Inspire West Michigan

inspirewestmichigan
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Introducing Inspire West Michigan – A Podcast Series Celebrating Local Business Leadership. Inspire West Michigan is a new podcast collaboration between Acorn Marketing, the Grand Haven, Spring Lake & Ferrysburg Chamber of Commerce, and ReDiscover Studios—created to elevate the voices of West Michigan’s business community. Hosted by Amy Atkinson, President & CEO of Acorn Marketing, Inspire West Michigan delivers authentic, behind-the-scenes conversations with the visionary presidents and CEOs shaping our region’s economy and community. With 30 years of leadership and marketing expertise, Amy brings a strategic, thoughtful perspective to each interview—uncovering stories that spark curiosity, connection, and inspiration.

Episodes

  1. MAY 6

    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

    52 min

  2. APR 22

    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 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

    57 min

  3. APR 8

    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 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

    1 hr

  4. MAR 25

    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!

    52 min

  5. MAR 11

    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!

    59 min
  • 5 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Introducing Inspire West Michigan – A Podcast Series Celebrating Local Business Leadership. Inspire West Michigan is a new podcast collaboration between Acorn Marketing, the Grand Haven, Spring Lake & Ferrysburg Chamber of Commerce, and ReDiscover Studios—created to elevate the voices of West Michigan’s business community. Hosted by Amy Atkinson, President & CEO of Acorn Marketing, Inspire West Michigan delivers authentic, behind-the-scenes conversations with the visionary presidents and CEOs shaping our region’s economy and community. With 30 years of leadership and marketing expertise, Amy brings a strategic, thoughtful perspective to each interview—uncovering stories that spark curiosity, connection, and inspiration.

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    inspirewestmichigan
  • Years Active
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  • Episodes
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