Good Company

The 2019 Inaugural West Michigan CEO Summit brought over 600 regional business executives together to engage on key topics, such as leadership, culture, talent, strategic planning and industry trends. We know that everyone has something valuable to share. In addition to the leadership lessons shared at the event, we are pleased to present this special podcast series, featuring business leaders discussing shared challenges, successes, innovations, and what they are doing to best prepare their companies for the future. These interviews were recorded live in the lobby of the West Michigan CEO Summit, and are brought to you by Comcast Business.Interviews feature: Dr. Hyung Tai Kim, Brad Kessel, Bridget Clark Whitney, David Lewis, and Dennis Aguirre

Meg Goebel, President & CEO of Paul Goebel Group, has been noted for her energetic enthusiasm in the insurance industry and community at large. Meg has been very involved in giving her time and treasure back to the West Michigan community, serving on multiple boards, including spending time as the chair of the Grand Rapids Chamber Board.Meg is a multiple winner of the Business Journal’s 50 Most Influential Women and Top Women-Owned Businesses awards, and was most recently honored with the Women of Achievement and Courage Award at the Michigan Women Forward luncheon in April. In addition to giving back to the community, Meg is also passionate about skiing, art, and good wine. We were thrilled to cover it all while drinking Jean Foillard Beaujolais-Villages, a French red blend we picked up from chamber member Reserve Wine & Food.

Mark Washington was appointed Grand Rapids City Manager last July, and hit the ground running when he officially started the role in October. With nearly 24 years of experience working in local government, including his most recent role as Assistant City Manager of Austin, Texas, Mr. Washington told us what drew him to Grand Rapids and this role. Hear our chat with the City Manager as he delves into the challenges the city is facing (yes, including parking!) and how he plans to tackle them.

J.D. Loeks didn't think he would be living in GR and working for his family's business, but after a few years in Denver he moved home and fell in love with the company. Now serving as President of Studio C, J.D. has led the charge on the company's latest development: Studio Park. Hear our chat with J.D. where he delves into his passion for the community, experience in LGR, and tells us exactly what movie theaters do with all of their extra movie posters - all while enjoying Scotch and Corona from Creston Market (inspired by the movie American Psycho).

From getting picked on as kids to becoming first-generation business owners, twin brothers Ruben and Rolando Ramos know the value of hard work. Ruben sat down with Anna Young, Digital Content Specialist, and Dante Villarreal, Vice President of Business and Talent Development. They chatted about why it’s important to engage with and give back to your community, how to attract and foster talent, and getting the most out of Chamber programs, all while drinking Founders All Day IPA!Are you a minority business looking for additional resources? Learn more about the Chamber’s Elevate program or the West Michigan Minority Contractors Association.

State Representative Tommy Brann has been working in the restaurant business since the age of 17. At the age of 19, Tommy opened his restaurant “Tommy Brann’s Sizzling Steaks and Sports Grille.” He is also an author and song writer, detailing the hard work needed by small-business owners in the book “Mind Your Own Business," which includes 13 small-business lessons that he will be using while serving in Lansing. Tommy is currently the owner and operator of Brann’s Restaurants, which has several locations across Michigan, including the same first restaurant that has been open for 45 years.Take a listen as we chat with State Representative Tommy Brann while sipping on Nitro Cold Brew from Ferris.

On this week's episode of Good Company, we hit the road and went to Lansing where Andy Johnston interviewed his counterpart at the Detroit Regional Chamber, Brad Williams, Vice President of Government Relations. They cover the great bacon vs. sausage debate, the Gordie Howe International Bridge, and the upcoming Mackinac Policy Conference - all while drinking delicious Brix Soda from Martha's Vineyard!

In December 2018, Michigan became the 10th state to legalize recreational marijuana. Chamber staff sat down with Amy Biolchini, Cannabis Beat Reporter for MLive, to learn more about what this law means for Michigan residents and employers... all while enjoying The Hemperor HPA, purchased from the Craft Beer Cellar!

Check out the "after hours" edition of American Spirit #2! We're on drink two with Jeff Cranson, Director of Communications for the Michigan Department of Transportation.

We sat down with Bob Roth, President & CEO of RoMan Manufacturing, to drink Founders Solid Gold and discuss talent in the workplace. When employees understand the WHY of a company, and are given the opportunity to have a voice in the why, it can make all the difference in company culture. Take a listen to learn more from Bob.This episode of Good Company is brought to you by Pivot Point, presented by Progressive AE. Learn more at www.progressiveae.com

On another American Spirit edition of Good Company, we sat down with Jeff Cranson, Director of Communications for the Michigan Department of Transportation. We talked about the polar vortex, plowing, potholes and policy, all while enjoying Long Road Distillers Dry Gin from Bridge Street Market.View Flip project video: https://youtu.be/r-XtvC9lPd4

We sat down with Erik Lauchiè, Founder and Creative Director of Carbon Stories, where he shared his experiences as a young entrepreneur and his ambitions for the future. We enjoyed Dang! That's Good soda from Martha's Vineyard.

This is the first episode of the American Spirit edition of Good Company, where Chamber Vice President of Government Affairs Andy Johnston chats with local policymakers while enjoying a locally made spirit. In this episode, Bryan Harrison and Mandy Bolter share their tips for getting involved in politics and what issues are top-of-mind for them in 2019, all while enjoying spirits from New Holland Brewery!

Jennifer Maxson was awarded the 2018 ATHENA Leadership Award for good reason. She is passionate about her community, and even more passionate about building great leaders. Listen to her share everything from what movie boss she thinks is just the worst, to tips on business card etiquette, all while sipping on Michigan Kviek from Mitten Brewing Co.!

Identical twins Manny and Leo Barajas grew up in poverty working in Michigan’s blueberry and cherry fields. Today, they are the successful founders of MI Home Group, where they bring in the most real estate transactions under their parent company, Coldwell Banker. How did they beat the odds and navigate their non-traditional path to success? Listen to the full episode and find out… while we drink Bam Biere by Jolly Pumpkin!

Despite what people might think because of all the courtroom dramas on television, being a judge isn't all about yelling at people and swinging a gavel around. Christina Elmore describes it more as "being a referee." Find out about her journey into judgeship, why she's running for Circuit Court, and how she deals with people yelling profanities in court after being sentenced... while we drink Detroit Pale Ale by Atwater Brewing!

People that don't know better may think of men in ballet as "not masculine" or "not real athletes" - but that couldn't be further from the truth! From the demanding physical requirements like lifting women to performing amazing feats in front of a live audience... and in tights! One could argue that you have to be even more secure in your masculinity to pull it off. James Sofranko, the new Artistic Director for the Grand Rapids Ballet, joins Good Company to discuss his new leadership role, his big move from San Francisco, and what goes on behind-the-scenes... while drinking Vivant Tripel by Brewery Vivant!

Despite what people might think, the life of a freelancer isn’t about working shorter hours at home in your jammies. From clients that think a new logo will solve their internal business problems, to keeping up with trends lest you become obsolete, marketing can sometimes be a thankless job. Regardless, Chelsie believes good design is for everyone. Find out how she navigates the world of freelance as the Principal, Art Director, and Designer at her company, Pretty Little Bow... while we drink Big Paw Red by Chateau Fontaine!

What do Lauren Stanton, Alyssa Hearin, Emily Richett, and Good Company host Sarah Cavanaugh have in common? Besides being overall swell gals, they all are prominent faces in West Michigan's broadcast media industry! Tune in and get the inside scoop into the worlds of these Media Mavens. Learn what happens behind-the-scenes, how they pull off their lovely on-screen personas at 5 in the morning, tips for entering the biz, and how to deal with stalkers… while we drink Koala Bear by Creston Brewery!

From the moment you wake up to the moment you go to sleep, you are abiding by rules and regulations that have been made for you. Andy Johnston, Chamber Vice President of Government Affairs, doesn’t like being told what to do without good reason, so becoming a registered lobbyist was the perfect job for him. Join Andy and the Good Company Podcast for some craft beverages at the Craft Beer Cellar, while he encourages you to get involved with the issues that you are most passionate about!