Inspire West Michigan

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.
0:00 – Introduction & Welcome to Inspire West Michigan0:56 – Meet Pete Zuck & The Three Companies2:26 – How West Wind Construction Got Its Start in 19774:26 – 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 States15:07 – Pivoting to Multifamily Development15:44 – Becoming President in 2023 & Passing the Torch18:15 – Navigating the Father-Son Dynamic at Work22:13 – 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 Strategy36:53 – 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 Project52:09 – How AI Is (and Isn't) Impacting Construction59:40 – Final Thoughts: Just Be Good Humans
Peter Oleszczuk is President of Westwind Construction and Midwest Property Development, Inc., leading the company founded by his father with respect for its legacy and a vision for continued growth. His journey began in high school sweeping floors, giving him firsthand experience at every level of the business. Over the past 20 years, he has grown into his leadership role, committed to excellence in construction management and real estate development.
On the Inspire West Michigan podcast, Pete shares insights on running a second-generation family business, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and how fatherhood has shaped his patient, team-first leadership style—crediting a strong leadership team as key to the company’s ongoing success.
Get in touch: info@inspirewestmichigan.com Learn more: inspirewestmichigan.com
 

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:
(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!
Kelly Larson is a longtime Grand Haven entrepreneur best known for building some of the community’s most beloved “fun” destinations—ice cream shops: Sweet Temptations, Temptations, The Front Porch, Skoops; and the historic Fortino’s specialty food and gift shop downtown. Her journey started at age 15 with her first job on the boardwalk, then evolved into a family business she helped grow into a multi-location operation known for creative promotions, community connection, and nationally recognized ice cream.
Kelly is deeply committed to a growth mindset bringing dynamic promotions to her stores, including standout events like her advent-style holiday ice cream calendar and popular limited-time promotions, like Stuff Your Stanley. She’s also a passionate developer of people, known for trusting young team members with real responsibility and focusing on training that helps them thrive
Get in touch: info@inspirewestmichigan.com Learn more: inspirewestmichigan.com
 

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!Justin Raha is a Grand Haven native, chef, and entrepreneur whose culinary journey began in pastry arts and has grown into ownership of multiple West Michigan food destinations, including Grand Finale Bistro & Café in Grand Haven, Grand Finale Deli & Bakeshop in Spring Lake, and Blueberry Haven.
With a foundation as a pastry chef, Justin brings both precision and creativity to his menus. An avid traveler, he immerses himself in the culture, cuisine, wines, and restaurants of the cities and countries he visits—bringing those global influences back home to expand the palates of his customers. Through each of his ventures, Justin blends technique, hospitality, and worldly inspiration to create memorable dining experiences rooted in his hometown community.Get in touch: info@inspirewestmichigan.com Learn more: inspirewestmichigan.com