GRWebDev presents Methodology Melee: How We Build Digital Products

GRWebDev Powered by LaFleur presents
Methodology Melee: How We Build Digital Products
Start Garden (2 Fulton St. W, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503)
Monday, January 26th 2026, 6pm - 8pm

LOCATION
Start Garden is located in Bamboo Grand Rapids at 2 Fulton St. West. Enter the main Fulton Street entrance near the SW corner of Fulton and Division and follow the signs to the event space.

PARKING
Parking is available in the Gallery Ramp on Commerce just south of Fulton as well as on nearby streets. (Pro tip: Weston, Sheldon, and LaGrave just east of Division are often more easily accessible than busier streets such as Commerce and Division.) Street parking pricing and hours vary depending on location; details can be found on the City of Grand Rapids website.

DESCRIPTION
Often, when we think about software projects, we’re focused on the product itself. What is it? Who will use it? What problem does it solve?

But behind each product is a team of humans who must build and maintain it. How that team operates - and how they are organized and managed - can vary significantly between projects and organizations.

This month at GRWebDev, Array of Engineers’ Nora Bylsma will lead a conversation with industry professionals who work with and within these teams each and every day. We’ll hear about everything from best practices to Agile methodologies to cautionary tales as we explore how we build digital products in an age where the only constant is change.

Whether you're a developer, designer, or project manager, this discussion is about the people who make the code happen. Join us on Monday, January 26th at Start Garden’s new event space at Bamboo - we’ll kick things off at 6pm ET.

OUR PANEL
Carlus Henry is a Principal Consultant with SageTech. In this role, he helps customers with a wide range of services that includes Software Development, Architecture, DevOps, Process Improvement and Agile Coaching. Additionally, throughout his 25 years of experience in the industry, Carlus has helped customers reach their technical goals as a Technical Team Lead, DevOps Engineer and Manager.

Chris Ruiter is a Principal Cloud Engineer at Aperia Technologies with over 15 years of experience designing and scaling modern data platforms across AWS and GCP. Working closely with executives and engineers alike, Chris specializes in building cloud-native, business-focused data ecosystems that drive measurable value. He’s passionate about turning big ideas into scalable solutions and believes good methodology is as much about people and context as it is about process.

Kate Mora Woods is a digital leader currently serving as a Release Train Engineer at Meijer, Inc. She also sits on the Mosaic board, where she helps plan events that honor the wide range of cultural backgrounds within Meijer’s vibrant community. Kate is energized by truly collaborative teamwork, supporting others as they stretch beyond their comfort zones.

Melissa Bugai is a tenacious software development professional with an entrepreneurial spirit and a keen interest in all things related to delivering software that makes end users happy. In her role as a Technical Project Manager at Ascent Global Logistics, Mel serves as a Scrum Master for globally distributed teams, focusing on cross-divisional collaboration practices, effective communication strategies, and reducing organizational silos.

OUR MODERATOR
Nora Bylsma has a background in education, an enthusiasm for exploring visual arts, and a passion for systems thinking and human-centered design. She puts these skills and interests to use in her role at Array of Engineers as a Project Manager and Integrator. Bringing a vibrant energy to all that she does, Nora champions blending creativity and process to serve clients both internal and external.

SPONSORS
This month’s meetup is sponsored by West Michigan Tech Talent. West Michigan Tech Talent connects local employers, educators, community organizations and workforce experts who are invested in creating a strong tech workforce. By sharing best practices, leveraging resources and collaborating on innovative solutions, WMTT is actively addressing the tech talent gap and makes upskilling affordable and accessible. Learn more at westmichigantechtalent.com.

GRWebDev’s venue sponsor is Start Garden. Empowering West Michigan's startup ecosystem through financial, intellectual & social capital, Start Garden provides a neighborhood for startups to grow. No matter where you are on your journey - whether you’re an entrepreneur, a startup or simply a dreamer with a great idea - the Start Garden ecosystem provides a strong community of support to help you get your idea off the ground or move your business to the next level. Learn more at startgarden.com.

GRWebDev's title sponsor is LaFleur Marketing. LaFleur is your forward-thinking digital marketing partner, creating innovative, data-driven marketing strategies and assets for law firms, healthcare organizations, and growing businesses. Learn more about their services on the web at lafleur.marketing.

SCHEDULE

• 6:00pm - 6:30pm … Refreshments and Networking
• 6:30pm … Opening Announcements + Panel Discussion
• 7:30pm … Q&A + Closing Announcements
• 8:00pm … Event Ends