Hans Hegge was into texting before anyone knew the meaning of "LOL." It's hard to believe but six years ago text message technology was an open frontier. And Hegge's Text Ripple was an early pioneer. Today the Auburn Hills-based text marketing company has clients in 38 states and big plans for the next tech innovation.

Some people take video games like Madden 360 and Call Of Duty very seriously. As seriously as say, golfers, pool hustlers, and card sharks. But how do online gamers put their money where their joystick is? Royal Oak's Beyond Gaming makes that possible. 

There's little doubt that Michigan is the midwest's Horn Of Plenty. But how to wrangle all those delicious wines, ciders, jams, and treats from around the state into your pantry? The folks at Cherries & Grapes intend to make being a true-blue locavore as easy as a few clicks on your computer.

The principles of yoga shouldn't just be left for the 6 p.m. class; they should be followed throughout the business day, according to the teachings of Katherine Austin, founder of Karma Yoga. This week she opines on why and how businesses can answer a calling higher than egoism and the profit motive.

The recent arrest of an individual for pelting the ice with an octopus during the Red Wings playoffs clashes with Detroit's joie de vivre but doesn't mean time-out. It's Stanley Cup week, and entrepreneur-attorney-philanthropist Denise Ilitch delivers the sports talk.

Brazil native Antonio Lück, portfolio manager at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, has lived in the Detroit area for under four years, yet has built a chain of friendships and activities that many would take a lifetime to amass. This week he writes on how a collaboration between a Brazil university and WSU brought him to Detroit's shores, the seeding of the Detroit Young Professionals volunteer and leadership group, and entrepreneurial gusto in the city.

Candy and Detroit rock n' roll - two great tastes that taste great together! Royal Oak's Bellyache Candy Company is taking the web by storm, pushing Goo Goo Clusters, Pop Rocks and Charleston Chews along with CDs, vinyl LPs and 7-inch singles from bands like  The Amino Acids, The Hentchman, and Gore Gore Girls. Can you say, "Yummy"?

From $50 desk rentals to million dollar start-ups, Tech Brewery is a coworking space that caters to Ann Arbor's tech community with an eye toward entrepreneurship. Professional collaborations, tech meet-ups and beer-fueled social gatherings are all part of the mix in this innovative workspace.

Move over Chihuly, Epiphany Studios is out to eat your lunch. Okay, not really, but this Pontiac-based glass studio produces some incredible work, employing techniques developed and mastered by Italian glass blowers over hundreds of years.