Julie Parker is the President and CEO of Great Lakes Commercial Finance (GLCF), a Certified Development Company based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. With over 25 years of experience in small business lending and economic development, she has played a pivotal role in helping businesses across Michigan access the capital they need to expand and grow. Since becoming President and CEO of GLCF, Julie has overseen significant growth, a brand transformation, and a broader statewide presence.
A lifelong West Michigan resident, Julie enjoys spending time outdoors golfing, biking, traveling, and boating on Lake Michigan. She and her husband Scott, a small business owner, have been married for 33 years and have two grown children. Their son and daughter-in-law live in St. Joseph, Michigan and their daughter lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Julie values family and staying connected to her community in both her personal and professional life.
We’re grateful to Julie for sharing her leadership and life philosophies with us:
What strategies do you employ to motivate and inspire your team to achieve their best performance?
I work to create an environment where people feel valued, supported, and trusted to do their jobs well. I genuinely care about my team. Not just their performance, but also their well-being and professional growth. I believe in empowering people by setting expectations and giving them the autonomy, support, and resources they need to succeed.
I also value open communication, recognition of hard work, and making sure each person’s role is connected to the broader mission. When people understand how their work makes an impact and feel part of something meaningful, they’re naturally more engaged and motivated.
How has your approach to leadership evolved over your career?
Early in my career, I focused a lot on the work itself, getting things done, hitting targets, and staying on task. Over time, I’ve learned that leadership is more about people than checklists. I’ve tried to become more intentional about listening, creating space for others to lead, and making sure we’re aligned not just in what we’re doing but why we’re doing it. I’ve also learned that it’s okay to slow down and reevaluate when something isn’t working. I believe leadership isn’t about having all the answers, it’s about asking the right questions and being willing to adapt.
What’s special and unique about Great Lakes Commercial Finance?
What sets us apart is our deep understanding of both the financial side of lending and the human side of business ownership. We know our borrowers aren’t just numbers on a loan application, they’re people building something that matters. Our team brings deep expertise, but we’re also accessible, responsive, and committed to getting projects done the right way. We take pride in being a reliable partner that business owners can count on, and we try to never lose sight of the impact our work has on the communities we serve.
What is the most rewarding aspect of working with small businesses in West Michigan?
The most rewarding part is seeing how our work directly helps business owners take that next big step, whether that’s buying a building, expanding, or hiring more people in their community. At GLCF, we work with entrepreneurs all over the state. The industries and locations might be different, but the determination and hard work behind each business are always the same.
These are people who have often put everything on the line to pursue an idea or build something meaningful. Being able to provide the kind of financing that is not always easy to access, and knowing it opens a door they may not have been able to walk through otherwise is incredibly fulfilling.
We see firsthand how small businesses fuel local economies, support families, and create opportunities. They truly are the backbone of our economy. Being part of their growth story and knowing we helped make it possible in a way that is tangible and lasting is what makes this work so meaningful.
Why is it important for you to continue to invest in economic development for West Michigan’s lakeshore region?
Before becoming President and CEO of Great Lakes Commercial Finance, I spent nearly 15 years as Executive Director of Lakeshore 504, another Certified Development Company serving the lakeshore region in partnership with the West Coast Chamber of Commerce. That experience gave me a deep connection to the business community and a clear understanding of the region’s opportunities and needs.
In 2017, I led the merger of GLCF with Lakeshore 504. The two organizations shared the same mission and values and combining them made us stronger. It also deepened our roots in a region we had both been committed to for years. The lakeshore has always been a key part of our footprint, and the merger reinforced that by expanding our reach and deepening our relationships with the lenders, clients, and partners we continue to serve today. We’ve been active in the lakeshore lending environment for decades, and staying connected and continuing to invest in the region remains a priority.
