Friday, May 9 ~ Detroit Golf Club:
May 9, 2025 ~ Paul W. Smith‘s Pure Michigan Tour makes its final stop at the Detroit Golf Club with an engaging interview featuring Chief Operating Officer of Rock Entertainment Group Mark Hollis. Hollis highlights the excitement surrounding the upcoming Rocket Classic and the positive impact of sports events on Detroit‘s community.
May 9, 2025 ~ Paul W. Smith‘s Pure Michigan Tour wraps up with an inspiring conversation featuring Chief Development Officer of Midnight Golf Jason Malone. Malone shares how the program, a beneficiary of the Rocket Classic since 2019, transforms Detroit youth through golf and life skills. The tour’s finale celebrates community impact and the upcoming Mother’s Day.
May 9, 2025 ~ Paul W. Smith‘s Pure Michigan Tour concludes with an exciting talk featuring Executive Director of the Rocket Community Fund Laura Grannemann. Grannemann highlights the Rocket Classic‘s impact on Detroit, including bridging the digital divide and surpassing $10 million in charitable giving.
May 9, 2025 ~ On the last leg of the Pure Michigan Tour, Paul W. Smith hosts Chief Revenue Officer of the Rocket Classic and President of Intersport Detroit Brad Lott, who shares exciting updates about the upcoming tournament. A new Heritage Club offers an upgraded hospitality experience, and a Pro Am joins the popular event. Lott highlights the tournament’s commitment to the Detroit community, including free admission for Detroit Community Day and affordable ticket options for all fans.
May 9, 2025 ~ Alexa and Johnnie Turnage, co-founders of Black Tech Saturdays, discuss their organization’s mission to empower underrepresented communities in tech on the final stop of Paul W. Smith’s Pure Michigan Tour. They’re excited about their partnership with Rocket, which allows them to expand their reach. The Rocket Classic supports Black Tech Saturdays’ growth with a $350,000 check, enabling new programs and golf clinics to bridge the digital divide.
May 9, 2025 ~ President of Rocket Companies and the Rocket Giving Fund Bill Emerson joins Paul W. Smith on the final stop of the Pure Michigan Tour to discuss the upcoming Rocket Classic at the Detroit Golf Club. The tournament, taking place June 25th through the 29th, has generated millions for local Detroit nonprofits. The Rocket Classic has also paved the way for major sporting events in Detroit, like the NFL Draft and the upcoming NCAA Final Four.
Thursday, May 8 ~ Schuler’s Restaurant & Pub, Marshall:
May 8, 2025 ~ Paul W. Smith, on his Pure Michigan Tour, interviews Executive Director of the Marshall Community Foundation Shannon Tiernan, highlighting the foundation’s impressive growth from a $50 bill to a $24 million endowment over nearly 60 years. They discuss the foundation’s impactful grants and initiatives that enhance community vitality, education, and essential needs, inviting everyone to visit and experience the charm of Marshall firsthand.
May 8, 2025 ~ On his Pure Michigan Tour, Paul W. Smith chats with CEO of the Marshall Area Economic Development Alliance James Durian about the exciting developments in Marshall, including the upcoming Blues Fest and the massive Ford Blue Oval Battery facility. With classic cars parading through downtown and a vibrant community spirit, Marshall is buzzing with energy and opportunities!
May 8, 2025 ~ Paul W. Smith takes his Pure Michigan Tour to Marshall for a talk with City Manager Derek Perry. The two discuss the town’s historic charm and upcoming summer events. From Blues Fest to historic home tours, catch all the excitement Marshall has to offer!
May 8, 2025 ~ Paul W. Smith stops by Schuler’s Restaurant and Pub in Marshall as part of his Pure Michigan Tour. He interviews Sue Damron, the owner, who shares the rich history of the establishment, including its famous heritage cheese spread (formerly known as bar cheese!) and the addition of the Royal Hotel and Apartments. Damron also discusses the new 1909 venue for events, showing her deep connection to both Schuler’s and the Marshall community.
May 8, 2025 ~ Paul W. Smith brings Northern Michigan to Marshall on his Pure Michigan Tour! He meets with President of Shepler’s Ferry Chris Shepler to hear what’s new about Mackinac Island. Shepler shares exciting updates, including a new baggage tracking system and enhanced boarding options. With more departures and improved transportation, getting to Mackinac Island is now easier than ever.
May 8, 2025 ~ Paul W. Smith is bringing the energy to his Pure Michigan Tour! He interviews with new President of ITC Michigan Chuck Marshall. They explore ITC’s long-term commitment to Michigan’s energy grid and its exciting plans for expansion, including AI’s growing power demands.
Wednesday, May 7 ~ Bamboo in Downtown Ann Arbor:
May 7, 2025 ~ Paul W. Smith, host of the Pure Michigan Tour, welcomed Executive Chef and Managing Partner of Echelon Kitchen Joseph VanWagner to discuss Ann Arbor‘s evolving culinary scene. VanWagner shared his passion for Michigan-grown produce and the restaurant’s veggie-forward approach, making Echelon Kitchen a must-visit spot for food enthusiasts.
May 7, 2025 ~ Paul W. Smith talked with Executive Director of the Ann Arbor Arts Center Jenn Queen on the Pure Michigan Tour to discuss the center’s vibrant role in local arts and culture. Queen highlighted exciting events like the Artini Cocktail Crawl and Bloomfest, making Ann Arbor a creative hub for all ages.
May 7, 2025 ~ Tune in to Paul W. Smith‘s Pure Michigan Tour to hear about Ann Arbor’s vibrant Main Street Area Association! Ashley Schaefer discusses how the association supports local businesses. Learn about the upcoming Bloomfest, a celebration of spring, community, and small businesses. Get ready for a fun scavenger hunt, workshops, and a special Mother’s Day weekend event!
May 7, 2025 ~ Paul W. Smith and Destination Ann Arbor’s Chad Wiebesick explore the buzz of upcoming local events on the Pure Michigan Tour. The University of Michigan’s iconic stadium is set to host its first concert with country star Zach Bryan and Grammy winner John Mayer. Wiebesick shares insights into the massive $226.7 million boost to Washtenaw County’s economy from football home games. Plus, the city is celebrating the grand opening of the Vanguard Hotel and its French-inspired restaurant, Le Serre, while emphasizing accessibility for all visitors with the A2 Summer Streets initiative and Destination Verified program.
Tuesday, May 6, 2025 ~ Bavarian Inn Lodge
May 6, 2025 ~ Paul W. Smith chatted with Vice President of the Bavarian Inn Lodge Martha Zehnder Kaczynski on the Pure Michigan Tour about the grand opening of Michigan‘s largest indoor water park, the Bavarian Blast. Martha shared exciting details about the park’s features, including 16 water slides and Michigan’s first swim-up bar, and highlighted the upcoming job fair offering various hospitality positions.
May 6, 2025 ~ Paul W. Smith caught up with Director of Saginaw County Parks and Recreation Brian Keenan-Leckl on the Pure Michigan Tour to discuss the upcoming “Catch Me If You Can” Family Fishing Festival. Brian shared exciting details about the 35th annual event, including free fishing poles for the first 150 youth participants and a fun-filled day of fishing, prizes, and family activities at the William H. Haithco Recreation Area.
May 6, 2025 ~ Paul W. Smith talked on the Pure Michigan Tour with Sydney Bickerstaff and Madison Taylor from the historic sailboat Appledore Four. They shared exciting details about their educational programs and public sails, highlighting the thrill of sailing the Great Lakes on a traditionally rigged schooner that looks like an old pirate ship.
May 6, 2025 ~ Paul W. Smith hosted former Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette on the Pure Michigan Tour to discuss the exciting Poseyville Preserve Project in Midland. Schuette shared updates on the new pedestrian bridge, affectionately called the Pridge, which will connect key areas and transform downtown Midland into one of America‘s finest small towns.
May 6, 2025 ~ Continuing the Pure Michigan Tour, Paul W. Smith had a conversation with the enthusiastic State Park Manager Rich Fenner of Bay City State Park. Fenner highlighted the park’s unique features, including the ADA-friendly spray pad and the floating beach wheelchair, making it a top destination for families and nature lovers alike.
May 6, 2025 ~ On the Pure Michigan Tour, Paul W. Smith had a discussion with the CEO of Zenders of Frankenmuth, Al Zender, about the exciting new Bavarian Blast water park and the upcoming luxury lodging facility, The Mill at Zender Park. Al shares his passion for family business and community, while his daughter Madison, an MSU student, joins in to represent the next generation of leadership.
MONDAY, MAY 5, 2025 ~ GRAND HOTEL:
May 5, 2025 ~ Sean O’Connell, the culinary mastermind behind the Grand Hotel‘s exquisite dining experiences, joins Paul W. Smith on the Pure Michigan Tour! Listen as Sean talks on the hotel’s latest mouth-watering menu innovations, creative culinary concepts, and the behind-the-scenes magic that makes every meal at the Grand Hotel unforgettable. Tune in for a taste of luxury and a sprinkle of fun!
May 5, 2025 ~ Get the latest updates from the iconic Mackinac Grand Hotel on Paul W. Smith’s Pure Michigan Tour with Jeff Hess, senior vice president of operations! Jeff shares exciting news about the $100 million in improvements, the new Mackinac Insider program, and the grand opening of their downtown retail location. Tune in for a sneak peek into the timeless traditions and innovative changes that make the Grand Hotel a must-visit destination!
May 5, 2025 ~ Paul W. Smith explores the wonders of Pure Michigan with Kelly Wolgamott, president of Pure Michigan! Kelly joins the Pure Michigan Tour to share exciting updates on the National Travel and Tourism Week, the delicious new seasonal fudge flavors from Ryba‘s Fudge Shops, and the innovative efforts to make Michigan more accessible for all visitors.
May 5, 2025 ~ Paul W. Smith steps back in time on the Pure Michigan Tour with Bob Tagatz, the resident historian of the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island! Bob shares fascinating tales from the hotel’s 139-season history, including the incredible 93-day construction feat and the glamorous Dorothy Draper redesign. Tune in for a journey through the past and a peek into the exciting restorations shaping the hotel’s future!
May 5, 2025 ~ Paul W. Smith discovers the charm of Mackinac Island on the Pure Michigan Tour with Tym Hygh, CEO of Mackinac Island Tourism! Tym shares exciting insights into the island’s best-kept secrets, the new America’s Coolcation Destination slogan, and the vibrant events like the Lilac Festival. Tune in for a refreshing look at why Mackinac Island is the perfect getaway all year round!
May 5, 2025 ~ Grand Hotel Vice President of Guest Experiences Jimmy Kovel visits with Paul W. Smith on the Pure Michigan Tour to offer a preview of what’s new for 2025. Hear about the latest guest activities, including the newly refreshed Esther Williams Swimming Pool and the exciting new fleet of Trek bicycles. Tune in for a sneak peek into the innovative experiences that make every visit to the Grand Hotel truly special!
May 5, 2025 ~ Join Paul W. Smith on the Pure Michigan Tour for an exclusive chat with David Jurcak, President of the Grand Hotel! David shares exciting updates on the hotel’s $100 million reinvestment, the stunning redesigns, and the award-winning team that makes the Grand Hotel a world-class destination. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at the innovations and traditions that keep the Grand Hotel shining bright!
