The running of the Downtown Market is the result of incredible teamwork. Here’s the team behind the work.
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
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
Tom Peterson
Leasing & Tenant Relations Manager
Tom is an experienced commercial real estate professional with a complex background ranging from retail leasing to finance. Tom oversees all of our leasing activities as well as tenant relations, and strives to advance the Market’s mission to maintain and enhance its status as a vibrant gathering place for our community.
tom@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
Cait Fritz
Operations Manager
Cait’s efforts span multiple facets of the Market, office operations, technology, book keeping, and so much more. Her knowledge of the Market is second to none!
cait@downtownmarketgr.com
Kelsey Harvey
Office 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
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
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
Porter
Elizabeth Medendorp
Porter
Nancy Hansen
Porter
Craig Seabolt
Porter
Lynea Sparks
Porter
Antonio Wimberly
Porter
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William Luna
Porter
OUR CULINARY ASSISTANTS
These capable culinary enthusiasts are here to make sure cooking classes run smoothly!
Jessie Navarro
Culinary Assistant
Christopher Yang
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
