A look behind the scenes

Stephanie is a serial social entrepreneur, investor in growth, community advocate, and believer in leading both profits and impact. Prior to launching Grow Business Today a marketing and growth agency, specializing in social impact, Stephanie spent 16 years in broadcast media. 

Growing up in Kalamazoo Michigan the granddaughter of Italian immigrants, she was taught the importance of living a life of Faith, Family & service. As a child, Stephanie volunteered with both her grandparents and Father in the American Legion and Kiwanis Club of West Michigan. She was blessed to work with her Dad and Aunt in a family Medical Supply business in High School. Which gave her her first glimpse into purchasing, sales, marketing, and the ability to see innovative tech her Dad was building for the handicapped.

Stephanie started her broadcasting career in Norfolk, VA as an Account Manager. Working her way up in a primarily male-dominated industry to Executive leadership. As Director of Sales and Local Programming for FOX 17 Tribune Media, she oversaw sales, traffic, and local programming. Responsible for the growth of the team and a 16 million dollar P&L 2010-2017. She was responsible for leading local, regional, and national sales teams in radio, television, digital and local programming. During the course of her career, she has helped over 500+ businesses from small businesses to publicly traded companies grow business and impact. She sees opportunities where others see challenges.

In 2017, she was recruited by Townsquare Media to be the Director of Sales and Marketing overseeing the growth and development of five local brands as well as improving digital and new media solutions in the market and region. At a time the industry needed innovation she served as the test market for both Tribune Media and Townsquare Media in new product rollouts, integrated and digital go-to-market strategies as well as business development. Working hand in hand with Head of Analytics, C suite leaders, and corporate M&A office at Townsquare Media to develop and expand their local first strategy focused on investing in local communities and start-ups here in Grand Rapids.

Now as a first-generation entrepreneur she chooses to spend her time, energy and talent focused on working with and building companies that believe in leading and empowering people, planet, profit, and purpose to grow business and impact. She loves the "Big Dreamers" and believes in creating and fostering relationships that empower growth and connection.  Known as an "Idea" person who is able to also integrate ideas into people, processes, plans, and actions Stephanie understands firsthand the struggles that women entrepreneurs feel when it comes to a lack of diversity in positions of influence with financial and social capital. 

Stephanie loves to see young people leading from the front and new ideas at the forefront. In 2018, a citywide initiative Gr Summer Project started with an idea, and her desire to better understand what problems were impacting youth in our local communities, creating a platform for young people to lead solutions:https://projectsforpurposemi.com/.  

When covid hit, it was challenging for all. With Faith and the desire to build, Stephanie put her passion and talent into building a business. From her home basement, she helped 3 family members and 3 other businesses launch and empower others to develop talent and skills. As clients worked with Grow Business Today, and with the desire to create a space where all belong and work together to grow and thrive in life and business. Stephanie launched the first female-owned purpose-driven business incubator and community hub in Grand Rapids, growhubgr.com. 

Stephanie is a proud wife to Edward a retired Kent County Sherriff who now owns his own company, shieldprivateinvestigations.com. She is also the Mom of three girls. An angel baby, Madyson, 23-year-old stepdaughter, Monique, and 11-year-old daughter, Gabby; who is her inspiration,  along with two fur babies Teddy and Ralphie. 

Stephanie has served and/ or is actively serving on the following boards and committees: 

Next-Gen Board Wedgewood Christian Services 

Panelist and Speaker for National Association of Broadcasters

Treasurer, Star and Stripes Auxiliary under American Legion Post 1111

Business Coach , Spring GR

Leadership Grand Rapids Co hort 2020 

Past- Chair March Of Dimes Signature Chef Event and March For Babies 

Advisory board Safe Haven Ministries 

Two-Time Nominee - 40 Under 40 Grand Rapids GRBJ