Jeff Valley started his business, Valley Tent Rental, soon after he graduated from Goodrich High School. The idea stemmed from a comment his father made. “We rented a tent for my graduation party,” says Valley. “My father said, ‘You should buy a tent and start renting it out’ and I did.” What started as a […]

In 2003, after working in the security sector in the Flint area for six years, Deborah Johnson and her husband, Michael, decided to take the business into their own hands. “Why not go out on a limb?” says Johnson. “Isn’t that where the fruit is?” Working in their basement, the couple launched Citizens Statewide Security, […]

During the outbreak of COVID-19, many small businesses had to close their doors to help keep the people of Flint and Genesee County safe and healthy. Other businesses remain open but have changed their business models to comply with executive orders directed by Governor Whitmer while still being able to serve the community. One business […]

Since he was 9 years old, Bob Ennis knew he would one day be working with children. “When I was young, my parents divorced and I ended up living with my grandparents and uncles,” says Ennis. “I knew then I was going to be working with kids like me and God blessed me to be […]

Local business owner Rachel Hougen opened her business after she discovered a need in the restaurant industry. “I got the idea when I was working in a restaurant that couldn’t afford a dedicated pastry chef,” says Hougen. “I went to a few of my old chefs and asked if they’d be interested in buying pastries […]

When David Gaines was young, he didn’t envision taking over the family business, Gaines Jewelry. “I wanted nothing to do with the jewelry business,” says Gaines. “Because to me, working at my father’s business as a teenager, it was just cleaning counters and getting everyone lunch.” But after he graduated from high school, Gaines gained […]