Jeanette Pierce, a 28-year-old lifelong Detroiter, makes her living giving tours and promoting the city through the downtown-based nonprofit
Inside Detroit. She has built the nonprofit from scratch with partner Maureen Kearns, and it has grown to two employees, one intern and a healthy stable of volunteers.
Why did you decide to set up shop in Detroit? We love Detroit, and it's everything to us. Our organization could only exist in Detroit.
What are some of the advantages to doing business here? There is an amazing sense of community. It really is a big city and small town at the same time. People are very supportive and are always willing to help you and work with you.
What do you see in Detroit that other people who live outside the city don't? Detroit is an amazing city that is making a huge comeback. With its vibrant nightlife, world-class museums, championship sports teams and unparalleled architecture it's no wonder the New York Times named Detroit one of the 53 Places to Go in 2008.
What advice would you give to someone who was thinking about opening a business in the Motor City? Spend some time getting to know the community because they will be your biggest asset.
If you could change one thing about Detroit, what would it be?Its image ... which is what we’re trying to do every day!
Source: Jeanette Pierce, co-owner of Inside Detroit
Writer: Jon Zemke
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