Podcast appearances and mentions of ann arbor spark

This episode of the Ann Arbor SPARK CEO Podcast features Shannon Polk, President and CEO of the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation. View the video on our YouTube channel, @AnnArborSPARK.

Paul Krucke, president and CEO of Ann Arbor SPARK, had this to say about their big day. "The event is an opportunity to reflect on the partnerships, innovation, and leadership that continue to move our region forward," he said. "This year's honorees represent the very best of what makes the Ann Arbor region unique: visionary leadership, entrepreneurial success, industry innovation, and a deep commitment to building opportunity for others." Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode of the Ann Arbor SPARK CEO Podcast features Sarah Miller, CTA, President and CEO at Destination Ann Arbor.

Recording Date: March 25, 2026 Location: Capital Region International Airport (LAN) Rick Snyder - CEO at SensCy Gateway, Avalon, Ardesta, State of Michigan Rick Snyder served two terms as Governor of Michigan from 2011-2018. He led an economically depressed bottom 10 state to top-10 status in eight years. Michigan became a national and regional leader in private sector job creation and increases in per capita income. He was responsible for restructuring Detroit, which was critical to enabling its great comeback. Multiple other major economic, educational, infrastructure, cybersecurity and quality of life programs were implemented during tenure. Rick also founded two $100 million venture capital investment firms – Avalon Investments and Ardesta. Successful exits included Health Media, HandiLab and Esperion. Snyder previously served as chairman and president of Gateway which was a leading PC company. During his six years working at Gateway, it grew from 600 to 13,000 employees and $600mm to $6 billion in revenue. His career began at Coopers & Lybrand where he rose to partner in six years where he did tax and mergers and acquisitions services. He has been actively involved in many non-profits, including service as the first chair of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Ann Arbor Spark. For information about SensCy® go to: https://senscy.com/about/ View Presentation PDF https://michiganbusinessnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/Combined_Presentation_Rick_Snyder_2026-03-25.pdf The SensCy Score® To schedule your SensCy Score™ go to: https://senscy.com/the-senscy-score/ » Visit MBN website: http://www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Watch MBN's YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: http://www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: http://twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/

This episode of the Ann Arbor SPARK CEO Podcast features Kristine Nash-Wong Director, Entrepreneurial Services at SPARK East in Ypsilanti.

Christina Fair has lots of titles: Founder of Reconnect, Co-founder of Hum, Entrepreneur in Residence at Ann Arbor SPARK, Executive Director of Detroit Executives Association, and board member of Bees in the D. She joins us this week to talk about her work across Detroit's startup and community ecosystem, including Ann Arbor Spark, Michigan Founders Fund, and the Detroit Executives Association. Christina explains Bees in the D's urban rooftop hives, Meijer honey distribution, and Detroit City Distillery collaborations. She describes common startup challenges—especially people and leadership gaps—contrasting Midwest “nice” with Silicon Valley's fail-fast culture, and emphasizes finding complementary co-founders. They cover revenue vs exit-focused business models, AI-driven process automation in real estate, Hum's pivot from move-event ISP strategy to an embedded internet-shopping widget, Detroit's digital divide efforts, and the speed of AI-enabled prototyping.

This episode of the Ann Arbor SPARK CEO Podcast features Jenn Hayman, SVP, Marketing, Communications & Events at Ann Arbor SPARK.

This episode of the Ann Arbor SPARK CEO Podcast features Skip Lupia, Vice President for Research and Innovation at the University of Michigan.

Chris Holman welcomes back Paul Krutko, President & CEO, Ann Arbor SPARK, Ann Arbor, MI. Ann Arbor SPARK hosted the rollout of these Top 10 priorities please share the details of that economic development announcement? Innovation and entrepreneurship are central to Ann Arbor's economy. How would doubling Michigan's R&D tax credit directly benefit startups and tech companies here? SPARK works closely with both large employers and small startups. How do these priorities balance supporting established industries while fostering emerging ones? Community revitalization is a statewide focus — what examples from the Ann Arbor region showcase how placemaking and redevelopment drive business growth? Looking ahead, how does SPARK plan to collaborate with other EDLM members to ensure these priorities are not just announced but actually implemented? Economic Development Leaders for Michigan Unveil Top 10 Priorities for Statewide Growth and Prosperity

August 11, 2025 ~ Phil Santer, Senior VP and Chief of Staff for Ann Arbor SPARK, joins Kevin to share a update on the data center that Augusta Township recently approved.

July 16, 2025 ~ Bill Mayer, Senior Vice President of Entrepreneurial Services at Ann Arbor SPARK, joins Marie Osborne to share what SPARK is doing to grow the Ann Arbor area.

We've upgraded to video! View the full podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKhZpETRvGo This episode of the Ann Arbor SPARK CEO Podcast features Milton Dohoney from the City of Ann Arbor.

This episode of the Ann Arbor SPARK CEO Podcast features Chris Kowitz from Wacker Chemical.

This episode of the Ann Arbor SPARK CEO Podcast features Erica Chappell from Briarwood Mall.

This episode of the Ann Arbor SPARK CEO Podcast features Jeff Hauptman from Oxford Companies.

This episode of the Ann Arbor SPARK CEO Podcast features Jim Adox from HistoSonics.

This episode of the Ann Arbor SPARK CEO Podcast features Marie Klopf from the Lower Town Riverfront Conservancy.

This episode of the Ann Arbor SPARK CEO Podcast features David Ruud, DTE Energy.

This episode of the Ann Arbor SPARK CEO Podcast features Kelly Sexton, University of Michigan Innovation Partnerships.

This episode of the Ann Arbor SPARK CEO Podcast features Mandy Grewal, Pittsfield Charter Township. Audio only. This podcast was recorded as a video as well. To view the full video please visit youtube.com/watch?v=3mLwJEhouu4

Ara talks with Mike Flanagan, Managing Director of the Michigan Angel Fund and Vice President at Ann Arbor SPARK. Mike and Ara discuss the ecosystem, the importance of angels, entrepreneurs and much more. Special thank you to our sponsor: Michigan Rise.

This episode of the Ann Arbor SPARK CEO Podcast features David Parsigian of Honigman.

This episode of the Ann Arbor SPARK CEO Podcast features Cynthia Wilbanks from the University of Michigan.

This episode of the Ann Arbor SPARK CEO Podcast features Tim Marshall from Bank of Ann Arbor.

This episode of the Ann Arbor SPARK CEO Podcast features Rick Snyder of SensCy.

This episode of the Ann Arbor SPARK CEO Podcast features Stephen Forrest from the University of Michigan.

This episode of the Ann Arbor SPARK CEO Podcast features David Womack of Sartorius.

Interview Featuring Marvin Yates, NSIN and hosted by Sarah Cicotte, Director, Mobility Programs at Ann Arbor SPARK

This episode of the Ann Arbor SPARK CEO Podcast features Patti Glaza of ID Ventures.

Originally uploaded Nov. 7th. Chris Holman welcomes back Paul Krutko, President & CEO, Ann Arbor SPARK, Ann Arbor, MI. Please remind the Michigan business community of SPARK's focus and mission. How did a2Tech360 go, back in September? We're weeks away from Tech Homecoming, that lines up with Thanksgiving, tell us all about that? What's the focus or highlight for the remainder of 2023 for SPARK? » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN's YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCqNX… » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/

Originally uploaded Nov. 13th. Chris Holman welcomes back Paul Krutko, President & CEO, Ann Arbor SPARK, Ann Arbor, MI. Paul, welcome back, we just spoke with you last week about Ann Arbor SPARK highlighting recent events, and looking ahead to Thanksgiving's Tech Homecoming - can you give one more quick reminder on what that is? We left off on our conversation, and you seemed to have a lot on your mind about projects Ann Arbor SPARK is involved with,... 1. Can you highlight some successful startups that have benefitted from investment through Ann Arbor SPARK, and what impact has this had on the local economy? 2. How does Ann Arbor SPARK evaluate and support potential startup candidates for investment? Are there specific industries or technologies that you're focusing on for the future? 3. The American Center for Mobility has been at the forefront of testing and research for connected and autonomous vehicles. With the growing interest in hydrogen fuel, could you discuss any new initiatives or partnerships the Center is engaging in to advance hydrogen infrastructure and technology? » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN's YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCqNX… » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/

This episode of the Ann Arbor SPARK CEO Podcast features Nathan Sprague from FAME and WCC.

Are you a founder? Looking for an opportunity to pitch your startup on a national stage? We're chatting about all things SXSW and what it's like to compete on their pitch stage. If you're a founder in Fem-Tech, AI, Mobility, Future of Work-Tech, Climate-Tech, etc., this is the information you need. Check it out!

This episode of the Ann Arbor SPARK CEO Podcast features Mike Psarouthakis from University of Michigan Innovation Partnerships.

Today, Will sits down with Joseph (Skip) Simms to discuss angel investing and his journey to becoming Managing Partner of the MI Angel Fund. Skip mentions how he started in venture investing in 1999, went through the dot-com boom and bust, and later got involved with Ann Arbor Spark, an economic development organization. Skip also talks about the growth of angel investing in Michigan and the importance of honesty and transparency in investor-founder relationships. He shares a success story with SkySpecs, a company focused on drone monitoring for facilities, and how they shifted their focus from drones to technology. Skip reflects on the changes in the venture capital landscape in Michigan and the need for state incentives to encourage more high-net-worth individuals to become angel investors. Connect with Skip:MI Angel Fund | WebsiteJoseph Simms | LinkedIn

This episode of the Ann Arbor SPARK CEO Podcast features Meg Wallace from Toyota.

This episode of the Ann Arbor SPARK CEO Podcast features Michael Bickers from PNC Bank.

This episode of the Ann Arbor SPARK CEO Podcast features Sonya Callahan of Comcast.

Michigan is losing significant jobs, talent, and investment opportunities as a result of the lack of the early stage investment capital, which has decreased by more than 40% in the last 5 years.

This episode of the Ann Arbor SPARK CEO Podcast features Skip Simms of Michigan Angel Fund, Michigan Angel Community, and Ann Arbor SPARK.

Ann Arbor SPARK CEO Podcast: Milton Dohoney Jr., City of Ann Arbor by Ann Arbor SPARK

Ann Arbor SPARK CEO Podcast: Santa Ono, University of Michigan by Ann Arbor SPARK

This episode of the Ann Arbor SPARK CEO Podcast features Sue Shink, Michigan Senator.

CEO Podcast 2023 Ranger Power with Drew Vielbig by Ann Arbor SPARK

This episode of The Passage to Profit Show features Tel K. Ganesan from Kyyba, Susan Ascher from the Ascher Group and Chef Roscoe Coleman from RMT Buffet Catering LLC. Tel K. Ganesan is the founder of Kyyba, Kyyba Innovations, Kyyba Films and Kyyba Fashions. His Kyyba brand, holding up several lines of businesses, has successfully employed 900 talents who equally contribute towards a successful career. Kyyba is an IT solution provider, a job incubator, and as synchronized human resource management that supports and promotes talents. Kyyba Innovation is a steppingstone for the next-gen entrepreneurs, serving as a hub for entrepreneurs to innovate and bring their ideas to life while also aiding with investments and company expansion. Kyyba Films, is a production company with an aim to be the enabler of creating original feature films and documentaries. Tel’s latest venture is Kyyba Fashions, through which he collaborates with the top designers and seeks out the highest-quality fabrics in vogue. With constant hard work and steadfastness, he has taken his career from an entrepreneur to a movie producer. With empowering networking and strategic strength management, his journey to success and happiness has been inspiring. Ganesan is also a philanthropist and has founded and partnered with many non-profit organizations as well, including Global Detroit, Ann Arbor Spark, Kyyba Kidz Foundation, TiECon Global, TiE Detroit and Pitch Club Michigan. Read more at: https://telkganesan.com/ Susan Ascher is the founder of the Ascher Group and is an Executive/Leadership/Career Coach in Communication, Collaboration, Business Development. She is a four-time Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year finalist. Susan’s training and coaching programs have helped countless corporations and individuals raise the bar in communication, leadership development, teamwork and client relations. She has coached individuals and teams for clients ranging from the fortune 50 to emerging growth companies, as well as healthcare organizations, non-profits, and numerous nationally ranked colleges and universities. She is the author of Dude, Seriously, It’s NOT All About You! and Dude, Seriously, Get Your ASK in Gear! , tools for elevating one’s EQ AND IQ! An avid golfer and master networker, Susan developed Course Connections, a program which teaches golf in a low key professional setting while introducing the value of networking through the game. Read more at: https://www.susanascher.com/ Chef Roscoe Coleman is the founder of RMT Buffet Catering LLC, offering tailor made catering services for businesses, social events, private gatherings and family affairs. RMT Buffet Catering LLC is committed to delivering the highest quality of service to clients offering an array of options from main course dishes, party platters, sandwiches, pastas, salads, side and vegetable dishes, breakfast, brunch, cook out menus and more. Their menus are made fresh, healthy and showcased in awe-inspiring ways. Clients can also order through Chef Roscoe’s online store and can pick up their food items or have it delivered directly to them. Read more at: https://chefroscoe.com/ Visit

This episode of The Passage to Profit Show features Tel K. Ganesan from Kyyba, Susan Ascher from the Ascher Group and Chef Roscoe Coleman from RMT Buffet Catering LLC. Tel K. Ganesan is the founder of Kyyba, Kyyba Innovations, Kyyba Films and Kyyba Fashions. His Kyyba brand, holding up several lines of businesses, has successfully employed 900 talents who equally contribute towards a successful career. Kyyba is an IT solution provider, a job incubator, and as synchronized human resource management that supports and promotes talents. Kyyba Innovation is a steppingstone for the next-gen entrepreneurs, serving as a hub for entrepreneurs to innovate and bring their ideas to life while also aiding with investments and company expansion. Kyyba Films, is a production company with an aim to be the enabler of creating original feature films and documentaries. Tel’s latest venture is Kyyba Fashions, through which he collaborates with the top designers and seeks out the highest-quality fabrics in vogue. With constant hard work and steadfastness, he has taken his career from an entrepreneur to a movie producer. With empowering networking and strategic strength management, his journey to success and happiness has been inspiring. Ganesan is also a philanthropist and has founded and partnered with many non-profit organizations as well, including Global Detroit, Ann Arbor Spark, Kyyba Kidz Foundation, TiECon Global, TiE Detroit and Pitch Club Michigan. Read more at: https://telkganesan.com/ Susan Ascher is the founder of the Ascher Group and is an Executive/Leadership/Career Coach in Communication, Collaboration, Business Development. She is a four-time Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year finalist. Susan’s training and coaching programs have helped countless corporations and individuals raise the bar in communication, leadership development, teamwork and client relations. She has coached individuals and teams for clients ranging from the fortune 50 to emerging growth companies, as well as healthcare organizations, non-profits, and numerous nationally ranked colleges and universities. She is the author of Dude, Seriously, It’s NOT All About You! and Dude, Seriously, Get Your ASK in Gear! , tools for elevating one’s EQ AND IQ! An avid golfer and master networker, Susan developed Course Connections, a program which teaches golf in a low key professional setting while introducing the value of networking through the game. Read more at: https://www.susanascher.com/ Chef Roscoe Coleman is the founder of RMT Buffet Catering LLC, offering tailor made catering services for businesses, social events, private gatherings and family affairs. RMT Buffet Catering LLC is committed to delivering the highest quality of service to clients offering an array of options from main course dishes, party platters, sandwiches, pastas, salads, side and vegetable dishes, breakfast, brunch, cook out menus and more. Their menus are made fresh, healthy and showcased in awe-inspiring ways. Clients can also order through Chef Roscoe’s online store and can pick up their food items or have it delivered directly to them. Read more at: https://chefroscoe.com/ Visit

This episode of The Passage to Profit Show features Tel K. Ganesan from Kyyba, Susan Ascher from the Ascher Group and Chef Roscoe Coleman from RMT Buffet Catering LLC. Tel K. Ganesan is the founder of Kyyba, Kyyba Innovations, Kyyba Films and Kyyba Fashions. His Kyyba brand, holding up several lines of businesses, has successfully employed 900 talents who equally contribute towards a successful career. Kyyba is an IT solution provider, a job incubator, and as synchronized human resource management that supports and promotes talents. Kyyba Innovation is a steppingstone for the next-gen entrepreneurs, serving as a hub for entrepreneurs to innovate and bring their ideas to life while also aiding with investments and company expansion. Kyyba Films, is a production company with an aim to be the enabler of creating original feature films and documentaries. Tel’s latest venture is Kyyba Fashions, through which he collaborates with the top designers and seeks out the highest-quality fabrics in vogue. With constant hard work and steadfastness, he has taken his career from an entrepreneur to a movie producer. With empowering networking and strategic strength management, his journey to success and happiness has been inspiring. Ganesan is also a philanthropist and has founded and partnered with many non-profit organizations as well, including Global Detroit, Ann Arbor Spark, Kyyba Kidz Foundation, TiECon Global, TiE Detroit and Pitch Club Michigan. Read more at: https://telkganesan.com/ Susan Ascher is the founder of the Ascher Group and is an Executive/Leadership/Career Coach in Communication, Collaboration, Business Development. She is a four-time Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year finalist. Susan’s training and coaching programs have helped countless corporations and individuals raise the bar in communication, leadership development, teamwork and client relations. She has coached individuals and teams for clients ranging from the fortune 50 to emerging growth companies, as well as healthcare organizations, non-profits, and numerous nationally ranked colleges and universities. She is the author of Dude, Seriously, It’s NOT All About You! and Dude, Seriously, Get Your ASK in Gear! , tools for elevating one’s EQ AND IQ! An avid golfer and master networker, Susan developed Course Connections, a program which teaches golf in a low key professional setting while introducing the value of networking through the game. Read more at: https://www.susanascher.com/ Chef Roscoe Coleman is the founder of RMT Buffet Catering LLC, offering tailor made catering services for businesses, social events, private gatherings and family affairs. RMT Buffet Catering LLC is committed to delivering the highest quality of service to clients offering an array of options from main course dishes, party platters, sandwiches, pastas, salads, side and vegetable dishes, breakfast, brunch, cook out menus and more. Their menus are made fresh, healthy and showcased in awe-inspiring ways. Clients can also order through Chef Roscoe’s online store and can pick up their food items or have it delivered directly to them. Read more at: https://chefroscoe.com/ Visit

This episode of the Ann Arbor SPARK CEO Podcast features Kelly Sexton from the University of Michigan.

This episode of the Ann Arbor SPARK CEO Podcast features Reuben Sarkar from the American Center for Mobility.

This episode of the Ann Arbor SPARK CEO Podcast features Catalina Kaiyoorawongs from LoanSense.