POWER CONNECTOR

Meet Dakota Greenman, Founder and CEO of Westwood AI, a technology company revolutionizing how commercial real estate owners, property managers, and portfolio holders assess, monitor, and protect their assets. A U.S. Air Force veteran with a background in geospatial intelligence, Dakota bridged his military experience with entrepreneurship to build Westwood AI from the ground up — bootstrapped, deliberate, and built to last. At its core, Westwood AI's flagship product, Roof Ranger, uses drone technology, machine learning, and multi-spectral analytics to give commercial property owners unparalleled visibility into the condition and value of their assets — from due diligence through long-term portfolio management. Dakota recently accepted back into a PhD program in data science, and Westwood AI is now ready for its full commercial launch — with Power Connections CRE as the launchpad. Explore Dakota's non-linear journey from barely graduating high school to guiding hunters in the Brooks Range, to opening businesses out of a Muskegon recruiter's office, to building a machine-learning platform that's now turning heads across Michigan and beyond. His story is one of calculated risk, relentless belief, and the discipline to slow-roll a product until it's truly ready — then show up at exactly the right room. IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT: -The absurdity of belief required to build something real, "It's okay to have absolutely no rational idea justifying what you're doing — but there's such a belief in there that if I don't, I'm gonna hate this decision for the rest of my life." -The risk of not acting, "There's a risk of doing — and there's also a risk of not doing." -Why preparation earns the opportunity, "I get one shot to impress. If you go out there and it flops, that's a small community. It's almost impossible to get that second chance."

Meet Chris George, Co-Founder and CEO of SubSummit, the largest meetup for subscription, membership, and loyalty brands. A serial entrepreneur, Chris has launched seven companies and successfully exited three, including the popular subscription brand Gentleman's Box. Chris founded SubSummit to bring together founders, operators, and innovators building recurring-revenue businesses across eCommerce, SaaS, and retail. Under his leadership, SubSummit has grown into the largest event dedicated to the subscription industry, bringing together hundreds of brands, technology partners, and thought leaders each year. Chris is passionate about helping entrepreneurs grow profitable businesses and regularly mentors emerging brands, invests in startups, and shares practical insights on acquisition, retention, and scaling subscription models. Explore Chris's journey from identifying a gap in the men's subscription market to launching Gentleman's Box in 2014, founding SubSummit in 2016 with zero event experience, and ultimately building and exiting both. His passion for connecting people and creating value drives everything he builds — including his next venture, an academy designed to equip the next generation of college graduates with the communication skills and career readiness they need to succeed. IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT: The power of purpose over profit, "When I stopped focusing on revenue and focused on bringing people together, that's when we made a million dollars in year three." The discipline required to build something great, "Being an entrepreneur is a very lonely journey. You have to be 100% okay with missing things." Why legacy matters more than wealth, "The real legacy isn't what you had or what you bought. The real legacy is how many different people have you helped."

In this powerful fireside chat, Greg Kelser—former Michigan State Spartans men's basketball national champion and founder of the Greg Kelser Basketball and Education Camp—shares the mindset and principles that have shaped his success on and off the court. From his days as a NCAAA Champion to his career as a respected broadcaster and mentor to young athletes, Kelser emphasizes that true success is built on discipline, intentionality, and a deep love for the craft. He unpacks the importance of a process-driven mentality—where consistent habits, preparation, and perseverance outweigh short-term results. Kelser also highlights the role of mentorship, stressing that authentic relationships, humility, and genuine effort are what open doors and create lasting impact. Beyond personal achievement, the conversation explores the power of service. Kelser underscores how investing time—not just money—into communities creates meaningful change, while also enriching one’s own growth and network. His message is clear: success is not just about reaching goals, but about how you show up, who you impact, and the discipline you bring every day. Takeaways: · Trust the process — Long-term success is built through disciplined habits, not just ambitious goals. · Love what you do — Passion fuels consistency and sustains excellence over time. · Be intentional with mentorship — Authenticity, preparation, and respect are what turn connections into opportunities. · Show up for your community — Time and presence often create deeper impact than financial contributions alone. · Embrace the journey — Challenges and setbacks are part of the process, not detours from it. · Earn guidance, don’t expect it — Meaningful mentorship comes from genuine effort and mutual respect. · Service creates growth — Giving back expands your perspective, strengthens relationships, and builds lasting success.

Meet Ryley Austyn, Founder and CEO of Raustyn Holdings, joined by Dan Fischer, President and CEO of Citizen State Bank and Chairman of Raustyn Holdings. In this episode, they discuss the philosophy behind building successful, long-term businesses and the importance of leadership, integrity, and persistence. The conversation explores how to cultivate a high-performing team, mentor future leaders, and provide meaningful value to business owners while preserving the unique culture of their companies. They also highlight strategies for creating sustainable growth, navigating succession planning, and leveraging personal connections to open doors that others might consider closed. Key Takeaways: · Choose the difficult road — True growth often requires effort, persistence, and facing challenges head-on. · Study success holistically — Learn from individuals who excel in business, family, and personal development. · Consistency and integrity matter — Showing up reliably builds credibility and opens doors. · Mentorship and leadership — Surround yourself with talented people and guide them to achieve their best. · Patience is a competitive advantage — Focus on long-term success, not short-term gains. · Plan for legacy and succession — Thoughtful planning ensures a business thrives beyond its founders. · Work ethic and values matter — Courage, ethics, generosity, and persistence are essential for lasting success.

In this special fireside chat, legendary Michigan State Men’s Basketball Coach Tom Izzo shares timeless lessons on leadership, trust, culture, and adaptability—lessons that resonate far beyond the basketball court. Reflecting on 31 years of coaching, Izzo discusses the evolving challenges of recruitment, the impact of NIL and the transfer portal, and how to maintain a winning culture despite constant roster changes. He emphasizes that success—whether in sports or business—comes from trust, work ethic, chemistry, and culture. Through stories of coaching greats like Mateen Cleaves and walk-on turned business leader Matt Ishbia, Izzo illustrates how values learned in athletics can be directly applied to building thriving organizations. He also shares personal moments, including the joy of coaching his son, and offers insights on legacy-building, humility, and staying driven even after reaching the top. Takeaways: -Trust is the foundation—whether recruiting athletes or securing business deals, people commit when they believe in your character and consistency. -Culture beats talent—a player-led team (or employee-led company) outperforms one that relies solely on top-down leadership. -Humility sustains growth—celebrate achievements but stay hungry; as John Wooden reminded Izzo, there’s always more to accomplish. -Personal connections matter—spending time with people at every level of your organization builds loyalty and performance.

Meet Ankur Rungta, Co-Founder & CEO of C3 Industries, Inc., and Chris Ostrowski, Chief Technology Officer at Dutchie. In this episode, they discuss the rapidly evolving cannabis industry, focusing on the growing role of technology, particularly AI, in optimizing business operations. The conversation dives into the shift from a focus on growth to a more sustainable approach centered on optimization. They also address the challenges of navigating complex state regulations and the importance of collaboration among operators to drive industry-wide change. In this episode, we talk about: *The shift from growth to optimization in the cannabis industry. “The cannabis industry is no longer emerging; it’s here to stay.” *How technology, especially AI, is transforming business efficiency. “There’s just too much data; it’s a critical point for us.” *The necessity of collaboration and coalition-building to push for industry progress. “We need to see progress, and it’s a long game.” *The need for unified advocacy to drive meaningful policy reform. “We all need to participate federally.”

Meet Dan Fischer, the President and CEO of Citizens State Bank. In this episode, Dan shares insights into the bank's impressive growth since 2020, its unique culture centered on strong relationships and community involvement, and his leadership philosophy of leading by example. The conversation also touches on the role of golf in building business relationships and the bank’s future expansion plans. In this episode, we talk about: *Relationship building at the highest level and its importance in business success. "It's all about relationship building at the highest level." *The bank’s commitment to community involvement and making a difference. "We take pride in being a part of our community and making a difference." *How golf serves as a valuable tool for forging business relationships. "Golf isn't just a game; it's where business relationships are forged."

Meet Charles Gleeson II, president and CEO of C.E. Gleeson Constructors, and his son, Charles Gleeson III, as they celebrate the 100 year anniversary of their company. Founded in 1924 by Charles Gleeson, II's grandfather, C.E. Gleeson Constructors has a rich history of family values, hard work, and building relationships that have allowed it to thrive and adapt over the years. Charles and his son share insights into their current projects, discuss the booming construction markets in Texas, the Carolinas, and Florida, and emphasize the importance of mentoring and developing the next generation of leaders. In this episode we talk about: *The foundation of success at C.E. Gleeson Constructors: family values and hard work. "Family and God come first." *The importance of building relationships and treating everyone with respect. "Treat everybody right from the ditch digger to the CEO." *Adapting to market conditions and staying relevant for long-term success. *Mentoring and developing the next generation of leaders. "Sometimes you're going to meet someone and you have to be willing to lend a hand to do something for them." *Opportunities in the construction industry for young people, including trade schools and well-paying jobs.

Mayor Mike Duggan discusses the revitalization of Detroit and the opportunities for investment in the city. He highlights the progress made in terms of population growth, investment, and job creation. The mayor emphasizes the importance of every neighborhood having a future and the potential for development in various areas of the city. He also addresses concerns about safety and the steps taken to reduce crime rates. Additionally, the city's efforts to streamline the permitting process and support entrepreneurs and startups in the mobility and technology sectors. Takeaways: *Detroit has experienced a resurgence in population growth, investment, and job creation under Mayor Mike Duggan's administration. *Every Neighborhood in Detroit has a Future, and there are opportunities for development and investment in various areas of the city. *Crime rates in Detroit have significantly decreased, with the city experiencing the fewest homicides since 1966. *The city has made efforts to streamline the permitting process and provide support for entrepreneurs and startups in the mobility and technology sectors.

Meet Andrew Stein, president & CEO of Children’s Foundation, an organization focused on improving children's physical and mental health through innovative programs and research. Andrew joined The Foundation in January 2023, inspired by the mission to create equitable opportunities for all children in Michigan. Andrew’s career has always been centered around children. Before joining The Foundation, he spent 14 years with City Year, where he held various leadership roles, including Executive Director of City Year Detroit, significantly expanding the organization’s reach. In this special episode, filmed at the Michigan Central Campus at the Book Depository, next to the iconic Michigan Central Train Station, we discuss: *The Transformation of Michigan Central Campus: “This incredible renovation represents the future of Detroit, a symbol of progress and innovation.” *Connecting The Children’s Foundation with Michigan Central: “The Michigan Central Children’s Endowment Initiative is a testament to our commitment, aiming to exceed our $10 million goal to support organizations serving kids.” *Creating Networks and Leading a Nonprofit: “You never know what opportunities will reveal themselves when you put yourself in the right rooms. Leading a nonprofit means selling impact, value, and a different kind of return—one that goes beyond business ROI. It takes authenticity and trust to build these connections.”

Meet Sam Beznos, the dynamic CEO behind Beztak Properties, which is a commercial real estate company that has been in business more than 60 years. Today, Beztak employs more than 1,300 people across 14 states with more than 35,000 apartment units within its portfolio. Sam is responsible for overseeing all aspects of asset management, development, construction, and rehabilitation of existing apartment and retail portfolios throughout the country as well as new acquisitions and development opportunities. Sam's expertise lies in land development, property rezoning, and finance. He is known for his strategic planning abilities and skill in evaluating risks. With a background in financial modeling and valuation analysis, Sam brings a comprehensive understanding of the real estate industry into his role. Sam holds a Master of Science in Real Estate with Distinction from New York University and a Bachelor of Arts with Distinction from the University of Michigan. His commitment to excellence and ongoing education underscores his dedication to the field. As part of Beztak Properties, a family-owned and operated business, Sam continues to drive success and growth. I’ve known Sam for more than 30 years and in this episode we talk about: * The importance of a good network: “A pretty good secret tool you need is to have a good network around you to rely on because when you're running a company it's difficult to maneuver at times and there's certainly headwinds.” * Taking time to visit properties: “I walk the properties for many reasons but understanding what’s going on with the properties, what's going on with the markets we use for market data and what type of improvements we need to make.” * How to implement growth opportunities for your business: “We always went against the grain - a big part of our culture is to be innovative. And we've always gone against the grain, and we took (successful) aspects from other industries and incorporated them into our business.”

Meet Dr. Ammar Alkhafaji, Principal at W Investors Group and an Internal Medicine Resident. W Investors Group is a fully integrated real estate group specializing in development, property management, and realty services. Dr. Ammar shares his journey growing up in an entrepreneurial family, balancing his career in medicine with real estate, and overcoming rejection to find alternative paths to success. Alkhafaji, who was named principal of W Investors Group in 2018, grew up fascinated by real estate as his father built his company and portfolio to more than 1 million square feet. With the mission of building the best quality projects, moving quickly and decisively to close deals and move projects forward to completion, W Investors Group assures delivery of exceptional results time and time again. In this episode we talk about: * Growing up in an entrepreneurial family, “ Growing up with his influence and him being my role model was a true blessing for me.” * Balancing medicine and real estate, “It's not about being the smartest person in the room. It's just about putting in the time and the effort.” * Overcoming rejection and finding alternative paths, “don't be put down by rejection. There's always another way. The struggle helped me grow as a person.”

Meet Jason Krieger, principal of Krieger Klatt Architects, Inc., a leading full-service architecture firm with nearly three decades of experience. Explore Jason's journey in the field of architecture and design, starting from his studies at Lawrence Tech to his career that led him to co-found Krieger Klatt Architects in partnership with Jeff Klatt in 2011. His passion for design drives Krieger Klatt Architects, offering a diverse portfolio that includes Mixed-Use Developments, Multi-Family Residential, High-End Custom Residential Homes, Hotels and Restaurants, Country Clubs, Office Buildings, and Franchises. With more than 20 talented team members, the firm excels at complex projects, providing innovative designs and professional guidance to clients. Krieger Klatt Architects stays at the forefront of technology, investing in and utilizing the latest software such as BIM (Building Information Modeling), Rendering, Video, and VR (Virtual Reality) for seamless project integration. With insights into the firm's commitment to excellence, work ethic, and the collective effort that goes into creating architectural experiences. In this episode we talk about: * The Importance of face-to-face interaction, "Nothing replaces the in-person, the face-to-face, the handshaking, being present." * Jason's early inspiration for architecture," I picked up one of these house books, they had renderings of homes. I saw these, and I was like, that's it. It just grabbed me. Wow." * Relationship building with a client, “We have to provide value, that's the biggest thing.”

Corbin Yaldoo is a Commercial Real Estate professional with a diverse expertise encompassing various dimensions within the industry. As the Founder/President of Corbco Ventures, C3CRE and Co/Founder of Rair Capital, he assists his clients with buyer and seller representation, listings, new development leasing, landlord and tenant representation, and asset acquisition and disposition for owner/users or investment properties. Corbin's entrepreneurial spirit, which began in his early 20s, continues to infuse his leadership and vision at Corbco Ventures. In this role, he takes a hands-on approach, personally identifying investment vehicles and strategies while overseeing every aspect of Commercial Real Estate ownership and development for Corbco-led projects. IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT: *Taking your business to communities that aren't being hyper-focused on to expand your business. For example, if everyone is focusing on Michigan why not leverage that and take your focus to another market? *Networking based on what is important to the company at the time of the event/conference is happening. Ask yourself, is this event really going to help me right now? *"Provide value; In any relationship you have, you want to provide value to that person or company and be an asset in as many ways as possible.”

Jack Miller is the Michigan market president for Hylant. His primary responsibility is the growth and profitability of the Ann Arbor and Detroit offices. Jack strives to build strong relationships with Hylant’s employees, clients and within the community. Prior to his leadership responsibilities for Hylant, Jack was a successful producer at Hylant's headquarters in Toledo, Ohio, where he specialized in complex disability programs for the college and professional sports industry. After a successful football career on the offensive line for the University of Michigan Wolverines, Miller continued his dedication to the Ann Arbor community by joining the Michigan football radio broadcast team as the pre and post-game analyst in 2022. Jack has a passion for philanthropic causes, something he attributes to his upbringing and the community-centric culture at Hylant. He is currently on the board of Leaders for Kids which supports the Children's Hospital of Michigan Foundation and at his alma mater, St. John's Jesuit High School. IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT: Jack's personal journey with football and athletics and how that lead him to the leadership position he's in today. Ideas to ensure Hylant stays employee centric. "Confidence comes with repetition, confidence comes with experience, confidence comes with trying - failing and succeeding"

Ben Gergis is Co-Founder of DryMedic and the VP of Integrations at Authority Brands, with extensive experience in the property restoration industry. In 2014, he co-founded DRYmedic with one van and one employee and grew it into a thriving business with more than 80 employees. With thousands of homes inspected, Ben has been in construction since 1999 and has been a licensed residential builder in both Michigan and Florida. He holds multiple IICRC certifications, including WTR, AMRT, ASD, and FSRT, as well as an asbestos inspector and supervisor license. Ben is also OSHA-certified in health and safety and HAZWOPER. He remains committed to ongoing learning and training to continually improve his skills and expertise. IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT: Ben's personal path to business success The importance of company wide structure, incentive programs and more helps keep DryMedic at the top of their game.

Meet Mark Winter, president of Identity PR, the leading Public Relations agency in Michigan. With a knack for simplifying complexities and bringing leaders together, Mark has played a pivotal role in shaping the commercial real estate landscape nationally, working with iconic names in development, design, and hospitality. Join us as we uncover the secrets to his success, his passion for building meaningful relationships, and how he's making a difference beyond the boardroom and serving growth-focused philanthropic organizations.

Meet Richard Karp, CEO of Karp and Associates. Richard is a Detroit native and mastermind behind the revitalization of Lansing's Old Town. With more than three decades of experience, he's reshaping communities by adaptively reusing historic commercial sites, and scoring recognition for his multi-family, office, retail, and light industrial projects. Join us as we uncover his secrets to success and his interest in community revitalization and affordable housing.

Meet Dennis Bernard, the finance guru behind Bernard Financial Group. With more than $24 billion in commercial real estate transactions under his belt, Dennis is the go-to guy for commercial financing and relationship building. Join us as we uncover his secrets to success, his passion for family and interest in community impact.

Meet Adam M. Lutz, Managing Principal of Q10 | Lutz Financial Services and CEO of Lutz Real Estate Investments. With more than $4.5 billion in closed loans and a national presence, Adam and his team provide top-notch commercial mortgage banking services and own a diverse portfolio of real estate assets. Join us on this exciting podcast as Adam shares his insights and experiences, and unveils the secrets to his success in the commercial real estate industry. Get ready for a real estate adventure with Adam Lutz.EPISODE 13: CONNECTING WITH AMER BATAL

Meet Amer Batal, an entrepreneur who's conquered multiple industries for more than 20 years! As the mastermind behind Batal Real Estate, Urban Air Parks, and Crunch Fitness, he's all about creating epic experiences for his clients. From transforming properties to re-imagining the family entertainment scene, Amer's mission is to promote wellness, CRE solutions, and make business owners' dreams come true. Join us on this fun-filled podcast as Amer shares his incredible journey, real estate triumphs, and the secrets to living a life full of adventure and success!

Meet Andy Gutman, the unstoppable president of Farbman Group and a true commercial real estate visionary. With billions of dollars in assets and more than 28 years of experience, Andy is a financial wizard and problem-solving guru. But he's not just about business – he's also a talented songwriter and award-winning children's book author. Get ready to be inspired as Andy shares his incredible journey, interest in community involvement, and the secrets to his success on this podcast!

Meet Terry Judge, the genius behind CORE Solutions Group, LLC. With 25+ years of business ownership and tax expertise, he's the go-to guy for maximizing cash flow and conquering the tax code. Terry has saved clients over a billion dollars in net tax savings! He's a speaker, author, and philanthropist, making a difference in Detroit through CORECARES. Get ready to revolutionize your finances with Terry and CORE Solutions Group!

Join us on a wild journey from a borrowed trailer to industry leader! Dave Johnson of Mercury Sound & Lighting started with passion and a dream. They create unforgettable audiovisual experiences for diverse clients, putting creativity and service first. Get ready for behind-the-scenes stories and the magic that happens when passion meets cutting-edge technology. Welcome to the world of Mercury Sound & Lighting!

50 YEARS! Founded in 1973, Saab Grewal furthers Singh Development's mission and "Tradition of Excellence" by continuing to build relationships and by promoting a company culture centered on hard work and doing the right thing by associates, stakeholders and the communities that they serve. From Michigan to Virginia to North Carolina, listen here for Saab's perspective on how Singh continues to move forward.

Join me as I connect with Gideon Pfeffer, CEO & Managing Partner of The GSH Group. In this episode, you’ll gain valuable insights as Gideon discusses The GSH Group's growth, identifying opportunities with market shifts, personal growth reflections, embracing competition, and how he builds relationships. Tune in now for inspiration and wisdom!

Join us as we dive into the world of entrepreneurship with Blake George, the branding guru and startup wizard. With his company BMG Media Co., he's on a mission to make brands shine brighter than ever. From his adventures on Shark Tank to his investments with Crown Jewel Investments, Blake's entrepreneurial journey is filled with excitement and success. Tune in to gain insights and inspiration from this Birmingham-based powerhouse. Get ready to unlock the secrets of building thriving businesses with Blake George.

For Ron Boji, CEO of the Boji Group, the Louieism that shaped his career was "My handshake is my bond." With a commitment to integrity and trust, Boji Group prioritizes in developments where individuals can seamlessly integrate their personal and professional lives while enjoying recreational amenities. This Live-Work-Play approach fosters a sense of cohesion ensuring that the Boji Group's developments embody exceptional quality, delivering on their promise of adding value to the communities they invest in.

Catch up with Rudy Patros CEO of Securatech, as he unveils the inspiring journey of a security company dedicated to making a difference, not just chasing profits. Join me as I explore Rudy's innovative approaches, meaningful partnerships, and heartfelt stories that highlight Rudy's unwavering commitment to creating a safer world. Tune in to discover how Rudy prioritizes impact over financial gain, transforming lives through his security initiatives.

Communication Strategist, Speaker, Coach and Author of "Communicating with IMPACT" Patrick Donadio. Patrick is one of only a few people in the world to have earned the highest designations in both the speaking and coaching profession. HOW YOU ASK? FIND OUT HERE!

“Listening is key in building relationships.” Brian Calley advocates hard for reinventing and growing your company through networking. The President & CEO of the Small Business Association of Michigan chats with Derek about how to network your way to success and grow your small business.

Med-Share President/CEO Milan Gandhi understands the significance of prioritizing authentic business relationships. He frequently attends multiple events in a day and reveals to Derek his secrets on prioritizing, making your presence known, and managing connections. 

On the inaugural episode of the Power Connector Podcast, Derek chats with former President/CEO of The Children’s Foundation Larry Burns. Larry reflects on how creating his own brand and sticking to it has influenced—and helped him succeed—in his career. His advice to us? “Give without remembering and receive without forgetting.”