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
Women Building Wealth: Inside West Michigan’s First RPOA Women in Real Estate Group May 19, 2026

How Connection, Community & Confidence Are Shaping the Future of Investing

Read Time: 90 seconds

If you’ve been watching West Michigan grow, you’ve likely noticed something powerful happening behind the scenes: women stepping confidently into real estate investing.

On this episode of Coffee with ...

Continue Reading...
Boutique Luxury Meets Small-Town Charm: Inside Hotel Rose in Rockford May 12, 2026

Why This 54-Room Gem Is Elevating West Michigan Hospitality

Read Time: 90 seconds

Just 15 minutes north of downtown Grand Rapids sits one of West Michigan’s most thoughtfully designed boutique stays: Hotel Rose.

On this episode of Coffee with Steve & Margaux, we sat down with Daniel Pautsch, Gene...

Continue Reading...
Coffee, Flowers & a 1996 Japanese Mini Truck: Meet Noonday Coffee May 05, 2026

How One Tiny Honda K Truck Is Brewing Big Joy in West Michigan

Read Time: 1.5 minutes

What happens when a 1996 Honda Japanese mini truck, craft coffee, and fresh flowers collide?

You get something that makes West Michigan even cooler.

On this episode of Coffee with Steve & Margaux, we welcomed C...

Continue Reading...
Mother’s Day, the West Michigan Way Apr 28, 2026

Simple, Meaningful, and Budget-Friendly Ways to Celebrate in Grand Rapids

When you think about Mother’s Day, what comes to mind? Big brunch reservations? Fancy gifts?

On this episode of Coffee with Steve & Margaux, Steve and Margaux Drake shared something different: their favorite Mother’s Day mem...

Continue Reading...
Coastal Italian, West Michigan Soul: Inside Allora with Maxine Gardner Apr 21, 2026
How Allora’s General Manager is redefining elevated dining in downtown Grand Rapids

If you’ve been searching for a dining experience that feels transportive—but still rooted in West Michigan—Allora in downtown Grand Rapids deserves your reservation.

In this episode of Coffee with Steve & Margaux, ...

Continue Reading...
The Grand River Is the Future of Grand Rapids Apr 14, 2026
Inside the 85-Mile Greenway Project Transforming West Michigan’s Riverfront

Big things are happening along the Grand River—and if you love walkability, waterfront living, and forward-thinking city design, this one matters.

In this episode of Coffee with Steve & Margaux, we break down the Grand Riv...

Continue Reading...
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

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 Coffee Catering are d...

Continue Reading...
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-...

Continue Reading...
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 ...

Continue Reading...
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...

Continue Reading...
1 2 3 4 5 6 7

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