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.

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

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.

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.

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

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 about How AI is reshaping small business operations right now Why in-person networking still wins — and how to do it right The programs connecting local youth to careers in West Michigan How manufacturers are future-proofing their businesses through diversification

⏱️ Timecodes: 00:00 – Introduction & Mark Allen's Background 04:50 – Pain Points Every Business Faces (Big Market vs. Small Market) 09:02 – Hidden Chamber Resources & Government Access 21:16 – AI for Small Business: Tips, Cautions & Real Examples 51:46 – Keeping Young Talent in West Michigan: The Boomerang Program

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 Michigan 0:56 – Meet Pete Zuck & The Three Companies 2:26 – How West Wind Construction Got Its Start in 1977 3:11 – Growing Up in a Construction Family 4:26 – The Lessons That Shaped Pete's Work Ethic 6:25 – Shoveling the Whole Sidewalk: A Life Philosophy 8:25 – Going to College vs. Joining the Family Business 10:42 – How Pete First Made His Mark at West Wind 11:09 – Building Dollar General Stores Across Multiple States 13:21 – How Long Does It Take to Build a Dollar General? 15:07 – Pivoting to Multifamily Development 15:44 – Becoming President in 2023 & Passing the Torch 18:15 – Navigating the Father-Son Dynamic at Work 20:51 – Work-Life Balance Across Generations 22:13 – The Biggest Challenges of Leading Three Companies 24:10 – Building a Team You Can Trust 26:03 – Leadership at 25 vs. Leadership Today 28:21 – West Wind's Current Focus & Growth Strategy 31:07 – Finding the Right Mix of Projects 33:32 – Who West Wind Wants to Work With 36:53 – The Value of Coaches & Outside Perspective 37:25 – The "Pete Zuck Way" of Leading 38:50 – Favorite Projects & Most Memorable Moments 45:34 – Housing in West Michigan & East End Flats Update 47:45 – Community Response to the Grand Haven Project 49:22 – Future-Proofing Multifamily Developments 52:09 – How AI Is (and Isn't) Impacting Construction 54:40 – How Fatherhood Has Changed Pete as a Leader 59:40 – Final Thoughts: Just Be Good Humans

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!