Episode 26: Corey Soumis and Steve Aho
Corey Soumis and Steve Aho share how a U.P. CTE homebuilding program is tackling housing needs and growing the skilled trades pipeline.
Episode 25: Amy Hovey
https://vimeo.com/1143097878 In this episode of Lead to Succeed, host Steve Arwood talks with Amy Hovey, Executive Director and CEO of the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), about what it takes to tackle Michigan’s housing shortage. She walks through MSHDA’s full toolbox from vouchers, mortgages, and home repair programs to Missing Middle investments, housing TIF, […]
Episode 24: Randy Thelen
https://vimeo.com/1114954154/88bb218c9a In this episode of Lead to Succeed, host Steve Arwood welcomes Randy Thelen, President and CEO of The Right Place and Chair of the Economic Development Leaders for Michigan (EDLM). The conversation dives into EDLM’s Top Ten policy priorities and the importance of consistent, regionally driven economic development across the state. Randy shares lessons […]
Episode 23: Jim Tenzillo and Jim Baker
https://vimeo.com/1103620819 In this episode of Lead to Succeed, host Steve Arwood talks with Michigan Outdoor Innovation Fund’s Jim Tenzillo and Jim Baker. The conversation covers how the fund is fueling early-stage companies focused on improving the outdoor experience through technology. With a statewide focus and deep roots in the Upper Peninsula, the fund has already […]
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