Welcome To Livingston

Episode 118: Gear Up! Where Adventure Meets Quality

Join Don and Angela as they chat with Todd Buckley, Chief Operating Outfitter of Town to Trail Outfitters, Brighton’s newest destination for outdoor enthusiasts. From top-notch gear to expert advice, discover how Todd and his wife turned their passion for adventure into a store offering premium brands, personalized service, and exciting plans for outdoor clinics. Get inspired to gear up for your next journey!
 
00:00 Welcome to the Podcast
00:50 Meet Our Sponsor
01:13 Introducing Todd Buckley
02:01 Filling a Niche in Men’s Clothing
03:31 Sustainable and Versatile Apparel
06:22 Popular Merchandise and Seasonal Trends
09:32 The Passion Project
12:11 Unique Offerings and Gift Ideas
15:01 Hiking Clinics and Community Engagement
17:30 Embracing the Local Outdoor Lifestyle
20:34 Customer-Centric Approach
24:30 Innovative Shopping Experience
28:09 Community and Shared Experiences
 
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://towntotrailoutfitters.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TownToTrailOutfitters/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/towntotrailoutfitters/
Email: hello@towntotrailoutfitters.com
Ph: (810)295-2919
 
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 117: Big Goals, Big Results: Transform Your Goals into Reality

Join Don and Angela as they take you on a journey to make your next year unforgettable. In this episode, they break down practical, powerful goal-setting techniques that go beyond the basics. From harnessing SWOT analysis and the 80/20 rule to crafting a vision board and setting SMART goals, they share insider strategies to turn your aspirations into achievements.
 
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)
 
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 116: Handmade Happiness: Buff City Soap

Don and Angela chat with Eris Taylor, Director of Operations, and Virginia Kamenitzer, Marketing Manager, from Buff City Soap in Brighton. Discover the magic behind plant-based soaps handmade daily in-store! They share how Buff City Soap was born from a frustration with harsh, chemical-laden commercial soaps and a mission to create pure, nourishing, and fresh products with scents that’ll have you hooked. Tune in for the story behind their popular DIY options, community events, party hosting, and even how they avoid going “nose blind” around all those amazing scents! Perfect inspiration for gift-giving and self-care alike.
 
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
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BuffCitySoapBrighton
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buffcitysoap.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 115: No Good Story Starts With A Salad!

Don and Angela chat with Ashley Watterson, founder of the Yoga Strong Foundation. Ashley shares how Yoga Strong unites the community through engaging events like their weekly Bend and Brew sessions. She discusses the Foundation’s mission to support local students by providing scholarships and resources. She makes yoga an accessible, enjoyable practice that builds community and connection. Learn about the Foundation’s work and how Ashley’s vision continues to bring people together through movement and mindfulness. Her involvement in creating unique ideas to help doesn’t stop there, listen in to learn more.
 
1:30 - What is Yoga Strong and how did it start?
5:18 - Scholarship details and requirements.
8:00 - Other giving back opportunities her organization is involved in.
13:06 - A new twist for this year and how to get involved.
16:34 - How they work with the ELCs.
18:55 - What other events do they have?
23:00 - Bend and Brew weekly yoga event.
26:20 - Scholarship application details and dates.
 
 
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.yogastrong.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yogastrongfoundation
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yogastrongfoundation
Email: ashley@yogastrongfoundation.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

Episode 114: Positivity in Motion: Tips for a Healthier Mindset

Angela takes the wheel in this uplifting episode as she and Don explore the power of positivity. From improving your health and managing stress to the unexpected benefits of retail therapy and the magic of pets, they share practical tips for maintaining a positive mindset. Learn how small choices, movement breaks, and a good night's sleep can shift your outlook—and why sometimes, a hard reset is exactly what you need to stay on track.
 
2:02 - Today we are going to talk about positivity. 
3:40 - How does positivity impact your life for instance in your health.
7:00 - The impact of a good night’s sleep and exercise.
9:36 - Add movement breaks into your day.
10:40 - Stress, things you can do to help with it and being social. 
13:20 - The power of your pet relationship.
16:00 - Depression and moods that might need a hard reset to break the pattern. 
19:40 - Retail Therapy.
23:00 - Gratitude and little acts of kindness. 
26:00 - There’s always time if you make time for it, prioritize it.
27:20 - It all starts with your mindset and making the right choices.  
32:00 - Concentrate on what you can control. 
36:40 - Looking for the positive in things. 
 
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)

Episode 113: Networking for Success: Steven Zyskowski’s Caerusnet System

Join Don and Angela as they chat with Steven Zyskowski, the mastermind behind Caerusnet, a unique business referral system. Steven shares how Caerusnet helps entrepreneurs harness their existing potential, build strong networking relationships, and cultivate long-term business success. Discover how this innovative approach has been empowering business owners to grow their ventures through the power of teamwork and strategic referrals.
 
2:05 - What is Caerusnet?
4:40 - Where did the idea come from?
6:34 - How the Caerusnet has helped them.
13:00 - Knowing your priority.
16:00- What he loves most about the business.
17:33 - What is a trust builder?
18:20 - What types of business is Caerusnet good for?
 
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
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenzyskowski/
X: @stevenzyskowski
Voyage Magazine Bio: https://voyagemichigan.com/interview/meet-steven-zyskowski-of-brighton-ann-arbor-and-canton/
Caerusnet Website: https://caerusnet.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 112: Sign, Sealed, Delivered, It’s Yours!

In this episode, Don and Angela address what is expected of both buyers and sellers in the between stage of “clear-to-close” and “closing.” Some items may include proportion of taxes, expectations from all the people involved in the sale, the final walkthrough for the buyers, and much more. You don’t want to miss any of the insight in this video!
 
3:51 -Where to start after clear-to-close call?
 8:22 -Final Walkthrough
13:53 -What to bring to closing
18:29 -What about utilities?
22:48 -Key exchange and damage deposit
24:28 -What should a house look like when it’s empty?
28:35 -Fixtures/appliances
32:58 -Locks
 
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)
 
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 111: Scent-sational Success: My Wife’s Candles

Get ready for a fun chat as Don catches up with James and Gessica Pless, the masterminds behind My Wife’s Candles!  Learn how their unique, dessert-inspired scents are creating warm, inviting atmospheres for homes everywhere -  without the extra calories. Get the inside scoop on how they’re building a booming candle biz, one delicious scent at a time!
 
1:53 - How they got started.
4:49 - What are people's favorites?
5:42 - Keepsake Candles.
8:00 - How long does the scent last?
9:30 - Wedding candles.
11:15 - Where can you find them?
17:40 - Where they can be found.
20:45 - What they like best about Livingston County.
 
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
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mywifescandles/
Website: https://mywifescandles.com/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mywifescandles
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyWifesCandles/
 
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 110: Custom, Made for YOU!

Don and Angela sit down with Cody Powers, owner of Cap’s Artistry, to explore the stories behind his one-of-a-kind wood creations. From custom furniture to handcrafted mantles, Cody's passion for woodworking and commitment to quality shines through in every piece. Hear how he transforms locally sourced materials into stunning works of art that bring warmth and character to homes across the country. Discover the artistry and dedication that make Cap’s Artistry stand out as a true gem in the world of custom craftsmanship.
 
2:17 - What is Cap’s Artistry?
255 - Sentimental Tree Services.
6:32 - The time process of converting a tree to furniture.
8:25 - What’s the most popular request he gets?
9:25 - A tuely custom piece, how does the process work?
11:19 - What are some of his most unique pieces?
15:22 - How the purchase process starts.
21:15 - More on the sentimental tree service.
26:00 - Pricing.
 
 
 
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://capsartistry.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/capsartistry/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/capsartistry
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/capsartistry/
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/CapsArtistry?ref=profile_header
Email: capsartistry@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 109: Living the Good Fat Life

Join Don and Angela as they chat with Sherri Richards, the visionary behind Good Fat Life magazine and podcast. Sherri shares her mission to inspire healthier living through personal growth, mental wellness, financial health, and more. With a passion for spotlighting incredible people doing amazing things, Sherri explains how her platform connects good humans with the resources they need to thrive. Get ready for a feel-good conversation about community, wellness, and why it’s all about "cool people doing cool stuff."
 
1:35 - What is Good Fat Life
5:57 - Creation time put into each quarterly magazine
6:30 - The mission of Good Fat Life
9:30 - Magazine subscriptions
12:33 - The 45 day Glow Up Challenge
14:12 - Other events Sherri has coming up
16:40 - What is Sherri’s podcast?
20:00 - More wonder please
 
 
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
Learn more about our magazine, podcast, and upcoming events by visiting goodfatlife.com
 
For a subscription to the Good Fat Life magazine, you can Text “InspiredGFL” to 55678 and send a SMS Message/Text to receive a digital subscription!
 
Website:  https://www.goodfatlife.com/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/goodfatlifemagazine
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspiredgoodfatlife/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/goodfatlife/_created/
 
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