Member Spotlight: Ink Tees
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Ink Tees and TradeFirst: Turning custom apparel into new customers, preserved cash, and lasting business relationships Shawn McFaul, OwnerMember Since 4/2025 Ink Tees and TradeFirst: Printing New Customers, Cash Savings, and Lasting Business Growth Ink Tees Custom T‑shirts uses high-quality custom apparel to help businesses, teams, and events stand out with branded gear that […]
Member Spotlight: Adams Street Publishing Co
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Adams Street Publishing and TradeFirst: Turning excess inventory capacity Into real business growth. Collette Jacobs, PublisherMember Since 8/2000 We have enjoyed our relationship with TradeFirst.com since 2000. Adams Street Publishing has enjoyed our relationship with TradeFirst.com since 2000. They help us attract new advertisers and understand our face-paced environment. We work closely with […]
Member Spotlight: Leo Marks Jewelers
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Leo Marks and TradeFirst: Turning Everyday Spending Into Lasting Value for Business and Community Sarah Stack, VP of Sales & ServiceMember Since 5/1982 TradeFirst helps Leo Marks Jewelers turn every purchase into new value, stronger relationships, and deeper support for local small businesses. Leo Marks Jewelers is a trusted, family-focused jewelry store known […]
Member Spotlight: Number One Transmissions, Inc
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Number One Transmissions, Inc and TradeFirst: a smart partnership turning shop capacity into customers and savings. Christopher Koulouvaris, OwnerMember Since 1/2023 Member Spotlight: Christopher Koulouvaris – Oakland Park, FL For more than three years, TradeFirst member Christopher Koulouvaris has been putting the power of barter to work for his business in Oakland Park, Florida. By […]
Member Spotlight: Bassett Nut Co
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Bassett Nut Co and TradeFirst: Turning smart spending, gifting, and connections into sweet, sustainable business growth Rachel Marciniak-Matthews, OwnerMember Since 5/2022 Bassett Nut Co and TradeFirst: Sweet Success Through Smart Spending and Lasting Connections Bassett Nut Co and Rachel Michael’s Gourmet Popcorn in Toledo, Ohio specialize in gourmet nuts and popcorn, offering thoughtful gifts […]
Michigan Small Business Owners: The Rules of Survival Have Changed in 2026
Rising costs, tighter cash flow, and economic uncertainty are forcing Southeast Michigan business owners to rethink growth. The smartest companies are finding value in assets they already have. Michigan business owners do not need another lecture about inflation, taxes, or uncertainty. You feel it every day: slower buying decisions, rising vendor costs, tighter margins, and […]
Member Spotlight: AMG Stone
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT AMG Stone and TradeFirst: Turning new connections and referrals into lasting business growth Jeff Nadel & Beth Nadel, AMG StoneMember Since 10/2022 AMG Stone and TradeFirst: Building Business Growth One Connection at a Time AMG Stone, based in Boca Raton, Florida, provides quality stone products and services to homeowners and businesses seeking durable, beautiful surfaces. As […]
Member Spotlight: Jax Kar Wash
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Jax Kar Wash and TradeFirst: Driving Growth with Every Wash Sarah Stack, VP of Sales & ServiceMember Since 5/1982 Turning every wash into new growth, stronger teams, and bigger community impact. Jax Kar Wash is a long-time TradeFirst member and a leading car wash brand serving communities across Michigan and beyond. With decades […]
Stop Chasing Leads. Trade Smarter Instead.
Most business owners think they need more leads. But if you’ve ever felt like you’re working harder just to stay in the same place, here’s a truth that may surprise you: you probably already have enough demand — you just need a better way to capture it. Every day, revenue slips through the cracks in small ways — a […]
$1.3 Billion Wasn’t Enough
It’s Not Luck. It’s Strategy. FAT Brands just filed for bankruptcy with $1.3 billion in debt and only $2.1 million in cash. Their stock crashed 45%. Independent restaurants are thriving. Here’s why. Stop spending cash on things you can trade for. TradeFirst members barter 60% of routine expenses—marketing, accounting, supplies—preserving cash for rent and payroll. Your […]