Known Profits

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Megan Erskine, CEO of Catherine’s Health Center - a Grand Rapids nonprofit expanding access to exceptional, compassionate healthcare for every neighbor, regardless of income or insurance. Megan shares how Catherine's Health Center's dedication to community health and health equity fuels their mission to break down barriers to care. From...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Hannah Berry, Executive Director of Lions and Rabbits Center for the Arts, a Grand Rapids-based nonprofit transforming communities through creativity, collaboration, and public art. Hannah shares how her journey as an artist and entrepreneur inspired her to build a space where art isn’t just seen - it’s shared, celebrated, and used as a catalyst f...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Shawn Kohlhaas, owner of Culinary Cultivations and a dedicated local philanthropist who is using his passion for hospitality to strengthen the West Michigan community. Shawn shares how his journey as an entrepreneur led him to see food and hospitality as more than business, it’s a vehicle for connection, generosity, and change. Through his philant...

Send us Fan Mail New Look. New Season. Same Mission. One year in, and we’re just getting started. In this episode, we celebrate our first anniversary, share an exciting new partnership with Heart of West Michigan United Way, and give you a look at what’s next for the podcast. Tune in and join us for the journey ahead!

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Stacy Datena-Postma , Senior Philanthropy and Engagement Manager, and Shelisa Jeffers , Case Manager with Covenant House , a nonprofit dedicated to providing shelter, support, and opportunity to young people experiencing homelessness. Stacy and Shelisa share how Covenant House works to break the cycle of homelessness by offering not just a safe pl...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Nicholas Kristock, founder and Executive Director of Fleece & Thank You , a nonprofit bringing comfort and hope to children facing extended hospital stays. Nicholas shares how the simple gift of a handmade fleece blanket—paired with a personalized video message from the maker—creates a powerful connection between volunteers and patients. Since...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Karol Clason, a board member with Michigan Ovarian Cancer Alliance, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting early detection, supporting survivors, and funding research to end ovarian cancer.  Karol shares some of her own personal story with OC and how MIOCA is raising awareness across the state through education, advocacy, and community engagement, whi...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Gratia Lee and Satorie Spicer from Access of West Michigan , a nonprofit dedicated to building a community where all people have access to healthy food and economic opportunity. Gratia and Satorie share how Access is addressing food insecurity and poverty through collaborative partnerships, poverty education simulators, innovative food systems wor...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, the guys sit down with Jamon Alexander, President and CEO of West Michigan Center for Arts and Technology (WMCAT), a nonprofit in Grand Rapids working at the intersection of equity, education, and opportunity. Jamon shares his path to leadership and how WMCAT is empowering teens and adults through creative programs, career training, and community partnerships. Fro...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, the guys sit down with Dan Gowdy, President and CEO of Wedgwood Christian Services, a nonprofit in West Michigan providing life-changing support for youth and families. Dan shares his journey into leadership, the evolving needs of the community, and how Wedgwood continues to respond with care, innovation, and deep-rooted commitment. From residential care and couns...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, the guys sit down with Troy Vugteveen, President and CEO at Trillium Living (parent organization of Holland Home), a nonprofit senior population health organization working to enhance the lives of today's and tomorrow's seniors. With a focus on wellness, community, and compassionate care, Trillium Living surrounds seniors, their loved ones, and caregiver...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, the guys sit down with Jodee Bruneau, Program Director at King’s Table, a nonprofit in Grand Rapids, MI that’s on a mission to make sure everyone feels seen, known, and loved. Rooted in the belief that every individual deserves a seat at the table, King’s Table creates inclusive programs that support and celebrate children and adults with disabilities. King's...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, the guys sit down with Ellen Sawyer, Executive Director, and Savana Beal, Development Director of Comprehensive Therapy Center (CTC)—a Grand Rapids nonprofit that has been transforming the lives of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities for over 40 years. Ellen and Savana take us inside CTC’s unique, whole-child approach, which combines speech-l...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, the guys sit down with Tarah Carnahan, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Treetops Collective—a cross-cultural movement that connects with and invests in New American refugee women leaders to transform communities into places of belonging. Tarah shares how Treetops is fostering cross-cultural community, empowering refugee and immigrant women as leaders, and crea...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, the guys sit down with Tammy Campbell, Director at Ele’s Place, to discuss the incredible work she and her team are doing to support grieving children, teens, young adults, and their families. Tammy shares how Ele’s Place thoughtfully creates family support groups and peer-to-peer programs in local schools—helping hundreds of young people cope with loss and begin...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, the guys sit down with Dana Snyder—CEO and Founder of Positive Equation, host of the Missions to Movements podcast, author of The Monthly Giving Mastermind , and nationally recognized speaker. Dana dives into the power of consistent, monthly giving and why it’s a game-changer for nonprofits looking to grow and sustain their impact. She shares how her work at Posit...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, the guys sit down with Leah Ortiz—President and CEO of The Children's Advocacy Center of Kent County—to explore the critical work her team is doing to support children and families affected by severe sexual abuse. Leah opens up about the harsh realities these children face, the complex challenges her team tackles daily, and the powerful impact the Center has...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, the guys sit down with Chef Jenna Arcidiacono—owner of Amore Trattoria Italiana and founder of the nonprofit Food Hugs —to talk about how she's using her platform to spark change through kindness. Jenna shares her deep passion for giving back, her commitment to the local community, and how Food Hugs is creating unexpected moments of joy through surprise tips...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, the guys sit down with Danielle Guinsler, Development Director at Baxter Community Center, to dive into the incredible work the center is doing to uplift their community. Danielle shares how Baxter takes a holistic approach to health and education, ensuring that neighbors have access to vital resources and support. At Baxter, the philosophy is simple: the communit...

Send us Fan Mail In this special episode, the guys take a moment to reflect on the first ten guest episodes of Known Profits . Join them as they dive into the key highlights and powerful takeaways from each guest, sharing the moments that truly resonated with them. They’ll also look ahead to the future of the show, offering a sneak peek at what’s to come—exciting new guests and thought-provoking c...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, the guys sit down with Jameela Maun, Executive Director of Healthy Homes Coalition of West Michigan, to explore the vital work the organization is doing to create safer, healthier homes for families in need. Jameela shares the powerful story behind their mission, emphasizing that every individual deserves a healthy home, free from environmental hazards. Healthy Ho...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, the guys sit down with Wendy Wigger, President & CEO, and Shawn Campbell, VP of Fund Development & Engagement, to dive into the impactful services Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids offers to individuals and families navigating the grief and challenges of a cancer diagnosis or the loss of a loved one. They also explore how laughter plays a vital role in healing, wi...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, the guys sit down with Wardell Fraizer Jr., Executive Director of The Diatribe, to discuss his deep passion for empowering youth and the transformative work the organization is doing to help young people find their voice. Wardell dives into the specific projects The Diatribe is leading to support youth in their personal and creative growth. The Diatribe’s mission...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, the guys sit down with Alicia Mathieu, President and Founder of Down to Defend, to hear her personal story and the powerful impact her son, who has Down syndrome, has had on her life. Alicia shares the driving passion behind her mission to provide support, resources, and a strong community for parents of children with developmental disabilities. Down to Defend is...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, the guys sit down with Wendy Falb, Executive Director of the Literacy Center of West Michigan (LCWM), to explore the transformative power of literacy and its far-reaching impact on families, communities, and the local economy. Wendy shares inspiring stories of individuals whose lives have been changed through literacy, showcasing how this essential skill unlocks o...