Inspire West Michigan

Jennifer Owens - Her leadership journey from aspiring journalist to economic development leader.

Jennifer Owens, President, Lakeshore Advantage
Jennifer Owens set out to tell stories. Today, she's helping write the next chapter of West Michigan's economic future.
In this episode, the President of Lakeshore Advantage shares her unlikely path from aspiring journalist to regional leader, and the lessons she's learned about growth, collaboration, and leadership along the way.
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00:00:00 - Introduction 00:15:57 - Bold Career Move: From Employee to Leader 00:19:59 - Learn to Trust your Instincts and Believe in Yourself 00:21:27 - Women in Leadership: Why You Should Take the Leap 00:32:38 - West Michigan: Preserving Local Businesses for Future Generations 00:48:17 - Retirees Want Walkable Cities & Affordable Housing
Jennifer is the President of Lakeshore Advantage, the economic development organization serving Allegan and Ottawa counties. A lifelong learner with a passion for research, writing, and problem-solving, Jennifer's career journey began far from economic development. After earning a journalism degree from Michigan State University, she set out to become a writer and broadcaster before discovering a passion for public policy, business growth, and community impact.
Over the course of her career, Jennifer has held leadership roles with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Ann Arbor SPARK, Southwest Michigan First, and Consultant Connect before joining Lakeshore Advantage. Today, she leads efforts to support business growth, talent development, entrepreneurship, housing solutions, and long-term economic prosperity across West Michigan.
Known for her collaborative leadership style, Jennifer believes communities thrive when organizations work together rather than compete. She is passionate about mentoring future leaders, fostering innovation, and creating opportunities that help both businesses and people succeed.
Through curiosity, relationship-building, and a commitment to service, Jennifer continues to help shape the future of West Michigan.

Mark Allen, Rachel Gorman & Jodi Owczarski - The Leaders Behind the Lakeshore Chamber Coalition

In this episode, host Amy Atkinson sits down with three of West Michigan's most influential business leaders: Mark Allen, President & CEO of the Chamber of Grand Haven, Spring Lake & Ferrysburg; Rachel Gorman, President & CEO of the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce; and Jodi Owczarski, President & CEO of the Michigan West Coast Chamber of Commerce. 
Together, they discuss the evolution of chamber leadership, the importance of regional collaboration, workforce development challenges, and the leadership lessons they've learned throughout their careers. 
The conversation goes beyond chamber programming to explore how these leaders are helping build stronger communities, stronger businesses, and a stronger West Michigan. 
Mark Allen, President & CEO, Chamber of Grand Haven, Spring Lake & Ferrysburg
Rachel Gorman, President & CEO, Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce
Jodi Owczarski, President & CEO, Michigan West Coast Chamber of Commerce
 

Sharon Behm - How Her Professional Journey has Taken a Unique and Unexpected Path

From medical assistant to blueberry farm owner, Sharon Behm shares her unique leadership journey to co-owner of one of West Michigan's most trusted local businesses. Her career pivots shaped her path, and the lessons she's learned through entrepreneurship, community service, and decades of helping people make her an inspiring leader and successful business owner. We can’t wait for you to experience her infectious energy and hear her amazing story.
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⏱️ Timecodes:
3:30 - How her journey brought her to shoes
14:53 - Building relationships through social media durning COVID
18:01 - The joy of working with her granddaughter, who started when she was just 3 years old
28:29 - Should downtown Grand Haven get a new hotel?
 
Sharon Behm is the co-owner of Borr's Shoes, a family-owned footwear retailer serving West Michigan through locations in Grand Haven and Holland. Her career path has been anything but traditional. Before becoming a business owner, Sharon worked as a medical assistant, operated a daycare business, managed a chiropractic practice, and owned a blueberry farm with her husband. Each chapter strengthened her passion for helping people, building relationships, and serving her community.What began as a part-time position at Borr's Shoes eventually led to business ownership alongside Cathy Tubbergen. Today, Sharon helps lead a company known for exceptional customer service and a commitment to helping customers stay active and healthy.Beyond the business, Sharon has dedicated countless hours to community service through local boards and organizations, making a lasting impact on the Grand Haven area through both her leadership and volunteerism.

Matthew Bakker - How Has Landscape Design Services Thrived for Over 60 Years in West Michigan?

From Lawn Cuttings to Nearly 200 Employees: The Story of Landscape Design Services | Inspire West Michigan
What does it take to build a landscaping company that has thrived for over 60 years, survived the 2008 recession, navigated COVID, and is now planning for the next 50 years? Matt Baker, President of Landscape Design Services, sits down with us to share the remarkable story of a family business rooted in people, passion, and plants.
From wielding a machete as a teenager to leading a team of nearly 200, Matt opens up about the lessons learned from his father, the heartbreak of layoffs during the recession, the unexpected boom of COVID-era demand, and why relationships — with both clients and team members — are the true foundation of their success. You'll also hear the incredible story of two families, the Bakers and the Martinezes, whose partnership helped shape one of West Michigan's most respected landscape companies.
Whether you're a homeowner curious about transforming your outdoor space, an entrepreneur navigating family business dynamics, or someone who loves a great story about grit and community — this episode is for you.
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⏱️ Timecodes:
00:01:29 – How Matt's father started Landscape Design Services in 1968 and what the early days looked like
00:09:04 – Matt joins the business full time and how the company and client needs have evolved over the decades
00:14:22 – Surviving the 2008 recession: a 37% revenue drop and the hardest decisions Matt has ever made
00:16:41 – How COVID transformed demand for outdoor spaces and the hiring challenges that followed
00:45:13 – Building an inclusive workforce: the Martinez family legacy and the Hispanic Leadership Council
Matthew Bakker is the President of Landscape Design Services, a multi-generational West Michigan company that has been helping shape outdoor spaces across the region since 1968.
What began as a small landscaping operation started by Matt’s father, Larry Bakker, has grown into one of the region’s leading full-service landscape architecture, construction, and maintenance companies. Today, Landscape Design Services serves communities across West Michigan with a team of nearly 200 employees.
Matt’s story is deeply rooted in the business itself. Growing up alongside his brother Jeremy, he spent his early years pruning trees, operating equipment, and working in the garden center long before he could drive. Those hands-on experiences gave him a deep appreciation for both the craft and the people behind the company.
After earning his degree in Landscape Architecture from Michigan State University, Matt returned to the family business, eventually stepping into leadership during one of the company’s most challenging seasons — the economic downturn in 2008. Through resilience, innovation, and a people-first approach, Matt helped guide the company into its next generation of growth.Under Matt’s leadership, Landscape Design Services continues to evolve beyond traditional landscaping, creating outdoor living environments that blend architecture, design, functionality, and long-term client relationships.

Josh Bytwerk - How Is Love In Action Transforming Lives in West Michigan’s Tri-Cities?

In this episode of Inspire West Michigan, Josh Bytwerk shares how his faith has shaped his leadership journey and fuels an open invitation for others to step in, serve, and be part of meaningful, life-changing work in the community.
Josh knows that real change doesn’t come from quick fixes—it comes from relationships, dignity, and walking alongside people for the long haul. As Executive Director of Love in Action, he’s helping reshape how our community responds to poverty, creating pathways to stability through compassion and connection.
Timecodes:
00:01:23 – How Josh got connected to Love in Action and what drew him back in 2015
00:02:51 – The staggering growth of food insecurity: from 4,500 to 16,000 annual pantry visits
00:16:07 – Breaking down Love in Action's housing programs and how they help people move from homelessness to independence
00:22:33 – Why isolation is the hidden crisis behind poverty and how connection changes everything
00:42:01 – What's next for Love in Action: student mentoring, housing expansion, and Community Haven

Mark Allen - The Most Impactful Strategies for Modern Chambers to Empower Local Businesses

Welcome to Inspire West Michigan! In this episode, we sit down with Mark Allen, President of the Chamber of Grand Haven, Spring Lake, and Ferrysburg, to uncover what a modern chamber of commerce truly looks like — and why it matters MORE than ever for local businesses.
Mark shares his journey from volunteer chamber ambassador to chamber president, how his big-market experience in Grand Rapids is transforming the Tri-Cities business community, and the surprising ways the chamber is helping businesses grow, connect, and thrive in today's rapidly changing landscape.
Whether you're a small business owner, an entrepreneur just getting started, or a community leader looking to make an impact — this episode is packed with insights, resources, and inspiration you won't want to miss.
🔑 In this episode, you'll discover:The "hidden" resources your chamber offers that most businesses don't know aboutHow AI is reshaping small business operations right nowWhy in-person networking still wins — and how to do it rightThe programs connecting local youth to careers in West MichiganHow manufacturers are future-proofing their businesses through diversification
⏱️ Timecodes:00:00 – Introduction & Mark Allen's Background04:50 – Pain Points Every Business Faces (Big Market vs. Small Market)09:02 – Hidden Chamber Resources & Government Access21:16 – AI for Small Business: Tips, Cautions & Real Examples51:46 – Keeping Young Talent in West Michigan: The Boomerang Program

Peter Oleszczuk - The Greatest Lessons in Leadership from Westwind Construction’s Evolution

What does it really take to carry on a family legacy — and make it your own? In this episode of Inspire West Michigan, host Amy sits down with Pete Oleszczuk, President of Westwind Construction, to talk about growing up in a construction family, earning his way into the business, and leading three companies through one of the most complex economic environments in recent history.
From sweeping job sites at age seven to building 375+ Dollar General stores across multiple states, developing over 1,000 multifamily units, and now breaking ground on East End Flats in Grand Haven — Pete's story is one of grit, humility, and relentless commitment to doing things the right way.
Whether you're a business owner, aspiring entrepreneur, or just someone who appreciates an honest conversation about leadership and legacy — this one is for you.
Chapters:
0:00 – Introduction & Welcome to Inspire West Michigan0:56 – Meet Pete Zuck & The Three Companies2:26 – How West Wind Construction Got Its Start in 19773:11 – Growing Up in a Construction Family4:26 – The Lessons That Shaped Pete's Work Ethic6:25 – Shoveling the Whole Sidewalk: A Life Philosophy8:25 – Going to College vs. Joining the Family Business10:42 – How Pete First Made His Mark at West Wind11:09 – Building Dollar General Stores Across Multiple States13:21 – How Long Does It Take to Build a Dollar General?15:07 – Pivoting to Multifamily Development15:44 – Becoming President in 2023 & Passing the Torch18:15 – Navigating the Father-Son Dynamic at Work20:51 – Work-Life Balance Across Generations22:13 – The Biggest Challenges of Leading Three Companies24:10 – Building a Team You Can Trust26:03 – Leadership at 25 vs. Leadership Today28:21 – West Wind's Current Focus & Growth Strategy31:07 – Finding the Right Mix of Projects33:32 – Who West Wind Wants to Work With36:53 – The Value of Coaches & Outside Perspective37:25 – The "Pete Zuck Way" of Leading38:50 – Favorite Projects & Most Memorable Moments45:34 – Housing in West Michigan & East End Flats Update47:45 – Community Response to the Grand Haven Project49:22 – Future-Proofing Multifamily Developments52:09 – How AI Is (and Isn't) Impacting Construction54:40 – How Fatherhood Has Changed Pete as a Leader59:40 – Final Thoughts: Just Be Good Humans

Kelly Larson: The Ice Cream Innovator & Grand Haven Icon | Episode 2

Join us for a deliciously inspiring conversation with Kelly Larson, a longtime Grand Haven entrepreneur best known for building some of the community’s most beloved “fun” destinations: Sweet Temptations, Temptations, The Front Porch, Skoops, and the historic Fortino’s specialty food and gift shop downtown. Kelly’s journey began at age 15 with her first job on the Grand Haven boardwalk—a path that evolved into a thriving family business now recognized for its multi-location success, inventive promotions, community connection, and award-winning ice cream.
In this episode, discover how Kelly turned her passion for ice cream and candy into a year-round business, navigated the challenges and joys of family entrepreneurship, and championed a growth mindset rooted in serving customers and developing the next generation of leaders. Hear about her nationally recognized flavors, creative promotions like the much-loved Stuff Your Stanley event and holiday advent-style ice cream calendar, and her commitment to empowering young employees with real responsibility and life skills.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, community booster, or ice cream aficionado, you’ll enjoy Kelly’s stories of grit, invention, and giving back in Grand Haven and beyond.
Timestamps:
Introduction to Inspire West Michigan (00:00:00) Host introduces the podcast, its mission, and guest Kelly Larson.
Kelly’s First Ice Cream Job & Early Days (00:01:14) Kelly recalls her first job scooping ice cream at 15 and how it led to her career.
Advice to Young Kelly & Early Challenges (00:02:38) Kelly reflects on advice to her younger self and early business challenges.
Business Growth & Expansion Timeline (00:04:23) Kelly discusses returning to the family business, expansion, and moving to year-round operations.
Staffing & Developing Young Employees (00:05:47) Conversation about hiring, training, and retaining young staff, and changes in ideal candidates.
Transition to Year-Round Business & Corporate Gifting (00:10:01) Kelly explains the shift to year-round operations, corporate gifts, and adapting to new markets.
Kelly Larson is the creative force behind Grand Haven’s favorite ice cream shops and the historic Fortino’s, building a business—and community—where fun, flavor, and giving back are always on the menu. Don’t miss this uplifting episode!
 

Justin Raha - How He is Transforming the Culinary Scene in West Michigan? | Episode 1

In this inspiring episode of Inspire West Michigan, host Amy Atkinson sits down with Justin Raha—acclaimed pastry chef, owner of Grand Finale Restaurant Group, and partner at Blueberry Haven. Justin candidly shares his culinary journey from a teenage baker’s apprentice in Grand Haven to leading multiple thriving food businesses focused on scratch-made quality, creative adaptation, and community connection. Justin Raha, Chef/Owner — Grand Finale Bistro & Café and Grand Finale Deli & Bakeshop
Discover how Justin navigated the challenges of entrepreneurship, embraced changing food trends like gluten-free and vegan offerings, pivoted during the pandemic, and built a restaurant group that’s as passionate about people and collaboration as it is about food. You’ll also hear the exciting story behind his partnership with Chef Jeremy and Blueberry Haven, plus how Grand Finale’s bistro and bakery experiences help shape what’s next in Michigan’s dining scene.
Whether you’re a food lover, entrepreneur, or community supporter, you’ll be inspired by Justin’s commitment to innovation, local collaboration, and giving back. Grab a seat at the table for behind-the-scenes stories, leadership wisdom, and a taste of something sweet!
Key Timecodes:
00:01:39 — Justin’s Educational Journey  00:08:31 — Navigating the Pandemic  00:15:06 — Scratch Cooking & Allergen-Friendly Innovation  00:26:39 — Collaboration Over Competition  00:40:16 — Wine Education & Creative Experiences  
Watch now and feed your passion for food, entrepreneurship, and West Michigan’s creative spirit!