F.R.I.E.N.D.S.

Earlier this summer we reached another pretty big moment for our family - we reached 2,000 likes on Facebook! So, naturally, we had to dedicate that achievement with something special and we knew just what to do - throw a Friends inspired photo shoot overlooking our beautiful and gorgeous city, Grand Rapids!

Thank you to all of our wonderful and amazing followers, friends, and family who have supported us from the very beginning - cheering us on in the moments of joy, coming alongside us in those seasons of difficulty, and joining us on this exhilarating journey of storytelling. Here's to that continued adventure - and of course, the many amazing friends we have still to meet!

Oh... and remember - we'll be there for you ;)

Cornerstone University 2016 Commencement Series

Commencement is one of the most exhilarating moments of the entire college journey. Walking across the stage to receive your diploma or hood, cheering with your friends as you toss your caps into the air, taking photos with your family who couldn't be prouder of you. It's not just the end of something you've worked towards for 4 years; it's the celebration of a new adventure just before your feet.

We get excited every year to share a few of the stories of Cornerstone University's amazing student body with the CU Commencement Series. This year we had the pleasure of hearing and telling 9 students' stories that range from helping those in minorities achieve their full potential, to former prison inmates that are working to help other prisoners turn their life around through education and outreach. From the classroom to the medical field, from a global marketing corporation to international counseling and social work aid, CU's graduating class is full of amazing students who have already begun doing amazing work in the world around them.

Congratulations to all of the Cornerstone University graduating classes of 2016!

Here's to you, and welcome to the CU Alumni family!

Five Years of Storytelling

Five years of storytelling is a truly special moment. From the adventures that have led us across the country, and across the world, to the stories that made us laugh, and those that brought tears to our eyes; storytelling for us is about bringing people to people. To realize, to take a moment and fully recognize, that this has been the journey we have been on for the last five years is unbelievably humbling. To be a part of a much larger story that encompasses our entire world, and to be able to share the stories of those we meet along the way on our own journey - it's indescribable.

For five years we have grown together, we have overcome challenges together, and have continued to learn what it is to be storytellers who love unconditionally, together. From humble beginnings in a college dorm room, to now traveling the world to help share the stories of those in need - and also those working to create a world of peace, a world we all want. It's hard to believe where we are now and who we have become as a team, and more so as individuals. 

This year we are celebrating an ongoing journey of storytelling, a continuing adventure; looking back and reflecting, but also eagerly looking ahead to the future. Dreaming of where these next five years will take us, and all the new adventures we'll be going on. And while no one knows what tomorrow may bring with it, we are excited nonetheless, because we are a family of storytellers who tell stories that bring people, to people.

To Tell the Story

If you know us, ever had the chance to connect with us, or have followed us for more than a day chances are you've heard us talk about the work of telling stories. It's core to who we are, and it's what makes us excited to get out of bed every morning. It directs and inspires us and it's what we firmly believe in.

Storytelling is an old art, but it's something that is so intrinsically a part of who we all are that it will never cease to stop bringing us together. From every corner of the world stories have, and always will, bring people of different walks and understandings together. The ability to help play a role in such a moving force makes us ecstatic.

The chance to help share somebody's journey in a way that countless hundreds can connect and relate to them; the ability to help create a place and moment when we engage with something else other than just a pixelated screen; the privilege to help tell and be a part of a much larger story that is at work in our world - storytelling is an unbelievable tool that in many ways marks who we are as a society, community, and world.

From a small business owner here in West Michigan, to a community working to end the threat of Malaria and extreme poverty half a world away; from a couple exchanging their vows on their wedding day, to a dreamer who has a vision of changing the world for the better - everyone's story is collection of characters and adventures that is telling a much larger story - and it's that story that we continue to chase after and tell day after day. 

That's what we believe in, and that's why we do what we do; to tell the story of who we ALL are, and where we're daring to go next!

Tramec Sloan: Delivery, Performance, Value, Integrity

We love working and collaborating with local businesses that are leading the way in innovation, excellence, and integrity within their respective markets. When our team was approached by the team at Tramec Sloan, a Holland based ISO certified engineering company serving the heavy-duty trucking industry, we were excited to come on board and and craft for them a short film highlighting their history, exceptional products, and reputation within the industry.

Starting as Sloan Transportation Products, a branch of The Sloan Valve company, in 1977 Tramec Sloan’s very foundation and history was formed upon the belief that creating quality products with excellent service provided an unmatched value to the industry. After two company merges and a couple years of unified company development, Tramec continues to live this belief out on a daily basis.

Today Tramec Sloan has developed into a lead supplier of quality heavy-duty truck and trailer products to OEMs and the aftermarket. Their team functions as a single source provider of original equipment for their customers, providing quality products that are both innovative and efficient for those whom they serve.

Between roadtripping to Tramec’s Galion, Ohio and Iola, Kansas branches, to learning about the developing and growing culture of their company, this was an exciting project to have been a part of. For us personally, we were stretched creatively and had the opportunity to try new styles and ways of telling their story. During this process we not only learned new skills, got to tour the midwest a bit, and created a film, we also gained a growing relationship with Sloan, and for that we could not be more thankful.

Behind the Scenes of the Winter 2014 2015 Issue

It’s #FashionFriday! That’s a thing, right? Well we're going to make it a thing for at least this week.

One thing we love about living in a city like Grand Rapids is that there is such a focus and emphasis on community that it isn't hard to walk out your door and connect with others in your area that are passionate and driven to help further build the culture of GR. Be that through advancements in the arts, medicine, or commerce; Grand Rapids is a community of people-focused individuals who love working together. It’s what makes it “home” for us.

So naturally when the creators and visionaries behind the West Michigan Style magazine approached us about capturing behind the scenes for their latest issue, the 2014 2015 Winter collection, we were totally on board. Their fun and energetic team works so hard at bringing so many wonderful members from our community together to help create a product that readers can fall in love with, and it totally shows. From the moment we walked on set with them we could just tell that it was going to be a fantastic day - not to mention we were able to catch up with our friends at Kelly Braman Photography!

This issue focused on the idea of how to stay active and engaged in the greater Grand Rapids area, taking advantage of all the things Grand Rapids has to offer during the winter season. From unique and thoughtfully designed active and life wear, to an evening out on the town, the team at West Michigan Style has put together an amazing Winter Issue for their readers to engage with.

We love it. We love Grand Rapids too. It’s a pretty cool place.

Check out the West Michigan Style Winter 2014 2015 Issue today!