Mimi Fritz

President/CEO

Mimi has spent the past ten years designing strong urban places for communities of people to live and have fun. As president and CEO of the Downtown Market, she is focused on creating a healthier food system that connects farmers, chefs, and consumers.

mimi@downtownmarketgr.com

Amanda Gielczyk

Vice President of Marketing & Operations

Amanda brings over ten years of retail marketing experience. She is a forward-thinking and results-oriented manager, with demonstrated expertise in event planning and media buying!

amanda@downtownmarketgr.com

Sarah Bokina

Director Of Human Resources And Culinary & Administrative Operations

With over 10 years of experience with Human Relations, safety, and volunteer programs, Sarah brings both enthusiasm and expertise to the Market team.

sarah@downtownmarketgr.com

Trevor Young

Director of Sales & Private Events

Trevor brings 15 years of experience in sales and marketing to the Market. His strategic thinking and sales knowledge make him the perfect addition to the Private Events team.

trevor@downtownmarketgr.com

Glenn Bachelder

Director of Facilities

Glenn has over ten years of facility management under his belt! His extensive knowledge of plumbing, heating, construction, and maintenance make him an expert in assuring the Market is in tip top shape.

glenn@downtownmarketgr.com

Matt Hoffman

Special Events & Promotions Manager

Matt has 9 years entertainment experience in the sports industry, so he is no stranger to organizing memorable promotions and events!

matt@downtownmarketgr.com

Ryan Brinkerhoff

Creative Manager

Ryan is about as creative as they come. With a strong focus on design, he leads the Market’s branding and visual communication through careful art direction and execution.

ryan@downtownmarketgr.com

Molly Connolly

Digital Marketing Specialist

As an expert in all things digital marketing, Molly uses her knowledge and skills to tell the story of the Market. Whether it’s a cooking class or scoop of ice cream, she’s excited to get the word out!

socialmedia@downtownmarketgr.com

Ryan Bolhuis

Incubator Kitchen Program Manager

Ryan Bolhuis, is an award winning chef with more than 15 years of food industry experience creating sustainable and profitable food systems. He has a passion for making the Market into THE destination for food entrepreneurship.

ryanb@downtownmarketgr.com

Kelsey Harvey

Special Projects Manager

Kelsey is indispensable when it comes to keeping the Admin Office running smoothly. Her attention to detail is only matched by her positive attitude!

kelsey@downtownmarketgr.com

Taylor Robinson

Office Supervisor & Executive Assistant

Taylor supervises all administrative operations, oversees the Market Admin Team, and is proud to be an expert in customer service!

taylor@downtownmarketgr.com

Katie Clark

Beverage & Events Manager

Katie handles beverage services and staffing for all Market private events. She is in charge of making sure your event’s bar is well staffed and your guests are well served!

katie@downtownmarketgr.com

Chaparral Shimko

Private Events Sales Manager

Chaparral has years of experience in the sales and events world! She is happy to bring knowledge, strategy, and a smiling face to the Events Team!

chaparral@downtownmarketgr.com

Madison Martinez

Event Coordinator

Madison brings more to the table than just precise event coordination! Her past experience as an event planner and wedding assistant makes her an asset to the Market and the Events Team.

madison@downtownmarketgr.com

Kimberly Inniger

Event Coordinator

Kimberly’s background encompasses a wide variety of event planning and execution—her passion and knowledge of events are a great addition to the Market team!

kimberly@downtownmarketgr.com

Sarah Dorn

Horticulturist

Sarah is a certified Master Gardener! Add in a Botany degree, and sprinkle in some high energy and enthusiasm and you get an awesome addition to the Market team!

greenhouse@downtownmarketgr.com

Jessie Navarro

Teaching Kitchen and Administrative Coordinator

Jessie wears a few hats at the Market, and one is a chef hat! When she isn’t helping out with a culinary class, Jessie is taking on administrative responsibilities!

jessie@downtownmarketgr.com

Jordan Kossuth

Administrative Coordinator

Jordan pilots the Administrative Office over the weekends. Her ability to problem solve is only surpassed by her willingness to help!

jordan@downtownmarketgr.com

Brian Burch

Public Relations

Brian is a communications professional with more than 12 years of experience working with some of the Midwest’s biggest ideas, including ArtPrize, Start Garden, the Grand Rapids Art Museum and Millennium Park: Chicago.

brian@burchpartners.com

Erin Cataldo

Public Relations

Erin takes PR seriously. She gets Market news out there with determination and creativity.

erin@burchpartners.com

OUR FACILITIES TEAM

Our porters do the hard work of keeping the Market clean and preparing our spaces for private events and Market activities.

Derek DeRuiter

Facilities Supervisor

Experienced in maintenance, landscaping, grounds, and facilities supervising, Derek brings a lot of technical knowhow to the facilities team!

derek@downtownmarketgr.com

Wanda Bluntson

Lead Porter

Elizabeth Medendorp

Porter

Faith Snider

Porter

Lynea Sparks

Porter

William Luna

Porter

Brandy Wingate

Porter

OUR CULINARY ASSISTANTS

These capable culinary enthusiasts are here to make sure cooking classes run smoothly!

Lauren Blais

Culinary Assistant

Ryan Hagan

Culinary Assistant

OUR BARTENDERS

We take private events at the Market very seriously, and so do our bartenders. They are here to mix, pour, and serve at your next soiree!

Katie Moore

Bartender

Samuel Kite

Bartender

Robby Fischer

Bartender

Matt Dolfi

Bartender

Max Jensen

Bartender

Edgar Martinez

Bartender

Nicholas Wassenaar

Bartender

Andrew Senni

Bartender

Emma Knowlton

Bartender

Nikki Colligan

Bartender