New (NU) Ideas with Patrick McElgunn

On this episode of the Max Loves Midland Show, Kevin LaDuke sits down with Patrick McElgunn, director of the Alden B. Dow Center for Creativity and Enterprise at Northwood University, to talk about entrepreneurship, placemaking, family life, and why Midland continues to be a community worth investing in. Patrick reflects on growing up in Midland, leaving, and ultimately finding his way back to build a life with his wife Shannon and their three children. Along the way, he shares how his journey took him from coaching lacrosse and launching a basement equipment business to supporting entrepreneurs through the Small Business Development Center, co-owning Grove Tea Lounge, and now helping students and community members bring ideas to life through the Northwood Idea Center. The conversation also explores the impact of the MYPros Community Crowdfund, the importance of creating welcoming third spaces, and Patrick’s hope that future generations will see Midland not as a place to leave behind, but as a place to return to, invest in, and help shape for years to come.