Name
Erica DeGrandchamp
Company/Organization
The Lodge
What Does Your Company/Organization Do?
Our establishment is a year round locally owned business that creates delicious menu items, while using as many products from other local businesses. Our company is also very community driven, by our involvement with the schools, charities, and numerous organizations for the betterment and progression of the South Haven area.
Age
34
Accomplishments
Voted Best Burger by South Haven Tribune readers poll Winner of Ice breaker 2022 and 2023 Professional Chili Cook Off Voted the Best New Business in Van Buren County for 2022 Implemented Red Flag Discount Days at The Lodge to raise awareness about the dangers of Lake Michigan
What else do you hope to accomplish by the age of 40?
I hope to continue our positive trajectory with our business in creating jobs for our community and mentorship for our employees including work ethic, business ownership, and community outreach. I hope to continue to be a driving force in promoting and advocating for not only South Haven, but for the entirety of Southwest Michigan businesses and organizations. I hope that our story with the Lodge will inspire others to find their passion and work hard to obtain it.
Education
Bachelors Degree from Western Michigan University
What Town Do You Reside In?
South Haven
Where were you born?
Seoul, South Korea
What was your first job?
Working the U-Pick and retail market at DeGrandchamp’s Blueberry Farm. (My family’s business)
Best advice you ever got?
Never stop learning.
Who inspires you most?
My parents. Beyond their unwavering support, I cannot stress enough how they have impacted my life. They raised my brothers and I to not only be self reliant, but to also help others as much as you possibly can. They instilled the work ethic and moral code, that no doubt, still resonates with me today. I utilize all the tools the providing in my upbringing to get me where I am today.
That one thing about you we’d be most surprised to learn.
I cannot cook to save my life. On the occasion, I try to assist at the Lodge, and I’m always willing to learn. But typically I’m the certified taste tester.
What do you love to do in your downtime?
I enjoy traveling as much as I can. With hectic schedules and running a business more recently, I enjoy being at home with my dog and just simply relaxing.
What book are you reading now?
No specific book currently, but I’m always listening to a podcast of some sort.
Volunteer activity you love the most.
Anything involving the schools. Many of our employees are involved in sports, and it has been such a pleasure being present during their events, and sponsoring any activities they’re involved in.
What motivates you to give back to your community?
Growing up in South Haven, I always took it for granted. I never thought I would be back here, let alone own a business. But from witnessing my parents always be active members in the community, to now having the means to do it with ours, nothing inspires me more. We owe a lot to our staff (numerous local individuals) and to our community as well. We are a successful business from the support of this community and those that live here, so giving back is the easy part!
What Superpower would you most love to have? (for example, the ability to fly or to be invisible, or incredible strength, etc)
Incredible strength. I’m pretty petite, and even though I try to physically do as much as I can, I could always use more!
What would you like to leave behind as your legacy once you are gone?
I hope that my legacy is mildly close to the legacy of my father. I hope I am remembered for my work ethic, my kindness, and a positive impact. I’ve always been a believer in leaving a place better than you found it. And if I can accomplish that, I can truly be proud of the work I have done.
What does the honor of being named to the 40 Under 40 most mean to you?
Up until my mid twenties, I was never really sure on my career path. I never found my niche until I randomly found myself in the service industry. From observing and learning from my past experiences and past employers, I have received so much knowledge in this field and in life. Paired with the work ethic that was instilled in me from a young age, this recognition is beyond what I ever thought for myself. In the service industry it is necessary to possess an incredible amount of selflessness. Now, being a business owner myself, and a recipient of this award, so many other individuals deserve to share this recognition with me as well. I am forever indebted to many individuals that have made this journey possible, and there are no words to express my gratitude. Receiving this award has solidified that all the hard work is, and will continue to be worth it! Thank you for this honor!
