Northwestern Michigan offers a rare mix of entrepreneurial spirit, vibrant culture, and unmatched lifestyle. For business owners, this means opportunities for strong returns, lasting partnerships, and a high quality of life. It also calls for commercial lenders who understand the region and can offer personalized, strategic guidance.

I was born and raised here and have proudly spent over 25 years in the local business and banking community. After graduating from NMC and Ferris State, my wife (also my high school sweetheart) and I raised our three children in this incredible place. I remain deeply involved in every aspect of our community.

Connect with me anytime at alanz@myhonorbank.com.

Born and raised in Elk Rapids, Alice Rubert always felt the deep pull of Northern Michigan. After years of travel and a career in real estate, it was burnout during COVID that led her to a powerful shift. Through meditation and breathwork, she began a personal journey of healing that transformed her life—mind, body, and spirit.

My husband and I married young—just 16 and 18—and our story is one of God’s faithfulness and the power of perseverance. We've raised 6 kids, now have 7 grandkids, and our marriage has been shaped by both challenges and grace. In 1996, we moved to Traverse City on faith for my husband’s new role with Farm Bureau—and instantly fell in love with the community we now call home.

My journey into Christian marriage coaching was born out of personal experience. I made plenty of mistakes early on, but once I began to truly transform, I felt called to help other women do the same. I became a certified Christian master life coach and launched Barb Camp Coaching, home of the Better Me, Better We group. I guide Christian wives in transforming their marriages by focusing on the one thing they can control—themselves.

I’ve worked in the beauty industry for nearly 40 years—starting at 16 and eventually opening Epiphany Salon & Spa in 1999, now with multiple locations and an advanced academy. I’m licensed across all beauty fields, teach cosmetology, and serve on the Michigan State Board of Cosmetology. My husband and I also run Bardon’s Wonder Freeze, a local Traverse City gem, and mentor students through a new salon space in Acme. My path wasn’t easy—I struggled with reading due to undiagnosed dyslexia and overcame major health battles. But I believe deeply in second chances, the power of kindness, and building a legacy of purpose. My passion is helping others find their worth and take bold steps toward their future.

A single mom turned real estate leader, Holly found in real estate not just a career, but a calling: helping people find their place in the world. She led EXIT Realty with vision and heart and has now returned to what she loves most—working directly with clients, guiding them through life-changing transitions in buying and selling homes.

• Email Address: holly@tcexit.com

Social Media:

• Facebook: @hollyhack

• Instagram: @hollyhackrealtor

• TikTok: @hollyhack

 "Farming is a profession of hope." We’re a women- and veteran-owned business rooted in love for our land, animals, and what we create. Our brands—Little Long Ears Provisions, TC Spirit Donkeys, Old Mission Ciders, and Harpers Ridge Farm—grew from our farm on Old Mission Peninsula, founded in 2016. Today we care for 800+ organic fruit trees and a vibrant ecosystem of bees, chickens, donkeys, sheep, and more. We make wine from our Pinot Gris grapes and a seasonal cider blend called “The Kitchen Sink.” Our main brand, Little Long Ears Provisions, turns cider and wine into aged vinegars—apple, cherry, fire cider, beer malt, and more coming soon. Vinegar makes food better—enhancing flavor and offering probiotic, antioxidant, and metabolic benefits. Try our wellness shot, Donkey Fuel, with fire cider, tart cherry, and hydrogen water. We’re also trialing Michigan-grown olive oil! 1% of sales support the Grand Traverse Land Conservancy and local nonprofits. 

Jennifer Szunko is a champion of Northern Michigan’s active, outdoor lifestyle. A Northwood University grad, her career has taken her from Vail to D.C. and back home to Traverse City in 1987. Since then, she’s shaped the region’s hospitality scene—from hotels and cruises to wine, publishing, and digital marketing.

Today, she co-owns The Discovery, offering scenic and educational cruises on West Bay. A cancer survivor and entrepreneur, Jennifer is known for her resilience, professionalism, and passion for connecting people to the land, water, and heart of Traverse City.

Learn more:
 🌐 www.discoverycruisestc.com
📸 Instagram: @discoverycruises
📘 Facebook: Discovery Cruises
🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jenniferszunko/

Kegan Gill is a former Navy F/A-18 pilot who survived the fastest ejection in naval aviation history—and lived to fly again. Paralyzed but not defeated, his journey of grit and recovery defies all odds. Now a bestselling author, motivational speaker, and performance coach, Kegan shares lessons in mindset, perseverance, and rising stronger. His memoir, Phoenix Revival, is a testament to the human spirit.

Born and raised in Traverse City, Michigan, Kyan Olshove grew up riding local trails with his dad. That weekend hobby turned into a full-blown passion after joining Norte Youth Cycling, where he found both competition and community.

Now a semi-professional mountain bike racer, Kyan competes internationally while chasing his dream of making cycling a full-time career. He’s known for his focus, grit, and deep connection to the Northern Michigan trails that shaped him.

Kyan trains year-round in TC and often gives back—mentoring young riders, collaborating at local events, and sharing his journey on social media.

His story is proof that big dreams can start on small-town trails—and that you don’t have to leave home to go far.

Some friendships are instant—ours was built over years, miles, and shared purpose. Lisa and I met in chiropractic school, and though life took us in different directions, our bond has remained strong. Grounded in faith, family, and holistic living, we’ve walked similar paths and cheered each other on through every chapter.

Now, Lisa is sharing her hard-won wisdom in her new #1 best-seller, The Radiant Reset—a guide to restoring metabolic function and hormone balance in a stressed-out world.

Join us in this heartwarming episode as we reflect on the past, celebrate where we are now, and share the joy of inspiring others to live fully alive.

Grab her book + bonuses here: https://livingwellbeauty.com/the-radiant-reset-book/

Marjie and her spouse have lived in Traverse City since 1994. They have three adult
daughters.

In the Grand Traverse area, Marjie has managed adolescent health clinics, directed a breastfeeding program, and conducted community health assessment work at the Grand Traverse County Health Department. In addition to her direct work in public health, Marjie also served on the TCAPS school board for six years, including two as president, and was an adjunct professor at Grand Valley State University on the Grand Traverse campus.

As the CEO and Owner of Solitude Float & Wellness Spa in Traverse City and the Founder of Sullivan Business Services, Sarah has dedicated her career to helping others through holistic wellness, financial guidance, or nonprofit leadership.

Sherri Campbell Fenton is the Managing Owner of Black Star Farms, where she oversees hospitality, culinary services, and events at the winery estate. A Miami University graduate with a background in business psychology and advertising, Sherri began her career in automotive marketing before following her passion into sports sales and later, philanthropy.

After a decade in nonprofit development—helping raise $7M for Traverse Health Clinic—she joined her family’s hospitality business in 2016. Sherri brings deep experience in marketing, business development, and community engagement.

She serves on the boards of Traverse City Tourism, Traverse Wine Coast (as President), and the Michigan Chapter of the National MS Society. Her mission: to grow Black Star Farms and the Traverse Wine Coast into powerful regional economic drivers.