About Us

The DRS Story: More Than Shorelines

We didn’t set out to own a shoreline restoration company in Michigan. In fact, most of our lives were spent in classrooms and conference rooms far from home.  But after 35 years away, we found ourselves wanting something different. 

Our story (Nick and Sherri Lantinga) begins in Michigan—Nick from Grand Rapids, Sherri from Grand Ledge -- where we both grew up with a deep love for the creation, a desire to fix what’s broken, and a drive to nurture growth in others.  We met, married, and earned our college degrees in Grand Rapids —Nick in political philosophy, Sherri in psychology—then earned our PhDs in Chicago before building our careers as educators and leaders. Working in places from Iowa to South Korea, we wore lots of hats: professors, parents (three now-grown children), expats, sales executive, academic dean, nonprofit director, and mentor.  Along the way, we bought some Lake Michigan property, built community gardens, and talked a lot about faith, culture, and our place in the world.

When the pandemic flattened our classrooms into screens of masked and isolated students, it was time to return home and start a new adventure.  DRS was born, and after a steep learning curve, we created a successful business committed to restoring Lake Michigan shoreline properties. We slowly realized that our mission is about more than just land: it’s about people. We adapted decades of experience into mentoring young builders, helping clients appreciate their unique properties, and creating a strong team.  We're excited to be together on this winding journey, working toward a common goal: restoring natural beauty while strengthening the people around us. 

At DRS, every project is personal. Every team member, client and vendor becomes part of a bigger story of renewal and growth.  And that is a mission worth supporting.

Thanks for joining us!

    Nick Lantinga, PhD: President & Director of Sales
    Sherri Lantinga, PhD: Director of Operations & Administration