Odd as it may seem, the city commonly known as the People's Republic of Ann Arbor is home to one conservative Catholic business, and its co-founder couldn't be happier about it. Michael Coster runs Lumen Christi Church Design, which employs two people and a healthy stable of independent contractors.
The Ann Arbor resident holds a bachelors of music education from Otterbein College and served four years in a Franciscan monastery. Coster doesn't have a heavy business background, but that hasn't stopped him from starting an increasingly popular church design business.
Describe your business in two sentences or less?
Lumen Christi Church Design works to design, create and renovate Catholic churches to make them reverent places of prayer. We design, build, create, acquire, coordinate and do whatever it takes for each specific project.
Why did you decide to set up shop in Ann Arbor?
Simple answer - it's where I live!
What are some of the advantages to doing business here?
One of our greatest promoters are the Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist, who have their motherhouse convent in Ann Arbor. Our first project was theirs, and we have become their unofficial chapel designers (and they continue to grow and spread across the country, so they keep us busy)! They are also very well known in the Catholic community, so they've been the connection to many of our other clients.
What do you see in Ann Arbor that other people who live outside the area don't?
The shadow of the University is everywhere in Ann Arbor.
What advice would you give to someone who was thinking about opening a business in Ann Arbor?
Be ready for demanding clientele who can be quite particular. Also, be ready for hefty taxes.
If you could change one thing about Ann Arbor, what would it be?
Honestly, a more conservative community.
Source: Michael Coster, co-founder of Lumen Christi Church Design
Writer: Jon Zemke
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