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The James Beaudrie PodcastAuthor: James Beaudrie
On this podcast I talk about what I am passionate about and with people I find interesting. That's it. Simple. Language: en Genres: Comedy, Comedy Interviews Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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# 165 Lee Trucks. 50 Years of Business, Leadership & Community in Manistee Michigan
Wednesday, 8 April, 2026
I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Lee Trucks—a longtime Manistee businessman whose impact on this community spans more than 50 years. While many people know Lee through Jackpine Business Center, that chapter represents just a portion of a much larger and more meaningful story.Lee’s journey began in Baldwin, Michigan, and took him through Central Michigan University and ultimately to the University of Michigan. Along the way, he taught English to students in Nigeria and played a role in early childhood education through Head Start programs—experiences that helped shape the perspective and values he would later bring back home to Manistee.In 1977, alongside his two brothers, Lee helped build what would become Jackpine Business Center. But what stands out most isn’t just the business itself—it’s the decades of relationships, community involvement, and steady presence that Lee has brought to this area.Conversations like this are exactly why I love producing this show. They go beyond business or resumes—they capture the stories, experiences, and wisdom of people who have helped shape our community. To me, episodes like this become a kind of time capsule for Manistee—preserving voices and perspectives that deserve to be heard for years to come.
