Advertise on podcast: Community Capital

David Lawrence founded MECA Personal Training in a small Wixom warehouse in 2012 with one client and a clear vision for what a performance training company should look like. On this episode of Community Capital, Rob sits down with David to talk about building a business that gets results, retains great coaches, and has grown almost entirely on word of mouth into four locations across Michigan. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to David Lawrence 02:02 Revolutionizing Personal Training 04:28 MECA’s Business Model 05:50 MECA’s Organic Growth and Name 08:03 Future Vision and Industry Impact 09:58 Challenges in Personal Training 11:50 Rewarding Aspects and Contact   Guest Links Website: https://www.mecastrong.com/ Show Links Learn more about the Brighton Chamber by visiting our website. Website: https://www.brightoncoc.org/

This week on Community Capital, Rob sits down with Alison Pol, owner of Alison Productions in Pinckney, Michigan. Alison creates high-energy, short-form videos for small businesses and nonprofits, helping them communicate their mission or story in under 60 seconds. She shares her winding path to entrepreneurship, from serving in the Navy to teaching through COVID to discovering video editing. The conversation covers how she translates client messages visually, why short-form content is one of the most powerful tools a small business can have, and what it means to help Habitat for Humanity bring their story to life on screen. Alison also previews plans for a mini-series spotlighting local businesses and farms in the area, and gives a shoutout to the Whitmore Lake Farmers Market where she serves as market manager. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to Alison Productions 01:39 From Navy to Video Editing 03:09 Working with a Client 04:28 Company Vision and Impact 05:55 Future Projects and Community Focus 07:55 Why Short-Form Content Matters 10:11 Whitmore Lake Farmers Market & Wrap-up   Guest Links Website: https://alisonproductions.com/ Habitat For Humanity: https://www.habitat.org/ Whitmore Lake Farmer's Market: https://www.twp-northfield.org/community_visitors/farmers_market.php Show Links Learn more about the Brighton Chamber by visiting our website. Website: https://www.brightoncoc.org/

On this episode of Community Capital, Rob Johnson sits down with Paul Kolby, owner of Kolby & Co. and broker-agent with Keller Williams Professionals in Brighton. Paul shares how he made the jump from a 30-year career in engineering and program management into real estate, stepping into the industry just before the market shifted dramatically in 2020. The conversation covers what it took to build momentum as a new agent during an unpredictable time, how passion and consistency helped him stay the course, and why real estate decisions are ultimately personal, not one-size-fits-all. Paul also talks about growing Kolby & Co. alongside his wife, the importance of training and relationships in the industry, and how community involvement, from local events to his work with Lines of Heroes, continues to shape the way he does business. Timestamps 00:00 Paul Kolby’s Journey to Real Estate 01:25 Navigating the 2020 Real Estate Boom 03:55 Longevity & Passion in Real Estate 07:04 Managing Market Messages and Decisions 09:28 Future Growth and Keller Williams Training 12:15 Effective Lead Generation and Client Relations 15:19 Kolby & Co.'s Differentiators 17:17 Supporting First Responders with Lines of Heroes   Guest Links Website: https://paulkolby.kw.com/ Lines of Heroes: https://linesofheroes.org/ Show Links Learn more about the Brighton Chamber by visiting our website. Website: https://www.brightoncoc.org/

The Brighton Chamber podcast enters a new chapter as “Community Capital”, a show dedicated to highlighting the people, businesses, and ideas that move the Greater Brighton community forward. To kick things off, Rob Johnson sits down with Dr. Vincent McGinniss, founder of Elements Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics in Brighton. Dr. McGinniss shares his journey from medical school to serving as an Air Force flight surgeon caring for fighter pilots, and eventually launching his own facial plastic surgery practice. He discusses the challenges of starting a business, why Brighton was the right place to build his practice, and his philosophy that great plastic surgery should enhance a person’s natural appearance while helping them feel confident and refreshed.  Timestamps 00:00 Welcome to Community Capital 01:13 From Air Force Flight Surgeon to Plastic Surgeon 04:17 Launching Elements Plastic Surgery 06:38 Overcoming Entrepreneurial Challenges 08:38 Future Growth and Services at Elements 10:43 Achieving Natural Plastic Surgery Results 13:45 Consultation Process and Closing Remarks Guest Links Website: https://www.elementsplasticsurgery.com/ Show Links Learn more about the Brighton Chamber by visiting our website. Website: https://www.brightoncoc.org/

This week on the Chamber Podcast, Rob sits down with Kelly LaBelle and Maureen Theodore, designers at Cabinets For You in downtown Brighton. As a locally owned, full-service cabinet company, Cabinets For You offers three cabinet lines ranging from affordable to fully custom, serving homeowners and builders alike. Kelly and Maureen share how their years of experience help prevent costly mistakes by carefully planning measurements, appliance placement, plumbing, electrical, and overall flow before cabinets ever arrive. The conversation dives into builder relationships, why retention matters, and how thoughtful design blends function with personality. They also discuss current kitchen trends, from warm wood tones and jewel colors to the return of bold statements, while encouraging homeowners to design for their own lifestyle rather than resale value. With deep roots in the community and a growing outlook for 2026, Cabinets For You continues to help Brighton families create spaces they love. Timestamps 00:00 Cabinets For You Overview 01:36 Why Choose Professional Designers? 04:00 Building Strong Client Relationships 06:31 Passion for Quality and Client Vision 09:00 Navigating Design Trends 12:59 Contact and Closing Remarks Show Notes: Showroom Location: Downtown Brighton, located inside the White Dress building Parking: North Street parking lot behind the building Appointments Recommended: Designers are often out measuring homes or meeting deliveries Guest Links Website: https://www.cabinetsforyou.net/ Show Links Learn more about the Brighton Chamber by visiting our website. Website: https://www.brightoncoc.org/

This week on the Chamber Podcast, Rob sits down with Jessica Pomerville, speech-language pathologist and Clinical Director of the new Brighton location of Thrive Therapy Center. Jessica shares Thrive’s mission of supporting families and helping children build communication skills and daily living independence through evidence-based speech and occupational therapy. The conversation highlights Thrive’s family-owned roots, their whole-person approach, and the importance of creating a safe, supportive space for both children and parents. Jessica reflects on the deep bonds formed with families, the emotional impact of the work, and what it means to bring Thrive’s 40-year legacy into her hometown of Brighton. With locations in Davison, Clarkston, and now Brighton, Thrive is focused on growth, connection, and helping more families truly thrive.  Timestamps 00:00 Welcome Jessica Pomerville 01:10 Journey to Speech Pathology 03:38 Thrive’s Diverse Client Base 04:45 Brighton Expansion and New Role 06:33 Impact and Family Bonds 07:59 Future Growth and Outreach   Show Links Learn more about the Brighton Chamber by visiting our website. Website: https://www.brightoncoc.org/  Guest Links Website: https://thrive-therapycenters.com/brighton Phone Number: (810) 206-3801

This week on the Chamber Podcast, Rob sits down with Blake Williams, Account Manager at the Herndon Family Agency Farm Bureau Insurance, to talk about local insurance done the right way. Blake shares how the family-run agency has served Livingston County for over 20 years and why staying Michigan-focused matters when it comes to protecting families and businesses. The conversation covers common insurance mistakes like being underinsured or paying too much for coverage, changes to Michigan auto insurance laws, and why reviewing policies regularly can make a real financial difference. Blake also talks about his passion for community involvement, his experience with the Brighton Chamber, and how building personal relationships helps clients feel confident and covered.  Timestamps 00:00 Introducing Herndon Family Agency Farm Bureau Insurance 01:18 Choosing Herndon Family Agency 03:11 Common Insurance Mistakes 06:03 Connecting with Community 07:35 2026 Goals & Chamber Discount 08:55 Contacting the Agency & Chamber Show Links Learn more about the Brighton Chamber by visiting our website. Website: https://www.brightoncoc.org/  Guest Links Website: https://www.michfb.com/insurance/find-an-agent/geoffrey-herndon-210-s-east-st-ste-1

This week on the Chamber Podcast, Rob sits down with Rex Streetman, owner of The Rex Effect, a Howell-based DJ and entertainment company built to keep the party going long after everyone else clocks out. Rex shares how a “crazy idea” to look at DJ equipment turned into a full-blown business, starting with karaoke nights and growing into a team of 10+ employees across 10+ venues. Today, The Rex Effect delivers everything from weddings and corporate events to karaoke, trivia, Music Bingo, and even plans to expand into dance floor rentals. Rex and Rob talk about what it takes to build a following, manage a growing crew, and evolve through industry shifts like COVID, all while staying focused on fun, energy, and unforgettable experiences.  Timestamps 00:00 From Hobby to Business: The Rex Effect 01:43 The Evolution of Rex’s Karaoke Journey 03:52 Karaoke Classics and Industry Shifts 05:03 Modern Bar Entertainment: Trivia and Bingo 08:18 Future Growth and Team Management 11:00 Career Highlights and New Beginnings Show Links Learn more about the Brighton Chamber by visiting our website. Website: https://www.brightoncoc.org/  Guest Links Website: https://www.therexeffectdj.com/ Facebook: Rexs-Karaoke/The-Rex-Effect Phone Number: 810-220-9611

This week on the Chamber Podcast, Rob sits down with Steve Grech, CEO of LOC Credit Union, and Stephanie Hamlin, Community Impact Manager, to talk about what it really means to be a community-first financial institution. With 90 years of history and more than 50 years serving Livingston County, LOC focuses on doing a few things exceptionally well, from affordable car loans and home equity lending to strong digital banking paired with real human relationships. Steve shares how LOC differentiates itself in a crowded financial market through thoughtful lending practices and service-driven culture, while Stephanie highlights the credit union’s deep investment in financial education, school partnerships, and local programs that build confidence from elementary school through adulthood. The conversation offers a clear look at how staying focused, accessible, and people-centered helps LOC strengthen both financial health and community trust. 00:00 LOC Credit Union’s Journey 03:12 What Makes LOC Unique? 06:00 Building Trust Through Relationships 09:15 Financial Literacy in Schools 12:22 2026 Initiatives and Community Engagement 15:15 Lending Wider and Deeper Show Links Learn more about the Brighton Chamber by visiting our website. Website: https://www.brightoncoc.org/  Guest Links Website: https://www.loccreditunion.com/ Guest Info: LOC celebrated our 90th Anniversary in 2025 with 6 locations across Livingston, Oakland and Wayne Counties. We like to think LOC stands for Lender of Choice for Auto Loans & Home Equity Loans while focusing on delivering five-star member service.   Our Brighton Branch opened in June of 2024 and is located on Grand River Avenue just outside of downtown, next to Planet Fitness and AutoZone.  We have had a presence in Livingston County for 50 years. In 1976 we opened in Howell and have been at our current location on Grand River since 1997. Our current Hartland location opened in 2007 at Old 23 and M59. As we continue to invest in Livingston County, we will be building a full-service branch with a drive thru in 2026. This branch will be adjacent to the Hartland Target parking lot.  Community Sponsorships and Volunteer Involvement:  In 2024 we partnered with Bountiful Harvest when we made large financial donation upon the opening of the Brighton branch in 2024. We continue to support their mission by providing an annual cereal drive where the donations stay right here in Livingston County and our staff volunteers at the food bank.  Brighton, Howell and Hartland - Athletic Business Sponsorships  Brighton Chamber Efforts and Events- the Farmer's Market Flower Day- Bouquet Building Station, Volunteering at Chamber Events such as the Smokin Blues and Brighton Holiday Glow Reindeer Game Sponsorship.  For the third year in a row, we sponsored the Tunnel of Lights at the Millpond Bridge for the community to enjoy a seasonable photo opportunity. Financial Literacy and Education Efforts The Community Impact Team provides a variety of financial education classroom experiences for grades K -12. Creating hands on experiences that give students a solid foundation for the real world. We also operate 19 student-run credit unions across Farmington and Livingston County that give students an independent interactive experience with banking and managing money.

In this charged up episode Rob sits down with Kisha Polasky, owner of Batteries Plus in Livingston County, to talk career pivots, franchising leaps, and building a business during uncertain times. They're more than just a battery store, They're committed to providing outstanding service and expertise for a variety of solutions, including power, phone repair, auto batteries, key fobs, lighting, and more! Whether you need help finding a replacement battery or to replace a shattered screen on your device, Batteries Plus is here for you.   00:00 Kisha’s Journey to Batteries Plus 03:18 Franchise Opening and Challenges 06:18 Location Selection and Operations 08:57 Hiring and Team Building 11:51 Commercial Focus and Diverse Offerings 14:44 Community Engagement and Services   Show Links Learn more about the Brighton Chamber by visiting our website. Website: https://www.brightoncoc.org/   Guest Links Website: https://www.batteriesplus.com/

Rob sits down with Emily Stone, founder and CEO of Whole Mama Michigan, a Brighton-based “one-stop” wellness collective that’s changing the way moms are born by wrapping parents in holistic, evidence-based, zero-judgment support from preconception through postpartum. From fertility coaching and prenatal yoga to childbirth classes, lactation help, mental health care, and cozy due-date/play groups that crush isolation, Emily shares how community can turn anxious new parents into confident, connected humans, plus what doulas actually do. Warm, practical, and full of heart, this episode feels like a pep talk and a group hug rolled into one.   00:00 Welcome to Whole Mama Michigan 03:19 Understanding the Role of a Doula 05:42 Whole Mama Michigan’s Growth & Uniqueness 07:54 Free vs. Paid Services and future Outlook 09:40 Getting Involved & Impactful Stories 11:03 The Value of In-Person Connection   Show Links Learn more about the Brighton Chamber by visiting our website. Website: https://www.brightoncoc.org/   Guest Links Website: https://www.wholemamamichigan.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566562292552 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wholemamamichigan/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/whole-mama-michigan/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wholemamamichigan Email: [email protected] Address: 10407 Grand River Ave Suite 600 Brighton, MI 48116 (810) 775-2789

This week on the Chamber podcast, Rob chats with Krish Kar, developer and founder of Yoganjali, an AI-powered holistic social wellness connection platform where creators and seekers meet “within and beyond.” Krish breaks down Yoganjali’s two-part magic: Inner Connect, featuring mind-body yoga, Pilates, dance, and wellness classes built for everyone from seniors and kids to mental-health and flexibility journeys, and Outer Connect, which uses role-based matching to spark real business connections, pitches, and creative clips without the social noise. Move, Connect and Thrive through Yoganjali!   00:00 Introducing Yoganjali: A New Social Wellness App 03:02 How Yoganjali Connects Creators and Seekers 07:00 Background and App Security 09:05 The Evolution of Yoganjali 13:30 Final Thoughts and Holiday Reflections   Show Links Learn more about the Brighton Chamber by visiting our website. Website: https://www.brightoncoc.org/   Guest Links Website: https://nityvision.com/yoganjali Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575523112461 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/krish.kar.9256 Email: [email protected]

What happens outside the office affects everything inside it. In this episode, Jo Self, founder of Practical Strengths and creator of the Community Catalyst Project, shares how local businesses can strengthen engagement, retention, and wellbeing by focusing on what’s right with people and the communities they call home. Discover how small acts of connection can create big ripples of impact, why workplace culture starts long before Monday morning, and how the Community Strong initiative is turning civic pride and collaboration into real economic and emotional wellbeing for all.   00:00 Introducing Practical Strengths 03:15 Strengths in a 40-Year Marriage 06:08 Strengths as Weaknesses 09:02 Building Stronger Communities 12:58 Livingston Strong Project 15:05 Final Thoughts and Contact   Show Links Learn more about the Brighton Chamber by visiting our website. Website: https://www.brightoncoc.org/   Guest Links Website: http://practicalstrengths.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/discoverjoself Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/discover_joself LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/joself YouTube: http://youtube.com/@discoverjoself Email: [email protected]

Rob sits down with Lauren Coffman, Marketing & Communications Director at Brighton Ford, for a festive and feel-good conversation about their 26th annual Toys for Tots toy drive. From a friendly school competition with $5,000 in prizes to Santa Night on December 4th, it’s complete with free photos, food, and toys, toys, toys. The episode bursts with holiday spirit. Lauren shares community support stories all while inviting listeners to join the fun, donate quality toys, and help top last year’s incredible 3,500-toy milestone. Tune in for the joy, nostalgia, and a chance to make a kid’s season brighter!   00:00 26th Annual Toy Drive 01:12 School Competition and Giving 03:46 Community Involvement and Nostalgia 06:49 How to Get Involved 09:31 Closing Remarks and Invitation   Toys for Tots Event by Brighton Ford 8240 West Grand River Avenue, Brighton, MI, United States, Michigan 48114 Open to the public: We are happy to announce the dates for our 26th Annual Santa Night. TOY DRIVE - Bring your new, unwrapped toys anytime between November 1st - December 4th. Our in-person Santa Night is December 4th from 6:00 - 8:00 PM - Free photos with Santa - Drop off donations - Pizza and cookies - Holiday fun! - Switch 2 giveaway! Brighton Ford is donating $5,000 in prizes to our Brighton Elementary Schools. The school that donates the most NEW, UNWRAPPED toys WINS. The prizes are as follows: 1st Place - $3,000 2nd Place - $1,000 3rd Place - $500 4th Place - $500 See less   Show Links Learn more about the Brighton Chamber by visiting our website. Website: https://www.brightoncoc.org/   Guest Links Website: BrightonFord.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brightonford Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightonfordmi/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/brightonfordmi

Kick Off the Holiday Season in Downtown Brighton! Jennifer Bond (Greater Brighton Area Chamber), Barb Binkley (Cooper Binkley Jewelers), Samantha Gardiner (City of Brighton) host this week's podcast to talk about this year's Brighton Holiday Glow & Christmas Market. They'll fill you in on all the merry details and what you can expect. We can't wait to kick off the holiday season with you in Downtown Brighton!   Presented by Cooper & Binkley Jewelers, along with the Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce and Supporting Sponsors Terri Fenolen Group, Mt. Brighton, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, will take place: Saturday, November 22, 2025 - 1:00 PM-7:00 PM   Website: Brighton's Holiday Glow 2025 Webpage ; https://sites.google.com/view/holidayglowbrighton/home Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1182059317074819?active_tab=about   00:00 Welcome to Holiday Glow 02:30 New Lights & Activities 06:40 Holiday Traditions & Performances 11:00 Santa’s Arrival & Local Businesses 15:20 Magical Moments & Photo Ops 20:25 Lamplighters & Final Details   Show Links Learn more about the Brighton Chamber by visiting our website. Website: https://www.brightoncoc.org/   Guest Links Cooper & Binkley Jewelers Website: https://www.cooperandbinkleyjewelers.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cooperandbinkleyjewelers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cooperbinkleyjewelers/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CooperandBinkley & City of Brighton Website: https://www.brightoncitymi.gov/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DowntownBrighton