TALK MIDLAND w/ Logan Richetti

TALK MIDLAND
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

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. 5d ago

    Behind the Whistle: The Reality of Officiating Sports | #98

    One whistle can make half the crowd cheer… and the other half lose their minds. Logan sits down with Kevin Crampton to talk about what it’s really like officiating high school football and basketball across Mid-Michigan. From screaming parents and packed gyms to split-second decisions and playoff pressure, Kevin shares what most fans never see behind the whistle. They discuss:  Why there’s a shortage of referees and umpires  The pressure of making game-changing calls  How officials train and work their way up  The difference between football and basketball officiating  Handling angry coaches, fans, and players  What happens when officials disagree on a call  The mechanics behind officiating a football game  And why sports officials deserve more respect than they get This episode is a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at one of the hardest — and most misunderstood — jobs in sports. 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  Chapter Notes00:00 – Why Referees Matter More Than People Realize Kevin’s journey into officiating 03:20 – The Referee Shortage Problem Why fewer people want to do it 07:15 – Thick Skin & Tough Crowds Handling criticism from fans and coaches 11:10 – “Blow the Whistle” The importance of decisiveness 15:45 – How Officials Get Started Youth sports to high school progression 20:30 – The Structure of Football Officiating Crews Breaking down each position 27:10 – What Officials Actually Watch During a Play Zones, keys, and mechanics explained 35:20 – How Calls Are Made & Communicated Inside referee decision-making 42:00 – Basketball vs Football Officiating Why basketball is harder 48:10 – Big Games & High Pressure Situations 10,000 fans and playoff intensity 54:45 – Coaches, Fans, and Ejections Handling conflict during games 1:00:30 – Respect for Officials & the Future of Sports What needs to change KeywordsKevin Crampton, Talk Midland podcast, High school sports officiating, Midland Michigan sports, Football referee, Basketball official, Youth sports referees, MHSA officials, Sports officiating shortage, High school football Michigan, Basketball refereeing, Midland MI podcast, Sports leadership, Referee stories, Behind the whistle

    Behind the Whistle: The Reality of Officiating Sports | #98

  2. Sep 1

    Addiction to innovation — how one Midland mom turned rock bottom into patents, prototypes, and a million-view TikTok | #97

    Logan Richetti sits down with Carrie Everett — owner of Midland’s award-winning C&A Servicez and the inventor behind the brand-new Safiee cleaning tool container. Carrie shares the full journey: the light-bulb moment while scrubbing a toilet, the prototype built by SVSU’s innovation lab, navigating patent decisions, finding local support through CMURC and the Midland Business Alliance, and her bold vision to take Safiee to market. Her story reveals the gritty, behind-the-scenes reality of turning an idea into a patented product — all while juggling business, motherhood, and sheer determination. But Carrie's entrepreneurial story is only half of her truth. She opens up about addiction, recovery, rebuilding her self-worth, and the unshakable mindset that fuels her today. From being denied a gas station job due to her past to becoming Midland’s top-rated cleaning company and building a viral TikTok presence, Carrie explains how she transformed the same energy that once fed her addiction into a force for creation, action, and impact. This episode is raw, inspiring, and a reminder that the next big idea can be born anywhere — even bent over a toilet with a scrub daddy in hand. 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  Keywords Keri Everett, C&A Service, Safie, Safie cleaning product, Midland Michigan, Midland small busines, Midland entrepreneurs, Female entrepreneur, Cleaning business, Cleaning products, Product invention, Patent process, Addiction recovery, Entrepreneurship, Saginaw Valley State University, Talk Midland Podcast Chapter Notes 00:00 – Meet Keri Everett Keri introduces C&A Services and shares the recent recognition her cleaning company received in Midland. 02:30 – What Is Safie? The everyday cleaning problem that sparked Keri’s idea for a brand-new product. 05:00 – Turning an Idea Into a Patent Keri discusses navigating patents, trademarks, attorneys, and decisions she had never faced before. 08:00 – Midland Resources That Helped Make It Possible How the Midland Business Alliance, CMURC, grants, and other local resources helped Keri move forward. 10:30 – Pitching the Idea to Scrub Daddy Keri shares the funny response she received after reaching out to Scrub Daddy early in the Safie journey. 13:00 – The Cost of Manufacturing an Invention What it could cost to turn Safie from a prototype into a product—and how Keri plans to make it happen. 15:30 – Creating the 3D-Printed Prototype at SVSU Inside the local prototype lab that helped turn Keri’s idea into something she could actually hold. 18:00 – Putting Yourself Out There Keri talks about taking risks, being willing to learn, and continuing even when she's nervous. 20:00 – Keri Opens Up About Addiction & Recovery A deeply personal conversation about addiction, treatment, recovery, and how those experiences shaped the person she is today. 23:00 – The Importance of Self-Worth What Keri would tell her younger self about confidence, self-love, and the choices we make. 25:00 – Rejected From a Job to Starting Her Own Business After a background check prevented Keri from getting a job, she decided to create an opportunity for herself—and started cleaning. 27:00 – The Moment Safie Was Born How cleaning a toilet led to the lightbulb moment behind her invention. 29:00 – The People Who Keep Her Motivated Keri shares why the people she's lost continue to motivate her to chase opportunities they never had. 30:00+ – TikTok, Going Viral & What's Next for Safie From a cleaning tip reaching one million views to building an e-commerce site and exploring TikTok Shop and affiliate marketing, Keri talks about her plans to get Safie in front of customers.

    Addiction to innovation — how one Midland mom turned rock bottom into patents, prototypes, and a million-view TikTok | #97

  3. Aug 25

    Behind the Menu: The Real Story of O’s Mid & Main | #96

    Have you tried O’s Mid & Main yet? Logan sits down with Marc Owczarzak to talk about the story behind bringing O’s Mid & Main to downtown Midland—and everything customers never see when they sit down for dinner. Marc’s journey is anything but typical. After earning an engineering degree and spending decades working professionally, he eventually realized hospitality was where he truly wanted to be. Today, his family operates restaurants in Auburn, Bay City, and now Midland.  They talk about the financial and personal risk of opening another restaurant, Marc’s daughter Riley stepping into the family business, building and training a brand-new team, creating consistency in the kitchen, dealing with customer expectations and online reviews, and why hospitality means much more than simply delivering a meal. One of the biggest takeaways? Tell your server when they’re doing a great job. Marc explains that sometimes a few genuine words of encouragement can mean as much as the tip itself.  If you love local restaurants, small business, entrepreneurship, or downtown Midland, this is a conversation you’ll want to hear. 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  Chapter Notes 00:00 – Meet Marc Owczarzak The family and story behind O’s 04:30 – From Engineering to Hospitality Why Marc left a long professional career 10:00 – How the Auburn Restaurant Started Taking the first entrepreneurial risk 15:30 – Expanding Into Bay City Building H2O’s and making the career change 21:00 – Why Midland Became the Next Location How the opportunity developed 27:00 – Bringing Riley Into the Family Business A daughter leaving the corporate world for restaurants 33:00 – Building O’s Mid & Main The menu, downtown location, and opening process 39:00 – The Risk Behind Opening a Restaurant Money, staffing, real estate, and uncertainty 45:00 – Finding Your Passion Why Marc believes passion makes taking risks easier 51:00 – Restaurant Consistency Is Harder Than It Looks Getting every meal right every time 57:00 – Managing a New Kitchen & Team Training talented people to work the same system 1:03:00 – Social Media & Customer Expectations How reviews impact restaurants 1:09:00 – A Message for Restaurant Customers Why telling your server “great job” matters KeywordsDowntown Midland Michigan, Midland MI restaurants, O’s Pub and Grill, H2O’s Waterside Grill, Midland small business, Restaurant entrepreneurship, Family business, Restaurant ownership, Hospitality industry, Downtown Midland, Customer service, Local restaurants, Talk Midland Podcast

    Behind the Menu: The Real Story of O’s Mid & Main | #96

  4. Aug 18

    REPLAY - The Business of People: HR, Fitness, and Community with Ali Huntoon | #95

    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 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

    REPLAY - The Business of People: HR, Fitness, and Community with Ali Huntoon | #95

  5. Jul 21

    Running for Larkin Township Clerk: Mary Draves' Vision for the Future | #94

    The decisions made at the township level impact your roads, parks, fire protection, elections, zoning, and future growth—but many people don't know how local government works. Logan sits down with Mary Draves, candidate for Larkin Township Clerk, to discuss her lifelong connection to Larkin Township, her 30+ year leadership career at Dow, and why she's running for office. Mary explains the responsibilities of township government, the role of the Township Clerk, and the challenges facing one of Midland County's fastest-growing communities. From water taps and fire protection to long-term planning and community engagement, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at the decisions shaping Larkin Township's future. In this episode:  Mary's career at Dow and leadership experience  Growing up in a fourth-generation Larkin Township family  What a Township Clerk actually does  How township government works  Water taps and future development  Fire protection and long-term planning  Why communication with residents matters  Supporting local businesses and economic growth  The importance of community service  Why informed local elections matter Whether you live in Larkin Township or simply want to better understand local government, this episode provides valuable insight into how decisions close to home affect everyday life.  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  Chapter Notes00:00 – Meet Mary Draves Growing up in a fourth-generation Larkin Township family 04:15 – A 30+ Year Career at Dow Leadership, sustainability, and building experience 10:45 – Family Business & Community Roots Why Midland has always been home 17:30 – Why Run for Township Clerk? What motivated Mary to seek office 24:10 – How Township Government Works Understanding the roles and responsibilities 31:30 – Water Taps & Community Growth Planning for Larkin Township's future 39:45 – Fire Protection & Long-Term Planning Preparing for the next generation 47:20 – Communication with Residents Keeping citizens informed 54:00 – Leadership Through Service Why community involvement matters KeywordsMary Draves, Larkin Township, Larkin Township Clerk, Midland Michigan, Township government, Local government, Elections, Community leadership, Dow, Midland County, Fire protection, Water taps, Economic development, Local politics, Talk Midland Podcast

    Running for Larkin Township Clerk: Mary Draves' Vision for the Future | #94

  6. Jul 14

    Addiction to Hope: One Man's Journey Through the Recovery Pod | #93

    This is one of the most powerful conversations we've ever had on Talk Midland. Logan sits down inside the Recovery Pod at the Midland County Jail with Johnny Saunders to hear the raw, heartbreaking, and hopeful story of a man who has spent decades battling addiction. Johnny opens up about growing up with parents addicted to drugs, entering foster care, losing his sister, years of addiction, multiple prison sentences, and the choices that brought him back behind bars. But this conversation isn't just about addiction. It's about responsibility, redemption, second chances, and a groundbreaking program inside the Midland County Sheriff's Office that's helping inmates rebuild their lives before they return to the community. In this episode:  Growing up in a home filled with addiction  Entering foster care as a child  How addiction slowly took over his life  Multiple prison sentences and life as a career criminal  The moment he realized he wanted something different  Inside Midland County's Recovery Pod  Drug Court and why accountability matters  Rebuilding self-worth after addiction  The fear of starting over  Why hope still exists Whether you've experienced addiction personally, have a loved one who's struggling, or simply want to better understand recovery, this conversation is one you won't forget.  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  Chapter Notes00:00 – Meet Johnny Saunders Inside the Midland County Recovery Pod 04:20 – Growing Up Around Addiction Life with two addicted parents and foster care 11:00 – Losing His Sister How tragedy fueled addiction 18:30 – From Drug Use to Career Crime The choices that led to prison 27:15 – Hitting Rock Bottom The cycle of addiction and relapse 35:00 – Inside the Recovery Pod How Midland County is doing things differently 44:15 – Drug Court & Accountability Learning responsibility for the first time 52:10 – Preparing for Release The fear of starting over 59:45 – Building a New Future Hope, support systems, and second chances  KeywordsRecovery Pod, Johnny Saunders, Scott Holzinger, Midland County Sheriff's Office, Addiction recovery, Drug Court, Foster care, Substance abuse, Second chances, Mental health, Criminal justice reform, Recovery program, Midland Michigan, Talk Midland Podcast

    Addiction to Hope: One Man's Journey Through the Recovery Pod | #93

  7. Jul 7

    More Than a Car Wash: How Tommy's Express Is Building Community in Midland | #92

    What makes someone choose one car wash over another? Logan sits down with Tom Terry, Site Leader at Tommy's Express Car Wash, to talk about bringing a new business to Midland, creating memorable customer experiences, and why putting people first has been the key to their success. Tom shares how Tommy's Express has grown by focusing on exceptional customer service, investing in employees, supporting local organizations, and creating an experience that keeps customers coming back. In this episode, you'll learn:  Why Tommy's Express chose Midland  What makes their car wash different from the competition  The importance of customer service in today's world  How they develop future leaders from within  Why they believe in giving people second chances  The story behind one of their most loyal customers  Why community involvement matters to their business  How unlimited memberships work  What goes into building a successful local business Whether you're an entrepreneur, business owner, or someone who appreciates great customer service, this episode is full of valuable insights.  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  Chapter Notes 00:00 – Meet Tom Terry How Tommy's Express came to Midland 03:45 – Building a New Business Why Midland was the perfect location 08:30 – What Makes Tommy's Different Hot water, free vacuums, and customer service 14:20 – Creating a Better Customer Experience Memberships, technology, and convenience 20:10 – The Story of Derek A customer who reminds everyone why people matter 26:15 – Why Businesses Open Near Competitors The strategy behind location selection 32:30 – Developing Future Leaders Growing employees from within 39:00 – Giving People Second Chances Building a workplace that cares 46:15 – Community Partnerships Supporting Midland schools and nonprofits 53:00 – Why Customer Service Still Wins Old-school values in a modern business Keywords Tommy's Express Car Wash, Tom Terry, Midland Michigan, Customer service, Small business, Car wash, Leadership, Employee development, Midland Business, Entrepreneurship, Local business, Community involvement, Unlimited car wash, Talk Midland Podcast, Midland MI

    More Than a Car Wash: How Tommy's Express Is Building Community in Midland | #92

  8. Jun 30

    The Swim Lesson Every Parent Needs to Hear | #91

    Could your child get themselves out of a pool if they accidentally fell in? Logan sits down with Abigayle Bundze of Schieber Swim School 2.0 and the Schieber Swim Foundation to discuss one of the most important life skills a child can learn: water safety. Abbi explains why traditional swim lessons aren't always enough, the difference between learning to swim and learning to survive, and why every child should know how to roll onto their back, float, get to the wall, and climb out safely. They discuss:  Why drowning is often silent and happens faster than people realize  The difference between self-rescue swim lessons and traditional lessons  Why flotation devices can create a false sense of security  The biggest mistakes parents make around pools  Teaching babies as young as four months old  Building confidence after a near-drowning experience  Why every child should know how to safely exit a pool  The mission behind the Schieber Swim Foundation If you're a parent, grandparent, or caregiver, this conversation could change the way you think about water safety.  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  Chapter Notes 00:00 – Drowning Happens Faster Than You Think Why water safety is so important 03:10 – Meet Abbi Bundze & Schieber Swim School The mission behind self-rescue swim lessons 07:30 – Learning to Swim vs. Learning to Survive The difference every parent should know 13:00 – The Biggest Pool Safety Mistakes False confidence and flotation devices 18:45 – Can Babies Really Learn Self-Rescue? Starting lessons as young as four months 25:10 – Helping Kids Overcome Water Fear Building confidence after a scary experience 32:20 – Why Floating Comes Before Swimming The foundation of self-rescue 39:30 – How Long Does It Take to Learn? What parents can realistically expect 46:00 – Group Lessons vs. One-on-One Lessons Finding the right approach 53:10 – The Schieber Swim Foundation Making life-saving swim lessons accessible for everyone KeywordsSchieber Swim School, Abigayle Bundze, Water safety, Swim lessons, Self-rescue swimming, Drowning prevention, Infant swim lessons, Midland Michigan, Child water safety, Pool safety, Swim school, Schieber Swim Foundation, Parenting, Talk Midland Podcast, Swimming for kids

    The Swim Lesson Every Parent Needs to Hear | #91
See All (98)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 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
    98
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 TALK MIDLAND w/ Logan Richetti
  • Show Website
    TALK MIDLAND w/ Logan Richetti

You Might Also Like