Inspire West Michigan

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:

[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]

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:

(00:00:00)  Host introduces the podcast, its mission, and guest Kelly Larson.

Kelly’s First Ice Cream Job & Early Days (00:01:14)

Advice to Young Kelly & Early Challenges (00:02:38)

Business Growth & Expansion Timeline (00:04:23)

Staffing & Developing Young Employees

Transition to Year-Round Business & Corporate Gifting (00:10:01)

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!

Kelly Larson is a longtime Grand Haven entrepreneur best known for building some of the community’s most beloved “fun” destinations—ice cream shops: Sweet Temptations, Temptations, The Front Porch, Skoops; and the historic Fortino’s specialty food and gift shop downtown. Her journey started at age 15 with her first job on the boardwalk, then evolved into a family business she helped grow into a multi-location operation known for creative promotions, community connection, and nationally recognized ice cream.

Kelly is deeply committed to a growth mindset bringing dynamic promotions to her stores, including standout events like her advent-style holiday ice cream calendar and popular limited-time promotions, like Stuff Your Stanley. She’s also a passionate developer of people, known for trusting young team members with real responsibility and focusing on training that helps them thrive

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  

👨🏼‍🍳 Watch now and feed your passion for food, entrepreneurship, and West Michigan’s creative spirit!