Inspire West Michigan

Chase Kuyers

Co-Owner & PGA Professional, Pigeon Creek Golf Course & Event Center

Chase Kuyers grew up on a dairy farm in West Olive, where an unexpected decision by his father and uncle introduced him to the game of golf and ultimately changed the direction of his life. Golf took Chase from Ferris State University to some of the country’s most respected golf destinations before eventually bringing him home to Pigeon Creek Golf Course.

In this episode of Inspire West Michigan, Chase joins host Amy Atkinson to talk about growing a family business, creating opportunities for women and young people to discover golf, investing in his community and learning how to become a better leader along the way.

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⏱️ Timecodes: 00:00 - Introduction to Chase Kuyers and Pigeon Creek Golf Course

02:08 - Growing Up on a West Olive Dairy Farm

06:21 - The Structure of PGA Professional Certification

11:38 - Why the PGA was failing to help them get better jobs

18:59 - Coming Home to Run the Course was the Biggest Opportunity of his Life

19:17 - The Development of Women's and Children's Programs

25:00 - Founding Chasin' Birdies and Building Youth Programs

28:47 - Recognized by Michigan Golf Course Association for their Youth Program

31:10 - Being Involved in the Community to Build Awareness

33:11 - Navigating COVID-19: Creating a "Mental Health Sanctuary" & Post-Pandemic Golf Boom

39:20 - Co-Owning with Family: Balancing 50/50 Partnerships Across Generations

47:05 - Building Trust with Your Team & Managing Mistakes

53:02 - Pigeon Creek Named MGCA 2026 Course of the Year

Get in touch: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠

Learn more:⁠ ⁠inspirewestmichigan.com⁠⁠

After graduating from Unity Christian High School, Chase enrolled in Ferris State University’s Professional Golf Management program. Through the program, he gained hands-on experience at some of the country’s most respected golf destinations, including Pinehurst in North Carolina, Bandon Dunes in Oregon and Mission Hills in Southern California.

When Chase learned his family was considering selling Pigeon Creek, he made the decision to return home in 2011 and put that experience to work. He began developing programs designed to make golf more accessible, particularly for women and young players.

Today, Pigeon Creek’s women’s clinics serve more than 200 participants annually, while the nonprofit Chasin’ Birdies youth program introduces more than 250 kids each summer to golf, leadership and other outdoor activities. In 2018, Chase and his cousin Mike Kuyers purchased Pigeon Creek from their fathers. Since then, they have continued to invest in the course, their team and the future of the business, including the addition of the Pigeon Creek Event Center. Chase has also become deeply involved in the West Michigan business community and the golf industry, while continually working to grow as a business owner and leader.

In 2026, Pigeon Creek was named Michigan Golf Course Association Course of the Year, recognizing the family-owned course for its investment in the facility, its community involvement and its programs dedicated to the growth of the game.

Jason Shamblin

Jason Shamblin’s path to leadership began with a connection to the outdoors and finding the places where he could thrive. From 4-H and hands-on learning to a career in parks and recreation, each experience helped shape the leader he is today.

Now Director of Ottawa County Parks & Recreation, Jason joins Amy Atkinson to share lessons about knowing your strengths, building trust and creating teams where people can thrive—while stewarding 7,700 acres of natural resources for generations to come.

Listen to Jason’s story and the leadership lessons he’s learned along the way.

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⏱️ Timecodes:

00:00 – Introduction & Early Life Jason Shamblin reflects on growing up on a 150-acre farm in Southeastern Ohio near Hocking Hills.

00:03 – Foundational Impact of 4-H Overcoming learning challenges with dyslexia and ADD, Jason found confidence, public speaking skills, and early leadership through 4-H.

00:06 – Hands-on Learning & Early Career at the YMCA Transitioning to Hocking College and Ohio University, Jason completed an internship at the Akron YMCA, which led to his first full-time job and shaped his business and budget mindset.

00:10 – Transition to Municipal Parks Moving into local government as a park crew leader in Gahanna, Ohio, Jason leveraged his practical background before advancing to superintendent in Grove City.

00:13 – First Director Role & Community Collaboration As Parks Director in Reynoldsburg, Ohio, Jason navigated local politics, built trust with elected officials, and launched an award-winning community garden.

00:18 – Butler County Deputy Directorship Jason took on the deputy director role at Metro Parks of Butler County, overseeing process building, facility expansion, and managing millage funding.

00:20 – Moving to Ottawa County A family trip to West Michigan inspired a career shift, leading Jason to apply for and step into the role of Director of Ottawa County Parks & Recreation.

00:24 – Land Preservation & Ottawa Sands Acquisition Jason discusses balancing public access with conservation, highlighting the multi-partner effort to acquire and preserve the 345-acre Ottawa Sands property.

00:27 – Millage Planning & Long-Term Sustainability Addressing population growth and funding needs, Jason details strategic planning, potential millage updates, and long-term financial stewardship.

00:32 – Ecological Restoration & Future Vision Looking ahead, Jason shares goals for universal outdoor education access for local students, regional trail connectivity (like the Grand River Greenway), and extensive ecological restoration at Ottawa Sands.

Jason Shamblin is the Director of Ottawa County Parks & Recreation, where he leads the stewardship of 42 properties and 7,700 acres of parks, open spaces and natural areas across Ottawa County.

Get in touch: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ 

Chris Weavers

Chris Weavers never planned on becoming a restaurateur. But when her father offered her an opportunity to return home to Grand Haven to run a restaurant, she took the leap—and spent the next three decades learning what it really takes to build a sustainable business.

In this episode, host Amy Atkinson talks with Chris about the difficult early years, learning to trust her own instincts, balancing business ownership and motherhood, navigating challenging economic seasons and COVID, and eventually expanding into J-Dub’s Market & Wine Shop.

It’s a candid conversation about perseverance, confidence, community and why, for Chris, failure was simply never an option. 

⏱️ Timecodes:

00:00:00 — Podcast Introduction: Introducing Chris Weavers, Owner of JW's Food and Spirits.

00:09:52 — Challenges Buying & Owning: Facing low margins, lack of experience, and wearing every hat from cooking while pregnant to bookkeeping.

00:13:30 — Discussion About Her Dad: Working together, butting heads, taking on full management responsibility, and the pressure after his passing.

00:20:20 — Success as a Business Owner: Turnaround strategies, implementing a POS system, and thriving through the 2007–2008 recession.

00:25:00 — Highlights About Centertown & Grand Haven: Community support, local collaboration, and the evolution of the Centertown business district.

00:26:00 — Success as a Business Owner: Expanding into the neighboring property to launch J-Dub’s Market & Wine Shop.

00:38:30 — Challenges Buying & Owning: Pivoting during COVID-19 by transforming into a local essential market and fulfilling takeout orders.

00:44:50 — Success as a Business Owner: Developing wine expertise, earning certifications, and starting her podcast, Pour Decisions.

00:51:20 — Highlights About Centertown & Grand Haven: Highlighting community events like Chow Down Centertown and reflecting on 32 years of perseverance.

Chris Weavers is a Grand Haven native whose unexpected journey into the restaurant business began more than 30 years ago when her father offered her an opportunity to return home and take over what was then The Hangar. With no previous restaurant experience, Chris learned the business from the ground up—working behind the bar, in the kitchen and everywhere in between while navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship and raising a family.

Over time, she transformed the restaurant into JW’s Food & Spirits, a year-round Grand Haven favorite known for consistency, hospitality and a loyal local following. In 2016, Chris expanded next door with J-Dub’s Market & Wine Shop, combining her growing passion and knowledge of wine with specialty foods, cheeses, gifts and JW’s favorites to go.

Today, Chris remains deeply invested in Grand Haven and its business community, bringing the same perseverance, curiosity and commitment to community that have shaped more than three decades of business ownership. 

Sarah Lewakowski

In this episode, host Amy Atkinson sits down with Sarah Lewakowski to explore her remarkable leadership journey—from studying opera and working in manufacturing to leading one of West Michigan's most innovative nonprofit mental health organizations. Together they discuss leadership, resilience, expanding access to counseling, and why the right relationships can change lives.

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⏱️ Timecodes:

00:00:00 – Introduction guest Sarah Lewakowski, Executive Director of Mosaic Counseling.

Sarah Lewakowski is the Executive Director of Mosaic Counseling, a nonprofit organization transforming access to mental health care across West Michigan. Since joining the organization more than 20 years ago—then known as Tri-Cities Ministries—Sarah has led its growth from a small panel of therapists into an innovative counseling model connecting nearly 300 independent clinicians with individuals, families, schools, employers, and communities throughout Ottawa and Kent counties.

Sarah's career began far from mental health. After studying voice performance at Hope College and working in manufacturing leadership roles in California and Arizona, she discovered a passion for psychology and earned her master's degree in counseling. She built a private practice before stepping into nonprofit leadership, where she combined her business experience with her heart for helping others.

Today, Sarah is recognized for her collaborative leadership, entrepreneurial spirit, and unwavering commitment to removing barriers to mental health care. Under her leadership, Mosaic Counseling continues to expand its reach while ensuring that quality counseling remains accessible to everyone who needs it.

Get in touch: [email protected] 

Josh Brugger

Owner, BruggerHouse Builders & Ottawa County Commissioner

Some communities are held together by a surprisingly small number of people—the ones who volunteer, solve problems, mentor others, and quietly step forward whenever something needs to be done. Josh Brugger is one of those people.

In this episode of Inspire West Michigan, Josh shares how a chance conversation during college changed the trajectory of his life, how Habitat for Humanity helped shape his leadership philosophy, and why construction, local government, and community service are more connected than many people realize. Josh also offers an inside look at some of Ottawa County's biggest opportunities and challenges—from affordable housing and water resources to responsible growth—and explains why every community needs more people willing to ask, "If not me, then who?"

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⏱️ Timecodes:

00:00 – Introduction & Overview

Josh Brugger is the owner of BruggerHouse Builders, a Grand Haven-based company specializing in residential remodeling, restoration, and additions that preserve the character and craftsmanship of West Michigan's historic homes. Inspired by his early work with Habitat for Humanity and AmeriCorps, Josh built a career focused on improving both homes and communities.

In addition to leading his business, Josh serves as the Ottawa County Commissioner representing District 10. His public service has included the Grand Haven Zoning Board of Appeals, Planning Commission, City Council, Brownfield Redevelopment Authority, and numerous nonprofit organizations. Today, he helps shape decisions involving housing, economic development, water resources, infrastructure, and long-term community planning.

Whether restoring a century-old home or helping solve complex community challenges, Josh believes leadership begins with a willingness to serve. His philosophy is simple: communities become stronger when ordinary people choose to step forward rather than wait for someone else to act.

Get in touch: [email protected] 

Maggie Malone

From learning to play music on a plastic guitar to leading one of West Michigan's most unique schools. In this episode, Maggie Malone, Superintendent of West Michigan Academy of Arts & Academics, shares how educators changed the course of her life, the leadership lessons she learned through music, and why she believes the arts enrich a student’s ability to learn and help them develop confidence and creativity.

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⏱️ Timecodes:

00:00 – Introduction to Maggie Malone and West Michigan Academy of Arts and Academics

Maggie Malone is the Superintendent of West Michigan Academy of Arts & Academics, where she combines a lifelong passion for education, leadership, and the arts to help students discover their potential.

A first-generation college graduate, Maggie's journey began with the encouragement of teachers and mentors who saw possibilities in her long before she saw them in herself. Growing up with limited resources, she found opportunity through music, eventually earning degrees  in Music Education and Performance from Michigan State University.

What started as a dream of becoming a professional musician evolved into a nearly four-decade career in education. Along the way, Maggie served as a teacher, Fine Arts Director, administrator, and educational leader, impacting thousands of students and educators throughout West Michigan.

Known for her belief that leadership is about serving others and creating opportunities for growth, Maggie has built her career around helping people become more than they thought possible. Today, she continues that mission through arts-integrated learning, meaningful relationships, and a commitment to preparing students for success both inside and outside the classroom.

Get in touch: [email protected] 

Tracy Riley

Executive Director, Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival Commander, U.S. Coast Guard (Retired)

In this episode, host Amy Atkinson sits down with retired Coast Guard Commander Tracy Riley to explore her remarkable leadership journey—from unexpectedly joining the Coast Guard to leading search and rescue operations, mentoring future officers, and ultimately returning to Grand Haven to lead one of the nation's most celebrated Coast Guard traditions.

00:00 - Inspire West Michigan Podcast Introduction

Tracy Riley, USCG (Ret.), serves as Executive Director of the Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival following a distinguished 28-year career in the United States Coast Guard. Beginning as an enlisted member in 1982, Tracy rose through the ranks to command Coast Guard stations, lead regional operations, and mentor future officers at Officer Candidate School.

Throughout her career, she served in assignments across the country, including search and rescue, law enforcement, environmental response, personnel leadership at Coast Guard Headquarters, and Group Commander in Grand Haven. Along the way, she became known for her people-first leadership style, commitment to mentorship, and belief that great leaders explain the "why" behind every mission.

After retiring from military service, Tracy eventually returned to Grand Haven—the community she knew would one day become home. Today, she leads one of Michigan's most beloved traditions, preserving more than a century of Coast Guard history while honoring the men and women who continue to serve our nation.

Get in touch: [email protected] 

John Foss Senior Vice President of Operations, Trinity Health Grand Haven & Shelby

In this episode, host Amy Atkinson sits down with John Foss to discuss the leadership, culture, and collaboration behind Trinity Health Shelby Hospital's recognition as one of the Top 100 Critical Access Hospitals in the United States. John shares how teamwork, coordinated care, and a commitment to serving rural communities are helping deliver exceptional healthcare across Michigan's lakeshore region.

00:00 Introduction of John Foss – John details his operational leadership role spanning the Muskegon, Shelby, and Grand Haven medical campuses.

01:46 Joining the Army Out of High School – John shares why he enlisted to fund college and build personal accountability.

02:52 - Becoming a Combat Medic – How an automated test and an old video disc kicked off John's healthcare journey.

05:25 - Lessons in Empathy & Diversity – How basic training taught John to communicate across different backgrounds.

07:13 - Discovering the PA Profession – A chance encounter with a sign that introduced John to the physician assistant career track.

14:47 - Working in an HIV Clinic during the 1990s – A moving look at handling critical care and empathy during the Ryan White era.

18:46 - The Birth of the Hospitalist Movement – How John helped pioneer a groundbreaking model of centralized hospital care in West Michigan.

31:51 - Transitioning into Healthcare Administration – Pursuing an MBA to bridge the gap between business operations and clinical practice.

54:48 - Ready to Be the Most Important Person – A powerful leadership lesson on why every single hospital staff member has a day where they are the most critical piece of the puzzle.

John Foss serves as Senior Vice President of Operations for Trinity Health, overseeing hospital operations across Grand Haven and Shelby. Throughout his career, John has been committed to building strong healthcare teams, improving patient experiences, and ensuring communities have access to exceptional care close to home.

Under his leadership, Trinity Health Shelby Hospital was recognized as one of the Top 100 Critical Access Hospitals in the United States by the Chartis Center for Rural Health—an honor awarded to only two hospitals in Michigan. John credits the achievement not to facilities or technology alone, but to a culture built on teamwork, collaboration, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to patients.

Passionate about connecting rural communities to comprehensive healthcare resources, John believes great leadership is about creating systems that allow exceptional people to do their best work while ensuring every patient receives seamless, high-quality care, regardless of which Trinity Health campus they visit.

Get in touch: [email protected] 

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 

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.

Get in touch: [email protected] 

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. 

Jodi Owczarski, President & CEO, Michigan West Coast Chamber of Commerce

Rachel Gorman, President & CEO, Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce

Mark Allen, President & CEO, Chamber of Grand Haven, Spring Lake & Ferrysburg

Get in touch: [email protected]