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.

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review!  

⏱️ 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.

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review!

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]

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.

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review! 👢

⏱️ Timecodes:

[00:00] - Introduction to Inspire West Michigan Podcas

[01:22] - Early Career & Personal Transitions

[02:46] - Entering Agriculture & Blueberry Farming

[03:34] - Joining Bor's Shoes

[08:44] - Combining Healthcare Experience with Shoe

[12:32] - Navigating Business Challenges during COVID-19

[17:42] - Buying Trends & Fostering Customer Connections women.

[27:47] - Downtown Grand Haven Development & New Hotel

[31:47] - Community Involvement & Advice for Women

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.

Get in touch: [email protected]

Matthew Bakker

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.

🌿 Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review!

⏱️ 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.

Get in touch: [email protected]

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

osh Bytwerk serves as the Executive Director of Love in Action of the Tri-Cities, a community-driven nonprofit dedicated to addressing poverty through holistic care and long-term empowerment. With a leadership journey that began as a volunteer, Josh brings a deeply personal and relational approach to his work—focusing not just on meeting immediate needs like food, healthcare, and housing, but on helping individuals move toward stability, dignity, and freedom. Under his leadership, Love in Action has expanded its impact through innovative programs like community co-op markets, financial fitness initiatives, and free medical and dental services.

Josh is passionate about building a connected, compassionate community where transformation happens through relationships as much as resources. He believes the most effective response to poverty is not a handout, but a pathway forward—one rooted in empowerment, collaboration, and genuine care. Through strong partnerships with local churches, businesses, and volunteers, Josh continues to champion a model of service that reflects the heart of the community and creates lasting change for thousands of individuals and families each year.

Get in touch: [email protected]

n 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:

⏱️ Timecodes:

Mark Allen is President of The Chamber of Grand Haven, Spring Lake, and Ferrysburg, where he leads strategic initiatives supporting businesses across Northwest Ottawa County. Appointed in 2023, Mark brought more than 14 years of chamber experience from the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce, where he served as Senior Director of Business Services, overseeing programs, business outreach, growth initiatives, and member engagement.

A graduate of the Institute for Organizational Management through the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Mark is passionate about strengthening business ecosystems and building meaningful connections. Prior to his chamber career, he held leadership roles in hospitality and staffing — and notably once served as a volunteer Ambassador for this very Chamber, making his return as President a full-circle moment.

Get in touch: [email protected]

Learn more: inspirewestmichigan.com

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 Michigan

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: [email protected]