StartupNation Radio

These 2 Founders Share Their Inspirational Business Journeys on StartupNation Radio

Episode Summary

On today's episode of StartupNation Radio, Jeff interviews two entrepreneurs with Michigan-based businesses: Ali Rose VanOverbeke of Genusee and Zach Berg of Mongers’ Provisions.

Episode Notes

On today's episode of StartupNation Radio, Jeff interviews two entrepreneurs with Michigan-based businesses: Ali Rose VanOverbeke of Genusee and Zach Berg of Mongers’ Provisions.

First up is VanOverbeke, the founder of Genusee, an eyewear company that launched in 2018 out of Flint, Michigan, that creates its products from recycled, single-use plastic water bottles.

During the interview, VanOverbeke discusses:

• How the idea for Genusee formed
• Genusee's overall goals
• Why Genusee shoots to hire low-income, previously incarcerated and other often overlooked individuals
• Why she believes business can be a vehicle for social change
• How Genusee transformed from a side hustle to a full-fledged company

For more information, visit Genusee's official website, and follow on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Next up, Jeff chats with Berg, the founder, co-owner and head cheese monger at Mongers’ Provisions, a company founded in 2017 with locations in Detroit and Ferndale, Michigan, that specialize in cut-to-order cheese, craft chocolate and charcuterie. In its Detroit store, it also carries beer and wine and makes grilled cheese sandwiches.

During the segment, Berg talks about:

• How the business adapted to the challenges of the pandemic
• How passion and storytelling drive the business and where those ideals came from
• The secrets to how the business connects with its customers
• How he went from an aspiring chef to a retailer
• How the brick-and-mortar business expanded to include an e-commerce site

For more information, visit Mongers' Provisions' official website, and follow on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.