Good Company

Twenty-something Dave Nitkiewicz (pronounced nit-kev-ich) has a pretty cool job. As the Specialty Markets Sales Manager for Experience Grand Rapids, he travels the country promoting Grand Rapids as a destination and acts as a concierge for our community. How did he get to where he is at such a young age? The short answer: networking and asking for informational interviews. The long answer: Paying his way through college through server jobs at the Marriott, unpaid internships, and tons of initiative. Listen to the full episode to find out more… while we drink Dankwood by Founders Brewing!

To Christopher “CJ” Mehall, issues of race, gender, sexuality, and able-bodiedness aren’t left wing or right wing issues: they’re human issues. Having grown up with all the privileges one can have in America, he uses his position as a GVSU Professor in the Education Department to teach his students and our community how to be better humans. Find out how he managed to bring the renowned White Privilege Conference to Grand Rapids in April 2018 and how he dealt with the pushback and hate mail from those who opposed it … while we drink Taz IPA by New Holland Brewing!

Barbara Rapaport is many things to many people: mother, wife, feminist, influencer. Most notably, however, she’s a leadership coach who has inspired growth in many leaders across our community. Listen to our latest podcast to learn her top five leadership lessons that stand the test of time and the value of introspection as a leader … while we drink Pacific Coast Cider, purchased from the Craft Beer Cellar!

You may know Ace Marasigan as the founder of the Grand Rapids Asian-Pacific Festival. However, his childhood was spent in the Philippines, living in poverty near a community dumpsite. Find out about how Ace persevered, despite the difficult hand he was dealt, how his son inspired him to plan the first festival celebrating Asian-Pacific culture in Grand Rapids, and get an inside scoop on this year’s festival offerings (SPOILER: there will be sumo wrestlers)! Listen to these stories and more while we drink Gammadeluxe by Jolly Pumpkin!

Chronically organized and hyper-motivated Jen Jurgens went from Vice President of Marketing at SalesPad to President in under a year. Before that, she was Executive Director of Susan G. Komen of Michigan. Before that, she survived breast cancer. Even before that, she was a fresh graduate of Michigan State University who moved to Hawaii on a whim with only two suitcases and 500 dollars in her pocket. Find out how this series of events connects and how that resulted in the successful woman she is today… while we drink “Passion Blaster” by New Holland Brewing!

At face value, Luke Petsch is your everyday Midwestern guy. He loves hiking, camping, and his adorable pup, Bob Loblaw. What makes him stand out is his passion and dedication for youths in our community experiencing homelessness.Tune in to find out how, with his job at HQ, he provides them a safe space to refresh while helping them develop long-term plans for their lives and careers... While we drink John Ball Brown by Grand Rapids Brewing Company!

Ashley Ward has led a challenging and unconventional life. She dropped out of High School at 17 to work full-time, became a mom, and eventually found herself in an abusive relationship. Fast forward to today - where she's a graduate of Cornerstone University, happily married, and founder of “Hire for Hope,” a recruiting agency that gives 10% of its revenue to Safe Haven, the domestic violence agency that helped her at her lowest. How did Ashley find the strength and courage to turn it all around? Tune in to find out… While we drink “Life’s a Peach” by Atwater Brewery!

Meet Alan Headbloom & Kenneth James: the dynamic duo behind “Facing Racism,” a two-day workshop where participants engage in tough but productive conversations around race and racism. Despite having the same goal of breaking the barriers of racism in West Michigan, the two have led completely different lives. Alan grew up in privilege - with an affluent family and the opportunity to have traveled all around the world. Ken, on the other hand, has lived in different cities across the United States, but has experienced discrimination of some form throughout every move. What motivated these two to join forces and face racism together? How can we all take small steps to embrace diversity in our lives? Tune in to find out… While we drink craft soda from Brix Soda Co.!Ken: jamesk@grandrapids.orgAlan: www.headbloom.com

Jeffrey Burns had a tough start to his career. But as a determined young dad, straight out of high school, Jeffrey started a full-time job in laundry services for the JW Marriott, and evening classes to get his undergraduate degree. Today, Jeffrey is the Assistant General Manager for the Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck, working with Grand Rapids’ biggest influencers in the hospitality industry. How did he manage that crazy trajectory in just six short years? Tune in to find out - while he and host Sarah Cavanaugh drink “Walter Gets Buzzed,” by Pigeon Hill Brewing!

Twenty-something saxophonist CC Croom is a busy gal. By day, she’s the office manager for a nonprofit organization. By night, she hustles as the founder of her own record label and entertainment/PR company. How does she do it all? How does she stay motivated? Tune in to learn the story of how she went from saxophonist to the event-planner for the concert… while we drink Brewery Vivant’s Farm Hand ale!