Inspire West Michigan

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!