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On this episode of Community Capital, Rob sits down with Michael Malecki, owner of Kneaded Relief Massage & Spa. After taking over the business in 2020, Michael grew it from a single Southgate location to multiple spas across Southeast Michigan, including a new downtown South Lyon spot. He shares why he credits his team for that growth, the expensive lesson he learned when he ignored their advice, and what first-timers can expect when they finally book that first massage.   Guest Links: Kneaded Relief Spa: https://kneadedreliefmassage.com/  Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Business Origins 02:21 Massage Services and Specialties 05:06 Expansion Vision and Lessons Learned 07:52 Future Goals, Newcomer Advice, and Closing   Show Links Learn more about the Brighton Chamber by visiting our website. Website: https://www.brightoncoc.org/

On this episode of Community Capital, Rob sits down with Jeff Eastom, Business Development Manager at The Safety Source. Jeff breaks down what sets The Safety Source apart from the national distributors, how they help businesses solve space and efficiency problems with mezzanines and LED lighting, and why being local matters when you need more than just a product shipped to your door.   Guest Links: Website: https://safetysourcellc.com Phone Number: (866) 688-7233 Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to Safety Source 02:21 Jeff's Background and Growth 04:28 Complex Industrial Projects 06:56 Future Goals and Contact Info   Show Links Learn more about the Brighton Chamber by visiting our website. Website: https://www.brightoncoc.org/

This is another special live edition of Community Capital, recorded on the ground at Smokin’ Rock-N-Blues in Downtown Brighton. Jennifer Bond and Karen Storey sat down with six businesses and community members throughout the festival: Dewain Combs of Junkyard Pit Crew, Andrew Kruczynski of Kasi, Hunter Hazle of Olde Orchard Pediatric Dentistry, Logan Dimitrie and Nick Defenthaler of Center for Financial Planning, Marie Butler of Hell Survivors, and Matt Scullin of EverDry Waterproofing. Six conversations, one great weekend downtown.    Timestamps 00:00:00 Barbecue Champion's Origin Story 00:08:12 Andrew Introduces Kasi Rooftop Lounge 00:11:46 Olde Orchard Pediatric Dentistry in Brighton 00:20:26 Comprehensive Wealth Planning with Nick and Logan 00:31:13 Marie Butler on Hell Survivors and Community 00:43:26 Matt Highlights EverDry Waterproofing Services Guest Links Junkyard Pit Crew: https://junkyardpitcrew.com/  Kasi: https://www.kasibrighton.com/  Olde Orchard Pediatric Dentistry: https://www.oldeorchardpediatricdentistry.com/  Center for Financial Planning: https://www.centerfinplan.com/ Hell Survivors Paintball: https://www.hellsurvivors.com/  EverDry Waterproofing: https://everdry.com/  Show Links Learn more about the Brighton Chamber by visiting our website. Website: https://www.brightoncoc.org/

On this special live edition of Community Capital, Chamber CEO Karen Storey sits down with Casey Yancho from LaFontaine Automotive Group at Smokin' Rock-N-Blues in Downtown Brighton. Casey shares what LaFontaine has been doing in the community since 1980, breaks down their holiday giving program that awards up to $20,000 to local nonprofits, and talks about what it means to work for a company whose values actually match your own.   Links: LaFontaine Automotive Group: https://www.familydeal.com/  4 Pawz Strong: https://4pawzstrong.com/      Timestamps 00:00 Welcome and LaFontaine’s Community Roots 01:46 Holiday Giving Program for Nonprofits 04:26 Personal Wellness and Faith-Based Ministry 06:29 She Is You Women’s Event and Summer Giveaway   Show Links Learn more about the Brighton Chamber by visiting our website. Website: https://www.brightoncoc.org/

On this special edition of Community Capital, Chamber CEO Karen Storey sits down with Amanda Binder, Senior Business Consultant with the Small Business Development Center of Michigan. Amanda breaks down what SBDC actually does, who it's for, and why more entrepreneurs should know it exists. Whether you're just starting out or have been in business for 30 years, the services are free, and the support is real.  Find SBDC Michigan and registration details for the October 8th Strategic Marketing Foundations virtual session in the show notes.   Small Business Success Academy Website: https://business.brightoncoc.org/events/details/sbdc-quarterly-virtual-sessions-the-business-edge-small-business-success-academy-49220 Michigan SBDC: https://michigansbdc.org/   Timestamps 00:00:00 Introduction to SBDC and Chamber Partnership 00:05:09 SBDC Resources, Tools, and Statewide Support 00:07:08 Small Business Success Academy: Strategic Marketing   Show Links Learn more about the Brighton Chamber by visiting our website. Website: https://www.brightoncoc.org/

On this special live edition of Community Capital, Jennifer Bond and Karen Storey take a moment on day two of Smokin' Rock-N-Blues to pull back the curtain on what it actually takes to put on Brighton's biggest festival. From last-minute pivots with the chief of police to hauling garbage past midnight, this is a love letter to Team Chamber and the community that shows up for them every single time. Stay tuned in the coming weeks for more episodes from the Festival!   Timestamps 00:00:00 Welcome and Behind the Scenes Chaos 00:05:00 Community Support and Accessibility 00:10:00 Barbecue Winners and Vendor Highlights   Show Links Learn more about the Brighton Chamber by visiting our website. Website: https://www.brightoncoc.org/

On this special edition of Community Capital, Jennifer Bond sits down with Dorothy Harrison from Bank of Ann Arbor Livingston to talk about Brighton's Smokin' Rock-N-Blues Festival returning to Downtown Brighton on September 11th and 12th. The conversation covers the lineup, the barbecue contest, the rockin' kidpreneurs, and what it means to kick off the festival on the 25th anniversary of September 11th with a tribute to first responders. Smokin' Rock-N-Blues runs Friday September 11th from 5 to 10pm and Saturday September 12th from noon to 10pm in Downtown Brighton.   Event Website: https://business.brightoncoc.org/events/details/2026-brighton-smokin-rock-n-blues-festival-48590    Timestamps 00:00:00 Festival Overview and History 00:04:09 Barbecue Contest and Kidpreneurs 00:08:11 Festival Logistics and Atmosphere 00:12:35 Event Schedule and Final Invitations   Show Links Learn more about the Brighton Chamber by visiting our website. Website: https://www.brightoncoc.org/

On this episode of Community Capital, Rob sits down with John Alban, Vice President of Michigan Clear Water. John shares how a referral from a common contact led him to leave an 18-year career in office equipment, take a leap with a 3-month-old at home, and build a bottleless water cooler company from the ground up. Ten years later, Michigan Clearwater covers the entire state and is just getting started on its next phase of growth.    Guest Links: Website: https://mclearwater.com/    Timestamps 00:00 Starting Michigan Clear Water 03:16 Growth, Services, and Maintenance 06:04 Evolution, Pandemic Resilience, and Lessons 09:35 Future Expansion and Customer Engagement 12:08 Reflections on Entrepreneurship   Show Links Learn more about the Brighton Chamber by visiting our website. Website: https://www.brightoncoc.org/

On this episode of Community Capital, Rob sits down with Chris Berry, founder of Castle Wealth Group in Brighton. Chris is one of the few professionals in Livingston County who is both a certified elder law attorney and a certified financial planner, and he built his practice around a simple idea: your legal, financial, and tax planning should work together instead of against each other. The conversation covers what elder law actually is, why nursing home costs catch so many families off guard, and why waiting too long to plan is the most expensive mistake people make.   Guest Links: Website: https://castlewealthgroup.com/    Timestamps 00:00:00 Integrated Wealth and Legacy Planning 00:03:33 The Importance of Fiduciary Guidance 00:07:31 Proactive Elder Law Planning 00:08:56 Community Growth and Educational Resources   Show Links Learn more about the Brighton Chamber by visiting our website. Website: https://www.brightoncoc.org/

On this episode of Community Capital, Rob sits down with Sweta Patel, founder and pharmacist at Brighton RX Pharmacy. After nearly 24 years in the industry, Sweta made the decision to leave corporate pharmacy behind and build something different: a place where patients are known by name, questions actually get answered, and healthcare feels personal again.   Guest Links: Website: https://brightonrxpharmacy.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brightonrxpharmacy/   Timestamps 00:00:00 Transitioning from Corporate to Independent Pharmacy 00:03:00 Future Growth and Patient Services     Show Links Learn more about the Brighton Chamber by visiting our website. Website: https://www.brightoncoc.org/

On this special live edition of Community Capital, Chamber President and CEO Karen Storey sits down with Sandy Rachwal and Jerrad Beauchamp of Beauchamp Water Treatment Solutions at the Country Boots and Beats Festival. The conversation covers how a dad taking apart a water softener in a basement in 1976 turned into one of the most community-minded businesses in Livingston County, and what the 322 initiative means for people around the world who don't have access to clean water.   Guest Links: Website: https://www.beauchampwater.com/    Timestamps 00:00:00 Beauchamp’s Community Impact 00:05:01 The History and Vision of Beauchamp 00:11:43 Understanding the 322 Initiative 00:14:08 Reflections on American Values Show Links Learn more about the Brighton Chamber by visiting our website. Website: https://www.brightoncoc.org/

On this episode of Community Capital, Rob sits down with Elyse Moore, founder and co-owner of McClements Farm Country Store on Main Street in Brighton. Elyse shares the winding road that brought her from freeze-drying fruit on a hobby farm to navigating a toxic business partnership, losing her storefront, and landing in a space she never could have planned for. The conversation covers what it really means to build a business around mission instead of margin, why chasing trends is usually a losing game, and what faith has to do with entrepreneurship. Guest Links: Website: https://www.mcclementsfarmcountrystore.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mcclementsfarm/   Timestamps 00:00 The Evolution of McClements Farm 01:53 Overcoming Business Conflict 07:08 Developing Thick Skin and Leadership 11:03 Curating a Unique Retail Experience 15:07 Products, Growth, and Milestones 18:47 Business Mission and Values 23:59 Long-Term Strategy and Future Vision Show Links Learn more about the Brighton Chamber by visiting our website. Website: https://www.brightoncoc.org/

On this episode of Community Capital, Rob sits down with Chijioke "CJ" Nwabuike, founder of Malachi's House of Hope and iPrecari Fingerprinting. CJ shares the story of his son Malachi, born with a rare and complex cardiac condition, and how a week-long trip to Chicago during COVID turned into a year away from home. That experience became the foundation for a nonprofit that helps families navigate the financial and emotional weight of caring for a medically fragile child. In less than a year, Malachi's House of Hope has already helped over ten families and is just getting started. This one is worth your time. Guest Links:  Malachi's House of Hope: https://www.malachishouseofhope.org/ iPrecari Fingerprinting: https://www.iprecari.com/ Timestamps 00:00 Introducing CJ Nwabuike & iPrecari 03:35 Malachi’s House of Hope: Mission and Origin 07:23 Impact and Surprises 11:09 Navigating Challenges and Fraud 14:45 How to Support Malachi’s House of Hope Show Links Learn more about the Brighton Chamber by visiting our website. Website: https://www.brightoncoc.org/

On this episode of Community Capital, Rob sits down with Melissa Rollins, founder of A Beyoutiful Balance Skin Care in Brighton, along with team members Olivia Kamal and Katelin Orrico. Melissa breaks down what intentional skincare actually looks like, why so much of what gets pushed on social media does more harm than good, and how treating the whole person, not just the skin, is what sets their approach apart.   Website: https://www.abeyoutifulbalance.com/   Timestamps 00:00 Intentional Skincare Philosophy 03:26 Holistic Skin Care & Education 06:05 Building Trust and Community Show Links Learn more about the Brighton Chamber by visiting our website. Website: https://www.brightoncoc.org/

Welcome to a special live edition of Community Capital, recorded on location at Brighton's Country Boots and Beats Festival. Jennifer Bond sat down with four local businesses and organizations making an impact in the Brighton community: Alexis and Christian from Jet's Pizza Brighton, Logan from Texas Roadhouse, Shana from White Blossom Farm Boutique, and Matt Rose from the Michigan Music Initiative. Four conversations, one great day downtown.     Timestamps 00:00 Jet’s Pizza: A Family Legacy 04:50 Texas Roadhouse: Community First 09:44 White Blossom Farm Boutique Mobile 13:08 Michigan Music Initiative Show Links Learn more about the Brighton Chamber by visiting our website. Website: https://www.brightoncoc.org/