Connect with Brandon:

Website: https://olderaleighdistillery.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonmccraney/

Instagram: @brandonmccraney and @olderaleighdistillery

Read Alyshia's USA Today article here.

Connect with Alyshia:

• Website: alyshiahull.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyshia-hull-a35b56a1/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alyshiahull/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@alyshiaHull

From our changing representation in the media to female stars taking over the world (looking at you Taylor), we're talking about the power of women and the power of female rage.

If you want to read more, make sure to check out our blog.

That's what this episode is all about. 

We are currently facing a growing caregiver crisis - with more and more families filling this crucial role amid a shortage of people to do that work. 

Sarah Milanowski, with LifeCircles PACE, joins Maddie to talk about what they are seeing on the front lines, why it's happening and what we can all do about it. 

Lauren gives advice to PR pros on how they can best grab the attention of a TV journalist. They also discuss the importance of relationships when dealing with reporters. 

Well, lucky for you, the 8THIRTYFOUR team sat down to chat about all things social media trends, our favorites, plus some random tangents along the way. If you're looking for more social media insights & tips, check out these blogs:

• 2023 Social Media Trends
• Social Media Design Trends
• Creating a Social Style Guide
• 2023 Social Media Image Sizes
• 7 Tips for Setting Up a Social Media Campaign
• How to Conduct a Social Media Audit

Kelsey lays it out for you, but if you're looking for more details you should check out our blog "7 Tips for Setting Up a Social Media Campaign." Seriously. Go read it.

Kim Bode's been prepping for almost 20 years, and her track record speaks for itself. She's outlasted chaos, recessions, algorithm changes, toxic clients, and whatever else got thrown at her. 

How? By staying authentic. Listen to hear exactly how she navigated this mess—and how you can stay ahead when things go south.

To help, we brought in an expert.

Lisa Cooper of Cooper People Group joined Kim and Maddie to discuss ESTA and what small business owners need to do NOW to comply. Lisa also provides some incredible resources for those who need help getting compliant before the deadline.

The workplace wasn't ruined by women; it was built with competition, ego, and protection of the incompetent, and it's finally collapsing under its own weight.

In our latest episode, Kim talks about the systems that were designed to keep women out, the men who broke them, and the ones who stay quiet because comfort matters more than courage.

Give it a listen and tell us your personal Creston highlights. And of course, check out our blog.

Ahead of Small Business Saturday, we talked to two small business owners here in Michigan (who happen to also be our incredible clients).

Amy Sparks, president of Goldie, and Kelly Stroburg, publisher of nearlywed, share their stories of how they got started, and what it's like to be a small business owner. 

Connect with Rachael on LinkedIn.

Learn more about Confidence Beyond Hair Studio

Jenny Lashuay is the founder of BattleGR and BGR Event Center. She saw a need for experience-based fun and filled it. What started as an idea has grown into an indoor venue, a mobile party crew, and a full-on event center.

Maddie talks to her about what inspired her to start her business, what's creating momentum for her right now, and what comes next.

In this episode, Kim and Fiona talk about what those first few months of working for yourself actually look like and how she's learned to say no. 

They dig into the moment she realized it was actually working, how LinkedIn became a key business tool, and what she'd tell someone thinking about going out on their own.

If you've ever wondered what it takes, this conversation is for you.

We brought in Jennifer Maxson, of Jennifer Maxson & Associates, to talk about strategies to approach different generations, the differences she's seen in her training, and what we all have in common.

 Jen, Kim and Maddie talk about some of the startling statistics behind the issue, how people with disabilities are currently treated as they look to enter the work force, and how Special Olympics Michigan is hoping to change things with its new Unified Sports & Inclusion Center.

Listen in as Kim and Amy discuss what makes EOS different and why they recommend it (plus, tips from 8THIRTYFOUR's own journey using EOS). 

In part one of their conversation, Jen dives into her journey as a parent of a child with a cognitive disability, and how the systems built to accommodate those with intellectual disabilities need to do a hell of a lot better. 

Listen in as Kim gives her take on what culture means to a small business and how to do it right. For more of our stellar opinions, check out our blogs. 

She started out studying fish disease and turned that into a successful career of early mornings at the donut shop and late-night baking. Over time, she built a team strong enough to keep the business running smoothly, even when she needed to step away to care for her dad in the hospital.

They get into the unglamorous side of small business ownership, the unseen labor and the pressure to keep growing when growing isn't always the answer. They also talk about what it takes to build something worth selling.

Monica sold her award-winning business to someone who had dreamed of owning it, and she did it on her terms.

Want to know what she's doing next? Well, it's none of your business.

Maddie is joined by Charlsie Dewey, Digital Director at WOOD TV8, to break down what AI summaries mean for visibility, clicks, and keeping local journalism accurate in an AI-first world.

They also get into how WOOD TV8 is using AI behind the scenes and what the shift to streaming tells us about where local news is headed.

If you want more recommendations, check out our blog on the Best Grand Rapids Dive Bars.

Interested in reading the blogs behind the opinions? Check them out here.

That's exactly what Mark Peters, CEO of Butterball Farms, did when he established The SOURCE 20 years ago in Grand Rapids. Kim got the chance to sit down with Mark to talk about the nonprofit, which began as a manufacturer's solution to childcare challenges affecting workplace productivity. It has since evolved into a comprehensive support system connecting community organizations, government resources, and private businesses.

You can read more about the creation of the nonprofit in Mark's book The SOURCE.

You can also check out The Retention Trap, which challenges leaders of small and mid-sized businesses to break free from a cycle that prioritizes costly wages and benefits without addressing the deeper issues that lead to employee turnover. 

The digital team at 8THIRTYFOUR walks through the latest in the Digital Marketing space. 

Maddie and Ashley sit down to talk about planning for 2025 (hopefully you already got started). They discuss the dos and don'ts of keeping everyone on track and why project management systems can be key to success. 

And, as we promised, you can find some PR blogs below:

• Back to Basics: Authenticity in Pitching
• Our PR Lifelines (Must-Haves)
• PR Professionals Need to Demand More
• The Rise of Affiliate Marketing

Emma sits down with Rowan, one of 8THIRTYFOUR's Account Managers and Knower of All Things, to discuss the basics of SEO... and a little bit more. From site ranking to keywords, we're covering all the bases.

If you're still looking for more SEO knowledge after this episode, check out some of our blogs & recommended resources:

• SEO Doesn't Happen Overnight
• SEO for Dummies
• Beginner's Guide to SEO
• Moz SEO Guides
• Moz Whiteboard Friday

   

They are comfort homes where military and Veterans' families can stay at no cost while a loved one is receiving treatment - saving them thousands of dollars and allowing them to be close. 

Maddie visited Kate Melcher, Executive Director of Fisher House Michigan, and a veteran herself, to talk about the importance and impact of these homes, which have saved military and veterans' families an estimated $650 million in out-of-pocket costs for lodging and transportation.

You know what to do. Grab some iced red wine and get ready to listen to some pretty badass advice.

If you love this episode and want more of our insights on why resolutions aren't the move, check out our blog.

She and her business partner built Know Honesty around what they saw missing in workplaces everywhere: real communication. At the heart of their work are two simple but very different skills, being open and being honest, and Grace has spent years coaching leaders, managers, and entrepreneurs on how to practice both.

Grace and Maddie get into why so many workplace conversations go sideways even when everyone thinks they're being reasonable, what leaders are actually missing when they say they want honesty, and the conversations most teams are avoiding that they really can't afford to.

We've written about it before, but there is still a lot at stake.

That's why Kim brought in Kelli Saunders, Vice President of Policy and Engagement for the Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM). They are one of several groups across the country fighting to put an end to the CTA. Kim and Kelli touch on what the law means for small businesses, why it's so detrimental and what we all can do to help.

They covered what it's really like to run a growing marketing agency, the lessons she's picked up across more than 20 years in the industry, and how marketing can be used to solve real business challenges. Rebecca also shares what drives her as a self-proclaimed marketing nerd and yes, the RED in RED66 comes from her bold hair, and the 66? Her jersey number when she became the first girl to play football at age 8.

Connect with Rebecca on LinkedIn.

Learn more about RED66 Marketing.

We're back with another cohort spotlight from the Women's Entrepreneurial Fellowship. Maddie sat down with Lindsey Potter, Owner/Director of Bright Light Early Care & Education in Battle Creek, where she's on a mission to redesign child care as we know it.

They covered what it's really like to run a licensed child care center day-to-day, the lessons she's picked up across 20+ years in early childhood education, and how she's building something better for kids, families, and the future of the industry. Lindsey also shares what drives her passion for this work and why early care and education is long overdue for a reimagining.

Connect with Lindsey on LinkedIn.

Learn more about Bright Light Early Care & Education.

They talked about what it's actually like to run a foundry, what she's most proud of, the biggest lessons she's learned as a business owner, and what's next for her and her team.

Connect with Caitlin on LinkedIn. 

Learn more about Marcellus Metalcasters.

They covered what it's really like to be in the chocolate business, what she's most proud of, the lessons she's picked up along the way, and what's coming up for her and her team. Plus, if you haven't heard about the sugar bear, you'll need to watch this video now.

Connect with Jody on LinkedIn.

Learn more about Grocer's Daughter Chocolate.

Mary Barton is the founder of Equitable Accounting Solutions, a Detroit-based firm dedicated to serving women- and minority-owned businesses. She's a Forbes Best-In-State CPA, an Enterprising Women Champion, and she sits on multiple boards creating pathways into accounting for underrepresented groups.

Maddie talks to her about building a business with equity at its core, what she's learned over 20 years in the industry, and how she's using her expertise to level the playing field for small business owners.

Kirbay Preuss is the 3rd-generation owner of Preuss Pets, one of the nation's largest full-line pet stores. She's a fierce advocate for animals, she's on the board for one of the most prestigious groups in her industry, and she's been featured by Stephen Colbert...twice. 

Maddie talks to her about what it's like running a family business, what she's learned over the years, and what's coming next. 

In this episode, Kim talks with Nathan Baar, founder of HealthBar, licensed nurse, and entrepreneur who's reimagining how small businesses approach healthcare. Nate's built a model that can help reduce your healthcare costs while actually giving your employees the kind of care where they know their doctor's name. Remember when that was a thing?

We get into why our healthcare system is such a mess, how to navigate multi-state employees without losing your mind, and what it actually means to have concierge-level care that doesn't cost a fortune. This isn't insurance, it's something different, and if you're a small business owner struggling to compete for talent while keeping costs down, you need to hear this.

There is hope, there is work being done, and you have more options than you think.

Learn more at HealthBar's website or connect with Nate on LinkedIn. And check out 'Health'Care 2026, his conference coming to Grand Rapids this April for anyone trying to figure this stuff out.

She co-founded Wolverine Pickleball when the sport was just starting to be on the rise, and through grit, persistence, and a lot of hustle, she's built it into a world-class facility and a true place people want to be.

In this episode, Maddie and Christy talk about what it took to get here, the roadblocks along the way, and why community has always been at the heart of what she's building.

In this episode, Kelli Saunders from the Small Business Association of Michigan joins Maddie to talk about two proposals they are fighting to keep off the ballot and why small business owners should be engaged now.

Maddie sits down with Josh Mosey from Kent District Library to talk about his approach to having fun with social media, when NOT to post, and books... because we love books. 

Hannah and Maddie talk about agency life, how she comes up with designs, and the next big thing in the industry.

Maddie sat down with Jenna Brooks, a freelancer and Graphic Design BA from Calvin University, to talk about how she manages those relationships, her client's expectations and what advice she has for anybody who wants to work with a freelancer in the future. 

Maddie and Alayna are once again joined by Lauren Kummer, a reporter and anchor at FOX 17, to talk about how her station and other local reporters are working through the changing social media landscape, building relationships with viewers, and much more.

Kim and Maddie talk about what it takes to manage a crisis, who's done it well and the importance of making a plan.

Dr. Dominique Pritchett, a nationally recognized mental wellness strategist and keynote speaker at this year's Inforum Capstone Dinner, joined us to talk about how to break the cycle. 

Kim talks with Sue Tellier, the CEO of JetCo Federal, about how the looming shutdown is already impacting small businesses and what we can do about it.

Hear what these Grand Rapids influencers had to say about their red and green flags, and where they think the influencer marketing industry is headed.

We sat down with Aly Zuiderveen and Chelsea Sinke, known by their usernames @helloalymay and @mygrandrapidslife, for a look behind the curtains.

Hear what they had to say about what marketers are doing right, what they're doing wrong, and much more in Part 1 of our deep dive into Influencer Marketing.

Need some reading material on the subject? We've got that covered too:

• The Evolution of Crisis Communications
• Presidential PR Blunders
• Brands Behaving Badly
• Earning Trust Back After Your Brand F*cks Up

Want more 8THIRTYFOUR? Check out our blogs. You know you want to.

And for those who have listened and are interested, mountain dews baby! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-1D_MJzsNU 

To read our blog, visit https://8thirtyfour.com/2022/02/11/this-week-in-media-2-22/ 

For more information and contact info, visit https://www.kategermano.com/

For more information, visit https://k-connect.org/. 

Episode Notes: https://www.fastsigns.com/

When you're done listening, check out our blog for more information.