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. 4d ago

    Midland's Quiet Crisis: Why United Way Needs Our Help w/ Brendy Lange | #104

    What happens when the cost of living keeps rising, but the resources available to help people are shrinking? Brendy Lange joins Logan on Talk Midland to discuss United Way of Midland County's annual fundraising campaign and the growing financial challenges facing families and individuals right here in our community. With a campaign goal of $4.1 million, Brendy explains why United Way's work goes far beyond fundraising. From supporting approximately 25 local nonprofit agencies to helping working individuals and families who struggle to make ends meet, United Way plays an important role in connecting resources with the people who need them. They discuss Midland's ALICE population—people who are employed but financially constrained—along with housing assistance, childcare affordability, declining nonprofit funding, and the importance of preventing a crisis before it happens. Brendy also shares why 100% of the money raised by the local United Way campaign stays in Midland, how matching programs can increase the impact of donations, and why getting involved is about more than writing a check.  Learn more, volunteer, or donate at UnitedWayMidland.org. 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  Keywords Brendy Lange, United Way Midland, United Way of Midland County, Midland Michigan, Midland MI nonprofits, Midland community, Midland fundraising, United Way campaign, Midland volunteer opportunities, ALICE population, Midland housing assistance, Midland families, Community philanthropy, Midland nonprofit organizations, Talk Midland Podcast Chapter Notes 00:00 – Meet Brendy Lange & United Way Brendy introduces the annual community campaign and discusses volunteering alongside his wife. ~02:00 – The $4.1 Million Fundraising Goal Why this year's campaign is focused on reaching more people throughout Midland. ~04:00 – Midland's Quiet Crisis Brendy discusses rising living costs, financial pressure on working families, and shrinking resources for local nonprofits. ~06:00 – Where Does Your United Way Donation Go? Why Brendy says 100% of the money raised stays in Midland and how United Way supports approximately 25 local nonprofit agencies. ~08:00 – Understanding the ALICE Population What it means to be Asset Limited, Income Constrained, and Employed—and why having a job doesn't always mean someone can afford their basic needs. ~10:00 – Housing Assistance & Home to Stay How local organizations support residents struggling with rent and housing instability.  Talk Midland EP 100 Lange Audio.pdf ~12:00 – Why United Way Is Expanding Beyond Corporate Giving The role of retirees, remote workers, individuals, and small businesses in supporting the campaign. ~14:00 – Every Dollar Counts How smaller donations can add up and why Brendy wants more community members involved. ~16:00 – Matching Programs That Multiply Donations How local foundation matching programs can increase contributions during the campaign. ~18:00 – The Impact on Local Nonprofits Why United Way funding can make up a meaningful portion of a nonprofit's operating budget. ~20:00 – Is United Way an Efficient Way to Give? Brendy addresses common misconceptions about administrative expenses and how donations are used. ~22:00 – The Hidden Harvest Example How United Way funding helps organizations work together to address community needs. ~24:00 – How to Volunteer & Get Involved Opportunities for individuals, businesses, and employees to learn about local nonprofit organizations. ~26:00 – Why Brendy Chose to Give Back How his involvement began at Dow and why volunteering became personally meaningful. ~28:00 – Why Prevention Matters How supporting people before they face eviction or another crisis can make a difference. ~30:00+ – Building Midland's Next Generation of Volunteers Leadership development, giving back, and encouraging younger people to get involved. Later in the episode – 2-1-1, LIFT & Getting Help How residents can connect with local resources, plus where to volunteer and donate.

    Midland's Quiet Crisis: Why United Way Needs Our Help w/ Brendy Lange | #104

  2. Oct 13

    Your Everyday Habits Could Be Hurting You w/ Cathy White on Everyday Ergonomics | #103

    Could your everyday routine be putting unnecessary stress on your body without you even realizing it? Cathy White, author of Everyday Ergonomics, joins Logan on Talk Midland to explain how the way we sit, stand, type, lift, and move throughout the day can influence our physical well-being. With 26 years of experience in ergonomics, Cathy shares practical ways to recognize and reduce physical risk factors, why the best position is often your next position, and how common products marketed as “ergonomic” might not be helping the way you think. They also discuss lower back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, workstation setup, weightlifting, lighting, stress, and why prevention matters before discomfort becomes a bigger issue. Cathy shares the personal experiences that inspired her to write Everyday Ergonomics and how readers can use the book to better understand their daily habits. 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 Keywords Cathy White Everyday Ergonomics, Talk Midland Podcast, Midland Michigan, Midland MI, Ergonomics, Workplace Ergonomics, Proper Posture, Lower Back Pain, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Workplace Injury Prevention, Office Ergonomics, Musculoskeletal Disorders, Workplace Wellness, Ergonomic Risk Factors Chapter Notes 00:00 – Meet Cathy White, Author of Everyday Ergonomics Cathy shares her background in industrial engineering, 26 years in ergonomics, and the five-year journey of writing her book. ~02:00 – What Is Ergonomics? Why ergonomics is about fitting tasks to people instead of forcing people to adapt to their work. ~04:00 – Why Your Lower Back May Be Suffering Cathy explains spinal positioning, prolonged sitting, and ways to reduce unnecessary strain. ~06:00 – “The Best Position Is Your Next Position” Why regularly changing positions and incorporating movement into your day matters.  Talk Midland EP 99 Cathy White Audio.pdf ~08:00 – How Often Should You Move During a Long Drive? Movement breaks, small seating adjustments, and managing discomfort during long trips. ~10:00 – The Early Warning Signs Your Body Gives You Stiffness, numbness, tingling, and aching—and why recognizing symptoms early matters. ~12:00 – The Three Physical Risk Factors Understanding posture, force, and repetition and how they interact. ~14:00 – Are You Typing the Wrong Way? Keyboard height, wrist positioning, excessive force, and repetitive computer use. ~16:00 – The Truth About Ergonomic Wrist Rests Why an ergonomic product can sometimes create additional risks when used incorrectly.  Talk Midland EP 99 Cathy White Audio.pdf ~18:00 – Weightlifting, Posture & Personal Limitations Cathy discusses proper lifting techniques, strength training, and adapting movements to individual needs. ~20:00 – How Lighting Affects Your Workday Lighting, glare, eye strain, and other environmental factors that can influence comfort and performance. ~22:00 – Can Stress Affect Your Physical Health? The connection Cathy describes between psychosocial factors and musculoskeletal discomfort. ~24:00 – What Happens During an Ergonomic Evaluation? How an evaluation considers physical, personal, environmental, and psychosocial factors. ~26:00 – Why Stretching Isn't the Whole Solution Why Cathy focuses on changing risk factors, equipment, and work habits rather than relying on stretching alone. ~28:00 – What's Inside Everyday Ergonomics? How the book addresses common activities and introduces assessment tools readers can explore. ~30:00+ – Why This Mission Is Personal to Cathy Her family's experience with carpal tunnel syndrome, protecting quality of life, and maintaining mobility as we age.

    Your Everyday Habits Could Be Hurting You w/ Cathy White on Everyday Ergonomics | #103

  3. Oct 6

    Tough Votes & Midland’s Future w/ Mayor Maureen Donker | #102

    What does the future of Midland look like—and what happens when the decisions needed to get there aren't easy? Mayor Maureen Donker returns to Talk Midland for a conversation with Logan about Midland’s future, major road and infrastructure projects, plans for the Tridge, housing and development, and some of the difficult decisions City Council has faced this year. Mayor Donker also walks through a controversial city-owned property decision, why she ultimately reconsidered her original position after meeting with residents, and how Council balances technical recommendations, taxpayer resources, neighborhood concerns, and the broader needs of the 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  Keywords Mayor Maureen Donkek, Midland Mayor, City of Midland, Midland Michigan, Midland City Council, Midland Michigan government, Midland development, Midland housing, Midland road construction, Midland infrastructure, The Tridge, Midland community, Midland economic development, Midland Michigan news, Talk Midland Podcast Chapter Notes 00:00 – Mayor Maureen Donker Returns to Talk Midland Logan welcomes Mayor Donker back for a conversation about Midland, local government, and the people working behind the scenes for the city. ~03:00 – Could Midland Get Blue Paw Prints? A community question sparks a discussion about an idea for blue paw prints leading toward Northwood—and why even seemingly simple city projects can involve maintenance, road ownership, weather, and taxpayer considerations. ~06:00 – Communication & Serving Midland Residents Mayor Donker talks about responding to residents and why communication is such an important part of her role. ~08:00 – What Does Midland's Future Look Like? Economic sustainability, responsible use of resources, quality of life, and partnerships with organizations throughout Midland.  Talk Midland EP 98 Audio ~11:00 – Why Is There So Much Road Construction? Mayor Donker explains why outside funding and deadlines have contributed to the amount of road work happening around Midland. ~13:30 – There's More Under the Road Than You See Road projects can also mean replacing aging pipes and other infrastructure underneath the pavement rather than having to tear a new road back up later.  Talk Midland EP 98 Audio ~16:00 – What's Happening With the Tridge? Why an assessment is necessary before rebuilding an iconic Midland landmark and why officials need to understand what's happening beneath the structure before construction begins. ~18:30 – A Controversial City-Owned Property Decision Mayor Donker walks through the debate over a city-owned property used by neighborhood residents and the competing considerations involved in deciding whether it should be sold. ~21:00 – The Meeting That Went Until Midnight A packed Council chamber, strong community opinions, and why Council ultimately paused the discussion rather than rushing a decision. ~23:00 – Why Mayor Donker Changed Her Position After meeting directly with neighborhood residents, Mayor Donker explains why she decided to rescind her original motion and reconsider the issue.  Talk Midland EP 98 Audio ~25:00 – “There's Always Two Sides to a Story” Mayor Donker discusses balancing her own perspective with the human and community impact of Council decisions. ~27:00 – The Sturgeon & Saginaw Rezoning Debate A discussion about a requested zoning change, neighborhood concerns, and the different roles of the Planning Commission and City Council. ~29:00 – “Can We?” vs. “Should We?” Mayor Donker explains how a proposal can meet technical requirements while Council still considers whether it makes sense for that specific part of the community.  Talk Midland EP 98 Audio ~30:00+ – Midland's Housing & Development Needs The conversation turns to the former Eastlawn Elementary property, housing demand, development incentives, and the relationship between housing and economic development.

    Tough Votes & Midland’s Future w/ Mayor Maureen Donker | #102

  4. Sep 29

    Taking Therapy Outside: Megan Welke of Forward Therapy and Consulting | #101

    What if counseling didn't always have to happen from a couch? Megan Welke of Forward Therapy and Consulting joins Logan to talk about building her Midland practice, working with couples before relationships reach a breaking point, and the issues she sees couples navigating—from work-life balance and parenting to communication and differing values. Megan also shares why she started taking therapy outside, including walking sessions through Midland City Forest, where clients can move, talk, and practice mindfulness and grounding strategies in real time.  They also talk about Forward Therapy's growing team, its new Saginaw location, and an upcoming mental-health podcast designed to bring useful conversations beyond the therapy room. 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  Keywords Megan Welke, Forward Therapy and Consulting, Midland Michigan, Midland City Forest, Midland counseling, Couples counseling, Marriage counseling, Relationship therapy, Premarital counseling, Walking therapy, Mental health, Work-life balance, Relationship communication, Midland Michigan businesses, Talk Midland Podcast  Chapter Notes 00:00 – Meet Megan Welke & Forward Therapy and Consulting How Megan's practice started, its Midland location, and how Forward Therapy has grown. ~03:00 – How COVID Changed Megan's Career Megan discusses the demand she saw for support during COVID and how it eventually led to her going full-time with her own practice.  ~05:00 – Building a Team of Eight Clinicians From couples and young children to neurodivergent clients and trauma-focused care, Megan explains the different specialties within the practice. ~07:00 – Don't Wait Until Your Relationship Is Falling Apart Why Megan would rather see couples proactively work on their relationships instead of waiting until someone already has “one foot out the door.”  ~09:00 – What Actually Happens in Couples Counseling? Megan walks Logan through what couples can expect when they first come in and why building trust is so important. ~11:00 – Where Did You Learn How to Be in a Relationship? Parents, family members, friends, and childhood experiences can all shape what we believe a relationship should look like. ~13:00 – Struggling in a Relationship Is Normal Megan explains why relationship struggles don't automatically mean it's time to walk away—and why staying curious about your partner matters.  ~15:00 – Work-Life Balance & Relationships Why constantly being connected to work can create tension and resentment at home. ~18:00 – Navigating Major Differences as a Couple Megan discusses how couples can approach deeply held differences by exploring values, listening to each other's perspectives, and understanding that partners don't have to agree on everything. ~20:00 – Premarital Counseling Why conversations about children, parenting, religion, expectations, and other major life decisions can be valuable before getting married.  ~22:30 – What Creates Disconnection in Relationships? Resentment, unresolved conflicts, betrayal, lack of attention, and other issues Megan sees in her work. ~24:00 – The Social Media Relationship Trap How repeated exposure to pop-psychology content can influence the way people interpret their relationships. ~26:00 – Couples Counseling Isn't Magic Both partners have to participate and be willing to work on changing patterns. ~27:30 – The Ripple Effect of Healthier Relationships Megan explains how helping one couple can influence children, families, and ultimately the broader community.  ~28:30 – Therapy in Midland City Forest Why Megan started taking clients outside for walking therapy and what she has observed from combining conversation, movement, and the outdoors. ~30:00+ – What's Next for Forward Therapy A new Saginaw location, telehealth, Forward Therapy's upcoming podcast, and continuing to make counseling easier to access.

    Taking Therapy Outside: Megan Welke of Forward Therapy and Consulting | #101

  5. Sep 22

    102 Years of Helping Midland: Jodi Scorsone & Family and Children’s Services | #100

    What if needing help never had to come down to whether you could afford it?  For more than a century, Family & Children’s Services of Mid-Michigan has been serving our community—but you may not realize just how much they offer. Jodi Scorsone joins Logan to talk about stepping into the Executive Director role, leading a team that includes 13 therapists, and working to make counseling, education, and support services accessible regardless of insurance coverage or ability to pay. They discuss scholarships and sliding-fee options, bringing therapists directly into community locations and schools, Camp Crossroads, support groups, the realities of nonprofit funding, and Jodi’s goal of removing barriers that keep people from getting help.  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  Keywords Jodi Scorsone, Family and Children’s Services of Mid-Michigan, Family and Children’s Services Midland, Midland Michigan, Midland MI nonprofits, Midland counseling services, Counseling services, Mental health support, Affordable counseling, Family counseling, Youth counseling, Camp Crossroads, Midland community resources, Nonprofit organizations, Talk Midland Podcast  Chapter Notes 00:00 – Meet Jodi Scorsone Jodi discusses stepping into the Executive Director role after previously working in fund development. 02:00 – 102 Years of Serving the Community What Family & Children’s Services does and its mission to provide counseling, education, and support to people who need it. 04:00 – Counseling Regardless of Ability to Pay Insurance, scholarships, sliding-fee options, and the organization's commitment to making care financially accessible.  06:30 – Taking Therapy Into the Community Why therapists are providing services at locations including West Midland Family Center, Greater Midland Community Center, and Coleman Family Center. 09:00 – 13 Therapists & Same-Day Availability Jodi discusses the organization's growing team and its ability to connect people with care quickly.  11:00 – When Insurance Still Isn’t Enough How high deductibles can create a financial barrier even for people who have insurance. 13:30 – Finding the Right Counselor The different specialties available and how clients can learn about therapists before scheduling. 15:30 – How a Nonprofit Pays for Accessible Care Insurance revenue, local foundations, United Way, grants, and community support. 18:00 – Helping More Than 1,000 People Jodi discusses the range of circumstances their therapists encounter and the impact counseling can have on individuals and families.  20:00 – Counseling Inside Midland Schools How Family & Children’s Services works with schools to make counselors available to students. 22:00 – Camp Crossroads How the summer program helps middle- and high-school-age students continue receiving support when school isn't in session. 24:00 – Supporting the Therapists Jodi discusses the emotional demands on therapists seeing multiple clients each day and the importance of preventing burnout. 26:00 – Support Groups & Meeting People Where They Are Support groups, potential library programming, and Jodi’s push to remove barriers by taking services into familiar community spaces.  28:00 – The Future of Family & Children’s Services Jodi's goal to help more people, hire more therapists, strengthen partnerships, and adapt to changing nonprofit funding. 30:00+ – Funding, Donors & Measuring Community Impact The changing grant environment, building an individual donor base, tracking client outcomes, and the annual fundraising gala.

    102 Years of Helping Midland: Jodi Scorsone & Family and Children’s Services | #100

  6. Sep 15

    Ladders, Lights & Leadership: The Shine Midland Story | #99

    Logan Richetti sits down with Mark Haskin, the owner of Shine Window Cleaning in Midland, Michigan. What started as a six-month job turned into a 13-year journey through startup chaos, franchise expansion, and building a high-trust team of 15. Mark shares how he went from cleaning windows as a technician in Grand Rapids to becoming the owner-operator of one of the top-performing Shine franchises in the country—serving big clients like Soaring Eagle Casino and CMU. You'll hear how he scaled from zero customers to a 10-truck operation, mastered logistics and safety, and learned to get out of his own way to grow the business.  Whether you're an entrepreneur, team builder, or just love a good small-town success story, this episode is packed with lessons on growth, grit, and getting things Shine clean. 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  Keywords Mark Haskin, Shine Midland, Shine Window Cleaning, Midland Michigan, Midland MI businesses, Midland small business, Window cleaning, Professional window cleaning, Pressure washing, Holiday lighting, Small business owner, Entrepreneurship, Franchise business, Customer service, Talk Midland Podcast  Chapter Notes 00:00 – Meet Mark Haskin & Shine Mark introduces Shine and its window cleaning, pressure washing, holiday lighting, and outdoor lighting services. He shares how he went from technician to owning the Midland operation.  03:00 – A Six-Month Job That Turned Into a Career What was supposed to be a short-term job became nearly 13 years with Shine—and eventually business ownership. 05:00 – The Reality of Professional Window Cleaning Mark explains the safety, insurance, OSHA compliance, equipment, training, and problem-solving required to do the job professionally.  07:30 – Bringing the Shine Franchise to Midland How Mark and his in-laws became early franchise owners and helped establish Shine in Midland. 10:00 – Watching Shine Become a National Brand Mark reflects on being there during the company's early franchising days and watching it expand into a national operation.  12:00 – Building a Customer Base From Zero Door knocking, family connections, and the support of the Midland community helped get the new business off the ground. 14:00 – Why Midland Supports Small Businesses Mark shares his perspective as someone who wasn't originally from Midland but chose to make it home—and why he believes the community wants local entrepreneurs to succeed.  16:30 – “I Was My Own Bottleneck” As the company grew, Mark realized he couldn't continue doing everything himself. One of his biggest lessons was recognizing where other people could do the job better. 18:30 – Hiring Someone Better Than You Mark admits sales wasn't his strength and explains why hiring the right person for that role helped the business grow. 20:00 – The Pursuit of Excellence A look at one of Shine's core values and why educating customers and delivering excellent service are central to the company.  22:00 – Midland's Customer Service Recognition Mark shares why being recognized for customer service across Shine locations nationwide is one of the accomplishments he's most proud of.  24:00 – 15 Employees, 10 Trucks & Business Overhead What it really takes behind the scenes to keep a service business running—from payroll and vehicles to recurring customers and commercial accounts. 26:00 – Growing Into Major Projects Mark talks about larger accounts, including work at Soaring Eagle and CMU, and why a business has to be prepared before a big opportunity arrives.  28:00 – How Professional Window Cleaning Actually Works Purified water, squeegees, specialized tools, screen-cleaning equipment, and the techniques Shine uses to get consistent results.  30:00+ – Training, Leadership & Efficiency Mark explains why he tells new technicians to treat window cleaning like an art—and how crew leaders organize their teams to deliver a consistent result efficiently.

    Ladders, Lights & Leadership: The Shine Midland Story | #99

  7. Sep 8

    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

  8. 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
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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
    104
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 TALK MIDLAND w/ Logan Richetti
  • Show Website
    TALK MIDLAND w/ Logan Richetti

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