Pine Ridge Farm is a 126-acre farm located a few miles Southeast of Kalkaska and is owned and operated by my husband, Jay, and I. Currently, we specialize in raising small-scale beef and pork as well as serving as a supplier to the Old Brothers Maple Syrup operation in Kingsley.

I've worked in several roles since beginning my tenure with Networks Northwest (formerly, Northwest Michigan Council of Governments):- Program Transition Specialist (Oct. 2021 - Feb. 2022)- MI-SBDC Northwest Regional Director (Feb. 2015-present)- MI-SBDC Small Business Consultant (2011-2015)- NW Michigan Works! Classroom Training Specialist, Traverse City, Michigan, 2009-2011- Regional Skills Alliance (RSA) Program Coordinator(s) -- Business Training Alliance, Cadillac, Michigan, 2011-2012 -- Hospitality RSA, Traverse City, Michigan, 2009-2010 -- KAL-TEC (Manufacturing) RSA, Kalkaska, Michigan, 2006-2010- President, Greater Kalkaska Area Chamber of Commerce (2009-2010)***

I began with the MI-SBDC as a certified small business consultant in June 2011 and promoted to Regional Director in February 2015. Counseling specialties include small business startup and planning, feasibility analysis, marketing, process improvement, strategic planning, succession planning, training development, value-added food and agriculture, product development, and general consulting. During that time, I've provided advice and counseling to more than 500 new and existing small businesses to accomplish the following:-- Capture more than $14.5M in varying forms of capital formation-- Start 48 new businesses-- Create 209 new jobs and retained 136 others-- 4 were recognized as Michigan 50 Companies to Watch-- 3 were recognized as Regional Best Small Businesses of the Year -- Assist several dozen small businesses by growing sales of $8.8M (cumulatively)

"Our Cows Aren't On Drugs, But They Are On Grass!"Shetler Family Dairy: a family owned and operated dairy farm and on-farm milk processing plant, that produced a range of hormone-free, antibiotic-free, glass bottled milk that is sold within the northwestern, lower Michigan region, 2000-2019.Past positions have included customer service, bookkeeping, overhaul accounts receivables, general advising, business and marketing planning, business wind down, transition/exiting partner, event & volunteer co-coordinator, milker, tractor driver, general laborer, etc.

Courses Taught: HRMG 314 - Managing Change in Organizations

Courses Taught: Introduction to Agricultural Industry, Partners in Agriculture, and Agribusiness III

Counseled college students and authorized the release of more than $425,000 of federal training dollars from four funding sources for 80-plus students at four different learning institutions.

Worked in various positions over the five summers that I spent working at the camp: riding instructor, store manager, secretary, nanny, counselor.