StartupNation Radio

Michigan Entrepreneurs Reveal How They Pivoted During COVID-19 on StartupNation Radio

Episode Summary

On today's episode of StartupNation Radio, Jeff is joined by co-host, Brian Calley, president of the Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM), and two featured guests: Patti Eisenbraun, co-owner of Brown Iron Brewhouse, and Derek Dickow, founder of Steward Media and Board of Directors member of SBAM.

Episode Notes

Calley, who is the former the lieutenant governor of Michigan, is the president of SBAM and will soon be its CEO. SBAM aims to help local small businesses find their footing and grow. It is the only statewide and state-based association that focuses solely on serving the needs of Michigan’s small business community, and has been in operation since 1969.

During the interview, Calley discusses:

His transition from commercial banker to lieutenant governor to businessman
How the SBAM does more than just advocate for small businesses
How SBAM's membership levels work and what resources are provided
His view of politics today
Why he plans to dedicate the rest of his life to SBAM

For more information about SBAM, visit the official website, and follow on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Next, Calley and Jeff talk to Eisenbraun, the owner of Brown Iron Brewhouse, a smokehouse, full-service restaurant and brewery.

During the interview, Eisenbraun talks about:

How Brown Iron Brewhouse opened its second restaurant on March 1, 2020, right around the time the pandemic took over
Why its business model worked before the pandemic, and how the staff had to change it completely due COVID-19
How the business has maintained its staff during the tumultuous year
Why Brown Iron Brewhouse pays its workers' health and dental insurance if they work a minimum of 30 hours per week
How the business has recovered its customer base

For more information about Brown Iron Brewhouse, visit the official website, and follow on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Next, Calley and Jeff chat with Derek Dickow, who in addition to being the founder of a PR and political relations firm, is also on the Board of Directors for SBAM.

During the interview, Dickow explains:

How he responded to the pandemic
How he facilitated worthwhile programming during a difficult year
Why some may adapt to a lifelong hybrid world
Why he spends an hour a day connecting people
How SBAM plans to move forward post-pandemic

For more information about SBAM, visit the official website, and follow on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Finally, all the guests come back together to discuss how small businesses can recover from the pandemic.