In July, we continued our popular Partners in Design event series with a visit from Jessie Stipcak. Our monthly Partners in Design events are a unique opportunity to welcome a wide range of local businesses, organizations, and community leaders to our Lansing, MI showroom to share their knowledge, experience, and products and services with our event participants. This has become a highlight of our calendar at McDaniels, attended by our team and members of the community. Through Partners in Design, we have been able to learn so much about everything our local area has to offer, from businesses to restaurants, volunteer opportunities, and more.
What Is Partners in Design?
For several years, McDaniels Kitchen and Bath has opened our doors to welcome local entrepreneurs, community leaders, and volunteer heroes to our Lansing, MI showroom. Design partners join us to share their unique business journey, insights into their business or organization, and their products or services. We have hosted a wide range of businesses and organizations, from art galleries to photo restoration services, restaurants, catering companies, landscaping businesses, and voluntary organizations.
Participants in our events experience an engaging presentation, giving them insights into our local area. Some presentations even include demonstrations or delicious samples! Some design partners even offer a range of their products for sale. Everyone who attends these events finds them interesting and fun, and we at McDaniels love hosting them.
Who Was Our July Design Partner?
In July, we hosted Jessie Stipcak. Jessie is an entrepreneur and community builder with a 30-year journey behind Reno’s Sports Bar. She has hosted the Michigan State Coaches’ Shows for 18 years and helped operate the Timber Ridge Golf Club. At our Partners in Design event, Jessie focused on her unique journey in community building, fundraising, and building partnerships through pickleball! Jessies shared her perspective and experience on why building community has always been her greatest business strategy.
What Happened at Our July Event?
Jessie’s presentation was as diverse and inspiring as her decades long career as an entrepreneur and community builder. In short, her presentation truly wowed everyone in attendance. When we introduced Jessie, we told the audience they may be tired at the end of her presentation after listening to her business ventures, community building events, and role as a local leader, and we really were! Jessie’s presentation was authentic and enthusiastic, and everyone left inspired by her story.
After telling us all about her 30-year journey behind Reno’s Sports Bar, including navigating challenges like COVID, she talked about her 18 years hosting and Michigan State Coaches’ Shows and her role with the Timber Ridge Golf Club. Jessie has faced highs and lows but learned at every turn the importance of community connections, pivoting when necessary, and continuously reinventing.
Some of the key points we learned during her presentation include:
- Challenge the system
- Work with the local community on initiatives
- Think beyond the restraints
- Be patient and persistent
- Build communities
- Be open to learning
- Work with mentors and be a mentor
- Networking is critical for business
- Connect and support others in all aspects of life
With pickleball, Jessie recognized a growing interest and saw the amazing health benefits early on in this trend. She worked to turn the trend into an ongoing community rather than a one-time promotion, hosting events that bring new audiences to Reno’s, creating opportunities for the community to gather, and giving back through event fundraising. We were all truly inspired by Jessie’s story, advice, and everything she continues to bring to our local community.
Here is a sneak peek at our August Partners in Design event!
In August, we look forward to welcoming Bob Matthiesen of Pop-Ity Popcorn Co to our Lansing, MI showroom for what we are sure will be a fun and delicious event. Join us on August 18, 2026, from 3 – 4:00 pm!