Welcome To Livingston

This week, Don and Angela step back from their usual format to celebrate this milestone with a clips episode! Looking back at the small businesses, restaurants, health and wellness companies, nonprofits, events, and personal moments that have defined Welcome to Livingston across 200 weeks of showing up for this community.
 
From a $26,000 toilet to wood-fired pizza, from nonprofits serving 25,000 neighbors a year to events drawing 50,000 visitors to downtown Brighton, from their kids taking the stage in middle school theater productions to their son breaking down how to choose a college, this episode is a love letter to Livingston County and everyone who has been part of the journey.
 
Don and Angela also share what this show has meant to them personally, why giving small businesses a free voice has always been at its heart, and what they are looking forward to in the next 200 episodes.
 
If there is an episode you loved that did not make the highlight reel, they want to hear about it. Reach out at angela@putkelagroup.com or find them wherever you listen to podcasts.
 
Timestamps
00:00 Celebrating 200 Episodes of Livingston
04:43 Spotlighting Local Small Businesses
11:24 Culinary Gems of Livingston County
15:58 Health, Wellness, and Fitness Highlights
20:47 Impactful Nonprofits and Community Support
26:15 Celebrating Local Festivals and Events
32:08 Personal Reflections and Family Involvement
36:38 Looking Toward the Future
 
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

This week, Don and Angela are recording live on location at the Smokin' Rock-N-Blues Fest in Downtown Brighton. Music in the background, ribs on the grill, people waving as they walk by, and all the good vibes that make this community so special.
 
In between festival sights and sounds, Don and Angela take a walk down memory lane through all the Downtown Brighton businesses they have featured over nearly 200 episodes, from Running Lab and Ivory Vines to Great Harvest Bread, Culture Beer and Cheese, Lake Michigan Credit Union and more. If you have ever driven past any of these and wondered what was inside, this episode is your sign to stop in.
 
Fair warning: you will be hungry by the end of this one.
Timestamps
 04:38 Shoutout to local downtown businesses
08:33 Festival vibes and social districts
13:45 More local events
 
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

This week Don and Angela are going to hell. Literally.
 
Adam and Evelyn Aberline, longtime Livingston County residents and friends of the Putkelas, recently became the new owners of Hell, Michigan, the quirky little hamlet just outside of Pinckney that draws visitors from as far as England, Scotland, and Oregon. In just a few weeks of ownership, they have already hosted four weddings, welcomed five ash scatterings, had sixty Mustangs show up unannounced, and learned that waffle cones are harder to make than they look.
 
Don and Angela sit down with Adam and Evelyn to hear the story behind the purchase and what they are doing to breathe new life into one of Livingston County's most beloved and recognizable destinations. This one is funny, heartwarming, and a little bit unexpected — just like Hell itself.
Timestamps
04:30 Shopping, Ice Cream, and Mini Golf
08:32 A Community Destination for Everyone
12:15 Hosting Events and Engaging Locals
16:15 Life as New Small Business Owners
 
Guest Links
https://www.gotohellmi.com/
https://www.facebook.com/gotohellmichigan/
https://www.instagram.com/gotohellmi/
 
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

Summer is winding down, and Livingston County is about to shift into a whole new gear. This week, Don and Angela talk about everything families and community members should know heading into the new school year.
 
They cover which districts start before Labor Day and why, the return of free lunches for all students, school-of-choice options you may not know exist, and the alternative schools quietly changing outcomes for students who need a different environment to thrive. Don also draws on his experience as a former high school teacher at the Bridge Alternative School in Brighton to explain why these programs matter more than most people realize.
 
They also get into the big sports news! This is the final year for the KLAA conference, with Howell, Brighton, and Hartland all moving to the Southeast Conference together next school year, and they make a strong case for getting out to a Friday night football game if you haven't in a while.
 
Want to hear directly from the high school principals of Brighton, Howell, and Hartland about their schools and programs? Don and Angela sat down with all three last summer:
🎧 Howell High School Principal — Episode 147: https://youtu.be/zfJZm-l1jQM
🎧 Brighton High School Principal — Episode 151: https://youtu.be/CObnS7q130s
🎧 Hartland High School Principal — Episode 153: https://youtu.be/GeT3NIh4jmM
Timestamps
05:05 Navigating Back to School Logistics
09:28 Understanding School of Choice Options
13:36 Alternative Education and Learning Resources
17:13 High School Sports and Community Spirit
22:00 Athletic Conference Changes and Supporting Kids
27:01 Fall Festivals and Local Events
 
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

Most people have insurance. Very few people actually know what it covers, and that gap can cost a family everything on the worst day of their lives.
 
Don and Angela sit down with Blake Williams of the Herndon Family Agency Farm Bureau Insurance right here in Brighton to talk about the real conversations families need to be having about their coverage. Blake shares the deeply personal reasons he got into insurance. They dig into the most common gaps Blake sees: from homeowners who renovate without updating their policies, to Michigan drivers who opted into lower PIP limits without understanding what they gave up, to young families who assume life insurance through work is enough. Blake also walks through coverage most people never think about.
 
Whether you are a homeowner, a business owner, a new parent, or someone who has never sat down with a local insurance agent, this episode will make you want to pick up the phone.
 
Timestamps
01:16 Personal Motivations and Insurance Basics
05:12 Identifying Common Gaps in Coverage
08:48 The Value of Educated Insurance Planning
12:22 Navigating Claims and Specialized Coverage
15:11 Bundling Policies and Business Insurance
18:44 Understanding Life Insurance Options
24:13 Planning for Life’s Unexpected Events
29:15 Proactive Planning
Guest Links
https://chamber.howell.org/list/member/herndon-family-agency-farm-bureau-insurance-18840
https://www.michfb.com/insurance/find-an-agent/geoffrey-herndon-210-s-east-st-ste-1
Phone: (248)486-4160
 
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

Most people have heard of bidets. Very few have actually tried one. And almost nobody knows there is a showroom right here in Livingston County where you can walk in, try seven different models, and leave with one the same day.
 
Don and Angela sit down with Daniel Johnson, founder of Many Bidets, to talk about the business he started back in 2013, long before the 2020 toilet paper shortage made bidets a household conversation. What began as a personal health solution for Daniel has grown into the only bidet showroom in the United States where customers can try before they buy, drawing visitors from as far as California, Alabama, and Pennsylvania.
 
They dig into everything from entry-level seats starting at $300 to a $26,000 toilet that truck drivers reroute their deliveries just to use, the health and mobility benefits most people never consider, and why a bidet could actually extend the life of your septic system.
 
Whether you are curious, skeptical, or just ready to upgrade, this episode will change the way you think about one of the most visited rooms in your home.
 
Timestamps
04:44 Bidet Education and Showroom Experience
08:44 Addressing Customer Needs and Concerns
12:48 Installation and Functional Considerations
16:21 Bidet Technology and User Customization
22:02 Health, Sustainability, and Practical Benefits
26:08 Connecting with ManyBadays
Guest Links
https://www.manybidets.com/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23867106469&gbraid=0AAAAADqtcK8VkVGY1Tunc-cEWwDwJycxH&gclid=Cj0KCQjw-MDTBhCgARIsAKAkdlQolJzyQM38f79uUxXbqwq-hTIUoXdpRWy8pPHwS_P5dw-Z1GroeGwaAnetEALw_wcB
https://instagram.com/manybidets
https://facebook.com/manybidets
https://youtube.com/@ManyBidets
 
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

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

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
 

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
 

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