Martha “Marti” Johnson

I grew up in Traverse City and attended college at NMC after high school. I earned my Bachelor of Science degree from Central Michigan University in Psychology and my minor was in Business and Marketing. I have been in various types of sales roles throughout my career; media, manufacturing, pharmaceutical sales and a Recruiter for the past 9 1/2 years.

I have been doing Stand Up Comedy for 10 years! I love making people laugh! I am a people person.

I played the Mayor’s wife and the Mistress of Ceremonies in a horror movie! We filmed in Charlevoix and Saginaw. The movie is called Preppers Grove.

My attitude is like my blood type! Be positive! I truly care about people and my community. I enjoy the out of doors in Northern Michigan. I crave adventure and new places. I am a down hill ski racer. I grew up on skis. I have been an Uber driver for a year and a half and have met some very nice and interesting people. I have also been driving for wine tours this Fall and it is has been a blast!

Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.

My parents have been married almost 60 years! My Sister and her husband live in the area and they have grown children; Evan and Erin. I also have a Great niece, Caroline whom I adore. I have a dog, too. A beautiful Shih Tzu named Sophie.

Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I am currently working as an Executive Recruiter for the HVAC and Packaging Industries. I really enjoy helping my candidates find new careers where they can grow personally and professionally. One of my favorite careers was my role as a Professional Pharmaceutical Representative. I loved dressing up in a suit every day, doing lunch and learns for my physician offices as well as presenting the clinical data of the drugs that I represented.

Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Red Ginger and Amical; the service and food is truly outstanding.

Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community? What brought you to Grand Traverse County?
I have lived in the Traverse City area since I was a little girl. My Dad, his brother and my Grand parents vacationed in Leelanau County many years ago. In 1970, my Dad applied for a job with Procter and Gamble for a sales position selling Packaging Soap and Detergent. He interviewed, sent them a telegram and got the job! I still thank my Dad for moving us here as the quality of life in Northern Michigan is truly unsurpassed. We moved here from Ann Arbor and I enjoy going back there to attend football games at the Big House.

Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Susie Janis. She has a huge heart, full of live and has given so much to NMC and our community through her network and fundraising efforts. She is one of the most generous, kind and thoughtful people that I know. She is also one of my best friends.

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I would love to go to Capri, Italy! The water is electric blue and the beauty is jaw dropping! A tour on one of their yachts would be fabulous.

Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
One of my favorite movies is “Mrs. Doubtfire. I really enjoy watching 60 Minutes, Jeopardy, HGTV and CBS Sunday morning for TV shows.

Q: What advice would you give to people who want to visit our community?
To make sure they make a list of all of the wonderful places to see while they visit so that they don’t miss any! This includes the beaches, wineries, Sleeping Bear Dunes, Pyramid Point as well as the many excellent restaurants and beaches. The sunsets are absolutely breath taking, too!

Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I would love to do my stand up comedy gig in Chicago or New York!

Q: What current or former local business makes you feel the most nostalgic about our community?
The Dairy Lodge. A wonderful family owned business that has been around for decades. The Cosmo Cone is my absolute favorite!

Q: If you could choose anyone today with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you all meet for this lunch?*
I would love to have lunch with Casey Cowell of 20 Fathoms. His company has high energy entrepreneurs, educational programming and great access for start up businesses. It is a company to be watched as the Grand Traverse Region grows. I would love to meet Casey for lunch at Amical; one of the best lunch places in Downtown Traverse City.

Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Traverse City is unique in that the people who live here really care about one another.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I see myself starting a Concierge/Chauffeur business in the Grand Traverse Region. I would love to take tourists on wine tours and make their dinner reservations to the best venues that Traverse City has to offer.

Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
My first Stand Up Comedy show 10 years ago was 45 minutes long and I never did any open mics prior to my first night on stage. Most comedians perform at many open mics before they have a show of their own. I also used to sew all of my own clothes when I was in middle school!

Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Maui, Hawaii is one of the most beautiful places that I have ever been. The sight seeing and whale watching was amazing.

Q: Favorite month? Favorite holiday? and the best single day on the calendar?
My favorite month is July. Nothing better than the warm Summer days for the Farmer’s Market, festivals concerts and Seadooing on the Bay. My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving. I love to cook for my family and I enjoy cleaning up the kitchen after the big meal! The best single day on the calendar is October 16th, my birthday! Birthdays are good and have as many as you can!

Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My Dad inspires me to be better. He is a very positive person and has been my rock and my encourager for as long as I can remember.

Q: What is your favorite season in Northern Michigan? And what is your favorite activity to do in those seasons?
My favorite season is Summer! I love the Farmer’s markets, concerts, festivals, boating, sailing, tennis, hiking and visiting all of the wonderful tourist attractions; Sleeping Bear Dunes and Pyramid Point. The Fall is spectacular for a winding road trip on M22!

Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Comfort, fun family time and wonderful memories.