What does it take to transform not just a business—but an entire industry? In this episode of the Bullish on Business Podcast, Rose Odette sits down with Amanda Danielson, nationally recognized hospitality leader, entrepreneur, educator, Advanced Sommelier, vineyard owner, and advocate for Michigan agriculture and wine. Amanda's career is an extraordinary example of what happens when entrepreneurship, hospitality, agriculture, education, science, and community come together around a shared vision. As the founder of Velaris Hospitality and owner of the acclaimed Trattoria Stella in Traverse City, Amanda has spent decades helping elevate Northern Michigan's reputation for exceptional food, wine, and hospitality. But her work extends far beyond the restaurant. Amanda founded Intentional Agriculture, a nonprofit created in partnership with Michigan State University to connect Michigan growers with international research and advance economically sustainable viticulture. She is also a co-creator of Dirt to Glass™, the annual conference bringing growers, winemakers, researchers, and global experts together to improve the quality, sustainability, profitability, and international competitiveness of Michigan wine. Amanda owns Tre Sirene Vineyard, which has served as a field laboratory for sustainable growing practices, and she is helping shape The Loamstead Project, a regenerative agriculture and hospitality destination under development in Northern Michigan. IN THIS EPISODE Rose and Amanda explore: • How Amanda's first hospitality job at age 12 helped shape her leadership philosophy • Building Trattoria Stella and helping establish Northern Michigan as a culinary destination • Why developing people can be just as important as developing a business • What becoming an Advanced Sommelier taught Amanda about hospitality and entrepreneurship • What growing grapes taught her that studying and serving wine couldn't • The business case for regenerative and sustainable agriculture • Why Amanda founded Intentional Agriculture • How collaboration between growers, winemakers, researchers, restaurants, and consumers can transform an industry • Why breaking down industry silos matters • Whether Michigan can become recognized as a world-class wine region • The vision behind Dirt to Glass™ • How science, research, and international expertise are helping improve Michigan viticulture • Why Amanda believes Michigan wine "belongs at the table" • The vision behind The Loamstead Project • What CEOs and entrepreneurs can learn from farmers about patience, risk, stewardship, investment, and long-term thinking • Why successful entrepreneurs should think beyond building companies and start thinking about building ecosystems • What Amanda is most bullish about for the future of Michigan food, wine, agriculture, and hospitality DIRT TO GLASS 2026 The conversation is especially timely as Dirt to Glass 2026 takes place August 20–21 in Traverse City, Michigan. Now in its fifth year, Dirt to Glass brings together growers, vineyard managers, winemakers, researchers, and national and international industry experts to help elevate Michigan wine—from the soil all the way to the finished glass. The 2026 conference features 29 speakers, technical presentations, moderated panels, guided wine tastings, vineyard visits, and practical strategies Michigan vineyards and wineries can put to work. ABOUT AMANDA DANIELSON Amanda Danielson is a nationally recognized hospitality leader, entrepreneur, educator, and Advanced Sommelier whose career is helping redefine Michigan's reputation as a destination for world-class food, wine, and regenerative agriculture. She is the founder of Velaris Hospitality, owner of Trattoria Stella, founder of Intentional Agriculture, co-creator of Dirt to Glass™, owner of Tre Sirene Vineyard, and Director of Strategy & Systems for The Loamstead Project. Her career has been built around a powerful philosophy: exceptional hospitality comes from education, intentional work, and a deep respect for place. ABOUT BULLISH ON BUSINESS Bullish on Business is about entrepreneurs, innovators, executives, and leaders who aren't simply participating in the future—they're building it. Hosted by entrepreneur and author Rose Odette, the podcast explores business growth, leadership, execution, innovation, entrepreneurship, emerging industries, and the people creating meaningful change. This episode leaves us with an important business question: Are you simply building a company—or are you building an ecosystem? If this conversation gave you a new perspective on business, agriculture, hospitality, leadership, or Michigan's economic future, subscribe to the channel, like the episode, share it, and join the conversation in the comments. What are YOU most bullish about for the future of Michigan? Wake up. Show up. And charge. #BullishOnBusiness #AmandaDanielson #RoseOdette #DirtToGlass #IntentionalAgriculture #MichiganWine #MichiganAgriculture #RegenerativeAgriculture #SustainableAgriculture #TrattoriaStella #TraverseCity #MichiganBusiness #Entrepreneurship #HospitalityLeadership #WineIndustry #Viticulture #BusinessLeadership #BusinessGrowth #NorthernMichigan #FarmToTable