Spark

Patrick Avila ’17 and Paige Van Drunen Avila ’17 represent the creative team behind Popnotch Goods, a small batch popcorn company in East Grand Rapids, Michigan. Tucked among the unique, artisanal businesses that populate Wealthy Street, Popnotch Goods sells gourmet, flavored popcorn, roasted pepita seeds, and ice cream. 

The thoughtfully curated store with its handmade, gourmet goods germinated from idea to business during the pandemic, when Patrick was furloughed from his job. A graduate of the School of Business, Patrick turned difficulty into opportunity and pursued his dream of launching a start-up. Paige, a graduate of the graphic design program, had the expertise to build branding around whatever idea he developed. Patrick says though the initial idea wasn’t his own, once he realized its potential, he didn’t look back. 

“My father-in-law suggested the popcorn business. I knew nothing about popcorn, but no other ideas were really sticking with me. So I thought, you know what? I’ll just give this a shot.” 

Patrick spent a long weekend in Illinois learning the business alongside family friend Chris Doud, owner of Cranky Mike’s Popcorn. “She’s been popping popcorn for over 20 years. I learned everything I could, helping her make, bag, and sell popcorn. And I asked a ton of questions—all the nittygritty details,” Patrick says. He returned home confident that he and Paige could create a unique product and brand. 

Today, the Avilas sell their snacks online, at farmers markets, and at shops throughout Grand Rapids, including the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel gift shop and the Gerald R. Ford International Airport. They also offer pop-up locations for special events, such as weddings, showers, and conferences. As they continue to expand, their Wealthy Street store remains the heart and hub of the business. 

“We really wanted a spot that shined in the Grand Rapids area and had a lot of foot traffic,” says Patrick of their location in a historic part of the city. Paige, who is also the director of brand marketing at the nationally recognized interior design firm Jean Stoffer Design, describes the store design as “clean and modern, a new kind of classic.” 

“There’s even popcorn wallpaper in the bathroom,” smiles Paige, who envisioned a light-hearted and welcoming space. 

Not every couple could harmoniously run a business together, but Paige says in addition to their business, she and Patrick share a deep respect for one another’s gifts and time. Patrick runs the day-to-day operations at Popnotch Goods, while Paige manages branding. Though they keep their roles separate, success lies in their ability to communicate well and maintain a healthy work-life balance. “I care so much about Popnotch and what Patrick is doing,” Paige says of her husband. “Working together doesn’t really feel like work.” 

The couple, who met at Calvin, say their college experience helped prepare them for the unique partnership they have built together. Paige, a member of the first class of Calvin graphic design majors, appreciated a liberal arts approach that allowed her to mix her major with courses in marketing and business. “All the Calvin grads I’ve ever worked with are really hard-working. Because the education is so broad, they can anticipate different kinds of situations and know what needs to be done.” 

As a college student, Patrick embraced opportunities to try new activities, play sports, and study hard. He says he learned to prioritize his time and focus on what matters most, especially his faith. “My faith became my own at Calvin. I began to trust God’s plan for me. I knew if I worked hard, stayed faithful, and made good and wise decisions, God would guide me. I still believe that and try to continue to live by this kind of faith.” 

As they look to the future, the Avilas know God’s faithfulness abides both in business and life. Though Patrick loves dreaming of what could be, he emphasizes, “As a new business, you really just have to think about the next day. How are we going to continue to grow this brand and make a great product? Hopefully as we grow, opportunities come alive. So, we’ll just walk the road and let God lead, and keep doing what we do.”