Fulfillament Stories

Joe Sanok is the author of Thursday is the New Friday, which examines the history and implementation of the four-day workweek. Joe is a writer for Harvard Business Review and has been featured on MSNBC, Forbes, Money, Entrepreneur, and over 200 podcasts. His Practice of the Practice Podcast is a top 100 business podcast and helps therapists and coaches to start, grow, and scale their private practices. He is trained as a psychologist and counselor. Joe is the father of two bold girls and in the summer you'll usually find him standup paddle boarding on the Bay. Joe helps counselors to grow their businesses because he believes the world needs more mental health access. He loves the creative, engaging, and ever-changing nature of what he gets to do. Here is Joe's story from the May 2022 event in Traverse City, Michigan --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/fulfillament-storytelling/support

"My interests and passions have driven all my endeavors, particularly my love for water and the desire to inspire others to enjoy it so they will protect it. I attribute most of my passions and successes to my father: From him, I learned to love the outdoors: Scouting, swimming, fishing, canoeing, camping, hunting (marksmanship), sports, plus other interests: model airplanes, flying, drumming, art and science. He also encouraged me to excel in all that I do, to work hard and pay attention to details." After earning a degree in Architecture in 1971, he moved to Traverse City and founded Scuba North, then Sail North, Sail Plan and eventually Harbor Boat Shop and Traverse Area Community Sailing, culminating with the creation of the Discovery Center~Great Lakes, which is his current labor of love and retirement project. He has also played key roles in notable Traverse City developments: Harbor West Marina, River's Edge, Midtown Centre, Cambria Suites Hotel, and Uptown. Retired as of July 2021 and can be found fly fishing on the river. Here is Mike's story from the May 2022 event. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/fulfillament-storytelling/support

Brent Whitney currently resides in his two favorite places in the world, New York City and Traverse City, Michigan. He is the Co-Founder and director of the Traverse City Dance Project, a not-for-profit company that brings professional dance to Northern Michigan communities. Brent recently wrapped up a 20 year career as a professional dancer with some of the top ballet companies, contemporary companies, and opera companies in the country. He is also a freelance choreographer for dance and theater. In addition to his career in the arts, Brent is also an entrepreneur in the wellness/massage industry. His massage practice specializes in injury rehabilitation and prevention for dancers and everyday people. His clients include New York City Ballet, Ballet Hispanico, Martha Graham Dance Company, Phantom of the Opera, among others. "I was lucky to discover my passion at the age of 9 and turn it into a career and life that has brought me an incredible amount of happiness and gratitude." Here is Brents story from the May 2022 event in Traverse City, Michigan --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/fulfillament-storytelling/support

Dana Frost is Grief Advocate, Cancer Survivor, & Writer. She is the founder of the Forced Joy Project, an organization that provides support, resources, and community to those experiencing grief and loss. She is also the creator of Book of Stories, a custom keepsake book that memorializes the lives of loved ones who have passed away. When Dana's not forcing joy, she's facilitating retreats for young adults with cancer, hiking with her pups, or taking daily dips in Lake Michigan. She is a big believer in sharing our stories - of both grief and joy - and an even bigger believer of kitchen dance parties. Her biggest word of advice? FEEL all your feeling, be where you are, and F%!# Fine. You can follow her story @forcedjoyproject or at www.forcedjoyproject.com Here is Dana's story from the may 2022 event in Traverse City, Michigan --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/fulfillament-storytelling/support

Sakura is a mom and the CEO of Rotary Charities of Traverse City. The daughter of Japanese and Taiwanese immigrants, she grew up in Honolulu, Hawaii and made Traverse City her home ten years ago. After earning a BS in Finance and Economics from Boston College and an early career in investment banking, she pivoted to the nonprofit sector after earning an MBA in Social Enterprise from Columbia Business School. These days, she applies her knowledge and experience in leveraging financial tools to support community development. Sakura believes in a holistic, open-listening approach to creating positive change and brings non-conventional minds together to build partnerships and drive solutions to our region's most complex problems. Here is Saku's story from the January 2022 event. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/fulfillament-storytelling/support

Gollan began his culinary career cooking and baking his way through his undergraduate degree at the University of Colorado to support himself. After several years' experience in the food industry, he enrolled at the San Francisco Baking Institute and later earned a masters in hospitality from MSU. As the founder of Common Good Bakery, he wants to make the world a better place, and better the lives of everyone they encounter. He believes that optimism and purposeful action should be a part of everything he does. Yes, Common Good makes killer bread and pastries, but he also aspires to be a leading positive influence. Here is Jason's story from the January 2022 event --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/fulfillament-storytelling/support

Josh Stoltz was born in Traverse City, Michigan and raised in the nearby woods, waters, and dunes of Benzie County. After opening several companies throughout Arizona and Florida before turning age 30, Josh spent a short “retirement” traveling and living in his school bus named "The Future," eventually planting himself back in Benzie when he married the love of his life. In October of 2014 he was hired as Grow Benzie's first, full-time Executive Director where he continues developing the non-profit as a thriving community center with event center, commercial kitchen, incubator farm, bee apiary, co-working office space, a farmers market, makerspace, sewing studio, edible trail system, and community gardens. He has also transformed Grow Benzie into a backbone organization supporting dozens of local clubs, collaborative bodies, and non-profits with program space, administrative support, marketing resources, and volunteer recruitment. In 2018, Josh was awarded the Systems Changemaker Fellowship by Rotary Charities of Traverse City, accepted into Forum for the Future's School of Systems Change based in London and traveling to England and Russia. He was also the recipient of the Mandela Washington Fellowship Reciprocal Exchange program in 2019 and spent time studying food systems in Mozambique and South Africa. Here is Josh's story from the January 2022 event in Traverse City, MI --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/fulfillament-storytelling/support

Jennifer Finnegan Pool is an innovative humanitarian, a value driven entrepreneur, and a social reformer. Her faith, authentic story of resilience, and nontraditional academic experiences have led her to a career in growing healthy communities one family at a time. She is the Founder and Executive Director of Single MOMM, headquartered in Traverse City, MI. Started as a grassroots nonprofit in 2008, Single MOMM now serves over 2,000 families a year throughout Northern Michigan. In 2019, she was recognized as a national expert in her field. Here is Jennifer's story from the January 2022 event in Traverse City, MI fulfillamentstories.com --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/fulfillament-storytelling/support

A true local, Bob graduated from St. Francis high school continuing on to St. John's University, Bachelor of Science in Economics, Post Graduate Studies in Organizational Development. He entered the real estate business in l973 as a chosen career with one goal: “To be the best, most respected Realtor anyone would ever meet”. He is diligent in the pursuit of excellence through continuing education and master planning seminars. He was voted one of the top 1500 Realtors in North America by Real Trends Magazine, is listed in the RE/MAX International Hall of Fame, Chairman's Club & Platinum Club (to name a few!) and continues to operate as Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Bayshore Properties Ltd., engaging the support of 54 agents, plus 14 assistants and 5 offices transacting over $1.3 billion in average sales volume per year. Bob enjoys serving the community at NMC Board, the Economic Club, Brickways Community Living Center Foundation, Traverse Area Association of Realtors, Grand Traverse Area Catholic Schools, Basketball, Golf, Little League and Golf Coach, Eagle Scout Scenic Trails Council, Traverse Area Foundation, and Grand Traverse Area YMCA. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/fulfillament-storytelling/support

Originally from Baltimore and one of five children, Matt took the scenic route through college from the University of Virginia, and later earned his MBA from Stanford. He spent time as a ski bum in Utah, a wildland firefighter in Idaho, and soldier in the National Guard, where he spent a year in Guantanamo Bay. After a few years on Wall Street, Matt started TentCraft, Inc. after a chance meeting with Paul Britten and has since grown it to 85 employees. Here is Matt , live from the October 2021 Fulfillment event in Traverse City, Mi. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/fulfillament-storytelling/support

Jon has played violin professionally, started countless bands, and released several albums. He lived in Nashville, TN where he cut his teeth as both a professional in ABA (applied behavioral anylysis) and in music. His career is also his passion where he serves those on the Autism Spectrum and their families. Nature and family called him back to Northern Michigan in 2017, where he founded North Arrow ABA and recently released his sophomore record, "Grayman." Here is Jon, live from the October 2021 Fulfillment event in Traverse City, MI --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/fulfillament-storytelling/support

Anne is a fun, energetic international motivational keynote speaker and influence ignitor. She is an authority on Change Management, author, podcast host and a virtual, in-person and hybrid workshop facilitator. After 20 years in highly successful corporate and non-profit leadership positions, Anne now uses her experience, education, and expertise to ignite YOUR ability to influence others by harnessing emotional intelligence, courageously communicating and effectively dealing with change. https://ignitingyourcourage.com/ Here is Anne, live from the October 2021 Fulfillment event in Traverse City, MI --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/fulfillament-storytelling/support

As a student of the Leelanau School in the 1980's, David Leith fell in love with the beauty of the landscape of northern Michigan. Some 30 years later, the universe conspired for his return here, and he reconnected with his high school crush who he married. He then started Three Tree Tent to help people rediscover their playful, adventurous spirit by camping in a portable treehouse in the forest. His dream is to get get the first tree-tent Experience Camp in the USA “off the ground." Here is David, live from the October 2021 Fulfillment event in Traverse City, Mi. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/fulfillament-storytelling/support

Yana Dee creates clothing and accessories from organic, natural, and salvaged materials. She is the owner of the Downtown Traverse Cityshop, "Yana Dee - Ethical Apparel ." She describes herself as, "A maker, mastermind and mama. I choreograph my days to balance creating, nurturing and taking care of business. I'm rarely late and nearly always inspired. My purpose is to cultivate creativity and compassion." Here is Yana, live from the October 2021 Fulfillment event in Traverse City, Mi.

Our last live event was January 2020. We dont know when we can gather in person again for sharing stories. But we are interviewing a few of our past storytellers about their response to this global pandemic within thier vocation. How has the corona pandemic affected their passion for their work? What things are they […] The post Julie Clark: Fulfillment through Covid appeared first on Fulfillament Stories.

Angie learned how to lead during her time in the Marine Corps.  She’s since shared her experiences in her books, Leading from the Front and the New York Times Best-Selling SPARK.  She’s the co-founder of Lead Star and has been designing and delivering leadership programs for the world’s best businesses for 15+ years.  She holds a BA and MBA […] The post Angie Morgan, Lead Star appeared first on Fulfillament Stories.

Marc is a musician and educator who grew up in the woods of NW Lower Michigan.  He lives in Interlochen on property that his great grandfather settled in the early 1900s with his wife Amber, his toddler son Abraham, a couple of miniature pinschers, and two cats that showed up on the deck and never […] The post Marc Alderman, Drummer and Educator appeared first on Fulfillament Stories.

Nathan considers himself to be an “boomerang entrepreneur” and he moved home in May 2013 to launch Inhabitect, LLC. This company serves as an independent resource for designing, building and growing living architecture. He has worked throughout North America as well as internationally focusing on architecture, landscape architecture, horticulture, engineering, construction and manufacturing clientele. During […] The post Nate Griswold, Inhabitect appeared first on Fulfillament Stories.

Temple is a yin yoga instructor at Yen Yoga & Fitness. She is passionate about sharing with her students the knowledge she has gained, but knows that there is always more to learn. She is also the manager at Yen, where she strives to give back to the community which has given so much to […] The post Temple Florip, Yen Yoga & Fitness appeared first on Fulfillament Stories.

Stephanie Witala told her Fulfillament story in January 2019. This was her bio at the time: “Stephanie has helped build the events program over the past few years at Black Star Farms as the Events Manager and Chef. She is and energetic mother of three, and a highly motivated and passionate professional in the culinary arts […] The post Stephanie Witala, 3.5 years after her story appeared first on Fulfillament Stories.

Founder/Director of Traverse City-based Sweetwater Doula, Krista Cain, provides skillful guidance in birth and death experiences, empowering her clients through rights of passage. Utilizing a heart-centered approach, Krista offers birth classes, workshops and hands-on support, tailored to meet the individual needs of each client. With contagious authenticity and generous laughter, Krista balances the contradictions that arise […] The post Krista Cain, Sweetwater Doula appeared first on Fulfillament Stories.

Seth Bernard was born and raised on the Earthwork farm in Lake City, and he was never farther than a stone’s throw away from learning how to steward the earth and his own talents. He has grown from a potent young Interlochen idealist into a black-bearded, surprise-eyed, psych-rocker singing the woods and water, souls and […] The post Seth Bernard, Earthwork Music, Title Track appeared first on Fulfillament Stories.

Casey Cowell graduated from the University of Chicago with a degree in Economics. In 1976, at the age of 23, he co-founded U.S. Robotics and served as Chairman and CEO throughout the company’s history culminating in its merger into 3COM Corporation.  Cowell is an active investor, advisor, and board member for many companies with an emphasis on […] The post Casey Cowell, Boomerang-Catapult appeared first on Fulfillament Stories.

Gladys Muñoz was born in Puerto Rico and holds a bachelor degree in Home Economics and Child Development from the University of Puerto Rico and a Masters in Science Administration from Central Michigan University. Gladys lived in Japan for three years and has traveled extensively in Ghana, Peru, Bolivia, Nicaragüa, Mexico and Europe. She moved to […] The post Gladys Muñoz, Justice and Peace Advocacy Center appeared first on Fulfillament Stories.

Dr. Jennifer Lyon, DO is a board certified family medicine and sports medicine osteopathic physician. Prior to studying medicine, she was a dance major at Butler University and performed professionally as a dancer with Dance Kaleidoscope in Indianapolis, and finished her undergraduate degree at Michigan State University. Jennifer attended Michigan State College of Osteopathic Medicine […] The post Jennifer Lyon, Pure Health appeared first on Fulfillament Stories.

Cathy and Paul Fialon What is your GOOD IDEA?: To create a vibrant online community of support, resources, social connection for grandparents raising their grandchildren. These families are called, Grand Families. The community we are creating is called: Grand Family Today, which we just launched this summer. How would your idea make you COME ALIVE?  […] The post GOOD IDEA WINNER #15: Cathy and Paul Fialon appeared first on Fulfillament Stories.

Julie is the executive director with TART Trails, and is responsible for day-to-day administration, trail planning and development, maintenance, and fundraising efforts. She most recently led Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation’s Greenway Planning & Development Division in Charlotte, North Carolina where she was responsible for the design and development of over 35 miles of urban trail. The post Julie Clark, TART Trails ED appeared first on Fulfillament Stories.

Singer/songwriter Aaron Dye has been leading the band Turbo Pup since 2015. Residing somewhere between genres, their music hops around within their band arrangements, making stops at rock, funk, jazz, folk and gypsy swing-fueled stew for which Turbo Pup is known. Almost 100% their original music. Most folks don’t know that Aaron I also a skilled glass blower. The post Aaron Dye, Musician / Glass blower appeared first on Fulfillament Stories.

An authenticity advocate and mother of two, Lindsay is a therapist, singer, writer and speaker.  She is a lover of the outdoors and an essential oils enthusiast. Lindsay’s counseling practice, Live True Counseling, offers individual counseling services in Traverse City, MI. A recent TEDx Traverse City Pitch finalist, Lindsay’s writing appeared in Jan/Feb 2019 issue of Grand Traverse Woman Magazine […] The post Lindsay Sea Wills, Live True Counseling appeared first on Fulfillament Stories.

Chief Tuller grew up in Mayfield as the son of a Firefighter on 100 acres of family property. Graduated in 1979 from Kingsley High School with 39 other students. Volunteered with Kingsley Fire Department from 1980 – 1990. Hired by the City of Traverse City Fire Department in April of 1990. He worked his way […] The post Jim Tuller, Fire Chief appeared first on Fulfillament Stories.

Erica has been a Licensed Massage Therapist since 2002. She has since completed coursework to become certified in myofascial release, oncology massage and scar tissue mobilization, trigger point therapy, and lymphatic drainage. Erica roots her practice in a knowledge and understanding of anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology. A deeper intuition often helps in guiding her to […] The post Erica Heller, Massage Therapist appeared first on Fulfillament Stories.

Casey works with Entrepreneurs, Leadership Teams, and Family Businesses as a Leadership Coach. He helps leaders get clarity on their unique abilities and then get focused on putting their talents to use while also creating more freedom in their personal life. He is also a recovering elementary school teacher, but is also known to friends and […] The post Casey Petz, Leadership Coach appeared first on Fulfillament Stories.

Dan is a teacher and co-owner at Pathways Preschool with his wife Brittni. A northern Michigan native, Dan has been working with young children in the community for over 17 years. He brings his expertise as a meditator, martial artist and musician to the classroom, but more than anything he is a master of play. […] The post Dan Fuller, Pathways Preschool appeared first on Fulfillament Stories.

As a left-minded creative soul in a right-minded body, the eccentricities of kombucha brought joy into Courtney’s life. Founder of Northern Michigan’s first kombucha tea brewery, Courtney desires to share the health benefits reaped from living foods. She believes that each body is unique, deserving to be happy, healthy, and filled with joy. Courtney’s background […] The post Courtney Lorenz, Cultured Kombucha appeared first on Fulfillament Stories.

Troy Daily grew up in Traverse City, whos parents have owned Kilwins Chocolate Shop since 1994. A hospitality business major graduating from MSU in 2008, always the dream since age 9 to open his own Kilwins. After meeting his wife, Whitney his senior year at MSU, they moved to Williamsburg, VA to own and operate […] The post Troy Daily, Create TC appeared first on Fulfillament Stories.

Jeff the son of German Jewish immigrants, grew up in Detroit in a home rich with music in the Judaic and classical traditions. He has been a social worker, music teacher, radio show host, composer, and jazz piano performer. He is the founder of Building Bridges with Music Program using his original music as a springboard […] The post Jeff Haas, Jazz Musician appeared first on Fulfillament Stories.

Sue took up cheese making as a hobby while working in corporate finance in New York City. That hobby became a passion, and she furthered her education in cheese making by studying with artisanal cheese makers in Vermont, and an apprenticeship on an organic goat farm in rural Maine. Upon returning to her home state […] The post Sue Kurta, Boss Mouse Cheese appeared first on Fulfillament Stories.

Todd is a Traverse City native started his career in sales and marketing which took him to Detroit, Long Island and Texas. It was in the south that he discovered his interest in contracting and opened his own business.  He moved back to Traverse City bringing both his business and family.  In 2012 all of […] The post Todd Oosterhouse, Bonobo Winery appeared first on Fulfillament Stories.

After college, Matt and his brother Keegan would kiteboard as much as possible, they taught it, owned a kiteboarding school, edited for a kiteboarding magazine, competed, photographed, were sponsored, and traveled, all for kiteboarding. Together, they started Broneah Kiteboarding. In 2004, M22 was established when the Myers brothers sought to bring life to a passion […] The post Matt Myers, M22 appeared first on Fulfillament Stories.

Elizabeth Landry grew up in Cheboygan and Leelanau county MI. She has been writing songs since she was a child. Surrounded by music as a kid, it has been said that she has been singing since the day she was born. With sweet and smokey melodies, Elizabeth has an unmistakable folk flavor with a hint of an […] The post ELIZABETH LANDRY, Musician appeared first on Fulfillament Stories.

Michigan native and Traverse area local since 1998, Angela Mary Macke RN, BS, has over 20 years of experience as a holistic nurse and horticulturalist. In 2004, she established Light of Day Organics, a popular small batch certified organic tea farm in Leelanau County.  Angela is committed to igniting inspiration and hope in our individual […] The post Angela Macke, Light of Day Organics appeared first on Fulfillament Stories.

Liz Kirkwood is a passionate protector of water and the environment.  Inspired by the complex interaction between water, health, community, and conservation, she is an international water law expert and is executive director of FLOW (For Love of Water) – a Great Lakes water law and policy center based here in Traverse City. “Water runs through […] The post Elizabeth Kirkwood, FLOW (For Love of Water) appeared first on Fulfillament Stories.

brotha James, a Michigander, is a marketing and sales entrepreneur turned musician who left the business world to pursue his destiny of creating inspirational music. Armed with a passion for making music and connecting people through his live performances, Jeremy (brotha James) Reisig brings non-stop enthusiasm and endless energy that leaves his audiences asking for more.  Combining […] The post Jeremy Reisig, brotha James appeared first on Fulfillament Stories.

Andrea grew up in Kansas City. She wasn’t interested in cooking as a child, she fell in love with it after college and made it into her career. It took her first to Chicago and then up to northern Michigan. Currently she is butcher, charcutière, and co-owner at Raduno, a small delicatessen establishing itself in […] The post ANDREA LOGAN DEIBLER, Raduno appeared first on Fulfillament Stories.

Lindy is an artist at heart with a head for writing and business. She ran her own art gallery, Seed Studio in Elk Rapids and was the town’s Economic Development Director at the same time. She went on to expand into non-profit management, community development, marketing consulting and graphic recording. Today, driven with a passion for […] The post Lindy Bishop, Artist appeared first on Fulfillament Stories.

Fred Sitkins grew up in Wyandotte, MI but moved to Traverse City at the age of 21 to attend college at NMC. It was at that time he began working on the schooner Malabar and was first introduced to Inland Seas. After being inspired by Inland Seas to enter a career in teaching Fred received his […] The post FRED SITKINS, INLAND SEAS appeared first on Fulfillament Stories.

Ben Davila is a co-founder of the Rock Stop and serves as the lead teacher. Prior to moving to Traverse City in 2014, he spent nearly a decade teaching at the Bird School of Music in San Francisco.  Ben is a prolific song-writer and multi-instrumentalist, having written and recorded a song every week for five years. […] The post Ben Davila, The Rock Stop appeared first on Fulfillament Stories.

Christal  grew up in Benzie County and began her career locally at Boys and Girls Clubs of Grand Traverse, after completing a year of service with Americorps National Service. She started in radio in 2007, and feels as though she has finally found her broadcasting home with WTCM NewsTalk 580. Christal is involved with many community […] The post CHRISTAL FROST ANDERSON, WTCM appeared first on Fulfillament Stories.

Pete Kirkwood is The Workshop Brewing Co founder which stands for the motto: Nature, Community, Craft. Pete says he is not an investment banker, roofer, developer, disaster response specialist, farmer, dot-com guy, copywriter, barista, or lawyer (although he has been all of these things). He’s not even a brewer (although he has started two breweries). He’s a […] The post PETE KIRKWOOD, THE WORKSHOP BREWING CO appeared first on Fulfillament Stories.

FERNANDO MEZA is a first generation Mexican-American born in East Los Angeles, an advertising whiz who cut his teeth in Manhattan, Meza purchased the innovative digital marketing agency OneUpWeb in 2014 and moved it to a revitalized warehouse in the Grand Traverse Commons. Meza says he feels more proud of his Latino heritage here than he would in LA […] The post Fernando Meza, OneUpWeb CEO appeared first on Fulfillament Stories.

ANNE HOYT is the cheesemaker and co-owner of Leelanau Cheese.  Anne was born in the north of France and moved to the Roquefort region to work in agriculture as a chicken and turkey farmer, vegetable grower and also worked with goats and goat cheese. After that Anne was a Shepard in Switzerland. After years of training and hands-on experience […] The post Anne Hoyt, Leelanau Cheese founder appeared first on Fulfillament Stories.