Hitsville NEXT's Legacy Podcast Hitsville NEXT

Larry Brinker Sr. started his entrepreneurial journey with a goal to build something of his own. In 1989, he did just that – opening a small carpentry business, Brinker Team Construction, as the first of the family of five companies in Detroit. He instilled a deep sense of integrity and values that have guided the organization from the start. Larry Sr. continues to preside over Brinker as owner and chairman while his son, Larry Jr., continues in his father’s footsteps by carrying the legacy of this vision, integrity, and belief in the importance of building the community, forward. To conclude our six-part series we are joined by Brinker CEO Larry Jr. as he shares his journey of working his way up through the business.  

This week we are joined by Ronda Morrison of House of Morrisons Shoe Repair. House of Morrison Shoe Repair is a full-service shoe repair and leather care company. Established in 1959 by Theodore Morrison, the small store has became well known for its quality craftsmanship and leather restoration services. Since that time, Mr. Morrison’s daughter, Ronda, has taken the reigns of the business and expanded the services. Listen in as Ronda shares her story on the future of her family business and the shoe repair industry.  

The Byrd’s are the family behind Detroit staples The Block, Floods Bar and Grille, and the Garden Theatre. In 1987 Michael Byrd purchased Floods and from the beginning it was a family effort enlisting the help of his wife, brothers and extended family members. In 1999, Byrd began the decade long process of developing the Garden Theatre and the block it sat on. Today, Byrd’s daughter Cristina manages Floods while her sister Stephanie runs The Block restaurant and the neighboring event venue, the Garden Theater. This week we are joined by Byrd sisters Stephanie and Cristina as they share the trials and tribulations they’ve endured to keep their family legacy alive.  

The Right Productions, Inc. was formed in 1996 and has grown into a significant source for entertainment and events services in Detroit and North Carolina. We have produced events serving hundreds of thousands of people as well as created and implemented award-winning marketing campaigns. The company has managed and operated the 6,000 seat Aretha Franklin Amphitheater, providing food and beverage service, security, parking, and other aspects of major event production since 2004. This week we are joined by The Right Productions President and CEO Shahida Mausi as she shares how she’s continuing the legacy of her family business. 

This week we are joined by Rod Parks Sr. and Rod Parks Jr. of Parks Old Style Bar-B-Q. Founded in 1964 by Edward and Verna Parks, this barbecue joint is a destination spot and an iconic fixture in Detroit’s North End community. Upon Edward and Verna Parks retirement in 1999, second generation operators Rod Parks Sr. and Phil Parks Sr. continued the business practices established by their parents. Currently the business is managed by third generation Parks grandchildren Rod Jr., Phil Jr., Chisropher and Camille. Parks Old Style Bar-B-Q has endured the hard times and thrived in the good times to maintain their family business. 

To many in Detroit, since 1919 the Cole family name represents calm during the storm. At their darkest moments, tens of thousands of Detroiters have turned to the most trusted name in the business and found compassion and care during their time of greatest need. Upon her father’s death in 1991, Karla Cole, the granddaughter of founder James H. Cole Sr., assumed the role of President. By 2007 the fourth generation joined the business as Karla brought in her sons Antonio and Brice. Listen in as we are joined by mother-son duo, Karla and Brice as they take us on a journey of overcoming the odds and thriving for multiple generations.