If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like when love, purpose, and passion collide in one dynamic family, look no further than Chris and Penny Turner of Potter’s Lake. Their journey is a storybook that starts with meeting in high school at Lapeer West, separated by life’s winding roads, only to reconnect decades later through a Facebook photo of a granddaughter. That one spark ignited a flame, and in 2022, they sealed their story in a lakeside wedding at home, surrounded by the people they love most. From Arizona’s red rocks to the blue waters of Barbados, their adventures together mirror the depth and excitement of their shared purpose back home.
Chris (53) and Penny (52) are proud parents to a blended and beautiful family of five incredible children. Their daughters Courtney Turner and Peyton June, both 32, bring joy and strength to the family in their own unique ways. Brittney Steiler (30) and her husband Jordan (30) are busy raising three energetic daughters—Blake (7), Remi (5), and Ryat (1.5). Sydney Averill (25) and her husband Nathan (34) are proud parents to Greyson (7), Adalyn (5), and baby Lucas (6 months). Rounding out the crew is their son, Brendan DeVries (23), whose energy and heart add the perfect touch to this close-knit crew. Their talents span an impressive range—from foreign exchange host moms and ER nurses to charge nurses, aerospace processing engineers, project managers, laser metrologists, and skilled managers. Each of their children brings dedication and drive to their fields, making Chris and Penny endlessly proud of the hardworking, accomplished individuals they've become. From the grandchildren’s joyful chaos and endless energy, their grandchildren light up every room—or bike shop—they enter. Whether it’s camping under the stars or cheering on the Tigers and Lions, the Turners make it a priority to stay active and connected as a family.
Chris, a self-made entrepreneur who started working at 12 at Hunter’s Creek Perennial Garden, spent two decades in signage and industrial sales before returning to Lapeer at the request of Kapala Heating & Air Conditioning to help build their residential sales and install departments. Over the past six years, he gained valuable experience in business operations, networking, and the power of community in growing a local business which has helped him start something meaningful and impactful. He launched the nonprofit Crank 4 A Cause in 2019, which raises funds for the City of Lapeer Oakdale Trails maintenance, outdoor youth activities, and wellness initiatives through community events like the Beaver Dash Bash and Spring R&R. The Spring R&R raises funds for the Y.O.R. (Youth Outdoor Recreation) Fund, which helps Lapeer County youth access outdoor activities they might not otherwise experience. Applications are reviewed and approved case-by-case through crank4acause.org. Penny is right beside him every step of the way—coordinating events and making sure no detail is overlooked. Together, they exemplify servant leadership, showing their children and grandchildren the power of giving back.
Penny earned her RN license from Baker College and poured her heart into a meaningful nursing career that took her from Lapeer Regional Hospital to the Lapeer County Health Department and Sheriff’s Department. She later found her passion in oncology and hematology at Karmanos Cancer Center in Flint, where she spent seven years as a chemotherapy nurse and another four as a Breast Cancer Nurse Navigator. Over time, she came to realize that true health begins long before a hospital visit—it starts with the choices we make each day. With that in mind, she swapped her scrubs for bikes and blenders, teaming up with Chris to create a space where she could continue helping others—this time through movement, nourishment, and community.
While organizing events like the Beaver Dash Bash and Spring R&R, Chris and Penny recognized the need for a local bike shop that offered both sales and service. In 2021, they purchased and remodeled the former Independent Bank building on W. Genesee Street, creating Crank Cycle & Fitness—a full-service bike shop offering top brands like Giant, Salsa, and Surly, along with expert service for all types of bikes.
Soon after, they launched Cranked Juice & Smoothies in the building’s drive-thru, serving all-natural, cold-pressed juices and smoothies with no added sugars or syrups. The menu also includes smoothie bowls and gourmet toast, all crafted to fuel an active, healthy lifestyle.
At Crank, it’s about more than bikes and beverages—it’s about inspiring wellness, movement, and connection. Whether they’re fitting a child for their first bike or blending a post-ride smoothie, Chris and Penny are passionate about helping their community live healthier, happier lives—one ride, one sip, one smile at a time.
Living on Potter’s Lake for the past five years has been a dream come true for the Turners. They downsized to embrace the peace of lake life, where they can host their growing family, fish off the dock, or simply watch the sun dip into the water. “Our neighbors are the best,” they say—and anyone who knows them would say the same. Their love for Lapeer extends well beyond their shoreline. They're sponsors of Elba Little League, members of multiple chambers and networking groups, and fierce supporters of local youth, government, and businesses.
With a house full of laughter, a business full of heart, and a life full of purpose, the Turners are a testament to what’s possible when you live with intention and lead with love. Their family motto—"Love each other, support each other, dream big and work hard to achieve that dream!"—isn't just a phrase. It's a way of life. Whether you're stopping by for a new bike, grabbing a smoothie on the go or simply chatting at a community event, one thing’s for sure: Chris and Penny Turner are pedaling passion forward—one crank at a time.
Chris and Penny’s message to their community is simple but powerful: Be kind. They believe deeply in the importance of supporting local youth, businesses, schools, and government—because without neighbors lifting each other up, a community can’t thrive. They also stress the importance of teaching the next generation how to get involved, give back, and care about where they live. After all, strong communities are built when we lead by example and show our youth what it means to be part of something bigger than themselves.
From their lakeside home to the heart of downtown, the Turners are redefining what it means to be a local family business. They’re not just building bikes—they’re building community. So next time you're cruising down Genesee Street, make a pit stop at Crank Cycle & Fitness. You might leave with more than a bike or a smoothie—you might just leave inspired.
Photography By: Todoroff Media