Welcome To Livingston
Welcome To Livingston

Welcome To Livingston

Speakeasy Podcast Network

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Episodes

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Join Don & Angela Putkela on their weekly podcast ”Welcome to Livingston” a podcast dedicated to highlighting the events, people, businesses, and community involvement that make Livingston County a great place to live, work in, and enjoy. As Realtors, Associate Brokers, and owners of the Putkela Group Real Estate Professionals, Don & Angela hope to offer valuable insight into the local market and the buying/selling process.

Recent Episodes

Episode 182: How to Nail Formal Wear with Brighton Tux Shop
MAR 19, 2026
Episode 182: How to Nail Formal Wear with Brighton Tux Shop
Getting dressed up shouldn’t be stressful. In episode 182 of Welcome to Livingston, Don and Angela Putkela sit down with Chris Yockey, manager of the Brighton Tux Shop, to get the inside scoop on everything men’s formal wear.   Whether you’re a groom planning your big day, a high schooler heading to prom, or a guy who’s never owned a suit. Chris breaks it all down from the key differences between a suit and a tuxedo, when you should start planning, and how you can still get measured for a suit out of town. This episode is full of information and tips to keep you looking sharp!   4:37 Purchase Process 8:00 Tuxedo Styles 11:51 Prom Ambassador Program 14:40 Out of State Measurements 17:44 Suit vs Tuxedo 21:17 Rental Duration and Damages 29:48 Partnership with Arc of Livingston 31:55 The Brighton Tux Shop Advantage 38:47 The Importance of a Perfect Fit   For more information on the Putkela Group and how to get connected, visit the links below:   Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/PutkelaGroup Website: https://www.welcometolivingston.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/putkelagroup/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq9hM7gWPlaCw4nG89Wgd9Q Phone: 1-888-PUTKELA (788-5352)   Guest Links Website: https://brightontuxshop.net/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightontuxshop/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brightontux TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brightontuxshop   Sponsor Links Thanks to our amazing sponsor! Visit their social media pages for more information.   James Paquette Mortgage Sales Manager Lake Michigan Credit Union - LMCU NMLS ID# 533633 Direct Phone: (810) 263-6000 Cell Phone: (734) 604-2611   Website: https://www.lmcu.org/jamespaquette Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamespaquetteLMCU LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesapaquette/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LMCU
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46 MIN
Episode 181: Appliance Shopping in Livingston County: Appliance Solutions
MAR 12, 2026
Episode 181: Appliance Shopping in Livingston County: Appliance Solutions
In Episode 181 of Welcome to Livingston, Don and Angela Putkela sit down with Allison and Ben Kellogg, owners of Appliance Solutions, a trusted local appliance store serving Livingston County.   If you're replacing kitchen or laundry appliances or building a new home, this episode is packed with expert advice. Allison and Ben explain why homeowners should prioritize accurate measurements when replacing appliances, how appliance sizes have changed over the years, and why new construction offers more flexibility than retrofitting existing spaces.   4:12 Customer Focused Solutions 6:04 Diverse Appliance Brands 8:16 Kitchen Trends and Innovations 11:02 Family Friendly 14:45 Collaborations 18:29 Founding Appliance Solutions 21:17 Appliance Advice and Timelines 25:46 Personalized Service 31:02 Community Involvement   For more information on the Putkela Group and how to get connected, visit the links below:   Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/PutkelaGroup Website: https://www.welcometolivingston.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/putkelagroup/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq9hM7gWPlaCw4nG89Wgd9Q Phone: 1-888-PUTKELA (788-5352)   Guest Links Appliance Solutions: Website: shopappliancesolutions.com Email: [email protected] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/appliance_solutions_brighton/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Appliance-Solutions/61567926030927/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@appliancesolutionsmi Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Appliance_Solutions_Brighton   Sponsor Links Thanks to our amazing sponsor! Visit their social media pages for more information.   James Paquette Mortgage Sales Manager Lake Michigan Credit Union - LMCU NMLS ID# 533633 Direct Phone: (810) 263-6000 Cell Phone: (734) 604-2611   Website: https://www.lmcu.org/jamespaquette Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamespaquetteLMCU LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesapaquette/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LMCU
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34 MIN
Episode 180: A One Stop Shop: Spirit of Livingston
MAR 5, 2026
Episode 180: A One Stop Shop: Spirit of Livingston
In Episode 180 of Welcome to Livingston, Don and Angela Putkela sit down with Carol and Danny Maczik. The owners of Spirit of Livingston, a local small business specializing in custom apparel for teams, schools, and organizations across Livingston County.   Carol and Danny share the origin story of their business, how they built it into a lifestyle-driven company, and why being local still matters in today’s fast-paced online world. They also discuss their hands-on customer service approach and how creating custom gear helps build lifelong memories for kids and families.   1:06 Origin Story 4:34 The Joy of Varsity Jackets 7:27 In-House Production 12:28 Market Challenges 15:20 The Value of Local 19:01 Understanding Die Sublimation 23:29 One Stop Shop 28:20 Business Legacy   For more information on the Putkela Group and how to get connected, visit the links below:   Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/PutkelaGroup Website: https://www.welcometolivingston.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/putkelagroup/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq9hM7gWPlaCw4nG89Wgd9Q Phone: 1-888-PUTKELA (788-5352) Guest Links Spirit of Livingston Email: [email protected] Website: spiritoflivingston.com   Sponsor Links Thanks to our amazing sponsor! Visit their social media pages for more information.   James Paquette Mortgage Sales Manager Lake Michigan Credit Union - LMCU NMLS ID# 533633 Direct Phone: (810) 263-6000 Cell Phone: (734) 604-2611   Website: https://www.lmcu.org/jamespaquette Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamespaquetteLMCU LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesapaquette/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LMCU
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36 MIN
Episode 179: Our County's Silent Superhero: Mrs. T
FEB 26, 2026
Episode 179: Our County's Silent Superhero: Mrs. T
In Episode 179 of Welcome to Livingston, Don and Angela Putkela sit down with Sharyn Tormanen, the building secretary at Howell Public Schools who many students know and love as Mrs. T. Beyond her role at the school, Sharyn captures the heart of Howell through her photography. Capturing any and every school event from athletics and clubs to everyday student moments.   Sharyn’s impact doesn’t stop there. In her “free time”, she also works with the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office Victim Services Unit, serving on call 24/7, 365 days a year to support families and community members during moments of crisis and grief. This episode highlights her dedication and compassion to helping the community in many ways.   3:04 Sharyn’s Photography Journey 6:04 Favorite Shots 15:23 Sheriff’s Victim Service Unit 20:39 Community Involvement 26:12 Balancing Life and Future Plans   For more information on the Putkela Group and how to get connected, visit the links below:   Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/PutkelaGroup Website: https://www.welcometolivingston.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/putkelagroup/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq9hM7gWPlaCw4nG89Wgd9Q Phone: 1-888-PUTKELA (788-5352) Guest Links Sharyn Tormanen Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/howelltormanen/ School email: [email protected] Personal email: [email protected]   Sponsor Links Thanks to our amazing sponsor! Visit their social media pages for more information.   James Paquette Mortgage Sales Manager Lake Michigan Credit Union - LMCU NMLS ID# 533633 Direct Phone: (810) 263-6000 Cell Phone: (734) 604-2611   Website: https://www.lmcu.org/jamespaquette Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamespaquetteLMCU LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesapaquette/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LMCU
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31 MIN
Episode 178: Joy in Every Box
FEB 19, 2026
Episode 178: Joy in Every Box
In this episode, Don and Angela Putklea welcome Lisa Zienleniewski and Michelle Forcier, the creators behind Blossom and Bloom Box, a Livingston County business dedicated to thoughtful, beautifully curated gift boxes designed to celebrate, comfort, and connect. Lisa and Michelle share how Blossom and Bloom Box got started, what inspired their passion for meaningful gifting, and creating curated gift boxes that are budget-friendly, customizable, and deeply personal. Often featuring local items and an exceptional level of care in every detail. From birthdays and encouragement to everyday moments that deserve a little extra joy, this episode highlights how Blossom and Bloom Box delivers more than just gifts, it delivers connection.   9:40 - Delivery 11:24 - How lead time works 19:08 - Local support 26:35 - Unboxing 29:30 - Gifts just because   For more information on the Putkela Group and how to get connected, visit the links below:  Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/PutkelaGroup Website: https://www.welcometolivingston.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/putkelagroup/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq9hM7gWPlaCw4nG89Wgd9Q Phone: 1-888-PUTKELA (788-5352) Guest LinksWebsite: https://blossomandbloombox.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blossomandbloomgiftboxes/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Blossom-and-Bloom-Box/61581338402459/?ref=PROFILE_EDIT_xav_ig_profile_page_web# Phone: 810-986-9600Email: [email protected]  Sponsor LinksThanks to our amazing sponsor! Visit their social media pages for more information. James PaquetteMortgage Sales ManagerLake Michigan Credit Union - LMCUNMLS ID# 533633Direct Phone: (810) 263-6000Cell Phone: (734) 604-2611 Website: https://www.lmcu.org/jamespaquette Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamespaquetteLMCU LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesapaquette/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LMCU 
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37 MIN