Marty and Dawn have three kids.  Jack, 16, is a sophomore at West Michigan Christian.  He’s into sports and participates in weightlifting, wrestling and tennis.  He’s also very artistic.  Liam, 15, is a freshman at Spring Lake High School and is involved in travel soccer, basketball, and skiing.  Their daughter, Grace, is 13 and she attends Grand Haven Christian.  Grace is very athletic as well and does travel volleyball and soccer.   She’s artistic and likes to hone her skills in baking.   “We hear from many different circles that our kids are genuine in encouraging others as well as being inclusive,” Dawn tells us. “This kind of impact makes us so proud that they are acting as a positive light in this world, even more important than the grades they receive or the success they experience playing sports.”  

To add to their broad, the Gravelyns have three Australian Labradoodles, Winnie, Bella, and Oreo.  “In my opinion,” Dawn tells us, “This breed is the best if you need a loving, smart, easy-to-train, hypoallergenic dog.”  They are multi-generational Labradoodles originating from Australia and bred specifically for therapy work at “Bunji Doodles” in Sparta, MI.  “Since getting our dogs and being uber obsessed with them,” says Dawn, “Now some 40 of our family and friends now have their own Bunjis which makes it extra fun!”

Marty met Dawn initially in Spanish class at Grand Haven High School.  Dawn had moved to GH from Pennsylvania during high school and the two quickly developed a mutual admiration for one another, but it wasn’t until college that they began dating on and off.  “We both moved onto other serious relationships during college but like moths to a flame, soon found our way back to each other,” says Dawn.  The couple often heard the, ‘It’s about time you two kids figured it out!’ from friends as if to say they predicted this union all along.   

Marty and Dawn were married on July 4th, 2004, on the shores of Lake Michigan.  “It poured buckets the whole day but finally cleared up just in time for a spectacular firework show,” Dawn explains.  It’s often referred to as ‘ironic’ or even ‘good luck’ to experience rain on one’s nuptial day.  In Gravelyn’s case, that day gave them enough luck to celebrate 20 years of marriage this year. “With us both being passionate and driven, it has been a journey of ups and downs but what has kept us together is our love for each other and putting God, our marriage, and our family first with each changing season,” says Dawn.   

 

Marty attended Hope College receiving a double major in Business and Spanish.  Dawn went to Michigan State University majoring in Anatomy and Physiology then GVSU double Majoring in Group Science with a Biology emphasis and Elementary Education.  Both have pivoted in their careers multiple times from sales to teaching to full-time ministry to owning their businesses.  The common denominator for the Gravelyns has always been about PEOPLE.   All paths have centered around helping others and adjusting to keep their family at the forefront and thriving.

Recently both have pivoted their careers once again. Marty jumped into the business arena soon after graduating from Hope College and has 20 years of successful sales experience for Fortune 500 companies.  In 2018, he was blessed by the opportunity to share his love and care for the people of our community as a Pastor at Harvest Church for almost 5 years, transitioning back to sales in 2023 and following in his dad’s, Marty Sr.’s, footsteps by becoming a Realtor at Greenridge Realty.  “It’s been great to use my sales experience and passion for helping people in the real estate realm,” says Marty.   “I want to continue to serve the people of this amazing community by connecting with them, hearing about their families, listening to their dreams of the future, and then walking alongside them in their pursuits!”  Feel free to reach out to him at martyg@greenridge.com.

 

As for Dawn, she had a brilliant idea to launch a mobile clothing boutique called “Elevate Your Everyday”.   It offers in-person shopping events as well as an online store presence.  It combines two things she enjoys, her love of clothing and helping others.  “Finding that perfect pair of jeans that makes my customer feel like a million bucks is so rewarding!” says Dawn.  “It’s empowering to help women embrace their bodies by finding clothes that not only work for them but make them feel confident.”  Dawn’s talent is in finding unique clothing items that are transitional and can be worn in your everyday life; either pairing them for a trip to the grocery store or a night out.

Coming together with other local businesses at events has been a huge positive for Dawn.  “It’s so great combining customers and efforts to highlight what each entrepreneur has to offer our community,” she tells us. “It’s a win-win for our clients and this Spring Lake!”  The private events held at people’s homes with their best friends and family are another facet of her business that has been fun.  “I love witnessing women lifting each other up by ‘Oohing and ‘Ahhing’ or offering up a ‘Yesss Girl’ over that perfect outfit.”  

You can visit Dawn’s online store at www.shopelevateyoureveryday.com to schedule your event or a personal one-on-one shopping experience.  Also, check out locally scheduled events and new inventory that arrived on her social media platforms @shopelevateyoureveryday.

The Gravelyns have been involved with the SL community for many years through their church, mission trips to Africa and TCI, through outreach and creating charities to walk alongside single moms, through coaching and volunteering at their kids’ schools and sports, and through their careers and businesses.  “The greatest lesson we have learned recently is if you are pouring out so much that you have little left for your family, it isn’t a win,” Dawn explains.  “There is a great quote from none other than Mother Teresa: ‘If you want to change the world, go home and love your family.’  We have three teenagers who need our presence more than ever right now.  In this season of life, we’ve made a conscious effort to find the balance between pouring out in our community but also pouring out into our own family and trusting in God to take our intentional efforts and lead the way.”

Because the Gravelyn kids heavily participate in various sports, Marty and Dawn’s evenings and weekends are usually preoccupied.  “When we get the chance for some restoration, we fight to find space in our schedules to spend that quality time with each other, with our friends, maybe catch an MSU basketball game or just veg out at home as a family watching our favorite movies and catching some cuddles with our dogs,” says Dawn.  

Marty grew up in Grand Haven, but the family made the move to SL over ten years ago for an easier commute to Grand Rapids for his job at the time.  You all know the saying, “Once you go over the bridge you won’t go back!”   Well, this was the case for the Gravelyns as well.  “We have thoroughly enjoyed living in Spring Lake with its central location,” Dawn tells us. “It’s quaint, yet large enough to have anything you need within our beautiful town. So many great families and businesses.  It’s been so cool to witness the more recent growth and we’re just grateful to be a part of a community that comes together to support each other!”