Macomb County native returns to roots, commits to Mount Clemens’ comeback

The city of Mount Clemens has a rich and storied history. Founded 200 years ago, it was once a place with acclaimed bath houses and renowned rose gardens, while its prime location on the banks of the Clinton River made it a desirable spot for businesses and development. The city was even named the seat of Macomb County and became home to several government buildings and landmarks. All told, it was a destination for visitors from far and wide. But like many places in Michigan, Mount Clemens was hit hard by the Great Recession and it had to deal with a years-long recovery. Today the city is on the rebound, with many new businesses popping up and putting down roots. One of those is QStride, Inc., a tech company founded by Macomb County native Shane Gianino.

QStride serves as a national information technology solutions provider, helping mid-market and Fortune Global 500 companies like Amazon, Bed Bath & Beyond, and L Brands meet diverse IT needs and solve tough technology challenges. Shane started the business in Troy out of a Panera Bread in April 2012.  By 2013, the company had more than doubled its revenues to $1.5 million – growth that allowed him to open a sales office in downtown Detroit at the Chrysler House and hire 10 employees.

Together, the team hit several milestones:

• In February 2016, QStride moved its headquarters to the prestigious One Woodward Avenue Building.
• In May 2016, QStride united Detroit’s tech community with a ‘Running with the Resurgence Panel,’ inspiring Mayor Mike Duggan to proclaim a ‘Running with the Resurgence Day’ and declare QStride an ‘Emerging Growth Technology Company.’
• In May 2017, QStride launched the QuickStride Developmental Summer Internship Program, positioning college students for career success.
• That same month, QStride was recognized as a ‘Top100 Rising Startup’ by Techweek, a tech conference named as one of the ‘Top 30 Conferences for Entrepreneurs’ by Inc.com.
• In March 2019, QStride opened a Princeton, New Jersey office and hired six employees.

But in early 2018, Shane began thinking about his roots in Macomb County. He imagined opening an office in downtown Mount Clemens and being a part of the city’s resurgence. So that summer, he did just that. The Clem office now serves as a sales and recruiting hub for QStride, an expansion that reflects Shane’s entrepreneurial spirit. At the same time, the Mount Clemens space also allows Shane to dig in to the community and give back in ways he has always envisioned.

You see, Shane was diagnosed with cancer during his senior year at Mount Clemens High School. With the support of his family and the community as a whole, he was able to beat the disease, return to high school and graduate with his class. This example of the Mount Clemens community being there for him in his time of need was something that always stuck with him. So once he moved back into the city, he immediately started to advance several local charitable causes, including:

• In August 2018, he helped plan and execute a first annual ‘Swing for a Cure’ celebrity charity golf outing at Cherry Creek Golf Club, raising $6,500 for Macomb County families facing Cancer Related Financial Toxicity (CRFT) and benefiting New Day Foundation for Families. This year’s goal is to raise $10,000.
• In September 2018, he planned and executed a local concert with billboard-charted rock, folk and soul Christian recording artist Jordan Feliz, raising $12,000 for those in need in Macomb County – specifically MCREST, Family Youth Interventions and Turning Point.
• Throughout the fall and winter of 2018, he planned and executed multiple local Cornhole fundraisers and networking events benefiting the Goodfellows, MCREST, Family Youth Interventions, a local foster adoption home and Turning Point. All told, these events raised close to $5,000.

Alongside those causes, Shane also invested in efforts that help revitalize Mount Clemens’ downtown core. For instance, this past September he helped attract and facilitate the Rivals Professional Football League draft experience in the city. The event, which is similar to the NFL draft, was the biggest sporting event Mount Clemens has witnessed since Super Bowl XL – with more than 1,300 people attending from across the United States and from countries as far away as Sweden.

It’s work like this that will help Mount Clemens in its resurgence. And with dedicated people like Shane Gianino leading the charge, the city is certainly on its way to becoming a destination once again. What’s next for Shane?  He’s focused on taking QStride to $10 million in revenues by 2021, continuing to help his local community, starting his own nonprofit and in his spare time, writing a book.

**QStride is a client of the Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development. Working with MCPED, they have access to services like assistance with marketing, financial analysis and planning, strategic planning, management and operations. To learn how our services can help your business grow, visit http://www.MacombBusiness.com or call 586-469-5285.

Megan Ochmanek is a communications specialist for the Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development.

Executive Hackel announces winners of the 7th annual Macomb Business Awards

More than 450 business leaders from across the region attended the 7th annual Macomb Business Awards today at the Sterling Inn Banquet and Conference Center in Sterling Heights. Macomb County Executive Mark A. Hackel joined Vicky Rad, director of the Macomb County Department of Planning & Economic Development, to recognize the following award winners:

• Champion of Work / Life Integration (Sponsored by MetroParent magazine): Godlan, Inc. Godlan is a leading professional manufacturing services company that has been implementing integrated technology solutions since 1984. With two locations and more than 60 employees, it successfully implements hundreds of enterprise manufacturing systems and performs countless data conversions while simultaneously committing to quality of life for each of its team members.
• Corporate Citizen: CARE of Southeastern Michigan
  CARE of Southeastern Michigan strengthens resiliency in people and their communities through prevention, education and services that improve quality of life. CARE is a nonprofit organization with a 42-year history of serving the residents of Macomb County. Each year, the organization impacts the lives of 40,000 people in southeast Michigan by providing person-centered care that ensures each individual’s unique needs are met and their defined success is achieved.
• Hidden Gem: Great Lakes Pickling Company
  Great Lakes Pickling Company is a family owned and operated pickle making business right out of Macomb County. Each batch uses farm-fresh cucumbers, spices and pure Michigan water that gives their product an incredible flavor with 42 percent less salt than that found in typical jars using traditional recipes.
• Manufacturer of the Year: Drake Enterprises
  Drake Enterprises, Inc. was founded in 1952 by Benny Stemple and today is run by his two grandsons, Nathan and Keith Stemple. The company is a manufacturer of high-quality machined parts for major OEMs in the heavy truck, agriculture and automotive markets. The company specializes in torque transferring products such as gear shift levers and transmission components for the heavy-duty truck and automotive markets.
• Model of OneMacomb: PACE Southeast Michigan
  For 25 years, PACE of Southeast Michigan has cared for low-income, chronically ill seniors by helping them remain independent and engaged in the community. It opened a center in Warren in 2015 when a study showed that Macomb County had a high concentration of seniors who could benefit from its services. By December 2017, the Warren center was at full capacity. Knowing there were more seniors to be served, it opened a center in Sterling Heights in 2019.
• Trailblazer of Future Talent: L&L Products
  L&L Products is a technology-driven, international business with more than 1,300 global employees, 15 global locations and eight manufacturing facilities. The company actively creates opportunities for Macomb County residents through apprenticeship programs at Macomb Community College, future talent initiatives like Manufacturing Day and internship and mentorship opportunities.
• Economic Development Partner of the Year: Macomb Intermediate School District

• Beacon of Economic Development: Glenn Wynn, director, Shelby Township Planning and Zoning Department

• Beacon of Economic Development: Grace Shore, former CEO, Macomb County Chamber of Commerce

Fox 2 Detroit’s Huel Perkins and Charlie Langton served as co-emcees of the Macomb Business Awards while Mark Ostach, the event’s keynote speaker, discussed digital health and well-being.

The 7^th annual breakfast was sponsored by Henry Ford Macomb Hospitals, the MEDC, First State Bank, the Sterling Heights Chamber of Commerce, Consumers Energy, DTE Energy, the Macomb Intermediate School District, Macomb Community College, Dominion Technologies Group, Macomb/St. Clair Michigan Works!, Ascension Macomb-Oakland, KEO by ARCH Cutting Tools and Jarvis Property Restoration.

For more information, visit www.macombbusiness.com and for photos from the event, visit Macomb County Planning and Economic Development on Facebook here.

Congratulations to all the winners and nominees. See you next year!

 

Megan Ochmanek is a communications specialist for the Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development.

Digital health and well-being to be addressed by keynote speaker at Macomb Business Awards

Sick of constantly checking your phone? Find yourself scrolling through Facebook only to see disturbing images and tragic news? Tried to enjoy a dinner with friends who stared at their screens the whole time? If you answered yes to those questions, you’ve probably experienced bursts of what Mark Ostach calls “i-Drenaline”— the 21st century neurotoxin that’s robbing us of the peace, joy and meaningful connections we all crave. Ostach will discuss this and ways to improve digital health at the upcoming Macomb Business Awards on Tuesday, April 23. As the event’s keynote speaker, he’ll help attendees defeat distractions and interruptions in order to become purposely connected to their work and the people around them.

As background, Ostach works for Skidmore Studio, a creative agency in Detroit. He holds degrees in economics, psychology and technology. Through his speaking engagements, he has become a recognized leader in southeast Michigan – with accolades like recipient of Crain’s Detroit Business 20 in their 20s and Oakland County’s 40 under 40 awards. Ostach is also certified in mental health first aid, is a certified Denizon Consultant in workplace culture and is a past board member for several non-profits related to mental and emotional health. He has presented on these topics for Blue Cross Blue Shield, the University of Michigan, Cranbrook, Henry Ford Health System, the MEDC and TEDx Oakland University. And audience feedback is resoundingly positive:

• “Packed with powerful insights and takeaways.”
• “An inspiring message for our connected culture.”
• “Thought-provoking and funny!”

If this is something you’re interested in experiencing, we ask that you make your reservation for the 7^th annual Macomb Business Awards today! Entry is $30 per person and includes breakfast and networking opportunities with more than 400 regional leaders. The event, which will be held at the Sterling Inn Banquet and Conference Center from 8 a.m. – 10 a.m., will also feature Fox 2 Detroit’s Huel Perkins and Charlie Langton as emcees. County Executive Mark A. Hackel will present all of the awards to winners in the following categories:

• Champion of Work / Life Integration (Sponsored by MetroParent magazine)
• Corporate Citizen
• Hidden Gem
• Manufacturer of the Year
• Model of OneMacomb
• Trailblazer of Future Talent

We hope to see you there!

For more information on the Macomb Business Awards, visit www.macombbusiness.com.

Megan Ochmanek is a communications specialist for the Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development.

What you should do before, during and after the upcoming professional job fair in Macomb County

Are you looking for your next career opportunity? If you answered yes and you work in the engineering, design, IT/cybersecurity, procurement and project management fields, you might just be in luck – as Macomb County recently announced a professional job fair for individuals working in these areas. The event will take place on Friday, April 12 from noon to 3 p.m. at the Sterling Banquet and Conference Center (34911 Van Dyke, Sterling Heights). It will feature more than 25 companies and organizations that are actively hiring, including BAE Systems, General Dynamics Land Systems, MB Aerospace, R&E Automated Systems and Waltonen Engineering. Interested individuals are asked to register for the free event at www.macombgov.org and those that do so on or before April 8 will receive early bird admittance at 11 a.m.

So – are you planning to attend? If you are, we found some tips on Monster.com that might help you land that new job:

Before the hiring event

1. Develop a Strong Resume: Highlight your skills and accomplishments. Your resume should be error-free, concise and graphically pleasing. Don’t forget to make several copies, since you’ll probably visit with more than one employer.
2. Get or Make Business Cards: You can buy blank business cards at stores like Office Depot, and then use a computer and laser printer to create some personalized cards. List your name, contact information, and perhaps the career you’d like to pursue or your key skills.
3. Study the Organizations Attending the Fair: Nothing impresses an employer less than a prospective candidate asking, “So what do you guys do?” Instead, be one of the few attendees who know something about each of the companies. The more informed you are, the more likely you will be positively remembered.
4. Develop a 30-Second Commercial: “Tell me a little about yourself.” You’re likely to get that invitation from many of the employers at the fair. So spend a little time beforehand figuring out your response. Think of your reply as a 30-second, self-promotional commercial you’ll deliver to each employer who asks.

During the hiring event

1. Introduce Yourself and Shake Hands: In many ways, a career fair is a test of your social skills. While employers are almost always friendly and outgoing, they’ll expect the same of you. If you haven’t done much ice breaking before, practice in advance with a career counselor or friend.
2. Dress Appropriately: In most cases, you’ll want to dress professionally to attend a career fair. Sometimes business casual is fine, but don’t go too casual. When in doubt, overdress.
3. Ask Intelligent Questions: If you’ve studied up on the organizations, you’ll probably have some questions you’d like to ask. Not only will you get some answers, but you’ll also show yourself to be someone who does his research.
4. Focus on What You Can Offer: You’ll be a refreshing change to most company representatives if you tell them what you can do for them and their organizations instead of asking what they can do for you.
5. Leave Your Resume and Card with Each Representative: Then be sure to grab each representative’s card.

After the hiring event

1. Take Notes: After the fair concludes, jot down notes about conversations you had with company representatives. If you wait too long, the conversations will start running together in your head, and you’ll forget what you said to whom.
2. Follow Up on Promises: If, for example, a company representative expressed interest in looking at your Web site, make sure to email the URL like you said you would.
3. Send Thank-You Notes: Write or email each of the people you met and thank them for their time. Reiterate your interest in the company and your relevant skills and experience. Most job seekers fail to take this simple step, often losing out in the end to those who did express their thanks.

If you have any questions about the upcoming hiring event in Macomb County, which is being hosted by Macomb County Planning and Economic Development, the Macomb County Chamber and Michigan Works!, contact Janice Loftis at jloftis@macomb-stclairworks.org or at 586-738-9034. Good luck!

**The above tips were pulled from an article on Monster.com here: https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/learn-to-work-a-career-fair.

Megan Ochmanek is a communications specialist for the Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development.