WORK IN NORTHERN MICHIGAN.
THESE PEOPLE DID IT, SO CAN YOU!
*strong industry in the area
WORK IN THE NORTH.
BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
JULIETTE KING-MCAVOY
Juliette returned to Northern Lower Michigan after living in cities like Chicago because she knew there was no better place to raise her family. As the Vice President of Sales and Marketing for King Orchards in Antrim County, Juliette handles the external relationships of the family-owned orchard and food business all while still “getting dirty” on the farm by assisting with production. Contrary to most people, Juliette’s favorite time of year in Northern Michigan is the winter; the farm isn’t as busy so she can ski and spend more time with her kids. Learn more about Juliette’s story here.
WORK IN THE NORTH.
HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM
MICHAEL & ADAM KAZANOWSKI
The twins, Michael and Adam, had grown up coming to the North but, unlike most, they had only experienced the winter. After graduating from Michigan State and moving to Colorado, they came back to ski and met someone that really wanted to put money into Northern Michigan. Thus, Gypsy Spirits was founded. Michael and Adam, now known as the “Gypsy Twins” feel that the tight-knit community’s investment in the success of young entrepreneurs in the area has really helped their business grow. Now, they use their talents to help other young people in the area succeed. Learn more about the Gypsy Twins’ story here.
ANDY & TRACIE ROUSH
After working in the corporate world downstate, Andy realized he could not continue working in that environment the rest of his life. He didn’t know what he wanted to do, but he knew he wanted to do it in the North. The Roush’s are now the owners of Petoskey Farms Winery & Vineyard, and their daughter just opened a coffeehouse extension as well! They love that they get to meet such a large variety of people in the busy season, while still enjoying their time skiing and boating. Learn more about the Roush’s story here.
WORK IN THE NORTH.
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
MITCHELL KLOOSTER
On a search for new experiences, Mitchell moved to Jamacia. However, he didn’t feel at home until he moved back to Northern Michigan. As an educator in a K-12 school system, Mitchell utilizes the small town feel of Northern Michigan to better connect with the students and families he works with. In his free time, he loves exploring local antique stores. Learn more about Mitchell’s story here.
WORK IN THE NORTH.
OUTDOOR RECREATION
JASON THELEN
As a descendant of Chief Petosegay, the founder of Petoskey, Jason felt it was only right to start his family in Northern Michigan. Being surrounded by such a beautiful landscape growing up, Jason’s daughter learned to love the water and asked her father for a stand-up paddleboard made from natural materials. This was something that nobody else produced, and others noticed. The artistry and components astounded people and his handcrafted, wooden paddle board business, Little Bay Boards, was born. His passion for his business makes it both his work and his hobby. Jason feels that the business community of the North is so unique in that everyone wants everyone to succeed. In fact, you can find many of his boards displayed in various small businesses around the Northern Michigan area. Learn more about Jason’s story here.
JEFF THOMPSON
Originally from Upper Peninsula, Jeff knew what it took to live in Northern Michigan. After relocating to South Lyon and starting to build Skis with his brother, they knew they no longer wanted to build this business alone. They roped their father into the ski-building business and decided to move north, settling in Boyne City. Learn more about Jeff’s story here.
WORK IN THE NORTH.
ARTS AND COMMUNCATION
MONICA STOKES
After attending the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and working in the city for a couple of years, Monica felt like she needed a change of scenery. Growing up in Boyne City, she always felt a sense of home in Northern Michigan. After working at the Crooked Tree Arts Center in Traverse City and One Up Web, she was finally called home to the area and has worked in Petoskey since. She believes that Northern Michigan’s “it” factor is the beautiful landscape and the people. Learn more about Monica’s story here.
SOMMER POQUETTE
Sommer started as a teacher and loved what she did, but after having children of her own, she decided to start a blog. Her blog was featured in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and more! She started working for a small nutrition company based in Petoskey, MI. Then, Sommer decided she wanted to grow an agency and help as many small businesses with their marketing as she could. She took the leap and started Keep it Real Social in 2018. She enjoys spending time with her family while enjoying all that Northern Michigan offers! Learn more about Sommer’s story here.
TAYLOR DUEWEKE
Growing up in Northern Michigan, Taylor grew a passion for filmmaking while attending Harbor Springs High School. After graduating, he enrolled in film school at Denison University in Ohio. He then moved to Boston, MA where he worked on many different films, most notably “Confessions of the Boston Strangler”. During the Covid-19 Pandemic, Taylor found himself back in Michigan where he began to work on “Pony-tales”. Taylor describes Northern Michigan, and Harbor Springs in specific, as “something out of a storybook.” Learn more about Taylor’s story here.
WORK IN THE NORTH.
STEM
BECCIE AND WILL LARSEN
After finishing their degrees at Michigan Tech University in the Upper Peninsula, Beccie and Will decided to travel the country. After living in a van in states such as Wisconsin and New Mexico, they decided it was time for a change. Their Northern Michigan roots started calling them home, and they decided it was time to come home. Learn more about Beccie and Will’s story here.