April 2025

Not only does the start of Spring signal the end of Winter, but for the team and I, we agreed it’s really the start of Summer. Let’s be real, in Michigan, as soon as the days are sunny and temperatures consistently stay above the 60-degree mark, Summer has arrived.

In my humble opinion, summers in Michigan are the best. The days are warm and sunny and the evenings cool and clear. I know we aren’t the only ones who start thinking about summer getaways when the weather begins to change. It is our reward for persevering through winter.

On our team, and also one of the philosophies of Raymond James, is work, work, play. Not only do we work hard, but taking time to get-away, decompress and enjoy life is just as important to our physical and mental health as the food we eat and exercise we do. On our team there are so many favorite destinations within the mitten that we thought we’d share our favorites.

Nina Sanchez, Client Service Associate, mentioned how much she loves going to Gladwin. Not only is it a northbound destination towards the thumb region, but it is a great escape from the day-to-day hustle of raising a family of boys. Not only does she get a well needed visit with her mom, but well spent family time for all ages can be rejuvenating.

Jodi Harrison, Business Manager, travels to the Porcupine Mountains in the western UP. If you haven’t been there, plan a trip as Jodi will tell you, it is absolutely beautiful. There are lots of places to hike, seek waterfalls and enjoy the wonderful outdoors. It has become a regular retreat for her and her husband each year.

Mike Tangalakis, Financial Advisor, enjoys a good baseball game to really spark summer fever. While partial to the Detroit Tigers, of course, you can also catch him enjoying a Cubs game at Wrigley Field on occasion. Let’s face it, who can resist the crack of a bat, the smell of hot dogs and beer, and an out of key rendition of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” sung during the 7^th inning stretch.

Cliff Mulder, Managing Director, would choose the Leelanau area as his summer Michigan favorite. They have a family trip planned each year in the region with many outdoor activities to enjoy from kayaking to going to the beach, to family Olympics. Not to mention wine tasting for adults. He has had this annual family trip going back for 33 years. It is a tradition his mom started all those years ago!

For me, I can’t say there is one destination I like best, but more so the people I spend it with. Each summer, my family too, takes a summer vacation near the lakeshore in Southwest Michigan. We call it a forced holiday so our family spends time together. The company is good, the location is relaxing, and we have activities planned for the little ones to the grown-ups. It’s the next best thing to bonfires in our backyard watching the stars with our grandkids.

Creating memories that will last a lifetime is the crux of all of our favorite places to go. The place is a conduit to the fun we create. How do you like to spend your summers? Is there a location you enjoy or people you are with? What makes summer special for you?