Advertise on podcast: Welcome To Livingston

There is a line outside a 550-square-foot bakery in Downtown Howell, and the people standing in it are smiling. On farmers market days, that wait can stretch to 30 minutes, and nobody seems to mind.   Don and Angela sit down with Rob and Amy Nash, the husband and wife owners of Oh Crumbs! Bread Company, to find out why. They talk about the classic white sourdough that sells out first every day, the made-to-order filled croissants (the strawberry shortcake is the crowd favorite), and a sourdough starter named Werner, said to be over 100 years old and shared with the community hundreds of times.   Rob and Amy also share the story behind the purchase, including an interview process where Amy’s heart led the negotiation, and Rob quietly decided to trust it. They cover the early morning alarms, the 12-hour batch and bake days, why fresh bread should be eaten or frozen within days, and how the Howell downtown community supports one another.   If you have never been, this episode will tell you exactly when to go, how to order ahead, and what to grab before it sells out. And with Thanksgiving on the way, holiday pre-orders are worth getting in early.   🥖 https://www.ohcrumbsbread.com/ (online ordering available) 📍 111 North Walnut Street, Howell 🕐 Open Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday 📱 https://www.facebook.com/ohcrumbsbread 📸 https://www.instagram.com/ohcrumbsbreadco/ Timestamps 04:05 Bestsellers and Natural Ingredients 07:43 Early Mornings and Family Friendship 10:34 Buying the Bakery and Community Values 15:25 Ordering Online and Popular Pastries 20:51 Fresh Bread, Preservatives, and Shelf Life 26:08 Supporting Downtown Small Businesses 30:58 Lines, Patience, and Quality Customers 34:08 Transition from Former Owner 38:09 Long Hours and Passion for Baking 41:59 Operating Schedule   Show Links For more information on the Putkela Group and how to get connected, visit the links below:   Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/PutkelaGroup Website: https://www.welcometolivingston.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/putkelagroup/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq9hM7gWPlaCw4nG89Wgd9Q Phone: 1-888-PUTKELA (788-5352)   Sponsor Links Thanks to our amazing sponsor! Visit their social media pages for more information.   James Paquette Mortgage Sales Manager Lake Michigan Credit Union - LMCU NMLS ID# 533633 Direct Phone: (810) 263-6000 Cell Phone: (734) 604-2611   Website: https://www.lmcu.org/jamespaquette Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamespaquetteLMCU LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesapaquette/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LMCU

Say the letters HOA to a room of homebuyers and watch the faces change. Some people run from them. Others will not buy without one. This week, Don and Angela sit down, just the two of them, to break down what an HOA really is and how it affects the way you live, buy, and sell in Livingston County.   They walk through the questions they hear from clients all the time: Can I put in a fence? What about a shed, a pole barn? Who picks up my garbage? Along the way, they cover which rules to look for in the bylaws, why most HOAs need architectural approval before you build a deck or add a pool, and the surprise fees that can show up at closing when a management company handles the paperwork.   Don also shares what it was really like serving as an HOA board president for seven years, from handling neighbor complaints to hosting block parties. They talk through the case for HOAs, including protecting property values and keeping a neighbor’s junkyard out of your view, and the case against them, with honest advice on how to decide if one is right for you.   Whether you are buying your first home, thinking about selling, or just got a notice from a brand new board, this episode will help you know what questions to ask. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Understanding HOAs 04:26 Fences, Sheds, and Outdoor Structures 08:12 Upkeep Rules, Blight, and Company Vehicles 10:52 Garbage Pickup and Trash Cans 14:33 Serving on an HOA Board 18:02 Rule Changes, Approvals, and Fees 22:48 Pets, Businesses, and What Dues Cover 27:45 Being a Good Neighbor 30:40 Buying Tips and HOA Fee Range 34:02 Lakes, Community Amenities, and Closing Thoughts   Show Links For more information on the Putkela Group and how to get connected, visit the links below:   Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/PutkelaGroup Website: https://www.welcometolivingston.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/putkelagroup/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq9hM7gWPlaCw4nG89Wgd9Q Phone: 1-888-PUTKELA (788-5352)   Sponsor Links Thanks to our amazing sponsor! Visit their social media pages for more information.   James Paquette Mortgage Sales Manager Lake Michigan Credit Union - LMCU NMLS ID# 533633 Direct Phone: (810) 263-6000 Cell Phone: (734) 604-2611   Website: https://www.lmcu.org/jamespaquette Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamespaquetteLMCU LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesapaquette/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LMCU

Food insecurity exists in Livingston County. It is more common than most people realize, and it looks nothing like what most people imagine.   Don and Angela welcome back Katie Choat, Senior Director of Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeast Michigan, for her second appearance on the show. Katie was last on in Episode 88 when she was just finding her footing in the role and the difference between then and now is remarkable. The passion is undeniable.   In this conversation, Katie walks through everything Gleaners does for Livingston County, from their client choice pantry where guests shop like a grocery store, to the Wednesday fresh market where volunteers load up banana boxes with fresh produce, eggs, and milk for drive-up pickup. She covers their 17 pantry partners across the county, monthly school food mobiles in Fowlerville, Howell and Pinckney, and a remarkable collaboration with Trinity Health that brings a community health worker right into the pantry one day a week.   The numbers are staggering. Nearly 2 million pounds of food were distributed in Livingston County alone last year. 200 appointments every single day at Shared Harvest. And 70% of their shelf-stable inventory comes directly from community food drives.   Whether you want to donate, volunteer, host a food drive, or simply know that the resource exists if you ever need it, this episode is for you. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Gleaners’ Purpose 05:45 Reaching the Community and Fresh Markets 11:00 Getting Involved Through Volunteering and Donating 16:45 Community Partnerships and Impact 22:00 Accessing Services Guest Links https://www.gcfb.org/ https://donor.gcfb.org/page/mowdownhunger 5924 Serling Drive, Howell, MI 48843 https://www.facebook.com/Gleanersfan/ https://www.instagram.com/GleanersFoodBank/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/gleaners/   For more information on the Putkela Group and how to get connected, visit the links below:   Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/PutkelaGroup Website: https://www.welcometolivingston.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/putkelagroup/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq9hM7gWPlaCw4nG89Wgd9Q Phone: 1-888-PUTKELA (788-5352)   Sponsor Links Thanks to our amazing sponsor! Visit their social media pages for more information.   James Paquette Mortgage Sales Manager Lake Michigan Credit Union - LMCU NMLS ID# 533633 Direct Phone: (810) 263-6000 Cell Phone: (734) 604-2611   Website: https://www.lmcu.org/jamespaquette Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamespaquetteLMCU LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesapaquette/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LMCU

This week, Don and Angela step back from their usual format to celebrate this milestone with a clips episode! Looking back at the small businesses, restaurants, health and wellness companies, nonprofits, events, and personal moments that have defined Welcome to Livingston across 200 weeks of showing up for this community.   From a $26,000 toilet to wood-fired pizza, from nonprofits serving 25,000 neighbors a year to events drawing 50,000 visitors to downtown Brighton, from their kids taking the stage in middle school theater productions to their son breaking down how to choose a college, this episode is a love letter to Livingston County and everyone who has been part of the journey.   Don and Angela also share what this show has meant to them personally, why giving small businesses a free voice has always been at its heart, and what they are looking forward to in the next 200 episodes.   If there is an episode you loved that did not make the highlight reel, they want to hear about it. Reach out at [email protected] or find them wherever you listen to podcasts.   Timestamps 00:00 Celebrating 200 Episodes of Livingston 04:43 Spotlighting Local Small Businesses 11:24 Culinary Gems of Livingston County 15:58 Health, Wellness, and Fitness Highlights 20:47 Impactful Nonprofits and Community Support 26:15 Celebrating Local Festivals and Events 32:08 Personal Reflections and Family Involvement 36:38 Looking Toward the Future   Show Links For more information on the Putkela Group and how to get connected, visit the links below:   Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/PutkelaGroup Website: https://www.welcometolivingston.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/putkelagroup/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq9hM7gWPlaCw4nG89Wgd9Q Phone: 1-888-PUTKELA (788-5352)   Sponsor Links Thanks to our amazing sponsor! Visit their social media pages for more information.   James Paquette Mortgage Sales Manager Lake Michigan Credit Union - LMCU NMLS ID# 533633 Direct Phone: (810) 263-6000 Cell Phone: (734) 604-2611   Website: https://www.lmcu.org/jamespaquette Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamespaquetteLMCU LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesapaquette/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LMCU

This week, Don and Angela are recording live on location at the Smokin' Rock-N-Blues Fest in Downtown Brighton. Music in the background, ribs on the grill, people waving as they walk by, and all the good vibes that make this community so special.   In between festival sights and sounds, Don and Angela take a walk down memory lane through all the Downtown Brighton businesses they have featured over nearly 200 episodes, from Running Lab and Ivory Vines to Great Harvest Bread, Culture Beer and Cheese, Lake Michigan Credit Union and more. If you have ever driven past any of these and wondered what was inside, this episode is your sign to stop in.   Fair warning: you will be hungry by the end of this one. Timestamps  04:38 Shoutout to local downtown businesses 08:33 Festival vibes and social districts 13:45 More local events   Show Links For more information on the Putkela Group and how to get connected, visit the links below:   Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/PutkelaGroup Website: https://www.welcometolivingston.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/putkelagroup/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq9hM7gWPlaCw4nG89Wgd9Q Phone: 1-888-PUTKELA (788-5352)   Sponsor Links Thanks to our amazing sponsor! Visit their social media pages for more information.   James Paquette Mortgage Sales Manager Lake Michigan Credit Union - LMCU NMLS ID# 533633 Direct Phone: (810) 263-6000 Cell Phone: (734) 604-2611   Website: https://www.lmcu.org/jamespaquette Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamespaquetteLMCU LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesapaquette/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LMCU

This week Don and Angela are going to hell. Literally.   Adam and Evelyn Aberline, longtime Livingston County residents and friends of the Putkelas, recently became the new owners of Hell, Michigan, the quirky little hamlet just outside of Pinckney that draws visitors from as far as England, Scotland, and Oregon. In just a few weeks of ownership, they have already hosted four weddings, welcomed five ash scatterings, had sixty Mustangs show up unannounced, and learned that waffle cones are harder to make than they look.   Don and Angela sit down with Adam and Evelyn to hear the story behind the purchase and what they are doing to breathe new life into one of Livingston County's most beloved and recognizable destinations. This one is funny, heartwarming, and a little bit unexpected — just like Hell itself. Timestamps 04:30 Shopping, Ice Cream, and Mini Golf 08:32 A Community Destination for Everyone 12:15 Hosting Events and Engaging Locals 16:15 Life as New Small Business Owners   Guest Links https://www.gotohellmi.com/ https://www.facebook.com/gotohellmichigan/ https://www.instagram.com/gotohellmi/   Show Links For more information on the Putkela Group and how to get connected, visit the links below:   Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/PutkelaGroup Website: https://www.welcometolivingston.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/putkelagroup/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq9hM7gWPlaCw4nG89Wgd9Q Phone: 1-888-PUTKELA (788-5352)   Sponsor Links Thanks to our amazing sponsor! Visit their social media pages for more information.   James Paquette Mortgage Sales Manager Lake Michigan Credit Union - LMCU NMLS ID# 533633 Direct Phone: (810) 263-6000 Cell Phone: (734) 604-2611   Website: https://www.lmcu.org/jamespaquette Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamespaquetteLMCU LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesapaquette/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LMCU

Summer is winding down, and Livingston County is about to shift into a whole new gear. This week, Don and Angela talk about everything families and community members should know heading into the new school year.   They cover which districts start before Labor Day and why, the return of free lunches for all students, school-of-choice options you may not know exist, and the alternative schools quietly changing outcomes for students who need a different environment to thrive. Don also draws on his experience as a former high school teacher at the Bridge Alternative School in Brighton to explain why these programs matter more than most people realize.   They also get into the big sports news! This is the final year for the KLAA conference, with Howell, Brighton, and Hartland all moving to the Southeast Conference together next school year, and they make a strong case for getting out to a Friday night football game if you haven't in a while.   Want to hear directly from the high school principals of Brighton, Howell, and Hartland about their schools and programs? Don and Angela sat down with all three last summer: 🎧 Howell High School Principal — Episode 147: https://youtu.be/zfJZm-l1jQM 🎧 Brighton High School Principal — Episode 151: https://youtu.be/CObnS7q130s 🎧 Hartland High School Principal — Episode 153: https://youtu.be/GeT3NIh4jmM Timestamps 05:05 Navigating Back to School Logistics 09:28 Understanding School of Choice Options 13:36 Alternative Education and Learning Resources 17:13 High School Sports and Community Spirit 22:00 Athletic Conference Changes and Supporting Kids 27:01 Fall Festivals and Local Events   Show Links For more information on the Putkela Group and how to get connected, visit the links below:   Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/PutkelaGroup Website: https://www.welcometolivingston.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/putkelagroup/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq9hM7gWPlaCw4nG89Wgd9Q Phone: 1-888-PUTKELA (788-5352) Sponsor Links Thanks to our amazing sponsor! Visit their social media pages for more information.   James Paquette Mortgage Sales Manager Lake Michigan Credit Union - LMCU NMLS ID# 533633 Direct Phone: (810) 263-6000 Cell Phone: (734) 604-2611   Website: https://www.lmcu.org/jamespaquette Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamespaquetteLMCU LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesapaquette/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LMCU

Most people have insurance. Very few people actually know what it covers, and that gap can cost a family everything on the worst day of their lives.   Don and Angela sit down with Blake Williams of the Herndon Family Agency Farm Bureau Insurance right here in Brighton to talk about the real conversations families need to be having about their coverage. Blake shares the deeply personal reasons he got into insurance. They dig into the most common gaps Blake sees: from homeowners who renovate without updating their policies, to Michigan drivers who opted into lower PIP limits without understanding what they gave up, to young families who assume life insurance through work is enough. Blake also walks through coverage most people never think about.   Whether you are a homeowner, a business owner, a new parent, or someone who has never sat down with a local insurance agent, this episode will make you want to pick up the phone.   Timestamps 01:16 Personal Motivations and Insurance Basics 05:12 Identifying Common Gaps in Coverage 08:48 The Value of Educated Insurance Planning 12:22 Navigating Claims and Specialized Coverage 15:11 Bundling Policies and Business Insurance 18:44 Understanding Life Insurance Options 24:13 Planning for Life’s Unexpected Events 29:15 Proactive Planning Guest Links https://chamber.howell.org/list/member/herndon-family-agency-farm-bureau-insurance-18840 https://www.michfb.com/insurance/find-an-agent/geoffrey-herndon-210-s-east-st-ste-1 Phone: (248)486-4160   Show Links For more information on the Putkela Group and how to get connected, visit the links below:   Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/PutkelaGroup Website: https://www.welcometolivingston.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/putkelagroup/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq9hM7gWPlaCw4nG89Wgd9Q Phone: 1-888-PUTKELA (788-5352)   Sponsor Links Thanks to our amazing sponsor! Visit their social media pages for more information.   James Paquette Mortgage Sales Manager Lake Michigan Credit Union - LMCU NMLS ID# 533633 Direct Phone: (810) 263-6000 Cell Phone: (734) 604-2611   Website: https://www.lmcu.org/jamespaquette Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamespaquetteLMCU LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesapaquette/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LMCU

Most people have heard of bidets. Very few have actually tried one. And almost nobody knows there is a showroom right here in Livingston County where you can walk in, try seven different models, and leave with one the same day.   Don and Angela sit down with Daniel Johnson, founder of Many Bidets, to talk about the business he started back in 2013, long before the 2020 toilet paper shortage made bidets a household conversation. What began as a personal health solution for Daniel has grown into the only bidet showroom in the United States where customers can try before they buy, drawing visitors from as far as California, Alabama, and Pennsylvania.   They dig into everything from entry-level seats starting at $300 to a $26,000 toilet that truck drivers reroute their deliveries just to use, the health and mobility benefits most people never consider, and why a bidet could actually extend the life of your septic system.   Whether you are curious, skeptical, or just ready to upgrade, this episode will change the way you think about one of the most visited rooms in your home.   Timestamps 04:44 Bidet Education and Showroom Experience 08:44 Addressing Customer Needs and Concerns 12:48 Installation and Functional Considerations 16:21 Bidet Technology and User Customization 22:02 Health, Sustainability, and Practical Benefits 26:08 Connecting with ManyBadays Guest Links https://www.manybidets.com/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23867106469&gbraid=0AAAAADqtcK8VkVGY1Tunc-cEWwDwJycxH&gclid=Cj0KCQjw-MDTBhCgARIsAKAkdlQolJzyQM38f79uUxXbqwq-hTIUoXdpRWy8pPHwS_P5dw-Z1GroeGwaAnetEALw_wcB https://instagram.com/manybidets https://facebook.com/manybidets https://youtube.com/@ManyBidets   Show Links For more information on the Putkela Group and how to get connected, visit the links below:   Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/PutkelaGroup Website: https://www.welcometolivingston.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/putkelagroup/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq9hM7gWPlaCw4nG89Wgd9Q Phone: 1-888-PUTKELA (788-5352)   Sponsor Links Thanks to our amazing sponsor! Visit their social media pages for more information.   James Paquette Mortgage Sales Manager Lake Michigan Credit Union - LMCU NMLS ID# 533633 Direct Phone: (810) 263-6000 Cell Phone: (734) 604-2611   Website: https://www.lmcu.org/jamespaquette Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamespaquetteLMCU LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesapaquette/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LMCU

Think selling your home starts with a sign in the yard? Think again. It starts with the photos, and most sellers have no idea how much preparation goes into making those photos work hard for them.   This week, Don and Angela pull back the curtain on one of the most important and underestimated parts of the home-selling process: photo day. From decluttering and matching light bulbs to moving furniture away from fireplaces and hiding evidence of pets, they walk through everything a seller needs to know before the photographer arrives. They also share some insider tips most agents never mention.   Whether you are thinking about selling soon or just curious about the process, this episode is packed with practical, honest advice from two realtors who have been through photo day hundreds of times. Timestamps 03:08 Preparing Your Home for Photos 08:25 Lighting Tips and Pet Prep 12:18 Furniture Placement and Staging 17:15 Timing and Seasonal Considerations 22:24 Advanced Photography and Strategy 28:15 Final Tips for Photo Day Success 32:16 We're Here to Help   Show Links For more information on the Putkela Group and how to get connected, visit the links below:   Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/PutkelaGroup Website: https://www.welcometolivingston.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/putkelagroup/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq9hM7gWPlaCw4nG89Wgd9Q Phone: 1-888-PUTKELA (788-5352)   Sponsor Links Thanks to our amazing sponsor! Visit their social media pages for more information.   James Paquette Mortgage Sales Manager Lake Michigan Credit Union - LMCU NMLS ID# 533633 Direct Phone: (810) 263-6000 Cell Phone: (734) 604-2611   Website: https://www.lmcu.org/jamespaquette Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamespaquetteLMCU LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesapaquette/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LMCU

Sometimes the most successful businesses are born out of the hardest moments. After losing her job, Nicole started cleaning houses just to make ends meet. What began as a way to survive turned into Dust to Glory, a thriving cleaning company she now runs alongside her sister Megan, serving hundreds of homes across Livingston and Oakland County.   Don and Angela sit down with Nicole and Megan to hear the full story, from police showing up at a client's house mid-clean to the heartbreaking and hilarious lessons learned along the way about what people really want from a cleaning service. They dig into deep cleans, foundation cleans, post-construction cleans, and the surprisingly personal challenge of figuring out exactly how clean is too clean for any given client.   Whether you are getting your home ready to sell, recovering from a renovation, or just need help keeping up with life, this episode will change the way you think about hiring a cleaner. Timestamps 03:39 Adventures and Cleaning Challenges 07:54 Normalizing the ‘Mess’ in Homes 11:16 Most Needed Cleaning Areas 13:39 Diverse Cleaning Services and Flexibility 20:33 The Client Consultation Process 26:38 The Heart of Dust to Glory 35:53 Cleaning’s Impact on Mental Health   Guest Links https://www.dust2gloryllc.com/ https://www.facebook.com/dust2gloryllc/ https://www.instagram.com/dust2gloryllc Phone: (517)376-8281   Show Links For more information on the Putkela Group and how to get connected, visit the links below:   Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/PutkelaGroup Website: https://www.welcometolivingston.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/putkelagroup/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq9hM7gWPlaCw4nG89Wgd9Q Phone: 1-888-PUTKELA (788-5352) Sponsor Links Thanks to our amazing sponsor! Visit their social media pages for more information.   James Paquette Mortgage Sales Manager Lake Michigan Credit Union - LMCU NMLS ID# 533633 Direct Phone: (810) 263-6000 Cell Phone: (734) 604-2611   Website: https://www.lmcu.org/jamespaquette Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamespaquetteLMCU LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesapaquette/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LMCU

Most people know the name United Way. Almost nobody realizes how deep their roots actually run in Livingston County until they sit down and hear it firsthand.   Don and Angela are joined in the studio by Carrie Newstead, Executive Director of Livingston County United Way, to learn how this organization quietly supports nearly every nonprofit in the county while directly serving thousands of local ALICE families, those working multiple jobs and still barely making ends meet. Carrie breaks down the resources behind 211, the incredible impact of Day of Caring, which brought out 867 volunteers last year for nearly 80 community projects, and the brand-new Power of the Purse event that raised over $21,000 for Great Start Livingston after a major funding cut.   Whether you have five dollars, five hours, or just a little bit of curiosity about how to get involved, this episode will show you exactly where to start. Timestamps 04:45 Day of Caring: Community and Connection 10:52 Volunteerism: A Two-Way Street 15:19 Fundraising and Community Engagement 23:42 Tackling Food Insecurity and Inspiring Giving 28:42 Get Involved: Volunteer & Donate Guest Links https://www.facebook.com/UnitedWayOfLivingstonCounty/ https://www.volunteerlivingston.org/ https://lcunitedway.org/ Phone: (810)494-3000   Show Links For more information on the Putkela Group and how to get connected, visit the links below:   Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/PutkelaGroup Website: https://www.welcometolivingston.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/putkelagroup/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq9hM7gWPlaCw4nG89Wgd9Q Phone: 1-888-PUTKELA (788-5352)   Sponsor Links Thanks to our amazing sponsor! Visit their social media pages for more information.   James Paquette Mortgage Sales Manager Lake Michigan Credit Union - LMCU NMLS ID# 533633 Direct Phone: (810) 263-6000 Cell Phone: (734) 604-2611   Website: https://www.lmcu.org/jamespaquette Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamespaquetteLMCU LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesapaquette/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LMCU

Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do for someone is simply pick up the phone and listen. That is exactly where Love Inc. starts, and it is just the beginning of what this remarkable Livingston County organization does for its neighbors every single day.   Don and Angela sit down with Margo and Carrie from Love Inc., a nonprofit connecting people in need to a network of 66 (and growing) church partners across Livingston County. From gas vouchers and career clothing to furniture, diapers, birthday kits, and car repairs, Love Inc. fills the gaps that fall through the cracks of traditional assistance and they do it with an intake call that leaves people going from zero hope to a 9 out of 10.   Margo and Carrie also walk through New Creation, their two-year transformational program that pairs community meals, small group support, mentoring, budget coaching, and free childcare to help neighbors not just get by but truly grow. With classes on affirming potential, faith, and finances, and healthy boundaries, they are building people up from the inside out.   Timestamps 04:16 Community Collaboration and Support 10:54 New Creation: Transformational Ministry 14:39 Key Classes and Volunteer Impact 18:44 New Programs and Inclusivity 23:40 Donations and Furniture Ministry 27:12 Community Support & Outreach 31:52 Get Involved with Love Inc. Guest Links Love Inc: https://www.livingstonloveinc.org/ https://www.facebook.com/livingstoncountyloveinc https://www.instagram.com/livingstonloveinc/?hl=en   Resell Store: https://www.facebook.com/LoveINCResaleStoreLivingston https://www.instagram.com/loveincresalestorelc/?hl=en   Golf Outing 2026 Information: https://www.livingstonloveinc.org/golf-outing-2026-1   Show Links For more information on the Putkela Group and how to get connected, visit the links below:   Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/PutkelaGroup Website: https://www.welcometolivingston.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/putkelagroup/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq9hM7gWPlaCw4nG89Wgd9Q Phone: 1-888-PUTKELA (788-5352)   Sponsor Links Thanks to our amazing sponsor! Visit their social media pages for more information.   James Paquette Mortgage Sales Manager Lake Michigan Credit Union - LMCU NMLS ID# 533633 Direct Phone: (810) 263-6000 Cell Phone: (734) 604-2611   Website: https://www.lmcu.org/jamespaquette Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamespaquetteLMCU LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesapaquette/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LMCU

Meet Pepper, the newest Putkela family member!   From dog parks and pet-friendly patios to grooming, boarding, training, and everything in between, Don and Angela walk through everything this county has to offer for you and your pup. They cover hidden gems and new up-and-coming businesses. They also get into the real stuff: introducing a second dog to the household, invisible fences, tick season, training resources through Community Ed, and the remarkable mental health benefits dogs are bringing to local schools through therapy dog programs in both Brighton and Howell.   This one is for every dog owner, dog lover, or anyone thinking about adding a four-legged family member to the mix.   🐾 Want to learn more about pets and real estate in Livingston County? Check out these two previous episodes: 📺 Pets & Real Estate Episode 1 📺 Pets & Real Estate Episode 2 Timestamps 03:38 Livingston County Dog Parks 09:39 Pet Safety, Boarding & Grooming 14:00 Dogs in Livingston: Dining & Community 20:07 Adoption, Training, and Mental Health 29:53 Enjoying Life with Your Dog   For more information on the Putkela Group and how to get connected, visit the links below:   Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/PutkelaGroup Website: https://www.welcometolivingston.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/putkelagroup/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq9hM7gWPlaCw4nG89Wgd9Q Phone: 1-888-PUTKELA (788-5352) Sponsor Links Thanks to our amazing sponsor! Visit their social media pages for more information.   James Paquette Mortgage Sales Manager Lake Michigan Credit Union - LMCU NMLS ID# 533633 Direct Phone: (810) 263-6000 Cell Phone: (734) 604-2611   Website: https://www.lmcu.org/jamespaquette Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamespaquetteLMCU LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesapaquette/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LMCU

Every great party deserves great photos, and most people don't realize they're missing them until it's too late. This week, Don and Angela sit down with Lannie Stabile, the founder of Party Fly Photography, a one-of-a-kind event photography business built around one simple idea: jump into the fun, make people forget the camera is there, and capture the moments that actually matter.   Lannie shares how a friend's heartbreak over missing photos from her daughter's birthday party sparked the whole business, why she deliberately stays away from traditional portrait photography, and what makes her approach so different from every other photographer you've ever hired. Timestamps  01:29 Party Fly's Concept and Origin 05:11 Unique Events and Business Value 09:30 Booking and Event Preparation 14:49 Memorable Event Experiences 22:15 Photo Delivery and Archiving 27:33 Supporting Small Businesses Guest Links https://partyflyphotography.com/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558605764346# https://www.instagram.com/partyflyphotography?igsh=MWRtY3E0dHNscGkyNg%3D%3D   For more information on the Putkela Group and how to get connected, visit the links below:   Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/PutkelaGroup Website: https://www.welcometolivingston.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/putkelagroup/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq9hM7gWPlaCw4nG89Wgd9Q Phone: 1-888-PUTKELA (788-5352) Sponsor Links Thanks to our amazing sponsor! Visit their social media pages for more information.   James Paquette Mortgage Sales Manager Lake Michigan Credit Union - LMCU NMLS ID# 533633 Direct Phone: (810) 263-6000 Cell Phone: (734) 604-2611   Website: https://www.lmcu.org/jamespaquette Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamespaquetteLMCU LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesapaquette/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LMCU