LIFT UP LOCAL 031
He’s known to fans and followers as Chef Joe O. He’s a fan of polka dancing, a baker, a lover of desserts, and the creator of a variation of a pastry favorite of Pope John Paul. After a friend taught him how to make the Polish cream horn, it wasn’t long before strangers were calling and asking him to make them for weddings!

LIFT UP LOCAL 029
Jarrell Cisneros and Nathan Engweiler have been friends since their high school days. About once a year, they would spend the day in the kitchen around a pot of chili, perfecting an over 35 year in the making family recipe. It truly became a labor of love – one that everyone around them was sure to benefit from.

LIFT UP LOCAL 030
Roland Troutman’s dream began 13 years ago with a bottle of water. He twisted the top off the bottle, took a drink, and was surprised by a mouthful of grit. He said to his Granddad, "I wish I had a well. I’d sell bottled water that’s better than this.” His Granddad replied, "Well, why don’t you?" And his journey began.

LIFT UP LOCAL 028
Christina Kalfaian created Papa’s Kitchen Dressings to honor her “Papa” Jimmy, and his more than 45 years in the restaurant business. She wanted to show her love and appreciation by centering her business around his unique pink salad dressing, a metro Detroit favorite.

LIFT UP LOCAL 027
A Michigan Centennial Farm, Dennis Farms is owned and operated by Kevin Dennis and his wife, Jennifer. Nothing says summer like a hamburger grilled over an open flame, and one of the best beef for a mouth-watering burger comes from Dennis Farms, located in the heart of Michigan.

LIFT UP LOCAL 026
Since 1999, Taste of Thai has been a go-to for anyone in Lansing and East Lansing wanting authentic Thai food. Yao Middleton is the second-generation owner of Taste of Thai, and she and her daughter, Bea, now third generation, have seen the restaurant through many changes.