For Ryan LaFontaine, success could mean becoming the nation’s No.1 car dealership, the youngest chairman of the North American International Auto Show, or receiving many prestigious business awards. While he has accomplished these things, success to him means beating cancer, having a cherished wife and a thriving family. To this humble businessman, it is defined by a strong faith in God, family, and friends – in that order.
Born and raised in Flint, Lakisha Jones grew up with a passion for music. At the age of five, she was already singing in the choir at Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church. Later, she began performing in plays and singing in the choir at Flint Central High School. She attended the University of Michigan-Flint, majoring in music and graduating in 1998.
What is your definition of success? The dictionary defines it as: “A person or thing that achieves desired aims or attains prosperity.” One local businessman, Joseph Cozart, Owner of Teachout Security Solutions has met that definition, after growing his company from 50 employees to 500. Now at seven locations, Teachout Security Solutions provides uniformed security officers at facilities throughout the U.S. and Canada. Of course, it took a whole lot of hard work and perseverance to get there.
When she was just nine years old, Jocelyn Hagerman’s grandfather took ownership of race horses. Jocelyn was fascinated. The animals had a majestic appeal and she was determined to ride them – determined to get a taste of the experience felt by the jockeys who once held their reins.
Becky Foerster, 46, Executive Director of the Hagerman Foundation, mother of four, and former pre-school teacher and daycare owner, never dreamed she’d be dispersing grant money to people in need.
Shannon Easter White has actively been a part of Flint’s community in a number of ways. Her professional credentials will amaze you, but her extracurricular activities will inspire you. In addition to being the owner and president of FUNchitecture, LLC, Shannon supports the Junior League of Flint, the YWCA of Greater Flint, the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan, the Flint Institute of Arts, the Shelter of Flint, the Ruth Mott Foundation, the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, and Whaley Children’s Center.
American Machining, Inc. (AMI) was founded in Flint, MI nearly four decades ago. Now located in Fenton, AMI is one of the largest manufacturers of stainless steel containers (IBC totes) for handling liquid chemicals. They also produce mixing and agitation products for blending liquid solutions, as well as replacement parts for these products. George Stolzenfeld is also President and CEO of sister corporation, Cygnet, a provider of cleaning, restoration, and recertification for IBC containers. AMI manufacturers all of their products at its Fenton facility and ships them to customers all over the world.
Phil Hagerman has been the CEO and Chairman of Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy in Flint since 1991, having transformed the once small, family business into a billion dollar corporation. He and his wife, Jocelyn, founded the Hagerman Foundation in 2014 with the mission “to brighten and improve the lives of future generations.” In support of that mission, the couple has donated generously to the University of Michigan’s entrepreneurship program, Ferris State University’s College of Pharmacy, and most recently, a $4 million gift for the restoration of Flint’s historic Capitol Theatre.
Owner of the John Wentworth Group RE/MAX Platinum™, John is a successful realtor in Fenton with $90 million in sales last year. He began his real estate career on his own when the market had tanked, and has grown the business to include a team of five salaried staff and six agents. He lives in Fenton with his wife, Jennifer, and three children. John says that the key to his success is staying humble and focusing on people, not money. He shared more about his life with My City.
You’ve probably heard Rob Paulsen, even if you’ve never heard of him. The voice actor and Flint area native has an impressive résumé of voicing popular cartoon characters. Among the more than 2,000 half-hour programs and dozens of films, video games and other animated media, his most notable achievements are his starring roles as the voices of “Donatello” in Nickelodeon’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, “Yakko Warner,” “Pinky” and “Dr. Scratch ‘n’ Sniff” in the George Foster Peabody and two-time Emmy award-winning series, Animaniacs. Currently residing in Los Angeles, CA with his wife, Parrish, Paulsen still has pride for his hometown of Grand Blanc.
