Max + Chris Show

Join us for the wild ride of how an employee looking for a new opportunity, turned entrepreneur and became the owner and president of an NBA G League team the Grand Rapids Gold. Steve Jbara is an entrepreneur and the owner and president of the Grand Rapids Gold, the NBA G League affiliate of the Denver Nuggets. After starting his career in the automotive industry, Jbara took an unconventional leap into professional sports, purchasing a G League franchise in 2013 and bringing it to Grand Rapids. Under his leadership, the organization has become one of the league’s top-performing franchises, culminating in being named the 2025–26 NBA G League Franchise of the Year, while Jbara became the first executive in league history to win Executive of the Year three consecutive years. Beyond basketball, Jbara is an entrepreneur and investor with interests spanning advertising, technology, finance and other ventures.

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.

 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.

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.

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.

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.

In this episode, we sit down with Garry VonMyhr, CEO Founder of Tech Defenders, to trace his journey from humble beginnings to leading a fast growing tech company. Garry shares how he built a business at the his interest in real estate, and his take on the current economic landscape. Whether you're in tech, real estate, or just hungry for entrepreneurial wisdom, Garry offers sharp insights and candid reflections that will leave you inspired. Follow Garry on Linked in. 

The Future is Here with Angela Bono explores the intersection of commercial real estate and artificial intelligence. Hosted by Angela Bono of Bradley Companies, this podcast delves into how AI is transforming deal-making, market analysis, and client interactions. Join Angela as she shares real-world insights on how she integrates AI into her work and where the technology is headed in the industry. Whether you're a real estate professional or just curious about the future of AI, this podcast will keep you ahead of the curve!

Join us as we dive into the fascinating journey of Marcel Burgler, a developer and commercial real estate broker specializing in multifamily projects. From his roots in Holland to his transformative work in Grand Rapids, Marcel shares his story of navigating new opportunities, building thriving communities, and shaping the real estate landscape. Discover how his international perspective and passion for development have fueled his success in Michigan and beyond. 

In this episode of "The Chris and Max Show," we sit down with Brian Klaver, Chief Lending Officer at United Bank of Michigan. Join us as we dive into the latest trends in lending, the challenges facing the banking industry, and Brian’s insights on how to navigate the current economic landscape. Whether you're a financial professional or just curious about the world of banking, this episode is packed with valuable information you won’t want to miss!

Join Max and Chris as they sit down with Tiffany Szakal, the dynamic owner and broker of The Local Element. In this insightful episode, Tiffany shares her journey in the real estate industry, offers expert advice on navigating the local market, and reveals the secrets behind her successful brokerage. Whether you're a seasoned real estate professional or just curious about the industry, this episode is packed with valuable insights and inspiring stories. Don't miss it! 

Join Max and Chris as they sit down with Anne Ficeli, Certified Property Manager (CPM) and leader at PURE Real Estate Management. Anne shares her extensive knowledge on property management, discusses the latest trends in the real estate market, and offers invaluable advice for both new and seasoned real estate professionals. Don’t miss this episode packed with expert insights and practical tips for navigating the dynamic world of real estate management. 

Welcome to "Born to Be in Real Estate" with Drew Born! Join Drew, a seasoned broker at Remax Commercial, as he shares his wealth of experience and insights from the real estate world. Dive into captivating stories from his past and explore exciting future endeavors in the industry. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just curious about real estate, this podcast is your go-to source for inspiration and knowledge. Tune in and discover what it truly means to be born to be in real estate!

Welcome to "Focus on the Process," the Max and Chris Show featuring Josh Smith, Co-Founder of Fulton Group. In this episode, spotlighting The Fulton Group, a premier property management business in Grand Rapids, MI. With over 250 top-quality rental homes, their vibrant team is dedicated to a superior resident experience. Discover the purposeful process behind their success and commitment to making Grand Rapids a fantastic place to live. Join us for insights into effective processes, innovation, and community living with Max, Chris, and Josh! https://www.fulton-group.com

Discover the legacy of Bill Bowling, a powerhouse in commercial real estate. With a track record of building and leading successful brokerage firms and developing impactful commercial real estate projects, Bill's visionary approach has left an indelible mark on the industry. Join us as we explore the highlights of his career, that define his legendary status in the world of commercial real estate. [00:00:00] Welcome to the Max and Chris show. I think we're at episode 17 right now. So, uh, welcome to our guests. We have a special, special, really special guest here today. We have Bill Bowling with Bradley company. So Bill, thanks for spending some time with us today. Well, great. I'm excited to be here. I'm taking advantage of you because I'm 80 years old now and I'm wrapping up my career.[00:00:29] And I wanted to have this brief summary, if we could, somewhere that they can play for my grandkids someday. So, when you mentioned doing it, I said, do I get a copy of it? And they said, yes. And I said, I'm there. That's awesome. And you came with lessons already today too, because we found out there's a 3437.[00:00:50] Southwest. And you gotta drive up there. You'll be very impressed. Just don't send our fan mail there. Yeah, that's probably where it's all going. Absolutely. That's where it's all going. Actually, we did just get, and I won't say who it is yet, but we did just get our first uh, Our first, what do you call it?[00:01:12] Sponsor. Sponsor for the podcast. Yeah. We got our first. Well, congratulations. Step in the right direction. Only took 17 episodes. Yeah, we'll see what, maybe another 17 we can get another one and this won't be a hobby anymore. Yeah. Bradley Company want to sponsor us? That'd be a little weird, but I like it.[00:01:30] Guys, I don't own any stock. I have nothing to say there. Just be the yes man. But I think they might do that. Call Jeff. Yeah, like, hey, but use us instead. We'll take your money. Yeah, well, thank you. Yeah, we really appreciate you coming down here to do this. So, 80 years. 80 years. Take us back from the very beginning.[00:01:56] Um, I'd like to take us back to the beginning of Bill Bowling. Uh, not as I was being born or anything, but a little, uh, a little in front of that, the conception of when I was, when I was in high school, I played a lot of football, a lot of baseball, and sometimes I got off the bench in basketball, um, but I was a pretty darn good baseball player and I Uh, a bunch of offers, uh, Oklahoma, uh, Tennessee, uh, uh, and a company called Michigan.[00:02:39] And Don Lund was a baseball coach there then. And so as I weighed all of my choices. I said, I want to go to Michigan. In those days you couldn't sign your scholarship until after you graduated. So we graduated on June 6th and I drove over to Don Lund's office in Ann Arbor. I'm from Monroe, Michigan, so that's a half hour drive.[00:03:03] Yep. And I get there and as I walk in, uh, to his office, he looks up and he goes, oh, and my heart dropped. And I'm going, what? And he said, I just got a chance to get Fritz Fischer, who is a left handed fireballer, eventually got to AAA baseball. And he said, so I don't have a scholarship for you. And I said, Coach, I've turned everybody else down.[00:03:34] And it's June 6th. What do I do now? So I drove back to my house in Monroe, which is about a half hour drive. And as I'm pulling in the driveway, there's a car sitting there that I don't know who it is. And as I'm walking into the living room. I hear my dad talking and he says, no, Captain Lawrence, uh, Bill's over signing, uh, with Michigan right now.[00:03:59] And I said, well, dad, I'm not Captain Lawrence. How are you? He was the baseball coach at the Air Force Academy. Wow. And so I ended up going out to. The Air Force Academy, and I had one rule from the coach, absolutely do not play basketball intramurally, and I did and just s

Join industry leaders Kevin VanHaitsma, Trent Wieringa, Chris Prins, and Max Grover in a dynamic panel discussion moderated by Jordan Wenzel. Explore the insider stories and strategies behind their successful journeys in starting and thriving in commercial real estate. Gain valuable insights, tips, and practical advice on navigating the challenges, building a solid foundation, and achieving success in the competitive world of commercial real estate. 

Join us for an inspiring journey through the evolution of Ada Village with Liz Haan, Marketing Director of Baton Collective and the creative force and owner behind Croft Haus. In this podcast episode, Liz shares the captivating story of how Ada Village transformed into a vibrant community of elegance and style. From her role in Baton Collective to the creation of Croft Haus, a retail haven catering to the adventurous, the modern, the old-country charm enthusiasts, and the trendsetters, Liz unveils the vision and collaboration that shaped Ada Village into the thriving hub it is today. Whether you're a resident, a fashion enthusiast, or intrigued by urban development, this podcast offers a fascinating exploration into the making of Ada Village, guided by Liz Haan's expertise and passion. 

In this episode, hosts Max and Chris sit down with Nate Heyboer, a seasoned entrepreneur and real estate developer, and the owner of DHE, a leading plumbing and mechanical contracting firm serving West Michigan since 2005.Join us for an engaging conversation as Nate shares his insights into entrepreneurship, real estate development, and the construction industry. From the challenges he faced to the innovative projects that define his career, this episode offers valuable industry insights and plenty of laughs. Whether you're a professional, aspiring entrepreneur, or simply curious about these fields, don't miss this episode of the Max and Chris Show!

Join us in this episode of 'Chick-fil-Cast' as we sit down with Kristen and Drew, the passionate owners of Chick-fil-A 54th Street & US-131. Discover the secrets behind their success, from crafting delicious meals to building a welcoming community hub. Learn about their commitment to quality, service, and giving back. Whether you're a fan of Chick-fil-A or aspiring entrepreneur, this episode offers a glimpse into the heart and soul of a beloved fast-food franchise.

Welcome to "Flipping Dreams with Calvin Beeke," the podcast that unveils the captivating world of home flipping in Michigan. Calvin Beeke, brings us through the highs and lows of flipping 150 homes a year. Join us to learn how dreams turn into stunning realities, one property at a time. Whether you're a real estate enthusiast or an aspiring flipper, this is where inspiration meets transformation.

Welcome to a special episode of "Unraveling the Tape of Howies Hockey" Today, we're sitting down with the visionary behind Howie's Hockey Tape, Max Sieplinga. We delve into the journey of this iconic brand from concept to its current global presence. Join us for insights, anecdotes, and a conversation that goes beyond the tape and into the heart of the game we all love.

Discover true authenticity on 'Unveiling the real Chris Prins,' while the imposter tends to his new baby son. Join Chris as he delves into genuine conversations, captivating stories, and the essence of authenticity. We Love both Chris Prins.

Welcome to "Real Estate Insights with John Francis," where we explore the art of commercial real estate investing. Join John, an experienced investment specialist, as he shares insights on the market learned through experience. Whether you're a seasoned investor or a newcomer, this podcast tune in and unlock the secrets to success in the world of real estate.

Welcome to the Max + Chris Show! In this episode, we are joined by Kurt Adams, the Director of Property Management at Meijer Inc. Join us as we delve into the world of property management within Meijer, a leading national retail company. Kurt shares his expertise and insights on optimizing property performance, enhancing tenant satisfaction, and navigating the unique challenges of managing properties within the Meijer portfolio including its commercial out lots. Don't miss this engaging conversation with Kurt Adams as we explore the fascinating world of Meijer Inc.

Join Max and Chris in a captivating episode as they explore the transformative world of personal training with David Lawrence, owner of MECA Personal Training (MECAstrong.com). David's innovative approach has empowered countless individuals to achieve remarkable physical transformations including professional athletes. Joined by Jacob Ekkens from Stewardship Advisory Group, they discuss the financial value and long-term benefits of investing in one's well-being. Discover the power of mindset, sustainable habits, and the profound impact of fitness on all aspects of life. Get inspired, gain practical advice, and unlock your own potential through the power of personal training. Tune in now to The Max & Chris Show! www.mecastrong.comFor supplements: https://meca.education/ Follow us on Instagram: @MaxChrisShow 

Max & Chris host Jon, and Trevor as they gather for a lively conversation on the current commercial real estate (CRE) market. In this episode of "Chopping it Up with Friends," they discuss emerging trends, successful projects, and share personal stories from their own experiences. Get ready for a blend of industry insights and light-hearted banter as these friends navigate the world of CRE and have a great time doing it. Tune in for an entertaining and informative discussion that will leave you wanting more.

In this episode of "Legal Insights," we sit down with Nicholas Laue, an esteemed bankruptcy lawyer at Keller Almassian Law Firm in Grand Rapids. Join us as we delve into the world of bankruptcy law and gain valuable insights from a seasoned legal professional who is on the forefront of the industry.

During the podcast episode, Chip shared his vast knowledge and experience in the commercial real estate industry, discussing topics such as the impact of technology on the industry, the state of the west Michigan industrial market, and the latest trends in the market. 

The Office: Navigating the Present and Predicting the Future with Jason Makowski.

Hearing from Ben Sietsema at Honeycrisp Ventures.

Get the opportunity to hear from Mark Ansara about his career, how he got into the industry, words of wisdom and discuss a new development project in Grand Rapids!