In this episode of Mill Creek Life Today, host Greg Elwin sits down with Rob Bingham, a long-time Mill Creek resident and the creative mind behind Outdoor Lighting Perspectives. Rob shares his inspiring journey from engineering flight decks to crafting stunning outdoor lighting systems that transform homes and communities. Listeners will gain insights into the art and science of outdoor lighting, from the psychology behind a well-lit home to the practical benefits of deck, holiday, and permanent roofline lighting.

Key Topics/Highlights:

• 00:00 – Outdoor Lighting Perspectives overview
• 01:30 – Greg introduces Rob Bingham
• 02:49 – Exploring Mill Creek’s unique community vibe
• 06:41 – Rob’s shift from engineering to creativity
• 11:06 – Family life and community roots in Mill Creek
• 15:18 – Highlights from the Mill Creek Festival
• 18:22 – Rob explains the mission of Outdoor Lighting Perspectives
• 20:10 – What makes OLP’s approach to lighting unique
• 22:55 – Creative holiday lighting ideas
• 24:04 – Permanent roofline lighting: Benefits and options
• 26:14 – Understanding the East Coast lighting trend
• 27:45 – How OLP’s demonstration pack helps clients visualize lighting solutions
• 33:34 – Behind the scenes of the hiring process at OLP
• 37:15 – Opportunities and insights into franchising with OLP
• 37:50 – Getting a quote for holiday lighting projects
• 38:53 – Avoiding the “cut and run” lighting service providers
• 40:38 – The importance of safety in outdoor lighting installations
• 41:38 – Why permanent lighting is a game-changer for homes and businesses
• 42:32 – What is a Class 2 Transformer? Rob explains.
• 43:20 – Adding an outdoor outlet: Quick and easy solutions
• 43:45 – The critical role of qualified technicians in ensuring quality installations
• 45:20 – Steps to getting a quote for permanent lighting solutions
• 45:50 – Exploring the features and resources available at OutdoorLights.com
• 50:11 – Discussing deck lighting designs with Rob
• 53:41 – Final thoughts and wrapping up with Rob Bingham
• 54:50 – Outro

Links & Resources Mentioned:

• 🌐 Outdoor Lighting Perspectives: OutdoorLights.com
• 📧 Contact Rob Bingham: info@outdoorlights.com
• 📸 Follow OLP on Instagram: @OLPNorthSound
• 🎥 Watch OLP’s YouTube Channel: OLP Puget Sound

✨ Don’t miss this illuminating episode of Mill Creek Life Today! Like, share, and subscribe to support our podcast and stay updated on inspiring stories from Mill Creek.

What makes a business more than just a business? It’s the community, passion, and people who care. 💙 In this inspiring episode, host Greg Elwin chats with Dan McNeely, founder of North Creek Roofing, about his 28-year journey of building more than roofs — creating relationships, giving back, and making Mill Creek a better place to live. 🏡✨

Dan reflects on starting North Creek Roofing in his garage, the importance of investing in people, and how his company became a cornerstone of the Mill Creek community. From sponsoring local events like the Mill Creek Festival 🎉 to running golf tournaments that help kids succeed, Dan shares the heart and humor behind his company’s legacy.

Whether you’re here for a behind-the-scenes look at roofing, leadership lessons, or heartwarming stories of community spirit, this episode has something for everyone. 🎧

Highlights:

• 0:00 - Meet Greg Elwin and Dan McNeely, founder of North Creek Roofing
• 2:00 - From garage beginnings to community cornerstone: The story of North Creek Roofing
• 6:45 - Why Mill Creek is home: Dan’s deep connection to the community
• 10:30 - Roofing 101: Shake, composition, and metal — what homeowners should know
• 15:15 - Giving back: Sponsoring festivals, concerts, and helping kids through golf
• 22:00 - Passing the torch: Dan’s journey of selling the business
• 28:00 - Leadership lessons: Why hiring people smarter than you is key to success
• 32:15 - What’s next for Dan and Sue: Golf, grandkids, and enjoying retirement
• 38:00 - The heart of Mill Creek: Building connections and leaving a legacy

Follow Us for More Mill Creek Stories:

• 📸 Follow us on Instagram: @millcreeklifetoday
• 🌐 Visit our website: millcreeklife.today

❤️ If you love Mill Creek as much as we do, share this episode with your friends and leave us a comment. Let’s celebrate the people who make this community great!

Host Greg Elwin welcomes Eric and Marissa Kasper, local business owners and key members of the Jackson High School Football Booster Club, to discuss the financial challenges of high school sports. They explore how the Booster Club bridges funding gaps, supports the team with essential resources, and fosters community involvement. The conversation highlights how football promotes character development through service, mentorship, and teamwork, inspiring listeners to discover ways they can make a difference for young athletes.

Episode Highlights:

00:01 – Introduction to Eric and Marissa Kasper and their roles in the Booster Club

06:50 – Financial challenges of high school sports and the need for creative fundraising

16:30 – How the Booster Club provides essential equipment, including a shoulder pad auction success 24:15 – The importance of volunteer efforts on game days and local business sponsorships

32:40 – Community service and mentorship through the "Wolves and Pups" program

Learn more about the Booster Cub:

• Timberwolves Football Booster Club Website: Learn More
• Buy Tickets Online: Website Here
• Jackson High School Football: Explore Here

Don’t miss out on the fun! Attend a Friday night game, volunteer, or make a donation to the Booster Club. Can’t make it? Purchase a ticket online to show your support. Subscribe to Mill Creek Live Today to catch more inspiring conversations about community and growth. See you at the next game!

• Follow Mill Creek Life Today on Instagram
• Connect with Greg Elwin on LinkedIn and Instagram

In this episode of Mill Creek Live Today, host Greg “The Mill Creek Guy” Elwin sits down with Jeff Laurence, founder of JL Remodeling, to discuss his incredible leap from the financial world to the world of home remodeling. Jeff shares how, after years in banking and insurance, he decided to pursue a new passion—without any prior contracting experience. Along the way, he built more than just a remodeling business; he fostered a company culture focused on family, community, and giving back, both locally and abroad.

But the conversation goes deeper than just remodeling. Jeff opens up about JL Remodeling’s charitable initiatives, including their international outreach through Dwellings Now and the local impact of JL Cares. His inspiring stories—like helping families in Honduras and transforming lives at home—highlight how business can be a force for good. You’ll also hear practical tips on building team culture, sustainable business practices, and why managing expectations is key to success.

This is an episode filled with heart, leadership wisdom, and real-world inspiration, perfect for entrepreneurs, contractors, and anyone curious about how passion and purpose can drive success.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Jeff’s transition from a career in finance to launching JL Remodeling in 2001
• The importance of building a strong company culture that feels like family
• The impact of JL Remodeling’s international work with Dwellings Now
• How JL Cares helps local families with essential home repairs through community sponsorships
• Practical insights on leadership, employee development, and the value of shared expectations

Memorable Quotes:

• “If it doesn’t function without me, it has no value.” — Jeff Laurence
• “When people succeed in their personal lives, they succeed at work too.”
• “It’s not just about giving back; it’s about using the skills we’ve been blessed with for the greater good.”

Links & Resources Mentioned:

• JL Cares: Sponsor a Local Family in Need

Connect with Jeff Laurence & JL Remodeling:

• Website: JL Remodeling
• YouTube Channel: JL Cares Projects

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Learn more about Mill Creek Life Today Podcast:

• Website: https://millcreeklife.today/
• YouTube Channel: @MillCreekLifeToday

In this special episode of Mill Creek Life Today, host Greg Elwin chats with Chief Stan White, the dedicated leader of the Mill Creek Police Department with over 20 years of service. Chief White shares his journey from patrol officer to chief, reflecting on leadership, community policing, and the department's core priorities—crime detection, traffic safety, and community engagement.

Chief White dives into the importance of fostering a leadership mentality within the department, highlighting how community-oriented policing plays a vital role in building trust and relationships. He also discusses modern developments like leveraging technology, including the use of drones and plans for bike patrols, to enhance the department’s efficiency and service to Mill Creek.

Whether you're interested in leadership, community safety, or the future of policing, this episode is packed with stories, insights, and exciting updates on how the Mill Creek Police Department is evolving to meet the needs of its citizens.

What You’ll Learn:

• The three key priorities of the Mill Creek Police Department: crime detection, traffic safety, and community engagement
• How Chief White is using a leadership-focused approach to empower officers and build a stronger department
• The impact of community-oriented policing on building trust with residents
• Innovative ways the police are using technology, including drones and social media, to improve public safety
• How lessons from team sports influence leadership and team-building within the police force
• The importance of positive interactions between law enforcement and the community
• Insights into upcoming initiatives, including potential bike patrols and increased social media engagement

Links & Resources:

• Follow Mill Creek Life Today on YouTube and Instagram
• Learn more about the Mill Creek Police Department at Mill Creek Police Website

In this episode, we dive into the heart of community-driven education with Katy Boyd, a passionate leader at Mill Creek Elementary's PTA. Discover how Katy's dedication to advocacy and community engagement has spearheaded the school's biggest fundraiser of the year, bringing together families, local businesses, and students. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or community member, you’ll learn about the impactful initiatives at Mill Creek and how the PTA is enhancing the educational experience for all students.

What you'll learn:

• PTA's Mission: Katy Boyd explains the true purpose of the PTA beyond volunteering, focusing on advocacy for students’ needs and collaboration with schools at all levels.
• Fundraising Success: Insights into the upcoming Cougar Craze fundraiser, which unites the community to support student activities and events, with Katy revealing the different sponsorship opportunities available.
• Community Impact: Learn about the wide range of programs the PTA funds, from field trips and STEAM nights to the highly anticipated Science Day, and how these initiatives enrich students' lives.
• Partnership Opportunities: Discover how local businesses can get involved and make a difference in the community by supporting Mill Creek Elementary's PTA.
• Volunteer and Membership Drives: Katy shares ways the community can join and contribute to the PTA’s efforts, emphasizing the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in their initiatives.

Don’t miss out on being part of something bigger! Whether you’re a local business looking to sponsor, a parent eager to volunteer, or someone passionate about supporting education, reach out to Mill Creek Elementary PTA today.

Connect with them at fundraising@mcepta.org or president@mcepta.org to make a difference in your community.

And remember, to stay updated on all the exciting events and initiatives, like, subscribe, and share this episode with your friends and neighbors! Let’s keep Mill Creek thriving together.

Dive into the heart of local radio with Stitch Mitchell, a legendary broadcaster who has been a fixture in the Pacific Northwest since 1982. In this episode, Greg Elwin, the Mill Creek Guy, sits down with Stitch at Tapped Mill Creek to discuss his storied career, the significance of local radio, and his commitment to supporting small businesses in the North Sound area.

Key Highlights:

• Stitch’s Early Career: From Iowa to the Pacific Northwest, discover how Stitch’s journey through radio began, including the pivotal moment when he received a call from KUBE 93 that changed everything.
• Life at KXA and KRKO: Learn about Stitch's role as a morning show favorite at Classic Country KXA and Everett’s Greatest Hits KRKO, and his dedication to keeping local radio alive.
• Supporting Local Businesses: Stitch shares his hands-on approach to helping small businesses thrive through tailored marketing campaigns.
• Behind the Scenes at Mill Creek Festival: Get a glimpse into the effort and passion that goes into making the Mill Creek Festival a standout event each year.
• Personal Anecdotes: Enjoy personal stories and insights from Stitch’s career, including his love for connecting with the community through radio.

This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in local culture, radio broadcasting, or community events. Stitch Mitchell’s passion for his work and his deep connection to the Pacific Northwest shine through, offering listeners a unique perspective on the importance of local radio.

Tune in on YouTube, Spotify, or iTunes to catch this engaging conversation with one of the Pacific Northwest’s most beloved radio personalities.

In this episode, we sit down with Shelley Wingert, the dynamic force behind Mill Creek’s trusted insurance provider, Wingert Insurance Agency. Since 2001, Shelley and her husband Jason have grown their agency from the ground up, blending her background in banking and service management with Jason's deep expertise in insurance. Together, they’ve created a thriving business known for its exceptional customer service and strong community ties.

Key Topics Covered:

• The Origin Story: Learn how Shelley and Jason turned a scratch agency into a cornerstone of the Mill Creek community, offering comprehensive insurance solutions for both personal and business needs.

• Community Leadership: Shelley’s role as a community leader extends beyond her business. Discover her involvement in local charities like Toys for Tots and her unwavering support for local businesses.

• Navigating the Insurance Landscape: With access to over 100 insurance companies, Wingert Insurance ensures that clients receive the best possible coverage. Shelley shares insights on how the agency stays ahead in a constantly evolving industry.

• Building Relationships: Hear how Shelley and Jason prioritize genuine relationships with their clients, making retention and trust key components of their business philosophy.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of business success and community impact. Shelley’s story is one of resilience, dedication, and a deep commitment to the people she serves. Whether you’re a business owner, a community advocate, or simply someone looking for inspiration, this episode offers valuable insights into the power of combining professional expertise with community service.

Learn more about Wingert Insurance: https://www.wingertagency.com/

Learn more about Mill Creek Life Today:

https://millcreeklife.today/