In this episode of The ROCC Pod, we sit down with Matt Traitses, General Manager, and Chris Downs, HVAC Manager at Cregger Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, and Electrical. With summer in full swing, we focus on home comfort, efficiency, and cost savings through HVAC upgrades and maintenance. Chris breaks down how federal tax credits and utility rebates can save homeowners over $2,000 when replacing outdated systems, thanks to incentives like $600 tax credits for furnaces and air conditioners, and rebates from gas and electric companies. These savings are immediate and impactful, especially for those living in older homes with lower efficiency units.

We dive into safety as a top priority, particularly the risks of carbon monoxide from improperly maintained furnaces. Chris emphasizes regular maintenance—including annual tune-ups and filter changes—to protect both the system’s longevity and the home's air quality. He also discusses add-ons like UV lights and air purifiers that actively kill bacteria and viruses in the air.

The conversation shifts to the importance of proper system installation. While many homeowners obsess over brands, Chris reminds us that installation quality matters more than the brand name. An incorrectly sized or poorly installed unit leads to inefficiency, noise, and higher long-term costs. Sizing the unit correctly through load calculations ensures better performance and comfort.

We also hear about Chris’s unique journey from owning a cattle and crop farm to managing HVAC sales and system design. His career transition led him to a leadership role at Cregger, where he now mentors technicians and helps expand their HVAC services. Matt notes that Chris is the company's first-ever HVAC Manager, brought in during a period of strategic growth.

Cregger’s recent involvement with the Royal Oak Chamber is also discussed. They've joined community events like the Summer Concert Series and Halloween festivities, with plans to donate an HVAC system to a local veteran in need. Community service remains a cornerstone of their mission, from food banks to supporting animal shelters.

As the episode wraps, we ask our signature “fishbowl” questions. Chris shares his one regret—wishing he'd entered the trades earlier—and Matt reflects on reviving a Greek family tradition involving a New Year’s dish and a lucky coin.

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 episode 100 of The ROCC Pod, we celebrate a major milestone by revisiting some of our most memorable and impactful moments from the past five and a half (!) years. We kick things off by honoring the co-hosts who helped launch the show, Andrea Arndt and Trish Carruth, and by thanking the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce and its leaders for their continued support.

From there, we relive powerful moments of resilience and entrepreneurship. Mo and Erin of Home Turf Gym share the emotional journey of opening their dream gym, while Siri from Kacha Thai Market explains how she brought authentic Thai cuisine to our community. Jill Gleba (from Episode 1) helps us rethink money as a tool for freedom, not fear. And Jill Plamper at Distinctive Framing inspires with her creativity—turning a wedding gown into a custom art piece.

We hear marketing wisdom from Davaughnu Banks, who reminds us that knowing your brand internally is essential before taking it to the world. Terry Poduska walks us through the legacy of the Royal Oak Women’s Club and their historical contributions to the city. We also reflect on our shared love for pets, with touching stories from Jennifer McCallum of Firefly Pet Photography and Jill Valuet of Radiant Paws, who helped rejuvenate a senior dog’s life with massage therapy.

Kurt Pfister offers a peek behind the curtain of Michigan’s rock history with his work printing for Bob Seger and others, while Jordan Burns gives us relationship advice by advocating for “overnight dating” to keep the spark alive with his wife. Christine Scott’s grit in becoming a licensed plumber after her husband’s illness shows us what determination really looks like. Lindsay Madison’s yoga journey, inspired by her mother’s lung cancer recovery, reveals how inclusivity can reshape wellness spaces.

We’re deeply moved by Bryce Sherman’s story of surviving a traumatic brain injury, defying all odds, and coming back stronger for his family. And Paige Robnett reframes DEI as a “rising tide” that benefits everyone, using powerful example. These were originally intended for specific groups—that now help all of us.

Finally, we end with laughter, thanks to Matthew Stransky’s unforgettable story of walking in on a naked homeowner during a showing—a reminder of the unpredictable realities of real estate.

Through 100 episodes, we've spotlighted grit, growth, community, and humor. To all our guests and listeners—thank you. If you're a Royal Oak Chamber member and haven’t yet been on the show, we want to hear your story next. Lisa and Jon's contact info is below.

Chapters:

(00:00:00) - Welcome to Episode 100
(00:01:23) - The Dream Behind Home Turf Gym
(00:03:00) - Authentic Thai Cuisine with Siri
(00:04:06) - Redefining Money with Jill Gleba
(00:05:24) - Creative Framing with Jill Plamper
(00:07:06) - Building a Brand with Davaughnu Banks
(00:08:45) - Legacy of the Royal Oak Women’s Club
(00:10:20) - Firefly Pet Photography’s Origin Story
(00:12:38) - Pet Massage Success with Radiant Paws
(00:13:46) - Kurt Pfister’s Rock & Roll Print Shop
(00:14:56) - “Overnight Dating” with Jordan Burns
(00:16:09) - Plumbing Against the Odds with Christine Scott
(00:17:27) - Making Yoga Inclusive with Lindsay Madison
(00:18:27) - Bryce Sherman’s Recovery Journey
(00:21:22) - The Truth About DEI with Paige Robnett
(00:24:10) - Naked Encounters in Real Estate
(00:26:20) - Final Thanks and Reflections

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, we sit down with Angela King and Jolene Plotzke from Michigan Schools and Government Credit Union to talk about the importance of financial literacy and their unique approach to serving the community. After some lighthearted conversation about dogs, music, and family, we dive into the core topic—money, debt, and financial education.

Angela and Jolene explain that many people, even high earners, often lack basic budgeting skills. This disconnect leads to financial issues like unmanageable mortgage payments and maxed-out credit cards. At MSGCU, the focus isn’t on sales or fees—it’s about building trust, offering support, and improving financial well-being. Angela shares her role as a branch manager and certified financial counselor, helping members develop personalized plans to manage debt and set financial goals. Jolene, a former music teacher turned financial educator, emphasizes how transferable teaching skills help her connect with people in workshops and one-on-one sessions.

We learn about MSGCU's extensive community outreach efforts. From customized presentations for police and fire departments to classroom education for students, they tailor their financial literacy programs to the needs of each audience. Their approach is personal and word-of-mouth driven, avoiding flashy marketing in favor of real connections. They offer a digital portal with self-paced modules and direct scheduling for those looking to bring financial education to their organization.

The conversation touches on broader cultural shifts too—how financial conversations are becoming less taboo, and the role both Angela and Jolene play in fostering those discussions. In a touching moment, Angela and Jolene share the personal challenges they've stayed committed to—Angela’s lifelong mission to connect through financial counseling and Jolene’s dedication to mentoring her children into financially independent adults.

This episode makes a strong case for why financial literacy is not just important—it’s transformative when done right, and MSGCU is clearly leading that charge.

More:
Michigan Schools and Government Credit Union Website: https://www.msgcu.org/

Email Angela King: AKing@msgcu.org

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/