Meet the Bay Pointe Team

Benjamin

Benjamin Elgrably, General Manager

 

Originally from Nice, France, Benjamin has been in the USA for over 20 years. In what was supposed to be a backpack adventure for 3 months in 1997 became a great journey in the Land of Opportunity.

Los Angeles, California was my home for the first 13 years of my American life where Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts taught me pretty much everything about hospitality. What a great experience!

After meeting Jamie back in 2005, who’s now my lovely wife, we moved to Chicago, Illinois in 2010 for a little bit over 2 years to experience some of the best “downtown city living”. We welcomed our first child, Noah, in 2011 then we decided to move back West and take on the “mountain living” of Park City, Utah in 2012 maybe the best experience, so far, of my life where we welcomed our second child, Chloe, in 2013.

Then we finally decided to settle in closer to Jamie’s family (of course!) in which Grand Rapids, Michigan became our home in October of 2015. I had the great opportunity to continue my career in hospitality with Bay Pointe since then and I’m looking forward to many more years to come.


Ashley

Ashley Nadeau, Catering Sales Manager

Hometown: Richland, MI

At Bay Pointe Since: 2014

Favorite Job Responsibility: My favorite part of the job is helping people find the perfect fit for whatever type of event they are planning. Whether a business meeting, retreat, social function or wedding I enjoy making their vision become reality! My goal is to make the planning process stress free so that while my groups are here they can enjoy their time without having to worry about the details.

Favorite Hobby: I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and being outdoors. In my free time, I spend a lot of time on the baseball/softball fields or in gyms cheering on my kids!

Mariesa

Mariesa Colavincenzo, Catering Sales Manager

Hometown: Plainwell, MI

At Bay Pointe Since: 2008

Favorite Job Responsibility: Thinking outside the box to make unique events happen and seeing couples' dream weddings come true!

Favorite Hobby: Yoga, going to the beach, and traveling with my family.


Jess

Jessica Wilson, Corporate and Social Sales Manager

Hometown: Plainwell, MI

At Bay Pointe Since: 2019

Favorite Job Responsibility: Being able to help clients and guests create unforgettable memories.

Favorite Hobby: I love to travel! Exploring new places and having new experiences with my husband and two sons.

Juno

Juno Hickman, Catering Events Manager

Hometown: Lansing, MI

At Bay Pointe Since: 2017

Favorite Job Responsibility: Assisting clients with planning their special events!

Favorite Hobby: Spending time outside in any capacity.

Madison

Madison Toman, Catering Events Manager

Hometown: Wayland, MI

At Bay Pointe Since: 2020

Favorite Job Responsibility: Working with couples to create their dream wedding and knowing the positive impact I am making on one of the biggest days of their lives.

Favorite Hobby: Going to the beach, shopping, and spending time with friends and family, especially my son!


Taylor

Taylor Lyons, Restaurant General Manager

Hometown: Dorr, MI

At Bay Pointe Since: 2022

Favorite Job Responsibility: Leading our team and making people's day with every visit!

Favorite Hobby: Gardening! I have 15-20 houseplants and a flower, fruit, and vegetable garden in my backyard.

Todd

Todd Van Wieren, Executive Chef

Hometown: Saugatuck, MI

At Bay Pointe Since: 2020

Favorite Job Responsibility: Writing creative menus for our guests to enjoy.

Favorite Hobby: Traveling!

Nikki

Nicole Young, Assistant Restaurant Manager

Hometown: Three Rivers, MI

At Bay Pointe Since: 2022

Favorite Job Responsibility: Talking to each guest and hearing their positive experiences.

Favorite Hobby: Bowling, socializing, and spending time with family.

Trent

Trent Williams, Sous Chef

Hometown: Charlotte, MI

At Bay Pointe Since: 2019

Favorite Job Responsibility: Exploring new flavors with our food and menus.

Favorite Hobby: Trying new places to eat and camping.


Jody

Jody Jonca, Senior Banquet Manager

Hometown: Garden City, MI

At Bay Pointe Since: 2023

Favorite Job Responsibility: Making sure our guest's expectations are exceeded and leaving the wow factor in their minds when they leave.

Favorite Hobby: Spending time with my family; watching all the sporting events my kids are involved with or spending time on the lake.

Steven

Steven Foster, Banquet Manager

Hometown: Delton, MI

At Bay Pointe Since: 2019

Favorite Job Responsibility: Ensuring our guests' satisfaction and running events effectively.

Favorite Hobby: Spending time with family and friends.

Mary Ellen

Mary Ellen Gaikema, Guest Services Supervisor

Hometown: Troy, MI

At Bay Pointe Since: 2009

Favorite Job Responsibility: Implementing solutions for our guests and team.

Favorite Hobby: Boating!


Stephanie

Stephanie Curtis, Revenue Manager

Hometown: Hastings, MI

At Bay Pointe Since: 2007

Favorite Job Responsibility: Comparison reporting: seeing how the company progresses and grows year over year.

Favorite Hobby: Antique shopping!

Marlee

Marlee Meads, Marketing Manager

Hometown: Middleville, MI

At Bay Pointe Since: 2022

Favorite Job Responsibility: Managing our social media accounts and working with live music.

Favorite Hobby: Hosting family and friends and spending time outside!

Courtney

Courtney Cavanaugh, Rooms Manager

Hometown: Kalamazoo, MI

At Bay Pointe Since: 2021

Favorite Job Responsibility: Leading my team! I love connecting with my staff individually and creating a caring atmosphere that overflows into the beauty of the resort.

Favorite Hobby: Biking and natural trails!