Entrepreneur Like Me Podcast

CMURC - Courtney Garrett

The ELM podcast is a platform dedicated to showcasing the journeys of entrepreneurs. We dive deep into what it means to be an entrepreneur, the obstacles faced along the way, and the grit and grind required to succeed. Each episode aims to inspire and educate our listeners about the diverse experiences within the entrepreneurial community.

  1. 4d ago

    How Scrubbydubs Built A Process-Driven Cleaning Service In Midland

    Send us Fan Mail Building a Business That Gives People Time Back What does it take to grow a service business from an idea into a company people trust? In this episode of Entrepreneur Like Me, I sit down with Lisa Mayo and Ashley LaVigne, co-founders of Scrubbydubs Cleaning Service, LLC, to discuss building a business founded on systems, exceptional customer service, and a culture that empowers both employees and clients. In this episode, we discuss:  Making the leap from corporate careers to entrepreneurship  The pivot that transformed their business model  Building a team through culture, accountability, and leadership  Using technology and AI to improve the customer experience  Why they believe they're not just cleaning homes—they're giving people their time back Whether you're growing a service business or just starting your entrepreneurial journey, this conversation is full of practical lessons and real-world insights. Sponsored by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) – Make it in Michigan with the support of a robust partner network designed to help entrepreneurs succeed. Learn more at michiganbusiness.org. Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the ELM Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode be sure to subscribe for more inspiring conversations with entrepreneurs and business leaders. Connect with us: Follow us on Instagram: @cmuresearchcorpVisit our website: www.cmurc.com/elmDon't forget to leave us a review and share this episode with your friends. Stay tuned for our next episode where we continue to explore the journeys of extraordinary individuals in the world of business and innovation. Until next time, keep exploring, learning, and making an impact!

    How Scrubbydubs Built A Process-Driven Cleaning Service In Midland
  2. Jul 17

    Can a Party Grow a City? | The Story Behind Downtown Saginaw's Friday Night Live

    Send us Fan Mail What does it really take to build a thriving downtown? In this episode of Entrepreneur Like Me, Courtney Garrett sits down with Ann Marie Batkoski-Sullivan, Executive Director of Positive Results Downtown Saginaw (PRIDE), to explore how community development and economic development go hand in hand. From organizing the beloved Friday Night Live concert series to leading a volunteer-powered nonprofit, Ann Marie shares what it takes to create a downtown people want to visit, invest in, and call home. You'll hear about her leadership journey—from construction project management to workforce development and now downtown revitalization—and why relationships, partnerships, and showing up for your community are the foundation of lasting impact. Courtney and Ann Marie also discuss:  The behind-the-scenes work of producing Friday Night Live and other downtown events  How volunteers, sponsors, and community partners make free events possible  Why a vibrant downtown is essential for entrepreneurs and small businesses  The misconceptions people have about Downtown Saginaw  How creating memorable experiences helps transform the narrative of a community Whether you're an entrepreneur, community leader, volunteer, or someone who simply wants to see their hometown thrive, this conversation is a reminder that meaningful change starts with people willing to show up. Listen now and discover why building a stronger community may be the best investment we can make. Sponsored by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) – Make it in Michigan with the support of a robust partner network designed to help entrepreneurs succeed. Learn more at michiganbusiness.org. Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the ELM Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode be sure to subscribe for more inspiring conversations with entrepreneurs and business leaders. Connect with us: Follow us on Instagram: @cmuresearchcorpVisit our website: www.cmurc.com/elmDon't forget to leave us a review and share this episode with your friends. Stay tuned for our next episode where we continue to explore the journeys of extraordinary individuals in the world of business and innovation. Until next time, keep exploring, learning, and making an impact!

    Can a Party Grow a City? | The Story Behind Downtown Saginaw's Friday Night Live
  3. Jul 1

    From Cleaning Homes to Changing the Industry with Carrie Everett, Founder of Safiee

    Send us Fan Mail Episode Title: From Cleaning Homes to Changing the Industry with Carrie Everett, Founder of Safiee What happens when an everyday challenge turns into a groundbreaking innovation? In this episode of Entrepreneur Like ME, Courtney Garrett sits down with Carrie Everett, founder and inventor of Safiee—a first-of-its-kind cleaning product created from years of hands-on experience as a professional house cleaner. Carrie's journey is anything but ordinary. Without a formal business education, she transformed an idea born on the job into a patent-pending product, navigating trademarks, manufacturing, and product development with determination and the support of Michigan's entrepreneurial ecosystem. Along the way, she was recognized as the 2025 Innovator of the Year by the Midland Business Alliance. But this conversation goes beyond entrepreneurship. Carrie opens up about motherhood, recovery, resilience, and the courage to believe in herself when the odds seemed stacked against her. Her story is a powerful reminder that innovation can come from everyday experiences—and that your past doesn't define your future. Whether you're an entrepreneur, inventor, dreamer, or someone waiting for the right time to take the first step, this episode will leave you inspired to trust your ideas and keep moving forward. In this episode, you'll hear: How Safiee was inspired by a real-world problemThe journey from cleaning homes to becoming an award-winning inventorLessons learned while navigating patents, trademarks, and manufacturingThe power of community resources and asking for helpWhy resilience may be an entrepreneur's greatest superpowerConnect with Carrie Everett 🌐 www.safiee.com If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs a reminder that big dreams often begin with one simple idea. Sponsored by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) – Make it in Michigan with the support of a robust partner network designed to help entrepreneurs succeed. Learn more at michiganbusiness.org. Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the ELM Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode be sure to subscribe for more inspiring conversations with entrepreneurs and business leaders. Connect with us: Follow us on Instagram: @cmuresearchcorpVisit our website: www.cmurc.com/elmDon't forget to leave us a review and share this episode with your friends. Stay tuned for our next episode where we continue to explore the journeys of extraordinary individuals in the world of business and innovation. Until next time, keep exploring, learning, and making an impact!

    From Cleaning Homes to Changing the Industry with Carrie Everett, Founder of Safiee
  4. Mar 27

    Networking Done Right with Tyler Harlan - The Power Link

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Entrepreneur Like Me Podcast, Courtney sits down with Tyler Harlan, insurance agent and member of The Power Link, to talk about one of the most valuable tools an entrepreneur can have—relationships. Tyler shares why networking is about much more than exchanging business cards. It's about building trust, creating meaningful connections, and surrounding yourself with people who genuinely want to see your business succeed. In this episode, we discuss:  What "Networking Done Right" really means  How referral-based relationships help businesses grow  Common networking mistakes entrepreneurs make  Why protecting your business with the right insurance matters  The value of community when building a business Whether you're launching a new business or looking to grow your network, this episode is full of practical advice that reminds us success isn't built alone. Sponsored by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) – Make it in Michigan with the support of a robust partner network designed to help entrepreneurs succeed. Learn more at michiganbusiness.org. Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the ELM Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode be sure to subscribe for more inspiring conversations with entrepreneurs and business leaders. Connect with us: Follow us on Instagram: @cmuresearchcorpVisit our website: www.cmurc.com/elmDon't forget to leave us a review and share this episode with your friends. Stay tuned for our next episode where we continue to explore the journeys of extraordinary individuals in the world of business and innovation. Until next time, keep exploring, learning, and making an impact!

    Networking Done Right with Tyler Harlan - The Power Link
  5. Mar 16

    The Power of Curiosity with Ann Sigsby - AIM Targeted Intelligence

    Send us Fan Mail Season 3, Episode 4: Ann Sigsby – Curiosity, Connection & Supporting Small Business In this episode of the Entrepreneur Like Me Podcast, Courtney sits down with Ann Sigsby, a lifelong learner, connector, and champion for small businesses. With a background that spans animal agriculture, entrepreneurship in holistic wellness, and 25 years as a Senior Analyst with AIM Targeted Intelligence, Ann shares how curiosity, data, and relationships help entrepreneurs make smarter decisions. This conversation dives into the power of supporting small businesses, trusting both instinct and insight, and why careers don’t always follow a straight line. Sponsored by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) – Make it in Michigan with the support of a robust partner network designed to help entrepreneurs succeed. Learn more at michiganbusiness.org. Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the ELM Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode be sure to subscribe for more inspiring conversations with entrepreneurs and business leaders. Connect with us: Follow us on Instagram: @cmuresearchcorpVisit our website: www.cmurc.com/elmDon't forget to leave us a review and share this episode with your friends. Stay tuned for our next episode where we continue to explore the journeys of extraordinary individuals in the world of business and innovation. Until next time, keep exploring, learning, and making an impact!

    The Power of Curiosity with Ann Sigsby - AIM Targeted Intelligence
  6. Feb 19

    Leading Beyond the Bottom Line with Kelsey Snyder - LEAD

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Entrepreneur Like Me Podcast, Courtney sits down with Kelsey Snyder, Executive Director of Lead, to talk about leadership, technology, and building systems that create real community impact. After 12 years working in the tech industry and moving forward with leading a global team, Kelsey felt called to step into work that created a more direct impact in her own community. That calling led her to Lead, where she helped launch the Lead Within online platform and build the infrastructure that now supports youth and families across Michigan. If you care about community, growth, and building something that lasts — this episode is for you. Sponsored by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) – Make it in Michigan with the support of a robust partner network designed to help entrepreneurs succeed. Learn more at michiganbusiness.org. Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the ELM Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode be sure to subscribe for more inspiring conversations with entrepreneurs and business leaders. Connect with us: Follow us on Instagram: @cmuresearchcorpVisit our website: www.cmurc.com/elmDon't forget to leave us a review and share this episode with your friends. Stay tuned for our next episode where we continue to explore the journeys of extraordinary individuals in the world of business and innovation. Until next time, keep exploring, learning, and making an impact!

    Leading Beyond the Bottom Line with Kelsey Snyder - LEAD
  7. Feb 5

    Using Your Voice to Make a Difference with Angie Evans - Black Diamond Broadcasting

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Entrepreneur Like Me Podcast, Courtney sits down with Angie Evans, a familiar voice on 95.3 CFX and a true connector in the Mount Pleasant community. Angie shares her journey from Detroit radio to building a life and platform rooted in local impact. From broadcasting and integrated marketing to deep nonprofit involvement, this conversation explores how using your voice with intention can uplift businesses, strengthen communities, and create meaningful change. We talk about: The evolution from being “on the mic” to being a community advocateHelping local businesses tell their stories through radio and marketingThe power of showing up consistently for people and causesBalancing leadership, service, and familyThis episode is a reminder that impact doesn’t always come from a title — sometimes it comes from simply using your voice to serve. Sponsored by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) – Make it in Michigan with the support of a robust partner network designed to help entrepreneurs succeed. Learn more at michiganbusiness.org. Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the ELM Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode be sure to subscribe for more inspiring conversations with entrepreneurs and business leaders. Connect with us: Follow us on Instagram: @cmuresearchcorpVisit our website: www.cmurc.com/elmDon't forget to leave us a review and share this episode with your friends. Stay tuned for our next episode where we continue to explore the journeys of extraordinary individuals in the world of business and innovation. Until next time, keep exploring, learning, and making an impact!

    Using Your Voice to Make a Difference with Angie Evans - Black Diamond Broadcasting
  8. Jan 21

    Leading with Purpose: Why Relationships Still Matter with Eugene Seals Jr. - Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce

    Send us Fan Mail Season 3 Premiere: Eugene Seals Jr. – Leadership, Partnership & The Power of the Chamber Season 3 of the Entrepreneur Like Me Podcast kicks off with a heavy hitter. Courtney sits down with Eugene Seals Jr., President & CEO of the Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce, for a powerful conversation about leadership, connection, and community impact. In this episode, Eugene shares his vision and strategic plan for the Chamber, why networking and partnerships are essential to a thriving business ecosystem, and how the Chamber is redefining what it means to show up for businesses across the region. We also dive into the Chamber’s bold message “The Experience is the Difference” and what that means for entrepreneurs, employers, and community leaders looking to grow with intention. If you care about economic growth, collaboration, and building something bigger than yourself, this conversation sets the tone for all of Season 3. Sponsored by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) – Make it in Michigan with the support of a robust partner network designed to help entrepreneurs succeed. Learn more at michiganbusiness.org. Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the ELM Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode be sure to subscribe for more inspiring conversations with entrepreneurs and business leaders. Connect with us: Follow us on Instagram: @cmuresearchcorpVisit our website: www.cmurc.com/elmDon't forget to leave us a review and share this episode with your friends. Stay tuned for our next episode where we continue to explore the journeys of extraordinary individuals in the world of business and innovation. Until next time, keep exploring, learning, and making an impact!

    Leading with Purpose: Why Relationships Still Matter with Eugene Seals Jr. - Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

The ELM podcast is a platform dedicated to showcasing the journeys of entrepreneurs. We dive deep into what it means to be an entrepreneur, the obstacles faced along the way, and the grit and grind required to succeed. Each episode aims to inspire and educate our listeners about the diverse experiences within the entrepreneurial community.