Fulfillament Stories

Fulfillment through work. Challenges to COME ALIVE.

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Jeremy Reisig, brotha James

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35051760_1933125600053331_7921592995902652416_obrotha James, a Michigander, is a marketing and sales entrepreneur turned musician who left the business world to pursue his destiny of creating inspirational music. Armed with a passion for making music and connecting people through his live performances, Jeremy (brotha James) Reisig brings non-stop enthusiasm and endless energy that leaves his audiences asking for more.  Combining clever, uplifting lyrics with danceable beats, brotha James masters a distinctive combination of dance/ hip hop/pop to create his distinctive style.  His ability to engage the audience creates an environment that encourages, uplifts and inspires. His lyrics speak to being a dreamer, following the passion for what makes one happy, showing gratitude for simple things, and holding on to the moments that are filled with joy.Whether performing at a small club, entertaining at a private party, or taking the stage in a stadium, playing music for brotha James is not just a job; it is his passion, his calling, his reason for being.

“In the end we will not remember the words of our enemies, we will remember the silence of our friends”

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ANDREA LOGAN DEIBLER, Raduno

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andreaAndrea grew up in Kansas City. She wasn’t interested in cooking as a child, she fell in love with it after college and made it into her career. It took her first to Chicago and then up to northern Michigan. Currently she is butcher, charcutière, and co-owner at Raduno, a small delicatessen establishing itself in Traverse City. A stint as a vegetarian in her teens awakened her to the ethical aspects of cooking and eating, and she continues to express these values in her food by being thoroughly engaged in the food chain from the farmer to the plate.

“Cooking was something that I finally found that I liked and was (eventually, after lots of training) good at. I loved working in restaurants; I found that it was challenging enough to focus my sometimes scattered brain. Kitchen work, though stressful and difficult, can really be a bonding experience with the people that you work with and I found I needed that intense level of teamwork in my work-life. I still do.”

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Fulfillament #8 Grant Winner: Kristin Cassle

kristinFULFILLAMENT # 8 GRANT WINNER: Kristin Cassle

THE BIG IDEA: My big idea is to have a natural dye studio utilizing local botanical dye plants and common things most people might discard, rusted and old metals for instance can create surprising patterns, hues, and designs. Onion skins, considered to be obsolete impart golden hues. Grape must from wine making can create beautiful magentas and deep purples. In other words, everything can be recycled and reused, supporting local businesses by utilizing their waste. Other dye stuffs can be grown in my personal garden and foraged sustainably from the local habitat as indigenous people did.. All leftover leaf matter can be composted making this business idea nearly, if not completely, waste free. My idea not only includes creating wearable art or dyeing fabric for other textile designers but extends to sharing this with the community through workshops, providing education on sustainable foraging and natural history. Something I consider to be very important as well is introspection through nature and healing through art.  I feel it  is of utmost importance to honor and connect to our deepest selves and place. I believe combining nature and the process based art of natural dyeing to be extremely healing for myself and others.

dyeHOW IS IT PERSONALLY FULFILLING: Being in this process based art of natural dyeing reminds me of a moving meditation. Every action is done with intention and conscientious thought. Plants and fungi from our surroundings have so much to teach us if we listen, and in turn, we help the forest grow. Being in nature always grounds me, gives me strength, makes me believe in magic, and reminds me of that childlike radiance that can so often be forgotten. Unwrapping a piece is always a surprise – a beauty to look forward to. And  special moments like foraging sumac and being surrounded by a family of deer! Sharing this passion and these teachings within the community would probably be an even bigger gift than I can imagine. To further illustrate my passion I would like to share this poem by textile artist, India Flint:

Intimate responses to locality
Within the immensities of landscape
Working in place
Under the open sky
Drawing on country
Rearranging the found as locational landmarks
Or poetry of and for this place
Gentle interventions and encounters
Beginning and ending with walking
Ephemeral and largely impermanent
Marking time
Exploring topophilla

HOW DOES IT MAKE A POSITIVE IMPACT ON THE COMMUNITY: I think there are more than a few ways my idea can benefit the community. First, I think it would support local businesses by utilizing their waste as dye matter or purchasing material from local sources.  Also benefiting community would be the hands-on workshops and classes exploring the craft-learning from the local habitat and healing through art.  I think it is important as well to bring to light the small choices we make that can have a big impact in our world.  A small part of that is what you choose to put on your body. So many of the clothes that we buy are made in sweatshops or factories using chemicals, synthetic fibers and dyes, without sustainable practices and no thought of the ecological impact.  I want to give a story with each piece that I handcraft that would  illustrate “slow fashion” and conscientious and sustainable thought.  Intentional choice. And last, but not least, is the fact that I feel my passion and perspective of the natural world is unique and important and worth sharing, benefiting those around me.

WHAT WOULD BE PHASE I OF YOUR BUSINESS PLAN, GETTING IF OFF THE GROUND: Tools, gaining knowledge, and practicing the craft of dyeing and eco-printing. I am in the beginning stages and there is a lot of technical stuff I still need to learn (like chemistry, LOL), and obtaining the tools needed.  It also includes determining interest levels within the community and establishing working  relationships with local businesses and community members.

WHAT IS YOUR VISION OF PHASE II AS YOU MOVE IT AHEAD: It’s a vision that is still very young and evolving daily. Right now it looks like this to me:  Creating an on-line presence to gain interest and perhaps an on-line shop; contacting local businesses in regards to selling my wares (I’ve already had offers!); beginning to do workshops; and perhaps finding studio space suitable for those workshops and growing production.  It looks like more time at the studio and less time at my real job!

HOW WILL YOU SPEND THE $500: Tools:  vessels (copper, brass, aluminum, stainless steel, iron) which all provide different color responses. Cellulose and protein fabrics from sustainable sources (hemp, cotton, silk, ramie, wool, cashmere and linen). Mordants, ie iron oxide, vinegar, soy. Workshops/webinars: One upcoming with Nicola Brown, a six week webinar on dyeing and eco-printing cellulose fabrics.

WHEN DO YOU THINK THIS THING WILL LAUNCH: Immediately! Having the proper tools  and opportunities to learn would help me immensely as well as give me inspiration to keep working and make this idea come to life.

HOW CAN WE, THE AUDIENCE, GET INVOLVED OR SHOW SUPPORT: Support through donation of supplies, for example, vegetable waste, flowers (dried, frozen or fresh), scraps of rusted metal and natural fabrics.  It would also be helpful to find a place to live and have a studio space at the same time so leads for that would be wonderful.  Also, meeting people in the community knowledgeable in native history and botany to establish relationships with.
You can get in touch with Kristin my emailing casslekristin@gmail.com

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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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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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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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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

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Timothy Fitzgerald Young, Food For Thought

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speakers9Timothy 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 to counter the global industrial food system. In addition to creating exciting products from the farms and forest of northern Michigan, Young has a long history of humanitarian activism on a range of issues, including farmland preservation both here and abroad. A past President of the Northern Michigan Environmental Action Council and Vice Chair of the Michigan Land Use Institute, He is currently President of the Benzie County Chamber of Commerce, board member of the Northwestern Michigan College Foundation and On The Ground. Passionate about Fair Trade, Timothy was a founding board member of the Domestic Fair Trade Association.

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

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Nik Carmen, 9 year old bluegrass genius

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speakers11Nik 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 he strums out a few bluegrass tunes in the combination guest and music room in his family’s Suttons Bay home.

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

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Evan Smith, Cherry Capital Foods

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speakers10Evan 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 2009, he spent 8 years as the CFO of Food For Thought, a specialty food manufacturer. Both organizations have a strong, mission-based philosophy that drives their decision making process. Married with 2 adult sons, he has spoken nationally and internationally on food system issues, is the past Chair of TC-TALUS, and serves on the Michigan Farm to Institute Advisory Board, the Traverse City Food and Farm Network, the Grand Foodshed Alliance, and the Michigan Food & Farming Systems Board.

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

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Allison Moore Beers, Events North

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speakers8Allison 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 Commerce, Rotary Charities, The Downtown Traverse City Association (DTCA) The Boom Boom Club and The National Cherry Festival Foundation.  Beers served as the President of the Board of Directors of the National Cherry Festival Foundation for three years.

“I didn’t realize as a kid that I could be paid to be social and organized.  I went to college as a vocal music major, but found that I could plan events for a living.  I had been planning them my whole life, but never connected it to an industry.  Since then, I don’t feel like I’ve worked a day in my life.  I love what I do.  I love going to work everyday.  I love sharing how much I love what I do with my kids to inspire them to do what they love doing.  I feel blessed to do what I do in this state and more importantly, Traverse City.  I try to give as much time as I can giving back to Traverse City.”

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

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ERIC PATTERSON, The Cook’s House

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chef Eric Peterson

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 of Local Sustainable Cuisine.”

“Cooking could be the most important impetus that gave our earliest ancestors the ability to evolve into humankind, and while that was and continues to be an important factor in becoming human, I also believe that cooking today allows us to transcend our own humanity and rebel against the absurdity of our lives.”

This talk was from May 2015 Fulfillament. in Traverse City, MI
Fulfillament is a storytelling event featuring local community leaders & entrepreneurs who share their journey towards fulfillment through vocation that will challenge you to come alive.
This podcasts are personal, inside stories from these individuals… Why they do what they do, how did they get there, and how does it make them come alive? Each storyteller will issue a challenge for you to find fulfillment in your own life – you ready to make some change?
Here is Eric’s story…..

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PETE FARMER, Farmer Foot Drums

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speakers6Originally 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, bass and more. He went for it full time in 2008 and to this day, FFD designs and creates unique, portable and handcrafted instruments that empower musicians to be their own band.

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 fulfillment through vocation that will challenge you to come alive.
This podcasts are personal, inside stories from these individuals… Why they do what they do, how did they get there, and how does it make them come alive? Each storyteller will issue a challenge for you to find fulfillment in your own life – you ready to make some change?

Here is Pete’s story…..

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JEFF JOUBRAN, Sweet Pea and Downtown Association

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speakers4“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 fulfillment through vocation that will challenge you to come alive.
This podcasts are personal, inside stories from these individuals… Why they do what they do, how did they get there, and how does it make them come alive? Each storyteller will issue a challenge for you to find fulfillment in your own life – you ready to make some change?

Here is Jeff’s story…

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DON COE, Black Star Farms

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speakers5A 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 State of Michigan Commission of Agriculture and Rural Development, serves on the Traverse Bay Economic Development Corporation and sits on the board of the Grand Traverse Foodshed Alliance.  He is on the advisory committee for the Great Lakes Culinary Institute at Northwestern Michigan College.

Currently, he resides in Traverse City where he is Managing Partner of Black Star Farms of Suttons Bay and Old Mission, MI, with wineries, tasting rooms, distillery, inn, café, and stables – premier agricultural destinations.

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 fulfillment through vocation that will challenge you to come alive.
This podcasts are personal, inside stories from these individuals… Why they do what they do, how did they get there, and how does it make them come alive? Each storyteller will issue a challenge for you to find fulfillment in your own life – you ready to make some change?

Here is Don’s story…..