Board Members
Executive Officers
Cindy Hubbell
President/CEO
Irish Hills Chamber
221 Mill Street Suite C
PO Box 805
Brooklyn, MI 49230
Phone: (517) 592-8907
cindy@irishhills.com
Cindy has been managing the everyday operations of the chamber since 2007. She works with members, the board of directors and community to implement the chamber’s program of work. She is happy to sit down with any of our members to find which chamber benefits work for you, helping you get the most out of your membership.
Justin Gifford
Chair
Visit Lenawee
230 W. Maumee St.
Adrian, MI 49221
Phone: (517) 263-7747
visitlenawee@gmail.com
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Justin has spent most of his career leading digital marketing and communication teams for both non-profit and profit organizations. Currently he is the Executive Director for Visit Lenawee, where he and his team focus on the development of quality of life and creating and sharing experiences with guests and residents of Lenawee County.
His involvement with the Irish Hills Regional Chamber is in the capacity of Chair of the Board of Directors as well as helping in marketing plan and campaign strategies. It is important for the IHRCC to not only find new, innovative ways to support their members but also to continue to tell the story of the Irish Hills destination.
Justin is currently a member of the Lenawee County Chamber Alliance, One Lenawee Steering Committee, Connecting Lenawee Steering Committee, Lenawee Art Alliance, Board of Directors for the Adrian Film Festival, Board of Directors for Circle Michigan, Member for Michigan Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus, Member of Michigan Economic Development Association, as well as part of a team that is currently working on establishing a Southeastern Michigan Tourism Council. Justin is actively involved with tourism legislation as well as close work with Travel Michigan, U.S. Travel Association and our legislatures throughout the year.
Justin enjoys spending time outdoors, kayaking and hiking his way through not only Lenawee County but Michigan. His favorite spots happen to be in the UP, mostly because there is no cell service. When not at work Justin spends the majority of his time with his beautiful daughter Brenna, and his amazing son Emerson.
Amy Proffitt
Vice Chair
Come to Your Effin Senses
124 Main Street
Suite D
Brooklyn, MI 49230
Phone: (517) 980-4820
Amy Proffitt is a graduate of Michigan State University, and has spent 25 years as a Marketing and Communications professional, predominantly in the healthcare industry. She has had the privilege of working with health IT and C-suite executives from around the world. Today, Amy oversees marketing efforts for the Central Market of Henry Ford-Jackson Hospital.
Amy is also the owner and Co-Founder of Come to Your Effin Senses, an international candle company, as well as Effin Industries, a creative marketing and consulting business.
Amy is a published author, public speaker, a member of Michigan Tribe, and has created a scholarship fund to help women start their own business. Originally from Sterling Heights, Amy and her husband Ron reside in Brooklyn. Together they have six children, a grandchild, and countless animals.
Bart Vermilya
Secretary
Irish Hills Acupuncture & Wellness
11999 Brooklyn Rd.
Brooklyn, MI 49230
Phone: (517) 592-3030
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I grew up in Crown Point, Indiana. At the start of high school my family moved west to Arizona. I went to Arizona State University and earned my Bachelors of Science in Civil Engineering and worked as a Civil Engineer and later for Windstream Telecommunications as a manager and engineer. To deal with stress I started doing various martial arts. It was during this time that I met a beautiful girl, my wife Sara, she introduced me to yoga, massage and natural medicine. That led to a Masters in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and new career. After we had children we decided to move. I wanted to move back to the mid-west to raise our children with the good mid-west values and small town childhood that I had and Sara was from Onsted so we moved to Brooklyn. We now own Sacred Touch Healing Arts Center. I am currently working on a clinical doctorate in functional neurology and neurologic acupuncture.
Sacred Touch Healing Arts Center - we strive to provide the best in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, Massage, healthy snacks, ionic foot detox baths, classes on natural healing and so much more! We have been longstanding Chamber members and will continue to be huge fans! We are dedicated to treating you in a focused, personalized, and holistic manner. Why Us? We use the five paths of Chinese Medicine to help relieve you of your dis-ease. They are Acupuncture, Massage, Herbal Medicine, Nutrition (including Detoxification), and movement therapy (Qi Gong and Tai Chi) in a combination that is unique to your condition. We specialize in Sports Injuries and Pain, Chronic Illnesses, Allergies/ Asthma, Infertility and the discomforts that can be associated with pregnancy. Call for a free 15 minute consultation to ask questions about your specific health concerns and how Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine can help you resolve your complex and chronic conditions and help put you back on a path of wellness!
I love the Village of Brooklyn. I haven't experienced the type of friendliness and openness that seems to come naturally to the people that live in the Irish Hills. Although I'm still adjusting to the winter I had forgotten how nice it is to have more seasons than just hot and hotter.
I have never owned a business before and the Chamber has helped me keep my sanity! The community of small business that they have built is amazing. Not only are they interested in helping the small business in the area but they want to build a community! The events and training opportunities that they provide are first rate and are fun, both to attend and to volunteer at.
Angela Jeffrey
Treasurer
Flagstar Bank
301 S. Main St.
Brooklyn, MI 49230
Phone: (517) 592-4626
angela.r.jeffrey@flagstar.com
My name is Angela Jeffrey. In May 2018 I relocated to the west side of the Irish Hills, in Jerome, MI. However, I have worked in the Brooklyn-Irish Hills Community for the past 12 years in my position as a Regional/Area manager, at Flagstar Bank. In 2016 they eliminated those positions and placed us directly in branches. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to work at the Brooklyn Office beginning July 2017, and I have really enjoyed this chapter of my career. I recently celebrated my 18th work anniversary and I must add that I love the company, team members and communities we serve.
As mentioned, I have participated in several Business After Hours, Race Days events, meetings, and other involvements with the Brooklyn Irish Hills Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber and its members have always been hospitable and accommodating, making me feel like I belong here. I now have the opportunity to serve the Brooklyn Irish Hills Community by being more involved in their Chamber of Commerce. I feel very privileged to be a part of the board, as it allows me to connect with many business owners in the Irish Hills Community. It is exciting to know I am helping make a difference in the communities in which I serve.
In years past, I have served on non-profit boards such as Family Promise of Branch County, as well as the fundraising committee for Habitat for Humanity of Branch County.
Directors
Daniel Ross
Director
TransPharm Preclinical Solutions
7190 Brooklyn Rd.
Jackson, MI 49201
Phone: (517) 536-8210
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Old Irish Mill
221 Mill St.
Brooklyn, MI 49230
Phone: (517) 536-8210
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"I was born in Detroit, MI and lived in a northern suburb until my 12th birthday. On that day, my family moved to the small town of Harrison. This is where I fell in love with the small town feel and knew city life wasn’t for me. After graduation, I lived in numerous locations in Southern Michigan, including Detroit, Novi, Fowlerville and Ann Arbor. In 2001 I had the opportunity to move anywhere I wanted due to a cushy career at Pfizer. I choose to be here and purchased 30 acres on the Northern Rim of the Irish Hills.
I started traveling around to take in all the sights in the area a few weeks after I moved. Then one day, my entire child hood came back to me in a flash. I was driving down US-12 and came across all of the old tourist spots that included Mystery Hill, the towers, Prehistoric Forest and Hayes State Park. As a kid, my family used to come out here and camp and I spent many vacations in the area. As much as I remembered about what we did, it was lost on a pre-teen kid where those things took place. Now I was calling this home and everything seemed to come full circle. Maybe it was the area calling me back more than me choosing to be here.
"A few years after my move, that cushy job at Pfizer went away. The entire facility shut down and I had to make a choice. Move to another state to keep my job or stay here and try to make things work. Again, I choose the Irish Hills and started my own business called TransPharm. Now it is my goal to invest back into the community I call home and it is my hope that I can create some memories for others to hold onto for the rest of their life."
Butch Irwin
Director
Comfort Keepers
125 Irwin St.
Brooklyn MI 49230
Phone: (517) 481-2177
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"As a teenager growing up in the Toledo area I would get out of high school and "head to the Hills" to waterski at Clark Lake. I soon realized that my dream was to live in the Irish Hills and enjoy the beautiful rolling hills, lakes, and the many events that happen in the area including races at MIS. As my career evolved, I found myself in Florida for 7 years, North Carolina for 3 years, and eventually returned to the Perrysburg, Ohio area where my wife and I raised our 6 children. After getting our children through school and on their own it was time to rekindle my dream.
Working for a national Durable Medical equipment company, that specialized in home Respiratory Therapy, made me realize there are a lot of elderly and disabled who have needs in the home that were not being meet. Couple this with the fact that the "Baby Boomer" generation would be increasing this demand tremendously I started exploring going in business to assist those in need. Enter Comfort Keepers.
In March of 2016 my wife, Dawn, and I moved to the Irish Hills area and opened Comfort Keepers. Joining the Chamber has allowed me the opportunity to meet other business owners, become engaged in a great community, and the ability to market our business. The chamber allows me to give back to the community that has offered so much to me and my family.
Dawn and I not only have 6 children but have been blessed with 12 grandchildren (and #13 on the way) that absolutely love coming to Nana and Papa's house in the Irish Hills."
Rene Kullman
Director
Kelsey's Boutique & Gifts
122 N Main St.
Brooklyn, MI 49230
(517) 592-5032
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Rene is from Chelsea, Michigan where she graduated high school. She then entered into a franchise called "Little Ceasars" with her family while attending Adrian College. She and her husband bought their own store in the late 80's in Saline, Michigan and later ventured into Anchorage where they opened the first Little Ceasars ever in Alaska. She took a break after five years to start a family of her own and had her twins, son AJ and daughter Kelsey.
After her kids started school, Rene opened Kelsey's Boutique & Gifts in Downtown Brooklyn, and has been working hard for over 20 years. She loves to travel to find different apparel for her boutique with daughter Kelsey (The name sake of the boutique) including places like Atlanta, Texas, and Chicago.
Rene loves to hear about where women wear her clothes, whether its for a wedding, vacation, or a fun weekend; followed by photos of the apparel being worn at the destinations including: Paris, Montreal, Germany, just to name a few.
She recently had her first grandson, Elliott Ryan. Rene Lives on Round Lake in Manitou Beach with husband Keith and her baby, Minnie (The Chihuahua). Rene feels as if she has the best, blessed life that she could possibly have.
Rene's Life Motto – Enjoy life, because I have a lot more yesterdays than I do tomorrows!
Dennis Worden
Director
McKibbin Media Group
1700 Glenshire Dr.
Jackson, MI 49201
Phone: (517) 787-9546
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Dennis Worden, a Concord, Michigan native, was named the General Manager of McKibbin Media Group (MMG) in February of 2021. As GM, Worden oversees MMG's portfolio of radio stations, which include K105.3 FM, WKHM NewsTalk 101.5 FM/970 AM, WIBM 95.9 FM The Power Cow and Fox Sports Radio 101.9 FM in Jackson, plus 92.1 FM WCSR and 99.5 FM The Dale in Hillsdale.
Prior to MMG, Worden spent nearly 16 years in NASCAR, having worked for the sanctioning body in 2020, Darlington Raceway in South Carolina (2011-2020) and Michigan International Speedway (2005-2011). He started his career in college athletics working in sports information/media relations offices for several schools, including Hillsdale College, Wayne State University and the University of Texas in Austin.
He is a 1999 graduate of Central Michigan University and 1995 graduate of Concord High School.
"I'm excited to begin this new opportunity to serve on the board of directors for the Irish Hills Regional Chamber of Commerce. I fell in love with the Irish Hills in my younger years growing up in southern Michigan and reconnected with the area when I worked at MIS from 2005-2011. The Irish Hills is a special place that has overcome many challenges over the years, but remains a destination for many, as there is nothing like it anywhere else in the state due to its natural beauty and history. I'm looking forward to serving and making a positive impact for the community."
Holly Griewahn
Director
Foundation Realty
100 Walnut St.
Manitou Beach, MI 49253
Phone: (517) 403-3413
Holly Griewahn is a full-time real estate agent at Foundation Realty. Holly is passionate about the community and takes pride in helping you find that special property to call home or grow your business.
While she specializes in lake property, Holly works with clients throughout Lenawee County, Irish Hills and the surrounding area.
Holly grew up at Devils Lake and Vineyard Lake, and is a graduate of Western Michigan University. Raising her 2 beautiful daughters, Chloe and Lily, in Lenawee County was important to her and her husband Rob.
Holly enjoys watching her daughters play sports, cooking, traveling with family and creating lake-life memories on Devils Lake. She is active in the community through the Manitou Beach Village Association, Land & Lakes Ladies Club, and Board member of the Irish Hills Chamber of Commerce. Her family has also been long time members of the Devils Lake Yacht Club.
Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, looking for a home to lease, an investor, or looking to buy or sell – there’s no real estate request too small or big! When you work with Holly, she is your personal real estate guide to help facilitate and negotiate on your behalf.
Chamber Staff
Cindy Hubbell
President/CEO
Irish Hills Chamber
221 Mill Street Suite C
PO Box 805
Brooklyn, MI 49230
Phone: (517) 592-8907
cindy@irishhills.com
Cindy has been managing the everyday operations of the chamber since 2007. She works with members, the board of directors and community to implement the chamber’s program of work. She is happy to sit down with any of our members to find which chamber benefits work for you, helping you get the most out of your membership.
Chelsea Ladd
Creative Director
Irish Hills Chamber
221 Mill Street Suite C
PO Box 805
Brooklyn, MI 49230
Phone: (517) 592-8907
chelsea@irishhills.com
Chelsea grew up on Devils Lake and has worked throughout the Irish Hills community since she was 14 years old. She designs our publications such as the Resorter and Irish Hills Living, creates ads for our members and puts together our monthly newsletter. She also creates videos for the chamber and our members, updates and maintains our website as well as other design work for both the chamber and our members.
Diana Redman
Office Manager
Irish Hills Chamber
221 Mill Street Suite C
PO Box 805
Brooklyn, MI 49230
Phone: (517) 592-8907
info@irishhills.com
Tori Hubbell
Marketing Coordinator
Irish Hills Chamber
221 Mill Street Suite C
PO Box 805
Brooklyn, MI 49230
Phone: (517) 592-8907
tori@irishhills.com
Ambassadors
An Ambassador acts as the goodwill arm of the chamber and the communication link between the chamber members, the board of directors and the chamber staff.
Kacie Eberenz
Kacie Eberenz began her banking career in 2008 as a bank teller for OSB Community Bank. Living and leading with a can-do attitude, coupled with the desire to cater to customers’ needs, landed her the current position as a Residential Mortgage Lender within the bank.
Over the years, Kacie has taken it upon herself to be involved in her community including serving as Treasurer on the board for Educational Foundation for Columbia Schools, and assisting in many events in the Brooklyn and Onsted areas.
A graduate of Columbia Central High School, with studies in business management and human resources from Jackson College and Baker College, Kacie's passion lives in the heart of the Irish Hills where she resides with her daughter and dogs. Kacie has mastered the art of adding a warm personality to the banking community and strives to bring ideas and energy to the Chamber as an Ambassador.
Sherry Johanson
Ambassador
ERA Reardon Realty
250 S. Main St. Suite 2
Brooklyn MI 49230
Phone: (517) 902-7014
Fax: (517) 592-5001
sherry.johanson@era.com
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"I am a realtor for ERA Reardon Realty. The Chamber has done so much for all of its members. I do all I can to help the Chamber because it is so important for the community. I am Ambassador for the Chamber and always promote it because I believe in what they represent to all business and the community. I take pride in what I do to bring in a new business to help them grow. The Chamber is here to help you in any way they can and feel free to contact me for anything.
"In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my 2 married children and 4 beautiful grandchildren. They make my life full of pride and love."
Rene Kullman
Ambassador
Kelsey's Boutique & Gifts
122 N Main St.
Brooklyn, MI 49230
(517) 592-5032
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Rene is from Chelsea, Michigan where she graduated high school. She then entered into a franchise called "Little Ceasars" with her family while attending Adrian College. She and her husband bought their own store in the late 80's in Saline, Michigan and later ventured into Anchorage where they opened the first Little Ceasars ever in Alaska. She took a break after five years to start a family of her own and had her twins, son AJ and daughter Kelsey.
After her kids started school, Rene opened Kelsey's Boutique & Gifts in Downtown Brooklyn, and has been working hard for over 20 years. She loves to travel to find different apparel for her boutique with daughter Kelsey (The name sake of the boutique) including places like Atlanta, Texas, and Chicago.
Rene loves to hear about where women wear her clothes, whether its for a wedding, vacation, or a fun weekend; followed by photos of the apparel being worn at the destinations including: Paris, Montreal, Germany, just to name a few.
She recently had her first grandson, Elliott Ryan. Rene Lives on Round Lake in Manitou Beach with husband Keith and her baby, Minnie (The Chihuahua). Rene feels as if she has the best, blessed life that she could possibly have.
Rene's Life Motto – Enjoy life, because I have a lot more yesterdays than I do tomorrows!
April Messer
Ambassador
April Messer Photography
16026 Cement City Rd.
Cement City, MI 49233
Phone: (248) 787-1313
aprilmesserphotography@gmail.com
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April is a Brooklyn-Irish Hills Chamber Ambassador because she loves the Irish Hills community and is passionate about the chamber. She is also passionate about her business. April has always had photography in her life. She grew up with photography all around her in the home, as her mother was a photographer, so she got to see firsthand the magic of photos come to life in a darkroom. Later in life, as April’s children got older, she went back to school and was able to make her passion her career.
April Messer Photography & Doula Services is located at 16026 Cement City Rd. Cement City, MI.
"I am super passionate about making sure my clients have a unique experience", claims April, “I am not someone that goes in and completely retouches who you are and takes away your wrinkles. You are who you are, and I want you to own your beauty."
April loves what she does, it’s not just a job, it’s her passion. "The moments that mean the most to me are when a client can truly see how beautiful they are through my imagery."
April Messer Photography & Doula Services specializes in all types of photography including family portraits and family reunions. She will come to you and capture your special family moments in a photo journalistic way. April states. "I love the real moments. Let me go on the boat with you. Let me capture the kids tubing, them playing in the yard. Grandpa helping someone fish. The moments you need to be experiencing, and not behind the camera yourself. That family-time. Let me capture that for you."
Sheila Plentz
Ambassador
SP Recovery Services Corp.
President
PO Box 686
Brooklyn, MI 49230
Phone: (517) 592-9373
sheila@sprecovery.net
"I have 30+ years experience in the Banking/Finance industry and am a retired Cambridge Twp Firefighter/Medical 1st Responder. After 24 years in local Finance/Banking Institutions I opened SP Recovery Services in 2005 to collect for local businesses helping them get their money back so that they are able to keep operating and keep their employees employed.
"I reside on Sand Lake with my 3 dogs, Connor, Camron and Cooper. I am a huge dog lover and am involved in many rescue groups finding dogs homes and saving them from being put down."
Kay Roumell
"I was born in Wyandotte, Michigan and made my first trip to Wamplers Lake before I was one year old. My grandmother had a cottage on the South Shore of Wamplers Lake and then gave each of her children a lot. My family built a cottage and I spent every summer there until I graduated from St. Patrick’s High School.
"I attended Eastern Michigan University. I earned a B.S. degree, a Masters in Reading, and a Specialist degree in Educational Leadership.
"I taught First Grade at Wyandotte Catholic, Third Grade at Gibraltar Public Schools, and then came to Onsted Community Schools. I was a second grade Teacher, Director of Title One and Principal of the Elementary School. After I retired, I went back to Onsted Community Schools as the Curriculum Director and NCA Coordinator for five years.
"Then I worked as an office assistant for my son, James, who had a mortgage company. I worked there for about five years until he closed the business. While working at Pinnacle Mortgage, I became a member of Oh These Irish Hills! and have been active in the 501 C 3 nonprofit organization as Secretary and Vice-President. Our mission is to restore and revitalize the Irish Hills. We are trying to accomplish this by beautifying the area and creating events that bring people to the Irish Hills.
"Since OTIH is also a member of the Chamber, I am active in the Chamber as a member of the Heart of the Lakes Marketing & Tourism Committee and Secretary for the Ambassadors Executive Committee.
"I have been married to Chuck Roumell since 1971. I have a son, James Roumell, a daughter-in-law, Tracy and they have two sons, Chad and Adam. I have a daughter, Erin Brys, who has a daughter, Caitlin and a son, Jonathan.
"My time is split between my family, friends and volunteering for the organizations that make a difference."
Jenna Chmielewski
Ambassador
REALTOR, ERA Reardon Realty
250 S. Main St.
Brooklyn, MI 49230
(517)937-5232
realtorjennacares@gmail.com
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Jenna grew up in Hillsdale and is a graduate of Spring Arbor University with a Bachelors in Business Administration with concentrations of Marketing and Management. She and her family built a home in Clarklake a few years ago and quickly fell in love with the Irish Hills Community. She is active at the Clark Lake Yacht Club and was previously the Social Director. She has served and currently serves on the planning committee for Raft-O-Rama and all the festivities at Clark Lake. She started and maintains MyClarkLake.com, a website that highlights all the fun activities at the lake including all the live entertainment, current real estate available, and great memories that have happened at Clark Lake.
Jenna is a REALTOR with ERA Reardon Realty. She specializes in luxury properties and is also a Seniors Real Estate Specialist. Prior to Real Estate, she worked in several facets of Senior Living and Senior Health Care for thirteen years.
She is a mother to four boys, and proud grandmother to two grandkids. She loves to be involved in her community, and is really looking forward to being more involved with the Irish Hills Chamber of Commerce as an ambassador.
Cathy Osborn
Cathy Osborn / Bio / Irish Hills Regional Chamber of Commerce
I’m Cathy Osborn, I feel like I’ve been involved with the Irish Hills for a lifetime.
As kids we came to Wamplers Lake for an annual CWV (Catholic War Veteran’s) Picnic,
when we lived in Ohio.
In 1959 we moved to Michigan into the very heart of the Irish Hills. Knapp Rd, just off US12. As a family we attended church at St Joseph’s Shrine.
We actually watched the Irish Hills grow to its heyday and beyond. I watched Hidden Lake Gardens develop into what it is today. My favorite spot to visit in the Irish Hills. My Uncle helped build Prehistoric Forest. Mystery Hill was the thrill of every kid! And grown-ups alike!
In the 60’s my Mom owned Eleanor’s Coffee Shop. (Now called, Poppa’s Place). I bowled on Irish Hills Women’s Bowling League 20+ years.
So being a part of this community is simply part of my DNA.
I am honored to be an Ambassador with the Irish Hills Chamber of Commerce. It is my pleasure to be on board with bringing the Irish Hills back to the very place you want to visit and make memories.
My goal in life is to help others, and make a positive difference in their lives every day. Hence my business, Healthy Essentials. I partner with Shaklee Corporation, A True Wellness Company. Shaklee is the most clinically proven nutrition company in the world.
I have two sons. 52yrs 49yrs. They are the light of my life!
Shari Kiss
Ambassador
Kiss & Co. Apparel and More
141 N. Main Street, Suite A
Brooklyn, MI 49230
(517) 888-3329
kiss.sharil@gmail.com
Stacey Mitchell
I started my career in radio as a receptionist at WLEN in 1993 and eventually moved into marketing and sales before moving out east. When I moved back, I worked in marketing at Q-95, WABJ, and The Buzz. I left to raise my son and returned to all the stations in November of 2021. I love working with local businesses and seeing the camaraderie that the Irish Hills Chamber helps to foster. I am excited to help business owners grow and succeed as an ambassador of the chamber.
Hanna Conway
Joe White
Ambassador
On the Spot Lawn Maintenance & Pressure Washing
156 W. Michigan Ave. Suite 51
Jackson, MI 49201
(517) 917-4460
onthespotjacksonmi@gmail.com