Women & The Businesses They Own w/ Shari K. Hooper

In this episode of Women & the Businesses They Own, I sit down with Mary Gunther, Founder & CEO of The Social G Co. — a West Michigan social media and content strategist helping brands create real connections through strategy, creativity, and content that truly stops the scroll.

Mary shares the behind-the-scenes realities of entrepreneurship, leadership, and motherhood — plus the deeper lessons that come from showing up publ...

In this episode, I sit down with Courtney Schutt, President & CEO of Resource Communications, a marketing and branding leader who helps organizations find their voice and elevate their message.

Courtney’s journey blends creativity, clarity, and courage — and her insights on leadership, storytelling, and balancing life as a stepmom and business owner offer a refreshing and inspiring perspective.

We talk about:

• The spark that br...

Episode 13 is live!
Join me for a deeply personal and inspiring conversation with Jen Koffman, founder of Grand Rapids Elderly Care.

Jen turned her own journey of caring for her parents into a mission to help others. After losing her mom nine years ago and supporting her dad through recovery and transition, she saw the need for guidance, compassion, and real advocacy for families navigating senior care.

Her heart for others shin...

Episode 12: Holly Young – Empowering Confidence Through Technology

In this episode of Women & the Businesses They Own, Shari Hooper talks with Holly Young, an IT professional and educator who helps seniors build confidence in using technology. Holly shares how patience, purpose, and perseverance have shaped her journey as a woman in tech and a business owner dedicated to bridging generations through learning. It’s an inspiring l...

Just Launched: Episode 1 of the Women & the Businesses They Own Podcast!  My guest Lori LaClair from Natural Northern Foods.

After months of vision, planning, and passion, I'm proud to share the first episode of a podcast dedicated to amplifying the voices of women entrepreneurs. 💼💪

This episode dives into Lori's grit, her mentor and where she is today and offers real, unfiltered stories from women who are b...

In this episode, I sit down with a truly inspiring woman Kelly Poll Syren whose journey in health and Medicare insurance Voyage Benefits, LLC is filled with purpose, passion, and hard-earned wisdom. We talk about building a business that serves, finding courage in transitions, and how women are redefining success on their own terms.

✨ Whether you're dreaming, building, or expanding, this conversation is full of insigh...

This was a great podcast with April Wells, owner of Gauthier Family Home Care.  I loved when she said "Results Speak Louder Than Bias" and everything else.  Enjoy and let me know what you think too.

This podcast is presented by Summit Wealth Partners, LLC, a registered investment adviser that only conducts business in jurisdictions where it is properly registered or is excluded or exempted from registration requirements. R...

This episode with Laura Kelso from Kelso Homes and creator of the series GR Savvy Seniors was unique and fun because she started her career in the early days with Pampered Chef before growing it into real estate and working with a unique niche with seniors.  Listen in and let me know what you think and don't forget to share it too.

This podcast is presented by Summit Wealth Partners, LLC, a registered investment adviser that on...

Episode 5 with Jennifer Kok, owner of Next Wave Business Coaching.

This podcast is presented by Summit Wealth Partners, LLC, a registered investment adviser that only conducts business in jurisdictions where it is properly registered or is excluded or exempted from registration requirements. Registration as an investment adviser is not an endorsement of the firm by securities regulators and does not mean that the adviser has achieve...

Courtney Lorenz, founder of Cultured Kombucha, has been redefining wellness drinks for over a decade. At just 34, she’s already 10 years into building a business that combines flavor and function — helping people eat well, live well, and enjoy every sip. In this episode, she shares her entrepreneurial journey, the challenges of growing in a competitive market, and how she’s built a brand that inspires healthier living.

Lis...

Melanie, the founder of Willis Bookkeeping Services - Clear Biz Clutter. For decades, she’s been in the world of accounting, but a couple of years ago, she took a leap—leaving behind the safety of a steady role to start her own business.  Listen to her story here.

This podcast is presented by Summit Wealth Partners, LLC, a registered investment adviser that only conducts business in jurisdictions where it is properly registered or i...

Guest: Dr. Lara Baatenburg | Concierge Medicine of West Michigan

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Lara Baatenburg, founder of Concierge Medicine of West Michigan, which opened its doors in September 2024. Dr. Baatenburg brings an incredible academic background, with degrees from Calvin University, Wayne State University, and Michigan State University.

We dive into her inspiring journey as a physician and entre...

Jessica grew up in the charming town of Niles, Michigan, famous for its apple festival and history as the hometown of Aaron Montgomery Ward, founder of Montgomery Wards. After attending Grand Valley College—before it became a university—Jessica built her life in West Michigan, raising three amazing kids who are now thriving adults. She loves cheering them on as they take risks, grow, and create adventures of their own.

Beyond f...

Kristle was born and raised in Kentwood, Michigan, and her roots in this community run deep. After graduating from East Kentwood High School and earning her degree at Grand Valley State University, she stepped into the legal world and never looked back. Over the last 20 years, Kristle has worn many hats—litigator, advisor, mentor, and now business owner—building a practice that helps families and businesses plan for the future with...

Susie, a professional organizer who helps people clear more than just their homes—she helps them reclaim their peace of mind.

We talk about the lessons that live inside everyday messes, what it takes to rebuild after health challenges, and why success sometimes starts with letting go.
A powerful episode about resilience, renewal, and redefining what “put together” really means. 

#WomenEntrepreneurs #Leadership #Po...