Richard App Downtown GR Inc.

Sam Cummings – Turn Into the Torpedo

From where Grand Rapids was to where it’s going this episode dives into the evolution of the city through one of its most influential developers. Sam Cummings has spent nearly three decades preserving Grand Rapids’ history while reshaping its future. Often referred to as the city’s leading champion of urban real estate, Sam has revitalized some of the community’s most iconic and long-neglected buildings including pioneering the city’s first office-to-multifamily conversion. With a deep passion for history, art, and architecture, Sam approaches development as more than business it’s stewardship. He continues driving new vision, vibrancy, and vitality into the urban core. This conversation explores legacy, risk, long-term conviction, and what it truly takes to “turn into the torpedo” when betting on a city’s future.

The one and only executive Director of CARWM Shari Feldman

In this episode, we sit down with the one and only Shari Feldman, celebrating 20 years as Executive Director of Commercial Alliance of Realtors West Michigan (CARWM). Shari shares her journey, her leadership philosophy, and how CARWM has evolved into one of the most influential commercial real estate organizations in the country. We dive into market trends, the power of collaboration, and what’s next for brokers, developers, and the West Michigan CRE community. Insightful, candid, and full of perspective—this is a must-listen conversation with a true industry leader.

The state of Kalamazoo CRE

Join T.J. Ward and Andrew Gyorkos of Kalamazoo Commercial Real Estate for a focused conversation on Southwest Michigan’s commercial market. With deep experience in brokerage, leasing, investment, and development, they share practical insights on deal structuring, market trends, and what investors and business owners need to know to succeed in today’s environment.

Inside the Franchise Playbook with Charlie Lerg – From Subway to Game Day Health

In this episode, we sit down with multi-unit franchisee Charlie Lerg to explore the real-world journey of owning and operating national and regional brands—including Subway, Game Day Health, and Detroit Wing Company. Charlie unpacks the challenges and rewards of running a diverse franchise portfolio, what it takes to scale, how to manage brand expectations, and why local execution still matters most. If you're curious about franchising, business growth, or just love wings and game day vibes, this one’s for you.

Richard App Downtown GR Inc.

In this episode, we sit down with Richard App from Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. to talk about the evolution of downtown GR, current initiatives shaping the city’s future, and how public-private collaboration is driving vibrant, growth. Whether you’re a local business owner, developer, or urban enthusiast, this conversation offers insight into what’s next for the heart of Grand Rapids.