Behind the Business: Where Business Owners in Southwest Michigan Tell Their Story

Behind B&B Grocery Outlet: A conversation with Beth and Ben Wagner

In this month's episode of Behind the Business, I sit down with Beth and Ben Wagner, Owners of B&B Grocery Outlet in Watervliet, to discuss how a passion for saving money, serving others and spending time together as a family grew into one of Southwest Michigan's most unique grocery destinations. Beth and Ben share their journey from creating what was once a 1,000-square-foot storefront to a 14,000 square-foot establishment offering pantry staples, fresh produce, fudge, deli meats, fresh baked goods and more at unbeatable prices, while offering an inside look at what it takes to successfully run a discount grocery store. They also discuss their most recent expansion and the importance of faith, family, supporting local communities, raising children in a family business and why creating meaningful relationships with customers are the foundation to their success.

Behind Michigan Local Market: A conversation with Lindy DeVries

In this episode of Behind the Business, I sit down with Lindy de Vries — artist, entrepreneur, lifelong South Haven local, and owner of Michigan Local Market. Lindy shares the story behind her journey from childhood creativity and old-school graphic design to running both her family’s screen-printing business, Little Oscar’s, and her own Michigan-inspired retail shop in downtown South Haven. Our conversation dives into the evolution of graphic design before modern technology, building a business through the South Haven Farmers Market, creating iconic local apparel designs, and what it means to support small businesses and local artists in Southwest Michigan. Lindy also opens up about entrepreneurship, self-doubt, work-life balance, seasonal business challenges, and her recent breast cancer diagnosis — sharing a deeply honest perspective on resilience, health, community, and finding purpose through creativity. From stories about Michigan history and local tourism to heartfelt reflections on family, community, and personal growth, this episode is a reminder of the people and passion behind the businesses that make small towns feel like home. Whether you’re a creative entrepreneur, a small business owner, or someone who loves supporting local, this conversation is full of inspiration, honesty, and heart.

Behind Decadent Dogs: A conversation with Roxanne Leder

In this episode of Behind the Business, I sit down with Roxanne Leder, owner of Decadent Dogs in downtown South Haven, to talk about her incredible journey from a 30+ year career in healthcare to becoming the heart behind one of the community’s most beloved small businesses. Roxanne shares how her passion for animals and people inspired her to create a boutique centered on quality pet products, affordability, and the celebration of the special bond between pets and their people. We discuss the realities of entrepreneurship, from long hours and seasonal challenges to providing mentorship and guidance to employees, delegating tasks, and learning to wear many hats as a business owner. Roxanne also opens up about the importance of kindness in customer service, supporting local businesses, and staying deeply involved in the South Haven community through events, charities, and local partnerships. From gourmet dog treats and breed-specific gifts to heartfelt advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, this episode is full of wisdom, warmth, and inspiration. Whether you’re a pet lover, small business owner, or someone chasing a dream, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss. Want to connect further with our guest and sponsor? Check out the links below 👇 Decadent Dogs: website: https://decadentdogs.com/ Email: decadentdogs@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Decadent.Dogs IG: @decadentdogs South Haven Regional Business Hub: website: https://southhavenregionalbusinesshub.org/ Email: elizabeth@southhavenregionalbusinesshub.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SoHaBusinessHub IG: south_haven_hub

Behind Gulotta Imagery: A Coversation with Nichole Valkner

In this episode of Behind the Business, I sit down with Nicole Valkner, the heart behind Gulotta Imagery, to talk about the journey from picking up a camera as a hobby to building a photography business that captures some of life’s most meaningful moments along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Nicole’s story isn’t just about photography—it’s about taking a leap into the unknown, trusting your instincts, and building something meaningful while balancing the realities of motherhood, family, and running her own business. From long summer days filled with back-to-back sessions to late nights spent editing, she shares the behind-the-scenes moments people don’t always see. Raised between Southern California and Michigan and inspired by a family of artists, Nicole developed a style rooted in authenticity—capturing genuine laughter, connection, and the fleeting seasons of life we often wish we could hold on to just a little longer. This episode dives into the beauty and challenges of running a mostly seasonal business, the power of community support, and why—despite the rise of smartphones—professional photography still matters. Because in the end, these aren’t just photos, they’re memories you get to keep for a lifetime.

Behind Willow Behavior Specialists: A Conversation with Lacy Wolter

In this episode of Behind the Business, I sit down with Lacy Wolter, owner of Willow Behavior Specialists in Saint Joseph, Michigan. We discuss how Lacy saw a gap in care for children with Autism and other neurodivergent behavioral issues, as well as care for their families. From reimagining what therapy can look like to building meaningful community partnerships, our conversation dives into the heart of their mission to increase quality of life, reduce ambiguity and stress for families, and create an inclusive, community-driven support system. With her practice now serving 40 families after only one year in business, we also explore the realities of rapid growth for small business owners and Lacy’s vision for a more collaborative, inclusive future. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to turn purpose into impact — and build a true village around families who need it most.