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.

Chapters:

0:00 – Introduction & Welcome to Inspire West Michigan 0:56 – Meet Pete Zuck & The Three Companies 2:26 – How West Wind Construction Got Its Start in 1977 3:11 – Growing Up in a Construction Family 4:26 – The Lessons That Shaped Pete's Work Ethic 6:25 – Shoveling the Whole Sidewalk: A Life Philosophy 8:25 – Going to College vs. Joining the Family Business 10:42 – How Pete First Made His Mark at West Wind 11:09 – Building Dollar General Stores Across Multiple States 13:21 – How Long Does It Take to Build a Dollar General? 15:07 – Pivoting to Multifamily Development 15:44 – Becoming President in 2023 & Passing the Torch 18:15 – Navigating the Father-Son Dynamic at Work 20:51 – Work-Life Balance Across Generations 22:13 – The Biggest Challenges of Leading Three Companies 24:10 – Building a Team You Can Trust 26:03 – Leadership at 25 vs. Leadership Today 28:21 – West Wind's Current Focus & Growth Strategy 31:07 – Finding the Right Mix of Projects 33:32 – Who West Wind Wants to Work With 36:53 – The Value of Coaches & Outside Perspective 37:25 – The "Pete Zuck Way" of Leading 38:50 – Favorite Projects & Most Memorable Moments 45:34 – Housing in West Michigan & East End Flats Update 47:45 – Community Response to the Grand Haven Project 49:22 – Future-Proofing Multifamily Developments 52:09 – How AI Is (and Isn't) Impacting Construction 54:40 – How Fatherhood Has Changed Pete as a Leader 59:40 – Final Thoughts: Just Be Good Humans

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:

Introduction to Inspire West Michigan (00:00:00) Host introduces the podcast, its mission, and guest Kelly Larson.

Kelly’s First Ice Cream Job & Early Days (00:01:14) Kelly recalls her first job scooping ice cream at 15 and how it led to her career.

Advice to Young Kelly & Early Challenges (00:02:38) Kelly reflects on advice to her younger self and early business challenges.

Business Growth & Expansion Timeline (00:04:23) Kelly discusses returning to the family business, expansion, and moving to year-round operations.

Staffing & Developing Young Employees (00:05:47) Conversation about hiring, training, and retaining young staff, and changes in ideal candidates.

Transition to Year-Round Business & Corporate Gifting (00:10:01) Kelly explains the shift to year-round operations, corporate gifts, and adapting to new markets.

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!

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 00:08:31 — Navigating the Pandemic 00:15:06 — Scratch Cooking & Allergen-Friendly Innovation 00:26:39 — Collaboration Over Competition 00:40:16 — Wine Education & Creative Experiences

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