Welcome To Livingston

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

Episode 179: Our County's Silent Superhero: Mrs. T

In Episode 179 of Welcome to Livingston, Don and Angela Putkela sit down with Sharyn Tormanen, the building secretary at Howell Public Schools who many students know and love as Mrs. T. Beyond her role at the school, Sharyn captures the heart of Howell through her photography. Capturing any and every school event from athletics and clubs to everyday student moments.
 
Sharyn’s impact doesn’t stop there. In her “free time”, she also works with the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office Victim Services Unit, serving on call 24/7, 365 days a year to support families and community members during moments of crisis and grief. This episode highlights her dedication and compassion to helping the community in many ways.
 
3:04 Sharyn’s Photography Journey
6:04 Favorite Shots
15:23 Sheriff’s Victim Service Unit
20:39 Community Involvement
26:12 Balancing Life and Future Plans
 
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
Sharyn Tormanen
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/howelltormanen/
School email: tormanes@howellschools.com
Personal email: stormanen@gmail.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 178: Joy in Every Box

In this episode, Don and Angela Putklea welcome Lisa Zienleniewski and Michelle Forcier, the creators behind Blossom and Bloom Box, a Livingston County business dedicated to thoughtful, beautifully curated gift boxes designed to celebrate, comfort, and connect.
Lisa and Michelle share how Blossom and Bloom Box got started, what inspired their passion for meaningful gifting, and creating curated gift boxes that are budget-friendly, customizable, and deeply personal. Often featuring local items and an exceptional level of care in every detail. From birthdays and encouragement to everyday moments that deserve a little extra joy, this episode highlights how Blossom and Bloom Box delivers more than just gifts, it delivers connection.
 
9:40 - Delivery
11:24 - How lead time works
19:08 - Local support
26:35 - Unboxing
29:30 - Gifts just because
 
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 LinksWebsite: https://blossomandbloombox.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blossomandbloomgiftboxes/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Blossom-and-Bloom-Box/61581338402459/?ref=PROFILE_EDIT_xav_ig_profile_page_web# Phone: 810-986-9600Email: giftsbyblossomandbloom@gmail.com  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/jamespaquette Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamespaquetteLMCU LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesapaquette/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LMCU 

Episode 177: Organizing Livingston County One Room at a Time with ReJenerate Your Space

 In Episode 177 of Welcome to Livingston, Don and Angela Putkela sit down with Jen Ling of ReJenerate Your Space, a professional organizer who helps Livingston County residents tackle clutter, one room at a time.
 
Jen shares why everyone has clutter, why big organizing projects can feel so overwhelming, and why many people get started, only to end up with an even bigger mess. From homes and garages to storage lockers, Jen explains how working with a professional organizer helps keep projects on track, brings a fresh perspective, and ensures spaces are fully organized and functional.
 
They also discuss why hiring an organizer like Jen can save time, reduce stress, and make a major difference when preparing a home for buying or selling. Whether you’re feeling buried by clutter, planning a move, or just want a more organized space, this episode offers practical insight and encouragement for Livingston County homeowners and businesses alike.
 
2:00 - Chaos to structure
7:05 - Jen's #1 Goal
11:33 - Getting Rid of Unwanted Items
18:45 - Collecting Boxes of Stuff
26:53 - Feeling Overwhelmed while Organizing
32:25 - Listing an Organized vs Unorganized Home
 
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: www.rejenerateyourspace.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReJenerateYourSpace/about?ref=page_internal
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rejenerateyourspace/
Phone: 810.522.8422
Email: rejenerateyourspace@gmail.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 176: Livingston County Pools

In this week's episode, Don and Angela encourage listeners to get out, get active, and have some fun in the winter weather by visiting a local pool. They cover 8 different pool locations, and what makes each of them unique, as well as the different classes you can sign up for. In addition, they give the audience a call to action: local organizations, reach out! We'd love to have you on the show and help you promote your mission for our county.
 
1:19 - Livingston County Pools Overview
4:24 - Hartland Pool Features
14:46 - Cost and Community Benefits
22:51 - Community Connection and Party Ideas
26:16 - Community Involvement in Welcome to Livingston
 
About:
Join Don & Angela Putkela as they launch "Welcome to Livingston," a podcast dedicated to highlighting the events, people, businesses, and community involvement that make Livingston County a great place to live, work, and enjoy. As Realtors, Associate Brokers, and owners of the Putkela Group with KW Living, Don & Angela hope to offer valuable insight into the local market and the buying/selling process. 
 
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)
 
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 175: Lake Michigan Credit Union: Member-First Banking

In this episode, Don and Angela are joined by Traci Harris and Angela Lance, who highlight Lake Michigan Credit Union and its commitment to personalized, member first banking, including the opening of its new full service Brighton branch on Main Street. From first time homebuyer and construction loans to business banking and financial wellness programs, LMCU blends modern services with strong community involvement. As a not-for-profit, member-owned institution, they focus on helping members make informed financial decisions while giving back through better rates, education, and local partnerships.
 
01:06 Lake Michigan Credit Union’s History & Expansion
04:51 Community Involvement and Financial Wellness
08:11 The Importance of Credit Education
11:11 Diverse Products and Services
13:50 Embracing Livingston’s Community Spirit
18:22 Credit Union vs. Bank: Key Differences
22:23 Early Financial Literacy and ATM Services
26:01 Final Thoughts: Service, Accessibility, and Community
 
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)
 
Guest Links
Website: https://www.lmcu.org/brighton
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-lance-31003541/
Email: Angela.Lance@LMCU.org
 
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