Rise with Andy Havemeier

Andy grew up in Grand Rapids, MI on the southeast side. The bulk of Andy’s resume is filled with various positions within his family business, Herman’s Boy, a store in Rockford that specializes in deli sandwiches/coffee roasting/baked goods/grilling/gift boxes etc.

While working at the store, Andy went to Western Michigan University for a few years where he survived off of bagels and booze. This is when he entered his addiction period of life and stayed in a relatively high functioning addict lifestyle until rock bottom came after a divorce and homelessness. Andy entered the program at Guiding Light Recovery and began to clean up his mentality, physique, and relationships. When he was ready for a job again, he started with Hall Street Bakery as the manager of that location. The owner at the time, Jim, took a chance on him and I’m sure he’s thankful today that he did because Andy went on to manage both locations (Wealthy Street Bakery too) and then eventually became the owner of both. Today, the bakeries are extremely profitable, have incredible employee retention, and continue to grow in community involvement. 

When he was a year and a half sober, Andy reconnected with an annoying girl named Ondrea who he used to work with at Herman’s Boy, 15 years ago. As it turns out, she was also in recovery and had two months on him even. They ended up getting married, having two boys (Floyd - 2yo and Fitzgerald - 3mo), acquiring the bakeries, and purchasing a house all within 2.5 years. People would definitely say they are not just dreamers, they are doers.