Story by Sherrad Glosson
Photography by Bernie Laframboise
Jodi Knittel, owner of Tangerine Road, prides herself in finding the true gift people have inside of them, and bringing it into fruition. A certified facilitator of The Passion Test, Jodi is an authentic ingredient in helping people in need of re-branding or structuring their career paths. A guru, when it comes to helping people live the life they desire by doing something they love and making a career out of it. In addition, she also works with companies around the country, training their employees to be more engaging in their work and committed to bringing out the best product possible.
“Do what you love, and service others with what you love,” says Jodi, matter-of-factly. In 1995, Knittel moved to Ferndale. She spent many years as an executive recruiter and HR manager at a Fortune 500 company. Her dad, a military man, traveled all over and she bounced around a lot throughout her life. But when she came to Michigan, and witnessed the pleasant peace and camaraderie, she realized that Ferndale would be her home. While working for these major companies, she asked herself what was it that not only companies were looking for out of their businesses and employees, but also, what people are looking for from themselves.
I asked her about the name, Tangerine Road, and she said, “It’s not only my favorite fruit, but it’s a unique fruit that only comes around during the end of summer and fall season, and it’s just a burst of enthusiasm.” A small fruit, but very impactful with citrus and flavor Indeed! Tangerine Road is a consulting firm for not only businesses but also individuals. On the business side of things, she uses, as mentioned earlier, “The Passion Test,” which helps companies break down their mission and align their employees with what they are good at and how they can benefit and excel in the company. The test also helps companies select their potential employees more carefully. That way, it’s a win/win situation. You get the job doing the things you love, and not trying to fit in where you don’t feel comfortable.
On the individual side, Jodi understands that people sometimes fall short of the path of a prosperous life and became complacent, and sadly it could be as severe as a death of a close relative or divorce that can put people in a rut. Guaranteeing that with just a few sessions you will have a new outlook on life and most importantly yourself, Tangerine Road is designed to build companies, individual lifestyles and most importantly help people understand the knowledge of self. I asked, Jodi what her goals are. “My number one passion is to inspire others to create the life they want!”
For more information on how to schedule your consultation, visit www.TangerineRoad.net.
with her partner in 2005. “We love the Ferndale community, and have volunteered for both the Ferndale Chamber of Commerce and the DDA’s Board of Directors,” she says. Nicole, while “happy that I can share my passions with such a great community of people” didn’t exactly plan to become a personal trainer. “I started [to exercise] a few years ago when I was 35-years-old. I was working hard at my retail business and putting my health aside. I went to a party where someone took a picture of me, and brought it to me a few days later. I realized I needed to change.” She was 220 lbs.
trainer,” Nicole explains. She enrolled in the National Personal Training Institute (NPTI) in Rochester, MI, where she studied to receive her personal training certification. “NPTI is the only ‘hands-on’ school for personal training. It is an intense program, five hours a day, four days a week, for six months. But the information and the experience you get by actually training other students is invaluable.”
Fitness Protection Program serves “anyone who is interested in becoming healthy and creating change,” and Nicole believes it’s never too late to start training. “Anyone can start at any age, any fitness level. As I like to say, we all have to start somewhere.” She says, “It is especially important for people to know that as you get older you need to do weight-bearing exercise to maintain not only your muscles but increase your bone density and strength, so you can keep doing the things you love.”
for and personal investment in the city itself. Not only does their story include Ferndale landmarks, each of their careers make Ferndale a better place in two very different ways.
take the leap and start his own furniture company, Hudson Industrial, and chose Ferndale as the home for his small business. He now has a store in Rust Belt Market and a workspace on Hilton Rd.
“We went to Scotland to get married and it was just him and I so now we have to invite everyone to our party.”
with a strong business sense. Krasnici is young, energetic, and enthusiastic about life, and it certainly shows. He divides his time between running (since 1995) this busy, family-owned business, and his happy marriage of nine years and counting. With three young children to raise (ages two, three and eight), Krasnici is constantly on the go: “…but my personal life with my family makes everything worth it!”
Coney Island fare. Different specials are also available daily.
the restaurant industry, and I want them to choose whatever path they want, too. If they want to go to college, that’s fine with me!”
starting at St. Joan of Arc. He has lived in Las Vegas, Chicago, and up North. “I’ve kind of been all over,” he says.
our menu is not priced like an expensive restaurant…you get a nice environment but you’re not paying the exorbitant price for it.”
circus arts” and expanding soon became inevitable. That is when Maria partnered with Cheryl Willard, a long time Agora aerial instructor, and the two developed a vision for the expansion. John says of the renovated space, “We’ve totally transformed this place. We’ve built everything with our own hands.” He speaks of the massive face-lift given to the old building, adding, “My first line of duty when we bought it was to ‘unblacken’ the interior of theater school.” By coloring the walls, they were able to liven up the ambiance and create a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
instructor in her home country.” Maria was actually the co-founder and head of the string department for the School for Integral Arts in Venezuela, and a faculty member for El Sistema. Cheryl began teaching and performing as a member of a troupe in 2011. She also started a small aerial arts program around that time. John says, “One of our main goals is to expand our roles as educators.”
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