In this episode of the ROCC Pod, we interview Jordan Burns, owner of Honest Insurance Brokers, who takes us through his journey in the insurance industry, starting with how he launched and sold his first business during the pandemic. Jordan shares how he moved from life insurance and financial advising into property and casualty insurance, eventually deciding to strike out on his own, driven by a desire to offer more personalized services to a wider range of clients.

Jordan explains the difference between insurance agents and brokers, emphasizing how brokers can work with multiple carriers, giving clients better options for home, auto, and other types of coverage. This flexibility sets him apart, allowing him to tailor policies based on individual needs and avoid the "auto-renewal trap" many consumers fall into. He describes his approach to educating clients by presenting them with a few different coverage options and walking them through each one. This transparency is a core part of his business philosophy, which is reflected in the company name, Honest Insurance Brokers.

We also dive into important topics like when to make a claim and the implications it can have on future premiums. Jordan emphasizes the importance of consulting with an agent before filing a claim, as many people regret filing small claims when the payout doesn’t justify the potential increase in premiums. He also talks about the CLUE report, a tool used in real estate to check prior insurance claims on a home—a crucial step for homebuyers to avoid surprises.

Toward the end of the episode, Jordan touches on Michigan's complicated car insurance laws and the significance of Qualified Healthcare Coverage (QHC), which can allow drivers to opt out of some auto insurance coverage and save money. He shares insights into how to navigate the crowded insurance market, pointing out that while big companies advertise to build brand awareness, lesser-known carriers might offer better rates because they don't spend as much on advertising.

In addition to his business insights, Jordan is deeply involved in his community. He’s been instrumental in the Young Professionals Group within the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce, fostering networking opportunities for young professionals in the area.

Honest Insurance Brokers - honestinsurancebrokers.com

Learn more about the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce: https://www.royaloakchamber.com/

Connect with our hosts:

Jon Gay from JAG in Detroit Podcasts - http://www.jagindetroit.com/

Lisa Bibbee from Keller Williams - http://soldbylisab.com/

In this episode of the ROCC Pod, we sit down with Siri Pipat, the owner of Kacha Thai Market, to discuss her passion for authentic Thai food, her restaurant’s unique concept, and her experiences as part of the Royal Oak community.

Siri shares her personal journey of moving to the U.S. over 20 years ago and her struggle to find Thai food that matched the flavors she grew up with. That challenge inspired her to create Kacha Thai Market, a restaurant focused on bringing authentic Thai street food to Michigan while incorporating local ingredients. She emphasizes the importance of using fresh, local produce and meats while still importing essential Thai ingredients, like tamarind and palm sugar, to maintain authenticity.

One of Kacha Thai Market’s standout dishes is their Pad Thai wrapped in a delicate omelet, a unique offering inspired by a Michelin-starred restaurant in Thailand. Siri takes pride in offering a dish that’s both visually stunning and true to Thai culinary traditions, something rare to find in the U.S.

Beyond serving food, Siri is passionate about fostering connections between different cultures and communities. She’s actively involved in local chamber events and has collaborated with other ethnic restaurants for special cultural nights. Siri also uses her platform to educate others about Thai history and food, including how certain dishes came to represent Thai national identity.

Siri also touches on the importance of social media marketing in the competitive restaurant industry. She’s still learning the ropes of social media but leverages influencers to promote her restaurant. She envisions Kacha Thai Market as more than just a place to eat—it’s a small taste of Thailand, brought to life through authentic flavors, cultural decor, and community engagement.

As the conversation winds down, Siri mentions her future plans, including promoting Thai culture further and continuing to innovate her offerings. She also assures listeners that her restaurant caters to a wide range of dietary needs, including vegan and halal options, ensuring that everyone can experience the rich flavors of Thailand.

Kacha Thai Market: kachathaimarket.com

Learn more about the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce: https://www.royaloakchamber.com/

Connect with our hosts:

Jon Gay from JAG in Detroit Podcasts - http://www.jagindetroit.com/

Lisa Bibbee from Keller Williams - http://soldbylisab.com/

In this episode of the ROCC Pod, we dive into the musical world of the Royal Oak Concert Band and the Woodward Avenue Jazz Orchestra. Jon Gay and Lisa Bibbee host Kevin Czarnik, the director of the Royal Oak Concert Band, and Jim Cann, the director of the Woodward Avenue Jazz Orchestra. They do have very different backgrounds. Kevin is a music teacher who works with students of all ages. Jim, an engineer-turned-musician, talks about his passion for music, his role in the jazz orchestra, and how he transitioned from a career in manufacturing automation to leading a big band.

The discussion highlights the rich history and community presence of both musical groups. The Royal Oak Concert Band, established in the 1960s, continues to bring together volunteer musicians to perform a diverse repertoire, from classic marches to contemporary pieces. The Woodward Avenue Jazz Orchestra, a subset of the concert band, specializes in big band jazz, playing everything from Glenn Miller to more modern arrangements. Both groups emphasize the importance of community music and how it provides a creative outlet for people of all ages and backgrounds.

We preview upcoming performances, including a concert themed "Color Your World," featuring music with color-inspired themes and a special collaboration with the Madrigal Chorale for their holiday concert. Jim and Kevin reflect on memorable past performances, such as their popular holiday show featuring Santa Claus and a choir.

Royal Oak Concert Band and Woodward Avenue Jazz Orchestra Website: https://www.royaloakconcertband.org/

Ticket info, including October 27th's Show, Color Your World: https://www.royaloakconcertband.org/tickets

New member application form: https://www.royaloakconcertband.org/join-us

Learn more about the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce: https://www.royaloakchamber.com/

Connect with our hosts:

Jon Gay from JAG in Detroit Podcasts - http://www.jagindetroit.com/

Lisa Bibbee from Keller Williams - http://soldbylisab.com/