A Difference Maker is an ordinary person who accomplishes extraordinary things by creating positive change in his or her community and in the lives of others.
Lately, it seems like the news only highlights problems and overlooks the good things happening around us. Destination Downriver is here to change that narrative. Through our Downriver Difference Maker series, we’re shining a spotlight on the positive impact individuals are making in their communities, businesses, and the region as a whole. We're celebrating those who are driving meaningful change and truly making a difference in people’s lives.
A Gen Z Business Lesson
For more than 50 years, Captain Nemo’s, originally owned by John Brimble, was a staple in the Downriver City of Romulus. This wasn’t just any old sub shop; it was a community icon. In fact, it was so beloved that local patrons began referring to Nemo’s delectable sub sandwiches as “Brimble’s.” When John passed away, his wife Denise carried on the tradition for a few years, but faced with mounting competition from fast food chains, and ultimately, the “Covid factor” that left so many small businesses financially wounded, Captain Nemo’s began to struggle.
"Captain Nemo’s had become such a fixture in the region that not knowing about this legacy was uncommon.”
This longtime Romulus favorite was on the verge of extinction when the unlikely father/daughter duo of Bill and Haley Toner decided to get involved. They purchased the business in 2023 and began investing to significantly improve the building as well as the business model. Rather than cutting overhead and divesting assets which has become so common these days with takeovers in the corporate world, the Toner’s took time to understand what made Captain Nemo’s so special. Rather than slash and burn, they invested and valued the revitalization and modernizing of this wonderful Romulus landmark.
Haley and her dad are both lifelong residents of Romulus, so they knew how places like Captain Nemo’s were more than just sandwiches for residents. It had been a place that triggered endless positive memories for those who live in and around Romulus. Haley remarked that, Captain Nemo’s had become such a fixture in the region that not knowing about this legacy was uncommon.” After years of first dates, after school meet ups or work lunches at this legacy sandwich shop, it was troubling to the Toners and other Romulus residents to see it on the decline. Haley and her dad shared a vision of restoring that tradition of great food and memories that had earned Captain Nemo’s its reputation as a hometown favorite.
Haley grew up and went to school in Romulus, graduating from Huron in New Boston in 2019 and then moving to California. Like so many young Downriver natives, she eventually came back and in 2023, with her dad as a mentor, she decided to make a difference for herself and her community. By purchasing Captain Nemo’s, they shared a vision of making it and Romulus her launch pad for building something that would be valued once again.
Having started in the retail business as a 6-year-old helping at Blue Sky Ice Cream just down the street from Captain Nemo’s, Haley would stand on a milk crate to take orders, which is where her service-oriented DNA really kicked in. Bill Toner’s three kids all learned from their father who owned his own business, Toner Tool. The independence and hard work involved in being a success were always on display at the Toner household which ultimately was Haley’s proving ground for a career. The Toner’s, like many other Downriver business owners, epitomize the solidarity of family businesses. The support and encouragement of this close-knit family played a major role for Haley as did the leadership examples her father instilled in his children.
Captain Nemo’s now employs 17 workers at a business that previously had just six employees and ran on limited hours of operation. Haley and her dad know the value of creating a team atmosphere where employees are critical part of the equation of quality food and exceptional experiences that their customers will talk about in glowing terms. As a young, female entrepreneur, Haley represents a new generation of business people who aspire to build a business within a community that shares positive energy and outcomes. Haley has said that their take-off with this new business venture was made infinitely easier by the cooperation, resources, and inspiration of officials in Romulus who see the value of having this wonderful community gem succeed.
Being a business owner always has its challenges but being young and female carries with it the moniker that enables Haley show herself and others that anyone regardless of age, race or gender can make it by having goals, believing in yourself, and teaming with others to make her dreams for Captain Nemo’s a reality. Haley, at the ripe old age of 24 is now paying it forward by giving other young people to gain experience finding real-life solutions to real-life business challenges on the job.
