Best Brendan Kent Podcasts (2025)

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Ep 33 Brendan visits Brad Tews, owner of East Central Motorsports in Kent, Ohio. 28:33

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10d ago28:33

28:33

Brendan visits Brad Tews, owner of East Central Motorsports in Kent, Ohio. The dealership specializes in value brands. We discuss the importance of value brands in the sales chain and why it is important for high-quality entry level products.By psbpowerhour

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A preview of Hispanic Festival 2025: Celebrating West Michigan’s rich Latino heritage! (07-26-25) 13:47

5d ago13:47

13:47

On this episode, we welcome Gaby Cordova, Director of Engagement with the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan. Founded in 1978, the goal of the Hispanic Center is to provide unmet social services to the Hispanic Community in Greater West Michigan. The Hispanic Center of West Michigan is located on Cesar Chavez Ave. in Roosevelt Park, the largest La…

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A preview of the Piecing Together Unity Festival with co-founder Daryl Reece (07-19-25) 13:59

11d ago13:59

13:59

On this episode, host Phil Tower welcomes Daryl Reece, Executive Director and co-founder of the Pieces of Reeces Foundation. The Pieces of Reeces Foundation will once again bring the community together on Saturday, August 9, from 1-8 pm, for their third annual Piecing Together Unity Festival at Rosa Parks Circle. The festival is hosted by the Piece…

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How Fulton Street Market is connecting communities, supporting local farmers and artisans, and celebrating West Michigan's diverse culture(07-12-25) 15:28

19d ago15:28

15:28

In this week's episode, WYCE station manager Phil Tower welcomes Dana Eardley, executive director of Fulton Street Market, and Anissa Mathiasz, assistant market manager at the Fulton Street Market. Fulton Street Market celebrates the power of community and grassroots activism. Established in 1922, Fulton Street Market has been a staple of Grand Rap…

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How The Diatribe's mission to inspire, educate, and disrupt is positive impacting West Michigan(07-05-25) 15:51

25d ago15:51

15:51

In this episode, WYCE station manager Phil Tower speaks with Wardell Frazier, Jr., Executive Director of The Diatribe, and J-Lin Tamminga, Director of Education at The Diatribe. Both Wardell and J-Lin spoke about the Diatribe Vision: Creating art that is informative because we know that some of the most complex topics can be digested easier through…

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Ep 32 Catching up with Yamaha ATV-SxS Group's Scott Newby 35:21

1M ago35:21

35:21

Brendan chats with Scott Newby, who is Yamaha's senior communications specialist for the ATV and Side-by-Side group. Brendan has known Scott for many years, going back to his days as a managing editor of another powersports publication. One of his first press rides was with Scott's crew in the Deschutes Forrest of Oregon, riding a Yamaha Raptor 700…

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Running for Better Mental Health with Still I Run's Sasha Wolff and The Well Being's Brendan Kelly (06-28-25) 15:23

1M ago15:23

15:23

In this episode, host Janet Zahn speaks with Sasha Wolff, founder and executive director of Still I Run, as well as Brendan Kelly, licensed therapist and owner and CEO of The Well Being. Both West Michigan organizations have partnered to offer the Starting Line Scholarship, a program designed to remove any barriers that may be blocking individuals …

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How West Michigan's CSNIP provides affordable vet care for pet families (06-21-25) 13:59

1M ago13:59

13:59

In this episode, WYCE. Station Manager Phil Tower welcomes Sharon Caldwell-Newton, Executive Director with CSNIP. CSNIP positively impacts thousands of families each year in our mission to reduce the gap in veterinary care by providing affordable vet care for pet families in our 10-county community. They're here to help---If you have a pet, you alr…

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A preview of the 2025 PrideFest: celebrating diversity, inclusion, and the 2-SLGBTQ+ community (06-14-25) 16:28

2M ago16:28

16:28

On this week's episode, WYCE Station Manager Phil Tower welcomes Jazz McKinney, executive director of The Grand Rapids Pride Center. The mission of The Grand Rapids Pride Center is to create positive change for the 2-SLGBTQ+ community by breaking down barriers, creating awareness, providing inclusive services, and bridging relationships. Jazz spoke…

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Ep 31 Motorcycle Mall''s real estate project with Russo Development 28:41

2M ago28:41

28:41

Brendan chats with John Resciniti, owner of the Motorcycle Mall in Bellville, New Jersey and partner in the luxury apartment and retail project REV by Vermella. Courtney Mulligan is the vice president of marketing at Russo Development, which helped spearhead this unique project with powersports roots.…

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Celebrating a party with a purpose: LINC UP's Rock The Block (06-07-25) 13:00

2M ago13:00

13:00

On this episode, host Janet Zahn welcomes Lakiya Jenkins, executive director of LINC UP, and Donald Thompson, events coordinator with LINC UP. They joined Janet to discuss their upcoming Rock the Block Festival on June 14th in Grand Rapids LINC UP’s Rock the Block brings neighbors, local businesses, and community partners together for a vibrant day…

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Dana Romero on how YWCA West Central Michigan inspires hope and healing(05-31-25) 16:37

2M ago16:37

16:37

On this episode, we welcome back Dana Romero-, BSCD. They are the Development Coordinator for Donor Communications at YWCA West Central Michigan. YWCA West Central Michigan is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and girls, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. The YWCA West Central Michigan seeks to inspire hope …

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Building a community of thriving people with Adrienne Goodstal, Executive Director at North Kent Connect (05-24-25) 15:46

2M ago15:46

15:46

On this episode, WYCE Station Manager Phil Tower speaks with Adrienne Goodstal, the Executive Director of North Kent Connect. North Kent Connect is a Christian service organization committed to improving the lives of all people in northern Kent County by providing access to basic needs and promoting economic independence. They provide a wide variet…

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Next Step of West Michigan: helping people heal and grow through work and relationships (05-17-25) 16:27

2M ago16:27

16:27

On this episode, WYCE Station Manager Phil Tower speaks with David Bult, executive director of Next Step of West Michigan, and Darion Boyd, Carpentry-Community Builder with Next Step of West Michigan. Next Step of West Michigan is a faith-based, social enterprise non-profit that provides job skills training, as well as employment opportunities in c…

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Ep. 30 - International Female Ride Day and the women in powersports 42:21

2M ago42:21

42:21

Brendan chats with Susan Medrano, who is the head of Synchrony Outdoors and AJ Meisel, the general manager of Plano Kawasaki/Suzuki/Piaggio, to discuss International Female Ride Day and the broader impact of women in powersports. LINKS: International Female Ride Day on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFemaleRideDay 2025 International…

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How the women and music from The Grand Rapids Women’s Chorus educates and inspires West Michigan(05-10-25) 12:50

3M ago12:50

12:50

On this week's episode, host , John Rumery from WYCE speaks with Lindsay Ellis, a member of the Grand Rapids Women's Chorus. The Grand Rapids Women’s Chorus is dedicated to singing music that celebrates and honors the diversity of women’s lives. Drawing on music from many cultures, the Chorus strives to educate and inspire its community to promote …

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Talking curbside trash and recycling with Nicole Rapacki from the Grand Rapids Department of Public Works(05-03-25) 15:18

3M ago15:18

15:18

On this episode, WYCE's Janet Zahn speaks with Nicole Rapacki, the Recycling Coordinator for the Grand Rapids Department of Public Works. Nicole and Janet spoke about the efforts by the city of Grand Rapids to consider becoming the sole trash hauler for residential properties, according to city officials. The Grand Rapids Department of Public Works…

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Ep. 29 - Brendan sits down with MIC President Christy LaCurelle 34:34

3M ago34:34

34:34

Brendan chats with MIC's new president, Christy LaCurelle just after she has returned from the Capitol Hill Fly-In, which this year happened to take place April 7-8 as President Trump announced sweeping tariffs. We chat about tariffs, rider programs and other legislative efforts for the industry.By psbpowerhour

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A preview of the 2025-26 Season at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre(04-26-25) 15:23

3M ago15:23

15:23

On this week's episode, host Phil Tower speaks with Noddea Skidmore, the Director of Marketing and Communications with Grand Rapids Civic Theatre. Noddea gave us a preview of the upcoming 20 25–20 26 season at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre, and talked as well about ticket packages that patrons can take advantage of. We also discussed the upcoming "Ten…

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How the Tech Collaborative empowers West Michigan non-profits with innovative tech solutions(04-19-25) 15:09

3M ago15:09

15:09

On this week's episode, host John Rumery welcomes Lydia Kauffman, a Project Manager at Carnevale and COO at The Tech-Collaborative The Tech Collaborative empowers non-profits with innovative tech solutions, enabling them to maximize their impact. They are committed to nurturing the next generation of tech by providing opportunities for non-traditio…

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Ep. 28 - Power Hour talks about the rental business with Rob Solem from RecSystems 34:24

3M ago34:24

34:24

Brendan sits down with longtime powersports industry veteran and rental operator Rob Solem, who is the co-founder of RecSystems. This company uses AI to run your rental operations from marketing to bookings.By psbpowerhour

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Previewing Curiousity In Action: A Conference In Doing at The Saugatuck Center for The Arts(04-12-25) 15:52

4M ago15:52

15:52

On this week's program, Station manager, Phil Tower welcomes Whitney Valentine, Director of Education + Exhibitions, with the Saugatuck Center for The Arts, and New York Times best-selling author in speaker Brad Montague. Brad Montague is the keynote speaker for the Curiosity In Action Conference on April 26 at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts. We…

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Behind the scenes at Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park with John Vanderhaagen(04-05-25) 13:09

4M ago13:09

13:09

On this week's episode, we welcome John VanderHaagen - Director of Communications, with Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. John provided us with a timely update on some important and newsworthy happenings at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. As the curtain falls on another long West Michigan winter, it's that time of year again when …

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Ep. 27 - Ryan McFarland of All Kids Bike joins Power Hour 46:33

4M ago46:33

46:33

Most dealers are familiar with Ryan McFarland's other company, Strider Balance Bikes, but he also heads up another project that is very important to kids learning how to ride bikes in school. All Kids Bike was created to teach kids how to ride a bike as part of a school or church program. We discuss how it all got started.…

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The 2025 Music Econ Summit: creating sustainable income and upward economic mobility for the Michigan music community(03-29-25) 17:13

4M ago17:13

17:13

In this episode, WYCE Station manager, Phil Tower speaks with Nik Thomasma, the Executive Director of The Michigan Music Alliance. The Michigan Music Alliance is presenting the Music Econ Summit at the Grand Rapids Center for Community Transformation in partnership with Monk Recordings LLC., Push the City Cipher and Triumph Music Academy. The Music…

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David Bulkowski, with Disability Advocates of Kent County on the importance of Disability Awareness Day on every day life (03-22-25) 14:26

4M ago14:26

14:26

In this episode, host, Phil Tower speaks with David Bulkowski, executive director, Disability Advocates of Kent County. Disability Advocates’ mission is “to work alongside persons with disabilities as they seek to lead self-directed lives.” They provide a wide array of services throughout Kent, Mecosta, Ionia, Montcalm, and Osceola counties to indi…

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BAM Talent: celebrating, promoting, and advocating for Black and underrepresented artists in West Michigan! (03-15-25) 16:31

4M ago16:31

16:31

In this episode, we welcome Darius Colquitt, Founder, President, Producing & Artistic Director, of BAM Talent. BAM (or Black Art Matters) Talent, was created & founded in 2021 as a forward-thinking organization, located in Grand Rapids, MI., dedicated to celebrating, promoting, and advocating for Black and underrepresented artists. BAM works as a n…

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Ep. 26 - Zero Motorcycle's Sam Paschel talks dealer incentives and new company strategy 41:28

4M ago41:28

41:28

Brendan talks with Sam Paschel, CEO of Zero Motorcycles, about the company's new strategy to unveil serveral new models under $10k by 2030. Paschel also discusses some dealer incentives and how easy they've made it to do business with Zero.By psbpowerhour

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A behind the scenes preview of The Live From Wealthy Street Comedy Fundraiser (03-08-25) 13:39

5M ago13:39

13:39

On this week's program, WYCE Station Manager Phil Tower speaks with comedian Brian Atkinson, plus therapist Matt Sharpe and radio & podcast host Rick Vuyst. All three are set to appear with Kyle Underwood, and special guest Terri DeBoer in a Clean Comedy Show at the Wealthy Theatre, Wednesday, March 26. The event is billed as "Live From Wealthy Str…

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Ep. 25 - Dealer Nate Stickney shares key areas of focus within the dealership 24:41

5M ago24:41

24:41

Nate Stickney acquired his first dealership in 2014 and now owns three locations in Florida. Driven a passion for improvement and growth, Stickney shares the changes he has made to boost the success of his teams and his dealerships.By psbpowerhour

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Previewing the Asian American Leadership Summit with Bing Goei of The West Michigan Asian American Association(03-01-25) 14:46

5M ago14:46

14:46

On this week's episode, host Phil Tower welcome Bing Goei, cofounder of the West Michigan, Asian American Association. Founded roughly 16 years ago, the West Michigan Asian American Association, Inc. is a Michigan nonprofit corporation that seeks to build a collaborative, active, and committed Asian American community in West Michigan with a focus …

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Profiling the pioneering progressive African American women of Grand Rapids with Sophia Ward Brewer (02-22-25) 13:22

5M ago13:22

13:22

On this episode, host & WYCE Station Manager Phil Tower welcomes Sophia Ward Brewer, Serials and Collection Development Librarian at GRCC and Vice President of the Greater GR Women's History Council. Sophia recently gave a presentation at Grand Rapids Public Library titled Tracing the Steps | African American Women During the Progressive Era in Gra…

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Ep. 24 - Moto Canada's Landon French discusses impact of tariffs on powesports 14:59

5M ago14:59

14:59

Brendan sits down with the president of Moto Canada to discuss the impact proposed tarrifs on Canada may have on the powersports industry in both the U.S. and Canada. There is a lot at stake and French wants to make sure everyone is aware of what's involved.By psbpowerhour

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How Dégagé Ministries is serving the homeless and hungry in West Michigan (02-15-25) 15:11

6M ago15:11

15:11

On this week's episode, WYCE Station Manager Phil Tower speaks with Thelma Ensink, executive director of Dégagé Ministries. Dégagé Ministries, established in 1967, offers hope and opportunity to those facing homelessness and poverty in our community. Dégagé Ministries was started in the basement of the Salvation Army at 160 Fountain Street NE in 19…

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How SECOM is empowering families to achieve their full potential (02-09-25) 13:21

6M ago13:21

13:21

On this week's episode, host Allison Donahue, program manager atThe Rapidian, speaks with Pablo Garcia, Executive Director, SECOM. SECOM is a key Resource Center that gives help and hope to their neighbors by empowering families to achieve their full potential through healthy living, education, and economic opportunities. SECOM offers a wide range …

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Best of Brooklyn 21:26

6M ago21:26

21:26

In this "best of" episode of Design Vault, Doug highlights three projects that we've previously discussed, which all embody the spirit of Brooklyn's redevelopment: the adaptive reuse of 50 Nevins Street (John Woelfling of Dattner Architects), the historic restoration of 102 Bainbridge Street (Michelle Todd of MTODD Architect), and the bold reinvent…

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Exceptional performances! Previewing Circle Theatre's 2025 Season(02-02-25) 14:51

6M ago14:51

14:51

In this week's episode, WYCE station manager, Phil Tower welcomesLynne Brown Tepper, Executive and Artistic Director Circle Theatre. Lynne joined us for a preview of the upcoming exciting2025 Season at Circle Theatre. Circle Theatre is the only community theatre in the West Michigan area that specializes in summer theatre. The Theatre was founded i…

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Understanding Arbor Circle's Mental Health & Substance Abuse Treatment & Counseling Programs (01-25-25) 14:25

6M ago14:25

14:25

On this episode, we welcome Enid Gaddis, MA, - Director of Equity & Inclusion at Arbor Circle. Arbor Circle is one of West Michigan’s most comprehensive providers of mental health counseling, substance use treatment, and family services. Arbor Circle Staff collaborates with local resources to address the needs of our community, promote new ways of …

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Ep. 23 - Brendan steps into AI with Rollick 48:39

6M ago48:39

48:39

Brendan interviews Chris Yeloushan and Pete Eppele of Rollick to see how their AI initiatives are progressing. They show us some of the nuts and bolts of how the platform can allow dealers to nurture leads through the sales funnel and into the dealership from online to in store.By psbpowerhour

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Protecting West Michigan's natural areas with the Land Conservancy of West Michigan (01-18-25) 13:48

6M ago13:48

13:48

On this week's episode, WYCE station manager, Phil Tower speaks with Marie Orttenburger, Advancement Manager with Land Conservancy of West Michigan. In 1976, four volunteers met to lay out a plan that would identify, protect, and care for West Michigan’s natural areas. They created an organization called the Natural Areas Conservancy of West Michig…

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Ep. 22 - Sam Nehme and Rob Greenwald chat about Accelerate from the man cave 45:22

7M ago45:22

45:22

Brendan interviews Broward Motorsports' Dealer Principal Sam Nehme and Rob Greenwald from Sam's man cave in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Sam is this year's recipient of the PSB Leadership Award that will be presented to him at Accelerate. He is also on Greenwald's panel about Generational Transfer and how young leaders can move up the ladder.…

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Previewing "Guiding Light Live" An Acoustic All-Star Benefit Concert to Fight Addiction (01-11-25) 15:33

7M ago15:33

15:33

In this episode, WYCE Station Manager Phil Tower welcomes Brian Elve, Executive Director Guiding Light, David Madiol, Director of development and communications with Guiding Light; and Michael Crittenden, Musician and President Mackinaw Harvest Music Group. Brian provided us with an overview of the recovery services offered through Guiding Light. T…

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Chairman Ron Yob on The Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians fight for federal recognition(01-04-25) 14:55

7M ago14:55

14:55

On this week's program, WYCE's Phil Tower speaks with Ron Yob, chairman of the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians. The Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians is a native sovereign nation with agreements with the federal government dating back to 1795. The Grand River Bands originally included 19 bands of Ottawa people who lived along the Grand River …

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Ep. 21 - Sitting down with Rob Hefner of Rider's Advantage 42:19

7M ago42:19

42:19

Brendan sits down for a conversation with Rob Hefner, senior vice president of powersports at APCO/Rider's Advantage to discuss the year ahead for dealers. This episode is brought to you by Synchrony.By psbpowerhour

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Best of Mixed-Use 25:58

7M ago25:58

25:58

In this "best of" episode of Design Vault, Doug explores mixed-use projects with insights from Jeremy Iannucci, registered architect at Marvel in New York City, John Zimmer, partner and director at Fogarty Finger Architecture and Interiors in New York City, and Vincente Quiroga, registered architect and project manager at Morris Adjmi Architects in…

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Previewing The World of Winter Festival 2025 with DGRI's Bill Kirk(12-28-24) 15:45

7M ago15:45

15:45

On this week's program, WYCE station manager Phil Tower speaks with Bill Kirk, Communications Director with Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. (DGRI) is the organization responsible for city building and place management in the urban core of the City of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Established in 2013, DGRI serves as the singular mana…

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The positive impact of Steepletown Neighborhood Services with Executive Director, Emilio Zamarippa (12-21-24) 14:30

7M ago14:30

14:30

On this week's program, WYCE station manager Phil Tower speaks with Emilio Zamarippa, Executive Director of Steepletown Neighborhood Services. Emilio started at Steepletown 11 years ago as a GVSU undergraduate intern, was hired as a youth case manager, and is now the Workforce Development Director. Emilio's personal mission is to empower youth and …

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Ep. 20 - Talking the ins and outs of selling/buying a dealership with experts from Performance Brokerage Services 39:42

7M ago39:42

39:42

Brendan interviews George Chaconas and Courtney Bernhard from Performance Brokerage Services about the state of the M&A segment in powersports. While the economy has been a challenger for many dealers, there are still deals to be made and George and Courtney share some tips.By psbpowerhour

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Behind the scenes at John Ball Zoo with Andy McIntyre, the Zoo's Chief Operating Officer (12-14-24) 15:01

8M ago15:01

15:01

On this week's program, host Phil Tower (* sitting in for Allison Donahue) speaks with Andy McIntyre, chief operating officer at John Ball Zoo. Andy gave us an overview of the recently approved 10-year master plan for John Ball Zoo. The plan which was passed in early December after a 16 to 3 vote before the Kent County Commission, includes addition…

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Behind the scenes with Keith Elder, President & CEO of the Grand Rapids Symphony(12-07-24) 13:57

8M ago13:57

13:57

On this week's episode, we welcome Keith Elder, President & CEO of the Grand Rapids Symphony. Keith Elder joined the Grand Rapids Symphony as its President & CEO on July 1, 2023. Before that, he served as president of the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He’s also had roles with the Aspen Music Festival and School, Eastman School of Mus…