As a West Michigan native, Lisa already finds the beaches of Grand Haven very familiar. Leaving her hometown of Spring Lake behind, Lisa went to college at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo. After graduating with a degree in Communications and Marketing, Lisa got married and moved to the East side of the state where her husband’s family was located.
Even though they loved being close to her husband’s side of the family, as well as numerous close friends and their children, Lisa and her husband had always dreamed of moving back to the West side of the state. So they both decided to search for jobs in West Michigan. With Lisa’s family still in town, her dad and others helped her reach out to Hello West Michigan. Since her address on her resume was not local, Lisa had trouble getting traction when applying to companies in West Michigan. Cindy sent out Lisa’s resume to potential employers and eventually Lisa got an interview at Meijer.
Lisa got the job and is now working for Meijer Corporation, in their Grand Rapids headquarters, as a Senior Marketing Specialist, and is very pleased with how well it has turned out. “The job description and what I would be doing couldn’t be more perfect,” she said. “It was almost like it was written for me.”
The transition process has included “a lot of moving parts,” Lisa said. Selling their house, packing, finding jobs, and registering her daughter for school have kept Lisa and her family busy. But that hasn’t dulled their excitement for West Michigan. “What we’ve been telling people is, we want to move to where we vacation.” As a family, they love beaches, camping, sunsets, finding new restaurants and adventures, and bike riding on the many trails in the Tri-City area. West Michigan offers all of these things!
It was not only the outdoor activities that brought Lisa to West Michigan; it was that “life is slower paced. I had a two and a half to three hour commute every day to work [on the East side]. We’re looking forward to the slower pace and the more family-oriented, small community feel. It was also very important for my daughter to be in a great school system, and we knew the Spring Lake school district is one of the best in the state.” The shorter commute, tight-knit community feel, beautiful beaches, excellent school system and having family close by, are just a few things that Lisa and her family love about the area.
For those considering relocating to West Michigan, Lisa advises that “If you feel like you want to do it, don’t wait. We really do wish that we had done it earlier.”
Favorite restaurant—Jack’s (restaurant/tiki bar in Spring Lake) where families can sit outside, watch a good sunset, or go for a long walk along the water.
Favorite thing to do on the weekend—Spending time with family and exploring everything West Michigan has to offer
Favorite activity—Beaches, camping, bike riding, exploring new places and things
Favorite road trip—Frankfort or Glen Arbor
Favorite festival/event—Coast Guard Festival
