The Business Beat Podcast

Howell Area Chamber of Commerce
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  • Non-Profit
  • Updated Monthly

Welcome to The Business Beat Presented by the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce and the Livingston Business Hub The Business Beat connects you to the people, ideas, and momentum shaping our business community. Hosted by Janelle Best and Dianne Samples, each episode dives into the conversations that matter most, from economic development and entrepreneurship to workforce, housing, and the future of our region. New episodes drop the first Tuesday of every month. Stay in the know. Stay connected. Stay on The Business Beat.

Episodes

  1. 1d ago

    Stop Being the Best Kept Secret | The Business Beat | Episode 48

    In this episode of Business Beat, host Janelle Smith, President of the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce, and co-host Diane Samples sit down with Jason Tracey, founder of Roar Consulting, to explore why so many great businesses remain the best kept secret in their industry—and how authentic content can change that. Jason shares how one conversation can become dozens of opportunities through podcasting, storytelling, and consistent content creation. Together, they discuss why building influence isn't about going viral—it's about building trust, creating meaningful connections, and becoming known before you ever walk into the room. The conversation also introduces the Difference Maker Podcast & Influence Builder Workshop at the Livingston Business HUB, designed to help entrepreneurs, business owners, and professionals confidently tell their stories, create authentic content, and amplify their impact. Whether you're just getting started or looking to elevate your marketing strategy, this episode offers practical insights into turning your expertise into influence and your story into opportunity. Chapters 00:00 Welcome & introducing Jason Tracey 01:45 Why video content matters for every business 05:20 Authentic storytelling builds trust 09:00 Turning conversations into business opportunities 13:30 Why podcast clips outperform full episodes 18:30 The biggest mistake people make after recording a podcast 22:30 Using AI to simplify content creation 26:30 Inside the Difference Maker Podcast Workshop 31:30 The cost of staying the "best kept secret" 36:45 Building influence before you walk into the room 42:00 Real client success stories through podcasting 50:30 How content transformed a repair shop owner's business 58:00 Why specificity creates opportunity 1:02:00 Final thoughts & workshop invitation Thank you to the sponsors of this video Lake Trust - https://laketrust.org/ Brighton Ford - https://www.brightonford.com/ Northstar IT - https://www.northstarit.com/ Guest Links Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/jason.tracey.39 LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-tracey/ Website – https://roar.consulting/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@Jason.Tracey Howell Area Chamber Links Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/howellchamber Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/howellareachamber/ LinkedIn – https://linkedin.com/company/howellchamber YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@howellchamber Website – https://howell.org/

    Stop Being the Best Kept Secret | The Business Beat | Episode 48

  2. Jun 16

    How One Experience Turned Into a Lifetime of Service | The Business Beat | Episode 47

    In this episode of Business Beat, hosts Janelle Smith and Diane Samples sit down with Michael Sage of DTE Energy to discuss the power of volunteerism and its impact on individuals, businesses, and communities. Michael shares how his journey into volunteerism began through corporate opportunities and evolved into a lifelong commitment to service. From international mission trips to local community engagement, he reflects on how giving back has shaped both his personal and professional life. The conversation also highlights the Michigan Challenge Balloon Fest, a signature community event that brings together volunteers, businesses, and families to create lasting memories and meaningful connections. Michael and the hosts explore how events like these not only strengthen community bonds but also drive economic impact and regional visibility. This episode is a powerful reminder that volunteerism is more than an activity—it’s a lifestyle that builds relationships, fosters connection, and creates opportunities for impact across generations. 00:00 Introduction to Michael Sage and DTE Energy 01:00 Career journey and introduction to volunteerism 02:30 Early volunteer experiences and corporate support 04:30 Mission trips and global service experiences 06:30 Shift toward local community impact 08:30 Volunteerism as a lifestyle and personal value 10:30 First experience volunteering at Balloon Fest 12:30 Building relationships through volunteering 14:30 The role of community events in connection and impact 16:30 Generational experiences and family traditions 18:30 Volunteer opportunities and event logistics 20:30 What’s new at this year’s Balloon Fest 23:00 Community partnerships and behind-the-scenes effort 25:30 Final reflections on impact, economy, and community growth Thank you to the sponsors of this video Lake Trust - https://laketrust.org/ Brighton Ford - https://www.brightonford.com/ Northstar IT - https://www.brightonford.com/  Guest Links  Facebook-   / mlsagefamily   LinkedIn-   / michael-sage-11792430   Website-  https://www.dteenergy.com/ Howell Area Chamber Links Facebook-    / howellchamber   Instagram-    / howellareachamber   LinkedIn -   linkedin.com/company/howellchamber     YouTube-       / @howellchamber   Website- https://howell.org/

    How One Experience Turned Into a Lifetime of Service | The Business Beat | Episode 47

  3. Jun 2

    You’re Not Hireable, You’re an Entrepreneur | The Business Beat | Episode 46

    Hosted by Janelle Smith, President of the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce, this episode of Business Beat features guests Amy Zander of Zeedia Media and Kevin Suboski, founder of The Fastest Route and Livingston Entrepreneurship Academy, for an honest conversation about the realities of entrepreneurship. Amy shares her journey from side hustles and failed ventures to burnout, reinvention, and ultimately redesigning her business around her strengths. Together, the conversation explores entrepreneurship mindset, mentorship, isolation, finding your “superpower,” and what it really means to build a business that aligns with who you are. The episode also highlights the growing entrepreneurship ecosystem in Livingston County through the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce and Livingston Entrepreneurship Academy, and the importance of intentional community, collaboration, and support for entrepreneurs at every stage. 00:00 Introduction to Amy Zander and entrepreneurial background 02:00  Failed brewery venture and lessons learned 04:00  Discovering marketing and finding a mentor 06:00  Chamber involvement and early business growth 08:00 Burnout, considering closing the business, and job searching 11:00 “You’re not hireable—you’re an entrepreneur” breakthrough moment 13:00  Redesigning the business around strengths and consulting 16:00 Finding your entrepreneurial “superpower” 18:30  Isolation, entrepreneurship mindset, and cohort learning 21:00  Why entrepreneurship is different from business management 24:00  Hard conversations, uncertainty, and entrepreneurial personality traits 27:00 Howell entrepreneurship forums and building community 30:00 The value of entrepreneurial networking vs traditional networking 34:00 Solopreneur struggles, self-marketing, and honest feedback 37:00 Chamber programming and entrepreneurship support ecosystem 41:00 Entrepreneurship as identity and organizational culture 45:00 Final reflections on mentorship, transformation, and entrepreneurial growth Thank you to the sponsors of this episode: Lake Trust - https://laketrust.org/ Brighton Ford - https://www.brightonford.com/ Northstar IT - https://www.brightonford.com/ Stay connected Show Links - Facebook-  https://www.facebook.com/howellchamber Instagram-  https://www.instagram.com/howellareachamber/ LinkedIn -   linkedin.com/company/howellchamber     YouTube-    https://www.youtube.com/@howellchamber Website- https://howell.org/  Guest Links -  Kevin Suboski Facebook-  https://www.facebook.com/fastest.route/ Instagram-  https://www.instagram.com/kevin_suboski/ LinkedIn -   https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinsuboski/ Website- https://fastestroute.co/ Amy Zander Facebook-  https://www.facebook.com/ZeediaMedia/ Instagram-  https://www.instagram.com/zeediamedia/ LinkedIn -   https://www.linkedin.com/company/zeediamedia/ Website- https://zeediamedia.com/ Youtube- https://www.youtube.com/@zeediamedia

    You’re Not Hireable, You’re an Entrepreneur | The Business Beat | Episode 46

  4. May 14

    You Can't Amazon Community | The Business Beat | Episode 45

    In this episode of Business Beat, hosts Janelle Smith and Diane Samples sit down with Kris Ward, owner of Sunshine and Sage, a boho-inspired boutique in downtown Howell that blends retail with mindfulness, joy, and community connection. Kris shares her journey from a corporate career rooted in innovation and risk-taking to taking a leap on herself as an entrepreneur. She discusses the realities of building a small business—from the loneliness of entrepreneurship to the importance of mentorship, collaboration, and community support. The conversation dives into how Kris has intentionally designed her shop as more than just a retail space—creating an experience where customers can relax, connect, and find meaningful moments. She also reflects on her experience pitching her business in a competitive entrepreneurship program, emphasizing the value of “small moments that matter” in a world often focused on scale. This episode highlights the evolving role of small businesses in creating community, the power of local collaboration, and why meaningful, in-person experiences still matter in a digital world. 00:00 Introduction to Kris Ward and Sunshine & Sage 01:00 Defining entrepreneurship and Kris’s background 02:30 Taking the leap from corporate to business ownership 03:50 Branding Sunshine & Sage and creating a “vibe” 05:20 Challenges of entrepreneurship (loneliness, risk, decision-making) 07:30 Mentorship and chamber-supported resources 10:30 Collaboration and building a downtown business ecosystem 12:30 Innovation in retail (bracelet bar, hours, experiences) 15:00 Experience-driven retail vs. transactional shopping 17:30 Emotional impact of the space and customer connections 19:30 Entrepreneurship pitch competition experience 23:00 “Small moments that matter” philosophy 25:30 Supporting other small businesses 28:30 Final reflections on community and entrepreneurship Thank you to the sponsors of this episode: Lake Trust - https://laketrust.org/ Brighton Ford - https://www.brightonford.com/ Northstar IT - https://www.brightonford.com/   Stay connected Show Links - Facebook-  https://www.facebook.com/howellchamber Instagram-  https://www.instagram.com/howellareachamber/ LinkedIn -   linkedin.com/company/howellchamber     YouTube-    https://www.youtube.com/@howellchamber Website- https://howell.org/  Guest Links -  Facebook-  https://www.facebook.com/sunshineandsagehowell Instagram-  https://www.instagram.com/sunshineandsagehowell LinkedIn -   https://www.linkedin.com/in/krisnasiatka/ Website- https://www.sunshineandsageshop.com/

    You Can't Amazon Community | The Business Beat | Episode 45

  5. May 7

    The Power of Chamber Collaboration in Livingston County | The Business Beat | Episode 44

    This episode of Business Beat features members of the Livingston County Chamber Alliance discussing the power of regional collaboration, chamber partnerships, and leadership development. Karen Storey of the Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce and Emma Lynn Wheaton of the Hartland Area Chamber of Commerce join the conversation to highlight upcoming chamber mixers, Leadership Livingston, economic forecasting initiatives, and the importance of cultivating future community leaders. The discussion explores how collaboration across chambers strengthens Livingston County’s business community while creating opportunities for meaningful networking, civic engagement, and professional growth. 00:00  Introduction to the Livingston County Chamber Alliance 01:00 Upcoming chamber mixers and community networking events 03:00 Chamber collaboration and showcasing local businesses 04:30 Economic forecast event preview 05:30 Leadership Livingston and County Services Day 08:00 Sheriff’s department tour and leadership experiences 10:00 Therapy dog Teddy and community engagement 11:30 Capitol Day and connecting with legislators 13:00 Nonprofit Day and problem-solving exercises 14:30 Leadership development and discovering new skills 16:30 Leadership Livingston success stories and alumni impact 18:00 Graduation, applications, and future cohorts Thank you to the sponsors of this episode: Lake Trust - https://laketrust.org/ Brighton Ford - https://www.brightonford.com/ Northstar IT - https://www.brightonford.com/   Show Links Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/howellchamber Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/howellareachamber/  LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/howellchamber/?viewAsMember=true YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@UCfP1T-4lCgHMu8ZhxtEOTyw  Website- https://howell.org/   Guest Links Karen Storey Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/GreaterBrightonAreaChamber/# Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/brighton_chamber/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-greater-brighton-area-chamber-of-commerce/?trk=nav_account_sub_nav_company_admin YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@greaterbrightonchamber Website- https://www.brightoncoc.org/   Emma Lynn Wheaton Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/HartlandChamber Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/hartlandareachamber/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/hartland-area-chamber-commerce/ YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@hartlandchamber3520 Website- https://hartlandchamber.org/

    The Power of Chamber Collaboration in Livingston County | The Business Beat | Episode 44

  6. May 6

    The Power of Breath, Business, and Belonging | The Business Beat | Episode 43

    This episode of Business Beat features entrepreneur Caitlin Wilkinson, founder of Inspired Ascend. She discusses her journey from personal adversity to building a business focused on personal growth, breathwork, and community-building for women. Caitlin shares how breathwork and other modalities helped her overcome self-doubt and trauma, ultimately inspiring her to create spaces like her “Girl Dinner” gatherings and retreats that foster authentic conversation, healing, and empowerment. The conversation explores entrepreneurship, vulnerability, leadership, and the importance of supportive community networks. 00:00 Introduction & Meet Caitlin Wilkinson 00:40 Inspired Ascend & What She Does 02:00 The Story Behind “Girl Dinner” 03:30 Taking the Leap Into Entrepreneurship 05:15 How Breathwork Changed Her Life 11:00 Self-Worth, Identity & Personal Growth 16:00 Helping Others & Facilitating Breathwork 20:30 Training, Retreats & Building Her Practice 24:30 Career Journey, Mentorship & Athena 30:30 Reflections & Closing   Thoughts Thank you to the sponsors of this episode: Lake Trust - https://laketrust.org/ Brighton Ford - https://www.brightonford.com/ Northstar IT - https://www.brightonford.com/   Show Links Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/howellchamber Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/howellareachamber/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/howellchamber/?viewAsMember=true YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@UCfP1T-4lCgHMu8ZhxtEOTyw Website- https://howell.org/ Guest Links Website: https://www.inspiredascend.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/inspiredascend Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspiredascend Email: caitlin@inspiredascend.com

    The Power of Breath, Business, and Belonging | The Business Beat | Episode 43
  • 6 Episodes

About

Welcome to The Business Beat Presented by the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce and the Livingston Business Hub The Business Beat connects you to the people, ideas, and momentum shaping our business community. Hosted by Janelle Best and Dianne Samples, each episode dives into the conversations that matter most, from economic development and entrepreneurship to workforce, housing, and the future of our region. New episodes drop the first Tuesday of every month. Stay in the know. Stay connected. Stay on The Business Beat.

Information

  • Creator
    Howell Area Chamber of Commerce
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    6
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Business Beat Podcast