Faces

Through their unique leadership programs and services, Jennifer Maxson & Associates’ team of coaches develops credible leaders who communicate effectively, drive business growth, and achieve sustainable change.

Dr. Terri Zomerlei, of the Centre for Plastic Surgery, isn’t your typical surgeon. A West Michigan native, Dr. Z first worked in health care as a nursing assistant, and then as a surgical physician assistant. But when this mother of two faced a life-changing event that rekindled her passion to be a surgeon, she went for it.

Sara Badger started SimplyBorn Midwifery Services in 2010, and has been a gentle force of change and growth in West Michigan’s birthing community ever since.

When Josh Beckett turned 30, he was diagnosed with diabetes, and that sparked a brand-new perspective on food and exercise. By opening Anna’s House, Beckett has been able to provide fresh, organic, high-quality dishes to his friends and family.

With a passion for landscape design that embraces natural and timeless themes, landscape architect Gary Kappes brings his talents to each project his award-winning firm undertakes. A design/build firm established in and working throughout West Michigan since 1968, Kappes Landscapes seamlessly blends a client’s vision from conception to implementation and completion.

John Postma was determined to be successful, so he developed a hard work ethic from a young age, and paid his way through school by working on a hog and dairy farm. In college, Postma was challenged by a professor to find a career that played to his strengths and motivated him. For Postma, that turned out to be real estate.

As vice president of construction at First Companies, CJ is a key member of the leadership team, bringing his expertise in locating and developing land as well as overseeing all aspects of construction.

Built on a foundation of strong brand quality, innovative programming, world-class equipment and technology, and excellent customer service, MVP Sports Clubs has been providing fitness, sports, and wellness to West Michigan since 2005.

DeVries Jewelers offers a purposeful selection of jewelry brands, styles, materials, and price points for every occasion. They also provide custom jewelry design, on-site jewelry, timepiece repair, and in-house appraisals.

Wayne Visbeen, AIA, IIDA, principal and founder of Visbeen Architects Inc., is a licensed architect and registered interior designer with more than 30 years of experience in retail, residential, commercial design, and visual merchandising.

Founded in 1979, Suburban Inns is a family-owned and operated company based in West Michigan which develops, owns and operates award-winning hotels and restaurants inHolland, Grand Rapids, and Midland. Its hotels consistently rank in the top 15% of their franchises for customer service and quality, winning some of the top awards in North America.

Every day, the architects, engineers, and interior designers at TowerPinkster are using curiosity as fuel for their clients’ success. The TowerPinkster philosophy is that asking the right questions produces remarkable solutions. By asking those questions, the team works hand-in-hand with clients to create experience-driven spaces — spaces where people can live, learn, collaborate, serve, heal, and play.

After more than two decades of leadership and 10,000 hours of study in the science of human behavior, Michelle L. Steffes has perfected a formula for developing and sustaining highperforming teams.

Upon her return to Grand Rapids in 2017, after 28 years of living out of state, Mindy Alexander says accepting the group sales director position at Witte Tours was the perfect homecoming. “It felt like I’d truly ‘come back home’ to a role where my expertise was immediately put to use,” she says.

Phrené Hoeksema, owner of Studio Phrené and West End, established her business in Grand Rapids in 2007 and has been serving the area as a passionate photographer ever since.

Mercantile Bank mortgage lenders work hard to help you find the perfect mortgage for your life and your future. With no gimmicks and no games, they offer solid mortgage options with competitive rates designed around your needs.

United Bank is a leading business lender, offering a comprehensive suite of business products that blend cutting-edge technology with unparalleled customer service.

Known for their giving spirit, West Michigan philanthropists have many faces. As Kent County’s philanthropic leader, Grand Rapids Community Foundation has the privilege of partnering with a diverse group of individuals, families, and organizations with a shared interest in seeing their community thrive.

Shelley Kohtz manages the vacation team at Witte Travel; she was promoted in 2017 after 15 years as a travel consultant. Under her leadership, the team has achieved record-breaking sales and continues to grow.

Portobello Road is a lifestyle furniture boutique that features some of the world’s most exquisite home furnishings. It showcases distinctive furniture and home décor in trendy and trending lifestyle vignettes.