Episode 22: Ryan Stern and Mike Smith
https://vimeo.com/1092504636/be9c4929d0?share=copy#t=0 In this episode of Lead to Succeed, host Steve Arwood sits down with Mike Smith, Executive Director of the UP Construction Council, and Ryan Stern, U.P. Representative of the Michigan Building and Construction Trades Council, to talk about the workforce that’s building the future of the Upper Peninsula. The discussion covers major construction projects, […]
Episode 21: Anne Giroux and Kyle Aho
https://vimeo.com/1084453280/ In this episode of Lead to Succeed, host Steve Arwood sits down with Anne Giroux, Director of Development and Investment Services at Build U.P., and Kyle Aho, Partner at AV Housing Solutions. The conversation explores how new tools like brownfield redevelopment, land bank partnerships, and targeted grant programs are helping drive housing projects forward […]
Episode 20: Ryan Sistad, Executive Director of Better In Our Back Yard
https://vimeo.com/1075148211 In this episode of Lead to Succeed, host Steve Arwood welcomes Ryan Sistad, Executive Director of Better In Our Back Yard, for a timely conversation about resource development, environmental responsibility, and the economic future of the Upper Peninsula. Ryan shares how his organization supports responsible industrial development by promoting policies that balance job creation, […]
Episode 19: Mandy Lake and Chris Patritto
https://vimeo.com/1065539277/f4ea0e2509 In this episode, Lead to Succeed welcomes Chris Patritto, President of Gogebic Community College, and Mandy Lake, Wakefield Township Supervisor and Bessemer City Manager, to discuss the economic potential of the Copperwood Mine project. With job creation, infrastructure investment, and community growth on the line, they break down what this could mean for the […]
Episode 18: Zach Hautala, Jacqui McElroy, Kortni Wolf, and Gerard Valesano
https://vimeo.com/1057642930/c5d2704193 In the first episode of Lead to Succeed in 2025, host Steve Arwood sits down with key players behind a major housing project in Crystal Falls. Guests Zach Hautala (Director at Iron County Economic Chamber Alliance), Jacqui McElroy (Director of Business Development at S.C. Swiderski), Kortni Wolf (Development Manager at S.C. Swiderski), and Gerard […]
Episode 17: Kelly Reed, CEO of VAST
https://vimeo.com/954519510?share=copy On this episode of Lead to Succeed, Kelly Reed, CEO of VAST joins Steve to discuss the role of UP universities and the importance of attracting and retaining young talent by growing early and mid-career job opportunities. This podcast is available on all streaming platforms, including: Spotify Apple Podcasts
Episode 16: Sarah Lucas, Director of Michigan Office of Rural Prosperity
https://vimeo.com/954808383?share=copy On this episode of Lead to Succeed, Sarah Lucas, Director of Michigan Office of Rural Prosperity joins Steve to discuss the role of UP universities and the importance of attracting and retaining young talent by growing early and mid-career job opportunities. This podcast is available on all streaming platforms, including: Spotify Apple Podcasts
Episode 15: John Jamar, CEO CCI Systems
https://vimeo.com/884519265?share=copy During this episode of the Lead to Succeed podcast, John Jamar, President & CEO of CCI Systems, Inc. discusses how to attract and retain top talent in a challenging market with host Steve Arwood. This podcast is available on all streaming platforms, including: Spotify Apple Podcasts
Episode 14: Dr. Brock Tessman, President, Northern Michigan University
https://vimeo.com/869283731/e2876df736?share=copy On this episode of Lead to Succeed, Dr. Brock Tessman, President of Northern Michigan University joins Steve to discuss the role of UP universities and the importance of attracting and retaining young talent by growing early and mid-career job opportunities. This podcast is available on all streaming platforms, including: Spotify Apple Podcasts
Episode 13: Brigitte LaPointe-Dunham, CEO Keweenaw Bay Indian Community
https://vimeo.com/862512438?share=copy Lead to Succeed: Conversations with U.P. Business Leaders is an interview series focused on leadership in the Upper Peninsula. Bridgitte LaPointe-Dunham, CEO of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, joins host Steve Arwood for a conversation about the importance of tribal communities and making and maintaining connections in the rural UP. This podcast is available on […]