Andrew Havemeier’s journey is a testament to resilience and the transformative power of second chances. Just four years ago, Havemeier’s life was drastically different. Battling addiction and homelessness, he was far removed from the aroma of freshly baked goods and the buzz of a thriving business. Today, he stands as the proud owner and managing partner of the beloved Wealthy Street Bakery, and its sister location, Hall Street Bakery, in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
This remarkable turnaround, detailed in a recent interview, underscores Havemeier’s incredible journey from rock bottom to entrepreneurial success. His story is not just about owning a bakery; it’s about reclaiming his life and building a future he once thought unimaginable.
Havemeier’s roots in the restaurant industry run deep, having spent 25 years working at his family’s restaurant, Herman’s Boy in Rockford. However, addiction to alcohol and drugs took hold, leading him down a difficult path. “My addiction, alcohol and substance abuse, kind of took control of me,” Havemeier explained, reflecting on the period that led him away from his family’s business and onto the streets.
2019 marked a particularly low point. “I was homeless there for a few weeks… I got, lost my job and kicked out of my apartment, was couch surfing and figuring out what the heck I was going to do.” This period of instability became a turning point. Recognizing the need for change, Havemeier made a life-altering decision to seek help.
He walked through the doors of Guiding Light, a faith-based rehabilitation program in Grand Rapids, and committed to a four-month intensive in-house program. This marked the beginning of his journey to sobriety and self-reclamation. Guiding Light provided the structure and support Havemeier needed to confront his addictions and rebuild his life.
As he neared the completion of the program, Havemeier began exploring job opportunities. His interview with Wealthy Street Bakery proved to be a pivotal moment. He started at Hall Street Bakery, managing the front-of-house before transitioning to managing the kitchen. His dedication and aptitude quickly shone through. Within nine months, he was entrusted with managing both the Hall Street and Wealthy Street Bakery locations.
“Sobriety unlocked a bandwidth inside of me that I’ve never dreamed of,” Havemeier shared, highlighting the profound impact of overcoming addiction. With newfound clarity and focus, Havemeier excelled in his role, demonstrating exceptional leadership and business acumen.
Over time, the idea of ownership took root. His intimate knowledge of the bakeries, coupled with his revitalized drive, made him a natural successor. Earlier this year, that vision became reality as Havemeier officially took the reins as owner and managing partner of Wealthy Street Bakery and Hall Street Bakery.
While acknowledging the current workload, Havemeier expresses immense optimism for the future. “There’s a lot on our plates currently, but it’s all good stuff… Like, it’s all progress stuff,” he told FOX 17. Surrounded by his wife Ondrea, and son Floyd, Havemeier’s personal life is also flourishing, with another child on the way.
Andrew Havemeier’s story is a powerful reminder that even from the darkest of times, transformation and success are possible. His leadership at Wealthy Street Bakery not only promises a continued legacy of quality baked goods for the Grand Rapids community but also serves as an inspiring example of hope and redemption.
