GRAND RAPIDS DOWNTOWN MARKET - Key Persons
Alex fell in love with the wedding industry early on in her career and went on to become an official Certified Hospitality Supervisor with a degree in Event Management/Hospitality Services Administration. To say she is an event expert is an understatement!
Winkel has been involved with Founders since 2007 when, as a real estate developer, he helped Founders transition from its original location to its current home. Following the relocation, Winkel actively served on Founders' Board of Directors until 2011 when he became the company's CFO. In 2018, Winkel also became the company's COO and has fulfilled both positions since. Prior to his time at Founders, Winkel spent ten years in the finance and urban real estate development industries, most notably as co-founder of Locus Development.
Audrey's experience with office administration, customer service, event planning, on-boarding, and orientation give her a well-rounded skill set that is a valuable addition to the Market team!
Charlie has been an influential business professional for nearly 20 years, while also building relationsips and developing businesses around the world. As Owner/Partner of Sibsco, Charlie works in property management, commercial real estate investment, and asset management.
Job Titles:
- Administrative Coordinator
Devin is a customer service expert with a passion for managing a variety of administrative processes and procedures. He welcomes guests with a smile and an answer to any question they have!
Glenn has over ten years of facility management under his belt! His extensive knowledge of plumbing, heating, construction, and maintenance make him an expert in assuring the Market is in tip top shape.
Job Titles:
- Regional Sales Director at Paycor
- Senior Regional Sales Director
In her role as Regional Sales Director at Paycor, Hailey oversees a team of sales executives across Michigan and Indiana to grow the Paycor brand. She is also responsible for the success of more than 2,000 clients in enhancing their footprint and developing relationships with key influencers in the HCM industry.
Job Titles:
- Events & Beverage Manager
Katie handles beverage services and staffing for all Market private events. She is in charge of making sure your event's bar is well staffed and your guests are well served! katie@downtownmarketgr.com
Job Titles:
- Franchise Owner: Fibrenew
After working with big brands like Meijer and Wolverine Worldwide, Lachaun decided to try her hand at entrepreneurship. In 2019, she bought into a service franchise, Fibrenew. Fibrenew Grand Rapids is a mobile service company that repairs and restores most types of leather, vinyl, and plastic items. Their products are eco-friendly and the restoration process keeps items with their owners and out of landfills.
In her role at Legacy Trust, Laina leads the development, execution and oversight of the company's investment philosophy and asset management strategies, including asset allocation guidelines, tactical positioning, portfolio construction, and investment policy design. She also manages key individual and family office portfolios directly, working alongside the firm's wealth management staff to deliver investment solutions that are customized to meet client needs.
Job Titles:
- Chief People Officer
- Founder
- HR Business Partner at HR Collaborative
A graduate of Grand Valley State University with a degree in Management, Cooper is an HR Business Partner at HR Collaborative, specializing in building human resource functions from the ground up for small- and medium-sized organizations. Her expertise includes strategic planning, talent acquisition, performance management and development, employee retention and engagement, leadership coaching and more.
Madison brings more to the table than just precise event coordination! Her past experience as an event planner and wedding assistant makes her an asset to the Market and the Events Team.
Job Titles:
- Business Operations Specialist
Mark adds some expert technical knowhow to the Market team. His role includes software implementation, IT administration, business operations, and much more!
Mason is here to oversee the facilities crew in addition to performing general building maintenance and upkeep. He works hard to keep the building in tip top shape!
Job Titles:
- Chief Counsel & VP of Strategic Partnerships
As Chief Counsel of Rockford Construction, Melissa directs and manages Rockford's legal needs, strategic planning, business development and community involvement. With more than 25 years of experience in real estate, construction and development, Melissa offers a broad background of diverse experience ranging from public-private partnerships (P3s) to renewable energy projects, mixed-use developments, health care hubs and entertainment venues. She is also a licensed real estate broker.
Mike has spent the last decade working to make Grand Rapids a great place for anyone to launch a new business. He has worked to form a cohesive blend of public/private platforms to reinvigorate a historic culture of entrepreneurship. A seasoned business strategist, Mike serves as Co-Director of Start Garden, a public/private facilitator of start-up initiatives in Grand Rapids. His past professional experience has included a list of diverse roles such as investment partner, company founder, sr. business advisor, and director.
Mimi has spent the past ten years designing strong urban places for communities of people to live and have fun. As president and CEO of the Downtown Market, she is focused on creating a healthier food system that connects farmers, chefs, and consumers.
Molly is an experienced digital and traditional marketer. Her strategy is strong and her campaigns are good at making people interested and hungry for more!
As a graduate of Michigan State University and native of East Lansing, Remes received a degree in hospitality business, leading him to spend the last 12 years at the JW Marriott Grand Rapids. This makes Remes the perfect person to oversee operations at the AHC+Hospitality Marriott properties, including the recently opened AC Hotel Grand Rapids Downtown.
Job Titles:
- General Manager of the Van Andel Arena
- Regional General Manager: ASM Global
Richard MacKeigan joined ASM Global as General Manager of the Van Andel Arena, DeVos Performance Hall and DeVos Place, and serves as the Executive Director for the Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention/Arena Authority. As ASM Global's Regional General Manager and Regional Booking Director, Rich has built relationships with booking agents, promoters, managers and artists in an effort to increase bookings and provide a superior customer experience. He is presently on the Executive Board of Directors for Experience Grand Rapids and a member of the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM).
Job Titles:
- Culinary Operations Manager
Ryan Bolhuis, is an award winning chef with more than 15 years of food industry experience creating sustainable and profitable food systems. He has a passion for making the Market into THE destination for food entrepreneurship.
Ryan is about as creative as they come. With a strong focus on design, he leads the Market's branding and visual communication through careful art direction and execution.
Job Titles:
- Director of Human Resources & Administrative Operations
With over 10 years of experience with Human Relations, safety, and volunteer programs, Sarah brings both enthusiasm and expertise to the Market team.
Stacy prides herself on being helpful, happy, and and full of Market knowledge. She is here to make your visit a successful one!
Steve has worked in public accounting for over 17 years. He started working in Grand Rapids at a large, local firm after graduating from Calvin College and joined Vander Ploeg, Bergakker & Associates in 2016. He works with clients in the construction, real estate, nonprofit and manufacturing industries by providing partnership/corporate tax assistance, audit/assurance services as well as financial performance evaluation and proforma preparation. He enjoys giving back to the community.
Kelly has been with Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. since 2013. In that time he has managed several key capital projects and planning efforts, including the first update to the Downtown Master Plan in more than 20 years. Prior to working in Grand Rapids, he served as a development analyst and project manager for the Long Beach Redevelopment Agency in Long Beach, Calif. from 2009 to 2013.
Tyler supports the Market facilities team with his strong background in mechanical systems and repairs. He is committed to keeping everything in working order, night and day!