TALK MIDLAND w/ Logan Richetti

TALK MIDLAND
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A podcast with a mission to promote small businesses in the Midland, Michigan community. The show is hosted by Logan Richetti, the managing broker of Modern Realty, the largest real estate brokerage in Midland. He has a passion for supporting small business leaders in our area, and this podcast is a spotlight for their stories. Follow along to learn more as we #talkmidland. 

  1. From Army Colonel to Blueberry Farmer: Why Food Security Matters More Than You Think | #74

    1D AGO

    From Army Colonel to Blueberry Farmer: Why Food Security Matters More Than You Think | #74

    Food security isn’t just about what’s on your table — it’s about national security. This week on Talk Midland, Logan sits down with Laura Varhola, retired U.S. Army Colonel and co-owner of Russell Blueberry Farm and Nursery in Freeland, to talk about a life that took a 180-degree turn. After a decorated military career serving in Korea, Africa, Germany, and the Pentagon — including senior defense roles in Ethiopia and Tanzania — Laura and her husband retired from the Army and returned home to take over her family’s 80-acre blueberry farm. What may seem like a simple agricultural story is anything but. Laura shares: Why food security was a driver of instability in East Africa How pandemics and supply chain disruptions changed the way she views local farming Why Michigan is one of the most important agricultural states in the country The realities of running a multi-generational blueberry farmThe challenges of labor, imports, and rising input costsWhat most people don’t understand about “organic” vs. imported produce And how leadership lessons from the military apply directly to farmingThis episode blends leadership, agriculture, national security, and community in a way you don’t hear every day. It’s a story about service — just in a different uniform. Stay Connected with Us! Please like, share, and subscribe to the #TalkMidland Podcast to stay updated on future episodes and help spread the word about the amazing people and programs in Midland, Michigan. Follow #TalkMidland on social media for the latest updates and episodes: @TALKMIDLAND Join the conversation and be part of the Midland, Michigan community! #TalkMidland  Chapters & Timestamps00:00 – Food Security Is National Security Why access to food drives stability worldwide  05:30 – From East Lansing to the U.S. Army ROTC scholarship and beginning military service 12:00 – Leading 400+ Soldiers as a Young Officer Early leadership lessons in Korea and the 101st Airborne 20:45 – Civil Affairs & Africa Assignments Working in Ethiopia and Tanzania and the connection between food and instability  32:15 – Returning Home to Freeland The decision to take over the 80-acre family blueberry farm  41:30 – Michigan’s Agricultural Power Why Michigan is #2 in crop diversity and #1 in highbush blueberries  50:10 – How Blueberries Actually Grow Bush vs. tree, 75-year-old plants, and 5–7 year maturity cycles  1:00:25 – The Reality of Running a Farm Today Labor shortages, imports, fertilizer costs, and invasive species  1:10:40 – Organic vs. Imported Produce Why words matter in agriculture  1:18:00 – Leadership Lessons That Transfer Anywhere From military command to managing a farm operation Keywords  Russell Blueberry Farm, Midland MI, Freeland Michigan, Talk Midland Podcast, Food security, National security and agriculture, Michigan blueberries, Northern highbush blueberries, Michigan farming, Veteran entrepreneur, Women in leadership, Army Colonel, Local food systems, Sustainable agriculture

    44 min
  2. $100 Million in Sales and a Bet on Downtown Midland | #73

    FEB 17

    $100 Million in Sales and a Bet on Downtown Midland | #73

    There’s no way to outwork a math problem — but you can outthink one. This week on Talk Midland, Logan sits down with Nate Heyboer— real estate investor, developer, and CEO of a $100M+ employee-owned company — to talk about what it actually takes to build at scale. From growing up on a dairy farm in Jamestown to launching DHE Plumbing, to converting the company into an ESOP (employee-owned), Nate shares how diversification, discipline, and long-term thinking shaped his approach to business. The conversation dives into: Scaling a company to 220+ employeesWhy employee ownership changes everythingFixing the skilled trades pipelineWorkforce housing and why it doesn’t “pencil” without incentivesThe real story behind major downtown Midland acquisitionsHow development actually works — from first idea to breaking groundNate doesn’t sugarcoat it. Development is a puzzle. Financing is tight. Cash flow matters. Municipal buy-in is critical. And sometimes you get chased in a parking lot at your first planning meeting. But at the center of it all is a simple philosophy: “Treat people right. Work together. For me to win, no one else has to lose.” This episode is about business, risk, leadership, and what it really means to invest back into a community. Stay Connected with Us! Please like, share, and subscribe to the #TalkMidland Podcast to stay updated on future episodes and help spread the word about the amazing people and programs in Midland, Michigan. Follow #TalkMidland on social media for the latest updates and episodes: @TALKMIDLAND Join the conversation and be part of the Midland, Michigan community! #TalkMidland  Chapters & Timestamps00:00 – “You Can’t Outwork a Math Problem”  Why business fundamentals matter more than hustle. 04:30 – Growing Up on a Dairy Farm  Early lessons in work ethic and responsibility. 10:15 – Starting DHE Plumbing  How Nate built the foundation of his company. 18:40 – Scaling to 200+ Employees  What changes when growth accelerates. 26:10 – Transitioning to an ESOP  Why employee ownership reshaped the company. 34:25 – The Skilled Trades Shortage  Why workforce development is a real issue in Michigan. 42:50 – Workforce Housing in Midland  Why projects don’t “pencil” without incentives. 51:30 – Financing Development Projects  How deals actually come together. 59:45 – Downtown Midland Acquisitions  The strategy behind recent investments. 1:08:20 – Working With Municipalities  Why alignment with city leadership matters. 1:16:10 – Risk, Leadership & Long-Term Thinking  How Nate evaluates opportunities. 1:22:45 – “For Me to Win, No One Else Has to Lose”  The philosophy behind collaboration. 🔑 Keywords Nate Heybour, Talk Midland Podcast, Midland MI development, Downtown Midland, DHE Plumbing, Employee Owned Company, ESOP business model, Midland real estate investor, Michigan skilled trades, Workforce housing Midland MI, Commercial development Michigan, Small business leadership, Midland entrepreneurs, Real estate development strategy, Local business growth

    44 min
  3. The Business of People: HR, Fitness, and Community with Ali Huntoon | #72

    FEB 10

    The Business of People: HR, Fitness, and Community with Ali Huntoon | #72

    What does it really take to build a business around people—and do it well? Logan Richetti sits down with Ali Huntoon, founder of Allied HR Solutions and Allied Group Fitness, to unpack the realities of entrepreneurship, employee retention, workplace culture, and why movement is just as important for mental health as it is for physical health. Ali shares how she launched a fractional HR firm at the very start of 2020, why small businesses don’t need full-time HR to do things right, and how thoughtful leadership, communication, and culture-fit hiring can make or break an organization. The conversation also dives into Ali’s second passion—fitness—and how building an inclusive, judgment-free community has transformed the way people experience exercise. This episode is packed with real-world insight for business owners, leaders, and anyone passionate about building healthier workplaces and stronger communities. Stay Connected with Us! Please like, share, and subscribe to the #TalkMidland Podcast to stay updated on future episodes and help spread the word about the amazing people and programs in Midland, Michigan. Follow #TalkMidland on social media for the latest updates and episodes: @TALKMIDLAND Join the conversation and be part of the Midland, Michigan community! #TalkMidland  ⏱️ Chapters / Timestamps  00:00 – Entrepreneurship looks easier than it is 02:15 – Introducing Ali Huntoon & her two businesses 05:10 – Launching Allied HR Solutions in early 2020 09:30 – What fractional HR really means 14:45 – Handbooks, compliance, and modern HR challenges 20:30 – Employee retention, culture, and career pathing 27:40 – Leadership, feedback, and communication 34:50 – Transition to Allied Group Fitness 39:30 – Redefining fitness and mental health 46:10 – Spin, yoga, pound, and building inclusive fitness spaces 52:20 – Community involvement and giving back in Midland 58:40 – Final thoughts on people, culture, and collaboration 🔑 15 Key Keywords Fractional HR, Employee retention, Workplace culture, Small business HR, Leadership development, Hiring for culture fit, Employee engagement, Mental health and movement, Group fitness community, Women in business, Entrepreneurship journey, Midland Michigan business, Community leadership, Fitness for beginners, Building strong teams

    34 min
  4. The Decisions You Never See: How Drainage, Infrastructure, and Taxes Really Work in Midland | #71

    FEB 3

    The Decisions You Never See: How Drainage, Infrastructure, and Taxes Really Work in Midland | #71

    If you own property in Midland County, this conversation affects you — whether you realize it or not. Logan Richetti sits down with Joe Sova, Midland County Drain Commissioner, to explain how drainage and infrastructure decisions are actually made, why some projects take years, and how those decisions show up on tax bills across the county. Joe draws on decades of hands-on experience in excavation, utilities, and public service to break down how century-old drain systems still shape modern development, how maintenance differs from full drain petitions, and why transparency matters when residents are paying the full cost. Stay Connected with Us! Please like, share, and subscribe to the #TalkMidland Podcast to stay updated on future episodes and help spread the word about the amazing people and programs in Midland, Michigan. Follow #TalkMidland on social media for the latest updates and episodes: @TALKMIDLAND Join the conversation and be part of the Midland, Michigan community! #TalkMidland  Show Notes & Chapters  00:00 – Why Speed and Efficiency Matter in Public Projects  How timelines affect cost, contractors, and residents 04:15 – Joe Sova’s Background and Family Roots in Excavation  Growing up around infrastructure work in Midland and Saginaw 09:30 – Leaving the Family Business and Finding a New Path  Why Joe pursued finance, accounting, and public service 15:45 – From Utilities to Public Leadership  Joe’s time with the City of Midland and managing large budgets 22:30 – The Moment the Drain Commissioner Role Clicked  Why this job felt like a full-circle opportunity 27:50 – What the Drain Commissioner Actually Oversees  Why the role is about more than just “drains” 33:40 – How Michigan Was Built to Drain Water  The history of county drains and why they still matter 39:20 – Drainage Districts, Watersheds, and Special Assessments  How areas are defined and who pays for what 45:10 – Maintenance vs. Full Drain Petitions  Why some projects take years instead of weeks 51:30 – Public Hearings and the Board of Determination  Who votes, who decides, and what “necessary” really means 58:40 – How Costs Are Apportioned Fairly  Joe’s data-driven approach to assessments and transparency 1:05:20 – Why Every Drain Will Eventually Need Work  Long-term thinking and infrastructure reality 1:10:45 – Communication Gaps Between Cities and Counties  How decades-old disconnects still affect development today 1:16:30 – Why Leadership Matters When Residents Foot the Bill  Balancing efficiency, fairness, and public trust 🔑 Keywords Joe Sova, Talk Midland Podcast, Midland County Drain Commissioner, Midland MI infrastructure, Midland County drainage, Special assessments Michigan, Local government Midland MI, Public infrastructure Michigan, Drainage districts, Property taxes Midland MI, Local leadership Midland, County drains Michigan, Infrastructure maintenance, Midland County government, Community transparency

    58 min
  5. Paying Taxes Without Representation: A Mid-Michigan Wake-Up Call w/ Jason Tunney | #70

    JAN 27

    Paying Taxes Without Representation: A Mid-Michigan Wake-Up Call w/ Jason Tunney | #70

    This episode hits differently if you care about representation, education, and the future of Michigan. Jason Tunney shares the why behind his campaign. Tag someone who should hear this conversation. Logan sits down with Jason Tunney, a first-time candidate running for Michigan State Senate in the 35th District, to talk about what actually pushed him into public service. Jason shares the moment he realized hundreds of thousands of residents were paying state taxes without representation, why that felt fundamentally wrong, and how it became the catalyst for his campaign. From there, the conversation expands into energy costs, AI deep fakes in elections, data centers, education reform, and the real-world challenges facing Michigan’s workforce. Jason also reflects on his background in law, manufacturing, and family business, including the story of how his grandfather took massive personal risk to build Duralast — a lesson that still shapes how he thinks about leadership, accountability, and decision-making today. This episode isn’t about soundbites. It’s about process over results, understanding how systems actually work, and what responsible leadership looks like at the local and state level. Stay Connected with Us! Please like, share, and subscribe to the #TalkMidland Podcast to stay updated on future episodes and help spread the word about the amazing people and programs in Midland, Michigan. Follow #TalkMidland on social media for the latest updates and episodes: @TALKMIDLAND Join the conversation and be part of the Midland, Michigan community! #TalkMidland  CHAPTERS: 00:00 – Process Over Results Why campaigns focus on controllables, not outcomes 02:30 – The “No Representation” Moment Paying taxes without a state senator and why it mattered 07:00 – Why Jason Decided to Run From frustration to filing paperwork 11:45 – Line 5 and Common-Sense Infrastructure Solutions Why unresolved issues create bigger risks 17:30 – COVID and the Power of the State How pandemic decisions reshaped Jason’s views on government authority 22:40 – Energy Costs & Cost of Living What voters are consistently bringing up on the campaign trail 27:15 – Data Centers and Community Buy-In Why local voices matter before major projects move forward 32:30 – AI Deep Fakes in Political Campaigns How misinformation directly affected this race 38:45 – The Risks of Unchecked AI Why regulation and structure matter 44:20 – Michigan’s Education Crisis Fourth-grade literacy, workforce readiness, and why it’s a tipping point 51:10 – The “Mississippi Miracle” What Michigan can learn from another state’s turnaround 58:30 – Trades, Manufacturing, and Workforce Gaps Why vocational paths matter more than ever 1:05:00 – Family, Manufacturing, and Risk The Duralast story and lessons in leadership 1:12:30 – Experience and Public Service How Jason’s background shapes his approach to leadership KEYWORDS: Jason Tunney, Talk Midland Podcast, Michigan State Senate, 35th District Michigan, No taxation without representation, Michigan politics, Local leadership, AI deep fakes, Artificial intelligence elections, Energy costs Michigan, Data centers Michigan, Michigan education crisis, Fourth grade literacy, Skilled trades, Manufacturing leadership

    43 min
  6. What happens when a farm kid turned global business leader decides it’s time to fight for Michigan’s future? | #69

    JAN 20

    What happens when a farm kid turned global business leader decides it’s time to fight for Michigan’s future? | #69

    Step inside the mind of a business leader who refuses to sit on the sidelines—hit play and hear why experience, not politics-as-usual, matters right now. Logan Richetti sits down with Christian Velasquez, a longtime Dow Corning executive, small-business builder, and Michigan State alum who’s now running for the 35th State Senate District. From growing up on a Kansas farm to leading global teams, turning around struggling businesses, and protecting jobs here in Michigan, Chris shares the real-world lessons that shaped his decision to run for office. This is a candid conversation about leadership, liberty, economic growth, and why business voices matter more than ever in public service.  Stay Connected with Us! Please like, share, and subscribe to the #TalkMidland Podcast to stay updated on future episodes and help spread the word about the amazing people and programs in Midland, Michigan. Follow #TalkMidland on social media for the latest updates and episodes: @TALKMIDLAND Join the conversation and be part of the Midland, Michigan community! #TalkMidland

    1h 2m
  7. REPLAY - How One Dream Turned Into a Community Movement: The Live Oak Coffeehouse Story | #68

    JAN 13

    REPLAY - How One Dream Turned Into a Community Movement: The Live Oak Coffeehouse Story | #68

    Opening a second location in Midland isn’t about confidence — it’s about risk tolerance. The owner of Live Oak Coffee House shares what really went into choosing the east side for their second shop. Would you take that risk in your own business? Logan Richetti sits down with Renee Deckrow to unpack the powerful, heartfelt story behind Live Oak Coffeehouse and the transformation of a forgotten 16,000-square-foot building into a hub of creativity, connection, and community. From the early days of capturing community to building a space that incubates businesses, empowers dreamers, and revitalizes a neighborhood, Rene shares the faith, risk, and intentionality behind every decision. She also opens up about their newest chapter—expanding into their fifth location inside the former Grove Tea Lounge building, continuing their mission of bringing warmth and belonging to every corner of Midland. Together, they explore how vision, collaboration, and grit can breathe new life into places—and people—who need it. Whether you're a business owner, a creative, or someone who loves seeing restoration in action, this conversation will leave you inspired, grounded, and grateful for the power of community-led impact. Stay Connected with Us! Please like, share, and subscribe to the #TalkMidland Podcast to stay updated on future episodes and help spread the word about the amazing people and programs in Midland, Michigan. Follow #TalkMidland on social media for the latest updates and episodes: @TalkMidland Join the conversation and be part of the Midland, Michigan community! #TalkMidland

    41 min
  8. Healing Faster with Fewer Visits: A New Approach to Physical Therapy in Midland | #67

    JAN 6

    Healing Faster with Fewer Visits: A New Approach to Physical Therapy in Midland | #67

    Most people believe insurance exists to make healthcare better.  What they don’t realize is that it often decides how much care they’re allowed to receive.Today’s conversation isn’t about attacking insurance — it’s about understanding how insurance-based physical therapy and cash-pay physical therapy create two very different patient experiences. Logan Richetti sits down with Kristie Mulder, owner of Firm Foundation Physical Therapy, to unpack how cash-based physical therapy works — and why it’s becoming a powerful alternative to traditional insurance-based care. Christy explains how insurance restrictions can limit visits, exercises, and even outcomes, while her model allows patients to receive one-on-one care, consistent treatment, and a fully customized plan focused on getting better — not billing more. They dive deep into common issues like low back pain, bulging discs, postpartum recovery, and pelvic floor therapy, breaking down complex concepts like breathing mechanics, core stability, and why many people suffer for years when early intervention could have made all the difference. From faster recovery and fewer visits to direct access without a prescription, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone navigating pain, rehab, or wondering if there’s a better way to heal. Stay Connected with Us! Please like, share, and subscribe to the #TalkMidland Podcast to stay updated on future episodes and help spread the word about the amazing people and programs in Midland, Michigan. Follow #TalkMidland on social media for the latest updates and episodes:  Facebook: @TalkMidland  TikTok: @TalkMidland  YouTube: @TalkMidland  Apple Music: @TalkMidland Podcast  Spotify: @TalkMidland Podcast Join the conversation and be part of the Midland, Michigan community! #TalkMidland

    28 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

A podcast with a mission to promote small businesses in the Midland, Michigan community. The show is hosted by Logan Richetti, the managing broker of Modern Realty, the largest real estate brokerage in Midland. He has a passion for supporting small business leaders in our area, and this podcast is a spotlight for their stories. Follow along to learn more as we #talkmidland. 

Information

  • Creator
    TALK MIDLAND
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    74
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 TALK MIDLAND w/ Logan Richetti
  • Show Website
    TALK MIDLAND w/ Logan Richetti