At 517 Business, we know inspiration can strike anywhere — especially with a notepad, a mic and a simple question.
We took to the streets to ask people what’s got them excited lately.
Kendra Lake, Librarian
Q: What’s one upgrade you’d make to your current home or office space?
A: I’d like to reconfigure the space to better engage with library patrons as they come in the door.
Q: What makes a business brand feel authentic?
A: A business or brand has to walk the talk. They need to always show up where they say they will.
Q: What’s one cause you always support?
A: Community colleges.
Molly Day, Marketing Professional
Q. If curb appeal were a dating profile, how would your house describe itself?
A. Friendly and vibrant. I don’t have anything that’s offensive on the front. There’s even a Choose Kindness poster out front in the yard.
Q. What summer scent instantly makes you think this is home?
A. Coconut. It’s the smell of sunblock. I think there’s that coconut essence. Pina coladas. Tropicana. Being out in the sun.
Q. What is the most rebellious thing you’ve ever done to your own property?
No Mow May. I won’t mow until June — I want wildflowers and other flowering plants to grow, providing food and habitat for pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Q. If Target and Trader Joe’s went on a road trip together, who’s driving and who’s DJing?
A. So, Trader Joe’s is going to be DJing because I’d bet they have a lot of amazing music –— plus snacks. You’ve got to have really good snacks on a road trip. Target’s going to be more functional — they’d drive. They’d have all of the products that you need to pack the vehicles as well.
Clint of Clint’s Hotdog Cart
Q: What Michigan-made product are you proud of or love?
A: Gordon Food Service.
Q: What new development are you excited about in your area?
A: The new City Hall in Lansing.
Q: What’s one cause you always support?
A: Ele’s Place — a nonprofit supporting children who’ve lost parents.
Q: Which hot dog should I have for lunch?
A: The Southern dog. It’s my favorite. It has chili and coleslaw.
Ryan Deery, Librarian
Q: What’s one upgrade you’d make to your current home or office space?
A: Better seating and table arrangements, so I can have small meetings in my office. Right now, it’s not set up for that kind of collaboration.
Q: What new development are you excited about in your area?
A: I’m always excited about housing projects. They may not be directly related to the library, but affordable housing brings more year-round residents — people who go to school, use the library and help keep the community vibrant.
Q: What’s one cause you always support?
A: Public libraries.
Dave Busch
Dave Busch is a creative advertising writer with a knack for big ideas and memorable messaging. Off the clock, he and his wife have a hobby farm populated by rescue animals – including goats, chickens, peafowl, ducks, cats, a dog and one potbelly pig named William.
