Our video features local entrepreneurs who share their stories of success starting and operating businesses in Schoolcraft County. The video features four success stories of entrepreneurs operating manufacturing and service businesses, working from home, and a local real estate developer.

Bill Giles, is a local entrepreneur that started as a paper broker with Manistique Papers, and then went independent. He has a lot of experience as a local entrepreneur including owning and operating a local lumber company, movie theater, and now building and developing the Trader's Pointe retail and condominium project.

Doug and Linda returned home to Manistique where they now operate the first retail development at the Trader's Pointe complex - the Upper Crust Baker and Deli right on the banks of the Manistique River and Harbor. Doug discusses why he returned to Manistique and created his dream business with his wife.

Mike returned to Michigan's Upper Peninsula from Utah where he was working for a telecommunications company. Mike is now working for the same company in a pleasant setting that his entire family enjoys - and his employer benefits by Mike being more productive.

Mike has found success in the local labor market for office and sales support staff that he has hired. In addition, he depends on our modern high speed telecommunications system, high-speed cable Internet access, and regional airports with flights to Detroit, Lansing, Chicago, Minneapolis-St. Paul, and Milwaukee where he can connect to flights throughout the world.

In 2004 James & Marilyn Gardener moved their business from Indiana to Manistique hoping to eventually retire here and enjoy their property on Lake Michigan. OnLine Engineering has over 25 years of experience and is the leading manufacturer of production equipment for the preparation of diagnostic culture media such as petri dishes and test tubes. This successful company has systems all over the world with little competition because of the high quality of the equipment and their use of technology. In February 2008, OnLine Engineering was presented with the Award of Excellence from Operation Action U.P.

The Warner family came to Schoolcraft County from the Chicago suburbs to operate their scale engine manufacturing plant. From here they manufacture scale model replica engines. These engines are sold throughout the US, and exported to foreign countries. The Warner family aggressively use the Internet as a sales tool to sell their products.

Western Lime Corporation has been in business since 1847 and today, the descendants of one of the original families carry on a six-generation commitment to this industry. With corporate offices in West Bend, Wisconsin, this company continues to grow because they place emphasis on their customers, their products and the environment. A new plant was built near Port Inland with Carmeuse Lime & Stone providing the raw materials needed to run the operation. In August 2007 an open house was held with tours of the plant given and a surprise visit by Governor Jennifer Granholm.