Phi Kappa Psi - University of Michigan

Winter 2023 the sophon Page 3 O ur chapter had a great start to the fall semester. We have 76 active members and are excelling in the classroom with a chapter GPA of 3.7. While we have been working hard toward our studies, we still made time to participate in many brotherhood activities. In the past few months, brothers of all classes have come together and completed in various student- run sports leagues here around campus. In September, several upper and lower classmen competed in a basketball tournament, finishing in second place. There are also teams of brothers from all classes competing in a student-run soccer and flag football league. Later in the fall, we enjoyed having a day for the entire chapter to play paintball. We hope everyone is doing well. Go Blue! In the Bond, The Brothers of Phi Kappa Psi Brothers Staying Busy AcAdemics And Athletics Chapter Officers OUTGOING Thank you to the following brothers for your service to our chapter. We appreciate the time and effort you've spent supporting our brotherhood! President Ryan Mulliken '21 Vice President Rocco Dichiara '21 Treasurer Teddy Yaldoo '21 Corresponding Secretary Sean Sullivan '21 Recording Secretary CJ Hier '21 House Manager Geoffrey Belden '21 ELECTED These members will be answering the call of fraternal leadership as they take on new roles in the brotherhood. Congratulations on your elections—we look forward to seeing how you shape the future of our chapter! President Thomas Fouts '22 Vice President Stewart Briley '22 Treasurer Evan Willey '22 Corresponding Secretary Hudson Bush '22 Recording Secretary Lucas Kawamoto-Duran '22 House Manager Maxwell Meston '22 Over the course of Blake's career, he is proud to have opened franchise locations in nine foreign countries, and he has assisted over 500 individuals on their paths in business ownership. Blake also played a major role in establishing regulations in the privately paid home care service industry. a salute to service Blake's parents taught him the obligation of giving back after finding personal success, and Phi Psi was founded upon a similar value of helping those in need. Through these principles, Blake was motivated to participate in the 50 Mile March, a fundraiser for homeless and at- risk veterans suffering from PTSD. "Marching 50 miles in 24 straight hours can be painful, but it's nothing compared to what millions of U.S. veterans experience daily." His eye-opening interactions with veterans showed Blake the cost of service, and he hopes that fellow brothers can be inspired to help the cause. "I would challenge all Phi Psi members to learn more and participate." a MichiGan alpha Man at heart Looking back on his undergraduate years, Blake made fond memories through annual parties and road trips. He is is proud to keep contact with many alumni brothers to this day, catching up with brothers at Michigan football games every year. "When I used to speak to recruits and pledges, I would tell them there were two groups that made up Michigan Alpha Phi Psi. The fraternity, which included the house, the parties, and the trips is the first. The other is the brotherhood, which was that 'strong bond never to be broken'—the camaraderie, the closeness that comes only from going through extreme challenges together, and the experiences we all share but others can't understand." As it turns out, Blake was right about these two groups. The fraternity and the brotherhood shaped him into the man he is today: a proud husband with two sons. In his spare time, Blake enjoys traveling, playing sports, watching his kids play sports, and family vacations. He remains dedicated to service through community volunteering opportunities. You can connect with Blake and talk to him about his podcast, Heartland Franchise Guy, at bmartin@frannet.com. A Fraternal Franchiser (Continued from page 1) "Leave no regrets and don't listen to the critics who are afraid to take risks themselves. If I could do anything differently, I would have started my own business much earlier. If you listen carefully to older guys and ladies like me who started their own business, you'll never hear us say, 'I wish I would have waited longer to do my own thing.'" "The brotherhood remains a big part of who I am today, 30 years later."

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