Ellie Thompson, a renowned jewelry designer and business owner, shares her journey from working as a teenage shop girl to founding her jewelry shop, Ellie Thompson & Co. Ellie discusses the importance of balancing creativity and entrepreneurship, and how designing jewelry with personal meaning aligns with her purpose.

Key Takeaways:

(01:31) Ellie’s journey from shop girl to entrepreneur. (02:37) Balancing creative freedom with business operations. (03:49) The importance of designing your life before your business. (05:27) Four pivotal moments shaped Ellie’s journey and jewelry style. (09:11) Embracing serendipity as a part of personal and professional growth. (10:57) Finding purpose in everyday positive connections. (13:30) Personal connections and color evoke memories. (14:41) Auctions blend competition, value, and personal connection. (16:28) Embracing new work, travel, and holiday community events.

Resources Mentioned:

Ellie Thompson - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellie-thompson-0842528/

Thompson & Co. | LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/ellie-thompson-&-co/

Ellie Thompson & Co. | Website - https://www.elliethompsonco.com/

Western Art Week - https://westernartweek.com

Thanks for joining us for the latest episode of “Day in a Canoe.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss any of our insightful conversations.

If you’d like us to help you define what true wealth means to you, go to www.planningalt.com and take our assessment.

Planning Alternatives is an investment advisory firm registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any opinions expressed may not reflect those of Planning Alternatives.

#CreativeJourney #TextileDesign #InspiredByNature #CreativeProcess #WomenInArt

We’re joined by Dan Buettner,  National Geographic Explorer and founder of Blue Zones LLC, to discuss the keys to longevity, purpose, and living a healthier, more fulfilling life. A New York Times bestselling author, Guinness World Record holder in distance cycling, and Emmy award-winning Netflix series creator, Dan shares insights on living a longer, healthier life. From the origins of the five Blue Zones to the impact of his work in improving public health across America, Dan’s journey is an inspiring blend of exploration, science, and impact. He offers practical advice for thriving every day.

Key Takeaways: (01:36) Blue Zones highlight common habits for living longer, healthier lives.

(02:44) Fewer than 25% of Americans move 20 minutes daily.

(05:08) The healthiest foods are the cheapest: whole plant-based foods.

(07:27) Humans evolved to move constantly, not sit all day.

(10:08) Blue Zones emphasize committed social circles for strong support.

(12:55) Long-term longevity depends on daily habits, not quick fixes.

(14:39) People in Blue Zones have a clear vocabulary for purpose.

(16:54) Happiness is measured by life satisfaction and life experience.

(19:07) Unhealthy friends increase your chances of being unhealthy.

Resources Mentioned: Dan Buettner - https://www.linkedin.com/in/danbuettner/

Blue Zones LLC - https://www.linkedin.com/company/bluezoneskitchen/

Blue Zones Kitchen - https://bluezoneskitchen.com/

Gallup​ - https://www.gallup.com

National Geographic - https://www.nationalgeographic.com

Thanks for joining us for the latest episode of “Day in a Canoe.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss any of our insightful conversations. If you’d like us to help you define what true wealth means to you, go to www.planningalt.com and take our assessment. Planning Alternatives is an investment advisory firm registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any opinions expressed may not reflect those of Planning Alternatives.

#Longevity #BlueZones #HealthyLiving #PlantBasedDiet #HealthyHabits

In this conversation, we’re joined by Elyse Allen, Owner of Elyse Allen Textiles. Elyse shares her creative journey from sculpture to textiles, her inspiration from nature, and the value of community and family support in pursuing a fulfilling life in the arts.

Key Takeaways:

(01:35) Building a cashmere business rooted in passion and organic inspiration. (03:43) An artistic family background nurtures a natural creative path. (06:55) The power of taking immersive creative retreats. (08:10) Exploring multiple art forms led to a lasting passion for textiles. (10:50)  Experimentation, even with failures, sparks true creativity. (15:06) Support from trusted mentors builds confidence to pursue goals. (15:45) Building confidence through small, steady growth.

Resources Mentioned:

Elyse Allen - https://www.linkedin.com/in/elyse-allen-2919a214/

Elyse Allen Textiles - https://www.elyseallentextiles.com/

Haystack Mountain School of Crafts - https://www.haystack-mtn.org/

Coral and Tusk - https://coralandtusk.com/

Thanks for joining us for the latest episode of “Day in a Canoe.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss any of our insightful conversations.

If you’d like us to help you define what true wealth means to you, go to www.planningalt.com and take our assessment.

Planning Alternatives is an investment advisory firm registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any opinions expressed may not reflect those of Planning Alternatives.

#CreativeJourney #TextileDesign #InspiredByNature #CreativeProcess #WomenInArt

We’re joined by Dr. Joseph Hunstad, Past President and Owner of HKB Cosmetic Surgery. Dr. Hunstad reflects on his journey from a leading plastic surgeon to embracing a fulfilling retirement. He shares the lessons learned throughout his career and the importance of planning for a meaningful life beyond work.

Key Takeaways:

(02:15) Finding a passion for plastic surgery in medical school.

(05:41) The transition from a reconstructive to cosmetic-focused practice.

(08:25) Importance of preparing for retirement with outside interests.

(12:02) Overcoming the challenges of adjusting to post-retirement life.

(15:45) How volunteering and giving back bring fulfillment.

(18:33) Advice for young professionals on finding their calling.

(21:10) Why having a sense of purpose is crucial for happiness.

Resources Mentioned:

Dr. Joseph Hunstad -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-hunstad-69970229/

HKB Cosmetic Surgery -

https://hkbsurgery.com/

Adventures with Dr. Joe YouTube Channel -

https://www.youtube.com/@JosephHunstad

The Aesthetic Society -

https://www.theaestheticsociety.org

Thanks for joining us for the latest episode of “Day in a Canoe.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss any of our insightful conversations.

If you’d like us to help you define what true wealth means to you, go to www.planningalt.com and take our assessment.

Planning Alternatives is an investment advisory firm registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any opinions expressed may not reflect those of Planning Alternatives.

True wealth isn’t just about money — it’s about choices, relationships, and making a lasting impact. Russell Budd, Founding Partner of PBS Contractors, shares his journey of balancing professional success with meaningful contributions to the Naples community. From advocating for mental health to hosting impactful community events, Russell provides actionable insights on living with purpose and making a difference.

Key Takeaways:

(01:36) Lifelong ties to Naples inspire work to better the community.

(02:21)  Marine biology turned to construction management

(04:14) Leadership Collier deepened understanding of Naples and sparked greater community engagement.

(07:21) Hosting barbecues combines a passion for cooking with raising funds for mental health.

(09:12) Farm City Barbecue unites 2,000 attendees to support Naples youth charities.

(11:31) Building community impact starts with like-minded people and shared goals.

(13:39) Mental health treatment needs outpace resources, creating a critical care gap.

(15:24) Mentoring future leaders is key to Russell’s five-year community vision.

(17:34) Russell defines true wealth as faith, family, friends, and meaningful work.

Resources Mentioned:

Russell Budd -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/russellabudd/

PBS Contractors LinkedIn -

https://www.linkedin.com/company/pbs-construction-inc-/

PBS Contractors website -

https://www.pbscontractors.com

David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health -

https://davidlawrencecenters.org/

NAMI Collier County -

https://namicollier.org/

Farm City BBQ -

https://www.farmcitybbq.com/

Thanks for joining us for the latest episode of “Day in a Canoe.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss any of our insightful conversations.

If you’d like us to help you define what true wealth means to you, go to www.planningalt.com and take our assessment.

Planning Alternatives is an investment advisory firm registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any opinions expressed may not reflect those of Planning Alternatives.

#LeadershipInsights #TrueWealth #SelfAwareness #EmotionalIntelligence #MindfulLeadership #PersonalGrowth

We’re joined by Denise Ilitch, President of Ilitch Enterprises, to explore her journey in business, leadership, and community impact. Denise shares insights from her upbringing in the entrepreneurial Ilitch family and reflects on her experiences building a legacy in Detroit. From the importance of calculated risks to maintaining a strong community focus, Denise’s wisdom offers a fresh perspective on balancing professional and personal priorities. Key Takeaways: (02:38) The story behind naming Little Caesars. (03:28) Denise worked closely with her father in the business. (05:24) The reasons behind the decision to franchise. (08:30) Learning the value of calculated risks. (12:18) The importance of giving back to the community. (16:15) Advice for facing adversity with resilience. (19:05) Keep work in perspective — it isn’t everything.

Resources Mentioned: Denise Ilitch - https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-ilitch-4013aa2a/

Little Caesars - https://littlecaesars.com/en-us/

University of Michigan - https://umich.edu/

The Skillman Foundation - https://www.skillman.org/

Thanks for joining us for the latest episode of “Day in a Canoe.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss any of our insightful conversations.

If you’d like us to help you define what true wealth means to you, go to www.planningalt.com and take our assessment.

Planning Alternatives is an investment advisory firm registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any opinions expressed may not reflect those of Planning Alternatives.

#LeadershipJourney #CommunityImpact  #CalculatedRisks  #Entrepreneurship #LeadershipInsights

In this episode, host Nathan Mersereau speaks with Jonathan Ward, CEO of ICON4x4. Jonathan shares his journey from restoring vintage vehicles to building a thriving business that combines nostalgia with modern functionality. He discusses the challenges of balancing creativity with business demands and the importance of staying true to his vision. Key Takeaways:

(06:31) Mr. Toyoda’s surprising visit to the shop. (10:13) The appeal of nostalgia in classic cars. (14:44) Balancing modern features with vintage design. (18:44) Culture and diversity as a driving force in growth. (22:12) Building a business rooted in craftsmanship. (25:50) Crafting humanity despite market pressures.

Resources Mentioned:

Jonathan Ward - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-ward-b3750353/ 

ICON Website - https://www.icon4x4.com/about-icon/

Toyota Global - https://global.toyota/

Pendleton Woolen Mills - https://www.pendleton-usa.com/

Thanks for joining us for the latest episode of “Day in a Canoe.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss any of our insightful conversations. If you’d like us to help you define what true wealth means to you, go to www.planningalt.com and take our assessment. Planning Alternatives is an investment advisory firm registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any opinions expressed may not reflect those of Planning Alternatives.

#VintageRestoration #IndustrialDesign #ClassicCars #AutomotiveCraftsmanship

We’re joined by an incredible panel of creative entrepreneurs to explore the challenges and rewards of turning passion into a successful business. Elyse Allen, owner of Elyse Allen Textiles, Jonathan Ward, Founder and Industrial Designer at ICON, Chrissy Glenn, master Metal Sculptress, and Doug Nordberg, Furniture Designer at Nordberg Furniture, each share their journey of building unique brands, embracing creativity, and navigating the balance between business and art.

Key Takeaways: (03:16) Elyse shares her perspective on balancing creativity and business growth. (10:42) Jonathan reflects on letting go of control in his business. (15:33) Chrissy discusses the importance of focusing on quality over quantity. (20:06) Doug talks about finding joy in the creative process despite business pressures. (28:45) Elyse explains how she balances seasonal production with personal creative time. (36:00) Jonathan talks about the need to delegate tasks to grow a brand. (45:18) Chrissy shares her journey of transitioning from galleries to independent work. (50:03) Doug emphasizes the importance of stepping back to enjoy creative freedom.

Resources Mentioned:

Elyse Allen Textiles - https://www.elyseallentextiles.com/

ICON - https://www.icon4x4.com/about-icon/our_story

Chrissy Glenn’s Sculptures - https://www.chrissyglenn.com/

Nordberg Furniture - https://nordberggallery.com/

Thanks for joining us for the latest episode of Day in a Canoe. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss any of our insightful conversations. If you’d like us to help you define what true wealth means to you, go to www.planningalt.com and take our assessment. Planning Alternatives is an investment advisory firm registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any opinions expressed may not reflect those of Planning Alternatives.

#CreativeWealth #ArtAndDesign #BusinessSuccess #PlanningAlternatives

In this episode, Julie Colwell,  Psychologist, Founder, and Director of the Evolutionary Power Institute, shares insights into redefining wealth beyond money. Julie discusses how energy, health and purpose play vital roles in living a fulfilled life. She emphasizes the importance of aligning personal energy with meaningful experiences, while also touching on the role of relationships and creativity in true wealth. Key Takeaways: (02:18) Money can be overemphasized, and it's easy to forget about other forms of energy. (02:45) We have a limited amount of energy, and how we invest it determines our return. (05:48) People often sacrifice their health to make money, but there should be a limit. (15:27) Without health, nothing else in your life can truly thrive. (16:48) Possibility makes life interesting and fun — it’s essential for long-term fulfillment. (18:30) Creativity allows you to access new ideas and possibilities that keep life exciting. (24:12) True wealth has nothing to do with money; it’s about meaning and purpose. Resources Mentioned: Julie Colwell - https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-colwell-67a966264/ Evolutionary Power Institute - https://www.linkedin.com/company/evolutionary-power-institute/ The Energy of Money by Maria Nemeth

- https://energyofmoney.com/ Gay and Katie Hendricks' Work - https://hendricks.com/

Planning Alternatives is an investment advisory firm registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any opinions expressed may not reflect those of Planning Alternatives. Thanks for joining us for the latest episode of Day in a Canoe. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss any of our insightful conversations. If you’d like us to help you define what true wealth means to you, go to www.planningalt.com and take our assessment.

#FinancialPlanning #PersonalGrowth #Work-LifeBalance

In this episode, Nathan and Kathy discuss:

• What family systems are and how they operate
• Tools to reflect inward and examine your own operating system along with your family system
• The correlations between you and the generational systems you inherited
• The emotional attachments to success and money and the role those topics play in family systems

Key Takeaways:

• Addressing what you and your family have inherited emotionally over generations and what you want to do about it often leads to wonderful discussions and a way to talk about what is most important to you all as a unit.
• Giving yourself time to think about what is important to you to speak for yourself in family conversations is the best way to gain confidence and feel like each family member is heard
• Curiosity is the biggest motivator in taking action and starting these conversations with your family.

“Being yourself with people you are sensitive to, can be magic.”  —  Kathy Wiseman.   

About Kathy Wiseman: Kathy Wiseman is the Founder of Working Systems Inc and Partner at Navigating Systems, the Brown Center for the Study of Family. Kathy’s interest and expertise are in assisting family members, family executives, and legal and financial professionals in applying family systems theory to the challenges in their professional and personal lives. Her focus is on making available the groundbreaking research of Dr. Murray Bowen to the professionals who serve business families and organizations. She works with motivated leaders to think systems and increase their capacity to manage themselves in times of change.

Connect with Kathy Wiseman: 

• LinkedIn: Kathy Wiseman | LinkedIn
• Website: Faculty — Navigating Systems DC 

Connect with Nathan Mersereau: 

• Phone: 248-645-1520

• Website: www.dayinacanoe.com

• Email: [email protected]

• Twitter: @NathanMersereau

• LinkedIn: Nathan Mersereau

Address: 255 S Old Woodward, Suite 310

Birmingham, MI 48009

In this episode, Nathan and Mark discuss:

• The landscape of residential real estate and the ever-increasing demand for homes despite low inventory and high interest rates.
• Recent lawsuits against the National Association of Realtors and what it means for real estate professionals and homebuyers.
• Building businesses and taking risks, particularly in situations where your back is against the wall.

Key Takeaways:

• The real estate business is constantly changing, now more than ever we are seeing low inventory, shifting brokerage practices and constant market fluctuation trying to catch up with increasing demand.
• Entrepreneurial ventures take time, patience and risk taking. The best lessons in life aren’t through education, but in living through experiences and learning from them.
• Investing in yourself can be the most powerful way to impact your life. Avoiding lifestyle creeps and reinvesting in things that can pay you back in the long run is of great value.

“One of lessons that I learned from the guy that recruited me into the business… when you close a deal, take 25% of your commission and somehow get it into the real estate business.”  —  Mark McLaughlin.   

About Mark McLaughlin: A visionary leader in the real estate industry for more than 20 years, Mark McLaughlin’s success is founded in collaboration, early adoption of technology applications, open communication and a keen emphasis on fact-based decisions. He has been highly effective in building dynamic organizations and developing successful business partnerships by establishing clear, measurable objectives for his team and clients. McLaughlin personally directs key strategic initiatives with intense passion and draws on various experiences to achieve elite performance. By the time Compass had acquired Pacific Union in 2018, McLaughlin had grown the San Francisco-based brokerage’s sales volume from $2.2 billion in 2009 to more than $14 billion, ranking as the 5th-largest residential real estate brokerage in the US. At mid-year 2020 the business was on pace for $20 billion in sales volume in 2021. McLaughlin has been at the forefront of industry innovations by enabling his real estate professionals to have a voice in which marketing and educational programs allow them to best serve their clients and grow their businesses. These initiatives have shaped his companies’ service offerings and put cutting edge tools in the hands of every team member to better serve their clientele. McLaughlin was named San Francisco Business Times top CEO in 2017, was honored as RISMedia CEO of the year in 2013 and has been consistently recognized by Inman News and the T3 Swanepoel rankings as one of the top 10 most influential industry executives. Under his leadership, Pacific Union International was named Christie’s International Real Estate Affiliate of the Year, in 2013, and Top Real Estate firm in the world by the International Properties Awards in London in 2018.

Connect with Mark McLaughlin: 

• LinkedIn: Mark A McLaughlin | LinkedIn
• Website: McLaughlin Ventures | Mark McLaughlin (mclaughlin-ventures.com)

Connect with Nathan Mersereau: 

• Phone: 248-645-1520

• Website: www.dayinacanoe.com

• Email: [email protected]

• Twitter: @NathanMersereau

• LinkedIn: Nathan Mersereau

Address: 255 S Old Woodward, Suite 310

Birmingham, MI 48009