The Small Business Association of Michigan's Small Business Weekly Podcast

Hosted by Michael W. Rogers

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100

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Aug 2026

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About the show

"The Small Business Association of Michigan's Entrepreneurial Insights" every week presents a dynamic audio interview from a top-notch expert on entrepreneurial success. Hear great tips and advice on how to be a more effective small business owner. The program is hosted and produced by the Small Business Association of Michigan's Vice President Communications Michael Rogers

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60 recent

September 2, 2026Episode 54617 min

Don't just react to legislation – learn how to be proactive and shape bills

On today's program, Michael Rogers talks with Kristen Zalac and Jared Rodriquez, partners in Waypoint Policy, a company that provides Michigan business owners with curated legislative intelligence. Their platform aims to bridge the gap between complex legal language and practical business impact by offering real-time bill tracking and concise summaries. "If you're not at the table, you're likely on the menu and that holds true at all levels of government," Rodriquez says. "Ultimately, one bill can change licensing rules, tax treatment, insurance requirements, labor rules overnight. Waiting until it's law or the rule has been put out by a department, for example, means that you're reacting instead of trying to shape it yourself. And then you have to worry about compliance. So if you're in the know, if you are tracking and have the tools of how it's going to impact you and why you need to pay attention, it allows you to plan, be proactive and reactive when appropriate." The Small Business Association of Michigan is the only statewide and state-based association that focuses solely on serving the needs of Michigan's small business community. We have been successfully serving small businesses like yours in all 83 counties of Michigan since 1969. We're located in Lansing, just one block from the Capitol. Our mission is to help Michigan small businesses succeed by promoting entrepreneurship, leveraging buying power and engaging in political advocacy. When small businesses band together through the Small Business Association of Michigan, they achieve more than they could on their own. Our 32,000 members are as diverse as Michigan's economy. From accountants to appliance stores, manufacturers to medical, and restaurants to retailers, what unites the SBAM membership is the spirit of entrepreneurship…a spirit that drove you to start and continue to operate your own business because you believe you can do something better than anyone else is doing it! (music licensed from www.jukedeck.com )

August 28, 2026Episode 54510 min

Young talent leading the way in building Michigan's drone and robotics industry

On today's program, Michael Rogers talks with Dakoyta Greenman, Founder/CEO of Westwood AI, a VIP member of the Small Business Association of Michigan. His firm specializes in autonomous drone systems and data automation, including the "Ranger Engine," a versatile core technology used for diverse applications ranging from commercial roof inspections to military runway analysis. "The last three years, I have primarily hired high school and young college kids to build this business," he says. "I was absolutely floored when I started digging into it and I saw the expertise that we had here in West Michigan in particular at junior, senior level, even in high school, let alone some at the collegiate level. You have young men and women that are coming out of high school, 18 years old with 10 years of real world robotic experience." The Small Business Association of Michigan is the only statewide and state-based association that focuses solely on serving the needs of Michigan's small business community. We have been successfully serving small businesses like yours in all 83 counties of Michigan since 1969. We're located in Lansing, just one block from the Capitol. Our mission is to help Michigan small businesses succeed by promoting entrepreneurship, leveraging buying power and engaging in political advocacy. When small businesses band together through the Small Business Association of Michigan, they achieve more than they could on their own. Our 32,000 members are as diverse as Michigan's economy. From accountants to appliance stores, manufacturers to medical, and restaurants to retailers, what unites the SBAM membership is the spirit of entrepreneurship…a spirit that drove you to start and continue to operate your own business because you believe you can do something better than anyone else is doing it! (music licensed from www.jukedeck.com )

August 26, 2026Episode 54412 min

How to get your business strategy, people and processes moving in the same direction

On today's program, Michael Rogers talks with Scott Hiipakka, President of AxisPoint Advisors, VIP member of the Small Business Association of Michigan and former Army general. His company helps organizations navigate critical growth and transition phases. He says that businesses often reach a plateau where their existing methods are insufficient for future success, requiring a realignment of strategy, people, and processes. "Leadership can be hard," Hiipakka says. "But when we look at what is the crux of leadership, the military defines leadership as providing purpose, motivation, and direction. And what does that represent? It represents clarity." The Small Business Association of Michigan is the only statewide and state-based association that focuses solely on serving the needs of Michigan's small business community. We have been successfully serving small businesses like yours in all 83 counties of Michigan since 1969. We're located in Lansing, just one block from the Capitol. Our mission is to help Michigan small businesses succeed by promoting entrepreneurship, leveraging buying power and engaging in political advocacy. When small businesses band together through the Small Business Association of Michigan, they achieve more than they could on their own. Our 32,000 members are as diverse as Michigan's economy. From accountants to appliance stores, manufacturers to medical, and restaurants to retailers, what unites the SBAM membership is the spirit of entrepreneurship…a spirit that drove you to start and continue to operate your own business because you believe you can do something better than anyone else is doing it! (music licensed from www.jukedeck.com )

August 25, 2026Episode 54313 min

Small business cyber safety in a cyber-dangerous world

On today's program, Michael Rogers talks with former Michigan Governor Rick Snyder, CEO of SensCy, a 2026 Michigan 50 Company to Watch. SensCy was created in 2022. Its mission is to help people be safer in the cyber-world with a particular focus on small and medium-sized organizations. "Almost every organization is going to get attacked and the implications of a successful attack can literally put somebody out of business or seriously threaten their business, threaten their reputation, cost them financial resources," Snyder says. "The only time cyber security will be an organization's top priority is the day they're hacked and then it will consume their life. Short of that, I don't expect nor would I want them to make it their top priority, but they need to make it a priority." The Small Business Association of Michigan is the only statewide and state-based association that focuses solely on serving the needs of Michigan's small business community. We have been successfully serving small businesses like yours in all 83 counties of Michigan since 1969. We're located in Lansing, just one block from the Capitol. Our mission is to help Michigan small businesses succeed by promoting entrepreneurship, leveraging buying power and engaging in political advocacy. When small businesses band together through the Small Business Association of Michigan, they achieve more than they could on their own. Our 32,000 members are as diverse as Michigan's economy. From accountants to appliance stores, manufacturers to medical, and restaurants to retailers, what unites the SBAM membership is the spirit of entrepreneurship…a spirit that drove you to start and continue to operate your own business because you believe you can do something better than anyone else is doing it! (music licensed from www.jukedeck.com )

August 18, 2026Episode 54210 min

Solving the people-side of business communications and leadership

On today's program, Michael Rogers talks with Shelley Davis Boyd, Founder, President and CEO of Essdee & Co., a VIP member of the Small Business Association of Michigan. She says her firm helps organizations solve the people-side of business communication breakdowns: accountability, leadership gaps and the human dynamics and behavior that impact the culture in the organization. "I really believe that leadership is about removing barriers so people can become the best version of themselves and engage within the organization," she says. "If you want your organization to reach its full potential to hit your goals and you're lucky enough to have folks that work with you, making sure that they are choosing to follow you and that you are creating conditions where they can excel will ultimately help you create conditions where your organization can excel." The Small Business Association of Michigan is the only statewide and state-based association that focuses solely on serving the needs of Michigan's small business community. We have been successfully serving small businesses like yours in all 83 counties of Michigan since 1969. We're located in Lansing, just one block from the Capitol. Our mission is to help Michigan small businesses succeed by promoting entrepreneurship, leveraging buying power and engaging in political advocacy. When small businesses band together through the Small Business Association of Michigan, they achieve more than they could on their own. Our 32,000 members are as diverse as Michigan's economy. From accountants to appliance stores, manufacturers to medical, and restaurants to retailers, what unites the SBAM membership is the spirit of entrepreneurship…a spirit that drove you to start and continue to operate your own business because you believe you can do something better than anyone else is doing it! (music licensed from www.jukedeck.com )

August 5, 2026Episode 54110 min

Family-owned water-well and water-treatment company savours Michigan's water quality

On today's program, Michael Rogers talks with Charles "Buddy" Sebastian, third-generation owner of Sebastian & Sons Well Drilling -- a VIP member of the Small Business Association of Michigan. He says Michigan's unique geography and legal doctrines provide superior water access compared to other regions. "Michigan is fortunate because our glacial drift and clay layers can filter some [microplastics and other contaminants) out before it hits the water supply. Overall, quality in Michigan is relatively good. We have some iron, manganese, and calcium, but it is treatable. In some areas like Ohio and Pennsylvania, the water is so sulfury it is almost untreatable. Michigan has great water." The Small Business Association of Michigan is the only statewide and state-based association that focuses solely on serving the needs of Michigan's small business community. We have been successfully serving small businesses like yours in all 83 counties of Michigan since 1969. We're located in Lansing, just one block from the Capitol. Our mission is to help Michigan small businesses succeed by promoting entrepreneurship, leveraging buying power and engaging in political advocacy. When small businesses band together through the Small Business Association of Michigan, they achieve more than they could on their own. Our 32,000 members are as diverse as Michigan's economy. From accountants to appliance stores, manufacturers to medical, and restaurants to retailers, what unites the SBAM membership is the spirit of entrepreneurship…a spirit that drove you to start and continue to operate your own business because you believe you can do something better than anyone else is doing it! (music licensed from www.jukedeck.com )

August 3, 2026Episode 54012 min

Helping AI be a capable assistant to your manufacturing engineers

On today's program, Michael Rogers talks with Arul Muralikrishna, a software engineer with SBAM Elite Member company Ekaras, with offices in southeast Michigan and Ontario. Ekaras is an industrial technology company focused on helping manufacturers improve their operations with a special emphasis on machine intelligence and AI specifically for machine maintenance and servicing. "AI should supplement engineering expertise, definitely not replace it," he says. "Manufacturing equipment in particular is very complex. An AI system shouldn't pretend to have more authority than a trained engineer. Instead, we believe that AI can act more as a capable assistant." The Small Business Association of Michigan is the only statewide and state-based association that focuses solely on serving the needs of Michigan's small business community. We have been successfully serving small businesses like yours in all 83 counties of Michigan since 1969. We're located in Lansing, just one block from the Capitol. Our mission is to help Michigan small businesses succeed by promoting entrepreneurship, leveraging buying power and engaging in political advocacy. When small businesses band together through the Small Business Association of Michigan, they achieve more than they could on their own. Our 32,000 members are as diverse as Michigan's economy. From accountants to appliance stores, manufacturers to medical, and restaurants to retailers, what unites the SBAM membership is the spirit of entrepreneurship…a spirit that drove you to start and continue to operate your own business because you believe you can do something better than anyone else is doing it! (music licensed from www.jukedeck.com )

July 28, 2026Episode 53914 min

A holistic alternative to traditional executive services

On today's program, Michael Rogers talks with Dani Clark, owner of Centerpoint Strategies -- VIP members of the Small Business Association of Michigan. Clark's firm provides comprehensive support to small and mid-sized businesses. He explains that his firm offers a holistic alternative to traditional executive services by partnering directly with owners to improve operational efficiency and profitability – and help them grow! "I have a real passion for it, coming from a family-owned business myself. When my father passed away, I had to take over very quickly with no passwords or plans. I realized many small and mid-size businesses lack an executive team to get them to a safe or desired place. Most owners didn't start their businesses to become experts in risk analytics or inventory; they started with a passion for a product or service. My passion translates into supporting theirs. I listen to understand how to move them out of survival mode and back into growth and profitability." The Small Business Association of Michigan is the only statewide and state-based association that focuses solely on serving the needs of Michigan's small business community. We have been successfully serving small businesses like yours in all 83 counties of Michigan since 1969. We're located in Lansing, just one block from the Capitol. Our mission is to help Michigan small businesses succeed by promoting entrepreneurship, leveraging buying power and engaging in political advocacy. When small businesses band together through the Small Business Association of Michigan, they achieve more than they could on their own. Our 32,000 members are as diverse as Michigan's economy. From accountants to appliance stores, manufacturers to medical, and restaurants to retailers, what unites the SBAM membership is the spirit of entrepreneurship…a spirit that drove you to start and continue to operate your own business because you believe you can do something better than anyone else is doing it! (music licensed from www.jukedeck.com )

July 20, 202615 min

Helping the businesses behind healthcare stay healthy enough to take care of the people taking care of patients

On today's program, Michael Rogers talks with Hansika Nanayakkara, a VIP member of the Small Business Association of Michigan and the Co-Founder and CEO of Gentek Health. Based in Michigan with a global team, the organization helps medical practices handle billing, insurance claims and financial operations so clinicians can focus on patient care. Naniyakara shares her entrepreneurial journey from Sri Lanka and explains how her firm utilizes AI and automation to improve accuracy and recover lost revenue. "AI, automation isn't just a talking point for us," she says. "It's core to how we stay sustainable long term because it lets us take genuinely messy problems—tangled denials, shifting payer rules, more compliance demands every year—and turn them into something a practice can actually act on. That's the real value we bring. Not more data, but more clarity." The Small Business Association of Michigan is the only statewide and state-based association that focuses solely on serving the needs of Michigan's small business community. We have been successfully serving small businesses like yours in all 83 counties of Michigan since 1969. We're located in Lansing, just one block from the Capitol. Our mission is to help Michigan small businesses succeed by promoting entrepreneurship, leveraging buying power and engaging in political advocacy. When small businesses band together through the Small Business Association of Michigan, they achieve more than they could on their own. Our 32,000 members are as diverse as Michigan's economy. From accountants to appliance stores, manufacturers to medical, and restaurants to retailers, what unites the SBAM membership is the spirit of entrepreneurship…a spirit that drove you to start and continue to operate your own business because you believe you can do something better than anyone else is doing it! (music licensed from www.jukedeck.com )

July 10, 2026Episode 53712 min

Relationships and people skills becoming more important in business success

On today's program, Michael Rogers talks with Jennifer Jurgens, CEO and Founder of B2B marketing organization 1 Bold Step. The company has been recognized by Michigan Celebrates Small Business with a Michigan 50 Distinguished Alumni Award -- Strategically Focused. Jurgens advises business owners to step away from daily tactics to focus on identifying bottlenecks and setting clear priorities. To scale effectively, leadership must embrace delegation and maintain a consistent communication cadence with employees to ensure alignment with the company's vision. Ultimately, she highlights that long-term partnerships and human relationships are becoming increasingly vital in an increasingly automated and digital business landscape. "It's going to become more and more important that we have relationships and people skills in order to actually do great business and great work for people," she says. "I don't think I'm sounding old in saying that because I'm hearing it from my younger employees and the next generation where they're suddenly interested again in learning how to make small talk, how to network, how to connect with people, and I think that we need to remember that." The Small Business Association of Michigan is the only statewide and state-based association that focuses solely on serving the needs of Michigan's small business community. We have been successfully serving small businesses like yours in all 83 counties of Michigan since 1969. We're located in Lansing, just one block from the Capitol. Our mission is to help Michigan small businesses succeed by promoting entrepreneurship, leveraging buying power and engaging in political advocacy. When small businesses band together through the Small Business Association of Michigan, they achieve more than they could on their own. Our 32,000 members are as diverse as Michigan's economy. From accountants to appliance stores, manufacturers to medical, and restaurants to retailers, what unites the SBAM membership is the spirit of entrepreneurship…a spirit that drove you to start and continue to operate your own business because you believe you can do something better than anyone else is doing it! (music licensed from www.jukedeck.com )