There's been a lot of discussion about the fates and fashions of young African American males. For Edmund Lewis, however, the topic has been his life focus. Only 27 years old, he has found a way to connect a masters degreee in social work, a fashion consulting business, and his mentorship non-profit, Minority Males for Higher Education, into an impressive campaign for change.
In 30 short years Scott Brills has visited 70 countries, launched a website development firm, raised funds for international charities, and is now launching a safari company. And he's doing it all from his home base in Farmington Hills. Still think you lead a busy life?
Inspired by the gathering places of early 20th century writers and poets in Russia, Lori Slager and two friends set out to make a coffee shop in Grand Rapids where they'd want to hangout. Now, The Sparrows is the gathering space for neighbors and has been a catalyst for more neighborhood growth.
While neighboring businesses suffered during the economic decline, Lansing's live entertainment bar, the Green Door didn't just survive; it grew. By never wavering in their commitment to the community while evolving their entertainment to reach new audiences, the Green Door has built a reputation as one of Lansing's best hangouts.
How many places do you have? If you're not sure, here's a recommendation: three. In this special report, we'll discover small businesses throughout Michigan that serve as "third places" for their communities, and are growing because of it.
Michigan is home to an impressive list of inventions and innovations, but few would give a shout out to Modern design. Cranbrook, the state's Historic Preservation Office, and Preserve America would like to change that. This week launches an effort to raise awareness about the Mitten's profound contributions to American Modernism.
Hans Hegge was into texting before anyone knew the meaning of "LOL." It's hard to believe but six years ago text message technology was an open frontier. And Hegge's Text Ripple was an early pioneer. Today the Auburn Hills-based text marketing company has clients in 38 states and big plans for the next tech innovation.
If there's a canary in the coalmine for downtown vibrancy, it's a thriving grocery store. Lafayette Market and Cafe in downtown Pontiac opened its doors at the end of 2012 and is reaching beyond the loft-dwellers that live above to connect with the surrounding community.
Sometimes it seems historic preservation and economic development are at odds with one another, but innovative business owners across Michigan are proving otherwise. Learn how entrepreneurs in Pontiac, Ypsilanti and Lansing are blending the two to create neighborhood growth.
Both the building at 1 S. Saginaw in Pontiac and the McGowan family have deep ties to Michigan history. Through their redevelopment of the Crofoot building from abandoned office space to a ballroom, the family proved that the recipe for downtown revitalization is one part historic preservation, one part innovation, and a dash of rock 'n roll.
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