Five Years In: A Journey of Growth, Vision, and Impact

written by: Lauren Mouw, Director of Operations

In January of 2020, I started as an intern at Port 393. I was a college student with a love for events, design, and people—excited to learn and contribute wherever I could. What I didn’t realize at the time was just how formative that year would become.

Maiko Media

Within a few short months, the world shifted. COVID-19 swept in and turned the entire events industry on its head. It was a season of unknowns, cancellations, and constant change. But rather than slow down, we found creative ways to keep moving. That summer, we hosted an entire season of events under a tent on the rooftop terrace at Port 393. It was unconventional, but it worked—and I learned more in those months than I ever expected to.

I wouldn’t call that year hard for me personally, but I was definitely thrown into a world that was complex and ever-changing. Looking back, I can see how much I gained from that time: real-world problem-solving, flexibility, communication, and a deeper understanding of how to make events happen even when everything around us felt uncertain.

Tylee Shay Photography

When fall came and the weather turned cold, indoor gatherings were still limited, and eventually, the full Port 393 team was let go. I remained as an unpaid intern through the winter, working alongside a small team to reimagine and rebuild the business from the inside out. I eventually completed 1,200 hours here within that unpaid internship role, and was awarded the Intern of Year Award from Grand Valley State University.

That winter was filled with behind-the-scenes work—refining our rental agreement, reviewing floorplans, and creating internal processes to make future events stronger and more seamless. We weren’t just reacting to a crisis anymore; we were designing a better future for the company.

In the spring of 2021, I entered my final semester of college—and was offered a full-time position at Port 393 after graduation. That moment felt like a door opening, not just to a job, but to something I had already been investing in with my time, energy, and heart.

Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to be part of nearly every major step The Grant Collection has taken. I’ve contributed to our systems, supported new business launches, helped shape platforms and internal operations, and collaborated with some of the most creative and driven people I know.

Hannah Ziegeler Photography, Tylee Shay Photography, Ellyse Perkin Photography

What started as a single venue has grown into something so much bigger—Port 393, Ivy House, Emerson Lounge, Charm Decor House, and Winston's Bar Service. Each space has its own identity and impact, but at the core of it all is a shared belief in intentional design, thoughtful service, and meaningful experiences.

Today, we’re a team of more than 60 individuals, each bringing their own skills and passion to the table. It’s humbling to look back and realize how far we’ve come—and how many people have helped shape this journey along the way.

Five years ago, I thought I was just stepping into an internship. I had no idea I was stepping into the foundation of my career. The lessons, relationships, and experiences I’ve gathered through these years have shaped not only my work—but what has become The Grant Collection.

Here’s to five years of building something meaningful—and to all the future holds!