Often in this space we introduce you to clients or other professional associates, or maybe someone from our company’s history. Today’s connection is a little different, and it has to do with how human we are – and also with how important our nonhuman friends are to us.

Michelle’s longtime cat Oliver became ill with cancer in 2024, which meant all hands needed to be on deck for his care. Into that breach stepped Sara Moser, a vet tech and general do-everything member of the team at Somerset Veterinary Hospital in Troy. Sara’s knowledge and compassion were a blessing to Michelle, and continue to be now as she helps care for Oliver’s surviving siblings Zeus and Misty. (Dan also made a strong connection with Sara while helping to watch Oliver while Michelle was traveling.)

Through it all, Sara has become a valued friend and someone we are glad to have in our lives, so today’s Six Questions with Dan and Michelle gives you a chance to meet this wonderful friend of the animal kingdom – and of us too!

Dan and Angie traveled down a dark road in Windsor to get this shot of the Gordie Howe International Bridge coated in illuminated mist – alongside a fiery smokestack that added an orange glow to the gleaming atmosphere.

It’s been a long time since she worked here, but Cindy Droog is one of the most important figures in North Star’s history. Back in our early days, she served as our vice president of client services from 2003 to 2005 – helping to establish our methods of operation and mentoring some of the young employees we had at the time.

Cindy went on to a long and accomplished career at Amway before stepping away from that position early in 2025. But we would be the last people to think Cindy didn’t have another act ahead of her.

So we were thrilled and elated – but not all that surprised – when it was announced last week that Cindy has purchased and become president of the venerable Grand Rapids public relations firm Sabo PR.

Founder Mary Ann Sabo was ready to step away and looking for just the right person to lead the company. Cindy had been consulting with the company since leaving Amway, so we’re sure it didn’t take Mary Ann long to recognize there couldn’t be a better person to step into the leadership of the company.

A Grand Rapids public relations firm, huh, Cindy? Everything that was old can become new again!

We could not be more excited for Cindy, and for the team at Sabo PR. That whole “owner and president” thing looks so good on her.

So congratulations to everyone at Sabo, and to all their clients. Cindy’s North Star family is over the moon about this, and we can’t wait to see what she will accomplish there.

When you think of Kansas City, maybe you think of BBQ, Patrick Mahomes and George Brett. What we’ve been learning in recent weeks is that the Kansas City community is vibrant, compassionate . . . and very busy sending cargo.

For us, that has helped produce the opportunity to work with a wonderful logistics company called Bestway International. Continuing our strong presence in the supply chain/logistics industry, Bestway is primarily a freight forwarder with emphasis on import services, export services and North American services.

A second-generation, family-owned company that was founded in the 1980s, Bestway puts a real premium on customer service, and we’ve already helped tell several stories of how they bent over backward to make sure a client’s need was taken care of, or that problems were solved or prevented.

It’s been a real privilege so far working with CEO Jay Devers and other members of the team. So welcome aboard, Bestway! It’s been a joy to be in business with you, and we can’t wait to show the world some of what we’re working on.