On June 14, 2022, the Grand Rapids Chamber hosted the West Michigan CEO Summit, inviting leaders from area organizations and businesses to come together for a day of networking and learning. Our team also spent the day interviewing top West Michigan leaders. Over the last month, we have be releasing these episodes each weekday at 7am. This week, we our released our final set of interviews with 4 of West Michigan’s leaders.
Yurida Rodriguez, President, HOLO Footwear 
West Michigan is home to several big players in the footwear industry. HOLO Footwear is a newer company entering the West Michigan footwear scene in Grand Rapids. They have a focus on outdoor shoes made from sustainable & recycled materials.
On this episode of the Back to Business Podcast, we sat down with Yurida Rodriguez, HOLO’s President. Rodriguez & host Connor Smithee discuss what goes into leading a new startup. This is an episode you won’t want to miss!
Jamie Stuck, Tribal Council Chairperson, Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi 
On this episode of the CEO Summit Series, we spoke with Jamie Stuck. Stuck has been an elected official of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi (NHBP) since 2006. He was recently appointed Tribal Council Chairman and serves as the Ex-Officio Board Member of the Waséyabek Development Company, LLC.
Stuck and host Connor Smithee look closer at the work of Waséyabek and what Stuck’s day to day looks like, as well as how he’s working to prepare for the next 7 generations that will come after him.
Floriza Genautis, CEO, Management Business Solutions 
Talent is the top of mind issue for employers across both West Michigan and the country. Floriza Genautis is the CEO of Management Business Solutions. Management Business Solutions works with employers to fill temporary and full-time positions in the West Michigan area.
With Genautis being on the front lines of the talent shortage, we had a chance to ask her what she’s seeing in the talent space, and what trends she’s expecting to continue into the future.
Dr. Richard Pappas, President, Davenport University 
Dr. Richard Pappas has the big responsibility of leading Davenport University students, faculty, and staff and enabling them to succeed in the ever-changing world that we live in. On this episode of the Back to Business podcast, host Connor Smithee and Dr. Pappas sat down to discuss how Davenport is setting itself apart from the competition by staying innovative. The university can create a new major in 60 days to enable them to respond to changing trends in the talent market.
The Back to Business CEO Summit Series is sponsored by Davenport University.
