March 2019 Issue

Dynamic Duos: Local business owners lean on their key advisors

By Ross Boissoneau

As a business owner, processing payroll and expenses can be challenging. Add determining when and how to finance things like expansion and major purchases, and follow that up with the yearly changes in tax laws, and it’s clear that unless you’re an expert or have plenty of time to become one, it’s beneficial to have an outside accountant or firm on your side. For that reason, many include their accountant as a key member of their team.

Rich Brauer, filmmaker and Dan Hofstra, CPA

Filmmaker Rich Brauer says he wouldn’t even be in business if it weren't for Dan Hofstra, …

The Business of Sleep: Rise of sleep disorders sparks new treatments, technology

By Molly Korroch

Dr. Martha Frankowski in the Munson Sleep Disorders Center.

Dr. Martha Frankowski's prescription is simple: “Sleep, sex, or sickness,” says the Traverse City physician who is board certified in both neurology and sleep medicine and works at the Munson Sleep Disorders Center. "If you’re not doing one of those things, you don’t belong lying in bed."

Sleep medicine is on the rise in both the United States and in northwest Michigan. Between 2005 and 2016, …

Leadership in Turbulent Times

By Chris Wendel

By Doris Kearns Goodwin

Published by Simon & Schuster, Sept. 18, 2018, 473 pages, hard cover - $30

Reviewed by Chris Wendel

In a nutshell: To determine the makeup of a strong leader, writer Doris Kearns Goodwin delves into the lives of presidents Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin Roosevelt and Lyndon Johnson.

Who is it for? General audiences, those interested in American history.

Author quote: “Good leadership requires you to surround yourself with people of …

Wealthy in TC: Privacy worth its weight in gold

By Rick Haglund

The rich aren’t so different from the rest of us. They’re just more obsessed with privacy and time management.

That’s the picture local business owners paint of their wealthy customers and clients, who are largely business owners, professionals and retirees. Very few are trust fund babies who spend their days sailing on the bay or skiing at area resorts.

“Trust is number one when it comes to privacy,” said Eric Braund, founder and chief financial …

Angel Food: Northern Michigan Angels eyes new investments, membership growth

Northern Michigan Angels (NMA) is driving Traverse City’s evolution as an epicenter for technology, innovation and entrepreneurship.

The angel investing group formed in 2012, with the mission of helping to “grow the economic base of the northern Michigan region through investment in scalable early stage companies, and to provide members …

By Craig Manning

'Worth It to Me': Gig employers provide income stream for those seeking flexibility

Bryan Boettcher was about to upgrade his 2001 Saturn sedan when he found out his job was getting downsized. “Immediately, I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, I’m going to be making this purchase. Am I going to be okay?’” Boettcher said.

But the father of two decided that the 2012 …

By Todd VanSickle

A New Leaf: Local senior living facilities rebrand, set sights on improved hospitality

Two senior living facilities in Traverse City are turning the page on a fresh start.

The properties, owned by local real estate developer Bill Clous, have operated for the past five years as Traverse Victorian Senior Living and Water’s Edge Senior Care, respectively. Clous still owns the properties, but management …

By Craig Manning

Old Dog, New Tricks: How buzzy cryptocurrency technology is changing the game for finance

Is blockchain poised to change the world of banking and finance?

According to most industry experts, the answer is yes – but with a caveat. In all likelihood, blockchain technology will eventually bring huge changes to the banking industry. How long it takes to reach that eventuality, though, is …

By Craig Manning

Blast Off: How northern Michigan is launching as an aerospace contender

Satellites, spaceports, and heat-treated aircraft parts: these are a few elements of Traverse City’s growing aerospace industry.

Up until a couple years ago, no one would have mentioned “Traverse City” and “space technology” in the same breath. Now, northern Michigan is a growing epicenter for activity, innovation, manufacturing and talent …

By Craig Manning

Alternatives to Opioids: New innovations in pain management

By Mary Bevans Gillett

Traverse City's narrative is changing; here's how to deepen our market advantage

Three years ago, as I became more engaged in local economic development, I learned that the Center for Automotive Research (CAR) was hosting its annual conference at the Grand Traverse Resort. The conference, held in Traverse City for more than 50 years, draws hundreds of automotive industry leaders from around …

By Casey Cowell

The Times They are A-Changin'

There are few constants in life as certain as change. While it can generate anxiety and fear, it can also bring excitement and fresh approaches to challenges and opportunities.

Change has begun for northwest Michigan and will continue in 2019. The change process is already underway for new leadership at …

By Doug Luciani

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