He Was Homeless Five Years Ago, Now He's Opening Second Business

A Grand Rapids man was homeless just five years ago. He and his family are proof the American dream is still alive and are now opening their second business.

This is the story of Brent Webster who in 2016 was laid off from his job due to budget cuts, had to declare bankruptcy, and he and his pregnant wife and children were sleeping on a floor at a relatives house.

According to WOOD, Webster lost his job as community relations director of Exodus Place. But Exodus Place President and Executive Director Robb Munger was the one who helped Webster get his life turned back around.

Webster wound up becoming a contracted delivery driver. So he and wife managed to get enough funds to lease a delivery truck then the next thing you know, there became a demand for Webster. The company he was working for scaled back their need for Webster, so he and his wife got creative and formed their own delivery company so Studio 21 Delivery, Inc was born.

This really takes some courage but the couple moved forward with a great idea, and that was making deals with big box stores to deliver their goods to their customers.

Webster's gamble paid off big time and has anywhere from 6 to 12 trucks hauling goods at any given time.

With the success of the business growing so fast, the couple has decided to open another business in downtown Grand Rapids' Waters Center called Webster's Market and it opened its doors for the very first time, September 3.

Webster's market will be a grab and go business that will cater to the traveling business person or the people working downtown who need something quick. They are starting with coffee, soda, doughnuts, personal care items like shampoo, conditioner and other items. The plan is to add fresh deli items, wraps, sandwiches and salad's for on the go lunches. They are even going to add a little ice cream shop to the market.

This is just a remarkable story of man and his family not letting anything get in their way of succeeding in Grand Rapids. This success didn't come without the help of a few others like the contractors and community leaders who guided him to where he is now. The landlord that rented him the space for a fair price. Plus the support from Munger and retired Grand Rapids Police Lt. Ralph Mason.

So yes, this is a success for the Webster family but also the Grand Rapids community.

WOOD reported that Webster said, "I've lived here 51 years. I know this town. I'm grateful for this community and what they've provided in that time. I really just want to reach out to this community. I just want to be there for the people of this community and I really think we need more love and looking out for your neighbor and less arguing."

Webster's Market hours are Monday - Thursday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. and on Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

I will be popping in for sure because this sounds like the kind of guy I want to shop from.