Back to Business

West Michigan is home to several big players in the footwear industry. HOLO Footwear is a newer company entering the West Michigan footwear scene in Grand Rapids. They have a focus on outdoor shoes made from sustainable & recycled materials.

On this episode of the Back to Business Podcast, we sat down with Yurida Rodriguez, HOLO's President. Rodriguez & host Connor Smithee discuss what goes into leading a new startup. This is an episode you won't want to miss!

The Back to Business Podcast: CEO Summit Series is brought to you by Davenport University.

El 14 de junio del 2022, la Cámara de Comercio de Grand Rapids, fue anfitrión de la Cumbre de Ejecutivos del Oeste de Michigan, invitando a lideres de organizaciones y empresas a reunirse para un día de aprendizaje y conexiones.

En nuestro primer episodio en español, entrevistamos a Elizabeth Rosario, dueña y fundadora del bufete de abogados Grand Rapids Law Group.

Elizabeth comparte su perspectiva sobre manejar un negocio durante tiempos desafiantes de inflación, crisis de talento y más.

¡Este es un episodio que no querrás perder! Este episodio es patrocinado por la Universidad Davenport.

On June 14, 2022, the Grand Rapids Chamber hosted the West Michigan CEO Summit, inviting leaders from area organizations and businesses to come together for a day of networking and learning.

On this episode of the Back to Business: CEO Summit Special, we interviewed Elizabeth Rosario of Grand Rapids Law Group.

Elizabeth founded Grand Rapids Law Group several years ago, and has seen her company grow and expand ever since. We talked about some of the challenges she's helped her clients overcome, and some of the challenges her company's had to overcome in the era of inflation, talent shortages, and other key issues. 

This is an episode of the Back to Business Podcast you won't want to miss! This episode is brought to you by Davenport University.

On June 14, 2022, the Grand Rapids Chamber hosted the West Michigan CEO Summit, inviting leaders from area organizations and businesses to come together for a day of networking and learning.

On this episode of the Back to Business: CEO Summit Special, we the Phoenix Theatres team. Phoenix Theatres recently opened in Woodland Mall. Working in the movie industry isn't just show business. There's a lot of logistics that go into making sure your favorite film gets on a big screen near you. Host Connor Smithee had a chance to interview their team to learn more about the ins and outs of opening and running a movie theater.

This is an episode of the Back to Business Podcast you won't want to miss! This episode is brought to you by Davenport University.

On June 14, 2022, the Grand Rapids Chamber hosted the West Michigan CEO Summit, inviting leaders from area organizations and businesses to come together for a day of networking and learning.

On this episode of the Back to Business: CEO Summit Special, we interviewed Peter D'Arienzo of John Ball Zoo. Overseeing a zoo has it's unique set of challenges. Peter and host Connor Smithee dive into some of these challenges and what he's excited about.

This is an episode of the Back to Business Podcast you won't want to miss! This episode is brought to you by Davenport University.

On June 14, 2022, the Grand Rapids Chamber hosted the West Michigan CEO Summit, inviting leaders from area organizations and businesses to come together for a day of networking and learning.

On this episode of the Back to Business: CEO Summit Special, we interviewed Mike Vangessel of Rockford Construction. 

Mike hasn't just seen Grand Rapids grow over the past few decades, he's helped BUILD that growth. He cofounded and built Rockford Construction into one of the largest construction companies in the area. We had a chance to ask him how he's helping his company overcome top issues, and why he's proud to be a Grand Rapidian. 

This is an episode of the Back to Business Podcast you won't want to miss! This episode is brought to you by Davenport University.

On June 14, 2022, the Grand Rapids Chamber hosted the West Michigan CEO Summit, inviting leaders from area organizations and businesses to come together for a day of networking and learning.

On this episode of the Back to Business: CEO Summit Special, we interviewed Jonny Brann of Kitchen 67.

It's no secret that running a restaurant has its own unique sets of challenges, especially in the post COVID era. Jonny and host Connor Smithee have a unique discussion on how restaurant owners are overcoming top issues like talent and inflation. 

This is an episode of the Back to Business Podcast you won't want to miss! This episode is brought to you by Davenport University.

On June 14, 2022, the Grand Rapids Chamber hosted the West Michigan CEO Summit, inviting leaders from area organizations and businesses to come together for a day of networking and learning.

On this episode of the Back to Business: CEO Summit Special, we interviewed Joel Rahn of Independent Bank.

Joel has been working with Independent Bank for over 30 years. Being the Vice President of Commercial Banking allows him a unique angle to learn what businesses are struggling with in our current economy in the areas of inflation, talent, and more.

This is an episode of the Back to Business Podcast you won't want to miss! This episode is brought to you by Davenport University.

On June 14, 2022, the Grand Rapids Chamber hosted the West Michigan CEO Summit, inviting leaders from area organizations and businesses to come together for a day of networking and learning.

On this episode of the Back to Business: CEO Summit Special, we interviewed Joe Chamberlin of the West Michigan Whitecaps.

Joe oversees all of the operations for the Whitecaps. While the player side is managed by the Detroit Tigers, Joe has the job of making sure everything else is running correctly for the Whitecaps to play ball.

This is an episode of the Back to Business Podcast you won't want to miss! This episode is brought to you by Davenport University.

On June 14, 2022, the Grand Rapids Chamber hosted the West Michigan CEO Summit, inviting leaders from area organizations and businesses to come together for a day of networking and learning.

On this episode of the Back to Business: CEO Summit Special, we interviewed Greg McNeilly of Windquest Group.

Greg has the responsibility of overseeing the Windquest Group's diverse portfolio of companies in industries like manufacturing, food and beverage, and more. Greg has a unique opportunity to answer the question: Why Grand Rapids, because he works with companies and individuals both in Grand Rapids and around the world.

This is an episode of the Back to Business Podcast you won't want to miss! This episode is brought to you by Davenport University.