The Business Beat - by Howell Area COC

Speakeasy Podcast Network

Welcome to The Business Beat - Presented by the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce. This podcast will connect you to the leaders & issues shaping our community. Hosted by Janelle Best & Dianne Samples, this biweekly podcast explores business, economic development, housing, transportation, and much more. Stay on the beat the second Tuesday of every month!

  1. 12/09/2025

    42: Faith in Action: Building a Church and a Community

    In this episode, Janelle and Dianne are joined by Brad Tate, lead pastor of Agape City Church, who shares how faith, innovation, and community trust fueled the church’s rapid growth and impact in Howell, Michigan. From blessing teachers and uniting churches at Balloon Fest to partnering with local organizations, Brad’s story highlights how a clear vision and purpose driven leadership can inspire generosity, challenge perceptions, and build lasting connections across an entire community.   00:00 Brad Tate’s Journey to Ministry 04:15 Agape City Church’s Community Focus 09:43 Funding and Living the Vision 13:39 Why Howell? A Community of Love 18:35 Challenging Misconceptions and Fear 22:24 Blessing the Balloon Fest Grounds   Thank you to the sponsors of this episode: Bob Maxey Ford - https://www.bobmaxeyfordhowell.com/ Pepsi - https://www.pepsi.com/   Show Links Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/howellchamber Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/howellareachamber/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/howell-area-chamber-of-comm/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/HowellChamber YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfP1T-4lCgHMu8ZhxtEOTyw Website- https://howell.org/   Guest Links Website: https://agapecity.church Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/agapecityonline/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agapecityonline/?hl=en X: https://x.com/brad242 Email: brad@agapecity.church

  2. 11/11/2025

    41: Rooted In Community: The Heart Of Junk Removal

    In this episode, Janelle and Dianne are joined by Michael Mayernik, co-owner of Mitten Junk Removal, who shares how his business is making a difference in the community. Michael shares how prioritizing people over profit and partnering with local nonprofits have shaped his company’s mission. Together, they explore how entrepreneurship, innovation, and genuine connection can transform both a business and the community it serves.   00:00 Introducing Mitten Junk Removal 04:00 Entrepreneurship and Community Service 07:15 Livingston County’s Entrepreneurial Spirit 09:37 Compassionate Junk Removal and Partnerships 14:00 The Livingston Business Hub’s Impact 19:02 Future Growth: Demo, Resale, and More 23:49 Community Initiatives and Chamber’s Vision   Thank you to the sponsors of this episode: Bank of Ann Arbor - https://www.bankofannarbor.com Wayne Media Group - https://waynemedia.com   Show Links Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/howellchamber Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/howellareachamber/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/howell-area-chamber-of-comm/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/HowellChamber YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfP1T-4lCgHMu8ZhxtEOTyw Website- https://howell.org/   Guest Links Website: https://mittenjunkremoval.com/about/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mittenjunkremoval/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mittenjunkremoval/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-mayernik-67379322/ Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/mitten-junk-removal-howell Next Door: https://nextdoor.com/pages/mitten-junk-removal-howell-mi/ Email: info@mittenjunkremoval.com Phone: (734) 648-5865

  3. 10/14/2025

    40: Small Business Marketing 101: Networking, Growth, and AI

    In this episode, Janelle and Dianne are joined by Desiree Martinez, from The Kast Agency, who breaks down the marketing must haves for small businesses. Hear her tips on how to build a clear, consistent website to identifying your ideal customer and using past results to guide future efforts. Learn why networking groups are more than just business cards, how AI can streamline (but not replace) real human connection, and how Michigan's growing business climate offers fertile ground for entrepreneurs ready to turn purpose into profit.   Thank you to the sponsors of this episode: NorthStar IT - https://northstarit.org/ Bob Maxey Ford - https://www.bobmaxeyfordhowell.com/   Show Links Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/howellchamber Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/howellareachamber/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/howell-area-chamber-of-comm/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/HowellChamber YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfP1T-4lCgHMu8ZhxtEOTyw Website- https://howell.org/   Guest Links Website: https://thekastagency.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrsdesireerose LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrsdesireerose/

  4. 09/09/2025

    39: The Power of Purpose: Empowering Entrepreneurs At Every Stage

    In this episode, Janelle Smith is joined by Kevin Suboski for a conversation about human centered leadership, entrepreneurship, and building meaningful businesses. They explore the power of aligning purpose with practice, the challenges and rewards of supporting solopreneurs, and how the Livingston Business Hub and upcoming Entrepreneurship Academy are transforming community impact through intentional design and values driven action.   Thank you to the sponsors of this episode: Bank of Ann Arbor - https://www.bankofannarbor.com Brighton Ford - https://www.brightonford.com    Show Links Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/howellchamber Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/howellareachamber/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/howell-area-chamber-of-comm/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/HowellChamber YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfP1T-4lCgHMu8ZhxtEOTyw Website- https://howell.org/   Guest Links Website: https://www.eosworldwide.com/kevin-suboski LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinsuboski/

  5. 08/12/2025

    38: Level Up Your Leadership With Vision, Alignment, & Execution

    In this episode, Janelle Smith and Dianne Samples are joined by Julia Keider, the Principal Executive Coach for Keider Consulting Group, to explore how aligning personal values with professional goals strengthens leadership, relationships, and community impact. From navigating the transition from teaching to coaching, hear as they share insights in understanding leadership styles and building authentic, purpose driven connections.   Thank you to the sponsors of this episode: Bob Maxey Ford - https://www.bobmaxeyfordhowell.com/ Lake Trust Credit Union - https://laketrust.org   Show Links Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/howellchamber Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/howellareachamber/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/howell-area-chamber-of-comm/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/HowellChamber YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfP1T-4lCgHMu8ZhxtEOTyw Website- https://howell.org/   Guest Links Website: https://www.keiderconsulting.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keiderconsulting LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-keider/ Email: juliakeider@keiderconsulting.com

  6. 07/08/2025

    37: Reframe Your Reality And Empower Your Future

    Janelle Smith and Dianne Samples are joined by John and Danette Bell of Empowering Futures share how understanding human behavior and shifting perspectives can transform leadership, company culture, and personal growth. In their work, they explore how reframing thought patterns and aligning values lead to stronger teams and more intentional leadership.   Thank you to the sponsors of this episode: Pepsi - https://www.pepsi.com/ Wayne Media Group - https://waynemedia.com   Show Links Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/howellchamber Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/howellareachamber/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/howell-area-chamber-of-comm/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/HowellChamber YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfP1T-4lCgHMu8ZhxtEOTyw Website- https://howell.org/   Guest Links Website: empoweringfuturesllc.com  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmpoweringFutures LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-bell-0660b5282/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danette-bell-93a3297/

  7. 06/24/2025

    36: The Athena Effect: Empowering Women Locally

    In this episode, Casey Jacobson of LaFontaine Automotive Group joins Janelle and Dianne to discuss the launch of the Athena chapter in Livingston County, highlighting its mission to empower women through leadership, mentorship, and community impact. Hear as they explore the significance of the Athena Leadership Award, upcoming nomination events, and the personal experiences that bring this initiative to life.   Thank you to the sponsors of this episode: Lake Trust Credit Union - https://laketrust.org NorthStar IT - https://northstarit.org/   Show Links Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/howellchamber Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/howellareachamber/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/howell-area-chamber-of-comm/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/HowellChamber YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfP1T-4lCgHMu8ZhxtEOTyw Website- https://howell.org/   Guest Links Website: Familydeal.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaFontaineAutomotiveGroup/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lafontaineauto/ Email: cjacobsen@lafontaine.com   Resources Nomination Links: https://howell.org/athena/

  8. 06/10/2025

    35: Up, Up, and Away: Celebrating 40 Years of Ballooning in Howell

    Janelle and Dianne chat with Phil Klinger, longtime hot air balloonist and Competition Director for the Michigan Challenge Balloonfest. Phil shares the thrill that got him into ballooning, what it's like to compete in balloon festivals, and how scoring works in the air. He explains how balloons operate, high altitudes, and long distance flying. Phil also talks about the teamwork and weather planning behind the scenes, and this year’s upcoming 40th anniversary event. This episode lifts the curtain on one of Howell’s most beloved traditions.   00:32 Introducing Phil Klinger 01:47 Phil’s Journey into Ballooning 03:36 Understanding Balloon Competitions 06:17 The Role of Weather in Ballooning 09:39 Safety and Regulations in High Altitudes 12:04 The Perception of Risk in Ballooning 18:00 The Logistics Behind the Michigan Challenge   40th Annual 2025 Michigan Challenge Balloonfest. June 27-29, 2025. Located at the Howell High School, 1200 W Grand River Rd. Howell, MI 48843. (517) 546-3920 Website: https://michiganchallenge.com/   Thank you to the sponsors of this episode: Bank of Ann Arbor - https://www.bankofannarbor.com Wayne Media Group - https://waynemedia.com   Show Links Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/howellchamber Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/howellareachamber/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/howell-area-chamber-of-comm/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/HowellChamber YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfP1T-4lCgHMu8ZhxtEOTyw Website- https://howell.org/

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Business Beat - Presented by the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce. This podcast will connect you to the leaders & issues shaping our community. Hosted by Janelle Best & Dianne Samples, this biweekly podcast explores business, economic development, housing, transportation, and much more. Stay on the beat the second Tuesday of every month!

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