Ann Arbor SPARK has teamed up with Phimation founder Dave Haviland to produce a new podcast series, SPARK.grow. The podcast features local business leaders offering practical advice based on their experience and success. The series kicked off with Ari Weinzweig, co-founder of Zingerman’s Community of Businesses, which includes Zingerman’s Delicatessen, Zingerman’s Creamery, and Zingerman’s Bakehouse.
“Ann Arbor’s business community is full of leaders and businesses that are doing innovative things that we have a lot to learn from,” explained Phil Santer, Ann Arbor SPARK senior vice president and chief of staff. “The idea for SPARK.grow is two-fold: It’s educational and thought-provoking and it’s also another way to show that smart, successful people are choosing to be right in our backyard. We’re looking forward to continuing to grow this podcast library and also use it to spotlight other podcasts produced by Ann Arbor SPARK, including our CEO Podcast series.”
In this inaugural podcast, Weinzweig discusses the Zingerman’s approach to leadership, where each employee is empowered from their first day to make sure customers are satisfied. He also talks about how different phases of a business’s life cycle requires different styles of leadership and business planning. Weinzweig also compares businesses to nature, highlighting the importance of considering the health of a business much like the health of an ecosystem.
SPARK.grow host Dave Haviland’s experience is rooted in providing management consulting to leadership teams at stage two businesses. He focuses on helping these companies clarify their business goals and strategies, improve how they market products and services, boost internal productivity, and successfully leverage new business and employee opportunities.
