Eric Doden

Awesome discussion about the future of Economic Development with the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance today in Traverse City. Some of the main points I carried into this discussion to create an environment of success around entrepreneurs: 1) First, do no harm. Small Businesses get hurt the most every time new rules, regulations, and mandates are added. The cumulative impact of those regulations is stifling. 2) Recognize that thousands of jobs from hundreds of small businesses is at least as good (and probably better) than thousands of jobs from one large business. Any economic development incentive program created should reward small businesses the same per job as larger businesses. 3) Control health care costs. Small business owners cannot reach their full growth potential with year-over-year double digit cost increases in health insurance. The cost drivers are known. What is needed is the will to control them. 4) Embrace small business owners as “the main thing.” Small business owners account for over half of the private sector jobs in Michigan. Their success is the key to sustainable and diverse economic health in Michigan.

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🚐💰 3 Ways to Get Into RV Parks and Start Cash Flowing! 💰🚐 RV parks are one of the most underrated asset classes out there. Whether you’re ready to dive in headfirst or prefer a more hands-off approach, there’s a way for YOU to get involved. Here are three strategies to get started: 1️⃣ Go All-In: Be Hands-On Like Us! Want to roll up your sleeves and take control? Buy an RV park, manage the operations, and get your hands dirty. From optimizing cash flow to adding value (think laundromats, vending machines, or even expanding pads), this is the path for those who love being in the driver’s seat. 💡 Pro Tip: Look for seller-financed deals to minimize your upfront capital. 2️⃣ Partner with Experts: Leverage Their Experience! Not ready to go solo? Find someone who’s already crushing it in the RV park space and partner up. Bring value to the table—whether it’s capital, deal-finding skills, or operational support—and let their expertise guide the way. 💡 Pro Tip: Partnerships can help you learn the ropes while still earning equity and cash flow. 3️⃣ Passive Investor: Let Your Money Work for You! If you’re more about mailbox money, invest passively in RV parks through syndications or funds. You provide the capital, and the operators handle the heavy lifting. It’s a great way to enjoy the benefits of RV park cash flow without the day-to-day grind. 💡 Pro Tip: Look for operators with a proven track record and a clear plan for value-add improvements. RV parks are like owning a business AND real estate rolled into one. Whether you’re hands-on or hands-off, there’s a strategy that fits your goals. Ready to explore your options? Drop a comment or DM me—I’d love to help you find your lane! 🚀 #RVParkInvesting #CreativeFinance #CashFlow #PassiveIncome #RealEstateInvesting

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Capital fuels growth. Yet too many West Michigan businesses find it hard to raise the money needed to scale. We celebrate entrepreneurs, but do we back them? Community banks, investors, private equity and capital doesn’t just sit in spreadsheets. It decides what gets built and where. If we want more jobs, we need more bets placed here at home. To achieve this, we have to earn it as a community.

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Are you a business owner looking to sell? It’s a monumental decision that requires strategic planning and expert guidance. Partnering with a skilled advisory team can help you optimize financial outcomes, meet your transaction goals, and navigate potential challenges. In Plante Moran Wealth Management and PMCF Investment Banking's recent article, they outline 5 essential advisors for a successful sale and offer insights on selecting the right team for your business. https://okt.to/0bBYlA

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Last week, I had the chance to speak with small business leaders at the Greater Akron Chamber about how to leverage fractional support and why it’s such a smart move for growing businesses. When you're running lean, trying to be everything in your business eventually leads to burnout or bottlenecks. Fractional support gives you options, expertise, and breathing room. Here are 3 quick takeaways that can move your business forward: ✔️Buy outcomes, not just hours. Fractional roles bring deep expertise without the full-time cost. ✔️Fill the gap while you grow. Whether it’s HR, finance, marketing, or ops—fractional helps you build structure before you scale. ✔️Stay focused on your lane. Bringing in the right help gives you space to lead, not just manage. Grateful to the Chamber for creating space for real conversations that help real businesses move forward. #SmallBusinessSupport #FractionalLeadership #GreaterAkronChamber #ChrissyMyers #ClarityHR #SmartGrowth #SmallBusinessStrategy #BetterBusinessLeadership

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Economic Strategy Increases Wages & ROI for Hoosier Taxpayers At our recent quarterly Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) board meeting, Governor Mike Braun underscored the results of a new approach to economic development: higher wages for Hoosiers and stronger returns for taxpayers. 📈 Average wages of jobs incentivized by the IEDC have increased from $37/hour to $41/hour year over year — a 10% increase, or more than $8,000 annually per job. 💡 At the same time, the average cost per incentivized job has dropped dramatically, from $55,000 per job to $16,000 per job since Governor Braun took office. Governor Braun put it plainly: “Our economic development priorities are very simple: increase wages and increase jobs. There has never been a better time to build a business or a career in Indiana.” Indiana is focused on supporting regional economic development and developing, retaining and attracting talent to support new and existing businesses. Indiana is the best place in the country to build and grow. This is how we build an economy that works for Hoosiers today — and positions Indiana for long-term success. #IndianaCommerce #EconomicGrowth #Commerce

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