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.

BE OUR COFFEE GUEST
Coffee, Community, and Custom Lattes on Wheels Apr 07, 2026

Meet the VanPoolen family of Clique Coffee Catering—bringing the coffee shop to you across West Michigan
Read Time: 90 seconds

What if your favorite coffee shop could show up at your front door… or your wedding… or your corporate gala?

That’s exactly what Liza, Susie, and Steve VanPoolen of Clique ...

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Downtown Grand Rapids Is Leveling Up: River North + Canal Park Updates Mar 31, 2026
Steve & Margaux share the newest construction progress shaping the riverfront—and why it’s making West Michigan even cooler

If you want a real-time glimpse into the future of downtown Grand Rapids, this episode of Coffee with Steve & Margaux is your front-row seat. The big headline? The city is re-...

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Invest Where Growth Is Loud: Erika Farley on Grand Rapids’ Next Big Real Estate Moment Mar 24, 2026
RPOA’s Executive Director shares why West Michigan is booming—and what to expect at the 2026 Midwest Real Estate Investors Conference 

West Michigan isn’t quietly growing—it’s leveling up. And if you want a front-row seat to what’s happening in housing, development, and real estate investing, this ...

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No W-2? No Problem: Mortgage Options You Didn’t Know You Had Mar 17, 2026
Brendan O’Driscoll of Treadstone Breaks Down Smart Lending for Business Owners, 1099 Earners, and Investors in West Michigan


Read Time: 90 seconds

West Michigan is full of people building businesses, earning commissions, and investing in real estate—and many of them assume one thing: “I don’t have...

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One Year of Coffee: Why We Do This Mar 10, 2026
The story behind Coffee with Steve & Margaux—and the cool people who make West Michigan an extraordinary place to call home

A year ago, Steve & Margaux Drake hit publish on a simple idea: sit down over coffee and spotlight the cool people, places, and things that make West Michigan an incredible pl...

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The Repair Shop That Saves Your Favorites: Meet Cascade Shoe Service Mar 03, 2026

Sam Zarou’s 42-Year Legacy (and a Free Shine!) Is Part of What Makes West Michigan So Cool

Read Time: 90 seconds

In West Michigan, we love the people who keep things going—the craftspeople who quietly make life better, one repair at a time. In this episode of Coffee with Steve & Margaux, we sat do...

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Where There’s Smoke, There’s Flavor: Celebrating 10 Years of American Char Feb 24, 2026
Chef Len’s fire-kissed legacy in Drenth, Michigan is more than BBQ—it’s a local icon powered by community, creativity, and pure wood-fired soul.

 

Tucked into the heart of Drenth, Michigan, American Char has been bringing the heat—literally—for over a decade. In this episode of Coffee with Steve &...

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Magic, Mayhem & Masterminds: Silva is Changing the Social Scene in Grand Rapids Feb 17, 2026

How a visionary founder brought circus vibes, crocodile cameos, and community connection to West Michigan’s River North district

Read time: 90 seconds

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to step into a venue where anything could happen—a juggler could pass you your drink, a magician might surpr...

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Where Creatives & Founders Thrive: Bamboo Brings Big City Energy to West Michigan Feb 10, 2026
Flexible workspace, theater nights, rooftop vibes, and a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem—all under one historic roof in downtown Grand Rapids.


If you’re looking for the cool factor in West Michigan’s business scene, Bamboo Cowork in downtown Grand Rapids brings it in spades—and square footage. F...

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The Lark: Where Wine Meets Warmth in the Heart of Ada Feb 03, 2026
Sip, savor, and stay awhile—this wine bar is redefining community one glass at a time.

If Ada’s charm had a signature scent, it’d smell like red wine and crème brûlée.

May Graceffa, owner of The Lark in Ada, Michigan, joined Coffee with Steve & Margaux to share how her thoughtfully curated wine ba...

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Be Our Guest

Come sip, share, and shine with us!

 

Click to schedule your guest spot on Coffee with Steve & Margaux, our West Michigan Home & Lifestyle show.

It’s casual, it’s fun, and it’s totally free.

Book a 20-Min Coffee Date