FOREFRONT FRIDAY: Patrick O’Keefe breaks down the Big Game numbers from an economic impact standpoint.

Optimism is a force multiplier.  There are many indications of that in life.  The Wall Street Journal recently covered the value of momentum or being in the zone in sporting events.  There is a certain positive force attributed to success… Continue Reading  

Tariffs are most talked about in business terms. It has affected the stock market and numerous industries. While the impact near term can be painful, the question is, are tariffs the new warfare? The U.S. has issued sanctions against Iran… Continue Reading  

I just got back from the Mackinac Conference. There was a lot of talk about collaboration, partnership, and working together. It didn’t matter if the topic was education, mobility, the auto industry or reviving Detroit. The problem was, it was… Continue Reading  

With the historic come-from-behind political victory of Trump and the overreaction of the liberal media to every move our president makes, 2017 should be quite a year. I am hopeful with our 3 branches of government, change will be slow,… Continue Reading  

The attractiveness of low interest rates, long maturities and high loan to value is often times a developer’s dream. The CMBS market provides these attributes which can entice property owners. The structure of the servicing of CMBS loans is two… Continue Reading  

With the latest round of international events (terrorist activity and BREXIT) creating financial uncertainty, we see a scenario where liquidity in the marketplace may become tight. We are currently advising clients to tie up their capital sources for longer term… Continue Reading  

I was in Frankfort Saturday attending a funeral of a friend. The ceremony was in a simple church in a field. Very simple. The church was packed with old fraternity brothers, fellow board members, parishioners, neighbors, family, and friends. I… Continue Reading  

Too funny as this was mentioned in Crain’s this last week. The shocked look of the E-Trade baby as his buddy Frank is scratching lottery tickets as part of his retirement plan comes to mind. I am sure the E-Trade… Continue Reading  

We have just finished hosting our 4th Annual Middle Market Forum which was attended in Troy and Grand Rapids by bankers, advisors, attorneys, and business owners. Special thanks to our partners President Pretty and Dr. Tim Nash from Northwood University… Continue Reading