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What does it really take to build a thriving downtown?

In this episode of Entrepreneur Like Me, Courtney Garrett sits down with Ann Marie Batkoski-Sullivan, Executive Director of Positive Results Downtown Saginaw (PRIDE), to explore how community development and economic development go hand in hand. From organizing the beloved Friday Night Live concert series to leading a volunteer-powered nonprofit, Ann Marie shares what it takes to create a downtown people want to visit, invest in, and call home.

You'll hear about her leadership journey—from construction project management to workforce development and now downtown revitalization—and why relationships, partnerships, and showing up for your community are the foundation of lasting impact.

Courtney and Ann Marie also discuss:

• The behind-the-scenes work of producing Friday Night Live and other downtown events
• How volunteers, sponsors, and community partners make free events possible
• Why a vibrant downtown is essential for entrepreneurs and small businesses
• The misconceptions people have about Downtown Saginaw
• How creating memorable experiences helps transform the narrative of a community

Whether you're an entrepreneur, community leader, volunteer, or someone who simply wants to see their hometown thrive, this conversation is a reminder that meaningful change starts with people willing to show up.

Listen now and discover why building a stronger community may be the best investment we can make.

Sponsored by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) – Make it in Michigan with the support of a robust partner network designed to help entrepreneurs succeed. Learn more at michiganbusiness.org.

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the ELM Podcast!

If you enjoyed this episode be sure to subscribe for more inspiring conversations with entrepreneurs and business leaders.

Connect with us:

• Follow us on Instagram: @cmuresearchcorp
• Visit our website: www.cmurc.com/elm

Don't forget to leave us a review and share this episode with your friends. Stay tuned for our next episode where we continue to explore the journeys of extraordinary individuals in the world of business and innovation. Until next time, keep exploring, learning, and making an impact!

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Episode Title: From Cleaning Homes to Changing the Industry with Carrie Everett, Founder of Safiee

What happens when an everyday challenge turns into a groundbreaking innovation?

In this episode of Entrepreneur Like ME, Courtney Garrett sits down with Carrie Everett, founder and inventor of Safiee—a first-of-its-kind cleaning product created from years of hands-on experience as a professional house cleaner.

Carrie's journey is anything but ordinary. Without a formal business education, she transformed an idea born on the job into a patent-pending product, navigating trademarks, manufacturing, and product development with determination and the support of Michigan's entrepreneurial ecosystem. Along the way, she was recognized as the 2025 Innovator of the Year by the Midland Business Alliance.

But this conversation goes beyond entrepreneurship. Carrie opens up about motherhood, recovery, resilience, and the courage to believe in herself when the odds seemed stacked against her. Her story is a powerful reminder that innovation can come from everyday experiences—and that your past doesn't define your future.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, inventor, dreamer, or someone waiting for the right time to take the first step, this episode will leave you inspired to trust your ideas and keep moving forward.

In this episode, you'll hear:

• How Safiee was inspired by a real-world problem
• The journey from cleaning homes to becoming an award-winning inventor
• Lessons learned while navigating patents, trademarks, and manufacturing
• The power of community resources and asking for help
• Why resilience may be an entrepreneur's greatest superpower

Connect with Carrie Everett
🌐 www.safiee.com

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs a reminder that big dreams often begin with one simple idea.

Sponsored by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) – Make it in Michigan with the support of a robust partner network designed to help entrepreneurs succeed. Learn more at michiganbusiness.org.

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the ELM Podcast!

If you enjoyed this episode be sure to subscribe for more inspiring conversations with entrepreneurs and business leaders.

Connect with us:

• Follow us on Instagram: @cmuresearchcorp
• Visit our website: www.cmurc.com/elm

Don't forget to leave us a review and share this episode with your friends. Stay tuned for our next episode where we continue to explore the journeys of extraordinary individuals in the world of business and innovation. Until next time, keep exploring, learning, and making an impact!

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of the Entrepreneur Like Me Podcast, Courtney sits down with Tyler Harlan, insurance agent and member of The Power Link, to talk about one of the most valuable tools an entrepreneur can have—relationships.

Tyler shares why networking is about much more than exchanging business cards. It's about building trust, creating meaningful connections, and surrounding yourself with people who genuinely want to see your business succeed.

In this episode, we discuss:

• What "Networking Done Right" really means
• How referral-based relationships help businesses grow
• Common networking mistakes entrepreneurs make
• Why protecting your business with the right insurance matters
• The value of community when building a business

Whether you're launching a new business or looking to grow your network, this episode is full of practical advice that reminds us success isn't built alone.

Sponsored by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) – Make it in Michigan with the support of a robust partner network designed to help entrepreneurs succeed. Learn more at michiganbusiness.org.

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the ELM Podcast!

If you enjoyed this episode be sure to subscribe for more inspiring conversations with entrepreneurs and business leaders.

Connect with us:

• Follow us on Instagram: @cmuresearchcorp
• Visit our website: www.cmurc.com/elm

Don't forget to leave us a review and share this episode with your friends. Stay tuned for our next episode where we continue to explore the journeys of extraordinary individuals in the world of business and innovation. Until next time, keep exploring, learning, and making an impact!