In this episode of the ROCC Pod, we sit down with Benson Onyegbula, a first-generation Nigerian-American who shares his transition from finance into real estate and the lessons he's learned along the way. We begin by exploring how Benson's early curiosity and drive landed him mentorships with top executives at Trion Solutions while still a junior at Oakland University. That curiosity paid off when a financial advisor offered him a job post-graduation, sparking his initial passion for the financial world.

Benson describes how he dove into finance, earning multiple licenses and working with Ameriprise, where he advised small and mid-sized companies on retirement planning and tax-efficient strategies. His work not only provided insight into the financial structures of companies but also highlighted how many successful clients held significant real estate assets. That realization pushed him to start investing in real estate himself.

He first dipped his toes into single-family properties but quickly saw the long-term value of multifamily investments, thanks to the guidance of his mentor, Brittany. Her example—transforming a boutique motel on Mackinac Island into a million-dollar asset via Airbnb—illustrated the power of leveraging net operating income to build wealth. So Benson began expanding his knowledge base through platforms like the BiggerPockets podcast and STR Wealth, all while continuing to be a networking machine.

We talk about the importance of mentorship, and Benson shares how a chance meeting at an open house led to his current mentor. Their first conversation around rental arbitrage—a strategy where you lease properties for the purpose of short-term rentals—set the tone for a lasting business relationship. He credits this mentorship, along with a trusted network of subject matter experts including mortgage brokers, CPAs, and title companies, for giving him a strong foundation in his new career.

Now licensed with Hub Real Estate Solutions in Plymouth, Benson has officially transitioned to full-time real estate consulting. He emphasizes how his financial background helps him offer a holistic perspective to clients, especially in retirement planning involving real estate. Outside of work, Benson enjoys being in nature, particularly in places like Cranbrook Gardens and downtown Royal Oak, and he’s a fan of real estate TV shows—even if they take some creative liberties.

Throughout the episode, we highlight the importance of mentorship, initiative, and strategic investment planning—reminding listeners that curiosity and courage can open the door to life-changing opportunities.

More:

BiggerPockets: https://www.biggerpockets.com

STR Wealth Conference: https://www.strwealthconference.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 Century 21 Northland - http://soldbylisab.com/

In this episode of the ROCC Pod, we sit down with Chance Jennings from Tittle Brothers Construction. We kick things off by discussing a major highlight for Tittle Brothers: being an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor, a prestigious designation held by only about 15 companies nationwide. This certification ensures homeowners’ warranties are backed by Owens Corning, even if anything happens to the original contractor.

Chance shares a bit about his personal life, including the excitement of expecting his second child in October and the joys of parenting his four-year-old daughter. We also learn about his passion project—visiting all 30 Major League Baseball stadiums. So far, he’s visited three parks and hopes to squeeze in more trips before the new baby arrives.

We move into Chance’s role as the Marketing Manager for Tittle Brothers, where he’s been for five years. He tells us about the variety of services Tittle Brothers offers, including roofing, siding, gutters, masonry, additions, decks, and overhangs. Roofing projects can usually be completed within a day, while more extensive work like additions or bathrooms takes longer. Currently, roofing projects are scheduled about two weeks out, siding about two to three months, and bathrooms are booked through the end of the year.

We highlight the value Tittle Brothers brings to homeowners, especially with their financing options, which make large repairs more accessible without heavy upfront costs. Chance explains how their referral program can even help offset loan payments. He also stresses that waiting for home improvement costs to drop is rarely a winning strategy, especially in the post-COVID economy where prices tend to only climb.

Tittle Brothers has expanded with a second location in Berkley, Michigan, complementing their Brownstown office. He shares current promotions like 50% off roofing labor and $2,000 off full siding or window jobs. Their service area extends about two hours from each office, covering a large portion of Michigan.

We also hear about this Ohio-native's love for Coney Island breakfast. It’s clear he’s embraced Michigan culture wholeheartedly. As Chance juggles work, family, and his ballpark quest, his commitment to quality construction and community shines through.

More: Tittle Brothers Construction: https://tittlebrothers.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 Century 21 Northland - http://soldbylisab.com/

This week's guests are Nick Dane and Jaime Rowland of Citizens State Bank, who now lead ROYAL, the Young Professionals group within the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce. They walk us through how the group has grown since the pandemic and what’s made that growth possible. We hear about how they were tapped as young leaders within Citizens State Bank (a proud Chamber member!) to help rejuvenate ROYAL and how that responsibility has aligned with their professional strengths—Nick in finance and lending, and Jaime in marketing and outreach.

Nick shares how his career took him from Michigan to a high-stakes finance job in New York before COVID shifted his priorities and brought him back home. Jaime reflects on how her passion for community-building and her role at CSB make her a natural fit for this kind of work. They both agree that the group has evolved quickly, learning on the fly, and seeing great results—monthly meetings are drawing strong attendance, and new faces regularly become familiar ones. Word-of-mouth momentum is strong, with people attending events without much promotion.

We also learn about the demographics of the group—primarily entrepreneurs, small business owners, salespeople, and Royal Oak professionals looking to expand their networks and give back. Events like the upcoming “Pitch and Mingle” baseball mixer (June 25) and the May 22 HopCat after-hours show how ROYAL mixes fun with networking. ROYAL is inclusive, welcoming, and easy to join. You don’t need a perfect pitch—just show up and plug into the network.

Throughout the conversation, we get a personal feel for Nick and Jaime—whether it’s Jaime missing her adult ninja gym days or Nick’s family legacy of competitive croquet. We end on a playful note with a zombie apocalypse question, where Nick leaves Jaime hanging!

Outside the apocalypse, though. these two are a team, committed to building a space for young professionals to grow, connect, and thrive in Royal Oak.

To get involved, email our guests:

Nick Dane: ndane@miscb.com

Jaime Rowland: JRowland@micsb.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 Century 21 Northland - http://soldbylisab.com/

In this episode of the ROCC Pod, we sit down with Christina DeGregory, an independent insurance broker with Health Markets, to talk through her journey from a biology major (!) to health insurance and how she’s using her science background to educate and empower clients. Christina shares that she holds a master’s in biological sciences and once worked as a teaching assistant in cell biology and microbiology. That experience, she explains, helped shape her ability to explain complex topics—like health insurance—in clear, simple terms. She’s now channeling that same teaching energy into her role as a broker, with a personal motto: “Insurance is hard, let me make it easier for you.”

We talk through how she transitioned out of academia and into insurance after facing a stagnant job market post-grad school. What drew her to this career was the opportunity to connect with people, educate them, and help them understand their options. As an independent broker, Christina runs her own business under the Health Markets umbrella, helping individuals find coverage through the Affordable Care Act. She explains open enrollment, special enrollment periods, and how certain life events can trigger eligibility to enroll outside the standard window.

We also touch on the most common challenges her clients face, such as confusion around deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums. Christina emphasizes her goal of making sure clients truly understand their coverage, payments, and what to expect in case of hospitalization or routine care. She works primarily with people who aren’t eligible for employer-sponsored insurance—1099 workers, part-time employees, or those in between jobs—and particularly helps those in lower-income brackets who may qualify for subsidized or even $0 monthly premium plans.

Christina also works with supplemental insurance like dental, vision, and indemnity plans that offer payouts for accidents, illnesses, or hospital stays. She outlines how these offerings can protect against crushing medical debt, especially for vulnerable populations. Soon, she’ll also be licensed in Medicare to help retirees navigate yet another complicated health care system.

Outside of work, Christina’s passionate about music and community. A long-time fan of Detroit’s EDM scene, she talks about attending Movement and Electric Forest every year. We also learn about her positive experience joining the Royal Oak Chamber and her love for being involved in local networking events.

Throughout the episode, it’s clear Christina brings not only technical knowledge to her work but also empathy, patience, and a genuine passion for helping people navigate the confusing world of health insurance.

Call Christina: 248-981-3610

Visit her website: https://www.healthmarkets.com/local-health-insurance-agent/cdegregory/

Or find her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christina_degregory/

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 Century 21 Northland - http://soldbylisab.com/

In this episode of the ROCC Pod, we sit down with Mark Friday of RJ Telecommunications to explore how his company has grown from a family-run operation to a full-scale managed service provider. Mark walks us through the company’s origins, starting in 1996 and his joining in 2004 as a teenager. Back then, RJ focused mainly on physical phone systems, but with the rise of VoIP and the decline of traditional systems like Nortel, the company evolved. By 2013, they were developing their own phone software and expanding into managed internet services, fiber, and network infrastructure.

We learn how this growth led RJ to become a true MSP, offering IT services, cybersecurity, and full network management while maintaining a commitment to transparency. Mark emphasizes his mission to grow honestly, in contrast to other IT vendors who often sell fear-based solutions or unnecessary services. His goal is to provide practical, effective, and affordable tech solutions—especially for fellow small businesses.

Mark also shares his experiences working with family, explaining that trust has been critical to the company’s culture and customer service. His older cousin, who once babysat him, now plays a key role in the business. As RJ has scaled from three to nine employees in just two years, he’s been able to delegate roles while ensuring the customer-first approach remains central to their work.

Looking ahead, Mark is focused on growing RJ’s presence in the IT space with integrity. He wants to build a team that can run day-to-day operations, freeing him up to engage more with the community, attend networking events, and explore interests in real estate investment. He shares his past ventures, including flipping a house and running a sandwich shop and video store before returning to RJ and becoming the sole owner.

We also touch on RJ’s approach to security camera installations, which is guided by customer needs and budget, avoiding one-size-fits-all solutions. Mark speaks positively about his experience with the Royal Oak Chamber and how its lively, supportive environment has helped RJ build local relationships.

You'll also find our how actor Donald Faison enters our conversation. More on him here:

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0265668

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donald_Faison

More on RJ Telecommunications: https://now.rj10.com/

Phone: 248-442-2100

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/RJ-Telecommunications-inc/61554279984531/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rj-telecommunications-inc/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rjtelecommunications/

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 Century 21 Northland - http://soldbylisab.com/

In this episode of the ROCC Pod, we sit down with Christine Scott from Paul Scott Plumbing to talk about her journey in the plumbing industry, the importance of clean water, and the value of careers in the trades. Christine shares how she transitioned from the car business to plumbing after meeting her husband, Paul, and how she eventually became a licensed journeyman and contractor to help run the family business. After Paul's passing in 2016, she took over operations, continuing the legacy with the help of her two sons, who are now licensed master plumbers.

We discuss the growing demand for skilled tradespeople and how plumbing offers a rewarding career path without the burden of student loan debt. Christine emphasizes the need for both men and women in the trades and actively mentors young professionals. She also highlights the importance of maintaining clean and safe water, referencing the ongoing presence of lead water lines in communities and the impact of the Flint water crisis. She advises homeowners to install water filtration systems, not just for drinking water but for household use as well.

Real estate plays a big role in plumbing concerns, and Lisa shares her experience with buyers who assume city water is always safe. Christine stresses the importance of sewer inspections before purchasing a home, as unexpected repairs can cost tens of thousands of dollars. She explains the value of sewer scopes, which Paul Scott Plumbing provides for $450, and preventative maintenance like hydro jetting to keep pipes clear.

Beyond plumbing, Christine shares her love for scuba diving, describing her experiences exploring the underwater world, including a recent trip to Hawaii where she swam with manta rays. We wrap up with a lighthearted fishbowl question about fashion trends, where Christine reveals her appreciation for vintage 50s styles.

Paul Scott Plumbing serves Oakland, Macomb, and parts of Wayne and Genesee counties, offering 24/7 emergency services. To contact them, visit www.paulscottplumbing.com or call (248) 547-9334.

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 Century 21 Northland - http://soldbylisab.com/

Today on The ROCC Pod, we sit down with Kyle Vandeventer from the Royal Oak Sandlot League to talk about baseball, softball, and community engagement. Kyle shares how the league, which has been a staple in Royal Oak since 1959, continues to provide affordable, high-quality youth sports opportunities for kids aged 4 to 18. With roughly 1,000 athletes participating annually, the league is powered entirely by volunteers dedicated to fostering a love for the game.

Kyle's journey into the league began when his then-four-year-old son wanted to play baseball. He initially signed up as an assistant coach, but after voicing concerns about areas that needed improvement, he was invited to step up and make changes himself. Four years later, he plays multiple roles, from coaching to managing registration, marketing, and social media.

A major focus for the league is keeping costs low while maintaining a high-quality experience. Registration fees start at just $60 for tee-ball and cap at $160 for older players. Sponsorships and fundraising efforts help keep expenses manageable, ensuring that all kids, regardless of financial background, have a chance to play. Businesses can sponsor teams, with their logos featured on jerseys that kids wear around town, offering great local exposure.

Beyond affordability, the league emphasizes three core principles: fun, safety, and learning. Starting kids as young as four allows them to develop fundamental skills and a love for the game early. The league also partners with the Royal Oak Leprechauns, giving players access to special events and games.

Kyle also shares his background in the beer industry, where he spent 15 years before transitioning to financial planning. He reflects on how fatherhood has taught him patience and laughs about his self-proclaimed Olympic-level laundry skills.

For those looking to get involved as sponsors, coaches, or volunteers, all information is available at royaloaksandlot.com. Registration for summer baseball is open until April 1, with late sign-ups accepted afterward. Practices start in late March or early April, with games running through July.

We wrap up with a fun discussion about balancing work, family, and volunteer commitments, and, of course, some hopeful thoughts about the upcoming Detroit Tigers season.

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 Century 21 Northland - http://soldbylisab.com/

Today, we sit down with Alex Bartell from Cinch I.T., a new Royal Oak Chamber member. Right away, Alex shares his unique talent for impressions, though he keeps them for in-person encounters—so if you see him at an event, be sure to ask! He also recounts a hilarious story of accidentally taking a ferry into Canada- you've got to hear this.

Moving into business, Alex explains that Cinch I.T. is a franchise, started by his partner Josh Fett. Josh initially sought sales team members but ultimately realized he needed a business strategist. That’s where Alex came in. Together, they’ve been working to expand the company by focusing on customer service first, believing that while technical skills can be taught, strong communication and problem-solving abilities set them apart.

Speed is another key factor. The industry average for IT response time is four hours, but Cinch I.T. boasts an impressive 11-minute average over the last three years. Their ideal client ranges from 10 to 100 employees, where they can offer either full-service IT support or co-managed services alongside existing IT teams. Beyond troubleshooting, they emphasize consulting, ensuring that IT strategies align with business growth plans.

Alex also shares ambitious goals for 2025, aiming to add 560 new users to their client base. The Chamber has already been a valuable resource, and he’s enjoyed engaging with its networking groups like ROYAL (young professionals) and N1.

For those interested in working with Alex and Cinch I.T., he’s active on LinkedIn and can be reached directly at alex.bartel@cinchit.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 Century 21 Northland - http://soldbylisab.com/