Chamber Podcast

Good Company: The Podcast

When you live in Grand Rapids, you’re in good company.

The Grand Rapids area is home to an array of colorful individuals – creatives, professionals, people looking to make a difference, social influencers, and even the newbies in town with a cool backstory. Tune in as we explore these stories one guest at a time… while drinking Michigan-made craft beer!

S2 Episode 19: Scaling Up with Wade Wyant of Red Wagon Advisors

Oct 9, 2019

S2 Episode 18: Laura Ward on the Power of Mentorship

Sep 23, 2019

S2 Episode 17: Chris Andrus on the Mitten’s Journey and the Importance of Giving Back

Sep 13, 2019

All Podcasts

S2 Episode 6: Chamber VP of Gvt. Affairs Andy Johnston Interviews Brad Williams, His Counterpart at the Detroit Regional Chamber

Mar 29, 2019

On this week’s episode of Good Company, we hit the road and headed 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 […]

S2 Episode 5: Cannabis Beat Reporter Dishes on Recreational Marijuana in Michigan

Mar 19, 2019

  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!     

S2 Episode 4: Jeff Cranson on the Polar Vortex, Plowing, Potholes and Policy

Mar 4, 2019

  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. Check out the project video Jeff refers to here: youtu.be/r-XtvC9lPd4

S2 Episode 3: Bob Roth of RoMan Manufacturing on Finding and Attracting Talent

Mar 1, 2019

  On this week’s episode of Good Company, 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 […]

S2 Episode 2: Erik Lauchiè of Carbon Stories on Being a Young Entrepreneur and Why Grand Rapids is Great

Feb 13, 2019

  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.

S2 Episode 1: Bryan Harrison and Mandy Bolter Discuss Their Passion for Local Politics

Jan 27, 2019

Bryan Harrison and Mandy Bolter Discuss their Passion for Local Politics 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 […]

Episode 17: Jennifer Maxson on What It Means to Lead & the Importance of Mentorship

Nov 16, 2018

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 […]

Episode 16: These Twin Brothers Went from Poverty and Fieldwork to Founding a Successful Real Estate Group

By: Good Company: The Podcast / Nov 1, 2018

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 the most real estate transactions under their parent company, Coldwell Banker. How did they beat the odds and get from point A to point B? […]