Success Stories

Creating prosperous communities and thriving businesses

Featured Success Stories

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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Brewery Outré

Kalamazoo, Michigan
Ted Linabury wrote his first business plan in high school. It was for custom rollercoasters rich people could build in their yards. The second one,…
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Supermercado Mexico

Grand Rapids, Michigan
  “Northern Initiatives saw the potential we saw and was the first lender who helped us ... You are the ones who made this happen.”…
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Snackwerks

Battle Creek, Michigan
The sweet smells of cinnamon and apples waft through a northside Battle Creek neighborhood that is traditionally one of the poorest in the state. A…
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All Success Stories

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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Paddle Hard Brewing
Grayling, Michigan
“Their new loan helped us move from a one-barrel system to a 10-barrel system. We hope this increased capacity will help us keep up with…
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Lake Effect Associates, LLC
Traverse City, Michigan
  "I needed a lending partner that understood my business model and could finance it. Because I had worked with Northern Initiatives on the tourism…
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Huron Mountain Bakery
Marquette and Ishpeming, Michigan
"[Northern Initiatives’ Profit Mastery Course] was an amazing class and I’d take it again if I had the time.” - John Scheidt, owner of Huron…
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Roz’s Diner
Rosebush, Michigan
“Northern Initiatives took a chance on us. I think they recognized that no matter what, we’d make it happen.” - Chris Bair, owner Roz’s Diner,…
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