Investor Spotlight

Nicole Wilson
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Investor Spotlight: Stories Driving Midland Forward is a podcast from the Midland Business Alliance that highlights the people, organizations, and businesses investing in the future of Midland County. Each episode features candid conversations with MBA investors, partners, and community leaders who are helping shape our region’s economic growth, workforce development, and quality of life. From why they chose to invest locally to how collaboration fuels long-term success, these stories put a human face on investment and impact. Whether you’re a business leader, entrepreneur, or someone who cares about Midland’s future, Investor Spotlight offers insight into the relationships, ideas, and shared vision driving our business community forward.

Episodes

  1. May 11

    Investor Spotlight: Aptar

    In this edition of Investor Spotlight, Nicole Wilson, Vice President of Economic Development at the Midland Business Alliance, is joined by Nick Richert, Director of Operations at Aptar, for a conversation about manufacturing, innovation, and growth in Midland. Nick shares how his career began with a passion for taking things apart and understanding how they worked, which eventually led him into manufacturing and mechanical engineering. After spending two decades in the automotive sector, he found himself increasingly drawn to leadership roles where he could help others succeed by giving them the right tools, teams, and support. That journey ultimately led him to Aptar, a company whose purpose-driven approach to innovation strongly aligned with both his engineering mindset and management philosophy. While Aptar may be a newer name to some in the community, its products are widely used in everyday life. The Midland operation manufactures elastomeric flow control valves used in food, beauty, industrial, and even some medical applications. Locally, Aptar employs about 150 people and has built a strong foundation through employee engagement, health and safety, and a workplace culture that values both longevity and professional development. Nick also discusses Aptar’s exciting expansion project in Midland, which will create more space for larger equipment, support current operations, and position the company for future growth. Last week, the Midland Business Alliance had the opportunity to celebrate the groundbreaking for that expansion, an important milestone for Aptar and for Midland’s manufacturing community. Beyond expansion, Aptar is focused on continued innovation—especially in diversifying into medical markets and improving the recyclability and long-term sustainability of its products. 🎥 Watch the full episode now to learn how Aptar is building on Midland’s manufacturing strengths while investing in the next chapter of innovation and growth.

    18 min

  2. Apr 10

    Investor Spotlight: ITH Staffing

    In this edition of Investor Spotlight, Nicole Wilson, Vice President of Economic Development at the Midland Business Alliance, sits down with Sharon Miller of ITH Staffing for a conversation about career growth, community, and the importance of leading with integrity. A Hemlock native, Sharon came to Midland more than 50 years ago looking for a place where she could build both a career and a life for her family. From those early days, she created an opportunity for herself that eventually grew into a successful staffing business serving a wide range of industries, from science and accounting to HR, sales, schools, and manufacturing. Along the way, she also expanded into other ventures, always staying open to learning and responding to the needs she saw around her. Sharon shares that integrity and honesty have always been at the center of her work. Whether helping a business find the right fit or encouraging others to step into leadership, she believes in listening carefully, doing what is right, and being honest when a better answer is needed. She also speaks to the accessibility of leadership in Midland, noting that strong communities are built when people of all ages and backgrounds recognize that they, too, can lead. Her reflections on Midland highlight what makes the community special: a strong network of people willing to share ideas, solve problems together, and contribute their knowledge to make the region stronger. Listen to the full episode now to hear Sharon’s inspiring story and her perspective on leadership, mentorship, and what makes Midland such a unique place to grow.

    20 min
  • 2 Episodes

About

Investor Spotlight: Stories Driving Midland Forward is a podcast from the Midland Business Alliance that highlights the people, organizations, and businesses investing in the future of Midland County. Each episode features candid conversations with MBA investors, partners, and community leaders who are helping shape our region’s economic growth, workforce development, and quality of life. From why they chose to invest locally to how collaboration fuels long-term success, these stories put a human face on investment and impact. Whether you’re a business leader, entrepreneur, or someone who cares about Midland’s future, Investor Spotlight offers insight into the relationships, ideas, and shared vision driving our business community forward.

Information

  • Creator
    Nicole Wilson
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    2
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Investor Spotlight