Matthew Smith and wife Cynthia Esch first opened Louise Earl Butcher with the vision of sourcing and selling the best naturally raised meats in West Michigan. Four years later, you can still find them working hard every day to teach the local hungry food shopper all about the slow food movement.
Canadian-born Yvonne Kupfermann has always had a personal connection to immigration — with two Hungarian parents and a brother who immigrated to the US from Hungary just a few years ago. Through her roles as an immigration attorney at Varnum and a board member for Justice for Our Neighbors, Kupfermann helps aspiring residents who may not otherwise be able to afford or access critical legal assistance.
Back in 2017 Alex Romero took a leap of faith by creating a role for himself within Carbon Stories that wasn't available. Fast forward to the present — this young entrepreneur not only holds the title of Project Manager at Carbon Stories, but he has started his own lifestyle brand appropriately dubbed, Take Chances Lifestyle.
When it came to inequities between genders, "Something didn’t add up for me by the time I was a teenager," Gender Equity Advocate and Political Activist Mary Alice Williams proclaims. While over the years she has noticed gradual progress is being made in some areas, Mary strongly encourages young women to "leave the ladder down," so others know they too can climb.
As a volunteer for WYCE radio, freelance writer for Local Spins, former tour manager, and frontman for GR's premier funk band — Melophobix — it's safe to say that Stefan Schwartz has an extensive resume when it comes to his experience within the GR music scene.
After spending 20 years within hospitality industry, Paul Marantette dove head first into real estate back in 2017. "Buying or selling a home is a very emotional time for people. There can be a lot of unforeseen situations that require patience, listening, and quick-thinking problem resolution," says Marantette. "I feel my years in the other “industry” primed me for dealing with these situations calmly and effectively."
It’s been a long process since Juan Carlos Angulo first moved to Michigan from Mexico City. Three years later, Rapid Growth follows up with him on his demanding journey from work visa to U.S. residency.
By structuring their new project with donations and opportunity zone investments, Dana Doll, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Treetops Collective — who focuses on connecting New American women with their new community—is excited to partner with investors and donors in restoring a 100 year old building on the South Division Corridor. With the help of Michelle Hoexum, CEO of Propeller, they will be building out new spaces, enabling them to partner with other leaders who are working with New American families.
As a true proponent for creation over competition, Jonathan Jelks — Co-Founder of GR USA, Ambiance GR, The Midwest Tech Project, and most recently, Motu Viget Spirits — confidently works with like-minded younger-generation entrepreneurs to bring diverse culture, businesses, and entertainment to GR.
Identifying both as Hispanic/Latino and as a part of the LGBTQ community, Chris Martinez is an evident fit for Varnum's Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Council. As its newest member, Martinez will provide vital insights from both his personal experience and role in leadership development at the YMCA.
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