Meet Erica Pietrzyk, Founder of Pietrzyk Pierogi, where classic Polish flavors meet bold, creative twists.
In this quick Q&A, she breaks down:
• What inspired her to start her business
• The moment she knew it could truly succeed
• Why Michigan was the perfect place to bring her vision to life
This is more than food. It is culture, passion, and entrepreneurship coming together in the most delicious way.
Produced with support from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, spotlighting the leaders bringing Michigan’s stories to the world.
#MakeItinMichigan #StartUpTV
Behind the scenes with the owners of Charmys Market for Season 14 of START UP.
Sherry and Rezi’s story is one of resilience, sacrifice, and love. After building a life and business together in Tehran, Iran, they were forced to make an unimaginable decision: leave everything behind in search of safety and freedom.
Now in Columbus, they’ve created Charmys Market, a beautiful specialty grocery store inspired by the restaurant they once owned back home. Their journey is a powerful reminder that at the heart of it all, people simply want love, acceptance, community, and the ability to live authentically.
This shoot was emotional, inspiring, and unforgettable. We cannot wait to share their story with you this fall.
#StartUpTV
Behind the scenes with Logan of Best Dam Tape for Season 14 of START UP.
After dedicating his life to hockey and chasing a future in the NHL, Logan found himself ready for a new path. What started as a conversation with his dad turned into Best Dam Tape, a brand now making waves with NHL teams, youth leagues, and a retail partnership.
An incredible day with Logan and his family, plus Gary got the chance to hit the ice for a little hockey himself. Stay tuned for this inspiring episode coming this fall!
#StartUpTV
Behind the scenes with Megan of Makers Social for Season 14 of START UP.
What started with a passion for art and creativity evolved into a one-of-a-kind space where crafting, community, and great experiences all come together. Megan turned her vision into something truly special with Makers Social, and it’s easy to see why people love this place.
If you caught her making waves on Shark Tank earlier this year, then you already know she’s one to watch. Stay tuned to hear her full story this fall on START UP!
#StartUpTV
Behind the scenes with the team at Replenish for Season 14 of START UP.
Today’s conversations centered around something so many people are feeling right now, loneliness, disconnection, and the importance of genuine community. The owners of ‘Replenish’ are creating intentional spaces that bring people back together and remind us of the power of human connection.
Stay tuned to watch this meaningful story this fall.
#StartUpTV
Behind the scenes with Nathan and David of Restalgic for Season 14 of START UP.
If you’re in the Columbus, Ohio area, be sure to stop by and show them some love, otherwise, don’t miss this episode coming this fall. It’s one you’ll want to watch!
#StartUpTV
Behind the scenes with Lauren of Girls Gone Raw for Season 14 of START UP.
After facing the heartbreaking reality of her dogs’ health struggles, Lauren trusted her instincts and set out to create a better way to nourish our pets. What started as a personal mission has grown into a powerful movement around pet wellness and transparency in the industry. This episode explores the conversation around what we’re really feeding our pets and why it matters.
Another Season 14 episode wrapped! Stay tuned for more!
#StartUpTV
A throwback to where it all began 14 years ago. Pictured here is host Gary Bredow at one of the very first stops, marking the start of a journey built on telling the stories of small business owners across the country.
What started with passion, curiosity, and a willingness to learn has grown into something truly impactful.
Now, as Season 14 begins production in Columbus, the mission continues, highlighting the resilience, innovation, and success of entrepreneurs everywhere.
#StartUpTV #TBT
Did you know…
82% of small businesses don’t fail because of bad ideas… they fail because of cash flow problems.
You can have the perfect brand, a great product, and loyal customers, but if your money isn’t managed properly, your business won’t survive.
It’s not your idea, it’s your money management.
If you’re building a business right now, this is your reminder to:
• Know your numbers
• Track your cash flow
• Plan ahead (not just for growth, but for slow seasons too)
• Build a cushion so you’re not operating in survival mode
The businesses that last? They don’t just make money, they manage it well.
📌 Be sure to save this for later
#StartUpTV
Running a private school is more than a passion, it’s a serious financial commitment.
In this clip from Season 10, Episode 12, Ayana Abdul-Raheem shares the financial realities behind building Timbuk2 Academy, a space dedicated to empowering girls and young women through education, arts, and personal development.
If you’ve ever considered starting a school or wondered what it really takes, this is a must watch.
Click the link in our stories to watch the full episode.
#StartUpTV #Timbuk2Academy
Meet @rachelnelson_444 , Founder & CEO of @concetti.studio .
She tells us:
• The #1 design mistake customers make (and how to fix it)
• The craziest project she’s ever taken on
• Why she chose Michigan to build her business
• And the bonus question, what truly inspires her creativity
If you love beautiful spaces or dream of building something of your own… this one’s for you.
Produced with support from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, spotlighting the creatives putting Michigan on the map.
#MakeItinMichigan #StartUpTV
Success doesn’t look the same for everyone… and that’s the point.
In this clip from START UP Season 5, Episode 7, Jeremiah Newton, founder of The Bearded Bastard, shares his raw and personal definition of what it truly means to succeed, beyond money and beyond status.
Built by hand in Austin, his journey is a reminder that success is about creating a life that aligns with who you are.
Tap into this story to get inspired.
Click the link in our stories to watch the full episode.
#StartUpTV #BeardedBastard
