Today Jon and Lisa are joined by Jeff Hurlburt of Ivy Properties, a seasoned professional in commercial real estate. With a blend of humor and expertise, Jeff shares his journey from serving as a US Marine in Desert Storm to navigating the intricate world of real estate. We discuss the impact of his upbringing surrounded by siblings and his transition from military life to civilian entrepreneurship.

As the commercial real estate landscape shifts post-pandemic, Jeff provides a candid look at the market's current state, distinguishing between class A, B, and C buildings, and revealing where the real opportunities lie. He also discusses the challenges and prospects of creating affordable housing solutions for homeless and underemployed veterans, a cause close to his heart.

Whether you're a real estate aficionado, a veteran supporter, or simply looking for engaging stories from the business world, this episode offers a compelling narrative that intertwines professional acumen with personal passion. Tune in to learn how Jeff's creative approach to real estate could pave the way for meaningful change and discover how you can contribute to his vision for veteran housing.

You'll also hear why Jeff, who does work over Southeast Michigan, makes Royal Oak and the Chamber home. Remember, The ROCC Pod is where community and commerce meet. Join us for our next episode for more enlightening conversations and stories of success from Royal Oak Michigan Chamber of Commerce!

Connect with Jeff:

https://www.ivypropertiesro.com/

313-643-0094

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 Keller Williams - http://soldbylisab.com/

In this heartwarming episode of The ROCC Pod, we delve into the harmonious world of the Cantata Academy Chorale. Join hosts John Gay and Lisa Bibbee as they explore the musical and personal connections that make this ensemble more than just a choir—it's a family. Our special guests, conductor Susan Catanese and board president Maggie Reese, share their stories of love, music, and community that resonate through the group's performances.

Maggie reveals her own love story that blossomed within the choir's ranks, and the conversation takes a thrilling dive into her bucket list adventures, including skydiving. We also get a glimpse into Susan's journey from a piano-playing child to a beloved conductor, and her plans for a harmonious retirement.

The episode crescendos as we discuss the upcoming concert season, with its theme "Tomorrow Comes," reflecting the enduring spirit of the chorale and its members. We learn about the choir's impressive history, including international tours and their connection with the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce.

As the chorale faces a transition with Susan's retirement, we uncover the excitement and anticipation for the future. With auditions on the horizon and a legacy of excellence, the Cantata Academy Chorale is poised to continue its tradition of exceptional choral music.

Whether you're a long-time supporter or new to the wonders of choral music, this episode is a testament to the power of community and the arts in Royal Oak.

Remember to subscribe to The ROCC Pod for more stories that strike a chord in the heart of Royal Oak's vibrant community.

Cantata Academy Chorale Website: https://www.cantataacademy.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 Keller Williams - http://soldbylisab.com/

We dive into a conversation highlighting the critical state of education post-pandemic and the unique journey of Carolyn Graham into the world of tutoring with Tutor Doctor. Carolyn starts by shedding light on a concerning statistic: only 36% of U.S. students began the school year on track, emphasizing the significant role tutoring plays in bridging this gap. Her transition from a seasoned educator to a franchise owner of Tutor Doctor is driven by a desire to stay connected to education while being closer to family in Michigan. Tutor Doctor's appeal lies in its local ownership coupled with a global presence, offering Carolyn the perfect blend of community involvement and corporate support.

The core of our discussion revolves around the Tutor Doctor's mission: to provide personalized tutoring services across all grades and subjects, including specialized exams and college-level courses. Success stories, like a fifth-grader reaching grade-level reading and a college student conquering statistics, underscore the impact of tailored tutoring. Tutor Doctor's approach is comprehensive, from hiring college-educated tutors to offering executive functioning programs that address organizational skills critical for academic success.

Carolyn also highlights the importance of community and connections, sharing her positive experiences with the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce. This network has not only supported her business but also fostered personal relationships and shared knowledge beneficial for any entrepreneur.

Also in today's pod you'll hear about Carolyn's affinity for both whiskey and wine, and how the latter led to a unique birthday celebration.

Tutor Doctor Website:https://www.tutordoctor.com/st-clair-shores-grosse-pointes/

Phone: (248) 717-0305

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 Keller Williams - http://soldbylisab.com/

We dive into the world of small business financing on the ROCC Pod, highlighting two key programs aimed at supporting entrepreneurs. Our guests, Belinda Turner-DuBois from CEED Lending and Cathy Rasegan from the US Small Business Association, share insights into their respective lending programs designed to help small businesses access capital.

Belinda introduces CEED Lending, a part of the Great Lakes Women's Business Council, which offers loans to businesses unable to secure traditional funding. She details the types of businesses eligible for CEED's programs, emphasizing support for startups and businesses planning to expand. CEED Lending's approach includes not just financial assistance but also mentorship and technical support to ensure businesses thrive.

Cathy discusses the SBA 504 Loan Program, explaining its focus on helping small for-profit businesses acquire fixed assets like buildings and equipment. She outlines the program's benefits, such as lower down payments and fixed interest rates, making it an attractive option for businesses looking to grow. Both guests highlight the importance of their programs in fostering economic development and supporting underserved communities.

Belinda's contact info: 248-460-3973 / Great Lakes Women's Business Council CEED Lending: https://www.greatlakeswbc.org/ceed-lending/

Cathy's SBA contact info: 248-858-5101 / raseganc@oakgov.com / oakgov.com/bfc

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 Keller Williams - http://soldbylisab.com/

The Royal Oak Chamber now has its own app! From the app, you can view Chamber events, meet other members, view the marketing tools available to your business, and even join the Chamber! President Shelly Kemp and Chairman of the Board Michael Pesendorfer join us today to discuss.

Download the app on Apple or Android by searching for Your City App!

The Chamber has also partnered with member Tiffany Wisnieski of Twiz Creative for a new social media campaign. You can hear our interview with Tiffany from a previous episode here: https://roccpod.simplecast.com/episodes/twiz-creative

Be sure to connect with the Chamber on:

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

Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/royaloakchamber

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

Michael talks about networking being a "contact" sport, and the Chamber offers so many online and offline opportunities to connect with several business owners. Not only will you find customers, you're likely to become one, to our members.

We also spend time clearing up some misconceptions about the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce. It is for anyone who wants to do business in and around Royal Oak, but you do not have to live or work in Royal Oak. It's open to anyone, regardless of location. Also, the Chamber is a 501c6 organization. While it frequently collaborates with the City of Royal Oak, the DDA, and more, it is its own independent entity, not affiliated with any government organization.

We have a number of events on the horizon. The Summer Concert Series was wildly sucessful in its new home at Centennial Commons in 2023, and that momentum will only build this year. We've also got an event with Brian Calley of the Small Business Association of Michigan on the horizon, and plenty more to come!

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 Keller Williams - http://soldbylisab.com/

To kick off Season 3 of the ROCC Pod, we welcome Jennifer McCallum from Firefly Pet Photography.  Jennifer shares her journey from being a third-level sommelier to a passionate pet photographer. She emphasizes her love for animals, detailing her extensive experience in animal rescue and fostering.

Jennifer's transition into pet photography stemmed from her realization that she could make a greater impact through her business. She highlights the importance of capturing the bond between pets and their owners, a unique aspect of her photography. Jennifer is open to photographing a variety of animals (just not spiders), preferring outdoor settings to showcase Michigan's beauty.

Jennifer outlines her process, from initial consultations to the photo session itself. She stresses the importance of making both pets and owners comfortable and capturing their natural personalities. Her approach includes using leashes but editing them out, and providing guidance on wardrobe choices to ensure clients and their pets stand out in the photos.

Jennifer also talks about her "Pupdate" emails, which inform subscribers about dog-friendly events and opportunities to support animal rescues. She shares her experience with book projects, including "Tails of Childhood: Woof Upon a Time," which raises funds for the Humane Society of Macomb. This project captures the special relationship between children and their pets.

We learn about Jennifer's personal project, "Pure Michigan Pups," inspired by Michigan's diverse landscapes. She aims to photograph dogs in various settings across the state, from the Silver Lake Sand Dunes to the blue ice of Mackinac City. Jennifer's passion for capturing the essence of pets in Michigan's natural beauty is evident.

Firefly on Instgram: https://www.instagram.com/fireflypetphotography

Firefly website (email sign up at bottom): https://fireflypetphotography.com/

Tails of Childhood book: https://fireflypetphotography.com/tails-of-childhood/

Shelter in Home book: https://checkout.square.site/merchant/VNG0RC30FY6VM/checkout/5F4V4XI4UMDR4LGZ6YWC3D4K

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 Keller Williams - http://soldbylisab.com/

In this episode of the ROCC Pod, we welcome Kayla Lopez from Good Business. Kayla, a seasoned corporate executive turned consultant, shares her journey and insights into the world of consulting, emphasizing her diverse experience in various industries such as mortgage, banking, automotive, manufacturing, healthcare, and food service.

Kayla begins by defines consulting as providing expert advice for compensation. She reflects on her career progression, highlighting her rapid promotions and the breadth of experience gained across different sectors. Kayla credits her initial foray into the food service industry, where she developed crucial problem-solving skills and resilience, as foundational to her success. We all agree there's value in working in food service or retail!

Transitioning into consulting, Kayla recounts how her career evolved from offering informal advice to peers to formally advising leaders and companies. She emphasizes her focus on strategic development and project planning, aiming to balance performance and employee success. Kayla's approach to consulting involves ensuring leadership buy-in and fostering a culture open to change.

Consultants bring a higher level of expertise and perspective compared to full-time employees. She notes the importance of consultants in providing objective insights and facilitating change. Kayla also shares her experiences working with both for-profit and nonprofit organizations, highlighting the unique challenges and rewards of each sector.

Outside of work, Kayla enjoys cooking, exploring Royal Oak, and engaging in arts and music. Originally from Los Angeles, she appreciates the vibrant community she has found in Royal Oak. She also gives a special mention to her two cats, Mila and Bean.

Connect with Kayla on her website: https://www.goodb.work/

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 Keller Williams - http://soldbylisab.com/

In our latest episode of the ROCC Pod, we dive into the world of fitness and entrepreneurship with Erin Szaroleta and Moe Ashley from Home Turf Gym. We start with the common January fitness surge, with many of us feeling the aftermath of holiday indulgence. Erin shares her journey from a collegiate athlete to finding balance in her fitness and diet post-college. She emphasizes the importance of adapting workout routines to fit a busy adult life.

Moe, on the other hand, recounts her experience as a trainer who didn't practice what he preached. Her transformation involved hiring a trainer, venturing into bodybuilding, and making significant lifestyle changes. This journey led her to a healthier path and enabled him to better connect with his clients.

We then explore the concept of cutting out toxic relationships for mental and physical health. Both Erin and Moe stress the importance of surrounding oneself with people who inspire growth and betterment.

Erin and Moe met as trainers at a family-owned gym and bonded over a shared dream of owning a gym. Post-pandemic, they took the leap, overcoming fears and embracing the challenges of entrepreneurship. Moe had harbored this dream for over 25 years, and Erin, despite initial reluctance, joined in to make this dream a reality.

Their gym focuses on strength training, which they believe is central to fitness. They offer both one-on-one and small group training, emphasizing the importance of form and technique. Nutrition counseling is also a key part of their services, as they advocate for adding healthy choices rather than just cutting out the bad.

Erin and Moe discuss their core values, including ownership, consistency, simplicity, and self-awareness. They emphasize the importance of setting realistic fitness goals and integrating them into one's lifestyle. This approach is about making sustainable changes rather than drastic, short-term fixes.

When asked about a day they'd like to relive, Moe chooses the gym's grand opening, a culmination of a long-held dream. Erin picks the day they signed the lease for the gym, marking the start of their entrepreneurial journey.

Home Turf Gym Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hometurfgym

Home Turf Gym Website: https://www.hometurfgym.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 Keller Williams - http://soldbylisab.com/