Today we’d like to introduce you to Bryan Gutierrez.
Hi Bryan, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
Come from contribution. Our town didn’t coin the phrase but our community really tries to live by it and the one of the best illustrations, is the story of the Milford Independent Cinema. Milford, Michigan has had a one-screen movie theater since 1972. It was founded by the Henn family and had always been a staple of our community. For decades, people had created great memories of walking to the theater with their families and friends enjoying a nice afternoon or night out. Over the last several years, the theater had struggles with aging infrastructure and soft business revenues. When the pandemic hit in early 2020, as we all know, all movie theaters were closed and this had a devesting effect on the Milford Cinema. The family was no longer able to sustain the business and the theater closed its doors for good that year.
The news spread quickly and of course, everyone in town was heartbroken. Just as I was reading a news article about the closing, the phone rang. I picked it up and it was one of the local business owners, who asked me if I had heard what had happened to the theater. We talked about how sad we were and shared a few memories about the theater. He then said that the reason for the call was to ask me if I wanted to join a small group of local business owners and community organizers to help bring back the cinema. I think I shouted “Yes!” before he finished his sentence.
In the summer of 2020, seven of us founded the Huron Valley Film Organization, a non-profit to support the renamed Milford Independent Cinema. Our mission: To become a center for film and allied arts in the Huron Valley community by maximizing the potential for the Milford Independent Cinema as a social and cultural hub.
Reopening the theater was not going to be an easy task. There was a lot of infrastructure, remodeling, and projector repairs and maintenance to be done. So, we took to the streets and reached out to everyone that we knew to see who could help and the community rallied.
After getting the keys in September of 2020, we raised almost $100,000, recruited and army of volunteers from teenagers to seniors, and trade businesses offering work in kind or offering us discounts on materials and labor. The screening room, projector, lobby, concession area were completely remodeled. May of 2021, all of the remodeling was completed and we opened our doors for the first showing.
Currently, we are doing really well and are still volunteer-driven. We were able to hire a full-time manager and a part-time employee but the cinema will always be owned and operated by the non-profit.
It’s amazing what a small group of dedicated people can do. It’s even more amazing what an entire community can do when we all come together. I think one of the things that I like the most is listening not only to people’s stories about the past but listening to new stories and memoires that have been made since the reopening of the Milford Independent Cinema. Young or old, everyone loves going to the movies and sharing time with friends and family, and having been a part of this experience makes me appreciate the town I live in even more. We have also partnered with the school district and other non-profits to use our space. The theater is also available for private rentals as well. If you would like to experience the cinema, come on down for a show or sign up to volunteer for a shift. Help us get everyone settled in for the show, give you soda and popcorn, you can go in watch the movie, and help us clean up afterwards.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There was a lot of need during this time. All of us struggled with the uncertainty of the new pandemic. All of us owned our own businesses or had day jobs and this was a lot to take on as we were also adapting to the new pandemic restrictions. The supply chain for building materials and the availability of service techs was a big worry at that time but it all worked out. I think lack of sleep is what I remember the most : )
As you know, we’re big fans of Bryan Gutierrez- Realtor, Keller Williams Showcase Realty. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I believe that every small business owner should contribute to the communities that we ask to sustain our business.
Here are a few of the organizations that I am a part of: Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce- Board member, Milford Business Association- member, sponsor, South Lyon Educational Foundation- Board member, Milford Independent Cinema- Board member, Lyon Area Chamber- member, volunteer, sponsor, Lyon Township DDA- sponsor, volunteer
By being involved with several community organizations, it has given me a unique perspective when my clients ask me about the type of lifestyle choices that they are looking for.
One great lesson that I have learned over the years not only through community engagement but in real estate is to really listen to people and to always seek to understand. Buying and selling a house is more than just acquiring or liquidating an asset. It’s about people finding their way home.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
No one succeeds alone. This could not be more true than in life or real estate. We all need help and surrounding yourself with motivated people is important. One thing that I have learned is to network with businesses and reach out to individuals willing to give me advice or a second opinion when I struggle to find a solution.
The nice thing about real estate is that it opens a lot of opportunity to collaborate with several industries and meet some really amazing people.
We also need to remember to elevate those around us to not only help us with our journey but to help others with their journey. This creates the next generation of collaborators that will continue the community’s legacy.
I help everyone from first-time home buyers to luxury homes and everything in between.
Contact Info:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BryanGutierrezKellerWilliams
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-OngvXMoVD7QCeTjkwNHXQ
