyed engaging with its networking groups like ROYAL (young professionals) and N1.

For those interested in working with Alex and Cinch I.T., he’s active on LinkedIn and can be reached directly at alex.bartel@cinchit.com.

Learn more about the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce: https://www.royaloakchamber.com/

Connect with our hosts:

Jon Gay from JAG in Detroit Podcasts - http://www.jagindetroit.com/

Lisa Bibbee from Century 21 Northland - http://soldbylisab.com/

In this episode of the ROCC Pod, we sit down with Amy Claeys, owner of Daisy Blue Photography, to discuss her journey into wedding photography, her unique approach to capturing special moments, and how she ensures a stress-free experience for her clients.

Amy shares that her love for photography started with a simple point-and-shoot camera after the birth of her first child in 2001. As she honed her skills, she eventually found herself photographing bands and later, somewhat reluctantly, shooting her first wedding in 2010. That experience sparked a passion, leading her to pursue wedding photography full-time in 2015. Today, she focuses solely on weddings, providing couples with a highly personalized experience from start to finish.

One of the standout aspects of Amy’s business is her incredibly fast turnaround time. She provides a preview gallery of 25–30 images by the Monday after the wedding, with the full gallery delivered within 30 days. Unlike many photographers who simply send a link, she personally walks her clients through their photos and helps design their wedding albums, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable process.

Beyond digital photography, Amy also offers a rare and artistic service—handmade film prints developed in a traditional darkroom. This process, which involves physically developing and printing images, provides couples with a timeless keepsake unlike anything in the digital age.

Amy explains that her role on a wedding day extends far beyond just taking pictures. She often acts as a problem solver, a calming presence, and even a "protector" for brides who might need a discreet way to step away from stressful situations. Whether it’s whisking a bride away from an overbearing relative or making sure the timeline stays on track, Amy ensures the day runs smoothly.

We also learn about Amy’s ties to the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce, which she joined nearly a decade ago. She credits the Chamber for helping her grow her business and loves supporting fellow members, even collaborating with Quix Chocolate in Ferndale to create custom-branded treats for her clients.

The conversation wraps up with Amy emphasizing the importance of communication—both in life and in business. Being able to listen, understand, and express oneself effectively can make all the difference in personal and professional relationships.

For those interested in Amy’s work, she can be found at daisybluephoto.com and on social media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daisybluephoto/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/daisybluephoto

Book: Detroit Modern on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Detroit-Modern-1935-1985-Peter-Forguson/dp/1736273132

Photostock Festival in Cross Village Michigan: https://www.photostockfest.com/

Learn more about the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce: https://www.royaloakchamber.com/

Connect with our hosts:

Jon Gay from JAG in Detroit Podcasts - http://www.jagindetroit.com/

Lisa Bibbee from Century 21 Northland - http://soldbylisab.com/

In this episode of the ROCC Pod, we welcome Lindsey Collins, the founder of LMC Interiors, as we explore her journey in the interior design industry and her insights on emerging trends. Lindsey shares how her business began in 2005 after encouragement from her first job to launch a side business. With a degree in interior design from Kendall College of Art and Design and a background in graphic design and art history, Lindsey built a referral-based business specializing in kitchen and bath design.

We discuss the significance of kitchens as the heart of the home. Lindsey explains how open concepts, larger islands, and furniture-like cabinetry are revolutionizing kitchen design. She also highlights current trends, including bold colors like deep greens and burgundies, natural materials such as rift-cut white oak and walnut, and combinations of metal, glass, and stone. Lindsey shares her preference for using advanced software like Chief Architect, SketchUp, and 2020 to create 3D renderings that help clients visualize their designs.

Lindsey describes her client-focused approach, starting with consultations to understand needs, timelines, and budgets. While she doesn’t maintain a showroom, she partners with the Michigan Design Center and other resources to provide access to the latest materials and trends.

On a personal note, Lindsey reveals her love for travel, boating on Lake St. Clair, and her new Shichon puppies, Sydney and Sophie. She emphasizes the importance of blending lifestyle, materials, and creativity in her designs, as reflected in her business name, LMC Interiors.

More:

LMC Interiors Website: https://www.lmcinteriorsllc.com/

Phone: 269.598.1935

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LMCDesigns2005

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lmcinteriorsllc

Learn more about the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce: https://www.royaloakchamber.com/

Connect with our hosts:

Jon Gay from JAG in Detroit Podcasts - http://www.jagindetroit.com/

Lisa Bibbee from Century 21 Northland - http://soldbylisab.com/

In this episode of the ROCC Pod, we dive into the world of weddings with Grace Milligan and Michelle Mengele from Viero Bridal, the Michigan flagship of a luxury bridal brand. Viero, meaning "faith" in Ukrainian, offers a bespoke experience for brides, emphasizing handcrafted, customizable gowns. Every dress is made in their European atelier, featuring exquisite details such as hand-beading and intricate craftsmanship. The store also carries Milla Nova gowns, a rising star in bridal fashion, exclusive to Viero in Michigan.

Michelle and Grace highlight Viero’s one-on-one appointment model, which they affectionately call the "fairy godmother experience." This personalized service ensures each bride feels empowered and radiant. They advise brides to order dresses at least eight months before the wedding to accommodate the six-month production timeline. The importance of bringing a supportive entourage rather than a critical one is also emphasized.

The discussion delves into current bridal trends, including basque waist gowns and pearl-adorned dresses, both popular for their romantic appeal. Michelle and Grace share practical tips on choosing the right gown size and managing alterations, reminding brides not to stress about achieving unrealistic body goals before the wedding.

As the conversation unfolds, Grace shares her passion for thrifting and sustainable fashion, and Michelle recounts her Hawaiian adventure, emphasizing the value of embracing life's moments. Both women reflect on the importance of collaboration in the wedding industry, offering referral programs for vendors and brides alike.

In a lighthearted twist, we wrap up with a "fishbowl question" about favorite concerts, showcasing the personalities behind Viero Bridal. For those looking for a unique and luxurious bridal experience, Michelle and Grace invite listeners to book a free appointment and explore Viero’s offerings.

More:

Viero Website: https://vieroweddingdresses.com/

Viero Michigan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vierobridal_michigan

Learn more about the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce: https://www.royaloakchamber.com/

Connect with our hosts:

Jon Gay from JAG in Detroit Podcasts - http://www.jagindetroit.com/

Lisa Bibbee from Century 21 Northland - http://soldbylisab.com/