Episodes

  • Episode 27: Connecting with Ankur Rungta & Chris Ostrowski

    Episode 27: Connecting with Ankur Rungta & Chris Ostrowski
    Feb 17 2025
    Meet Ankur Rungta, Co-Founder & CEO of C3 Industries, Inc., and Chris Ostrowski, Chief Technology Officer at Dutchie. In this episode, they discuss the rapidly evolving cannabis industry, focusing on the growing role of technology, particularly AI, in optimizing business operations. The conversation dives into the shift from a focus on growth to a more sustainable approach centered on optimization. They also address the challenges of navigating complex state regulations and the importance of collaboration among operators to drive industry-wide change. In this episode, we talk about: *The shift from growth to optimization in the cannabis industry. “The cannabis industry is no longer emerging; it’s here to stay.” *How technology, especially AI, is transforming business efficiency. “There’s just too much data; it’s a critical point for us.” *The necessity of collaboration and coalition-building to push for industry progress. “We need to see progress, and it’s a long game.” *The need for unified advocacy to drive meaningful policy reform. “We all need to participate federally.”
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    1 hr and 27 mins
  • Episode 26: Connecting with Dan Fischer

    Episode 26: Connecting with Dan Fischer
    Oct 22 2024
    Meet Dan Fischer, the President and CEO of Citizens State Bank. In this episode, Dan shares insights into the bank's impressive growth since 2020, its unique culture centered on strong relationships and community involvement, and his leadership philosophy of leading by example. The conversation also touches on the role of golf in building business relationships and the bank’s future expansion plans. In this episode, we talk about: *Relationship building at the highest level and its importance in business success. "It's all about relationship building at the highest level." *The bank’s commitment to community involvement and making a difference. "We take pride in being a part of our community and making a difference." *How golf serves as a valuable tool for forging business relationships. "Golf isn't just a game; it's where business relationships are forged."
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    31 mins
  • Episode 25: Connecting with Charles Gleeson, II

    Episode 25: Connecting with Charles Gleeson, II
    Jul 16 2024
    Meet Charles Gleeson II, president and CEO of C.E. Gleeson Constructors, and his son, Charles Gleeson III, as they celebrate the 100 year anniversary of their company. Founded in 1924 by Charles Gleeson, II's grandfather, C.E. Gleeson Constructors has a rich history of family values, hard work, and building relationships that have allowed it to thrive and adapt over the years. Charles and his son share insights into their current projects, discuss the booming construction markets in Texas, the Carolinas, and Florida, and emphasize the importance of mentoring and developing the next generation of leaders. In this episode we talk about: *The foundation of success at C.E. Gleeson Constructors: family values and hard work. "Family and God come first." *The importance of building relationships and treating everyone with respect. "Treat everybody right from the ditch digger to the CEO." *Adapting to market conditions and staying relevant for long-term success. *Mentoring and developing the next generation of leaders. "Sometimes you're going to meet someone and you have to be willing to lend a hand to do something for them." *Opportunities in the construction industry for young people, including trade schools and well-paying jobs.
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    43 mins
  • Special Fireside Chat with Hon. Mike Duggan, City of Detroit: Shaping Detroit’s Future: Detroit is Open for Business

    Special Fireside Chat with Hon. Mike Duggan, City of Detroit: Shaping Detroit’s Future: Detroit is Open for Business
    Jun 25 2024
    Mayor Mike Duggan discusses the revitalization of Detroit and the opportunities for investment in the city. He highlights the progress made in terms of population growth, investment, and job creation. The mayor emphasizes the importance of every neighborhood having a future and the potential for development in various areas of the city. He also addresses concerns about safety and the steps taken to reduce crime rates. Additionally, the city's efforts to streamline the permitting process and support entrepreneurs and startups in the mobility and technology sectors. Takeaways: *Detroit has experienced a resurgence in population growth, investment, and job creation under Mayor Mike Duggan's administration. *Every Neighborhood in Detroit has a Future, and there are opportunities for development and investment in various areas of the city. *Crime rates in Detroit have significantly decreased, with the city experiencing the fewest homicides since 1966. *The city has made efforts to streamline the permitting process and provide support for entrepreneurs and startups in the mobility and technology sectors.
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    25 mins
  • EPISODE 24: CONNECTING WITH ANDREW STEIN

    EPISODE 24: CONNECTING WITH ANDREW STEIN
    Jun 5 2024
    Meet Andrew Stein, president & CEO of Children’s Foundation, an organization focused on improving children's physical and mental health through innovative programs and research. Andrew joined The Foundation in January 2023, inspired by the mission to create equitable opportunities for all children in Michigan. Andrew’s career has always been centered around children. Before joining The Foundation, he spent 14 years with City Year, where he held various leadership roles, including Executive Director of City Year Detroit, significantly expanding the organization’s reach. In this special episode, filmed at the Michigan Central Campus at the Book Depository, next to the iconic Michigan Central Train Station, we discuss: *The Transformation of Michigan Central Campus: “This incredible renovation represents the future of Detroit, a symbol of progress and innovation.” *Connecting The Children’s Foundation with Michigan Central: “The Michigan Central Children’s Endowment Initiative is a testament to our commitment, aiming to exceed our $10 million goal to support organizations serving kids.” *Creating Networks and Leading a Nonprofit: “You never know what opportunities will reveal themselves when you put yourself in the right rooms. Leading a nonprofit means selling impact, value, and a different kind of return—one that goes beyond business ROI. It takes authenticity and trust to build these connections.”
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    40 mins
  • EPISODE 23: CONNECTING WITH SAM BEZNOS

    EPISODE 23: CONNECTING WITH SAM BEZNOS
    Apr 9 2024
    Meet Sam Beznos, the dynamic CEO behind Beztak Properties, which is a commercial real estate company that has been in business more than 60 years. Today, Beztak employs more than 1,300 people across 14 states with more than 35,000 apartment units within its portfolio. Sam is responsible for overseeing all aspects of asset management, development, construction, and rehabilitation of existing apartment and retail portfolios throughout the country as well as new acquisitions and development opportunities. Sam's expertise lies in land development, property rezoning, and finance. He is known for his strategic planning abilities and skill in evaluating risks. With a background in financial modeling and valuation analysis, Sam brings a comprehensive understanding of the real estate industry into his role. Sam holds a Master of Science in Real Estate with Distinction from New York University and a Bachelor of Arts with Distinction from the University of Michigan. His commitment to excellence and ongoing education underscores his dedication to the field. As part of Beztak Properties, a family-owned and operated business, Sam continues to drive success and growth. I’ve known Sam for more than 30 years and in this episode we talk about: * The importance of a good network: “A pretty good secret tool you need is to have a good network around you to rely on because when you're running a company it's difficult to maneuver at times and there's certainly headwinds.” * Taking time to visit properties: “I walk the properties for many reasons but understanding what’s going on with the properties, what's going on with the markets we use for market data and what type of improvements we need to make.” * How to implement growth opportunities for your business: “We always went against the grain - a big part of our culture is to be innovative. And we've always gone against the grain, and we took (successful) aspects from other industries and incorporated them into our business.”
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    45 mins
  • EPISODE 22: CONNECTING WITH DR. AMMAR ALKHAFAJI

    EPISODE 22: CONNECTING WITH DR. AMMAR ALKHAFAJI
    Feb 16 2024
    Meet Dr. Ammar Alkhafaji, Principal at W Investors Group and an Internal Medicine Resident. W Investors Group is a fully integrated real estate group specializing in development, property management, and realty services. Dr. Ammar shares his journey growing up in an entrepreneurial family, balancing his career in medicine with real estate, and overcoming rejection to find alternative paths to success. Alkhafaji, who was named principal of W Investors Group in 2018, grew up fascinated by real estate as his father built his company and portfolio to more than 1 million square feet. With the mission of building the best quality projects, moving quickly and decisively to close deals and move projects forward to completion, W Investors Group assures delivery of exceptional results time and time again. In this episode we talk about: * Growing up in an entrepreneurial family, “ Growing up with his influence and him being my role model was a true blessing for me.” * Balancing medicine and real estate, “It's not about being the smartest person in the room. It's just about putting in the time and the effort.” * Overcoming rejection and finding alternative paths, “don't be put down by rejection. There's always another way. The struggle helped me grow as a person.”
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    34 mins
  • EPISODE 21: CONNECTING WITH JASON KRIEGER

    EPISODE 21: CONNECTING WITH JASON KRIEGER
    Jan 24 2024
    Meet Jason Krieger, principal of Krieger Klatt Architects, Inc., a leading full-service architecture firm with nearly three decades of experience. Explore Jason's journey in the field of architecture and design, starting from his studies at Lawrence Tech to his career that led him to co-found Krieger Klatt Architects in partnership with Jeff Klatt in 2011. His passion for design drives Krieger Klatt Architects, offering a diverse portfolio that includes Mixed-Use Developments, Multi-Family Residential, High-End Custom Residential Homes, Hotels and Restaurants, Country Clubs, Office Buildings, and Franchises. With more than 20 talented team members, the firm excels at complex projects, providing innovative designs and professional guidance to clients. Krieger Klatt Architects stays at the forefront of technology, investing in and utilizing the latest software such as BIM (Building Information Modeling), Rendering, Video, and VR (Virtual Reality) for seamless project integration. With insights into the firm's commitment to excellence, work ethic, and the collective effort that goes into creating architectural experiences. In this episode we talk about: * The Importance of face-to-face interaction, "Nothing replaces the in-person, the face-to-face, the handshaking, being present." * Jason's early inspiration for architecture," I picked up one of these house books, they had renderings of homes. I saw these, and I was like, that's it. It just grabbed me. Wow." * Relationship building with a client, “We have to provide value, that's the biggest thing.”
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    38 mins