Podcast
Welcome To Livingston
Hosted by Speakeasy Podcast Network · EN
Join Don & Angela Putkela on their weekly podcast ”Welcome to Livingston” a podcast dedicated to highlighting the events, people, businesses, and community involvement that make Livingston County a great place to live, work in, and enjoy. As Realtors, Associate Brokers, and owners of the Putkela Group Real Estate Professionals, Don & Angela hope to offer valuable insight into the local market and the buying/selling process.
15episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Episode 193: Dust to Glory: The Cleaning Company That Heals More Than Just Your House
1w ago00:43:54Tap to summarizeSometimes the most successful businesses are born out of the hardest moments. After losing her job, Nicole started cleaning houses just to make ends meet. What began as a way to survive turned into Dust to Glory, a thriving cleaning company she now runs alongside her sister Megan, serving hundreds of homes across Livingston and Oakland County. Don and Angela sit down with Nicole and Megan to hear the full story, from police showing up at a client's house mid-clean to the heartbreaking and hilarious lessons learned along the way about what people really want from a cleaning service. They dig into deep cleans, foundation cleans, post-construction cleans, and the surprisingly personal challenge of figuring out exactly how clean is too clean for any given client. Whether you are getting your home ready to sell, recovering from a renovation, or just need help keeping up with life, this episode will change the way you think about hiring a cleaner. Timestamps 03:39 Adventures and Cleaning Challenges 07:54 Normalizing the ‘Mess’ in Homes 11:16 Most Needed Cleaning Areas 13:39 Diverse Cleaning Services and Flexibility 20:33 The Client Consultation Process 26:38 The Heart of Dust to Glory 35:53 Cleaning’s Impact on Mental Health Guest Links https://www.dust2gloryllc.com/ https://www.facebook.com/dust2gloryllc/ https://www.instagram.com/dust2gloryllc Phone: (517)376-8281 Show Links For more information on the Putkela Group and how to get connected, visit the links below: Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/PutkelaGroup Website: https://www.welcometolivingston.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/putkelagroup/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq9hM7gWPlaCw4nG89Wgd9Q Phone: 1-888-PUTKELA (788-5352) Sponsor Links Thanks to our amazing sponsor! Visit their social media pages for more information. James Paquette Mortgage Sales Manager Lake Michigan Credit Union - LMCU NMLS ID# 533633 Direct Phone: (810) 263-6000 Cell Phone: (734) 604-2611 Website: https://www.lmcu.org/jamespaquette Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamespaquetteLMCU LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesapaquette/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LMCU
Transcribe →
Episode 192: Livingston County United Way: Meet the Group Behind 211, Day of Caring & So Much More
2w ago00:34:26Tap to summarizeMost people know the name United Way. Almost nobody realizes how deep their roots actually run in Livingston County until they sit down and hear it firsthand. Don and Angela are joined in the studio by Carrie Newstead, Executive Director of Livingston County United Way, to learn how this organization quietly supports nearly every nonprofit in the county while directly serving thousands of local ALICE families, those working multiple jobs and still barely making ends meet. Carrie breaks down the resources behind 211, the incredible impact of Day of Caring, which brought out 867 volunteers last year for nearly 80 community projects, and the brand-new Power of the Purse event that raised over $21,000 for Great Start Livingston after a major funding cut. Whether you have five dollars, five hours, or just a little bit of curiosity about how to get involved, this episode will show you exactly where to start. Timestamps 04:45 Day of Caring: Community and Connection 10:52 Volunteerism: A Two-Way Street 15:19 Fundraising and Community Engagement 23:42 Tackling Food Insecurity and Inspiring Giving 28:42 Get Involved: Volunteer & Donate Guest Links https://www.facebook.com/UnitedWayOfLivingstonCounty/ https://www.volunteerlivingston.org/ https://lcunitedway.org/ Phone: (810)494-3000 Show Links For more information on the Putkela Group and how to get connected, visit the links below: Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/PutkelaGroup Website: https://www.welcometolivingston.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/putkelagroup/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq9hM7gWPlaCw4nG89Wgd9Q Phone: 1-888-PUTKELA (788-5352) Sponsor Links Thanks to our amazing sponsor! Visit their social media pages for more information. James Paquette Mortgage Sales Manager Lake Michigan Credit Union - LMCU NMLS ID# 533633 Direct Phone: (810) 263-6000 Cell Phone: (734) 604-2611 Website: https://www.lmcu.org/jamespaquette Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamespaquetteLMCU LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesapaquette/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LMCU
Transcribe →
Episode 191: Love Inc.: A Network of Support in Livingston County
4w ago00:36:03Tap to summarizeSometimes the most powerful thing you can do for someone is simply pick up the phone and listen. That is exactly where Love Inc. starts, and it is just the beginning of what this remarkable Livingston County organization does for its neighbors every single day. Don and Angela sit down with Margo and Carrie from Love Inc., a nonprofit connecting people in need to a network of 66 (and growing) church partners across Livingston County. From gas vouchers and career clothing to furniture, diapers, birthday kits, and car repairs, Love Inc. fills the gaps that fall through the cracks of traditional assistance and they do it with an intake call that leaves people going from zero hope to a 9 out of 10. Margo and Carrie also walk through New Creation, their two-year transformational program that pairs community meals, small group support, mentoring, budget coaching, and free childcare to help neighbors not just get by but truly grow. With classes on affirming potential, faith, and finances, and healthy boundaries, they are building people up from the inside out. Timestamps 04:16 Community Collaboration and Support 10:54 New Creation: Transformational Ministry 14:39 Key Classes and Volunteer Impact 18:44 New Programs and Inclusivity 23:40 Donations and Furniture Ministry 27:12 Community Support & Outreach 31:52 Get Involved with Love Inc. Guest Links Love Inc: https://www.livingstonloveinc.org/ https://www.facebook.com/livingstoncountyloveinc https://www.instagram.com/livingstonloveinc/?hl=en Resell Store: https://www.facebook.com/LoveINCResaleStoreLivingston https://www.instagram.com/loveincresalestorelc/?hl=en Golf Outing 2026 Information: https://www.livingstonloveinc.org/golf-outing-2026-1 Show Links For more information on the Putkela Group and how to get connected, visit the links below: Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/PutkelaGroup Website: https://www.welcometolivingston.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/putkelagroup/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq9hM7gWPlaCw4nG89Wgd9Q Phone: 1-888-PUTKELA (788-5352) Sponsor Links Thanks to our amazing sponsor! Visit their social media pages for more information. James Paquette Mortgage Sales Manager Lake Michigan Credit Union - LMCU NMLS ID# 533633 Direct Phone: (810) 263-6000 Cell Phone: (734) 604-2611 Website: https://www.lmcu.org/jamespaquette Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamespaquetteLMCU LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesapaquette/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LMCU
Transcribe →
Episode 190: Local Dog Lover Gems: Everything Livingston County Has to Offer Your Four-Legged Family Member
Jun 400:32:30Tap to summarizeMeet Pepper, the newest Putkela family member! From dog parks and pet-friendly patios to grooming, boarding, training, and everything in between, Don and Angela walk through everything this county has to offer for you and your pup. They cover hidden gems and new up-and-coming businesses. They also get into the real stuff: introducing a second dog to the household, invisible fences, tick season, training resources through Community Ed, and the remarkable mental health benefits dogs are bringing to local schools through therapy dog programs in both Brighton and Howell. This one is for every dog owner, dog lover, or anyone thinking about adding a four-legged family member to the mix. 🐾 Want to learn more about pets and real estate in Livingston County? Check out these two previous episodes: 📺 Pets & Real Estate Episode 1 📺 Pets & Real Estate Episode 2 Timestamps 03:38 Livingston County Dog Parks 09:39 Pet Safety, Boarding & Grooming 14:00 Dogs in Livingston: Dining & Community 20:07 Adoption, Training, and Mental Health 29:53 Enjoying Life with Your Dog For more information on the Putkela Group and how to get connected, visit the links below: Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/PutkelaGroup Website: https://www.welcometolivingston.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/putkelagroup/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq9hM7gWPlaCw4nG89Wgd9Q Phone: 1-888-PUTKELA (788-5352) Sponsor Links Thanks to our amazing sponsor! Visit their social media pages for more information. James Paquette Mortgage Sales Manager Lake Michigan Credit Union - LMCU NMLS ID# 533633 Direct Phone: (810) 263-6000 Cell Phone: (734) 604-2611 Website: https://www.lmcu.org/jamespaquette Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamespaquetteLMCU LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesapaquette/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LMCU
Transcribe →
Episode 189: Your Party Happened. But Did Anyone Actually Capture It?
May 2100:34:29Tap to summarizeEvery great party deserves great photos, and most people don't realize they're missing them until it's too late. This week, Don and Angela sit down with Lannie Stabile, the founder of Party Fly Photography, a one-of-a-kind event photography business built around one simple idea: jump into the fun, make people forget the camera is there, and capture the moments that actually matter. Lannie shares how a friend's heartbreak over missing photos from her daughter's birthday party sparked the whole business, why she deliberately stays away from traditional portrait photography, and what makes her approach so different from every other photographer you've ever hired. Timestamps 01:29 Party Fly's Concept and Origin 05:11 Unique Events and Business Value 09:30 Booking and Event Preparation 14:49 Memorable Event Experiences 22:15 Photo Delivery and Archiving 27:33 Supporting Small Businesses Guest Links https://partyflyphotography.com/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558605764346# https://www.instagram.com/partyflyphotography?igsh=MWRtY3E0dHNscGkyNg%3D%3D For more information on the Putkela Group and how to get connected, visit the links below: Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/PutkelaGroup Website: https://www.welcometolivingston.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/putkelagroup/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq9hM7gWPlaCw4nG89Wgd9Q Phone: 1-888-PUTKELA (788-5352) Sponsor Links Thanks to our amazing sponsor! Visit their social media pages for more information. James Paquette Mortgage Sales Manager Lake Michigan Credit Union - LMCU NMLS ID# 533633 Direct Phone: (810) 263-6000 Cell Phone: (734) 604-2611 Website: https://www.lmcu.org/jamespaquette Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamespaquetteLMCU LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesapaquette/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LMCU
Transcribe →
Episode 188: Raising Kids in Livingston County: Activities, Resources & Real Advice from Two Local Parents
May 1400:50:44Tap to summarizeDon and Angela are pulling back the curtain on over two decades of raising kids right here in Livingston County. They cover everything from making homemade baby food with produce from local farmers' markets to baby sign language, Montessori, and why getting involved early in your child's school and community pays off in ways you won't fully appreciate until they're teenagers. Along the way, they shine a light on some of the best local resources Livingston County has to offer young families, from the Imagination Station and Genoa Park to the Brighton and Howell library programs, Spicers Orchard U-picks, Home Depot craft days, local 5Ks, and the countless festivals and community events that make this such a great place to grow up. They also share some of their favorite family traditions, including one genuinely special idea for parents with multiple kids that is worth sticking around for. Timestamps 02:29 Homemade Baby Food and Local Resources 06:44 Baby Signs, Books, and Libraries 12:12 The Montessori Impact 18:18 Livingston County Parks and Festivals 29:03 Volunteering with Kids: Lead by Example 42:07 Teen Years, Car Prep, and Social Media 49:00 Community Resources _______________________________________ For more information on the Putkela Group and how to get connected, visit the links below: Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/PutkelaGroup Website: https://www.welcometolivingston.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/putkelagroup/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq9hM7gWPlaCw4nG89Wgd9Q Phone: 1-888-PUTKELA (788-5352) Sponsor Links Thanks to our amazing sponsor! Visit their social media pages for more information. James Paquette Mortgage Sales Manager Lake Michigan Credit Union - LMCU NMLS ID# 533633 Direct Phone: (810) 263-6000 Cell Phone: (734) 604-2611 Website: https://www.lmcu.org/jamespaquette Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamespaquetteLMCU LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesapaquette/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LMCU
Transcribe →
Episode 187: How McClements Farm Country Store is Redefining Local Shopping
May 700:31:11Tap to summarizeMcClements Farm Country Store recently made the move from its previous location to a prime spot in Downtown Brighton, and owner Elyse Moore is very excited. Don and Angela sit down with Elyse for her second appearance on the podcast to catch up on everything that has changed, grown, and evolved since they last had her on. From freeze-dried candy and Michigan-made gifts to Uncle Peter's pasties, heirloom seeds from M.I. Gardener, and Scottish shortbread from a Redford bakery, the store has become a destination for anyone who wants to shop local and discover products you simply won't find anywhere else in the county. Elyse also shares how the new Main Street location has transformed her connection to downtown events like Stars Hollow, the Brighton Farmers Market, Ladies' Night, and what's coming next, including an exciting new website where you can shop and ship Michigan-made products right to your door. If you haven't stopped in yet, this episode will make you want to drop everything and go. 📍 334 West Main Street, Downtown Brighton Timestamps 01:05 New Location and Product Expansion 06:10 Pasties and Future Online Presence 08:19 M.I. Gardener Seeds and Education 12:28 Community Engagement and Downtown Events 17:58 Defining the Country Store Identity 24:25 Upcoming Events and Website Features Guest Links 🌐 https://www.mcclementsfarmcountrystore.com/ 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcclementsfarm 📫 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mcclementsfarm _______________________________________ For more information on the Putkela Group and how to get connected, visit the links below: Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/PutkelaGroup Website: https://www.welcometolivingston.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/putkelagroup/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq9hM7gWPlaCw4nG89Wgd9Q Phone: 1-888-PUTKELA (788-5352) Sponsor Links Thanks to our amazing sponsor! Visit their social media pages for more information. James Paquette Mortgage Sales Manager Lake Michigan Credit Union - LMCU NMLS ID# 533633 Direct Phone: (810) 263-6000 Cell Phone: (734) 604-2611 Website: https://www.lmcu.org/jamespaquette Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamespaquetteLMCU LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesapaquette/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LMCU
Transcribe →
Episode 186: We Don't Sell Paint. We Sell Time and Trust with Inspired by Design Painting
Apr 3000:42:53Tap to summarizeDon and Angela Putkella sit down with Brandon Miller, owner of Inspired by Design Painting, a Brighton-based painting company serving homeowners and businesses of Livingston County. Brandon shares the remarkable origin story behind his business, carrying on the company name as a tribute to the family connection that drives everything he does. Don and Angela dig into what really sets a professional paint job apart, the latest color trends taking over Livingston County homes, and why painting your cabinets might be the most affordable upgrade you can make before selling your house. Brandon also walks through his company's process from first call to finished project, what to expect when you hire a professional, and why Inspired by Design is different. Whether you're a homeowner thinking about a refresh, a buyer imagining what your new space could look like, or a seller trying to get top dollar, this episode is packed with practical insight and a whole lot of local pride. Timestamps 02:51 The Value of Professional Painting 05:58 Color Trends and Interior Design 16:16 Buyer Seller Consultations 20:49 Exterior Painting and Challenges 26:17 Impact and Proactive Painting 31:48 Estimating 36:40 Professionalism, Value, and Contact Guest Links Inspired by Design Painting Phone: 810-775-2864 Interior, exterior, and cabinet painting https://www.inspiredbydesignpainting.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InspiredByDesignPainting Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspiredbydesign_painting/ Sponsor Links Thanks to our amazing sponsor! Visit their social media pages for more information. James Paquette Mortgage Sales Manager Lake Michigan Credit Union - LMCU NMLS ID# 533633 Direct Phone: (810) 263-6000 Cell Phone: (734) 604-2611 Website: https://www.lmcu.org/jamespaquette Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamespaquetteLMCU LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesapaquette/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LMCU
Transcribe →
Episode 185: Bountiful Harvest: The Bougie Pantry Serving 25,000 People in Livingston County
Apr 2300:45:10Tap to summarizeIn Episode 185 of Welcome to Livingston, Don and Angela Putkela sit down with Yvonne Cavalli and Tina Thalacker from Bountiful Harvest, located in the heart of Brighton, Michigan. What started 15 years ago with a loaf of bread at a local church has grown into a fully volunteer-run organization serving over 25,000 people in 2025, with programs ranging from a client-choice grocery pantry and daily hot meal delivery to a pet food pantry, free laptops for kids, and a clothing pantry stocked with quality donations. With no payroll and no government grants, every single dollar given to Bountiful Harvest goes directly back to the community. Yvonne and Tina share the heart behind everything they do, the dignity they strive to give every person who walks through their doors, and the remarkable ways Livingston County businesses and neighbors show up for one another. If you've ever wanted to get involved or just learn more about what's happening right here in our community, this is the episode for you. 03:06 Addressing Community Needs and Dignity 10:04 Ways to Help and Donate 16:59 The Pet Pantry and Chewy Partnership 22:18 Meat Bingo Fundraiser 24:48 Food Bank vs. Pantry & Impact 32:53 Operational Hours and Healthy Meals 36:06 Needed Donations _____________________________ Guest links Website: https://bountifulharvest-mi.org/ Donate Link: https://bountifulharvest-mi.org/make-a-difference/#donate Phone: 810-360-0271 Email: info@bountifulharvest-mi.org Livingston County Association of Realtors - Food Drive - 9:00 am - 12:00 pm May 2nd 2026 Show Links For more information on the Putkela Group and how to get connected, visit the links below: Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/PutkelaGroup Website: https://www.welcometolivingston.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/putkelagroup/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq9hM7gWPlaCw4nG89Wgd9Q Phone: 1-888-PUTKELA (788-5352) For More Episodes: https://welcometolivingston.podbean.com/ Sponsor Links Thanks to our amazing sponsor! Visit their social media pages for more information! James Paquette Mortgage Sales Manager Lake Michigan Credit Union - LMCU NMLS ID# 533633 Direct Phone: (810) 263-6000 Cell Phone: (734) 604-2611 Website: https://www.lmcu.org/jamespaquette Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamespaquetteLMCU LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesapaquette/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LMCU
Transcribe →
Episode 184: Festivals, Food Trucks, and Fun: Summer in Livingston County
Apr 900:39:31Tap to summarizeSummer in Livingston County is something special, and in Episode 184 of Welcome to Livingston, Don and Angela Putkela are breaking down all the events, festivals, and hidden gems that make this community such an incredible place to live and explore. From a once-in-a-century opera at the Howell Opera House to the Michigan Challenge Balloon Fest, Taste of Brighton, Melon Fest, and everything in between, Don and Angela cover the can't-miss moments of the season. Whether you're a longtime local, new to the area, or just thinking about making Livingston County home, this episode is your ultimate summer guide. Timestamps 00:00 Welcome to Livingston: Community Focus 01:05 Howell Opera House Returns 06:12 Livingston County’s Farmers’ Markets 09:40 Live Music and Downtown Vibes 12:34 Food Trucks and Art Fairs 14:56 Active Lifestyles in Livingston County 20:25 Mount Rushmore of Festivals 26:01 Unique Local Festivals and Events 31:05 Library Sales, Book Clubs, and More 35:10 Embrace Community Events _______________________________________ For more information on the Putkela Group and how to get connected, visit the links below: Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/PutkelaGroup Website: https://www.welcometolivingston.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/putkelagroup/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq9hM7gWPlaCw4nG89Wgd9Q Phone: 1-888-PUTKELA (788-5352) Sponsor Links Thanks to our amazing sponsor! Visit their social media pages for more information. James Paquette Mortgage Sales Manager Lake Michigan Credit Union - LMCU NMLS ID# 533633 Direct Phone: (810) 263-6000 Cell Phone: (734) 604-2611 Website: https://www.lmcu.org/jamespaquette Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamespaquetteLMCU LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesapaquette/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LMCU
Transcribe →