Lead to Succeed: Recent Episodes
David Sim
Lead to Succeed is an interview series focused on Leadership in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Hosted by Steve Arwood, former director of the MEDC, this series is designed to help aspiring leaders of the U.P. go further and learn from those who are already leading the way.
In this episode of Lead to Succeed, host Steve Arwood welcomes Randy Thelen, President and CEO of The Right Place and Chair of the Economic Development Leaders for Michigan (EDLM). The conversation dives into EDLM’s Top Ten policy priorities and the importance of consistent, regionally driven economic development across the state. Randy shares lessons learned from West Michigan, the critical role of rural communities, and why Michigan’s future depends on innovation, infrastructure, and alignment.
Learn more about InvestUP at https://www.investupmi.com. Connect with us on social media at https://www.linkedin.com/company/invest-up-mi/.
In this episode of Lead to Succeed, host Steve Arwood talks with Michigan Outdoor Innovation Fund’s Jim Tenzillo and Jim Baker. The conversation covers how the fund is fueling early-stage companies focused on improving the outdoor experience through technology. With a statewide focus and deep roots in the Upper Peninsula, the fund has already backed 20+ startups and is helping make the U.P. a hub for innovation. Learn how flexible financing, targeted investment, and a new second-stage fund are opening doors for founders, and what it could mean for the region’s economic future.
Learn more about InvestUP at https://www.investupmi.com. Connect with us on social media at https://www.linkedin.com/company/invest-up-mi/.
In this episode of Lead to Succeed, host Steve Arwood sits down with Mike Smith, Executive Director of the UP Construction Council, and Ryan Stern, U.P. Representative, Michigan Building and Construction Trades Council, to talk about the workforce that’s building the future of the Upper Peninsula. The discussion covers major construction projects, the growing need for skilled trades, and the programs designed to keep young talent local. From summer camps and job drafts to new training centers and college articulation agreements, hear how the trades are investing in the next generation, and why that matters for the region’s long-term success.
Learn more about InvestUP at https://www.investupmi.com. Connect with us on social media at https://www.linkedin.com/company/invest-up-mi/.
In this episode of Lead to Succeed, host Steve Arwood sits down with Anne Giroux, Director of Development and Investment Services at Build U.P., and Kyle Aho, Partner at AV Housing Solutions. The conversation explores how new tools like brownfield redevelopment, land bank partnerships, and targeted grant programs are helping drive housing projects forward in communities like Marquette. Learn how collaboration between developers, local governments, and economic development organizations is addressing one of the region’s biggest challenges – housing – and how these strategies can be expanded across the Upper Peninsula.
Learn more about InvestUP at https://www.investupmi.com. Connect with us on social media at https://www.linkedin.com/company/invest-up-mi/.
In this episode of Lead to Succeed, host Steve Arwood welcomes Ryan Sistad, Executive Director of Better In Our Back Yard, for a timely conversation about resource development, environmental responsibility, and the economic future of the Upper Peninsula. Ryan shares how his organization supports responsible industrial development by promoting policies that balance job creation, environmental standards, and U.S. resource independence. The discussion touches on the Copperwood project, the national importance of critical minerals, and what communities can do to advocate for smart, sustainable development.
Learn more about InvestUP at https://www.investupmi.com. Connect with us on social media at https://www.linkedin.com/company/invest-up-mi/.
In this episode, Lead to Succeed welcomes Chris Patritto, President of Gogebic Community College, and Mandy Lake, Wakefield Township Supervisor and Bessemer City Manager, to discuss the economic potential of the Copperwood Mine project. With job creation, infrastructure investment, and community growth on the line, they break down what this could mean for the region.
Learn more about InvestUP at https://www.investupmi.com. Connect with us on social media at https://www.linkedin.com/company/invest-up-mi/.
In the first episode of Lead to Succeed in 2025, host Steve Arwood sits down with key players behind a major housing project in Crystal Falls. Guests Zach Hautala (Director at Iron County Economic Chamber Alliance), Jacqui McElroy (Director of Business Development at S.C. Swiderski), Kortni Wolf (Development Manager at S.C. Swiderski), and Gerard Valesano (City Manager at the City of Crystal Falls) discuss how a proactive and cooperative approach led to 68 new middle-market rental units in a region facing a housing shortage. Learn how city leaders, developers, and economic partners worked together to create a model that other U.P. communities can follow.
Tune in to hear how this project came to life and what it means for the future of housing in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Learn more about InvestUP at https://www.investupmi.com. Connect with us on social media at https://www.linkedin.com/company/invest-up-mi/.
Learn more about InvestUP at https://www.investupmi.com. Connect with us on social media at https://www.linkedin.com/company/invest-up-mi/.
Learn more about InvestUP at https://www.investupmi.com. Connect with us on social media at https://www.linkedin.com/company/invest-up-mi/.
Learn more about InvestUP at https://www.investupmi.com. Connect with us on social media at https://www.linkedin.com/company/invest-up-mi/.
Lead to Succeed: Conversations with U.P. Business Leaders is an interview series focused on leadership in the Upper Peninsula. Roxanne Daust, President & CEO of Range Bank, shares her insights on the economic state of the region, workforce development and growth opportunities, and the importance of community banks in the Upper Peninsula.
For more information on Range Bank, visit rangebank.com.
Learn more about InvestUP at https://www.investupmi.com. Connect with us on social media at https://www.linkedin.com/company/invest-up-mi/.
Lead to Succeed: Conversations with U.P. Business Leaders is an interview series focused on leadership in the Upper Peninsula. Bob Crumb, CEO of Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital, shares his insights on current challenges that the U.P. is facing, how hospitals can address workforce challenges through internal growth and internship opportunities, and the collaboration between regional healthcare leaders that has continued since the start of COVID-19.
For more information on Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital, visit scmh.org.
Learn more about InvestUP at https://www.investupmi.com. Connect with us on social media at https://www.linkedin.com/company/invest-up-mi/.
Lead to Succeed: Conversations with U.P. Business Leaders is an interview series focused on leadership in the Upper Peninsula. Dr. Rodney Hanley, President of Lake Superior State University, shares his insights on the university’s impact on the community, the high quality of life that the Upper Peninsula offers, and how Lake Superior State University adapted throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
For more information on Lake Superior State University, visit lssu.edu.
Learn more about InvestUP at https://www.investupmi.com. Connect with us on social media at https://www.linkedin.com/company/invest-up-mi/.
Lead to Succeed: Conversations with U.P. Business Leaders is an interview series focused on leadership in the Upper Peninsula. Dr. Richard Koubek, President of Michigan Technological University, shares his insights on the complementary relationship between all of the higher education institutions in the U.P., the university’s relationship with the local community, and how higher education institutions play a large role in economic development across the region.
For more information on Michigan Tech, visit mtu.edu.
Learn more about InvestUP at https://www.investupmi.com. Connect with us on social media at https://www.linkedin.com/company/invest-up-mi/.
Lead to Succeed: Conversations with U.P. Business Leaders is an interview series focused on leadership in the Upper Peninsula. Kristen Mariuzza, Vice President of Environmental and Social Performance at Lundin Mining Corporation, talks to Steve about the challenges of the pandemic, connecting to the community, responsible mining, and building opportunity in the U.P.
For more information on Lundin Mining Corporation, visit lundinmining.com
Learn more about InvestUP at https://www.investupmi.com. Connect with us on social media at https://www.linkedin.com/company/invest-up-mi/.
Lead to Succeed: Conversations with U.P. Business Leaders is an interview series focused on leadership in the Upper Peninsula.
Jan Allman, Senior VP of Public Affairs and Community Relations at Fincantieri Marine Group, talks to Steve Arwood about workforce development, housing, and how U.P. communities can come together to maximize their power.
For more information on Fincantieri Marine Group, visit https://fincantierimarinegroup.com/.
Learn more about InvestUP at https://www.investupmi.com. Connect with us on social media at https://www.linkedin.com/company/invest-up-mi/.
Lead to Succeed: Conversations with U.P. Business Leaders is an interview series focused on leadership in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
Gina Thorsen, CEO of Jacquart Fabric Products and Stormy Kromer, offers a unique perspective of leading a business in the region as she transitioned into a role that came with the responsibility of upholding an iconic U.P. brand.
For more information on Stormy Kromer, visit stormykromer.com.
Learn more about InvestUP at https://www.investupmi.com. Connect with us on social media at https://www.linkedin.com/company/invest-up-mi/.
Lead to Succeed: Conversations with U.P. Business Leaders is an interview series focused on leadership in the Upper Peninsula.
Todd Brassard, VP/COO of Calumet Electronics, shares how a company located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula has become a leader in the American electronics industry.
For more information on Calumet Electronics, visit calumetelectronics.com.
This series is presented by InvestUP, the leading economic organization for the Upper Peninsula.
Learn more about InvestUP at https://www.investupmi.com. Connect with us on social media at https://www.linkedin.com/company/invest-up-mi/.
Lead to Succeed: Conversations with U.P. Business Leaders is an interview series focused on leadership in the Upper Peninsula.
Jessica Frost, General Manager, Heavy Equipment Group at Trident Maritime Systems, shares how the company has continued to adapt throughout the pandemic despite supply chain shortages and what attracts talent to the Upper Peninsula.
This series is presented by InvestUP, the leading economic organization for the Upper Peninsula.
Learn more about InvestUP at https://www.investupmi.com. Connect with us on social media at https://www.linkedin.com/company/invest-up-mi/.
Lead to Succeed: Conversations with U.P. Business Leaders is an interview series focused on leadership in the Upper Peninsula.
Chuck Nelson, CEO of Dickinson County Healthcare System in Iron Mountain, shares insights on how DCH has continued to lead the community through the pandemic, opportunities for growth and talent attraction in the U.P., and how the U.P. benefits when business leaders work together.
For more information on Dickinson County Healthcare System, visit dchs.org.
Learn more about InvestUP at https://www.investupmi.com. Connect with us on social media at https://www.linkedin.com/company/invest-up-mi/.
Lead to Succeed: Conversations with U.P. Business Leaders is an interview series focused on leadership in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Hosted by Steve Arwood, InvestUP Strategic Advisor and former MEDC Director, the first episode welcomes Steve Hicks, President and CEO of JM Longyear.
For more information on JM Longyear, visit jmlongyear.com
Learn more about InvestUP at https://www.investupmi.com. Connect with us on social media at https://www.linkedin.com/company/invest-up-mi/.
Thank you for listening and welcome to episode number 12... our last episode of season one! We hope you have enjoyed it and we are excited to launch the next season in the coming months.
Lead to Succeed is a monthly interview series focused on Leadership in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Hosted by Steve Arwood, former director of the MEDC, this episode welcomes Roxanne Daust, President and CEO of Range Bank.
Range Financial Corp. is the holding company that owns Range Bank which has more than $1.04 billion in assets under management and serves its customers through branch offices in Marquette, Dickinson, Houghton and Brown Counties. Range Bank is a full-service community bank and leader in providing financial solutions to consumers, small businesses, and commercial clients. Helping individuals and families throughout the area, the Bank has grown into one of the region’s most stable and well-known financial institutions. Learn more at www.Rangebank.com.
This series is presented by InvestUP, the leading economic organization for the Upper Peninsula. For more information, visit www.InvestUPmi.com.
Thank you for listening and welcome to episode number 11!
Lead to Succeed is a monthly interview series focused on Leadership in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Hosted by Steve Arwood, former director of the MEDC, this episode welcomes Dbob Crumb, CEO of Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital.
Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital is an independent state-of-the-art, 12-bed, critical access hospital which has been in operation since 1950 located in Manistique, Michigan. In 2013, the hospital moved to US Highway 2. In 2016, Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital was named in the Top 20 Critical Access Hospitals in the Nation as a top performer in managing risk, achieving higher quality, securing better outcomes, increasing patient satisfaction and operating at a lower cost than their peers.
This series is presented by InvestUP, the leading economic organization for the Upper Peninsula. For more information, visit www.InvestUPmi.com.
Thank you for listening and welcome to our 10th episode!
Lead to Succeed is a monthly interview series focused on Leadership in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Hosted by Steve Arwood, former director of the MEDC, this episode welcomes Dr. Rodney Hanley, President of Lake Superior State University in Sault Sainte Marie.
Lake Superior State University is Michigan's smallest public university, with an enrollment of approximately 2,000 students. LSSU is known for its academic programs such as fisheries and wildlife management, engineering, chemistry and environmental sciences, teacher education, nursing, geology, business management, fire science, and criminal justice. It is one of three Michigan public universities that is a university and a community college.
This series is presented by InvestUP, the leading economic organization for the Upper Peninsula. For more information, visit www.InvestUPmi.com.
Thank you for listening!
Lead to Succeed is a monthly interview series focused on Leadership in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Hosted by Steve Arwood, former director of the MEDC, this episode welcomes Dr. Richard Koubek, President at Michigan Technological University.
Michigan Tech University is a public research university founded in 1885. Our campus in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula overlooks the Keweenaw Waterway and is just a few miles from Lake Superior. Michigan Tech offers more than 130 degree programs through its five colleges and schools. with a total enrollment of almost 7,000 students.
This series is presented by InvestUP, the leading economic organization for the Upper Peninsula. For more information, visit www.InvestUPmi.com.
Thank you for listening!
Lead to Succeed is a monthly interview series focused on Leadership in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Hosted by Steve Arwood, former director of the MEDC, this episode welcomes Kristen Mariuzza,Vice President of Environmental and Social Performance at Lundin Mining Corporation .
Lundin Mining is a global mining corporation, operating a mine located in Eagle. Eagle is an underground mine producing nickel and copper concentrates. Lundin Mining acquired the Eagle project from Rio Tinto in 2013, accelerated construction activities and commenced commercial production in 2014. Eagle Mine is an approximately 2,000 tonnes per day (tpd) underground nickel-copper mine.
This series is presented by InvestUP, the leading economic organization for the Upper Peninsula. For more information, visit www.InvestUPmi.com.
Thank you for listening!
Lead to Succeed is a monthly interview series focused on Leadership in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Hosted by Steve Arwood, former director of the MEDC, this episode welcomes Jan Allman, Senior VP of Public Affairs and Community Relations at Fincanteri Marine Group in Marinette, Wisconsin. Fincanteri Maring Group is is the U.S. subsidiary of one of the world’s largest shipbuilders. Established in the late 1700s, Fincantieri is legendary in designing and building military vessels, highly specialized support vessels, ferries, cruise ships, and mega yachts.
For more information about Fincanteri Marine Group, visit: https://fincantierimarinegroup.com/
This series is presented by InvestUP, the leading economic organization for the Upper Peninsula. For more information, visit www.InvestUPmi.com.
Lead to Succeed is a monthly interview series focused on Leadership in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Hosted by Steve Arwood, former director of the MEDC, this episode welcomes Chuck Nelson, President and CEO at Dickinson County Healthcare in Iron Mountain, Mich.
This series is presented by InvestUP, the leading economic organization for the Upper Peninsula. For more information, visit www.InvestUPmi.com.
Lead to Succeed is a monthly interview series focused on Leadership in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Hosted by Steve Arwood, former director of the MEDC, this episode welcomes Kelly George, former CEO of mBank.
NOTE: This episode was recorded prior to the acquisition of mBank by Nicolet National Bank.
This series is presented by InvestUP, the leading economic organization for the Upper Peninsula. For more information, visit www.InvestUPmi.com.
Lead to Succeed is a monthly interview series focused on Leadership in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Hosted by Steve Arwood, former director of the MEDC, this episode welcomes Jessica Frost, CEO/President at Lake Shore Systems, Headquartered in Iron River, Michigan.
This series is presented by InvestUP, the leading economic organization for the Upper Peninsula. For more information, visit www.InvestUPmi.com.
For more information about Lake Shore Systems, visit https://www.lakeshoresys.com/.
Lead to Succeed is a monthly interview series focused on Leadership in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Hosted by Steve Arwood, former director of the MEDC, this episode welcomes Todd Brassard, VP/COO at Calumet Electronics in Calument. .
This series is presented by InvestUP, the leading economic organization for the Upper Peninsula. For more information, visit www.InvestUPmi.com.
For more information about Calumet Electronics, visit https://www.calumetelectronics.com/.
Lead to Succeed is a monthly interview series focused on Leadership in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Hosted by Steve Arwood, former director of the MEDC, ththis episode welcomes Gina Thorsen, President of Stormy Kromer.
This series is presented by InvestUP, the leading economic organization for the Upper Peninsula. For more information, visit www.InvestUPmi.com.
For more information about Stormy Kromer, visit https://www.stormykromer.com.
Lead to Succeed is an interview series focused on Leadership in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Hosted by Steve Arwood, former director of the MEDC, the first episode welcomes Steve Hicks, President and CEO of JM Longyear.
This series is presented by InvestUP, the leading economic organization for the Upper Peninsula. For more information, visit www.InvestUPmi.com.
For more information about JM Longyear, visit www.jmlongyear.com.