Shows
The ROCC PodOur 100th Episode! The Best Of The ROCC PodIn 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...2025-07-1028 min
The ROCC PodRoyal Oak Leprechauns' Mark SackettThe Royal Oak Leprechauns are back! Today, Jon, Lisa, and Andrea are joined by their GM, Mark Sackett, to talk all things Leprechauns baseball.Mark tells us about joining the Great Lakes Collegiate League and moving the team from Adrian, Michigan, to Royal Oak - as wwell as the tremendous support they've received. That's come not just from community leaders and citizens, but one of his former players - current New York Yankee DJ LeMahieu.The field, at the "Lucky Corner" of 13 Mile and Woodward, has undergone some drastic improvements, from the turf field, to th...2022-06-1619 min
The ROCC PodLaura Rizzo of Luv All CoachingLaura Rizzo, a former teacher and tennis coach, is now the owner of Luv All Coaching, where she offers professional coaching to everyone from divorcees to corporations.You may see many people call themselves a "coach," but Laura spent the time and effort to get the professional certifications in the field. She explains what went into that.She's also drawn on her experience of going through two divorces to coach divorcees as they go through that very difficult process. Research is constantly evolving about our brains and how they can physiologically affect our bo...2022-06-0222 min
The ROCC PodThe Great Escape Room - Kiman AgeeYou'll hear more laughs in this episode than any previous episode of the ROCC Pod. That's because our guest, Kiman Agee of The Great Escape Room, can really roll with the punches. He's an actor, and his ad-lib skills are unmatched.We start by asking him to explain the concept of an escape room. Then we get into the specific rooms he offers in Royal Oak. They include Poker Night at the President's Bunker as well as Infirmary: Surgical Crisis, and Moriarty's Game Room.What differentiates The Great Escape Room from its competition is the exp...2022-05-1920 min
The Jag ShowJAG on The ROCC Pod - Royal Oak ChamberFor over a year now, three co-hosts and I have been working on a podcast for the Royal Oak Michigan Chamber of Commerce. We interview various members of the Chamber about themselves and their businesses. Once a quarter, we turn the tables on one of our co-hosts. This week, it's yours truly in the hot seat.Show Notes:Today, we turn the tables on our co-host, Jon Gay of JAG in Detroit Podcasts, and put him in the hot seat. We talk about his radio-turned-podcasting career and get some insight into his personal backstory too!2022-05-0429 min
The ROCC PodJon Gay of JAG in Detroit PodcastsToday, we turn the tables on our co-host, Jon Gay of JAG in Detroit Podcasts, and put him in the hot seat. We talk about his radio-turned-podcasting career and get some insight into his personal backstory too!Jon left radio in 2017 after a 15-year career in the industry. While he saw radio on the decline, he saw podcasting blowing up. So he started JAG in Detroit Podcasts, creating broadcast-quality podcasts for businesses and non-profits, in 2018.We talk about what a podcast is -and isn't - and some stats showing how big the industry has become.2022-05-0429 min
The ROCC PodJD Lindeberg of RRS and Nextcycle MichiganJD Lindeberg is an expert on recycling and the circular economy. He's been involved with these ideas since the late 1980's through both Resource Recycling Systems (RRS) and NextCycle Michigan. JD explains the circular economy concept and how it's going to affect Michigan going forward. In fact, the area could come within 5-10% of the economic contribution that tourism brings to our state!Recently, JD was part of the innovation challenge, hosted by the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan. In it, entrepreneurs pitched their ideas for contributions to the circular economy. JD te...2022-04-2122 min
The ROCC PodJill Berti of Workery Consulting on HR in 2022The world has been turned on its ear in the last two years. And that's certainly true in the world of human resources. Today's guest, Jill Berti, started Workery Consulting during the pandemic. She provides outsourced HR solutions to small businesses in an ever-changing human resources landscape.Jill explains why company culture is so important. It's not something you simply dictate It starts with your very first hire. Also, are you hiring employees or contractors? There are very specific legal rules around this, and you don't want to get in trouble with the IRS!The averag...2022-04-0726 min
The ROCC PodThe Michigan World War II Legacy MemorialThe Michigan World War II Legacy Memorial is actually the official state memorial, and it will live right here in Royal Oak, in Memorial Park. Groundbreaking is scheduled for April 7th.Today, we are joined by Judy Maten from the project. She explains how the idea was born out of the Michigan Honor Flight, used to bring World War II survivors to the national memorial in Washington, D.C. Fun fact: Former Royal Oak Chamber President Michael Gordon created the original design for this state-of-the-art, interactive memorial.The exhibit will be interactive for vis...2022-03-1723 min
The ROCC PodTodd Fenton, Deputy City Manager of Royal OakThe Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce has a great relationship with the city itself, and a big part of that is Todd Fenton, Deputy City Manager of Royal Oak. Todd is our guest today.We start by exploring looking at the ways the Chamber and the City really help each other serve the residents and businesses of our community. Todd sees the Chamber as a huge asset. Next, we start talking about the city itself.Todd explains what his role is on the Planning Commission, and how they aim to bring businesses to Royal Oak as...2022-03-0328 min
The ROCC PodLisa Bibbee on the 2022 Real Estate MarketWe've had some great guests so far on the ROCC Pod, but some of you have asked to know more about our 4 co-hosts. Today, we put Lisa Bibbee of Keller Williams Advantage in the hot seat, and pick her brain about the real estate market in 2022.First, Lisa explains why real estate is such a hyper-local business and explains what the numbers have looked like specifcally in Royal Oak. And more generally speaking, buyers who weren't able to get new homes in 2021 may be making a move to do so in 2022.Factors that go into ho...2022-02-1726 min
The ROCC PodMichael Pesendorfer - M3 Investment ServicesSix and a half years ago, Michael Pesendorfer brought his 37 years of investment experience, and his team at M3 Investment Services to Royal Oak. He says he's finally found a home here - both personally and professionally. In fact, when we asked him where he likes to eat, he had a hard time choosing!Michael started out of college working for a large investment firm, but learned that was not the best forum for him to provide the care and attention he felt his clients deserve. We asked him about his process, the pride he takes growing the...2022-02-0332 min
The ROCC PodJeff Selik of ERSI Water and FireNote: In the time between when we recorded this interview with Jeff and when we published the episode, Jeff left ERSI for another opportunity. We have published this episode with his permission to explain the work that ERSI does.Jeff Selik from Emergency Response Services Inc (ERSI), covering southeast Michigan to talk about the havoc that Michigan can wreak on homes - from water and fire damage to ice dams, downed trees, lost power, and more.Jeff tells us about some really important do's (such as a monitoring system for your sump), and don'ts (like w...2022-01-2027 min
The ROCC PodPeter Boyse of Boyse CPAToday's guest is Peter Boyse of Boyse CPA. With the new year here, there are many things you need to know about filing your 2021 taxes, so you don't leave any money on the table. Peter Boyse of Boyse CPA joins us to explain, in laymen's terms, what all business owners need to know. We coverGoal SettingEmployee Retention Tax CreditThe Differences between a CPA, and accountant, and a tax preparerWhat to look for when choosing any of the aboveCOVID provisions for 2021 tax returnsStimulus PaymentsThe Child Tax Credit - and why it could be the difference between getting the ref...2022-01-0629 min
The ROCC PodPatt Trama of Patt's Word ArtEver since she was a little girl, Patt Trama has always been interested in writing. She's won multiple awards for her work across many different genres. Today, she sits down with Jon, Lisa, Trish, and Andrea to reflect on her journey.Patt believes if a picture is worth a thousand words, you can take those thousand words and create a picture with them. We talk about her writing style, her process, and how she's had to adapt her approach over the decades. She's worked with the University of Windsor and Wayne State University. And of course she's been...2021-12-1620 min
The ROCC PodKathleen Novetsky from AAA Talks No-Fault Changes and MoreToday's episode is a bit longer than usual, because there's a lot of important information in it. Royal Oak Chamber member Kathleen Novetsky of AAA Insurance walks us through the recent changes to Michigan's No Fault Auto Insurance Laws, and what ramifications and choices now exist for you.Kathleen also talks with Jon, Andrea, Lisa, and Trish about what she recommends for auto and homeowners coverage, when to make a claim, when not to make a claim, and what other insurance coverages she recommends.Yes, your driving record can have a big effect on your i...2021-12-0138 min
The ROCC PodKen Aubuchon of Namaste YogaKen Aubuchon purchased the Namaste Yoga studio in Royal Oak right at the beginning of the pandemic. While adapting to this new world was a new experience for him, the studio and yoga itself were not. The previous owners of the oldest yoga studio in our community were mentors to him, and today, Ken walks us through the world of yoga. He truly believes "you are your own guru."Yoga is available for beginners as well as more seasoned yogis, and can offer help with everything from injury recovery, overall relaxation, and even prenatal care (as Trish can...2021-11-1824 min
The ROCC PodMichelle Armstrong of TAG MultimediaMichelle Armstrong of TAG Multimedia is at the forefront of internet technology - and sees where the digital landscape is going next.In today's episode, Michelle explains how TAG creates digital versions of small businesses and their owners. This allows your potential customers to interact with you online. Not only does it free you up to run your business, but it provides an additional layer of safety for those who are still wary of COVID-19.Michelle explains the differences between this "augmented reality" and virtual reality technologies, and the fact that we are used to in...2021-11-0427 min
The ROCC PodMichele Prudhome of the Royal Oak SymphonyMichele Prudhome is the President and principal percussionist of the Royal Oak Symphony Orchestra. She sat down with us to talk about the symphony, its background, and her own musical background.We talk about what you can expect at a concert, how that's changed over the years, and plans for their big holiday show coming up in December.Resources:Royal Oak Symphony Orchestra Website: http://royaloakorchestra.org/Royal Oak Symphony Orchestra Phone Number: 248-549-0262Jon Gay from JAG in Detroit Podcasts - http://www.jagindetroit.com/T...2021-10-2119 min
The ROCC PodJustine Bennett of Oliver's FoundationJustine Bennett cares about animals and the environment. With a background in nutrition and food science, she used spent grain from her fiancé's home brewing to create treats for her dog, Oliver. Soon, she wasn't just making Oliver's Beer Biscuits. She started Oliver's Foundation to help end pet homelessness.Justine joins us today to talk about the many groups she works with to help provide better lives for pets - and their people. We talk about COVID's influence on our four-legged friends, and what challenges the pandemic created -and exacerbated. There's also outreach for underserved communities that...2021-10-0715 min
The ROCC PodJill Plamper of Distinctive FramingHow does an engineer-by-trade end up running a successful framing shop out of her home in Huntington Woods? We find out today on the ROCC Pod, with guest Jill Plamper of Distinctive Framing.Jill tells us about the flexibility her business allows for in scheduling clients, and understanding that if a client wants something framed, it has significant value to them. We talk about the process of client concept to finished product, and the various steps along the way. There are differences in wood, French lining, shadow boxes, museum glass, and more.With the holidays app...2021-09-1620 min
The ROCC PodShelly Kemp, Executive Director of the Royal Oak ChamberWe figured that after 13 great Royal Oak Chamber guests, we should take an episode to go straight to the source - the Chamber itself. Executive Director Shelly Kemp joins us today.We hear about Shelly's background - what made her unique in Key West, and how an earthquake brought her home from California.We also learn about the Chamber, its wonderful staff, and why it's sometimes considered the "sherpa" of Royal Oak - going above and beyond for residents.Shelly walks us through the different networking groups within the Chamber, including the Business W...2021-09-0232 min
The ROCC PodStagecrafters' Erin McKayAfter losing their 2020-2021 season to the pandemic, Stagecrafters is returning to Royal Oak and about to start this year's schedule. Today, we are joined by marketing manager Erin McKay.After learning about Erin's background, we jump into the 2021 schedule, which opens with "Don't Drink The Water" September 17th. We also discuss the season's other shows, including Cinderella, A Midsummer Night's Dream, and Nine to Five.Not only do the amazing volunteers at Stagecrafters put on high quality entertainment, they are also heavily involved with local businesses and nonprofit organizations - we learn more about th...2021-08-1924 min
The ROCC PodKurt Pfister of Kurt's Kustom PromotionsKurt Pfister has quite a life story, spanning a radius of 5,000 miles. He was born in Miami, moved to Detroit as a kid, and left to go to school at the University of Hawaii. Kurt tells us how a hobby of creating T-shirts became his full time career, how he kept white t-shirts white while living with college students, and why on Earth he left Hawaii weather for Michigan's.Once he came back to Michigan, Kurt created shirts and more for some very profile entities, including Bob Seger, the Red Wings in their glory days, and...2021-08-0528 min
The ROCC PodLeukemia and Lymphoma Society's Anne Bradley on Light The NightThe Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Light The Night is back in person this year! Anne Bradley of LLS joins us today to talk about the many ways to get involved. The event will be September 30th in Hart Plaza (with a virtual component for those who are more comfortable). Anne walks us through the return of this amazing event.All of us know someone touched by cancer. Thanks to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's work, blood cancer survival rates have gone from 3% in the 1960's to between 80 and 90 percent today. Also, LLS has been involved in funding 40% of d...2021-07-2220 min
The ROCC PodAngela Buccellato - The Resume RescueWith so much change and upheaval in the workforce since the start of the pandemic, we needed to turn to an expert. Today we welcome Angela Buccellato of the Resume Rescue to cover all aspects of job seeking!Angela says when you're job hunting, to avoid the "spray and pray" approach. And she explains how to be more targeted with your search. Part of this is networking - LinkedIn, alumni networks, you name it.We then had to ask her a follow up question - namely, when do you follow up after a job interview? T...2021-07-0834 min
The ROCC PodMatt Lifter of Motor City Auto SpaMatt Lifter has been working with cars ever since doing detailing work in high school. He actually had to tow a customer's vehicle just prior to our scheduled interview, so he joined us from the road.Matt takes us through his journey from the music business back to cars, his founding of Motor City Auto Spa, and some of the more exotic vehicles he's seen, worked on, and even owned!We cover everything from auto detailing, how to battle the damage done by Michigan winters, the details of window tinting, exotic paint schemes, and of c...2021-06-2422 min
The ROCC PodMike Twydell - TwyFit Personal FitnessAs we hit the middle of June, Mike Twydell of TwyFit Personal Fitness is our guest today on the ROCC Pod.Mike's got a fascinating story, going from an out-of-shape smoker in college to participating in professional bodybuilding competitions. He tells us how he made that change, and how he eventually found his calling in the field of personal training.Mike knows that personal training is not something that many folks can afford, so he started his Girls That Curl program - where small groups split the cost of training sessions. Mike and hi...2021-06-1019 min
The ROCC PodDenise Brooks-Williams, CEO of Henry Ford Health's North MarketToday, we are thrilled to have Denise Brooks-Williams, CEO of Henry Ford Health System's North Market. This fall, Henry Ford will be opening a new state-of-the-art medical center just south of 11 Mile and east of Main Street.Denise walks us through what services will be available at the new medical center, including primary care, specialty services, 2 ORs, several procedure rooms, and more. In the previous facility, most referrals were sent off site. Some of these services will now be in house.Henry Ford Health System was also instrumental in creating a green space outside the fa...2021-05-2718 min
The ROCC PodMike Piskie of Mr. Tech MedicIf there's a computer or tech problem, chances are Mike Piskie of Mr. Tech Medic has seen it before. He joins us today for a conversation that ranges from computers to camping, and everything in between.Mike shares his passion for creativity in web design, and how it balances the analytical part of being an IT specialist. And you know we had to ask him about some of the wackier tech problems he's run into, as well as the patience required.We also delve into some tech questions from our hosts, and best practices to st...2021-05-1331 min
The ROCC PodDavaughnu Banks of Envision Brand MarketingDavaughnu Banks has been in the marketing world for 20 years. After time at Eastern Michigan University and Michigan State, this native Canadian worked in the corporate sector, He spent time in automotive but also worked for large clients like Apple.Davaughnu's passion for marketing eventually led him to create his own firm, Envision Brand Marketing, where he developed his three-pronged approach of Dream, Purpose, Action. He leverages his experience with large brands to help small and medium sized businesses formulate and execute marketing plans.As you'll hear, however, our conversation wasn't just about work. Davaughnu tel...2021-04-2922 min
The ROCC PodLeah Diederichs of the American Lung AssociationToday, Jon, Lisa, Andrea, and Trish are joined by Leah Diderichs of the American Lung Association - a group that, as you may imagine, has had a very busy year.The American Lung Association's mission is to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. There are many ways they do this - and one is coming up May 23rd- the Fight for Air Climb. Leah walks us through the event's history, and how, during the pandemic, they've moved the event from downtown skyscrapers to Comerica Park. She also explains how to get involved - eit...2021-04-1520 min
The ROCC PodMichelle O'Connor Teklinski of Judson CenterToday, we find ourselves turning the calendar from National Disabilities Awareness Month (March) to Autism Awareness Month (April). Our team thought it would be the perfect time to meet Michelle O'Connor Teklinski, who has just joined the Judson Center.Michelle tells us how the pandemic brought her home to Metro Detroit and the perfect opportunity at Judson Center. Then, we get into a discussion about autism.Michelle walks us through the diagnostic process, how it works, and what's next for a child who is diagnosed. We cover available resources all the way up through employment opp...2021-04-0130 min
The ROCC PodNick Moritz of Toad OpenerNick Moritz was actually living in China when COVID-19 started. He quickly came home to Michigan, and of course the pandemic followed. While overseas, he saw expensive "foot door openers" that had to be drilled into expensive industrial doors.Nick figured he could create a similar product here, but using adhesives instead of expensive drilling. He soon teamed up with 3D printing expert Cliff Wells, who had also returned home from China. Nick takes us through the journey of this new and innovative company, working with 3M, and eventually developing a customizable product that prevents us from havin...2021-03-1814 min
The ROCC PodJill Gleba - Gleba and AssociatesIn our first episode our hosts - Jon Gay, Lisa Bibbee, Trish Carruth, and Andrea Arndt - are joined by Jill Gleba, wealth advisor Gleba and Associates - they make wealth simple.Jill really cares about the psychology of investing - and why we do the things we do. We start the podcast with a question from Jill - why is money important to you?In addition, we cover what we learned -and didn't learn - about money as we grew up, and how those experiences inform us today.We also ask Jill ab...2021-03-0420 minThe ROCC PodTrailerWelcome to the ROCC Pod - a chance for members of the Royal Oak (Michigan) Chamber of Commerce to get to know one another on a personal basis. In our trailer, meet our cohosts:Jon Gay from JAG in Detroit Podcasts - http://www.jagindetroit.com/Trish Carruth from The Personal Jeweler - https://www.thepersonaljeweler.com/Lisa Bibbee from Keller Williams - http://soldbylisab.com/Andrea Arndt of Dickinson Wright - https://www.dickinson-wright.com/Now that you've met our hosts, we are excited to introduce you to m...2021-01-2902 min