Welcome To Livingston

Speakeasy Podcast Network
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Society & Culture
  • Updated Weekly

Join Don & Angela Putkela on their weekly podcast ”Welcome to Livingston” a podcast dedicated to highlighting the events, people, businesses, and community involvement that make Livingston County a great place to live, work in, and enjoy. As Realtors, Associate Brokers, and owners of the Putkela Group Real Estate Professionals, Don & Angela hope to offer valuable insight into the local market and the buying/selling process.

  1. 5h ago

    Episode 194: Selling Your Home: The Photo Day Secrets That Could Make or Break Your Sale

    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

    Episode 194: Selling Your Home: The Photo Day Secrets That Could Make or Break Your Sale

  2. Jul 9

    Episode 193: Dust to Glory: The Cleaning Company That Heals More Than Just Your House

    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

    Episode 193: Dust to Glory: The Cleaning Company That Heals More Than Just Your House

  3. Jul 2

    Episode 192: Livingston County United Way: Meet the Group Behind 211, Day of Caring & So Much More

    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

    Episode 192: Livingston County United Way: Meet the Group Behind 211, Day of Caring & So Much More

  4. Jun 18

    Episode 191: Love Inc.: A Network of Support in Livingston County

    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

    Episode 191: Love Inc.: A Network of Support in Livingston County

  5. Jun 4

    Episode 190: Local Dog Lover Gems: Everything Livingston County Has to Offer Your Four-Legged Family Member

    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

    Episode 190: Local Dog Lover Gems: Everything Livingston County Has to Offer Your Four-Legged Family Member

  6. May 21

    Episode 189: Your Party Happened. But Did Anyone Actually Capture It?

    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

    Episode 189: Your Party Happened. But Did Anyone Actually Capture It?

  7. May 14

    Episode 188: Raising Kids in Livingston County: Activities, Resources & Real Advice from Two Local Parents

    Don and Angela are pulling back the curtain on over two decades of raising kids right here in Livingston County. They cover everything from making homemade baby food with produce from local farmers' markets to baby sign language, Montessori, and why getting involved early in your child's school and community pays off in ways you won't fully appreciate until they're teenagers.   Along the way, they shine a light on some of the best local resources Livingston County has to offer young families, from the Imagination Station and Genoa Park to the Brighton and Howell library programs, Spicers Orchard U-picks, Home Depot craft days, local 5Ks, and the countless festivals and community events that make this such a great place to grow up.   They also share some of their favorite family traditions, including one genuinely special idea for parents with multiple kids that is worth sticking around for. Timestamps 02:29 Homemade Baby Food and Local Resources 06:44 Baby Signs, Books, and Libraries 12:12 The Montessori Impact 18:18 Livingston County Parks and Festivals 29:03 Volunteering with Kids: Lead by Example 42:07 Teen Years, Car Prep, and Social Media 49:00 Community Resources _______________________________________ 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

    Episode 188: Raising Kids in Livingston County: Activities, Resources & Real Advice from Two Local Parents

  8. May 7

    Episode 187: How McClements Farm Country Store is Redefining Local Shopping

    McClements Farm Country Store recently made the move from its previous location to a prime spot in Downtown Brighton, and owner Elyse Moore is very excited.   Don and Angela sit down with Elyse for her second appearance on the podcast to catch up on everything that has changed, grown, and evolved since they last had her on. From freeze-dried candy and Michigan-made gifts to Uncle Peter's pasties, heirloom seeds from M.I. Gardener, and Scottish shortbread from a Redford bakery, the store has become a destination for anyone who wants to shop local and discover products you simply won't find anywhere else in the county.   Elyse also shares how the new Main Street location has transformed her connection to downtown events like Stars Hollow, the Brighton Farmers Market, Ladies' Night, and what's coming next, including an exciting new website where you can shop and ship Michigan-made products right to your door.   If you haven't stopped in yet, this episode will make you want to drop everything and go. 📍 334 West Main Street, Downtown Brighton Timestamps 01:05 New Location and Product Expansion 06:10 Pasties and Future Online Presence 08:19 M.I. Gardener Seeds and Education 12:28 Community Engagement and Downtown Events 17:58 Defining the Country Store Identity 24:25 Upcoming Events and Website Features Guest Links 🌐 https://www.mcclementsfarmcountrystore.com/ 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcclementsfarm 📫 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mcclementsfarm   _______________________________________ 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

    Episode 187: How McClements Farm Country Store is Redefining Local Shopping
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Join Don & Angela Putkela on their weekly podcast ”Welcome to Livingston” a podcast dedicated to highlighting the events, people, businesses, and community involvement that make Livingston County a great place to live, work in, and enjoy. As Realtors, Associate Brokers, and owners of the Putkela Group Real Estate Professionals, Don & Angela hope to offer valuable insight into the local market and the buying/selling process.

Information

  • Creator
    Speakeasy Podcast Network
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    194
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Speakeasy Podcast Network
  • Show Website
    Welcome To Livingston