Meet Jeff Larsen
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Jeff Larsen
Chief Growth and Development Officer Great Lakes Bay Health Centers 700 Court Street Saginaw, MI 48603 (989) 798-4319 [email protected] www.greatlakesbayhealthcenters.org |
Q: What year did you begin working at your company?
A: 2022
Q: What year did you become a Chamber Ambassador?
A: 2023
Q: What motivated you to become a Chamber Ambassador?
A: I’m born and raised in Saginaw, the greatest County on the face of the earth, and I think it’s critical to be a participant in the work of the business community lifting each other up for the benefit of all.
Q: What’s a small moment as an Ambassador that made you feel proud to be involved?
A: The Chamber hosting a legislative forum to discuss the impact of changes to the Medicaid program.
Q: What’s a piece of advice you’ve received that has stuck with you, personally or professionally?
A: “This is the true joy in life, being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one. Being a force of nature instead of a feverish, selfish little clod of ailments and grievances, complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy. I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community and as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it what I can. I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work, the more I live. I rejoice in life for its own sake. Life is no brief candle to me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for the moment and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations.”
― George Bernard Shaw
Q: If someone is attending their first Chamber event, what’s one thing you hope they take away from the experience?
A: You get out of it what you put into it. If you’re shy, that’s fine, but have the courage to introduce yourself to one person and ask them to introduce you to one other person. It takes time. Be a good listener. Karma is real.
Q: If someone wanted to start a conversation with you at a Chamber event, what’s an easy topic to bring up?
A: With me specifically? Bring up the National Championship that UM Basketball just won! We’ll have a conversation for sure!
Q: What role has the Chamber played in your personal or professional growth?
A: Honestly more than I could ever explain. I showed up to a breakfast event a decade ago terrified to talk to anyone because I was afraid of rejection. Those who know me would find that impossible to believe. Now I thrive on those events. Furthermore, I wouldn’t have the incredible career I enjoy without connections I built in a Chamber Sales Leads Roundtable. Seriously, indulge in the opportunities the Chamber offers. Change doesn’t happen overnight, but it happens for active participants.
Q: What’s one skill or area of expertise people are often surprised to learn you have?
A: A background in performing arts.
Q: What’s something you’re currently learning or would like to learn next?
A: Probably pursuing another Masters degree at SVSU next year.
Q: What's one thing you always have at your desk?
A: Water and a phone charger.
Q: If your job had a theme song, what would it be?
A: Probably “A Millions Dreams” from The Greatest Showman
Published: June 2026
A: 2022
Q: What year did you become a Chamber Ambassador?
A: 2023
Q: What motivated you to become a Chamber Ambassador?
A: I’m born and raised in Saginaw, the greatest County on the face of the earth, and I think it’s critical to be a participant in the work of the business community lifting each other up for the benefit of all.
Q: What’s a small moment as an Ambassador that made you feel proud to be involved?
A: The Chamber hosting a legislative forum to discuss the impact of changes to the Medicaid program.
Q: What’s a piece of advice you’ve received that has stuck with you, personally or professionally?
A: “This is the true joy in life, being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one. Being a force of nature instead of a feverish, selfish little clod of ailments and grievances, complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy. I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community and as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it what I can. I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work, the more I live. I rejoice in life for its own sake. Life is no brief candle to me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for the moment and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations.”
― George Bernard Shaw
Q: If someone is attending their first Chamber event, what’s one thing you hope they take away from the experience?
A: You get out of it what you put into it. If you’re shy, that’s fine, but have the courage to introduce yourself to one person and ask them to introduce you to one other person. It takes time. Be a good listener. Karma is real.
Q: If someone wanted to start a conversation with you at a Chamber event, what’s an easy topic to bring up?
A: With me specifically? Bring up the National Championship that UM Basketball just won! We’ll have a conversation for sure!
Q: What role has the Chamber played in your personal or professional growth?
A: Honestly more than I could ever explain. I showed up to a breakfast event a decade ago terrified to talk to anyone because I was afraid of rejection. Those who know me would find that impossible to believe. Now I thrive on those events. Furthermore, I wouldn’t have the incredible career I enjoy without connections I built in a Chamber Sales Leads Roundtable. Seriously, indulge in the opportunities the Chamber offers. Change doesn’t happen overnight, but it happens for active participants.
Q: What’s one skill or area of expertise people are often surprised to learn you have?
A: A background in performing arts.
Q: What’s something you’re currently learning or would like to learn next?
A: Probably pursuing another Masters degree at SVSU next year.
Q: What's one thing you always have at your desk?
A: Water and a phone charger.
Q: If your job had a theme song, what would it be?
A: Probably “A Millions Dreams” from The Greatest Showman
Published: June 2026