Makin' it in Muskegon

MAKIN' IT IN

USKEGON and other nearby places a special project by The Sailors’ Log staff, 2018

MAKIN' IT IN Page 1 – Introduction Page 2 – Main: Mike Marine by TAYLOR DEW; Sidebar: Taryn Kutches Page 3 – Main: Erin Moore by EMMALEE DYKSTRA; Sidebar: Eric Ringelberg Page 4 – Main: Kristi Kettler by MADELINE ECKERMAN; Sidebar: Justine Winwood Page 5 – Main: Debra Warren by CHRIS HORVATH; Sidebar: Michael Johnson Page 6 – Main: Jeff Franklin by KALI JEND; Sidebar: Josh Reece Page 7 – Main: Kellie Hall by PAIGE JUDSON; Sidebar: Jera & Brett Gilbert Page 8 – Main: Caitlin Brazda by SAMMIE LADEGAST; Sidebar: Jake Fischer Page 9 – Main: Jennifer Wolters by GABBY LOPEZ; Sidebar: NONE Page 10 – Main: Ian Moriarty by CAITLIN McCOMBS; Sidebar: Autumn Gillard Page 11 – Main: Stephanie Younts by CARLIE McNIFF; Sidebar: Amber Ferguson Page 12 – Main: Sally Keiser by MAL MESTON; Sidebar: Justin Meyers Page 13 – Main: Brett Thorsen by SARAH MIKESELL; Sidebar: Ben Medema Page 14 – Main: Cassandra Craigie by JAYLENE DAVIS; Sidebar: Harrison Cannon Page 15 – Main: Ben Soyars by MEGAN SWANKER; Sidebar: NONE Page 16 – Main: Cathy Forrest by MARISA VanderMOLEN; Sidebar: Nick Bennett Page 17 – Main: Brittany O’Brien by JAYLENE DAVIS; Sidebar: Jason Bowler Page 18 – Main: Colleen Murphy by MORGAN CATHEY; Sidebar: NONE Page 19 – Main: Shane LeRoux by LIAM WILCOX; Sidebar: Bill Bailey Page 20 – Main: Nick Stenholm by TIMMY SCHNEIDER; Sidebar: Rachel DeBruin

USKEGON and other nearby places

The Sailors’ Log

makin’ it in muskegon

Each year, I challenge the awardwinning newspaper staff at Mona Shores to create a PDF-only publication. Last year, we tracked down all previous editors-in-chief of The Sailors’ Log and produced a “Where Are They Now?” edition.

This year, I challenged them to find successful people in the Muskegon area (at first, the idea was to choose people under 40, but I allowed students to choose who they wanted.). While we know there are hundred of successful Shores graduates in the immediate area, what follows are the stories of more than 30 Shores graduates who are successful in their respective fields.

– Warren Kent III, adviser

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makin’ it in muskegon

The Sailors’ Log

Making his mark Company president took unconventional path

By Taylor Dew Staff Writer

Sometimes, one never knows where life will take him.

Mike Marine, a 1988 graduate of Shores, first wanted to be an architect.

“I liked the creativity of it from design to accomplishment, and I liked to draw,” Marine said.

Now, he is president of MarkPack, Inc., located in Coopersville.

Mark-Pack is a family owned business that started in 1946 selling rubber stamps to local businesses and has evolved into one of the areas most respected packaging and marking coding distributors.

Marine’s “solution” was to change direction from architect to a salesman.

“When I was in sales management, I knew that the Mark-Pack’s culture and values were right for me, and I knew that I wanted to work and grow with this company,” Marine said. “I like the challenges of the different projects that the sales group bring to me and every other facet of the business from profit and loss to knowing every employee personally.”

Finally, Marine said he became president of the company after 23 years “by working my way up

from sales, to sales management, to executive management, proving along the way that I could handle and grow in each of these positions.”

But before he could become president, Marine took an unconventional route to get there.

After Marine graduated from Shores in 1988, he said he devoted his extra time to windsurfing and golf while also attending Muskegon Community College from ‘88-’90 and working at Sara Lee Bakery.

After getting his associate’s from MCC, Marine attended Ball State University for its architecture program.

However, Marine soon decided that architecture was not for him and transferred to Michigan State University’s School of Urban and Regional Planning. In ‘93, Marine graduated from MSU with his Bachelor’s Degree.

In 1994, a family friend had taken a sales position at Mark-Pack Inc. and knew that Marine was in the market for a different job. He helped line up an interview for Marine.

Marine started at Mark-Pack as a sales rep in February of 1994.

He called on accounts from Muskegon to Traverse City and helped open an office in the Traverse City

Mike Marine Business Life: President of Mark-Pack, Inc. Year of Graduation: 1988 Schooling After Shores: Recieved Associate’s from MCC and Bachelor’s from Michigan State University

Family Life: Has two daughters (Lauren and Kendyl). Wife’s name is Bobbi. Together, they have two Australian Shepherds (Barley Hops and Stoli) and three cats (Raja, Dini, and Sally)

area that he worked at weekly until 2009.

Along the way, Marine and his first wife had two daughters (Lauren in 1997; Kendyl in 1999). both of them graduated from Shores.

From 2009-2011, Marine was Vice President of Operations to not only Mark-Pack but its sister company, Nagel Shippers Prod-

ucts in Saginaw.

In 2011, Marine’s counterpart passed away suddenly, causing Marine to become Vice President of both companies. In 2012, Marine married Bobbi Dew. In January of 2018, Marine was promoted to President of MarkPack and Nagel Shippers.

Although his college degree has

no reference to what he does now, Marine said his educational background has given him discipline and influences his daily work.

“My advice is you never know where life is going to take you, but make sure that whatever path you take you surround yourself with positive people and enjoy what you do,” Marine said.

Taryn (Klinkner) Kutches, 2007 Co-Founder of Parker Design Company, which creates backpacks for women on the go (www. parkerdesignco.com) Activities in high school: basketball, volleyball, Senate Life after Shores: Michigan State University (Bachelor Degree in Mechanical Engineering 2007-11); Sales Rep for Biomet (2011-12), Sales Engineer for Pliant Plastics and Shape Corp (2012-17); Account Manager for Shape Corp (2017-Present); Co-founded Parker Design Co. (Feb. 2017) Personal life: Married to Pete Kutches; two daughters (Parker, 2; Brynn; born April 17) How did you get your current position? I started taking notice of what men and women carried in the workplace, and I noticed men typically carried backpacks, but women were uncomfortably shifting tote bags from shoulder to shoulder. I discovered that it was hard to find a backpack that looked professional enough to wear in a work setting, so I decided to create one.

When did you get your current position? Parker Design Co. was founded in Feb. 2017. We launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise money for our first production run in September/October 2017 and were successful. Our first production order was just delivered to our customers.

What do you do specifically in your current position? My co-founder and I do everything from advertising, marketing, fulfillment, product design, shipping, etc.

Is this what you envisioned you would be doing when you were in high school? I never knew what I wanted to do in high school. I knew I was good in math and science, so I pursued a degree in engineering, but I wasn’t sure where that was going to take me.

When did you know this is what you wanted to do? I discovered I had a passion for entrepreneurship shortly after I graduated from college. I was always thinking of different business/ product ideas. Once I had the idea for the backpack, I knew I had to pursue it.

What do you like most about the current position? I juggle my current position with working full time at Shape Corp. I love being able to make decisions, create the kind of work culture, and use my creativity when it comes to Parker Design. It is an outlet for me to exercise the stuff that I am really passionate about.

How is your current position rewarding? It is amazing that we took an idea and a napkin sketch and created a company and a product. Each backpack we ship is rewarding because we know we built this company from just an idea in our head.

How did Shores help prepare you for this current position? Shores helped me gain the confidence to pursue my dreams.

What advice would you give to current high school students about pursuing your current position? Change the way you think about failure.

I have never heard a success story that didn’t have failures along the way. If you let those failures tear you down, you won’t recover, but if you embrace them and treat each one as a learning experience, nothing can stop you.

makin’ it in muskegon

The Sailors’ Log

Picture perfect Photographer captures special moments

By Emmalee Dykstra Feature Editor If one were to ask Erin Moore (formerly known as Erin Kelly) in high school what she planned on spending her life doing, photography was not what she would have responded with.

“Being a photographer was my dream job in fifth grade,” Moore said. “When I got to high school, I was sure that there was no way I would be able to make a comfortable living out of photography.

I was looking for a career that would be more ‘safe’.”

During her years at Shores, Moore, who graduated in 2010, took advantage of the many photography course offerings that are provided, finding that she had a love for taking photos.

“I took every photography class that was offered at Shores, and I loved those classes so much,” Moore said. “I also loved (art teacher Danielle) Benson-Fennell. She does an awesome job at teaching how to use/develop film, which didn’t seem important to me at the time.”

Eight years after graduation, though, she runs a highly successful photography business, Sweet Lemon Drop Photography, which specializes in weddings, lifestyle, and senior portraits, in Muskegon.

Her road to “making it in Muskegon” was not one she expected, and it wasn’t the easiest for her to go through.

“After graduation, all of my friends were starting college, but I didn’t have a passion to go to school just yet. I told myself that I was just taking a year off to find out what I really want to do with my life,” Moore said. “That year was hard, seeing everyone around me knowing, or acting, like they knew what they wanted to do.”

She spent her time after high school working at a salon in Ada until she received an internship with a photographer out of Grand Rapids.

While working with him, she started Sweet Lemon Drop Photography in 2012. The name’s inspiration came from her childhood favorite candy.

Starting her company was a maybe-this-will-work-out kind of situation, she said, and to her luck, it did work out.

“Everyone finding what they wanted to do was stressful, but it made me think in a now or never situation,” Moore said. “I decided I wanted to just try doing something I loved first, and if it doesn’t work out, I would finally go to school and get a career. I definitely found what I was looking for in photography.”

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Erin Moore Business Life: Creator/ Owner of Sweet Lemon Drop Photography Year of Graduation: 2010 Schooling After Shores: None; instead, interned under a photographer.

Family Life:Married to Taylor and has a daughter, Elouise

When she isn’t hanging out with her husband Taylor, her daughter Elouise, or her other “baby” Birdie (her pugalier puppy), Moore spends her days capturing moments of other’s lives that are some of the most important, and she loves every single moment of it.

“I love being a part of people’s lives, especially when it’s their

biggest days of their lives,” Moore said. “I’ve seen so much that makes me have a whole new meaning of life: watching/shooting a birth and seeing the kind of love that firsttime parents have, the seniors who are filled with joy and wonder, and the face of the bride’s dad right before they walk down the aisle.

Freezing these moments for my clients is hands-down the most re-

warding part about my job.”

Moore offered some advice to the dreamers and potential photographers who share the same dream as herself: “For all of you photographer lovers. never put your camera down,” Moore said. “The more you shoot, the more you’ll learn. If you have any dream at all, do it. It never hurts to try.”

Eric Ringelberg, 1998 Owner of Next I.T.; runs four offices across Michigan; leads a team of 42 employees; manages installations, upgrades, and migrations for organizations around the midwest Activities in high school: soccer, DECA Life after Shores: U.S. Army/Michigan Army National Guard (1988-90); U.S. Navy (1990-95); Grand Valley State University (1996-98); Muskegon Baker College (1997-99); KFORCE Consulting (1998-2001) Personal life: Married to Michele Albright Ringelberg; two children (Brittanie and AJ, both graduates of Shores) How did you get your current position? Tech bubble of 2001 put thousands of IT people out of work. I had a choice – go on unemployment or create my own job and start a company.

Is this what you envisioned you would be doing when you were in high school? I didn’t know

what I was going to do in school. I was told I wasn’t college material and should go into the military.

When did you know this is what you wanted to do? In the U.S. Navy. I was assigned to fix computers on my ship after graduating from the Navy Advanced Electronics school. I didn’t know anything about them, but I could see that they would change the world.

What do you like most about the current position? I love fixing complex problems and working outside of the box. As a consultant, I get to make a difference at the companies I work for.

As a business owner, I get to lead (and grow) a team of professionals that help our clients be more productive, reduce risk and be competitive.

How is your current position most rewarding?

Providing jobs in my hometown. We provide dozens of jobs to so many young people who would have left Muskegon after graduation, and now, those people are buying cars, houses, and starting families because they have high-paying professional

jobs right here in Muskegon.

How did Shores help prepare you for this current position? I had a couple of amazing teachers who believed in me, like (business teacher Dave) Walker, who taught me about marketing and business. I also took a lot of typing classes, which really helped me with computer technology.

What advice would you give to current high school students about pursuing your current position? Take the military ASVAB test even if you aren’t going in the military – you might be surprised what it says you are good at. Consider going to a trade school instead of college – you will graduate with a specialization that will make you “work place ready” instead of just theory. You don’t have to know what you want right away, but you need to point yourself in a direction and start paddling.

Anything else you would like to add? Focus on your future. You and you alone are responsible for your success. If you want the results, you have to put in the hard work.

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makin’ it in muskegon

The Sailors’ Log

Flying high Clothing boutique owner soars into business

By Madeline Eckerman Staff Writer Among the many successful graduates Shores has produced, Kristi Kettler, formerly known as Kristi Bates, a graduate of 2002, is one who has accomplished some impressive things.

Taking a path in the fashion industry, Kettler is the owner of the Sparrow Boutique, located at 255 Seminole Roadd #103.

Even in high school, Kettler said she knew she wanted to pursue a career in the fashion industry.

“I was always interested in fashion and always had a dream of owning my own store one day,” Kettler said.

After Shores, Kettler continued her education at Grand Valley State University, where she graduated in 2006 with a degree in business and marketing.

She then moved to Chicago for three years to pursue options in fashion, she said.

She eventually moved back to Muskegon since she loves the area and has family and friends living here.

Being the owner of a clothing

boutique comes with a wide range of responsibilities.

“For my job, I manage our social media platform, buy merchandise, work on marketing and promotion for Sparrow, manage the accounting, and I also work in the store with customers one day a week; however, I wish I had more time to work in the store,” Kettler said, “However, all my other responsibilities for managing Sparrow take up a lot of my time.”

Out of all the perks of owning a clothing boutique, Kettler said her favorite part of the job is working with the customers.

“I love getting to interact with such a variety of customers and getting the opportunity to work with people from the community,” she said.

She said she also has built some amazing relationships with her employees over the years which has led to some incredible friendships.

After all she has done to build her business, Kettler said she is proud of what she has built and how successful Sparrow has become.

“Another thing that I love about

Kristi Kettler Business Life: Owner of Sparrow Boutique Year of Graduation: 2002 Schooling After Shores: Grand Valley State University Family Life: Married to Chris Kettler

my job is that I am a female business owner. There is just something kind of cool and powerful being able to say I own my own business,” Kettler said.

The career Kettler pursued was not one that had a clear-cut path or a ton of options in West Michigan; she needed to build her own path to try and reach her dream job.

“For anyone interested in a similar job, it’s important to remember to keep your head down and work hard. You have to focus on what you want to do for the rest of your life and not be afraid to make your own path,” Kettler said.

Even though Kettler lives in Spring Lake, she knew she wanted to build her business in Muskegon.

“I believe there is a movement in Muskegon and movement among the community, and the movement will depend on Muskegon retaining young creatives who are making their own paths,” she said. “I see growth here in Muskegon, and I built my business here because I am excited to see Muskegon grow in the future.”

Justine (Mooney) Winwood, 2005 Talent Acquisition Specialist for Mercy Health, where she recruits for the physician network from Spring Lake to Ludington all along the lakeshore.

Activities in high school: broadcasting, debate, choir, yearbook Life after Shores: I tried a short stint at Specs Howard. Went to Muskegon Community College before transferring to Central Michigan, graduating with degree in broadcasting with double minors in advertising and anthropology; worked for Arrow Strategies, beginning in 2010. Then, moved to a staffing agency, Employment Plus. Eventually, gained employment with Booking.com. Started as a sourcing specialist and was promoted to a recruiter. Responsible for recruiting individuals who could speak multiple languages for their call center.

That job took her to Florida and the Netherlands.

After Booking.com made cuts, she was hired for a recruiting opportunity with Hope Network. She then took a permanent opportunity with Ross Medical as a Career Development Specialist. She worked there for almost a year before taking a job with Mercy Health (2014). "I enjoy what I do. I help people start their careers and meet the needs of our patients. I have learned that life is not a straight path, and you never know how the events of your life will unfold. I worked hard, but also had a bit of luck to find myself where I am today. I am very fortunate."

Personal life: Married to my kind and funny husband Jeremy Winwood. We bought a house in 2014 in Twin Lake and have a couple of acres. We also have a Border Collie puppy named Appa.

How did you get your current position? It's all about who I knew. I was lucky enough to meet Shana Welch at Hope Network before she took a job with Mercy Health. She remembered me and my work and reached out when she had an opening for the Muskegon location.

What do you do specifically in your current position? I recruit for Medical Assistants, Nurses, LPN's and Clerical staff for our physician network.

I use an evidence based selection process that uses assessments to drive hiring decisions.

Is this what you envisioned you would be doing when you were in high school? Ha, no. I thought I would be working behind a camera. But college has a way of turning your hobby into a job, and with a lack of employment opportunities in Michigan, well I chose a different path.

When did you know this is what you wanted to do? When I started doing it. I took a leap of faith.

Sometimes, you just have to trust you are in the right place. It wasn't easy, and I had my doubts. But I was learning lessons and growing up.

What do you like most about the current position? When I make someone a job offer, and they are so happy they cry. I've just impacted someone's whole life in a positive way. That is such a good feeling.

How is your current position most rewarding? I get to use my creative problem-solving skills. I have ideas; they don’t always work, but sometimes, just getting started on solving a problem can be the hard part. I bring that to my team, the ability to just start tackling problems and find solutions.

How did Shores help prepare them for this current position? Being a part of Broadcast News, I found myself in a position where a lot of people knew me, but I didn’t know them. I would have entire conversations with people, and I couldn't tell you their name. Well, I am in that same position. I rarely meet anyone I hire, so when they recognize me and my name, they strike up a conversation.

What advice would you give to current high school students about pursuing your current position? Recruiting is a great job. You can recruit for a variety of industries and meet a lot of cool people. But I would say, don’t be too locked into your plan. Life has a way of throwing you curve balls. Just go with the flow and trust life is putting you on the right track.

makin’ it in muskegon

The Sailors’ Log

A steady diet of politics Dietitian doubles as local City Commissioner

By Chris Horvath Staff Writer There have been Shores’ students who have become famous through the wide world of politics.

Add current Muskegon City Commissioner Debra Warren, who is also a registered dietitian, to that list.

“I started becoming interested in cooking and food my senior year, but didn’t realize it would become my career,” said Warren, who was on student senate along with participating in choir and tennis at Shores, where she graduated from in 2007. “In high school, I thought I wanted to pursue a degree in psychology. I enjoyed public service to some capacity in high school and enjoyed being involved with student senate, but I never thought either interest would take this shape.”

Post high school, Warren played tennis at Muskegon Community College before transferring to Grand Valley State University. She then attended Central Michigan University, where she received her Bachelor’s of Science in dietetics.

She then completed her postgrad dietetic internship with Michigan State University and became a Registered Dietitian in 2013.

After that, it was when food and politics intertwined.

“I had some amazing community gardening experiences during college in Santa Barbara (Calif.), Chicago, and throughout Michigan,” she said. “My first couple of jobs after graduating were working

for non-profits, teaching cooking classes, gardening and advocating for food access and food literacy.

It was those community-based experiences that helped inspire me to run for city commissioner.”

Warren’s four-year term started January 2016, and she represents the people of Ward 3 in Muskegon.

“I am elected to advocate on their behalf, make short-term and long-term decisions related to City of Muskegon finances, public safety, economic development, environmental impact, and everything in between,” Warren said. “I work with city staff to ensure tax dollars are spent in a way that is responsible for our community. Being an elected official means serving the public and often requires wearing different hats in different situations.”

Outside of politics, Warren also wears the hat of dietitian, which led to her passion in politics.

“Deciding to run and figuring out how to run a campaign was really rooted in my passion for my community and my passion for urban agriculture,” she said.

“In 2015, I was part of a group trying to get the urban agriculture ordinance changed in Muskegon to be more inclusive for residents and non-profits. And then once I got into city hall through attending meetings as a concerned resident, the more I learned, the more passionate I became. It kept fueling my fire of wanting to be more involved in local government.”

Helping others is something that Warren said she considers strongly

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Debra Warren Business Life: Muskegon City Commissioner as well as a registered dietitian Year of Graduation: 2007 Schooling After Shores: Muskegon Community College, Grand Valley State University, Central Michigan University, Michigan State University Family Life: Married with an 18-month-old son

and really enjoys in her position as a dietitian.

“As a dietitian, I love working with people to improve their lifestyle,” she said. “A healthy lifestyle can look a lot of different ways; it doesn’t have to just be kale or grilled chicken or going to the gym. And I enjoy meeting people where they’re at, working on baby steps, and helping to give them the tools and support to achieve their weight-loss goals.”

She said she also cares about celebrating the little things in her profession as a commissioner.

“In my experience in public ser-

vice so far, I find hope in working towards a more positive, equitable, and inclusive community,” Warren said. “It feels like there are a lot of frustrations and bad days and some issues feel like constant, uphill battles. I also have some unique challenges as I am the youngest member of the commission as well as currently the only female. I might be the youngest female in the history of the city, I’m not sure. But, to me, the small victories matter and advocacy matters, and I take satisfaction out of the work of public service.”

When Warren entered politics,

she would not have expected for that to be in her future.

“Being an elected official, I would encourage people to be open-minded on their path,” she said. “I never thought I would be in this position, but one thing led to another, and I am so grateful for the people that believed in and encouraged me to run a campaign.

Surround yourself with people that encourage you to keep going.

Also, public service can look a lot of different ways – there are volunteer positions, part-time stipend positions (like what I do), and fulltime politicians as well.”

Michael Johnson, 1995 President, Waterstone Insurance Agency, 565 W. Western Activities in high school: golf, hockey, student services Life after Shores: Western Michigan University (1995-99) Personal life: Married to Julie Johnson (Shores Class of 1995). Daughter Avery, 13, in eighth grade at Shores Middle; son, Justin, 6, kindergarten at Churchill.

How did you get your current position? I started as salesman in December 1999 and worked my up.

When did you get your current position? Named President of Waterstone and purchased Waterstone in March of 2015.

What do you like most about the current position? Sales aspect. I like helping people protect their assets.

What do you do specifically in your current position? Main responsibility is to sell insurance along with all other aspects of running the day-today operation of the agency.

How did Shores help prepare you for this current position? Shores prepared me for college much more than preparing me for my job.

Is this what you envisioned you would be doing when you were in high school? No. I went to WMU in 1995 to become a police officer.

When did you know this is what you wanted to do? After my first semester at WMU. I decided a future in business suited me better.

What advice would you give to current high school students about pursuing your current position? If sales is in your future, consider insurance as everyone needs it. Most lines of coverage are required by the government. The insurance industry is an aging industry and needs an injection of youth.

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makin’ it in muskegon

The Sailors’ Log

Business is bouncin’ Family entertainment center gives owner a lift

By Kali Jend Features Editor Jeff Franklin, a 2001 Shores graduate, never in his wildest dreams expected to own a family entertainment center.

But in 2012, owner Jeff and his wife Cassandra opened Kangaroo Palace, 3524 Green St., as a way to serve the community.

“The idea to open Kangaroo Palace was mostly Cass’ idea,” Franklin said. “She wanted to open a children’s entertainment place.”

Through his business, an indoor inflatable park for families, Franklin has created an outlet to give back to a community that gave him so much.

“At the time I attended, Shores was the best school you could go to. I felt privileged and overeducated. I have always held Shores is high regard,” Franklin said.

“Shores has always met everyone’s needs and has new tools and resources students need to succeed.”

Franklin said he appreciated his time at Shores where he worked as auditorium manager Michael Re-

inhardt’s right-hand man.

“I would help Mike run the auditorium and making sets for the musicals and plays,” Franklin said.

Franklin said he got his fair share of punishment when he deserved it, which is actually how he got into helping Reinhardt.

“My choice was either Saturday school or helping out with tech theater,” Franklin said. “I will never regret choosing tech theater because I’ve grown so close to Mike.”

Franklin said Reinhardt still keeps in contact with him.

“Mike made a big difference in my life and helped keep me out of trouble,” Franklin said.

Through opening his own business, Franklin said he has learned some important life lessons, and applied some of the ones he learned from Reinhardt back in high school.

“The key to success is educating yourself,” Franklin said. “Education is an important part of life and achieving what you wish to do.”

Franklin said he wants high school students to be able to achieve greatness in whatever they

Jeff Franklin Business Life: Owner of Kangaroo Palace, 3524 Green St. Year of Graduation: 2001 Schooling After Shores: Grand Valley State Univeristy, Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Family Life: Married Cassandra (Cass) in 2011.

Has 3 children: Step-sons Clayton 14, Ronnie 6, Ari 2.

may choose. He said he has advice for people who are thinking of being future business owners.

“You have to find a niche that is not yet being filled and fill it,”

Franklin said. “Or if your niche is already filled, find a way to fill it better than the other people.”

Opening a business has taught Franklin valuable life lessons.

“This business has taught me to be patient,” Franklin said. “You have to be able to take risks and suffer the consequences or, on the other hand, reap the benefits.”

Josh Reece, 2003 Partner (attorney) with Parmenter Law, 601 Terrace St. Primarily practices in the areas of business and real estate

handle real estate development matters, buying and selling real estate (residential and commercial), and residential and commercial leasing matters.

Activities in high school: The Sailors’ Log, baseball, football, JV basketball

Is this what you envisioned you would be doing when you were in high school? No, not really.

At the time, I liked the idea of teaching/coaching, something sports-related, or even journalism in some form. My vision of an attorney was more of what you would see on TV – courtroom drama, litigation, suit and tie, etc. That is not at all what I do now.

Life after Shores: Alma College (2003-07), B.A. in history and minor in economics. Valparaiso (Ind.) University (2008-11) sports administration and law school Personal life: We’ll go with dating.

How did you get your current position? A good friend’s relative was a partner at Parmenter in 2009, so I applied for a summer clerkship position. I got the job and spent my summer of 2010 working for the firm. Then, I applied for a full-time job after graduation and started in fall of 2011 as an associate attorney. Named a partner Jan. 1, 2018.

What do you do specifically in your current position? On the business side, I work with entrepreneurs and small business owners to set up and organize their business. I also counsel existing business owners with various day-to-day issues. We also do quite a bit of business succession planning – helping current owners figure out the best way to transition a business to a younger generation and/or key employees. On the real estate side, I

When did you know this is what you wanted to do? I didn’t really decide I wanted to go to law school until my junior year of college. And then it wasn’t really until I was midway through my second year of law school that I decided I wanted to be in private practice and focus on business and real estate.

What do you like most about the current position? The people I work with each day. On the one hand, we have great clients. I get to work with entrepreneurs, business owners, and developers – talented people who are driven and make things happen. This keeps the work interesting and exciting. On the other hand, we have a great team of people at Parmenter, and I genuinely enjoy working with everyone here.

How is your current position most rewarding?

Helping our clients solve problems and achieve their goals. Our clients trust us with significant life events, both personally and in business, and we take that seriously. So when we can earn that trust and help accomplish that goal or solve that problem, it is rewarding.

How did Shores help prepare you for this current position? All my teachers were great so that helped. Teachers like (social studies teacher Steve) Morell, newspaper adviser Warren) Kent, and several others helped me develop my writing and analytical skills – a couple skills that are important with what I do now. Playing sports played a big role as well. Being a part of a team, leadership skills, time management, discipline, preparation – these are all things that helped me get through college, law school, and to where I am today.

What advice would you give to current high school students about pursuing your current position? Before going to law school, try to intern, job shadow, or even just talk with an attorney about what they do. Talk to a few different attorneys even.

There are so many different “kinds” of attorneys out there, so it would be helpful to get a better understanding of the various career paths and what the real world work is like.

The Sailors’ Log

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makin’ it in muskegon

Capturing the moment

Photographer finds joy in freezing the perfect memory

By Paige Judson Staff Writer Kellie Hall, formerly known as Kellie Locke, is a 2007 graduate of Shores who is now a photographer, and she is absolutely in love with her job.

“New people, new images, new memories,” Hall said. “I really value the fact that I can give people a different view of a memory they already have.”

She is the owner and photographer of Kellie Hall Photography, LLC. “Photography had been a hobby of mine for more than 15 years, but I never imagined I would be my own boss by owning my own business,” she said.

First, she graduated from Muskegon Community College with an Associate’s of Applied Sciences and Arts. After college, Hall said she still wasn’t sure what she wanted to do.

Hall said, “I had no idea what I wanted to pursue, so I poured my energy into my job.”

That job was as a Team Leader within the Target Corporation, and then, she spent two years as a Department Supervisor of the Elec-

trical department for The Home Depot.

She stopped working in retail after she had her son, Cameron, with her husband, Craig, whom she married in 2014 after meeting via her job at Target in 2008.

Once Hall became a mom, she said she wasn’t sure that retail was what she wanted to do for the rest of her life.

“I had been working retail for over 10 years and was in a great place as a Department Supervisor, but I realized retail just wasn’t the right fit for me any more with a newborn son,” Hall said. “Becoming a mom really made me think about what I wanted to do with my life.”

So she applied for an LLC status, which is the ability for her to own a small business, in January of 2016.

Then, she received LLC status through the state of Michigan in February 2016.

Now, she said she has a job that she loves with all of her heart.

“Some moments happen to us without a way to see them,” she said. “My job allows me to give those moments life. My clients get a different view from my eyes that

Kellie Hall Business Life: Kellie Hall Photography, where she manages, advertises, and promotes her business via social media Year of Graduation: 2007 Schooling After Shores: graduated Muskegon Community College with an Associate’s of Applied Sciences and Arts Family Life: married to Craig; son named Cameron and two dogs named Lucy and Pepper

they may have never been able to see before.”

Hall said Shores prepared her for her job as a photographer.

“I took many photography classes with (art teacher Danielle) Benson-Fennell throughout my high

school career,” she said. “These classes gave me technical knowledge.”

She said some advice she would want to share with anyone in similar shoes to hers would be, “Life can and will take you in ways you

may not think are right. Everything we go through is an opportunity to learn, grow and reflect. Be true to yourself and your passions; you know yourself best. Don’t be afraid to go for it, taking a leap is fun.”

Jera (Cook) & Brett Gilbert, 2002 & 2000 Owners of Fatty Lumpkins Sandwich Shack, 971 Washington Ave. Activities in high school: Brett – soccer, baseball, hockey, DECA; Jera – soccer, cross country Life after Shores: Brett – Muskegon Community College (200-01); Kellogg Community College (2001-02); Florida Atlantic University (200405) Bachelor’s in Hospitality; Jera – Muskegon Communiyt College (2002-03); Grand Valley State University Bachelor’s in Hospitality; both have held various positions in the restaurant industry in both South Florida and West Michigan, primarily front of the house (serving, bartending, management).

Upon graduating from GVSU, Jera parlayed an internship into a full-time job and was instrumental in opening Grand River Bank. Brett was also able to turn an internship into full-time employment at Muskegon’s Summer Celebration, Air Fair, Bike Time, and now Rebel Road. They opened Fatty Lumpkins in the summer of 2011 after working on the building during our free time for over two years.

Personal life: Brett and Jera started dating in 2003 and were married in 2015. They have one child, a girl named Marlowe, who is 2.

How did you get your current position?

Years of practice, wide variety of experience in all departments/aspects of the industry, careful investing When did you get your current position? We bought our building in 2008 and opened in 2011.

What do you do specifically in your current position? We are co-owners, so we do everything.

That includes making food and taking orders in addition to more common managerial tasks like payroll, scheduling, ordering, maintenance, sales, and the list goes on.

What do you like most about the current position? Even though our customers are our bosses (yes, even owners have bosses), we love some of the freedoms that come along with entrepreneurship. The downside is that you’re basically on the clock 24/7 and business does dictate your day for the most part, but it’s still nice not to have to answer to a boss.

How is your current position most rewarding?

We love being a part of our neighborhood and community as well as providing jobs for our amazing staff.

Is this what you envisioned you would be doing when you were in high school? No, Brett wanted to be a lawyer, and Jera wanted to be an accountant. Then, we both realized we love the food and beverage industry after spending our younger years at various food service establishments.

How did Shores help prepare them for this current position? Being a student at Shores helped us both to be dedicated to our education. We knew it would be important in our future endeavors (which it was) and our mentors (teachers) were important role models in our lives helping us to always strive for our best, and even more.

When did you know this is what you wanted to do? After dating for a few years, we decided we wanted to open our own place. We both love soups and sandwiches. Although we were both bartenders for many years, we didn’t want to own a bar. A lunchtime deli was perfect.

What advice would you give to current high school students about pursuing your current position? Being an entrepreneur is challenging yet rewarding at the same time. If you are in it for the long haul and are willing to work really hard, it will likely pay off in the end.

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makin’ it in muskegon

The Sailors’ Log

Dedicated doctor Shores graduate finds success in medical field

By Sammie Ladegast Page Editor

The miracle of birth; this is one of the many duties Shores alumna Caitlin Brazda, formerly Caitlin Kettler, now assists with, 13 years after graduating.

“It’s amazing, truly the highlight of my job,” said Brazda, who is an obstetrician gynecologist (OBGYN) at Lakes OBGYN and Mercy Health Muskegon. “Human reproduction is extremely complex, so I sincerely feel that every baby is a miracle.”

Her route to her current job started at Shores where she graduated from in 2005.

Brazda said she filled up her daily schedule playing soccer, tennis, cross country, volleyball, choir Student Senate and National Honors Society.

While her sights had been set on the medical field since her freshman year of high school, she said she didn’t always expect she would end up working as an OBGYN, a job that involves delivering babies and treating diseases of the female reproductive organs.

“I have been working toward a career in medicine since my ninth grade biology class with (science teacher Jennifer) Adams,” Brazda said. “It required a lot of hard work, sacrifices, and constant

stress at times, but I am happy with how far I’ve come.”

Having the opportunity to work with people in the community, she said, is one of the major reasons she enjoys her job.

“I was born at Hackley Hospital myself, and my grandfather was a radiologist in the community, so I love being able to see patients from the community where I grew up,” Brazda said.

Of all of her patients, however, the younger population she sees are her favorite.

“I feel like I am able to relate to my younger patients more and make more meaningful connections with them,” she said. “It wasn’t that long ago that I was a teenager myself, so I feel that I am able to better understand their situations.”

The road to becoming a successful OBGYN wasn’t an easy one, she said, but Shores was able to better prepare her for the hard work and dedication that was necessary to get to the end.

“Compared to my (college) peers, I felt like I was ahead because of the education I had at Shores,” Brazda said. “I took a lot of AP classes, graduating with 35 AP credits, so I essentially had a year of college done at that point.

This allowed me to finish undergrad in three years and then take

Caitlin Brazda Business Life: OBGYN at Lakes OBGYN and Mercy Health Muskegon Year of graduation: 2005 Schooling after Shores: Undergrad at University of Colorado; Medical school at MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine (2009-13); OBGYN residency at Hackley Hospital (2013-17) Family Life: Married for seven years to Jason and has three children: Jackson, age 5, Wade, 3, and Cody, 1.

a year off before medical school to relax, take the MCAT, and apply to medical schools, which was a job all in itself.”

Though she was, clearly, a successful and intelligent student, Brazda did lack in one area of knowledge before making her decision to become an OBGYN, the fact that she was unaware of how many medical field career options she truly had.

“I love being a doctor, but when

I was younger, I did not realize how many different career options there were in the medical field,” Brazda said. “Now that I have been through everything, I wish I would have explored the other options more because I absolutely love genetics, and I think I would have loved being a genetics counselor instead.”

This is the reason she said she encourages other students looking to go into the medical field to ex-

plore all of their options before being tied down by one, which might not be the right one.

“For students who think they want to become a doctor, I urge you to look into all the career choices available to you because there are tons of things you can do while still interacting with patients,” Brazda said. “Just remember that it's very important to think about your overall goals in life before deciding on anything.”

Jake Fischer, 2004 Runs Fischer Family Dentistry (2017), which also includes his father Michael

wanted out of a career as I left high school and a lack of exposure to dentistry.

Activities in high school: marching band, jazz band

When did you know this is what you wanted to do? Job shadowing in multiple dental offices helped to confirm my decision to return to school. This is a key step in deciding on a career because it is difficult to get a feel for what your day-to-day life will be like by simply reading a job description. I knew dentistry would be a good fit for me after realizing that working for someone other than myself would never be as satisfying as being my own boss. This became apparent after working in many different positions during undergrad and in a corporate setting following undergrad.

Life after Shores: Western Michigan Univ. (200408); Meijer (2008-10); Grand Valley State University (2010-13); University of Michigan (2013-2017) Personal life: Married to Lisa Garzelloni (graduated from Shores 2004) What do you do specifically in your current position? I provide comprehensive care for patients in a general dentistry setting. Everyday is different.

I run a small business with nine employees. We are our own HR, marketing, accounting, finance, etc., department.

Is this what you envisioned you would be doing when you were in high school? This is not at all what I envisioned myself doing while I was in high school. I attribute this to not really knowing what I

What do you like most about the current position? I develop meaningful relationships with people while helping them improve themselves.

I also see the direct result of my work because it affirms the positive impact that we make on patients.

How is your current position most rewarding?

Treating people with honesty and respect regardless

of where they came from allows for a rewarding personal connection. Being in a position to help people improve themselves is its own reward.

How did Shores help prepare you for this current position? Shores prepared me to be an undergraduate student. This provided a solid foundation for my business curriculum as well as the biomedical science curriculum.

What advice would you give to current high school students about pursuing your current position? Students interested in pursuing a career in dentistry, or any medical profession, should spend time job shadowing early on. The path to becoming a doctor will have many challenges, and this experience will help to provide some perspective as to what you are working toward.

Anything else you would like to add? It is OK if one does not know exactly what one wants to do after high school, but it is important to educate yourself so that you are in a position to be successful once you decide what career to pursue.

The Sailors’ Log

makin’ it in muskegon

Engaging entrepreneur MCC position helps connect with community

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By Gabby Lopez Staff Writer Ever since she was in high school, Jen (Wolters) Cross knew she wanted to be in marketing.

She later started her own business and has expanded her knowledge of marketing beyond what she could imagine.

During her time at Shores, where she graduated from in 1999, Cross discovered her love for marketing after joining DECA (a marketing, communications, and entrepreneurship class, which stands for Distributive Education Clubs of America).

“Through the marketing class, we could compete,” Cross said.

“I wrote a 40-page business plan, and I got to compete in a competition in Lansing where kids from all over the state came. You had to present your business plan to these loan officers to get a loan. I wrote my plan on opening a restaurant and ended up winning for how comprehensive my plan was.”

Cross then went on to nationals in Colorado to compete against those from all around the nation.

She won the first round and was one of the 20 best marketers in the nation as a sophomore.

Inspiration from her uncle, Dave Walker, who was the DECA coach, helped Cross be where she is now since he planted the seed for something much bigger in the future.

“He really encouraged me to go into this,” Cross said, “because it was something that he was so passionate about. He helped me realize that I loved marketing and that I was good at it.”

After Cross graduated from Shores, she studied business at Western Michigan University. She then switched to communications during her junior year at WMU. “I always thought of communications being like radio and TV,” Cross said. “I didn’t really think of it as relating to marketing and social media. When I switched, it did put me behind a little bit, so I started doubling up on credits. Doubling up on credits actually helped me focus more and get things done faster than if I were to only have 13 or 14.”

Jen Cross Business Life: up-and-coming real estate agent; works in the Community Outreach office at Muskegon Community College Year of Graduation: 1999 Schooling After Shores: Western Michigan University Family Life: has two little girls

After Cross graduated in 2003 from WMU, she traveled to Japan, parts of Europe, and 14 other countries.

She later settled down back in Muskegon to find that it was a town full of endless possibilities.

“I saw this opportunity to expand the city as almost like ground zero,” Cross said. “I decided that this community needed me. So from there, I went on to take some management training programs with some corporations and realized that there was more for me.”

A way that Cross made this city her own was by opening up a retail store called Continuity.

“It was mainly upcycling furniture like painting and decor,” Cross said. “I did that for about five years. It was tough being there most of the time and not making as much money. But what was really cool was that people would send other entrepreneurs to me to mentor them on how I started and how I was leading an effort downtown to get retail and restaurants started.”

Later, Cross joined the Chamber of Commerce while they were preparing for the 2005 summer season, which brought tourists and more life to the lakeshore community.

“I started volunteering at the Chamber to get my foot in the door,” Cross said. “I was filling sandbags and filling visitor packets. Even though it doesn’t seem like much fun, I was learning so much about the community. Soon after, a marketing position opened up, and I was able to scoot in.”

She started by doing busy work, designing flyers, writing press releases, and updating their website which needed an upgrade.

Now, Cross is at Muskegon Community College working in the office of Community Outreach.

“It mainly has to do with marketing, communications, and event planning,” Cross said. “I had a lot of advantages when I applied like my career background, education, and the connections I made within the community.”

At MCC, Cross supports every-

one in the office of Community Outreach. One of her responsibilities includes reporting to the Dean of Community Outreach who handles all of the advertising (billboards, radio spots, and the publications).

“We outsource a lot of the design and the marketing for the college,” Cross said. “Like coordinating things with the college and directing them to what the message is going to be, what kind of demographic we are trying to reach. I really enjoy what I do, especially meeting with those in the community and the different departments at the college.”

Cross said she plans on leaving MCC soon to move into marketing and sales of real estate. She is now a licensed real estate agent and plans on working soon.

Cross said she is a firm believer that it takes time for someone to find what they are passionate about and that there should be more job-shadowing opportunities so students can have that resource to find something that fits for them.

“When I was in high school, I wanted a corner office in corporate America,” Cross said. “Now, I realize that I don’t want to report to anyone. I am more of an entrepreneur where I know what is right and that I am not a sit-behind-thedesk kind of person. I like to meet with people and go out into the community. I love to make things happen, which is why I work best doing things independently.”

One thing that Cross tells students now is to get involved and experience new things.

“There are a bunch of opportunities to find something that you like doing, but it’s all just a means of getting connected to something that you feel passionate about,” Cross said. “Teachers need to have this one-on-one with students to pull them into things. That is really where you start to learn what you’re good at and what you like.

You sometimes get stuck in things otherwise if you don’t branch out.

I understand that people are afraid to fail, but that’s how you learn and grow as a person.”

makin’ it in muskegon

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The Sailors’ Log

Mr. Mattress Business owner follows his dreamzzz

By Caitlin McCombs Profiles Editor Ian Moriarty looked up to his dad his whole life and knew he wanted to run his own business when he grew up.

“My dad was a great role model for me, and I knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur,” he said. “He has owned his own furniture business for about 35 years. I wasn’t sure that I would be in furniture, but I knew I wanted to do something where I could be my own boss.”

Before starting his own business, Moriarty, who graduated from Shores in 2007, got accepted to Calvin College in Grand Rapids to go into architecture.

That summer after high school, however, he decided he didn’t want to go to school for something that he wasn’t sure he would love doing, so he decided he would rather work and save up money instead.

And that is exactly what he did.

Moriarty saved up his money and worked for his father’s company for three years.

Finally, in 2011, he opened his own furniture store named LOFTZ in Muskegon.

From there, he kept with the same business, but changed the name in late 2016 to BEDZ, 2838 Henry St. Moriarty said his job is perfect for his family, which includes his wife and three children.

He said it is nice to be able to take time off and that he makes good money to support his family.

“It also provides me an opportunity to teach my children how to work hard first hand,” he said.

Moriarty’s advice to young entrepreneurs is, “Work hard and take opportunities that come your way.

The best time to take a chance at something is when you are young.

Sometimes just working your way up in a well run company is the best way to advance and get the job you want.”

Ian Moriarty Business Life: Owns and runs BEDZ store and runs BEDZ Wholesale, which is a distribution company that wholesales mattresses and furniture to other stores within Michigan Year of Graduation: 2007 Schooling After Shores: Did not attend college after school Family Life: wife Katie and three children – Kyla (4), Cohen (2), and Camden (13 weeks)

Autumn Gillard, 2009 Assistant Director of Michigan Advocacy with Trinity Health, one of the largest multi-institutional Catholic health care delivery systems in the nation.

Activities in high school: The Sailors’ Log, golf Life After Shores: Michigan State University to pursue a degree in Criminal Justice (2009-14); Abood Law Firm in Lansing (2010); City of East Lansing’s Parks and Recs Before and After School Program (2011-14); interned with Muskegon County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office (2012); interned at Reid & Reid Law Firm in Downtown Lansing (2012); interned with the Ingham County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office (2013); joined the team at Acuitas, (2015-16); joined the Small Business Association of Michigan (2017) How did you get your current position? I had worked with my current boss, Elizabeth, as a client when I began my career in politics at Acuitas.

When she took her position as Director of Michigan Advocacy with Trinity Health, I expressed my passion in this field and my desire to learn more from her. The position was created as a new position. I am the first to hold it.

What do you do specifically in your current position? I am a registered lobbyist and advocate for Trinity Health across the State of Michigan. I attend committee hearings held by the legislature, attend fundraisers and events with elected officials, and attend social and networking events to develop relationships with those in leadership and with those who serve as an elected official in our state government. I am often at our local community

events across the state and participate on task forces, community collaborations, and prevention programs. Right now, I have been working around the clock on our nation’s opioid epidemic. I monitor legislation closely and often am working with bill sponsors or other members of the legislature to make legislation more patient friendly for those utilizing our health care system.

Is this what you envisioned you would be doing when you were in high school? I never envisioned working in politics in high school. I had big dreams to become an attorney. It is funny how most of us end up doing something we never expected. Now, I would not trade my career for any other and I absolutely love working in advocacy.

What do you like most about the current position? I love seeing the work all of our hospitals are doing across the State of Michigan.

I am blessed to be included on updates of new technology and techniques to better serve our patients. I love the flexibility of my work and my boss is truly an amazing and smart individual. One of the best things about my job is that I get to learn from a woman who has such expertise in the health care world and is a leader in the Lansing area. I have learned so much already and love that this position encourages me to learn new things every day.

How is your current position rewarding? The most rewarding moment is seeing a project, plan or idea come full circle. Often times, working with the legislature is timely and can be very rigorous. As an advocate for health care and doing what is best for our patients, it is incredible to see your work be

implemented or make a difference in the lives of a patient and/or their family.

How did Shores help prepare you for this current position? Shores helped me to prepare for college by always sharpening my writing skills and really teaching me how to be a successful and smart writer. These skills were extremely useful to have. Secondly, my ability to network and build relationships with other teachers and students was because of my access to resources and extracurricular activities.

What advice would you give to current high school students about pursuing your current position? My advice to anyone looking to get into the political world is to get active, start reading and put in the time and effort doing work you may not want to do. I think many of us want more money, more flexibility, and more responsibility immediately.

That is not how it works in this field (and frankly many others). The political world can be an amazing area of work if you put in the time to learn the landscape, spend your time reading and listening to others, and get to know the people you will be working with.

Anything else? I am always willing to be a resource to anyone struggling to find their passion or how they should get involved. I am an active member of the Junior League of Lansing (women’s service organization) and sit on host committee or ticket sale committees for many other nonprofits in the Lansing area. If anyone is seeking ways to get involved or ways to get their foot in the door, I am happy to try and make those connections.

makin’ it in muskegon

The Sailors’ Log

Evolving Passion Cosmetologist loves interacting with patrons

By Carlie McNiff Sports Editor Shores alum Stefanie Younts, known in high school as Stefanie Johnson, is a co-owner of Evolve Hair Salon in Norton Shores.

Younts’ journey began when she graduated from Shores in 2000 and then attended Western Michigan University from 2000-2001, which was the time she discovered her love for cosmetology.

“I went to Western for Interior design but decided that it wasn’t for me,” Younts said. “I had worked at The Creative Edge (a former hair salon in Muskegon) starting my junior year of high school as a receptionist and decided after my first semester that I wanted to be a cosmetologist.”

She then transferred to Chicago University of Cosmetology (200102). After graduating, she worked as a hairdresser at The Creative Edge for 14 years.

In February of 2016, Younts

and co-worker Terra Zuder-Doctor decided to open up Evolve Hair Salon, 255 Seminole Road, which employs 13 other hairdressers.

Evolve is a full-service hair salon, featuring all hair services, manicures, pedicures, body waxing, and Xtreme eyelash extensions, as well as Aveda hair products.

Younts said she loves her career and the different people it allows her to interact with.

“I love the interaction with people and getting to know them and their families,” Younts said. “I also love helping people feel better about themselves. I get to be creative on a daily basis and each day is never the same.”

Yount has advice for high schoolers pursuing a career like hers.

“It’s not easy,” Younts said.

“You have to work hard on a daily basis sometimes for years, but if it’s something you love, it’s worth it.”

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Stefanie Younts Business Life: Co-owner of Evolve Hair Salon Year of Graduation: 2000 Schooling After Shores: Western Michigan University (2000-01 ); Chicago University of Cosmetology (2001-02) Family Life: Married to Jeff Younts for 12 years; has two children: Makinley (7) and Aslynn (2)

Amber Ferguson, 2003 Brand/Social Media Influencer/Digital Content Creator Activities in high school: choir, track, The Sailors’ Log, yearbook Life after Shores: Muskegon Community College (2003-2005); Grand Valley State University (20052010); worked at Huntington National Bank in Wyoming as a Personal Banker (2005-08); stay-athome mom (2008); relocated to Katy, Texas for my husband’s work (2010); worked at Quick Weight Loss Center (2011-12); moved back to Grand Rapids (2012); math teacher at Union High School Personal life: wife to Ryan Ferguson and mother to three children: Adalyn 12, Aidan 9, Regan born May 5 How did you get your current position? By chance. In search of an escape from work and mommy life, I stumbled across the world of Instagram in 2012. It only made sense with my love for photography and community. There, I was able to share my life in the form of curated pictures.

Whether it was about family, my life as a teacher, or how I manage to look presentable day to day, I was able to tell a story. This eventually led me to connect with other like-minded individuals and an instantaneous growth in my following.

When did you get your current position? Some time in 2015, I had gone from sharing my hair journey (of suffering from extremely damaged hair from the so many years of straightening) organically by paying for my own products, to having brands

send me products for free, to eventually being paid to create content for brands so they could share on their own platform and promote their product.

Not long after, my platform became less about hair products and more about my everyday items/brands I use from beauty essentials to the laundry soap and or cleaning supplies. Eventually, I found myself working two jobs, teaching high school math by day and blogging/vlogging by night. In 2017, in effort to spend more time with my children, I decided to hang up my teaching hat and went into brand influencing full time.

What do you do specifically in your current position? Under the social media handle (@ AmberJanielle), I create images (Instagram) and or videos (Youtube) for brands, review products for my audience and socially engage with thousands of women across the world. This has led to a few added perks such as being featured in hair magazines, product boxes and sent on elaborate vacations all in the name of hair.

How is your current position most rewarding?

Women of all ages, between the ages of 1365 come to me for advice. Whether it be about something as simple as what products to use in their hair to how they too can become a brand influencer, I always find myself educating and motivating other women to pursue everything life has to offer.

How did Shores help prepare them for this current position? I was always blessed with teachers who encouraged and allowed me to believe I could literally do anything I set my mind to. Writing was a huge help, more specifically, my time spent writing for our school newspaper. This skill allowed me to have a voice while also being relatable to my audience.

When did you know this is what you wanted to do? When I realized I could still be a teacher but in a different space and support women in their beauty, mommy and all-around life ventures.

What advice would you give to current high school students about pursuing your current position? Focus on what you’re most passionate about and share that consistently. But more importantly, be patient. It takes time and dedication to grow an audience. Contrary to popular belief, you do not need 50K followers to make a career of this. There are plenty of bloggers/vloggers/content creators who have made a steady income with 2,000 followers. What’s important is that you have a trustworthy voice in your platform, a keen eye for visual representations0 or hire someone who does.

This will not only help you with the growth of your audience, but also make for an amazing resume when you approach brands for work.

What do you like most about the current position? It rarely feels like a job. I have the luxury of just living my life and sharing it with the world.

Anything else you would like to add? Never compare your journey to others and stay true to yourself.

Is this what you envisioned you would be doing when you were in high school? Never. Social media wasn’t a thing in high school and still very new in my college years.

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makin’ it in muskegon

The Sailors’ Log

Got it in the bag Flexibility a big plus to being her own boss

By Mal Meston Editor-in-Chief Being her own boss was never even on her mind as a future career, but for 2003 Shores graduate Sally Keiser, starting her own business was the direction she turned to.

“I always loved being my own boss, the flexibility of being self-accountable,” Keiser said.

“Even in newspaper, (adviser Warren) Kent allowed me to handle so many responsibilities without supervision because the trust he gave us as students. That brought the confidence to know I could do whatever I set my mind to.”

After high school, Keiser attended Michigan State University to pursue journalism; however, she changed her major to anthropology her sophomore year and then dropped out of MSU the end of her junior year to pursue her passion in sewing.

“I started sewing in college and wanted to continue it further,” she said. “I started my company, Sally Ann, in 2008. I started designing handbags and accessories, opened an Etsy shop and started a website.”

Keiser moved around from the years 2009-2016 learning and ex-

plaining her skills and making improvements.

She returned to Muskegon in 2008 and then moved to Augusta, Ga., in 2009, when she became a bridal seamstress and lingerie designer. She also hosted fashion shows and gallery exhibitions.

Kieser then moved to Florida in 2012, opened a fashion truck and sold her designs around Florida and the south.

Keiser also became a prominent handbag designer in Florida, taught sewing classes, had a studio in the artist district in Jacksonville.

In 2016, she said she decided it was time for something new.

She moved her studio and home into an Airstream to travel. She drove north and traveled cross country sewing and working.

She then came home to Michigan for a pitstop, moved to Grand Rapids in 2016 and met her domestic partner Daine Hammerle with whom she has a daughter, Cecilia, who was born in 2017.

“A winter visit back home for the first time in years turned into planting roots and starting a family,” Keiser said. “I now reside in Grand Rapids, working to establish my business in my new city.”

Being her own boss, Keiser has the flexibility to do what she wants

Sally Keiser Business Life: Owner/ Founder of Sally Ann, where she designs handbags and accessories Year of Graduation: 2003 Schooling After Shores: Michigan State University Family Life: has a daughter Cecilia, born in 2017, with partner Daine Hammerle

while being self accountable.

“The sky’s the limit,” Keiser said. “The most heart-warming symbiotic relationship between customer and artist is just starting with just fabric, and then at the end of the day, I produce something my customer will use every day. It is a product that makes their lives

easier, and they purchase it because they love my company and the things I produce.”

Keiser said she worked hard to be where she is today, all by just believing in herself and her talents.

“Work hard. Stay true to yourself. Put in extra effort and pay attention to detail,” Keiser said as

advice to those who might want to travel the same road as she. “Learn to multitask. Learn all the jobs closely related to what you do.

Try to see things from other perspectives and keep them in mind in all you do. It feels less like work when you love what you do, and I absolutely love what I do.”

Justin, Meyers, 2001 Owner Justin K. Meyers Builders (2015) Activities in high school: orchestra, band, jazz band Life after Shores: Attended Muskegon Community College while working at Sears til 2004; working toward a criminal justice career; offered a job with a high-end builder R.A.T. Construction (2005); took a job at B&L Electric (2012) to learn about the electrical trade and broaden skills.

Personal life: Married in 2011 to Amber Dean (2002 Shores graduate); three children: Hunter 12, Irelynne 6, and Parker 4 What do you do specifically in your current position? Trim carpentry, remodeling and new construction Is this what you envisioned you would be doing when you were in high school? This is not what I wanted to do in high school. I wanted to be a police officer until I worked hands-on and realized how much enjoyment there was in building things.

When did you know this is what you wanted to do? I knew this was what I wanted to do after about a year into it 2006.

What do you like most about the current position? The thing I love most is the before and after of remodeling, taking something worn out and old and making it look amazing again.

How is your current position most rewarding?

The reaction of the customer when they see the finished product.

How did Shores help prepare you for this current position? Shores helped me in many ways. I have done many project for teachers and administrators. Being good at math is very important. Also, I learned to follow through to the end and never give up. Also, I learned selfresponsibility.

What advice would you give to current high school students about pursuing your current position? Starting out at the bottom is essential. To run a job from the top position is very tough if you

can’t understand the process and what it actually takes to do the job in every step of the project. You always have to be a forward thinker. Knowing what the next three steps are before you begin the first one is critical to have a job (vision) turn out perfectly.

You must be detailed-oriented and organized in every detail of your life. The construction industry is a rewarding career. My advice to people considering this trade is not to be afraid to try out the different areas: electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and carpentry. To take a pile of lumber at the beginning of the day and turn it into a beautiful cabinet or anything for that matter is the coolest thing ever. I started out sweeping floors and 10 years later I own my own successful business. Surround yourself with good people that lift you up, and watch and learn from people you work with, and most of all, always work as hard as you can and love what you do.

Anything else you would like to add? We have a Facebook page (Justin K Meyers Builders) with a huge gallery of projects through the building process. If anyone is interested in this career, I would love to help them and steer them in the right direction.

makin’ it in muskegon

The Sailors’ Log

Born for the business Graduate credits father for current success

By Sarah Mikesell Staff Writer Four years at a university is the traditional education that most students graduating from high school take, but not for Brett Thorsen, a 2004 graduate of Shores.

“Instead of taking off for college my last two years, I bought a house and flipped it while working full time and taking night classes at GVSU (Grand Valley State University),” Thorsen said.

Since then, he moved up in his family’s carpet business until 2010 when at age 23, he took over ownership of the company, Lakeshore Carpet One, 2591 McCracken St. Thorsen said the education he experienced at Shores was more about the life lessons and real-life skills he learned there that have impacted him years after leaving.

“I’m sure I utilize a lot of the content taught, but more important to me, the character and class of Shores will last a lifetime,” he said.

While at Shores, Thorsen played baseball, basketball, and golf, and he also worked at the company he now owns.

He started by sweeping floors and scrubbing toilets when he was 10 years old. In high school, he was running the warehouse and installing floors.

It is safe to say that Thorsen was born into this business that he loves.

Now that he is the boss, Thorsen said he spends most of his time running the operation: supervising all employees, measuring every job done, and managing all installers, but his favorite aspect of being the owner of Lakeshore Carpet is his ability to now be the leader of a hard-working group of employees who act under him.

“It’s a great feeling to get a group of different people collaborating towards a common goal,” he said. “The ability to communicate and drive people towards goals, both personal and as a business, has been a lot of fun.”

However, even though Thorsen is now top dog of his business, he still recognizes that his father is the person who got him to where he is now.

“My father Paul taught me from a very young age about the importance of a strong work ethic,” he

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Brett Thorsen Business Life: Owner of Lakeshore Carpet One Year of Graduation: 2004 Schooling After Shores: Grand Valley State University Family Life: Married to Lindsey (Skinner); one newborn son, Wyatt.

said. “He made me learn the business the hard way – as he did; my interest in my dad’s passion was a ‘school of work,’ as he called it; that guided me to where I am today.”

Thorsen said students moving into the workforce should follow their dreams.

“Following your dreams can be fun if you’re enjoying it,” he said.

“Finding a good balance between

work and interests is essential.

Once everything is said and done, you will have a long road of grinding in the career of your choice, so make sure you love it. Don’t ever settle, and make it count.”

Ben Medema, 2003 Senior Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for the Muskegon County Prosecutor’s Office Activities in high school: baseball, tennis, band, choir Life after Shores: Michigan State University (2003-07); B.S. in political theory and constitutional democracy. Thomas M. Cooley Law School (200710); Juris Doctorate with a concentration in litigation.

Internship with the Muskegon County Prosecutor’s Office (2009-10). After passing the Michigan Bar Exam, he was in private practice for approximately a year and half. Part of his practice included a contract with Muskegon County to be a Public Defender in the 60th District Court. In July of 2013, he was hired by the Muskegon County Prosecutor’s Office as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney.

Personal life: Near the end of high school, I began dating Julie Dykstra (married in summer of 2008).

We have two children, Jordan (5) and Carter (3).

How did you get your current position? Through my internship, I made connections with current and former Assistant Prosecuting Attorneys, private attorneys, and judges. After establishing a successful private practice and developing my reputation in the Muskegon legal community, I was interviewed and hired by Muskegon County

Prosecutor DJ Hilson.

What do you do specifically in your current position? I handle all aspects of a criminal case.

This includes working with police officers during the investigation and reviewing requests for charges. If criminal charges will be issued, I draft and authorize a warrant. From there, I am involved in conducting preliminary examinations, holding pretrial conferences, and negotiating cases at various different stages and court hearings. I am primarily assigned to handle felonies. If a case goes to trial, I am responsible for conducting the trial as well.

These trials include all levels of felonies, including Criminal Sexual Conduct, weapons offenses, controlled substance offenses, and murder. Upon conviction by plea or by trial, I am also involved in calculating sentencing guidelines and making recommendations for sentencing.

Is this what you envisioned you would be doing when you were in high school? Fortunately, I am doing exactly what I envisioned I would be doing.

When did you know this is what you wanted to do? I had an interest in becoming an attorney as far back as AP Government. Specifically, prosecution appealed to me. This was further solidified during my internship with the Muskegon County Prosecutor’s Office.

What do you like most about the current position? I enjoy working closely with police officers during the investigation stage of the criminal justice system, and I enjoy being in trial. Being involved in a case from start to finish is very rewarding.

How is your current position most rewarding?

Every day, I get to work with the victims of crimes and help them in any way I can. This includes holding offenders accountable, assisting in providing resources to prevent future criminal behavior, and bringing the victims of a crime justice and closure.

I know that what my colleagues and I do on a daily basis helps to make our community a safer place.

How did Shores help prepare them for this current position? Going to Shores and returning to our community gives me a better understanding of the unique dynamics that are present in Muskegon.

It also helped me to become even more invested in our community and work toward making it an even better and safer place to live.

What advice would you give to current high school students about pursuing your current position? Make sure you have a passion to help victims and be invested in your community. While this career can be emotionally taxing and timeconsuming at times, it is also rewarding if you are in it for the right reasons.

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The Sailors’ Log

It’s in her blood Medical career leads phlebotomist back home

By Jaylene Davis Staff Writer Cassandra (Orr) Craigie graduated from Shores in 2008 and went on a journey to get her current position as a Physician Assistant for Lake Michigan Emergency Specialists.

During her years at Shores, she participated in yearbook, color guard, cheerleading and dance.

“Shores is a great school and prepared me to be successful in any field with a good foundation,” she said.

After Shores, Craigie attended Muskegon Community College (2008-10) and graduated with an associate’s in science and arts.

During high school, she said she actually had no idea what she wanted her profession to be.

“Part of the reason I went to MCC was because I didn’t want to waste money on a major I wasn’t even sure about,” she said.

So she began taking sort of random classes that would earn her an associate’s to try and figure out what she enjoyed.

It was an anatomy and physiology course at MCC, which she struggled through, and at times, she said she wasn’t sure she was even going to pass it, even though she absolutely loved.

Following MCC, she graduated from Western Michigan University in 2012 with a bachelor’s of science and majoring in biomedical sciences.

At WMU, one of Craigie’s friends invited her to a meeting.

She said, “They talked, and I listened and asked many questions, and in that moment was when I decided PA (physician’s assistant) was the right course for me, and I was determined from then on to become just that and be the best PA I can for my future patients.”

In summer 2012, she became a certified phlebotomist, and in the fall of the same year, she began working for in the Hackley ER for Mercy Health as a phlebotomist.

After about four months, Craigie transferred to Lakes Pavilion.

Then, she left for Indiana in August 2014 for Butler University’s PA program and ended school in May 2017 when she was offered a job with Lake Michigan Emergency Specialists and is currently working in Muskegon in Hackley ER, soon to transition to Mercy ER as well.

At her current job, she said, “I provide care and resources to those who have current medical necessity and address complaints.”

Craigie said she loved her ER rotation and knew it would be the

Cassandra Craigie Business Life: Physician Assistant for Lake Michigan Emergency Specialists Year of Graduation: 2008 Schooling After Shores: Muskegon Community College, Butler University’s PA program Family Life: Married

right place for her at this time.

The beauty of this job, she said is, “I can really transition into other areas in the future.”

Craigie added she has a rewarding connection to her patients.

She said, “I love my patients, and when I either help them feel better or find them the right care to do so and they thank me and

tell me how great of a job I do, that means everything to me. Their care and well being is most important.”

For current high school students pursuing a similar position, Craigie said she believes the most important thing is to take advantage of every opportunity and experience.

She said, “There were many trips I didn’t go on, jobs I didn’t take and people I didn’t get to know and many missed opportunities I regret. Live with no regrets because-as cheesy as it may sound- you have one life to live, and you might as well live it to the fullest.”

Harrison Cannon, 2013 Manufacturing Engineer at CWC Textron since fall of 2017 Activities in high school: soccer Life after Shores: Started at Michigan Technological University (2013-18) for mechanical engineering. Summer of 2014, had a mechanical engineering internship at Sidock Group at their downtown Muskegon office. Summer of 2015, had another Mechanical Engineering internship at Sidock Group at their headquarters in Novi. During the summer of 2017, worked at CWC Textron as an Manufacturing Engineering Intern.

Personal life: Single How did you get your current position? I accepted a full-time position after my internship with CWC. They came to a career fair before I got my internship, and that’s when I received an interview.

After working that summer, they gave an offer.

What do you do specifically in your current position? In the engineering department at CWC,

we make sure the foundry is in proper working order. If a system needs to be replaced, fixed or implemented, we figure what needs to be done and how it has to get done with the least amount of downtime. We draw up parts in SolidWorks and send drawings to contractors to get parts fabricated.

Is this what you envisioned you would be doing when you were in high school? I’m not sure what I envisioned in high school. I chose mechanical engineering because of how broad the field is, and I knew I’d end up in a field I’d like after completing a internships and discussing other people’s experiences with their internships and co-ops.

When did you know this is what you wanted to do? Toward the end of my college career I would say I had it figured out. I was not worried coming into college that I wouldn’t find something I enjoyed.

What do you like most about the current position? I like the people I work with the most.

Everyday you go into work and interact with the people around you, and most of the time, that is going to determine if you enjoy your work or not.

How is your current position most rewarding?

After designing a part for something in the foundry, it is extremely satisfying to see it built and installed to where it works seamlessly with everything else.

How did Shores help prepare them for this current position? The drafting and CAD classes I took all through high school really helped me excel in college and in my internships and current job.

What advice would you give to current high school students about pursuing your current position? Work hard and be a good communicator.

Communicating your ideas well is how you convince people that what you want done is going to work.

Confidence while communicating plays a big role in excelling in any field.

Anything else you would like to add? When deciding what you want to do right out of high school, it is okay not to have everything figured out.

Think of a few options or fields you may want to go into and start off in that direction. When it comes time to decide on a job or career path, you will be confident in your decision.

The Sailors’ Log

makin’ it in muskegon

Boomin’ business Restaurant owner knows the value of a team

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By Megan Swanker Sports Editor In the business world, knowing what you’re getting yourself into is a great way to help your business succeed.

Just ask Ben Soyars, a 2000 graduate of Shores.

“Most failed businesses come from someone who had a great idea or intention but didn’t quite know what they were getting into,” Soyars said. “It is a lot of work, do your research and know what you are getting yourself into.”

Soyars knew what he was getting into when he became the owner of the Hearthstone Bistro, 3350 Glade St., in May 2017 because of his work experience at Jimmy Johns.

“I got a lot of my experience through Jimmy Johns the last 11 years where I worked my way into a partnership there,” Soyars said. “A few years ago, I ran into a meeting with the previous owners of the Hearthstone, Frank and Gina Lister, and got to know them fairly well. We hit it off, and they knew they wouldn’t be in the restaurant business forever, so they said they would let me know when they were ready to retire if I was interested to go from there. I found a way to transition over.”

At the Hearthstone, Soyars said he helps his team work the best they can with proper equipment and with enough staff members.

“My biggest duty is to remove obstacles, such as poorly working equipment,” Soyars said. “If something goes down, we make sure we get it repaired, or if we have trouble staffing, I help managers find new candidates. We have a great team here, but my biggest responsibility is to help an already great team to work the best they can.”

And Soyars is no stranger to being on a “team.” During his years at Shores, he participated in a variety of extracurricular activities, such as marching band and jazz band where he played the saxophone. He also enjoyed playing basketball and football.

For Soyars, when he imagined his future while in high school, this is not what he pictured himself

Ben Soyars Business Life: owner of the Hearthstone Bistro; worked at Jimmy Johns for 11 years previously Year of Graduation: 2000 Schooling After Shores: Attended Muskegon Community College for two years before transferring to Michigan State University Family Life: Married to Stephanie Soyars and has two children: Mason and Claire

doing with his life.

“I thought of myself as being a middle or high school teacher and maybe even a coach,” said Soyars, who is married to Stephanie, an elementary school teacher at Churchill. They have two children: Mason, a first grader, and Claire, a preschooler. “I had an appreciation for business in my early days at D&W and also working into management. I had people who pushed me and who wanted to see me in that type of roll, so I started studying that kind of stuff in college. It just blossomed, and working with Jimmy Johns was also not a part of the plan either, but I loved it in college and thought that maybe running a store might be something I could do for a year. I still planned on going back for my last semester of teaching. This is still teaching, but at a different level.”

Deciding between teaching and business would have been a dif-

ficult decision for Soyars. Luckily, he got to combine his love for teaching with his passion for business at the Hearthstone.

“I knew that I wanted to be a part of business ownership in the first year of working at Jimmy Johns,” Soyars said. “I realized that I really enjoyed it and I could get what I thought I’d really appreciate from the teaching side of things here, and I also appreciated the business side of things too. I got to combine them both and be my own business owner.”

After Shores, Soyars attended Muskegon Community College for two years before transferring to Michigan State University.

He stayed there for two more years when he started working on his teacher certification at Eastern Michigan University for another year.

During his time in college, he still managed to maintain his job at

D&W grocery store where he started working his sophomore year of high school. He was a bagger and a carry-out guy until the store closed down in the spring of 2006.

The teachers at Shores helped prepare Soyars for his future the most because of the level of care they had for their students.

“The teachers at Shores always cared,” Soyars said. “I never really had a teacher that wasn’t interested in helping the students succeed there. They cared enough to push you to try and make you better.

They applied things to the real world and how they would affect you down the road.”

There is always something going on at the Hearthstone that makes it such an enjoyable place for Soyars: having great people around who love what they do and where they do it at also make it better.

“There are so many thing I like

about this position,” Soyars said.

“My favorite part is that there is always something new and there is never a dull moment in the day.

We have a great staff here, so it’s great to have people around who have been here for almost as long as the business has been open. It’s awesome for me to be able to learn from them and to hear what has made the business what it is.”

This job is most rewarding for Soyars because he knows he will not have to jump through hoops to get his point across to everyone.

“It is nice to be able implement ideas to the team and to recognize the fact that good ideas are being heard and are put into action,” Soyars said. “It’s good to see the response that you get from the people who have those ideas, and you don’t have to go to additional levels to approve something that you know is going to be the right decision.”

makin’ it in muskegon

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The Sailors’ Log

The healing touch Psychotherapy becomes passion for ‘85 grad

By Marisa VanderMolen Staff Writer As high school seniors, pressure is put on students to decide what they want to do for the rest of their lives.

The problem with this is that one may think they want to do one thing, but then end up going in an entirely different direction.

Cathy Forrest, a 1985 Shores graduate, had full intentions to pursue music and musical theater after being a part of choir and allegros at Shores.

But after completing her associate’s degree at Muskegon Community College, Forrest decided that this was not for her.

“I transitioned into psychology,” Forrest said. “It became a greater passion. I envisioned myself in this role throughout the rest of my education and job career.”

She went on to complete her bachelor’s from Michigan State University and her master’s from Western Michigan University in the psychology field.

“I’ve had many different jobs

in (human service) the field, and I’ve been a Limited Licensed psychologist for over 20 years,” said Cathy, who also has been married for 20 years and has a 17- and a 10-year-old son.

“I joined with a good friend in 2010 to create my own practice – Mind/Body Therapy,” Forrest said. “We created a space that offers psychotherapy, massage therapy and wellness counseling for an integrated approach to overall healing and wellness.”

Mind/Body Therapy is a psychotherapy – the treatment of mental disorder by psychological rather than medical means – practice for individuals, families, and couples.

Forrest said she realized the meaningful relationships at the core of this job was what she wanted to be a part of everyday.

Forrest said people heal with trusting and meaningful relationships – patience, compassion, empathy, and self awareness are all qualities to keep in mind when entering this field, but Forrest said she would encourage anyone interested in psychology to pursue it.

Cathy Forrest Business Life: Owner of Mind/ Body Therapy Year of Graduation: 1985 Schooling After Shores: Muskegon Community College, Western Michigan University, Michigan State University Family Life: Married to Kurt Forrest for 20 years with sons Alex (17) and Luke (10)

Nicholas Bennett, 1999 Math teacher at Whitehall High School as well as Owner/Director of MatchPoint Tennis

a call within an hour. I went to the meeting in shorts and sandals and was offered a job the next day.

Activities in high school: tennis, golf, bowling, The Sailors’ Log

What do you do specifically in your current position? I currently teach Algebra II and AP Calculus AB.

Life after Shores: Grand Valley State University (2001-05); teaching – Warren County (Va.) High School math teacher (2005-06); Riverbend (Va.) Middle School math teacher (2006-08); School Without Walls (Wash. D.C.) math teacher (200817); tennis – Assistant Tennis Pro/Head Tennis Pro (2006-12); Poplar Heights Swim and Tennis (Director of Junior Development) (2012-13); Director of Tennis McLean Swim and Tennis (2013-17); from 2012-2014 (4 professional teaching certifications earned in 10 and under, 11-17, high performance and adult development) from the Professional Tennis Registry (PTR) Highest Certification: Professional Level; 2013 VA PTR Member of the Year for services to the tennis industry; 2017-2018 Tennis Instructor of the Year (voted No. 1 in McLean two years in a row) Personal life: married high school sweetheart, Jamie Strohm; two children (Ashylnn 8, David 2) How did you get your current position? I came to Michigan for a family vacation and had a couple of interviews for tennis (Norton Pines and MVP Tennis in Holland). My wife Jamie Googled teaching jobs, and Whitehall came up with a math position. I didn’t think much of it but sent my resume to them and got

Is this what you envisioned you would be doing when you were in high school? I knew I wanted to be a math teacher and always thought I would teach in Michigan. However, the teaching market was saturated in the early 2000s, so I moved with my wife. After 12 years in northern Virginia, I never thought I would have an opportunity to come home to Michigan and teach. I had pretty much given up.

My wife and I were lucky and things worked out.

Freshman year of high school, math teacher Scott Lautenschlager was a huge influence on me. I think he was the first teacher I had that was a huge influence on me.

What do you like most about the current position? I think it would have to be the staff.

They were so accepting of me and helped me out tremendously when I moved home. They believe in education and helping students become successful.

The atmosphere is great.

How is your current position most rewarding? It gave me an opportunity to come back to my home state and help students become better learners. So I am giving back to my community, and that is very important to me.

How did Shores help prepare them for this current position? Tough question. I was certainly prepared to work hard when I got to college and was a good student overall. I think the one thing I didn’t learn at Shores was how to study properly. I could memorize notes, etc. and ace exams. It was much different in college. I struggled for awhile before I got the hang of it.

What advice would you give to current high school students about pursuing your current position? Teaching is a tough field. We are overall in big trouble with education in the United States.

Teachers are not paid well, not respected (as a whole). Teacher shortages are rampant. If you go into education, don’t expect to get rich, expect politics to be in charge. You have to learn to play the game. I am 13 years in my profession, and it has changed dramatically in that time. Education has become about test scores. As long as you love what you do and want to help kids be learners, then you can make a difference Anything else you would like to add? Don’t be afraid to leave Michigan and pursue your dreams.

There is a lot out there for you. Do it when you are young. It gets harder when you have children because your decisions need to be based on what is best for your family, not necessarily what is best for just you. Don’t be surprised if you leave Michigan and end up coming back. I have been gone for 12 years and came back, and I love my hometown.

makin’ it in muskegon

The Sailors’ Log

Following her dream Physician assistant follows parents’ footsteps

By Jaylene Davis Staff Writer Starting at middle school, 2008 Shores graduate Brittaney O’Brien always knew she wanted to work in the medical field.

Now a physician assistant at Mercy Health, O’Brien, who sang in choir for four years, played JV and varsity softball, and was on the dance team, said it was a passion for what her parents did that introduced her to the world of medicine.

Growing up with a father who was a pharmacist and a mother who was a social worker blossomed her success as a physician assistant.

At Shores, she took a couple AP and honors classes that helped her transition into college-like classes early on. She made it through calculus at Shores, so math in college was easier for her. The classes that helped her the most, though, were the science classes.

“I had to take a bunch of science classes in college, so it was really helpful for me to have that base knowledge going into it,” O’Brien said. “I wish I would’ve paid attention a little more in high school though.”

After Shores, O’Brien attended college at Grand Valley State University in the fall of 2008. She

graduated with a Bachelor of Science and majored in biomedical sciences in 2013.

In her fifth year at GVSU, she also simultaneously worked toward her emergency medical technician license.

In March of 2013, O’Brien started working with Mercy Health Partners-Mercy Campus in the emergency department as an emergency technician.

After working for two years, she started applying for physician assistant graduate programs in Michigan and surrounding states, including Ohio and Indiana.

After that, she was interviewed and accepted into the University of Findlay’s Physician Assistant program in Ohio and started the program August of 2015.

The program lasted 28 months, so she graduated in December 2017.

Next, she accepted a job through Mercy Health Partners in the emergency department during her clinical year in 2017 and just recently started working her current job as a Certified Physician Assistant in March of 2018.

Her ability to contact people she already knew helped get her the position.

O’Brien said, “Making connections with people is key to success.”

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Brittany O’Brien Business Life: Physician Assistant at Mercy Health Year of Graduation: 2008 Schooling After Shores: Grand Valley State University University; Findlay’s Physician Assistant program Family Life: Single

At her current job, O’Brien orders and interprets laboratory tests and medically treats patients in the emergency department. She also does various medical procedures, such as suturing, wound drainage, splinting/casting and more.

“I like my current position because I work like a physician, but I also have a physician accessible for any questions I may have,”

O’Brien said. “I like to work in the emergency department specifically because I have all of the resources I need either a couple steps or a hall away. I get quick answers to patient’s medical problems and the reward of helping someone is immediate.”

The most pleasing part of her job, O’Brien said, is when patients thank her for her help.

“You can see in their eyes when a patient is truly grateful for everything you have done for them,” she said. “I also like to see the difference in a patient’s body language when they first come in versus when they leave. Some patients look very ill when they first come in, and when they’re getting ready to leave, they’re more alert and energetic. It truly is rewarding.”

Jason Bowler, 2002 Graphic Designer/Web Designer/Team Lead at a company called LongerDays, which Virtual Business Services for small businesses Activities in high school: yearbook, French Club Life after Shores: Muskegon Community College, graduating with two associate’s (general ed. and graphic design); attended Ferris State University for their bachelor’s program in graphic design and spent a year in their program so I could apply for portfolio review to get into the bachelor’s program; didn’t make the cut, but graduated with associate’s in graphic design; transfered to Baker College for their Graphic Design Program, graduating with a bachelor’s in 2013.

Personal Life: Currently single and completely okay with that.

How did you get your current position? I was recruited as an intern during my final year at Baker.

What do you do specifically in your current position? I create a variety of print and web graphics for clients, some occasional video editing and animation and also bunch of Wordpress-based web design. As a secondary role, I also manage a few clients, and perform some customer service functions for those projects.

Is this what you envisioned you would be doing when you were in high school? Maybe? I was always into graphic design, but I’m not sure I had any idea then what I specifically wanted to do.

When did you know this is what you wanted to do? Actually, once I started taking graphic design classes at MCC, I knew that was the direction I wanted to go.

What do you like most about your current position? I like that we have a very laid-back and flexible work environment. Most of the time it’s very low-stress, which makes it easier to be creative, as

opposed to being constantly under the pressure of arbitrary deadlines.

How is your current position most rewarding?

I have a lot of autonomy and flexibility in managing my tasks and deadlines, which lets me budget the time I need to get something done right instead of stressing out to get it done fast.

How did Shores help prepare them for this current position? That Shores had the technology classes it did when I was in high school helped me decide that I wanted to do something with computers for a living.

What advice would you give to current high school students about pursuing your current position? Graphic design is a highly competitive industry, and the technology and trends are constantly changing and evolving. Like with any creative craft, always practice and keep your skills sharp.

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makin’ it in muskegon

The Sailors’ Log

Helping others Finding volunteerism changed her life forever

By Morgan Cathey Editorial Editor When most people think of success, thoughts of Olympians or doctors or lawyers probably start to form in people’s minds.

Volunteering likely wouldn’t be one of the first “occupations” one would think of as successful, but that’s not how Colleen Murphy sees it.

During her high school years, Murphy did not think as highly of volunteerism as she does now.

She spent her time writing for the school newspaper as a feature editor, presiding over the French Club as the president, swimming for the Shores team, and singing in the choir.

Her senior year she won the first-place prize in the Literary Arts category in the West Michigan Student Showcase, changing her college goals from genetic engineering to writing.

When heading to Albion College shortly after graduating in 2009, Murphy began to pursue her goals and study English.

“I loved the instructors and the campus,” Murphy says of Albion.

“But I was only there for a year.”

Despite receiving a scholarship, she found that she could not afford the tuition of her new school.

“I got a part-time job and tried to stick it out, but at a certain point, I decided to come back to Muskegon and regroup,” she added.

Once home, Murphy transferred to Muskegon Community College but dropped out, getting a full-time job.

She intended to raise money as a way to return to college, but that dream has not yet been fulfilled.

In lieu of returning to college, she found volunteering.

“I like to say volunteerism found me,” Murphy said. “Funny enough, I originally started volunteering in order to spend more time with my then-boyfriend (now-fiance). He was raised to be very active in the community, and I simply thought, ‘Huh… Well, I can do that.’”

Five years ago at the Michigan Irish Fest, Murphy began volunteering.

Colleen Murphy Business Life: Volunteers at Irish Fest as a Wee-Ones leader, at the West Michigan Student Showcase as a judge, at Muskegon Civic Theatre, and as a foster mom to kittens. She also works as a Creative Writing teacher for the Poppen Project Year of graduation: 2009 Schooling after Shores: Attended both Albion College and Muskegon Community College.

Family: Engaged

Now, every September, she is the Wee Ones’ team leader, which puts her in charge “for any and all kids’ activities” during the event, which is a non-profit that donates cash and non-perishables to local food pantries every year.

Since 2008, according to Murphy, more than $266,000 and 21,000 pounds of food have been donated by the festival to the community.

Volunteering at Irish Fest was only the beginning.

During her first semester at MCC, she decided to try out for a play. As Murphy says, the rest is history.

She continued doing shows at MCC during her time there and then branched off into Muskegon Civic Theatre. Murphy now volunteers as an actress and an assistant director/stage manager.

“The theatre uses revenue from donations and ticket sales to provide theater classes to kids in the area,” she said. “For the next five years, MCT (partnering with No

More Sidelines) will be home to a traveling theater program called The Penguin Project, which is a musical theater production that casts children and young adults with disabilities in all roles. Those individuals are then paired with on-stage peers who perform alongside them.”

Murphy continued to try and spread joy throughout the community, becoming a judge for the Literary Arts category of the West Michigan Student Showcase.

She said working on Showcase has been personally fulfilling for her due to her personal ties; when she won this competition as a teen, it changed her life.

“Winning made me realize that this thing I’d always loved doing – writing – was actually what I was meant to do,” Murphy said. “When I had the opportunity to be a judge a couple years ago, I accepted immediately. Showcase gave me a purpose, and I wanted to be part of that for other young people.”

In addition to her volunteering,

Murphy has found success through giving back to the community in less conventional ways.

“While it’s technically a paid position, I’ll be starting as a Creative Writing teacher for the Poppen Project at Muskegon High School this year (2017-18),” she said.

Murphy describes working with the Poppen Project, which is an arts-based scholarship program for lower income students in the Muskegon School district, as an exciting new opportunity.

The project supports an average of 75 students per year with private and class study, books and other supplies, summer arts workshops, among other things.

Another unconventional way Murphy has chosen to give back is by becoming a foster mom for cats.

“I volunteer with Heaven Can Wait Animal Haven, a foster-based cat rescue,” she said. “Being a foster means that we take cats and kittens into our home and take care of them until they’re able to be adopt-

ed. Heaven Can Wait doesn’t operate a brick-and-mortar shelter, so they use their network of fosters to keep cats and kittens safe and off the streets.”

The fostering position includes training the cats, taking them into clinics for vaccines, preparing them for new families, and bringing them to adoption events.

“As far as the cat fostering goes, we have the means to help, so why wouldn’t we?” Murphy asked.

Though volunteering may not be typically seen as a successful position, it works for some, such as Murphy.

“There’s this cliche moment that I think everyone experiences at some point in life,” she said. “You realize that the world is so much bigger than you. For me, it felt like I was too small to make any sort of difference. But when you volunteer in your own community, you witness the impact firsthand.

As cheesy as it sounds, it’s really rewarding to see the impact in the community.”

20

makin’ it in muskegon

The Sailors’ Log

Freaky fast JJ operating partner enjoys problem solving

By Timothy Schneider Page Editor It’s 2001.

Britney Spears shaved her head.

The first Harry Potter film was released.

Train won a Grammy with “Drops of Jupiter.”

And Nicholas Stenholm just graduated from Shores.

Seventeen years later, Stenholm is an operating partner of 13 Jimmy Johns in the west Michigan area.

Freaky fast right?

When Stenholm was in high school he said he, “Never really knew how to answer the question when asked, ‘What do you want to do with your life?’ Very few people know what they want to do with their life when they are 16 or 17 years old, and I was definitely one of them.”

After graduating from Shores, he attended Muskegon Community College for two years before moving onto Michigan State University for another two, earning his bachelor’s degree in economics.

Sometimes, college can lead a person in the wrong direction in life.

However, this was not the case

for Stenholm.

“Going to college helped me to achieve my current status,” he said, “although it was not a direct path based on knowledge or training I learned in school. College forced me to experience different things and learn how to be on my own. On the job learning has been a huge part of my success, and most of the skills I utilize daily are things that I have learned in my career.”

Stenholm said his work life is a bit different every day.

While most people go to the same location and see the same people everyday, Stenholm’s days are much more diverse.

He leaves his house by 6:30 a.m. and usually drives to one of his four markets – Grand Rapids, Holland, St. Joseph or Muskegon.

“We have four fantastic Area Managers who are each responsible for 2-4 stores,” Stenholm said.

“I talk to each of them by phone by 8:30 a.m.”

Stenholm said he is a great problem solver making him perfect for the job.

“We discuss their stores needs for that day and try to solve any issues they need help resolving that day,” he said. “I spend the lunch

Nick Stenholm Business Life: Operating partner of 13 Jimmy Johns in west Michigan Year of graduation: 2001 Schooling after Shores: Muskegon Community College; Michigan State University Family: wife Danielle and two children: Max 3 and Lyla 1

hour in one of the stores working with the team. After lunch, I work to resolve any vendor, construction, or HR related issues.”

Stenholm said he’s not all work though; he also has a family waiting for him at home when he returns at 5:30 p.m. everyday.

He has been married to Danielle for nearly five years. And they have two children: Max (3) and Lyla (1).

His wife works part time for a staffing firm in Grand Rapids and spends her days off with the kids.

“Her love and support has

been a huge key to my professional success,” he said.

“My favorite part of my job is the people that I get to work with everyday. We are very fortunate to have a large group of incredibly motivated people that have created a fun competitive atmosphere.”

Rachel DeBruin, 2009 Physician assistant in emergency medicine, working for a physician-run group called LMES Activities in high school: marching band, equestrian team, student leadership, Spanish club Life after Shores: Muskegon Community College (2009-11); Central Michigan University (2011-14), bachelor’s degree in biology; physician assistant school at Barry (Fla.) University (2014-16), master’s degree Personal Life: single How did you get your current position? When I was in PA school, I spent a year doing clinical rotations. One rotation of my rotations was in Muskegon. I was put in contact with the education department through the hospital and was able to set up a six-week rotation in the emergency department, which in turn led to a job offer from them.

When did you get your current position? I was formally offered my current position in November 2016, one month before I graduated PA school, and I actually started in March of 2017.

What do you do specifically in your current position? I see patients of different severities with different complaints, perform physical exams on patients, order appropriate testings, provide appropriate treatments, and write notes on every patient.

Is this what you envisioned you would be doing when you were in high school? I knew I was really interested in science and biology when I was in high school. I also knew I enjoyed medicine, but I don’t think this is exactly what I envisioned doing.

For a long time, I thought I would be interested in veterinary medicine.

When did you know this is what you wanted to do? When I was a freshman at MCC, I started hearing about PA’s more and started researching the career and that’s when I made the decision to go forward with pursuing this as a career.

What do you like most about the current position? I love that every day at my job is different.

My job is never the same two days in a row. Some days, I can have multiple procedures, like suturing, incision and drainage, or needle aspiration. Other days, I can be doing ultrasounds finding fetal

heart tones on pregnant patients. Some days, I get to reduce dislocated joints. Some days, I still see things I have never come across before, and it becomes a great learning opportunity. My job always offers new and exciting challenges. I also really enjoy the people I work with, which always makes your job fun.

How is your current position rewarding? It is the most rewarding when I get to help people. People come to me with a problem, and when I can figure out the problem is and do something about it to fix it, that is so rewarding to me.

How did Shores help prepare you for this current position? Shores helped prepare me by offering challenging advanced classes, especially AP Bio, that got me prepared well for college courses and the challenges ahead.

What advice would you give to current high school students about pursuing your current position? Work hard and stay focused on the end goal. It definitely takes someone dedicated to get through the schooling. Getting good work experience or volunteering prior to going to PA school is also very beneficial.