Fulfillament Stories

Fulfillment through work. Challenges to COME ALIVE.

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Betsy Coffia, Change Maker

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betsyBetsy is the Director of Alumni Relations at NMC and has also recently run for State Representative in Michigan. She grew up in rural Kalkaska County and over the years has served as a journalist, social worker and change maker to Northern Michigan communities.

“I can’t explain exactly why I do what I do, only that I see the things that are easier to ignore. And I cannot unsee. I am driven toward justice and compassion by a fire in my belly that won’t be quenched no matter how many times I may fail.”

Here it Betsy’s story from the September 2016 event….

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Glenn Wolff, Bassist and Illustrator

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glennGlenn grew up in Traverse City. He studied Printmaking at Northwestern Michigan College, and received his BFA from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. His career began in New York as an illustrator where he also played music in several clubs. In 1987 he returned to Northern Michigan concentrating on fine art and book illustration. He is best known for his illustrations in the books of Jerry Dennis, starting with 1992’s It’s Raining Frogs and Fishes, and most recently A Walk in the Animal Kingdom.  Glenn’s mixed media fine art is represented by Tamarack Gallery in Omena, Michigan, and at his studio in the Traverse City. His work has been shown throughout the US and Canada both publically and privately.  He also on the art faculty of Northwestern Michigan College.  You can catch him playing bass with several local collaborating artists.

“My job is to make marks on paper or canvas and pluck strings on resonate wood. The marks become images and the plucks become melody and rhythm in collaborations with the greatest writers, musicians, environmentalists and humans that I have ever met. Sometimes these marks and sounds tell my own stories of interior and exterior landscapes, our estrangement from them, and our journey back.”

Check out the slideshow in this pdf  as you listen to the podcast as they go hand in hand. This slideshow was presented at his storytelling talk from the September 2016 event…

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KATE PEARSON, Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy

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KATE PEARSON is the fundraiser for Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy. A lifelong resident of Traverse City, Kate brings to her position a deep love of the region and appreciation for the wonderful people who make up our community. Before joining GTRLC, she was the Visitor Center Manager for the Traverse City Convention & Visitors Bureau, as Kate LOVES where she is from.

“Notice what makes your eyes sparkle.  Those sparkles are lighting up the way to one of your callings”. 

Here is Kate’s story from the September 2016 event…

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Gary Jonas, The Little Fleet

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garyGary Jonas and his wife Allison have been in the restaurant and bar business for over 10 years.  They opened our first restaurant called The Farm on Adderley in Brooklyn, NY in 2006, followed by a bar called Sycamore Bar and Flowershop in 2008, and The Little Fleet in 2013.   They live in Traverse City with our 2 daughters Madeleine and Viola.

I love creating environments that makes people want to enjoy life and celebrate.  Nothing gives me more joy than to see smiling faces and excitement for what we are doing.

Here is Gary’s story from the September 2016 event…

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Bill Pallidino, Taste The Local Difference

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BILL PALLADINO is the project director for Taste the Local Difference, creator of an upcoming independent bookstore “Leeward Books”, and a lover of local food and biking everywhere he can. He has sustained roles as Executive Director, Business Consultant, Executive Coach, Instructional Designer, CEO for Hire, Economic Development Director, and Keynote Speaker with over 25 years of management and business ownership experience. Bill left his corporate training and consulting practice in 2012 to join the Michigan Land Use Institute (MLUI) staff after spending several years on its board of directors. MLUI brought Bill into the organization specifically to help transform Taste the Local Difference (TLD) and to accelerate its growth potential to serve more communities.  Bill currently serves on the board of Michigan Good Food Charter steering committee, the Grand Traverse Foodshed Alliance (managers of the GT Food Innovation Hub), Blackbird Arts and is Chair of the Northwest Michigan Food and Farming Network. He is well known in Michigan for his work assisting small businesses, nonprofits, communities and economic development agencies.

“Service is not something you imagine doing at the end of your life hoping you’ve left enough time to make a difference. It’s a purposeful act done every day, as the center of your world, while letting the rest of your life fall into place around it.”

This story was from the September 2016 Fulfillament in Traverse City, MI.

 

 

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Bryan Ulbrich, Left Foot Charley

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bryanBryan has been in the wine industry since 1993. The realization that a part-time cellar rat position could develop into a legitimate career path spurred him to pursue a winemaking apprenticeship rather than a Ph.D. in political science (real tough choice, eh?).  The apprenticeship transformed into a winemaking and general management position.  Without pause, 11 years passed.  He was fortunate to be part of the modern evolution of the Michigan Wine Industry and realized it was time to start the long process of building a wine company based on a new concept.  With the support of family, friends, farmers, and a few financiers LFC was born in 2004.  A path was chosen, the load was packed, and they all started hiking up the mountain…

“I love that my job is directed by the seasonal rhythm of life and as a result nothing (no wine) can ever be replicated exactly.”

Here is Bryan’s story from the May 2016 event…

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Cari Simon, Women’s Rights Lawyer

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cari2Cari Simon has dedicated her life to fighting for women’s rights, and lives that out as a lawyer. Cari’s nationwide law practice focuses on the civil representation of victims of school related sexual violence and other misconduct. She is a leader in the national movement to address campus sexual assault, serving on the Board of Know Your IX and the Advisory Council of the National Crime Victims Law Institute, and working closely with the National Women’s Law Center, Public Justice, and the United Stated Department of Justice, Office of Violence Against Women among others.

“I love the opportunity to empower and seek justice for someone who has been disempowered. To help that person rise back up and to take justice on their behalf”

Here is Cari’s story from the May 2016 event…

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Mike Moran, Singer/Songwriter/Podcaster

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mikemoranbwMike is a performing singer songwriter who writes songs from his experiences in relationships and working a variety of different jobs in and out of the music industry. He is also the Sales and Marketing Manager for MI Local Hops in Acme, and founded Quarter After Productions, a podcast production business in the fall of 2013.
He consistently performs music throughout Northern Michigan weekly, and publishes up to twenty podcasts a week for Short’s Brewing Company, New Holland Brewing Company, Drink My Brewcast, Prout Financial, Yen Yoga, Here:Say Storytelling, and many more. He is active in the music industry through talent buying and performing for TEDX, The City Opera House, and more.

“Making a living in music and recording can be attained through a number of different angles. To me, creating those angles is just as rewarding as writing music”.

This talk was from the May 2016  Fulfillament. in Traverse City, MI. Here is Mike’s story…..

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Kathi Mulder, Dance of Life Midwifery

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kathiKathi has been a practicing midwife since 1992 and a Certified Professional Midwife since 1997. She is the founder of Dance of Life Midwifery and has served on the board of the Michigan Midwives Association for many years (six years as president) and is a member of the international organization Midwives Alliance. Kathi has 3 grown daughters all of whom were born into the hands of midwives.

Kathi’s philosophy: Bringing forth new life is an empowering, sacred event in a woman’s life.  She needs to be nurtured, loved, and treated with respect.  A woman must feel comfortable and safe to birth as nature intended in her own time.  Her body holds the wisdom to conceive as well as the wisdom to birth.  The birth of a child is also the birth of a family.  I see the midwifes’ role as one of guardian over this process.

“Being part of many people’s lives during such an important time, and guiding women from maiden to motherhood is such an empowering experience. It fulfills me to get to do this over and over again” – Kathi Mulder, May 2016 Fulfillament Storyteller

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Steve Nance, Oryana Natural Foods

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speak_1-162Steve has been in business most all his life, from partnerships in his late teens to his own small businesses in his twenties to working for the largest firms in his thirties through fifties and now filling the role as the General Manager of Oryana, our local food cooperative.

“I am an unintentional, intentional grocer!  Though grocery store management was never one of my career goals, I am pleased to find myself leading a committed team working to provide healthy, sustainable, socially just food to our community and collaborate with many of those doing amazing things in our community, region and the world! I’ve experienced the challenges of being an entrepreneur through the politics of negotiating the corporate ladder but think I learned the essentials to successful business all the way back to my paper route and lawn  cutting days:   Care about what you do, take care of people, and be very suspicious of adults!”  –  Steve Nance, January 2016 Fulfillament Storyteller

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Miriam Pico, Singer/Singwriter

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speak_1-164Miriam Pico is a singer/songwriter, a wife and a proud mother of three. She is passionate about using her musical gifts to “entertain, educate and empower”. She wholeheartedly believes that musicians have an opportunity to be ambassadors of joy and love wherever they perform. A proud native of Puerto Rico, Miriam is fluent in Spanish and always welcomes the opportunity to sing in her first language.

“Music has been a constant companion of mine throughout my life. Even when people or ideologies or situations have failed me, music has always been there, nourishing me and helping me through. To be able to offer that gift to others is incredibly fulfilling, and that is why I do what I do. It fills me up to see that the thing that brings me so much joy also brings it to others.” –  Miriam Pico, January 2016 Fulfillament Storyteller

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Chuck Korson, Blk Mrkt Coffee

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speak_1-16Chuck is the creator, owner and chief operator of Blk/Mrkt Coffee. His extensive years in the coffee and hospitality business grew many ideas and passions of the culture he would create if ever owning his own shop. This led to the creation and opening of BMC in January, 2014

“My two favorite things in the world are making people happy and making the most quality cup of coffee.  I get to pour myself into both of these things on a daily a basis since Blk/Mrkt opened. I am a lucky guy” – Chuck Korson, January 2016 Fulfillament Storyteller

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STEPHANIE LEE WITALA, Events Manager & Chef, Black Star Farms

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speak_1-163Stephanie has helped build the events program over the past few years at Black Star Farms as the Events Manager and Chef. She is and energetic mother of three, and a highly motivated and passionate professional in the culinary arts and hospitality industry.  She has always loved working with people and creating experiences that are special and memorable whether it be on a plate at the dining table or in the production of an organized event.

“I  work hard at everything I pursue because I want it to be the very best.  I believe that you can achieve your goals both personally and professionally if you start with an optimistic mindset that achieving them is more than probable it’s completely possible.  I am known for Turning around every negative thought, comment, and expectation of my own and others into a positive possibility, encouragement, and belief that the most important goals and seemingly impossible best dreams actually can and will come true.  I love a challenge and exceeding not only other peoples expectations but my own. I am most proud of my children and thankful for my family who have highly support me in all my pursuits and in my chosen career that can often times be very demanding.” – Stephanie Lee Witala, January 2016 Fulfillament Storyteller

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ELON CAMERON, Acupuncturist and Creator of Imagine Health

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speak_1-165Elon is the founder of Imagine Health in Traverse City where she practices acupuncture and herbal medicine. She studied at the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in Chicago

“Energy moves through our body like electricity through a house, Acupuncture is like turning the light on in one room. My favorite thing about my job is my job. I like it when people feel better.  After all, acupuncture has 3,000 years of history so there isn’t much it doesn’t treat. “ – Elon Cameron, January 2016 Fulfillament Storyteller

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Jonathan Pool, Leadership Strategist

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speakers14Jonathan Pool is a leadership  strategist, creative thinker, and guide that brings clarity to organizations and individuals that leads to breakthrough thinking and true alignment. For years Jonathan was the engineer of last resort for clients with seemingly unsolvable problems, however he also experienced the physical pain that occurs when one is misaligned with their true self.  Today he is a guide to those who understand the importance of strategy before action.  Jonathan is an authority on how to find clarity through perspective, answer the significant questions, and step into a life of purposeful direction.

“Know your purpose, own your story, and live whole heartedly – for that is where you will be the change the world needs”
– Jonathan Pool, September 2015 Fulfillament speaker in Traverse City, MI

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May Erlewine, Singer Songwriter

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speakers16May Erlewine is a Michigan based singer songwriter and a member of the Earthwork Music Collective. She plays guitar, fiddle, viola, piano and a few other instruments, but mostly she sings. Her songs are treasured by people of all faiths and politics. May’s songs are sung (and recorded) by other artists, both great and small. May comes from a family of artists and musicians. Early on she was exposed to music (and people) of all kinds. May was home-educated, came up singing and while still just a teenager hitchhiked all across North America playing in small and large towns, riding freight trains with her little dog, and busking on the streets. In her travels May Erlewine came to know the land and the pulse of the people. Her songs show a very real connection and concern with everyday folk.

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Holly Wren Spaulding, STORYhouse Partners

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speakers13Holly Wren Spaulding is a passionate writer, collaborator, teacher, editor and creative consultant who lives in Williamsburg, Massachusetts where she founded Poetry Forge, an incubator for writers and their work, mentors clients through LIFE/form, and co-directs STORYhouse Partners, a communications consultancy. Because Leelanau County remains her home, she returns often to teach at Interlochen College of Creative Arts and elsewhere in the region. She has been awarded residencies at The Millay Colony for the Arts, The Mesa Refuge, Blue Mountain Center, The Hill House and The Jean Noble Parsons Center for the Study of Art & Science, and her writing has appeared in The Nation, Michigan Quarterly Review, Witness, The Ecologist, New Internationalist and in the book We Are Everywhere: The Irresistible Rise of Global Anti-Capitalism (Verso, 2003). Her most recent collection of poems is Pilgrim (Alice Greene & Co., 2014)

“To live well and feel whole, most of us need to solve the riddle of how to engage our particular genius in service of something meaningful—even beautiful. Whatever hat I may be wearing, and regardless of the project, I help others unfetter their imagination and give form to their ideas by providing alternative pathways, sane strategies and solidarity in the creative process.”

–Holly Wren Spaulding –  September 2015 Fulfillament speaker in Traverse City, MI

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Ty Schmidt, Carter’s Compost

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speakers17A Canadian import, Ty grew up in small town Manitoba. After receiving his Masters degree in Physical Therapy from The University of North Dakota and an 7 year stint in Tucson, Ty moved to Traverse City in 2006. He is married to the lovely Johanna, a Leelanau County girl, and is currently a part time physical therapist (he job shares with Johanna) at Munson. Ty started Carter’s Compost, a bike-powered community composting business, with his two boys, Carter and Jameson, in 2012 and then co-founded Norte!, a bike-centric, youth-focused nonprofit, with Johanna in 2013.

“With a supportive wife to job share with and prioritizing work/life/family balance, I’ve been able to enjoy a successful and meaningful career as a physical therapist while also having the luxury of time to focus on my passions: Traverse City, compost and bicycles.” 

– Ty Schmidt – Physical Therapist, Carter’s Compost and Norte! Youth Cycling and  September 2015 Fulfillament speaker in Traverse City, MI

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Margaret Alexander, Grand Traverse Pie Company

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Margaret was born and raised in the Detroit area and is married and has three beautiful (adult) children.   She earned her bachelor’s degree in Food Systems Economic and Management at Michigan State University and enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, playing Frisbee and practicing yoga.   Margaret is a proud member of the Grand Traverse Pie family and is honored to be challenged by out of the box thinkers who believe in the positive affects we can have on each other as human beings on this earth.

“My mission in life is to define my mission at this point in my life.  My goal is to break through the norms I have lived under and to develop a compassionate heart while dealing with the vagaries of life.  I want to feel sustained from the inside as I give the world the best I have. ” 

This talk was from September 2015 Fulfillament. in Traverse City, MI

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Jody Hayden, Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate

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speakers12Jody is the co-owner of Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate along with her husband, DC Hayden. GDC: Handcrafted chocolates with many organic, naturally grown and local michigan ingredients. Jody is also the co-founder of Higher Grounds Trading Company, and has extensive experience working with indigenous and fair trade farmers all around the world.

“My greatest loves are my son, Charlie, and my husband, DC. As an entrepreneur, I’m inspired by family farmers and producers, both near and far, and my dream is for all food to be healthy for those who grow it, process it and eat it.”

This talk was from May 2015 Fulfillament. in Traverse City, MI