Welcome To Livingston

Episode 189: Your Party Happened. But Did Anyone Actually Capture It?

Every great party deserves great photos, and most people don't realize they're missing them until it's too late. This week, Don and Angela sit down with Lannie Stabile, the founder of Party Fly Photography, a one-of-a-kind event photography business built around one simple idea: jump into the fun, make people forget the camera is there, and capture the moments that actually matter.
 
Lannie shares how a friend's heartbreak over missing photos from her daughter's birthday party sparked the whole business, why she deliberately stays away from traditional portrait photography, and what makes her approach so different from every other photographer you've ever hired.
Timestamps
 01:29 Party Fly's Concept and Origin
05:11 Unique Events and Business Value
09:30 Booking and Event Preparation
14:49 Memorable Event Experiences
22:15 Photo Delivery and Archiving
27:33 Supporting Small Businesses
Guest Links
https://partyflyphotography.com/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558605764346#
https://www.instagram.com/partyflyphotography?igsh=MWRtY3E0dHNscGkyNg%3D%3D
 
For more information on the Putkela Group and how to get connected, visit the links below:
 
Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/PutkelaGroup
Website: https://www.welcometolivingston.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/putkelagroup/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq9hM7gWPlaCw4nG89Wgd9Q
Phone: 1-888-PUTKELA (788-5352)
Sponsor Links
Thanks to our amazing sponsor! Visit their social media pages for more information.
 
James Paquette
Mortgage Sales Manager
Lake Michigan Credit Union - LMCU
NMLS ID# 533633
Direct Phone: (810) 263-6000
Cell Phone: (734) 604-2611
 
Website: https://www.lmcu.org/jamespaquette
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamespaquetteLMCU
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesapaquette/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LMCU

Episode 188: Raising Kids in Livingston County: Activities, Resources & Real Advice from Two Local Parents

Don and Angela are pulling back the curtain on over two decades of raising kids right here in Livingston County. They cover everything from making homemade baby food with produce from local farmers' markets to baby sign language, Montessori, and why getting involved early in your child's school and community pays off in ways you won't fully appreciate until they're teenagers.
 
Along the way, they shine a light on some of the best local resources Livingston County has to offer young families, from the Imagination Station and Genoa Park to the Brighton and Howell library programs, Spicers Orchard U-picks, Home Depot craft days, local 5Ks, and the countless festivals and community events that make this such a great place to grow up.
 
They also share some of their favorite family traditions, including one genuinely special idea for parents with multiple kids that is worth sticking around for.
Timestamps
02:29 Homemade Baby Food and Local Resources
06:44 Baby Signs, Books, and Libraries
12:12 The Montessori Impact
18:18 Livingston County Parks and Festivals
29:03 Volunteering with Kids: Lead by Example
42:07 Teen Years, Car Prep, and Social Media
49:00 Community Resources
_______________________________________For more information on the Putkela Group and how to get connected, visit the links below:  Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/PutkelaGroupWebsite: https://www.welcometolivingston.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/putkelagroup/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq9hM7gWPlaCw4nG89Wgd9QPhone: 1-888-PUTKELA (788-5352) Sponsor LinksThanks to our amazing sponsor! Visit their social media pages for more information. James PaquetteMortgage Sales ManagerLake Michigan Credit Union - LMCUNMLS ID# 533633Direct Phone: (810) 263-6000Cell Phone: (734) 604-2611 Website: https://www.lmcu.org/jamespaquetteFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamespaquetteLMCULinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesapaquette/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LMCU

Episode 187: How McClements Farm Country Store is Redefining Local Shopping

McClements Farm Country Store recently made the move from its previous location to a prime spot in Downtown Brighton, and owner Elyse Moore is very excited.
 
Don and Angela sit down with Elyse for her second appearance on the podcast to catch up on everything that has changed, grown, and evolved since they last had her on. From freeze-dried candy and Michigan-made gifts to Uncle Peter's pasties, heirloom seeds from M.I. Gardener, and Scottish shortbread from a Redford bakery, the store has become a destination for anyone who wants to shop local and discover products you simply won't find anywhere else in the county.
 
Elyse also shares how the new Main Street location has transformed her connection to downtown events like Stars Hollow, the Brighton Farmers Market, Ladies' Night, and what's coming next, including an exciting new website where you can shop and ship Michigan-made products right to your door.
 
If you haven't stopped in yet, this episode will make you want to drop everything and go.
📍 334 West Main Street, Downtown Brighton
Timestamps
01:05 New Location and Product Expansion
06:10 Pasties and Future Online Presence
08:19 M.I. Gardener Seeds and Education
12:28 Community Engagement and Downtown Events
17:58 Defining the Country Store Identity
24:25 Upcoming Events and Website Features
Guest Links
🌐 https://www.mcclementsfarmcountrystore.com/
📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcclementsfarm
📫 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mcclementsfarm
 
_______________________________________For more information on the Putkela Group and how to get connected, visit the links below:  Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/PutkelaGroupWebsite: https://www.welcometolivingston.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/putkelagroup/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq9hM7gWPlaCw4nG89Wgd9QPhone: 1-888-PUTKELA (788-5352) Sponsor LinksThanks to our amazing sponsor! Visit their social media pages for more information. James PaquetteMortgage Sales ManagerLake Michigan Credit Union - LMCUNMLS ID# 533633Direct Phone: (810) 263-6000Cell Phone: (734) 604-2611 Website: https://www.lmcu.org/jamespaquetteFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamespaquetteLMCULinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesapaquette/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LMCU

Episode 186: We Don't Sell Paint. We Sell Time and Trust with Inspired by Design Painting

Don and Angela Putkella sit down with Brandon Miller, owner of Inspired by Design Painting, a Brighton-based painting company serving homeowners and businesses of Livingston County.
 
Brandon shares the remarkable origin story behind his business, carrying on the company name as a tribute to the family connection that drives everything he does. Don and Angela dig into what really sets a professional paint job apart, the latest color trends taking over Livingston County homes, and why painting your cabinets might be the most affordable upgrade you can make before selling your house. Brandon also walks through his company's process from first call to finished project, what to expect when you hire a professional, and why Inspired by Design is different.
 
Whether you're a homeowner thinking about a refresh, a buyer imagining what your new space could look like, or a seller trying to get top dollar, this episode is packed with practical insight and a whole lot of local pride.
Timestamps
 02:51 The Value of Professional Painting
05:58 Color Trends and Interior Design
16:16 Buyer Seller Consultations
20:49 Exterior Painting and Challenges
26:17 Impact and Proactive Painting
31:48 Estimating
36:40 Professionalism, Value, and Contact
Guest Links
Inspired by Design Painting
Phone: 810-775-2864
Interior, exterior, and cabinet painting
https://www.inspiredbydesignpainting.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InspiredByDesignPainting
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspiredbydesign_painting/
 
Sponsor LinksThanks to our amazing sponsor! Visit their social media pages for more information. James PaquetteMortgage Sales ManagerLake Michigan Credit Union - LMCUNMLS ID# 533633Direct Phone: (810) 263-6000Cell Phone: (734) 604-2611 Website: https://www.lmcu.org/jamespaquetteFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamespaquetteLMCULinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesapaquette/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LMCU

Episode 185: Bountiful Harvest: The Bougie Pantry Serving 25,000 People in Livingston County

In Episode 185 of Welcome to Livingston, Don and Angela Putkela sit down with Yvonne Cavalli and Tina Thalacker from Bountiful Harvest, located in the heart of Brighton, Michigan.
What started 15 years ago with a loaf of bread at a local church has grown into a fully volunteer-run organization serving over 25,000 people in 2025, with programs ranging from a client-choice grocery pantry and daily hot meal delivery to a pet food pantry, free laptops for kids, and a clothing pantry stocked with quality donations. With no payroll and no government grants, every single dollar given to Bountiful Harvest goes directly back to the community.
Yvonne and Tina share the heart behind everything they do, the dignity they strive to give every person who walks through their doors, and the remarkable ways Livingston County businesses and neighbors show up for one another. If you've ever wanted to get involved or just learn more about what's happening right here in our community, this is the episode for you.
03:06 Addressing Community Needs and Dignity
10:04 Ways to Help and Donate
16:59 The Pet Pantry and Chewy Partnership
22:18 Meat Bingo Fundraiser
24:48 Food Bank vs. Pantry & Impact
32:53 Operational Hours and Healthy Meals
36:06 Needed Donations
_____________________________
Guest links
Website: https://bountifulharvest-mi.org/
Donate Link: https://bountifulharvest-mi.org/make-a-difference/#donate
Phone: 810-360-0271
Email: info@bountifulharvest-mi.org
 
Livingston County Association of Realtors - Food Drive - 9:00 am - 12:00 pm May 2nd 2026
 
Show Links
For more information on the Putkela Group and how to get connected, visit the links below:
Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/PutkelaGroup
Website: https://www.welcometolivingston.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/putkelagroup/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq9hM7gWPlaCw4nG89Wgd9Q
Phone: 1-888-PUTKELA (788-5352)
 
For More Episodes: https://welcometolivingston.podbean.com/
 
Sponsor Links
Thanks to our amazing sponsor!
Visit their social media pages for more information!
 
James Paquette
Mortgage Sales Manager
Lake Michigan Credit Union - LMCU NMLS ID# 533633
Direct Phone: (810) 263-6000 Cell Phone: (734) 604-2611
Website: https://www.lmcu.org/jamespaquette
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamespaquetteLMCU
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesapaquette/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LMCU 

Episode 184: Festivals, Food Trucks, and Fun: Summer in Livingston County

Summer in Livingston County is something special, and in Episode 184 of Welcome to Livingston, Don and Angela Putkela are breaking down all the events, festivals, and hidden gems that make this community such an incredible place to live and explore.From a once-in-a-century opera at the Howell Opera House to the Michigan Challenge Balloon Fest, Taste of Brighton, Melon Fest, and everything in between, Don and Angela cover the can't-miss moments of the season. Whether you're a longtime local, new to the area, or just thinking about making Livingston County home, this episode is your ultimate summer guide.
Timestamps00:00 Welcome to Livingston: Community Focus01:05 Howell Opera House Returns06:12 Livingston County’s Farmers’ Markets09:40 Live Music and Downtown Vibes12:34 Food Trucks and Art Fairs14:56 Active Lifestyles in Livingston County20:25 Mount Rushmore of Festivals26:01 Unique Local Festivals and Events31:05 Library Sales, Book Clubs, and More35:10 Embrace Community Events
_______________________________________For more information on the Putkela Group and how to get connected, visit the links below:  Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/PutkelaGroupWebsite: https://www.welcometolivingston.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/putkelagroup/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq9hM7gWPlaCw4nG89Wgd9QPhone: 1-888-PUTKELA (788-5352) Sponsor LinksThanks to our amazing sponsor! Visit their social media pages for more information. James PaquetteMortgage Sales ManagerLake Michigan Credit Union - LMCUNMLS ID# 533633Direct Phone: (810) 263-6000Cell Phone: (734) 604-2611 Website: https://www.lmcu.org/jamespaquetteFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamespaquetteLMCULinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesapaquette/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LMCU

Episode 183: Home Warranties: Are They Worth It?

Buying a home is exciting — but what happens when the furnace stops working, or the water heater gives out? In Episode 183 of Welcome to Livingston, Don and Angela Putkela sit down together to break down everything you need to know about home warranties.From what's covered (and what's not), to how much they cost, how to actually use one, and whether it's even the right fit for you, Don and Angela cover it all. They also share real-life stories from their clients, a few PSAs you'll want to hear before your next repair call, and some surprisingly handy tips for keeping your furnace and air conditioner running smoothly.
00:00 What is a Home Warranty?03:25 Home Warranty Coverage and Costs07:48 What is and isn’t Covered?11:16 AC in Winter & Insurance Differences14:30 Choosing a Home Warranty Company19:18 Homeowner Mistakes and Usage Changes26:19 Home Warranty: Peace of Mind
_______________________________________For more information on the Putkela Group and how to get connected, visit the links below:  Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/PutkelaGroupWebsite: https://www.welcometolivingston.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/putkelagroup/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq9hM7gWPlaCw4nG89Wgd9QPhone: 1-888-PUTKELA (788-5352) Sponsor LinksThanks to our amazing sponsor! Visit their social media pages for more information. James PaquetteMortgage Sales ManagerLake Michigan Credit Union - LMCUNMLS ID# 533633Direct Phone: (810) 263-6000Cell Phone: (734) 604-2611 Website: https://www.lmcu.org/jamespaquetteFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamespaquetteLMCULinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesapaquette/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LMCU

Episode 182: How to Nail Formal Wear with Brighton Tux Shop

Getting dressed up shouldn’t be stressful. In episode 182 of Welcome to Livingston, Don and Angela Putkela sit down with Chris Yockey, manager of the Brighton Tux Shop, to get the inside scoop on everything men’s formal wear.
 
Whether you’re a groom planning your big day, a high schooler heading to prom, or a guy who’s never owned a suit. Chris breaks it all down from the key differences between a suit and a tuxedo, when you should start planning, and how you can still get measured for a suit out of town. This episode is full of information and tips to keep you looking sharp!
 
4:37 Purchase Process
8:00 Tuxedo Styles
11:51 Prom Ambassador Program
14:40 Out of State Measurements
17:44 Suit vs Tuxedo
21:17 Rental Duration and Damages
29:48 Partnership with Arc of Livingston
31:55 The Brighton Tux Shop Advantage
38:47 The Importance of a Perfect Fit
 
For more information on the Putkela Group and how to get connected, visit the links below:
 
Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/PutkelaGroup
Website: https://www.welcometolivingston.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/putkelagroup/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq9hM7gWPlaCw4nG89Wgd9Q
Phone: 1-888-PUTKELA (788-5352)
 
Guest Links
Website: https://brightontuxshop.net/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightontuxshop/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brightontux
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brightontuxshop
 
Sponsor Links
Thanks to our amazing sponsor! Visit their social media pages for more information.
 
James Paquette
Mortgage Sales Manager
Lake Michigan Credit Union - LMCU
NMLS ID# 533633
Direct Phone: (810) 263-6000
Cell Phone: (734) 604-2611
 
Website: https://www.lmcu.org/jamespaquette
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamespaquetteLMCU
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesapaquette/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LMCU

Episode 181: Appliance Shopping in Livingston County: Appliance Solutions

In Episode 181 of Welcome to Livingston, Don and Angela Putkela sit down with Allison and Ben Kellogg, owners of Appliance Solutions, a trusted local appliance store serving Livingston County.
 
If you're replacing kitchen or laundry appliances or building a new home, this episode is packed with expert advice. Allison and Ben explain why homeowners should prioritize accurate measurements when replacing appliances, how appliance sizes have changed over the years, and why new construction offers more flexibility than retrofitting existing spaces.
 
4:12 Customer Focused Solutions
6:04 Diverse Appliance Brands
8:16 Kitchen Trends and Innovations
11:02 Family Friendly
14:45 Collaborations
18:29 Founding Appliance Solutions
21:17 Appliance Advice and Timelines
25:46 Personalized Service
31:02 Community Involvement
 
For more information on the Putkela Group and how to get connected, visit the links below:
 
Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/PutkelaGroup
Website: https://www.welcometolivingston.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/putkelagroup/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq9hM7gWPlaCw4nG89Wgd9Q
Phone: 1-888-PUTKELA (788-5352)
 
Guest Links
Appliance Solutions:
Website: shopappliancesolutions.com
Email: sales@shopappliancesolutions.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/appliance_solutions_brighton/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Appliance-Solutions/61567926030927/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@appliancesolutionsmi
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Appliance_Solutions_Brighton
 
Sponsor Links
Thanks to our amazing sponsor! Visit their social media pages for more information.
 
James Paquette
Mortgage Sales Manager
Lake Michigan Credit Union - LMCU
NMLS ID# 533633
Direct Phone: (810) 263-6000
Cell Phone: (734) 604-2611
 
Website: https://www.lmcu.org/jamespaquette
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamespaquetteLMCU
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesapaquette/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LMCU

Episode 180: A One Stop Shop: Spirit of Livingston

In Episode 180 of Welcome to Livingston, Don and Angela Putkela sit down with Carol and Danny Maczik. The owners of Spirit of Livingston, a local small business specializing in custom apparel for teams, schools, and organizations across Livingston County.
 
Carol and Danny share the origin story of their business, how they built it into a lifestyle-driven company, and why being local still matters in today’s fast-paced online world. They also discuss their hands-on customer service approach and how creating custom gear helps build lifelong memories for kids and families.
 
1:06 Origin Story
4:34 The Joy of Varsity Jackets
7:27 In-House Production
12:28 Market Challenges
15:20 The Value of Local
19:01 Understanding Die Sublimation
23:29 One Stop Shop
28:20 Business Legacy
 
For more information on the Putkela Group and how to get connected, visit the links below:
 
Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/PutkelaGroup
Website: https://www.welcometolivingston.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/putkelagroup/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq9hM7gWPlaCw4nG89Wgd9Q
Phone: 1-888-PUTKELA (788-5352)
Guest Links
Spirit of Livingston
Email: spiritstore@sbglobal.net
Website: spiritoflivingston.com
 
Sponsor Links
Thanks to our amazing sponsor! Visit their social media pages for more information.
 
James Paquette
Mortgage Sales Manager
Lake Michigan Credit Union - LMCU
NMLS ID# 533633
Direct Phone: (810) 263-6000
Cell Phone: (734) 604-2611
 
Website: https://www.lmcu.org/jamespaquette
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamespaquetteLMCU
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesapaquette/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LMCU