
Welcome to our blog!
Here, you’ll discover the cool people, places, and things that make West Michigan an extraordinary place to call HOME.
We’re Steve and Margaux Drake, co-founders of RVNU Residential and Commercial, a full-service real estate team helping clients sell and buy homes and investment properties in Michigan.
Together, we have over 60 years of knowledge of the West Michigan real estate market. We turned a $5K investment into a multi-million-dollar real estate portfolio, and we can help you do the same, starting with your HOME.
A Taste of Entrepreneurial Magic: One Family's Journey from Tiny Bakery to Culinary Destination
West Michigan isn't just a location—it's a canvas for extraordinary stories of passion and innovation. Meet Kelly Toland, the culinary entrepreneur who's transforming how we experience food and travel, o...
How One Leader is Transforming the Ada Hotel into a Community Destination
In the heart of downtown Ada, Michigan, Becky Jones is proving that exceptional hospitality is more than just a job—it's an art form. As the General Manager of the Ada Hotel—an elevated, boutique stay built with community in ...
How One Local Expert is Transforming Women's Health and Wellness
Dr. Diana Bitner is redefining women's healthcare here in West Michigan, one patient at a time. As a pioneering OB-GYN and co-founder of true. Women's Health, she's not just treating symptoms – she's empowering women to take control o...
Jenny Cook's Decade-Long Mission Proves That Chasing Your Dream Can Open Doors For Others
 West Michigan isn't just a location—it's a canvas of possibility, and Jenny Cook is the VISIONARY proving that dreams can gallop into reality.
 For over ten years, Cook pursued a BIG VISION: horseback riding...
How Vision, Vino, and a Woman-Owned Mission Shaped Ada’s Most Elegant Gathering Place
In the heart of Ada, Michigan, a European-style wine bar is turning heads and topping group chats. Welcome to The Lark—an elegant, women-forward destination brought to life by majority owner May Graceffa, alongsid...
From glowing lanterns to animatronic bees—discover how one woman is making West Michigan wildly unforgettable.
In a city full of hidden gems, Darci Mitchell is one of Grand Rapids’ brightest. As the Promotions and Events Manager at John Ball Zoo, she’s not just organizing events—she’s designing exp...
How One Entrepreneur Turns Frozen Art into Unforgettable Experiences
In the heart of West Michigan, there's a creative force that's redefining entertainment and art - Randy Finch, the mastermind behind Ice Guru Events. More than just an ice sculptor, Finch is a true ambassador of fun who has transf...
A must-visit European-inspired floral shop led by women, designed for creativity, and connection
Tucked into Bretton Village, Southside Flower Market isn’t just a flower shop—it’s a mood, led by two powerhouse women: Renee Koops and Ann Potter.
Walk inside and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into ...
Lessons from Diane Yoder of Cactus Creative: Navigating Complex Productions and Property Markets with Precision
In the heart of West Michigan, successful entrepreneurs like Diane Yoder of Cactus Creative reveal that mastering complex productions is remarkably similar to navigating real estate inves...
Discover How the Rental Property Owners Association Can Transform Your Investment Strategy
Are you ready to level up your real estate game in West Michigan? The Rental Property Owners Association (RPOA) is your secret weapon for navigating the complex world of property investment. Led by Executive ...