In this episode of "Discovering Lake County," host David Woll sits down with Keith Michalek, a Grayslake native, to share the heartwarming story behind the revival of Glen Rock Pop—a beloved local soda brand. Recorded at The Loop Marketing in Grayslake, the conversation highlights Keith's journey from bottle collector to entrepreneur, his commitment to authentic recipes, and his dedication to community and nostalgia. Listeners will enjoy tales of hometown pride, small business passion, and the joy of bringing a cherished Lake County tradition back to life, one bottle at a time.

Discovering Lake County: The Revival of Glen Rock Pop

Hey there, Lake County friends!

I'm thrilled to share the latest episode of "Discovering Lake County" with you. This week, I had the pleasure of chatting with Keith Michalek, the passionate soul behind the revival of Glen Rock Pop, our beloved local soda brand that many of us thought was lost forever. Here's a sneak peek into our conversation and some key takeaways that you won't want to miss:

Key Highlights:
Nostalgic Revival**: Keith's journey began with a simple hobby of collecting vintage Glen Rock bottles. This hobby turned into a mission to bring back the soda we all loved from the 60s and 70s.
Authentic Recipes**: Keith tracked down the original recipes and is producing Glen Rock Pop with pure cane sugar, just like the good old days. The result? A crisper, cleaner taste that's a delightful throwback.
Community Roots**: Growing up in Third Lake and graduating from Grayslake High, Keith's deep local roots fuel his dedication to this project. It's a true community effort!
Sustainable Practices**: Keith is working on bringing back the iconic returnable glass bottles, aiming to reduce environmental impact and maintain the brand's quality.
Creative Marketing**: From repurposing bottles with colorful candies to focusing on local events and Facebook updates, Keith's marketing efforts are as unique as the soda itself.
Local Distribution**: Glen Rock Pop is available in several local stores, and Keith personally delivers the product, ensuring a close relationship with retailers and customers.

Fun Facts:
First Car & Concert**: Keith's first car was a 1971 Buick Skylark with a hole in the floorboard, and his first concert was REO Speedwagon and Survivor—complete with a backstage pass he was too shy to use!
Family & Life Lessons**: Keith shares touching stories about his family and the life lessons he's learned, emphasizing that success is about doing what makes you happy.

Upcoming Events:
Trick or Treat in Wakanda**: Look out for the Glen Rock Pop trailer!
Fall Festival in Antioch**: Another chance to grab your favorite soda and meet Keith in person.

A Heartfelt Message:
Keith's journey is a testament to the power of passion and community. His dedication to reviving Glen Rock Pop is not just about business; it's about restoring a cherished piece of our local history. As we wrap up the episode, I challenge you to perform a random act of kindness today—let's spread some joy in our community!

Tune in to this heartwarming episode on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube, and don't forget to subscribe for more inspiring stories from Lake County. Let's keep celebrating the incredible people and projects that make our hometown special.

Until next time, keep smiling and stay kind!

Warm regards,
David Woll

P.S. Follow Glen Rock Pop on Facebook to stay updated on events and product availability. Let's support this amazing local revival together!

David chats with Robert Allan Kutzler, Director of Operations, Marketing, and Special Events at Waukegan Harbor and Marina. They discuss Robert's radio background, his passion for the marina, and the upcoming 40th anniversary celebration of the South Marina—featuring the world's largest rubber duck, live music, food trucks, and a water ski show. Robert shares insights about marina life, community partnerships, and the hometown pride that makes Waukegan Harbor a welcoming, family-friendly destination for both locals and visitors.

In this heartwarming episode, local dog trainer Alex Rothaker "Popeye" shares his remarkable 53-year journey, from childhood adventures with his first rescue dog in Chicago to training police and trick dogs seen on national TV. Alex Rothaker discusses the importance of patience, positive reinforcement, and community, while delighting listeners with stories of world records, memorable performances, and even his talented blue jay, Alvin. The conversation highlights Alex Rothaker's deep hometown roots, his passion for animal training, and his belief in spreading kindness—reminding us all that joy and connection are at the heart of what he does.

Alex's background and early experiences with dogs.
The influence of mentors in dog training, particularly Willy Necker.
The transition from training personal protection dogs to police dogs.
The importance of understanding dog behavior and communication.
The role of positive reinforcement and praise in dog training.
Experiences with training trick dogs and performing in entertainment.
The significance of patience and gradual training methods.
The challenges and rewards of training various dog breeds.
Insights on the relationship between trainers and their dogs.
The importance of kindness and community engagement in dog training and beyond.