The way most homes are built is archaic: Materials, ordered from hundreds of suppliers, arrive at one place for on-site assembly. Former tech exec Paul Bandrowski believes it’s a costly, time-consuming, mistake-laden process. “Why are we doing it this way? The construction industry is ripe for disruption,”...
By Daniel Coyle Reviewed by Chris Wendel 304 pages; published by Bantam Books, January 2018. Hardcover $28; softcover $14.95; E-read edition $13.95; audio book version $14.95 In a nutshell: Virtual office places and technology have drastically changed the modern workplace. With this in mind, how do groups work best...
When Ascom of Northern Michigan began offering professional communications services in 1983, Sony had just introduced its first CD player, Apple was a year away from launching its MacIntosh computer, and fiber optic cable was used for long distance digital audio transmissions for the first...
A popular state program that’s brought millions in worker training dollars to the Grand Traverse region is getting some business-friendly tweaks. The changes – and a new name – are coming to the Michigan Skilled Trades Training Fund, an initiative that wins praise in many corners. “This...
Brad Platt knows it won’t be easy, but he’s enthusiastic about the pending reboot and rebranding of the venerable Century 21 real estate franchise. “We’re excited about the revised look and feel,” said Platt, the owner/broker of Century 21 Northland and Century 21 Sleeping Bear. Platt said...
A campaign to expand and improve broadband access in Leelanau County is moving forward following a report that showed that some 64 percent of the residents surveyed were dissatisfied with their current internet service. “Today technology plays a pivotal role in how businesses operate, how institutions...
The ivory tower has morphed into something beyond educating the young. For many colleges, it's all about the bottom line. "Colleges are not in the business of making money. Colleges are in the business of making huge money," said Matt Breimayer, the owner and founder of Right...
Traverse City – northwest lower Michigan’s business and cultural capital – is at a defining moment in its history. Faced with skyrocketing home prices and swelling rents, we can sit back and watch as the housing issues escalate, or we can take action to create...
A community’s economic and social well-being is invariably linked to the strength of its institutions. Some are new; some have been around for decades or longer. When it comes to attracting talent and investment, however, some stand out as particularly important and need to be...
Over 33 years, Britten has evolved from simple banners to one of northern Michigan's biggest success stories. Having morphed from Britten Banners to Britten Studios, the company is now known as Britten, Inc., a multi-million dollar banner production, advertising and large-format printing company. Several proprietary innovations...
