An exciting new agribusiness is starting in Shiawassee County, thanks to a unique collaboration between two local families – one that farms and one that owns a chain of movie theaters.

Hinterman Farms-Mark and Shannon Hinterman of Shiawassee Township, together with a new Owosso-based company called Xtreme Theater Solutions-Jeff and Joe Geiger, are beginning a new entrepreneurial venture called I’m All Ears Popcorn, a popcorn production company.

“We have known the Geigers for many years and have farmed land that they own. They approached us about an idea to grow and supply popcorn to their theaters across the country. After a lot of research, discussion and prayer, we decided to pursue this new partnership with the Geigers. They are a great family that we truly respect. Each of us brings different strengths to the business and the combination is energizing and exciting,” said Mark Hinterman.

“Xtreme Theater Solutions was formed to partner with an existing theater service and product providers to offer creative packages for small theater chains throughout the country. Obviously popcorn is a very important part of the movie going experience and we are thrilled to be working with Mark and Shannon Hinterman, who bring years of experience not only running a farm but managing multiple businesses. They share our entrepreneurial spirit and we are excited to see where I’m All Ears Popcorn takes us,” said Joe Geiger.

The entire operation will be housed at the Hinterman property on Garrison Road in Shiawassee Township, where the popcorn seed is already growing, and will be harvested, processed, packaged, and distributed from a newly constructed facility, for which a groundbreaking was held on Monday July 20th.

When the facility is in operation near the end of the year, locally grown popcorn will be distributed throughout the country. The initial focus will be supplying movie theaters with premium looking and especially tasty popcorn that will exceed expectations. “We are excited to see the growth of Pure Michigan agricultural products being sold around the country and world, and we would like to be a part of it,” Hinterman added.

“It’s great to see two hardworking Michigan families come together to create a small business. Our state agriculture industry is something we should all be very proud of and I’m pleased to see that a Michigan-made product will be sold in movie theatres across the country,” said 85th District State Representative Ben Glardon.

“I'm All Ears Popcorn is proof of the "American Dream". Shiawassee Township is committed to supporting community development that helps our local, county and state economy, and I'm excited to see more opportunities and possibilities that this new business will bring to our area,” said Anthony David Karhoff, Shiawassee Township Supervisor.

“Recognizing the positive impact and supporting the growth of value-added agriculture is a major focus not only for our organization, but also our regional and state economic development partners. I’m All Ears Popcorn is a great example of how this industry can be successful, and with two great families heading up this effort, we are excited about the potential for future growth,” said Shiawassee Economic Development Partnership President/CEO Justin Horvath.

For more information on I’m All Ears Popcorn, please contact Joe Geiger via email at msu11ski@gmail.com.

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