Express Player to be Part of ODP State Team!

Express player, 15 year old Eliza VandeKerkhove, has been selected to be on the 94 ODP State Team. In addition to the 94 Express girls, Eliza also plays on her high school team, the Pinckney Pirates. When asked abour her reaction to making the team, Eliza replied "I can't believe I get to play on a team with the best players in the state! I couldn't be happier." Congratulations, Eliza!

Express 98 White Top 2 of Division

The U12 girls white team finished 2nd in D1 this winter in session 1 of indoor play at Total Soccer Novi. The team, pictured here with this past fall with their coaches, went undefeated with a record of 6-0-2. Go Express!

U19 Girls Finish Strong!

The U19 Girls won the Premier Open Division this fall with a record of 10-2. During the last 2 weekends of the season they came from behind in the standings and beat two teams to take the title! Coach Jay Louis-Prescott states "I'm very proud of this group." Congratulations to all!

Express 99 & Express 97 Girls Make Statement In Sylvania!

Express 97 Black won the U13 Girls Gold Division in Sylvania, Ohio October 24-25, and the Express 99 Black (photo below) were finalists in the U11 Girls Gold team as well. Both teams are headed up by Express coach by Rob Barnes. Excellent job and congrats to all!

October Sponsor of the Month-YUMMMY!

Ritter's Frozen Custard has been recognized as Sponsor of the Month for their support of Michigan Express FC events and families. Be sure to stop by the shoppe on east Grand River in Brighton for a yummy treat. Teams that visit Ritters in uniform following games will receive a 20% discount! Read more about the local family that owns and operates this business in the article below. Thanks Ritter's and GO EXPRESS!

Do you and your husband own/work in the store?
Brent and I own the shoppe and I work at the Brighton and Livonia shoppes.
What are your backgrounds?
We both graduated from Purdue University. I actually have a teaching degree and Brent works for GM in International Sales.
What made you decide to start a frozen custard shop?
We wanted to start some kind of business that did not involve early morning hours or very late hours. We were introduced to Ritter's back in 1999 and fell in love with the ice cream. We knew there was nothing like this in Michigan so we took the leap and started the first Michigan Ritter's in May of 2000.
How long has Ritter’s been in Brighton?
Ritter's opened on May 3, 2000.
How many people are in your family? Do they work at the store?
We have two sons, Luke age 10 and Kyle age 18. Kyle works in the store regularly and Luke works when he has to be at the store with me! He loves working at Ritter's and is great with the customers.
How many employees do you have?
The number of employees varies throughout the season. In the winter and early spring we may only have about 4-6 employees. During the peak time, April - September we usually have about 20.
What are some of your family's favorite menu items?
M & M Glaciers, Vanilla Shakes, Mango Italian Ice, Hot Fudge Peanut Butter Sundae, and more!
Where is Ritter’s based?
Originally, Ritter's Franchise headquarters was based in Indianapolis, IN. However, about a year or two ago they were purchased by a company out of New York.
In the summer months, how much frozen custard to you sell on a busy day or week?
Hundreds of gallons.
Do you have any menu items or custard flavors unique to your store?
Turtle Somethin' flavor, Tiramisu flavor, chocolate covered banana flavor, and Pumpkin flavor. Mint Chocolate Chip Smoothie, Peanut Butter Fudge Mountain Sundae and worms and dirt sundae for kids.
What can we look forward to over the winter months from Ritters?
We will have a new smoothie called a Gingerbread Smoothie, our fabulous peppermint crunch flavor, as well as pies and cakes. We are open all winter, just come by and use our drive thru window.
Next year?
New flavors to try and a warmer summer with rain only at night!

Express Girls at Ohio Premier Soccer Tournament

Express 98 has some fun before a game at the OP Invitational in Dublin, Ohio on September 20, 2009.

Quickstitch Follows Quick Path to Success in Brighton

Quickstitch Embroidery is co-owned by Barb Whims and Sue O’Brien. They recently re-located to their new location on East Grand River in Brighton. Their business provides embroidered and printed spiritwear for the Livingston County area. The ladies are long time county residents and have raised their families in Brighton. Read on for more information about this valued sponsor.

How did the two of you meet? When did you start your business?
"We met while working together at Brighton Area Schools. Started the business in 2001."

What are your backgrounds?
Sue-accounting
Barb-sales

How did Quickstitch get started? How has it changed and grown?
"Quick Stitch Embroidery started in Sue's home. It has grown from a home based business to additional machines, adding in-house screen printing and acquiring another company's customer base."

You look like you have managed to weather the storm of Michigan’s economy. What has enabled you to do this when other businesses are struggling right now?
"Brighton parents and kids love their spirit wear. We have been fortunate to sell to area schools and be their spirit wear supplier."

What is your vision of the future for Quickstitch?
"To continue to grow and maintain a good reputation with all of our customers."

What is your favorite part about owning and operating your own business?
"Being able to have the freedom to watch our children play their sports and helping each other cover for one another."

Anything else?
"Being your own boss helps!"

Thanks to Barb and Sue. Be sure to stop in their store and say hello. Check our sponsor page for contact info and address.

Quickstitch September Sponsor of the Month

Barb works with a customer in the showroom of their new location across from Kroger's, on Grand River, in Brighton.

2009 Powerade Action-Express 97 Win It All!

The U13 boys Express team provided nail-biting action, under the direction of coaches Jose Lopez and Mike Howell, to win their bracket at the 2009 Powerade Invitational Tournament. The team won a close match in overtime and shootouts, beating Meteors 97 for the title.

92 Express Win TNT!

Express 92 girls win U18 bracket at the 2009 Michigan Challenge Cup, Coach Louis-Prescott says the girls are playing great and have a promising season ahead. Go Express!

99 Express Take it All!

The U10 girls black team after winning the championship at the
2009 Pacesetter Soccer Invitational in Sylvania, OH.
Way to go Express!

00 Express Black Takes 1st place at Midland 2009!

2000 Express girls which Coach Redman after winning their division on Mother's Day weekend in Midland.

92 Michigan Express Division Finalist at Nike Challenge Cup

The 92 Michigan Express were division finalists at the Nike Challenge Cup held in Dublin, OH on April 25-26, 2009. The Express fell short in a shoot-out following a double overtime championship game stalemate.
Go to the 92 Express boys team page for a photo!

98 Girls Win It All in Midland

98 Express celebrate winning their division Mother's Day weekend in Midland.