Success Stories

Creating prosperous communities and thriving businesses

Featured Success Stories

Blossom Bird Bubble Tea

Marquette, Michigan

Kaila and Daniel Ball, newly married during the pandemic, had dreams of something fresh, away from metro Detroit. “We had plans to move to Oregon,”…

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PM School

Escanaba, Michigan

Mary Doyen and Peg Lippens have made some pretty savvy decisions for a couple of new business owners. “We had students who were completing school…

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Sleepy Dog Books

Mt. Pleasant, Michigan

Riley and Jennifer Justis had always dreamed of owning a bookstore. The pandemic gave them more time to dream. And plan. And make it happen.…

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Messersmith Manufacturing

Bark River, Michigan

Messersmith Manufacturing of Bark River, Mich., designs, manufactures and installs biomass boiler systems. Messersmith was incorporated in 1982 by Gailyn and Valerie Messersmith and is…

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A | M Floral and Gifts

Newaygo, Michigan

Amy McKinley has run businesses before and even has a degree in business. But she knows enough about business to know she doesn’t know enough.…

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All Success Stories

Tap 21

Manistique, Michigan

"Northern Initiatives has provided marketing strategies and is helping me build a website. All of that will enhance my business.” - Tiffany Gault, owner …

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Jacquart Fabric Products

Ironwood, Michigan

"I am a significantly different person and businessman because of my relationship with Northern Initiatives. They have always been there for me, and have been…

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Polished Nail Boutique

Traverse City, Michigan

"From an early age, I heard my father and grandfather talk about how important it was to 'be their own boss.' They each created good…

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Advanced Blending Solutions

Wallace, Michigan

"Through their support, Northern Initiatives has become part of the ABS team. We are building and growing a world class manufacturing center in the…

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Four Leaf Brewing Company

Clare, Michigan

"[My NI business coach] was my sounding board and mentor rolled into one. Whenever I asked if I was crazy for taking this on, he…

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LifeFit BrainFit

Kingsford, Michigan

"I’ve gotten so much more than a loan. Northern Initiatives really works with businesses and they know what creates success!" - Debbie Flannery, owner of…

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Superior Stoves & Fireplaces

Marquette, Michigan

"I had no business management experience when we started the company. I learned as we went, but after working with Northern Initiatives, I realized there…

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1668 Winery

Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan

“Northern Initiatives helped pinpoint our deficiencies and provided coaching and advice that resulted in changes for the better." - Ray Bauer, owner of 1668 Winery…

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