Family Business Alliance Ambassadors are volunteers for FBA who are committed to helping members get the most out of their membership. They are all individuals who have been very involved with the organization and have used resources and programs to help strengthen their businesses and families. Ambassadors are available as a resource to our members for any questions they may have from a member’s perspective. 

Mark Kimball is one of FBA’s committed ambassadors serving the family business community on his own time. Get to know Mark with his answers to our questionnaire below.

How did you first get involved in FBA?

I first got involved in 2019.

Why is FBA important to you?

It has been a lifelong goal to be an owner of a family business.

What has been your favorite FBA event or activity?

Being recognized as the Epic award winner for Family Business of the Year in 2022.

Why do you think family businesses are important to West Michigan?

Family businesses have deep roots in their communities, making close and long-term relationships with all stakeholders possible and important.  Eastern Floral was founded over 70 years ago by Frank & Esther DeVos who had a deep commitment to the West Michigan community and that tradition continues with our family. We are committed to our amazing staff, to our new and returning customers, and we are committed to partnering with and supporting other businesses and organizations that also make a difference in our community.

What are some of your favorite hobbies?

Golf.

Some fun facts about Mark:

Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Butter Pecan

Favorite GR Restaurant: Red Hot Inn when it was open!

Favorite TV Show or Movie: Yellowstone

Family Business Alliance Ambassadors are volunteers for FBA who are committed to helping members get the most out of their membership. They are all individuals who have been very involved with the organization and have used resources and programs to help strengthen their businesses and families. Ambassadors are available as a resource to our members for any questions they may have from a member’s perspective.

Hugh Ingalls is one of FBA’s committed ambassadors serving the family business community on his own time. Get to know Hugh with his answers to our questionnaire below.

How did you first get involved in FBA?

I was looking for a network of folks who understood what it truly meant to work and grow a business with family and thankfully I was exposed to FBA by being a member of the GR Chamber of Commerce!

Why is FBA important to you?

It is important to me because it’s a central hub of people and information that make West Michigan a great place to work, live, and play.

What has been your favorite FBA event?

Any event where we hear stories of how family businesses have continued to grow and scale at or greater than the initial vision.

Why do you think family businesses are important to West Michigan?

They represent what stitches our country together and what a business means to a community in organizing people (family) around a purpose.

What is your favorite (non-work related!) hobby?

Playing Sunday night beer league hockey!

Tell us some fun facts about yourself

Favorite ice cream flavor: Cookie dough all the way.

Favorite Grand Rapids restaurant: Butchers Union

Favorite TV show/movie: Succession

Favorite book: Think and Grow Rich by Napolean Hill

Family Business Alliance Ambassadors are volunteers for FBA who are committed to helping members get the most out of their membership. They are all individuals who have been very involved with the organization and have used resources and programs to help strengthen their businesses and families. Ambassadors are available as a resource to our members for any questions they may have from a member’s perspective. 

Alex Richert is one of FBA’s committed ambassadors serving the family business community on his own time. Get to know Alex with his answers to our questionnaire below.

How did you first get involved in FBA?

My first involvement with FBA was when my mom asked if I would learn more about joining a peer group in early 2020. I attended the virtual Peer Group training (just a few months after COVID first hit) and was blown away by how quickly I got to know several other Next-Gen business leaders who also work in their family business. My involvement grew from there as I learned more about the opportunities available within the FBA for learning, development, and networking.

Why is FBA important to you?

Our family business (like many others) has unique strengths and challenges operating a business together with family and non-family member leadership. I saw FBA as an organization that would allows us to connect and learn from other Family Businesses who have experienced all of those same challenges. I believe in the first year of our FBA involvement our family business was able to experience internal growth and development that would have taken 3-5 years without the insight we gained from being so connected to other family owned and operated businesses.

What has been your favorite FBA event?

The annual FBA event at the Amway Grand in 2021 was a great experience and my first in-person opportunity to meet other FBA members outside of my Peer Group.

Why do you think family businesses are important to West Michigan?

There are all the obvious reasons such as how family businesses makeup over half of the total employment in the state, they regularly take better care of their employees, and they are huge contributors to our thriving economy in West Michigan. One of the less known or thought of reasons Family Businesses are good for West Michigan is when the business gets handed down or transitioned to the next generation. During this transition I have seen successful family businesses transition not only their operations to the next generation but also their hard working, innovative, and charitable values as well. I’ve seen these strong, positive values adopted by not only the Next-Gen family leaders but also in the employees as well.

What is your favorite (non-work related!) hobby?

The yearly hunting trip to Montana and my wife and I love to take our family on a vacation each quarter

Tell us some fun facts about yourself

Favorite ice cream flavor: Eskimo Kisses from our local House of Flavors in Ludington, MI

Favorite Grand Rapids restaurant: The HopCat!

Favorite TV show/movie: Band of Brothers

Favorite book: The Millionaire Nextdoor by Thomas Stanley

Family Business Alliance Ambassadors are volunteers for FBA who are committed to helping members get the most out of their membership. They are all individuals who have been very involved with the organization and have used resources and programs to help strengthen their businesses and families. Ambassadors are available as a resource to our members for any questions they may have from a member’s perspective. 

Elyse Arsulowicz is one of FBA’s committed ambassadors serving the family business community on her own time. Get to know Elyse with her answers to our questionnaire below.

How did you first get involved in FBA?

Very unknowingly! Our Director of Finance sent me a link and said he thought it would be a good opportunity for me to join a peer group, I wasn’t sure what it was or what it entailed but I signed up to attend the Peer Group Recruitment dinner and the rest is history!

Why is FBA important to you?

FBA has provided me not only a safe space (Peer Group) to openly discuss issues, challenges, success, etc of working in a family business, but resources to help better myself, our company, and our community. The networking opportunities, the relationships, and the lifelong friendships that I have made within FBA is truly invaluable.

What has been your favorite FBA event or activity?

The Peer Group experience has exceeded my expectations exponentially. I also always find value in all the events; the time and effort to seek out each speaker, series, or roundtable is apparent. I always enjoy the events that are held at different member’s locations – it’s such a fun way to learn more about your fellow FBA members and to learn more about local businesses.

Why do you think family businesses are important to West Michigan?

Family Businesses are the foundation of West Michigan! From small, two-person businesses to large, multi-million-dollar companies – they are everywhere! We are such a huge driver of our local economy and what makes WM so amazing! The comradery and the support for one another is an amazing thing to be apart of.

What are some of your favorite hobbies?

Spending time with my family and friends while enjoying good food & drinks and traveling!

Some fun facts about Elyse:

Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Rum Raisin

Favorite GR Restaurant: – I absolutely cannot name just one! See above favorite hobby!

Favorite TV Show or Movie: Game of Thrones or Schitt’s Creek

Favorite book:  Pillars of the Earth or anything Stephen King

Family Business Alliance Ambassadors are volunteers for FBA who are committed to helping members get the most out of their membership. They are all individuals who have been very involved with the organization and have used resources and programs to help strengthen their businesses and families. Ambassadors are available as a resource to our members for any questions they may have from a member’s perspective. 

Shannon Doyle-Heads is one of FBA’s committed ambassadors serving the family business community on her own time. Get to know Shannon with her answers to our questionnaire below.

How did you first get involved in FBA?

A friend of mine who is also in a family business was telling me about the program and how much he got out of the peer group and when I looked into they were starting a new one so I jumped in.

Why is FBA important to you?

FBA gives me a space to talk with people who understand where I am coming from and aren’t in my family.  The people in the program want everyone to succeed and the whole focus is to be supportive and help those around you win.  I want to help to push that forward.

What has been your favorite FBA event or activity?

I find the peer group meetings consistently provide a great service, and using FBA’s resources to find new people/experts to come talk to our group enhances the experience exponentially.

Why do you think family businesses are important to West Michigan?

West Michigan is such a tight community and the backbone of that is family business.  When you can leverage the type of generational knowledge that our area has and allow a safe space to talk about successes and failures within a family business that makes us all better and continues to improve our slice of the world.

What are some of your favorite hobbies?

Walking our dogs or going to the lake.

Some fun facts about Shannon:

Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Mint Chocolate Chip

Favorite GR Restaurant: Speak EZ

Favorite TV Show or Movie: The Princess Bride

Favorite book: The Alchemist

Family Business Alliance Ambassadors are volunteers for FBA who are committed to helping members get the most out of their membership. They are all individuals who have been very involved with the organization and have used resources and programs to help strengthen their businesses and families. Ambassadors are available as a resource to our members for any questions they may have from a member’s perspective. 

David Straw is one of FBA’s committed ambassadors serving the family business community on his own time. Get to know David with his answers to our questionnaire below.

How did you first get involved in FBA?

I was introduced to FBA by Jeff Koeze and I believe I’ve been a member since 2011. It was also that year I became a peer group moderator.

Why is FBA important to you?

I’ve spent most of my career working in family businesses. Earlier in my career, I worked for my father-in-law in what is now a 3-generation business. I’ve been an officer in two others. Family businesses often face challenges when transitioning from one generation to the next. FBA provides resources and a network of folks who have often experienced the same challenges.  I think FBA is an important and valuable resource to family businesses.

What has been your favorite FBA event or activity?

I particularly enjoy the annual leadership summits [Annual Family Business Forums].

Why do you think family businesses are important to West Michigan?

I think one of the most distinguishing features of West Michigan is the number of family-owned businesses that have enjoyed success over multiple generations of leadership. I think it’s critical to our region’s continued success to foster the success of our family businesses.

What are some of your favorite hobbies?

My involvement with my peer group and supporting members of FBA has been my most enjoyable non-work-related activity. I really enjoy meeting members and learning their stories of how the businesses have found success over multiple generations.

Some fun facts about David:

Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Salted Caramel

Favorite GR Restaurant: It’s too difficult to name just one! I’m a huge fan of all of our brewpubs and their combination of brews and food.

Favorite TV Show or Movie: I perhaps enjoy sports most – football and college hoops.

Favorite book: Another topic where it’s really difficult to list just one.  Some of the books that have helped shape my thinking are those written by Malcolm Gladwell and Daniel Kahneman.

Family Business Alliance Ambassadors are volunteers for FBA who are committed to helping members get the most out of their membership. They are all individuals who have been very involved with the organization and have used resources and programs to help strengthen their businesses and families. Ambassadors are available as a resource to our members for any questions they may have from a member’s perspective. 

Chad Bowhuis is one of FBA’s committed ambassadors serving the family business community on his own time. Get to know Chad with his answers to our questionnaire below.

How did you first get involved in FBA?

I first became associated with the FBA (I believe) in either late 2015 or early 2016, before joining my first peer group in August of 2016.

Why is FBA important to you?

It’s been an important part of my professional development because it gives many different views of businesses dissimilar to mine, while at the same time showing that businesses from 2-200 employees can struggle with the same issues.  Sometimes you find yourself being the one taking in experience from others in your groups, and other times you find yourself being the one who’s lived that same issue and can give your personal experiences.

What has been your favorite FBA event or activity?

My favorite event was the one that involved the tale of the stone and gravel company from Connecticut that was affected by a money-laundering scheme.  The tale of how one person derailed the company’s plans, and how the money trail was followed was absolutely amazing to hear.

Why do you think family businesses are important to West Michigan?

Family business is a vital part of West Michigan since even the most notable businesses in the area are family businesses.  The community is very tight-knit, and there is such an emphasis on relationships and interpersonal connections in business dealings.  The key position of family businesses in West Michigan helps give a strong sense of community, instead of such a corporate/conglomerate feeling.

What are some of your favorite hobbies?

My favorite non-work-related hobby is playing guitar.

Some fun facts about Chad:

Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Hudsonville Mackinac Island Fudge

Favorite GR Restaurant: Pind Indian Cuisine

Favorite TV Show or Movie: Show: Better Call Saul, Movie: Interstellar

Favorite book: “Maybe I’ll Pitch Forever” – Satchel Paige biography

Family Business Alliance Ambassadors are volunteers for FBA who are committed to helping members get the most out of their membership. They are all individuals who have been very involved with the organization and have used resources and programs to help strengthen their businesses and families. Ambassadors are available as a resource to our membership for any questions they may have from a member’s perspective. 

Bernie Bowhuis (right).

Bernie Bowhuis is one of FBA’s committed ambassadors serving the family business community on his own time. Get to know Bernie with his answers to our questionnaire below.

How did you first get involved in FBA?

I was invited to the organization by a competitor in my same field.

Why is FBA important to you?

The opportunity for me as a small business to connect with other business owners that normally are not part of my business or social structure.  This allows me to gain perspective for my business and how to deal with those I lead/serve.

What has been your favorite FBA event or activity?

My favorite activity has been my NowGen group meetings.

Why do you think family businesses are important to West Michigan?

In west Michigan we seem more inter-dependent (as opposed to independent) and small business is the driving economic force in this area.

What are some of your favorite hobbies?

I have been enjoying golf more and more, but would like to find a lake front cottage for family time.

Some fun facts about Bernie:

Favorite Ice Cream Flavor:  Hudsonville Ice Cream Coffee Lovers

Favorite GR Restaurant:  Almost any Micro Brewery

Favorite TV Show or Movie: No real favorites, but I enjoy watching TV

Favorite book:  The Servant by James Hunter

Family Business Alliance Ambassadors are volunteers for FBA who are committed to helping members get the most out of their membership. They are all individuals who have been very involved with the organization and have used resources and programs to help strengthen their businesses and families. Ambassadors are available as a resource to our membership for any questions they may have from a member’s perspective. 

Dale (front) and his two sons.

Dale Mulder is one of FBA’s committed ambassadors serving the family business community on his own time. Get to know Dale with his answers to our questionnaire below.

How did you first get involved in FBA?

I first got involved in FBA after my two sons encouraged me to join a NowGen peer group.  They both had great experiences in their NextGen groups and thought I could benefit from a NowGen group.  They were right!  The FBA peer groups allow like-minded business people to network and learn from each other’s experiences—both successes and failures!

What has been your favorite FBA event?

I’ve  enjoyed the annual meetings and other presentations.  They have all been educational and uplifting.

Why do you think family businesses are important to West Michigan?

Family businesses are a key factor to the success of West Michigan.  We are indeed blessed to have so many family businesses actively supporting our community through their philanthropy and service.

What are some of your favorite hobbies?

My favorite hobbies are wine-making and sailing although both have made me a bit tipsy at times.  Having retired full time two years ago, I sometimes miss my old work schedule.  When that happens, I binge watch a few episodes of my favorite TV show, the Office.  (Did you know that Dunder Mifflin Paper Company is now FBA’s newest member?  Yes, and Michael Scott just completed the FBA Moderator Training course.  Michael is planning to lead your next peer group meeting!  Won’t that be fun?)

Family Business Alliance Ambassadors are volunteers for FBA who are committed to helping members get the most out of their membership. They are all individuals who have been very involved with the organization and have used resources and programs to help strengthen their businesses and families. Ambassadors are available as a resource to our membership for any questions they may have from a member’s perspective. 

Win Irwin is one of FBA’s committed ambassadors serving the family business community on his own time. Get to know Win with his answers to our questionnaire below.

How did you first get involved in FBA?

I have been involved with FBA for over a decade, serving as a Board member and as a Next Gen facilitator.

Why is FBA important to you?

It exists to help all our family businesses to thrive and survive and pass the business from one generation to the next.

What has been your favorite FBA event?

My favorite events are hearing the West Michigan family business stories – from the families and their leadership.

Why do you think family businesses are important to West Michigan?

Family businesses are the lifeblood of free enterprise.  Our businesses give back more to the community, make more profit, and generally operate with a higher set of values.

What is your favorite (non-work related!) hobby?

My favorite hobby is tennis!

Some fun facts about Win:

1. Favorite ice cream flavor – Vanilla
2. Favorite Grand Rapids restaurant – Green Well
3. Favorite TV show/movie – Blue Bloods/Footloose
4. Favorite book – Boys in the Boat

Family Business Alliance Ambassadors are volunteers for FBA who are committed to helping members get the most out of their membership. They are all individuals who have been very involved with the organization and have used resources and programs to help strengthen their businesses and families. Ambassadors are available as a resource to our membership for any questions they may have from a member’s perspective. 

Ben Borisch is one of FBA’s committed ambassadors serving the family business community on his own time. Get to know Ben with his answers to our questionnaire below.

How did you first get involved in FBA?

I got involved with the FBA when I started working for DWH.  I had attended an event and then met with Diana Shad to learn more about the FBA. There was an opportunity to help with the Membership Committee and I signed up.

Why is FBA important to you?

My entire career has been working for or with family owned businesses. I know that the role of an owner or a family member in these businesses comes with unique challenges. I appreciate that the FBA works hard to provide families with relevant resources, events, and a deep network to help those owners navigate these challenges and stay informed.

What has been your favorite FBA event?

The M&A event that was held in 2019.  I really liked the way the FBA and the speakers talked about M&A as a way to GROW instead of just sell.  I thought the specific case studies very very helpful.

Why do you think family businesses are important to West Michigan?

Where to even start?  I grew up in family owned businesses and saw firsthand the positive impact they can have on employees, other businesses, and the community.  Now I get to work with a variety of family owned businesses that are reinvesting in this community and their employees.

What is your favorite (non-work related!) hobby?

Cooking for friends or family.

Some fun facts about Ben:

1. Favorite ice cream flavor – Rocky Road
2. Favorite Grand Rapids restaurant – The Little Bird
3. Favorite TV show/movie – “Ratatouille”
4. Favorite book – “Haroun and the Sea of Stories” by Salman Rushdie