From Cleaning Homes to Changing the Industry with Carrie Everett, Founder of Safiee

From Cleaning Homes to Changing the Industry with Carrie Everett, Founder of Safiee

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2360353/fan_mail/new] Episode Title: From Cleaning Homes to Changing the Industry with Carrie Everett, Founder of Safiee What happens when an everyday challenge turns into a groundbreaking innovation? In this episode of Entrepreneur Like ME, Courtney Garrett sits down with Carrie Everett, founder and inventor of Safiee—a first-of-its-kind cleaning product created from years of hands-on experience as a professional house cleaner. Carrie's journey is anything but ordinary. Without a formal business education, she transformed an idea born on the job into a patent-pending product, navigating trademarks, manufacturing, and product development with determination and the support of Michigan's entrepreneurial ecosystem. Along the way, she was recognized as the 2025 Innovator of the Year by the Midland Business Alliance. But this conversation goes beyond entrepreneurship. Carrie opens up about motherhood, recovery, resilience, and the courage to believe in herself when the odds seemed stacked against her. Her story is a powerful reminder that innovation can come from everyday experiences—and that your past doesn't define your future. Whether you're an entrepreneur, inventor, dreamer, or someone waiting for the right time to take the first step, this episode will leave you inspired to trust your ideas and keep moving forward. In this episode, you'll hear: * How Safiee was inspired by a real-world problem * The journey from cleaning homes to becoming an award-winning inventor * Lessons learned while navigating patents, trademarks, and manufacturing * The power of community resources and asking for help * Why resilience may be an entrepreneur's greatest superpower Connect with Carrie Everett 🌐 www.safiee.com [http://www.safiee.com/] If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs a reminder that big dreams often begin with one simple idea. Sponsored by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) – Make it in Michigan with the support of a robust partner network designed to help entrepreneurs succeed. Learn more at michiganbusiness.org [https://www.michiganbusiness.org]. Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the ELM Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode be sure to subscribe for more inspiring conversations with entrepreneurs and business leaders. Connect with us: * Follow us on Instagram: @cmuresearchcorp * Visit our website: www.cmurc.com/elm Don't forget to leave us a review and share this episode with your friends. Stay tuned for our next episode where we continue to explore the journeys of extraordinary individuals in the world of business and innovation. Until next time, keep exploring, learning, and making an impact!

Networking Done Right with Tyler Harlan - The Power Link

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2360353/fan_mail/new] In this episode of the Entrepreneur Like Me Podcast, Courtney sits down with Tyler Harlan, insurance agent and member of The Power Link, to talk about one of the most valuable tools an entrepreneur can have—relationships. Tyler shares why networking is about much more than exchanging business cards. It's about building trust, creating meaningful connections, and surrounding yourself with people who genuinely want to see your business succeed. In this episode, we discuss: *  What "Networking Done Right" really means  *  How referral-based relationships help businesses grow  *  Common networking mistakes entrepreneurs make  *  Why protecting your business with the right insurance matters  *  The value of community when building a business  Whether you're launching a new business or looking to grow your network, this episode is full of practical advice that reminds us success isn't built alone. Sponsored by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) – Make it in Michigan with the support of a robust partner network designed to help entrepreneurs succeed. Learn more at michiganbusiness.org [https://www.michiganbusiness.org]. Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the ELM Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode be sure to subscribe for more inspiring conversations with entrepreneurs and business leaders. Connect with us: * Follow us on Instagram: @cmuresearchcorp * Visit our website: www.cmurc.com/elm Don't forget to leave us a review and share this episode with your friends. Stay tuned for our next episode where we continue to explore the journeys of extraordinary individuals in the world of business and innovation. Until next time, keep exploring, learning, and making an impact!

The Power of Curiosity with Ann Sigsby - AIM Targeted Intelligence

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2360353/fan_mail/new] Season 3, Episode 4: Ann Sigsby – Curiosity, Connection & Supporting Small Business In this episode of the Entrepreneur Like Me Podcast, Courtney sits down with Ann Sigsby, a lifelong learner, connector, and champion for small businesses. With a background that spans animal agriculture, entrepreneurship in holistic wellness, and 25 years as a Senior Analyst with AIM Targeted Intelligence, Ann shares how curiosity, data, and relationships help entrepreneurs make smarter decisions. This conversation dives into the power of supporting small businesses, trusting both instinct and insight, and why careers don’t always follow a straight line. Sponsored by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) – Make it in Michigan with the support of a robust partner network designed to help entrepreneurs succeed. Learn more at michiganbusiness.org [https://www.michiganbusiness.org]. Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the ELM Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode be sure to subscribe for more inspiring conversations with entrepreneurs and business leaders. Connect with us: * Follow us on Instagram: @cmuresearchcorp * Visit our website: www.cmurc.com/elm Don't forget to leave us a review and share this episode with your friends. Stay tuned for our next episode where we continue to explore the journeys of extraordinary individuals in the world of business and innovation. Until next time, keep exploring, learning, and making an impact!

Leading Beyond the Bottom Line with Kelsey Snyder - LEAD

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2360353/fan_mail/new] In this episode of the Entrepreneur Like Me Podcast, Courtney sits down with Kelsey Snyder, Executive Director of Lead, to talk about leadership, technology, and building systems that create real community impact. After 12 years working in the tech industry and moving forward with leading a global team, Kelsey felt called to step into work that created a more direct impact in her own community. That calling led her to Lead, where she helped launch the Lead Within online platform and build the infrastructure that now supports youth and families across Michigan. If you care about community, growth, and building something that lasts — this episode is for you. Sponsored by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) – Make it in Michigan with the support of a robust partner network designed to help entrepreneurs succeed. Learn more at michiganbusiness.org [https://www.michiganbusiness.org]. Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the ELM Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode be sure to subscribe for more inspiring conversations with entrepreneurs and business leaders. Connect with us: * Follow us on Instagram: @cmuresearchcorp * Visit our website: www.cmurc.com/elm Don't forget to leave us a review and share this episode with your friends. Stay tuned for our next episode where we continue to explore the journeys of extraordinary individuals in the world of business and innovation. Until next time, keep exploring, learning, and making an impact!

Using Your Voice to Make a Difference with Angie Evans - Black Diamond Broadcasting

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2360353/fan_mail/new] In this episode of the Entrepreneur Like Me Podcast, Courtney sits down with Angie Evans, a familiar voice on 95.3 CFX and a true connector in the Mount Pleasant community. Angie shares her journey from Detroit radio to building a life and platform rooted in local impact. From broadcasting and integrated marketing to deep nonprofit involvement, this conversation explores how using your voice with intention can uplift businesses, strengthen communities, and create meaningful change. We talk about: * The evolution from being “on the mic” to being a community advocate * Helping local businesses tell their stories through radio and marketing * The power of showing up consistently for people and causes * Balancing leadership, service, and family This episode is a reminder that impact doesn’t always come from a title — sometimes it comes from simply using your voice to serve. Sponsored by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) – Make it in Michigan with the support of a robust partner network designed to help entrepreneurs succeed. Learn more at michiganbusiness.org [https://www.michiganbusiness.org]. Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the ELM Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode be sure to subscribe for more inspiring conversations with entrepreneurs and business leaders. Connect with us: * Follow us on Instagram: @cmuresearchcorp * Visit our website: www.cmurc.com/elm Don't forget to leave us a review and share this episode with your friends. Stay tuned for our next episode where we continue to explore the journeys of extraordinary individuals in the world of business and innovation. Until next time, keep exploring, learning, and making an impact!