In the vibrant metropolis of Detroit, Michigan, Hello Detroit stands out as a testament to the city's resilience and creativity. Serving as both a community hub and a cultural nucleus, Hello Detroit embraces the city's dynamic spirit
with open arms.
A leisurely stroll through its doors reveals a world of innovation and community connection. This gem in the heart of the city embodies Detroit's drive for revitalization, with every corner buzzing with activity. From art exhibits showcasing local talent to workshops promoting entrepreneurial endeavors, Hello Detroit is a beacon of warmth and inspiration.
Here, Motown beats meet modern rhythms, creating a
Hello Detroit
Hello Detroit, Michigan • Winter Issue |5
soundtrack synonymous with Detroit's eclectic culture. Locals and visitors alike are drawn to the venue’s engaging events, lively markets, and welcoming atmosphere. At Hello Detroit, everyone finds a sense of belonging, where ideas flourish and dreams take root.
It's not just a venue; it's a reflection of the city's evolving identity. Hello Detroit symbolizes a forward-thinking Detroit, nurturing innovation while cherishing
its rich history. Whether you're connecting with creators, shopping for unique finds, or simply enjoying the energetic vibe, Hello Detroit promises a delightful and uplifting experience in the heart of the city.
Hello Detroit
Hello Detroit: The Heartbeat of Motor City
In the vibrant metropolis of Detroit, Michigan, Hello Detroit stands out as a testament to the city's resilience and creativity. Serving as both a community hub and a cultural nucleus, Hello Detroit embraces the city's dynamic spirit with open arms.
A leisurely stroll through its doors reveals a world of innovation and community connection. This gem in the heart of the city embodies Detroit's drive for revitalization, with every corner buzzing with activity. From art exhibits showcasing local talent to workshops promoting entrepreneurial endeavors, Hello Detroit is a beacon of warmth and inspiration.
Here, Motown beats meet modern rhythms, creating a soundtrack synonymous with Detroit's eclectic culture. Locals and visitors alike are drawn to the venue’s engaging events, lively markets, and welcoming atmosphere. At Hello Detroit, everyone finds a sense of belonging, where ideas flourish and dreams take root.
It's not just a venue; it's a reflection of the city's evolving identity. Hello Detroit symbolizes a forward-thinking Detroit, nurturing innovation while cherishing its rich history. Whether you're connecting with creators, shopping for unique finds, or simply enjoying the energetic vibe, Hello Detroit promises a delightful and uplifting experience in the heart of the city.
FEATURED STORY
CEO Lisa Frohnapfel Leads the New BBB of Michigan
by HelloNation Staff
Lisa Frohnapfel leads the Better Business Bureau of Michigan, and her path has been steady. In 2021, she became president and CEO of BBB Serving Western Michigan after a long career in financial services. Interviews at the time focused on practical habits for safer transactions and transparent policies that help both sides. That message has remained consistent as her role expanded.In 2025, the Eastern Michigan bureau in Detroit merged with the Western Michigan bureau. The new single organization operates as BBB of Michigan, with offices in Metro
6 | HelloDetroit, Michigan • Winter Issue
HelloNation Staff
ABOUT THE AUTHOR HelloNation is a national magazine dedicated to practical consumer education. We translate real marketplace issues into plain steps that help people set fair expectations, compare options, and resolve problems. Our editorial mission closely aligns with the Better Business Bureau’s emphasis on public education and transparent practices, while remaining independent and not affiliated.
Detroit and Grand Rapids. Frohnapfel was named president and CEO of the unified bureau. The goal is straightforward: deliver the same core services with a broader reach and a single statewide standard.The merger matters because so many daily choices cross county lines. Consumers in one area may hire a contractor from another. A small firm in the Upper Peninsula may sell to a buyer near Grand Rapids. A statewide bureau gives people one place to look up a business profile and one process to follow when a deal falls short. It also makes scam trend reporting easier to compare across regions.
Hello Detroit, Michigan • Winter Issue |7
CEO Lisa Frohnapfel Leads the New BBB of Michigan
Lisa Frohnapfel leads the Better Business Bureau of Michigan, and her path has been steady. In 2021, she became president and CEO of BBB Serving Western Michigan after a long career in financial services. Interviews at the time focused on practical habits for safer transactions and transparent policies that help both sides. That message has remained consistent as her role expanded. In 2025, the Eastern Michigan bureau in Detroit merged with the Western Michigan bureau. The new single organization operates as BBB of Michigan, with offices in Metro Detroit and Grand Rapids. Frohnapfel was named president and CEO of the unified bureau. The goal is straightforward: deliver the same core services with a broader reach and a single statewide standard. The merger matters because so many daily choices cross county lines. Consumers in one area may hire a contractor from another. A small firm in the Upper Peninsula may sell to a buyer near Grand Rapids. A statewide bureau gives people one place to look up a business profile and one process to follow when a deal falls short. It also makes scam trend reporting easier to compare across regions. Frohnapfel’s earlier interviews help explain her approach. She talks about avoiding fraud with steps that are easy to repeat. Type in web addresses you already trust, do not click links from unexpected messages, and be careful with any request for payment by gift card or wire. Those reminders work for fake retail sites, missed package texts, and social media storefronts. They are simple, and they work across platforms. Inside the bureau, the focus remains on clear information. Business Profiles show complaint patterns and company responses in context. A single incident does not define a firm, and a strong pattern does not get buried by anecdotes. People can see how a company handled a hard moment, which is often the best test of service. Businesses can point to the record when they improve a policy or resolve a complicated case. The dispute process sets expectations for both sides. A complaint that meets acceptance rules is sent to the business with a timeline for a response. The bureau encourages specific, dated replies and attachments that support the facts. Some matters close with a documented plan, and the result appears on the profile. The goal is not to assign blame; it is to make the record clear so future buyers can choose with confidence. Education programs build on that record. Staff translate seasonal risks into quick guides that fit a busy day. Before holidays, messages focus on online shopping habits and charity research. During storm repair seasons, the guidance turns to written estimates, staged payments, and change orders. Over time, these reminders become habits. When the habits are shared by consumers and businesses, disputes tend to get smaller. The statewide structure also supports consistency. Training for business responses, acceptance policies, and timelines can be aligned across both offices. A consumer in Detroit sees the same process as a consumer in Grand Rapids. A small company in Traverse City learns the same steps for posting clear refund terms as a larger firm near Kalamazoo. Consistency in information and process is what turns a large service area into a single marketplace. Frohnapfel’s background in finance informs the tone. Conversations center on operations rather than slogans. A faster response to a complaint lowers frustration for everyone involved. These are simple adjustments that fit tight schedules and thin margins. They are also the moves that, over time, build stronger reputations. Media appearances out of West Michigan show how this lands with the public. Viewers hear concrete examples of impersonation scams and fake storefronts, then learn how to verify a site or a seller in minutes. That is the same approach the bureau uses in newsrooms across the state today. The advice is local, but the steps are universal: slow down, confirm, and keep a record. The merger did not change core services. People can still look up a business, file a complaint, and report a scam using the same web address they know. What did change is the scale. The bureau can compare patterns across a larger data set and share alerts that reach more people at once. It can also coordinate outreach with statewide partners and keep standards aligned in regions that used to operate separately. Day to day, the purpose has not moved. The BBB helps people see facts in public and follow a fair process when something goes wrong. Under Frohnapfel’s leadership, that promise is designed to feel the same in every part of Michigan. A profile reads the same way in Detroit as it does in Grand Rapids. A response expectation is the same in Marquette as it is in Holland. For most families and small firms, that consistency is the real value. The work continues as the market shifts. New payment tools and online platforms will change the look of scams and the speed of complaints. The response stays familiar. Keep the information public, keep the process clear, and repeat the habits that help people make better choices. With a single bureau serving the entire state, those habits can spread faster and help more people.
Consistency ininformation and process iswhat turns alarge servicearea intoa single marketplace.
Frohnapfel’s earlier interviews help explain her approach. She talks about avoiding fraud with steps that are easy to repeat. Type in web addresses you already trust, do not click links from unexpected messages, and be careful with any request for payment by gift card or wire. Those reminders work for fake retail sites, missed package texts, and social media storefronts. They are simple, and they work across platforms.Inside the bureau, the focus remains on clear information...
Stopping Commercial Roof Leaks Before They Spread
Commercial roof leaks are more than just an inconvenience; they can quickly escalate into costly problems if left unattended. Identifying and repairing these leaks early helps protect your building from extensive water damage, mold, and structural deterioration. Understanding the common causes and
proper ways to address them can save building owners significant expense and extend the lifespan of their roofs.Leaks in commercial roofs usually originate from common issues such as torn seams, punctured membranes, or failing flashing. These issues are often a result of weather exposure, improper
8 | HelloDetroit, Michigan • Winter Issue
Stopping Commercial Roof Leaks Before They Spread
Commercial roof leaks are more than just an inconvenience; they can quickly escalate into costly problems if left unattended. Identifying and repairing these leaks early helps protect your building from extensive water damage, mold, and structural deterioration. Understanding the common causes and proper ways to address them can save building owners significant expense and extend the lifespan of their roofs. Leaks in commercial roofs usually originate from common issues such as torn seams, punctured membranes, or failing flashing. These issues are often a result of weather exposure, improper installation, or simply wear and tear over time. Roof leaks may initially appear minor, with water stains or dripping ceilings, but these seemingly small signs can indicate much larger problems beneath the surface. When a leak is suspected or observed, the first step is always a comprehensive inspection. Proper inspection involves more than just looking for visible water. Roofing professionals use specialized tools and techniques to thoroughly evaluate the condition of the roof and pinpoint the exact source of the leak. Infrared thermal imaging, moisture detection devices, and physical examinations are common practices that ensure an accurate diagnosis of the roof’s condition. Early detection and timely repairs prevent minor leaks from becoming major structural problems. Repairing commercial roof leaks typically involves one of several proven methods. For torn seams, roofing professionals often use specialized adhesives or hot-air welding techniques to re-seal the roof material. In cases of punctures, professionals apply reinforced patches that integrate seamlessly into the existing roofing system, maintaining structural integrity and waterproof protection. Failed flashing, which commonly occurs around roof edges or HVAC units, is usually replaced entirely to restore a complete, leak-proof barrier. While addressing existing leaks is critical, preventative maintenance is equally important. Regular roof inspections, at least twice annually, allow for early identification of potential problems before they become costly leaks. Additionally, routine maintenance tasks, such as clearing drains and gutters, removing debris, and checking for early signs of wear, significantly decrease the risk of leaks developing in the first place. Using high-quality, industry-leading materials and techniques makes a considerable difference in the longevity of a repair. Materials specifically designed for commercial roofing applications, such as single-ply membranes or modified bitumen systems, provide superior resistance to environmental factors like UV radiation, temperature fluctuations, and moisture. Professional-grade sealants and adhesives further enhance the durability and effectiveness of the repair. Beyond immediate repair, building owners often consider the overall health of their roofing systems. Sometimes, repeated leaks indicate that the roof is nearing the end of its useful life. In such cases, a full evaluation by a professional roofer helps determine if a roof replacement or restoration is more appropriate than ongoing patchwork repairs. Roof restoration techniques, such as coatings or overlays, can extend the life of a roof significantly, providing a cost-effective alternative to full replacement in certain circumstances. In summary, addressing commercial roof leaks promptly and professionally prevents small issues from becoming larger, more expensive ones. Building owners who invest in regular inspections and proper maintenance not only protect their property but also ensure the long-term performance of their commercial roofs. By taking these steps, commercial roofs can continue to serve their intended purpose effectively for many years.
Jonas Brenneman
inspection involves more than just looking for visible water. Roofing professionals use specialized tools and techniques to thoroughly evaluate the condition of the roof and pinpoint the exact source of the leak. Infrared thermal imaging, moisture detection devices, and physical examinations are common practices that ensure an accurate diagnosis of the roof’s condition.Early detection and timely repairs prevent minor leaks from becoming major structural problems.Repairing commercial roof leaks typically involves one of several proven methods. For torn seams, roofing professionals often use specialized adhesives or hot-air...
installation, or simply wear and tear over time. Roof leaks may initially appear minor, with water stains or dripping ceilings, but these seemingly small signs can indicate much larger problems beneath the surface.When a leak is suspected or observed, the first step is always a comprehensive inspection. Proper
Early detection and timely repairs prevent minor leaks from becoming major structural problems.
About the Author
Jonas Brenneman is the owner and operator of Lakeside Commercial Roofing, a Christian company grounded in the Amish tradition of high-quality craftsmanship. With over 30 years of industry experience, Jonas specializes in flat and low-slope commercial roof repair, restoration, and maintenance—providing durable, energy-efficient solutions tailored to each client’s needs.
