Holly 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 … [Read more...]
Ty Schmidt, Carter’s Compost
A 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 … [Read more...]
Margaret Alexander, Grand Traverse Pie Company
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 … [Read more...]
Jody Hayden, Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate
Jody 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 … [Read more...]
Timothy Fitzgerald Young, Food For Thought
Timothy Fitzgerald Young is founder, President and Chef of Food For Thought, Inc., creators of organic and wild-harvested gourmet specialty foods. An extensive background in travel and human relief work in the developing world inspired Timothy’s creation of Food For Thought in 1995 with the mission of creating and raising awareness around just and sustainable food systems and to serve as a model … [Read more...]
Nik Carmen, 9 year old bluegrass genius
Nik Carman is a nine-year-old bluegrass musical genius from Suttons Bay, Michigan. He started his music career at age 7 by learning the basics of piano, violin, recorder and guitar and then took up the banjo and mandolin. Nik’s musical influences include the likes of The Accidentals, Billy Strings and Don Julin, Chris Thile and the Avett Brothers. It’s evident in the folksy tenor of his voice as … [Read more...]
Evan Smith, Cherry Capital Foods
Evan is the CEO of Cherry Capital Foods: a unique food distributor based in Traverse City, MI that is building a resilient and socially just food system. They work with farmers, growers and producers both locally and regionally but only from the state of Michigan. Evan has over 35 years experience in international and domestic food distribution. Prior to joining Cherry Capital Foods in early … [Read more...]
Allison Moore Beers, Events North
Allison Beers started Events North in 2008 after working for two of the largest event planning agencies in the world. Events North is a full service event management agency specializing in corporate, social and nonprofit events. They strive for zero-waste events and try to incorporate as much local food as possible. Beers is currently on the board of directors for the Traverse City Area Chamber of … [Read more...]
ERIC PATTERSON, The Cook’s House
Eric Patterson is the co-chef and co-owner of The Cooks’ House, Local sustainable cuisine skillfully prepared and served in Traverse City. He spent close to fifteen years at Andre’s, Las Vegas’ 5 star French restaurant, including a three-year apprenticeship under Andre. At the end of his Vegas tenure, Patterson was Andre’s head chef. He has also co-authored one cookbook about “The Art & Soul … [Read more...]
SARAH LANDRY RYDER, The Redheads
Sarah Landry Ryder is the owner and founder of The Redheads, " Naturally Sassy." Her business practices emphasize the importance of being part of a sustainable cycle. The Redheads, located in lake leelanau, MI produce healthy, fresh, and sassy foods (mostly know for their amazing hummus) using local and organic ingredients. This talk was from January 2015 Fulfillament. in Traverse City, … [Read more...]
PETE FARMER, Farmer Foot Drums
Originally a teacher and historian by trade, Pete Farmer is a self-taught musician, craftsman, and businessman, following his passions for music, design, and working with his hands. He started Farmer Footdrums in 2005, working by day as a high school teacher, and working by night in a rented single car garage to work on designs and build a foot played drum kit with shakers, tambourines, snare, … [Read more...]
JEFF JOUBRAN, Sweet Pea and Downtown Association
“Why do I do what I do? I have learned that I can actually make a difference with my passions and strengths” – JEFF JOUBRAN- Sweet Pea & Downtown TC president, January 2015 Fulfillament speaker This talk was from January 2015 Fulfillament. in Traverse City, MI Fulfillament is a storytelling event featuring local community leaders & entrepreneurs who share their journey towards … [Read more...]
DON COE, Black Star Farms
A graduate of Cornell Hotel School, Don Coe served 5 years in the US Navy and then managed restaurants and clubs before getting into the wines and spirits business. During his 23-year career with Allied Domecq Spirits & Wine, formerly Hiram Walker, Don was responsible for marketing and sales of group wines and spirits in various markets worldwide. He recently finished two terms on the … [Read more...]
JERRY DENNIS, Big Maple Press
Jerry Dennis has been professionally writing books and essays about the places where nature and human culture meet since 1986. His essays and short fiction have appeared in more than 100 publications, including The New York Times, Smithsonian, Audubon, Orion, American Way, Gray’s Sporting Journal, and Michigan Quarterly Review. Last year, Jerry teamed with artist Glenn Wolff and his wife Gail to … [Read more...]
ELLEN FRED, Elf & Conservation Partners
“I went to law school later in life after I had spent many years following my heart – traveling, volunteering on organic farms, saving ancient redwoods, and founding nonprofit organizations. When I finally decided to go back to school, I knew exactly what I wanted to do – land conservation law – and I sought out a law school that offered classes in that area. I was then hired by my law professor … [Read more...]