Headliners

Rich Kogelschatz, owner of Heartland Builders; which is an on-your-lot custom builder and specializes in building on lakes and tear downs, will share some of the lessons he has learned over 25 years of building cottages and homes. Our journey began by building spec homes; however, once we built our first custom home the rest was history. Today we are proud of how we evolved – but we are especially proud that our mission has remained the same: to inspire our clients and ensure that building your dream home is one of the most incredible experiences of your life.  Rich was the Past President of the Home Builders Association of Greater Grand Rapids in 2009 and 2010, and the Past President of the Home Builders Association of Michigan in 2014.  In his spare time, he sits on the Executive Board of Dwelling Place, a non-profit housing developer in Grand Rapids.

Founder & Lead Designer

Alyssa is the creative force behind Alcove, a designer-curated furniture and home décor studio in Grand Rapids, MI. With over ten years of experience in interior design, she founded Alcove to offer a more personalized, approachable alternative to big-box furniture stores. Her expertise spans everything from selecting the perfect furnishings to guiding clients through renovations with confidence—helping them create elegant, livable spaces designed for real life.

As a busy parent of three, Alyssa understands the importance of functional beauty. She specializes in designing homes that feel both curated and comfortable, ensuring every piece is high-quality, timeless, and tailored to her clients’ needs. Whether furnishing a dream home, a vacation property, or a full-scale renovation, Alyssa makes the process seamless, enjoyable, and completely customized.

At Alcove, Alyssa and her team are dedicated to providing a warm, designer-guided shopping experience, where clients can find exclusive, in-stock furniture without the long wait times. Her passion for helping homeowners bring their vision to life has made Alcove a trusted destination for those who value craftsmanship, style, and exceptional service.

Jason Dunaway is the Owner Services and Revenue manager for Freshwater Vacation Rentals. His drive and curiosity run deep. He has been digging into the financial nuances of the vacation rental pricing for many years. He joined the Freshwater Vacation Rentals team professionally in 2022.  Jason has been leading the way toward expanding the markets to assist second home owners, as they maximize the investment of their vacation home.

Cassandra Clark is a dynamic investor, accomplished realtor, and the visionary CEO of Clark & Clark Real Estate powered by Keller Williams. With a keen eye for creative financing and a talent for transforming properties, Cassandra has made a name for herself in the world of real estate, particularly in the Airbnb market and property flipping.
Born and raised in West Michigan, Cassandra’s journey began with a strong foundation in Finance and Economics from Grand Valley State University. Her academic background, combined with a decade of experience in the corporate world, equipped her with the skills and insights needed to navigate the complex landscape of real estate.
Cassandra’s strategic approach to real estate investments, coupled with her exceptional negotiating prowess, has not only led to successful transactions but also solidified her reputation as a trusted advisor and deal-maker. Her ability to navigate complex negotiations with finesse and secure favorable outcomes has been instrumental in the growth and success of Clark & Clark Real Estate.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Cassandra finds joy in traveling and cherishing moments with her family. Born and raised in West Michigan, Cassandra Clark continues to leave an indelible mark on the real estate landscape, embodying the values of integrity, innovation, and excellence in all her ventures.

Cara Middleton, owner of Freshwater Vacation Rentals, will speak to both guests and owners about the ever-changing vacation rental industry. For owners, Cara will reveal how to maximize your second home investment. She will explain how to do it yourself, when to ask for help, short-term rental strategies and common pitfalls of the industry. With eighteen years of experience, you will be able to apply her insights to your 2^nd home. In addition, Cara will give guests suggestions on how to pick your ideal vacation rental, what to look for, and how to avoid extra fees. With tips from her own personal practices, realistic examples, and the occasional funny story, you will be sure to enjoy exploring the short-term rental industry.

Janet Schrader is the founder of Sand Pirates: Sand Sculpting, Photography, & Beach Art, started in 2006.  She spends her summers on the beaches of Michigan, teaching, sculpting, and enjoying all that the lakeshore has to offer.  After successfully fighting a severe battle with cancer, Janet found comfort walking the shoreline of Lake Mi. Looking for answers among the beach treasure (beach glass, rocks, fossils, & driftwood) Schrader found more than what she was looking for. What she found was a new way of life, a new philosophy, and a new career.

Come to the show and see in person, how living by the lake has changed her life.