Welcome To Livingston

Episode 194: Selling Your Home: The Photo Day Secrets That Could Make or Break Your Sale

Think selling your home starts with a sign in the yard? Think again. It starts with the photos, and most sellers have no idea how much preparation goes into making those photos work hard for them.
 
This week, Don and Angela pull back the curtain on one of the most important and underestimated parts of the home-selling process: photo day. From decluttering and matching light bulbs to moving furniture away from fireplaces and hiding evidence of pets, they walk through everything a seller needs to know before the photographer arrives. They also share some insider tips most agents never mention.
 
Whether you are thinking about selling soon or just curious about the process, this episode is packed with practical, honest advice from two realtors who have been through photo day hundreds of times.
Timestamps
03:08 Preparing Your Home for Photos
08:25 Lighting Tips and Pet Prep
12:18 Furniture Placement and Staging
17:15 Timing and Seasonal Considerations
22:24 Advanced Photography and Strategy
28:15 Final Tips for Photo Day Success
32:16 We're Here to Help
 
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 193: Dust to Glory: The Cleaning Company That Heals More Than Just Your House

Sometimes the most successful businesses are born out of the hardest moments. After losing her job, Nicole started cleaning houses just to make ends meet. What began as a way to survive turned into Dust to Glory, a thriving cleaning company she now runs alongside her sister Megan, serving hundreds of homes across Livingston and Oakland County.
 
Don and Angela sit down with Nicole and Megan to hear the full story, from police showing up at a client's house mid-clean to the heartbreaking and hilarious lessons learned along the way about what people really want from a cleaning service. They dig into deep cleans, foundation cleans, post-construction cleans, and the surprisingly personal challenge of figuring out exactly how clean is too clean for any given client.
 
Whether you are getting your home ready to sell, recovering from a renovation, or just need help keeping up with life, this episode will change the way you think about hiring a cleaner.
Timestamps
03:39 Adventures and Cleaning Challenges
07:54 Normalizing the ‘Mess’ in Homes
11:16 Most Needed Cleaning Areas
13:39 Diverse Cleaning Services and Flexibility
20:33 The Client Consultation Process
26:38 The Heart of Dust to Glory
35:53 Cleaning’s Impact on Mental Health
 
Guest Links
https://www.dust2gloryllc.com/
https://www.facebook.com/dust2gloryllc/
https://www.instagram.com/dust2gloryllc
Phone: (517)376-8281
 
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 192: Livingston County United Way: Meet the Group Behind 211, Day of Caring & So Much More

Most people know the name United Way. Almost nobody realizes how deep their roots actually run in Livingston County until they sit down and hear it firsthand.
 
Don and Angela are joined in the studio by Carrie Newstead, Executive Director of Livingston County United Way, to learn how this organization quietly supports nearly every nonprofit in the county while directly serving thousands of local ALICE families, those working multiple jobs and still barely making ends meet. Carrie breaks down the resources behind 211, the incredible impact of Day of Caring, which brought out 867 volunteers last year for nearly 80 community projects, and the brand-new Power of the Purse event that raised over $21,000 for Great Start Livingston after a major funding cut.
 
Whether you have five dollars, five hours, or just a little bit of curiosity about how to get involved, this episode will show you exactly where to start.
Timestamps
04:45 Day of Caring: Community and Connection
10:52 Volunteerism: A Two-Way Street
15:19 Fundraising and Community Engagement
23:42 Tackling Food Insecurity and Inspiring Giving
28:42 Get Involved: Volunteer & Donate
Guest Links
https://www.facebook.com/UnitedWayOfLivingstonCounty/
https://www.volunteerlivingston.org/
https://lcunitedway.org/
Phone: (810)494-3000
 
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 191: Love Inc.: A Network of Support in Livingston County

Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do for someone is simply pick up the phone and listen. That is exactly where Love Inc. starts, and it is just the beginning of what this remarkable Livingston County organization does for its neighbors every single day.
 
Don and Angela sit down with Margo and Carrie from Love Inc., a nonprofit connecting people in need to a network of 66 (and growing) church partners across Livingston County. From gas vouchers and career clothing to furniture, diapers, birthday kits, and car repairs, Love Inc. fills the gaps that fall through the cracks of traditional assistance and they do it with an intake call that leaves people going from zero hope to a 9 out of 10.
 
Margo and Carrie also walk through New Creation, their two-year transformational program that pairs community meals, small group support, mentoring, budget coaching, and free childcare to help neighbors not just get by but truly grow. With classes on affirming potential, faith, and finances, and healthy boundaries, they are building people up from the inside out.
 
Timestamps
04:16 Community Collaboration and Support
10:54 New Creation: Transformational Ministry
14:39 Key Classes and Volunteer Impact
18:44 New Programs and Inclusivity
23:40 Donations and Furniture Ministry
27:12 Community Support & Outreach
31:52 Get Involved with Love Inc.
Guest Links
Love Inc:
https://www.livingstonloveinc.org/
https://www.facebook.com/livingstoncountyloveinc
https://www.instagram.com/livingstonloveinc/?hl=en
 
Resell Store:
https://www.facebook.com/LoveINCResaleStoreLivingston
https://www.instagram.com/loveincresalestorelc/?hl=en
 
Golf Outing 2026 Information: https://www.livingstonloveinc.org/golf-outing-2026-1
 
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 190: Local Dog Lover Gems: Everything Livingston County Has to Offer Your Four-Legged Family Member

Meet Pepper, the newest Putkela family member!
 
From dog parks and pet-friendly patios to grooming, boarding, training, and everything in between, Don and Angela walk through everything this county has to offer for you and your pup. They cover hidden gems and new up-and-coming businesses. They also get into the real stuff: introducing a second dog to the household, invisible fences, tick season, training resources through Community Ed, and the remarkable mental health benefits dogs are bringing to local schools through therapy dog programs in both Brighton and Howell.
 
This one is for every dog owner, dog lover, or anyone thinking about adding a four-legged family member to the mix.
 
🐾 Want to learn more about pets and real estate in Livingston County? Check out these two previous episodes:
📺 Pets & Real Estate Episode 1
📺 Pets & Real Estate Episode 2
Timestamps
03:38 Livingston County Dog Parks
09:39 Pet Safety, Boarding & Grooming
14:00 Dogs in Livingston: Dining & Community
20:07 Adoption, Training, and Mental Health
29:53 Enjoying Life with Your Dog
 
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 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