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Get to know your ambassadors: Matt Maczka
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.
Matt Maczka is one of FBA’s committed ambassadors serving the family business community on his own time. Get to know Matt with his answers to our questionnaire below.
How did you first get involved in FBA?
I had been invited to a handful of events as a guest and really found the content to be very informative. I also wanted to participate in the Now Gen peer group which was great.
Why is FBA important to you?
The FBA is important to me because there are so many family businesses in West Michigan that all share the same opportunities, issues and areas for growth. Its is nice to have resources and others to share with and learn from.
What has been your favorite FBA event or activity?
The peer group has been my favorite activity and has the potential for the largest impact for members.
Why do you think family businesses are important to West Michigan?
Family businesses are a vital part of the community as employers who all share in the common goal great places to work first and foremost. They also provide resources for so many philanthropic endeavors of the area and community investments.
What are some of your favorite hobbies?
I enjoy playing and coaching sports for my 4 children as well as golfing, hunting and fishing.
Get to know your ambassadors: Mitchell Rasch
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.
Mitchell Rasch is one of FBA’s committed ambassadors serving the family business community on his own time. Get to know Mitchell with his answers to our questionnaire below.
How did you first get involved in FBA?
A family friend and FBA member highly recommended joining. Since then, I have attended multiple FBA events and joined a peer group.
Why is FBA important to you?
Coming into a family business can be intimidating. The pressure is on to maintain the family business. Every family business has its own unique strengths and challenges. FBA provides a great learning environment that allows members to discuss their own goals and challenges both professionally and personally. I am a believer that an individual is a lot of who they surround themselves with. Being a part of FBA has given me the opportunity to get to know other likeminded next generation family business owners. The peer groups and events are excellent for networking, exchanging ideas and sharing the inner challenges that every family business faces.
What has been your favorite FBA event or activity?
The CEO Summit in 2023 with the panel on Family Business. The speakers were top tier and the knowledge that was shared was priceless.
Why do you think family businesses are important to West Michigan?
Family businesses are the backbone of the US economy and West Michigan. Entrepreneurship gives individuals the opportunity to make an impact and give back to society for the better.
What are some of your favorite hobbies?
Traveling, golf, hiking, family time and water sports.
Get to know your ambassadors: Spencer Welsh
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.
Spencer Welsh is one of FBA’s committed ambassadors serving the family business community on his own time. Get to know Spencer with his answers to our questionnaire below.
How did you first get involved in FBA?
We have been platinum underwriters for FBA since 2018 and produce the FBA podcast through our
network, The Welsh Wire. When I joined the firm in 2019, We officially became a family business and also became members of FBA.
Why is FBA important to you?
FBA creates a community of people in similar seasons of life and gives them a safe place to learn, collaborate, grow, and counsel together. Being able to discuss the unique challenges and dynamics of a family business with other family businesses, provides a perspective that you can’t get anywhere else. FBA provides family businesses with the resources and encouragement necessary to ensure success for generations to come.
What has been your favorite FBA event or activity?
Joining a peer group is strongly recommended. The peer group allows you to develop deep relationships with leaders and future leaders of family businesses. In the peer group, you navigate the relational and business aspects of a family business.
Why do you think family businesses are important to West Michigan?
Family businesses play a huge role in economic impact, community engagement, longevity, and innovation in West Michigan. These businesses are major drivers of economic growth, supporting local suppliers and other businesses while reinvesting profits into the community. Family businesses take a long-term perspective focusing on sustainable growth contributing to economic resilience in the region. We are continually innovating and adapting to keep our region strong.
What are some of your favorite hobbies?
My hobbies include golf, reading, almost any sport, and exploring the outdoors.
Get to Know Your Ambassadors: Tom Duisterhof
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.
Tom Duisterhof is one of FBA’s committed ambassadors serving the family business community on her own time. Get to know Tom with his answers to our questionnaire below.
How did you first get involved in FBA?
I found out about the FBA many years ago via the GR Chamber and another family owned business making the recommendation.
Why is FBA important to you?
The FBA has helped us as a company with contacts both in other family owned businesses as well as associate members that help with issues as they arise. The main reason I tell folks about the FBA is that regardless of industry and size, the issues with Family in a business makes for different challenges than a non-family owned business and each of us are not an “island”. We can talk to others
formally or informally and get support, ideas and feedback.
What has been your favorite FBA event or activity?
I enjoy all the meetings and especially the more fun activities like the golf outing, the sporting clay shoot and the networking opportunities. Again, when issues arise and we can reach out and realize others have experienced something we are going through it feels great to have the support and input.
Why do you think family businesses are important to West Michigan?
Where does one start? As a recent FBA presentation made us aware of, family owned businesses account for 59% of the GDP. We employ 51% of all those employed in the USA. We provide a huge amount of local support to the communities we live and work. We strengthen the moral fiber of the country. We
are quick to respond to needs and changes that occur in our communities and customers.
Get to Know Your Ambassadors: Melissa Miller
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.
Melissa Miller is one of FBA’s committed ambassadors serving the family business community on her own time. Get to know Melissa with his answers to our questionnaire below.
How did you first get involved in FBA?
I loved launching new FBA peer groups. FBA’s peer groups are invaluable, so it was exciting to witness a new group of family business leaders engage and benefit from FBA’s peer groups.
Our family business, Grand Rapids Chair Co., has been a member of FBA for many years and my husband, Geoff, greatly benefited from participating in a NextGen peer group at the start of his career. I personally became involved in FBA more recently when I began working as FBA’s Membership Coordinator 4 years ago.
Why is FBA important to you?
I have witnessed first hand the incredible support and impact that FBA has on family businesses. The peer support and education was crucial in aiding a smooth transition from first generation leadership to second generation leadership at GR Chair.
What has been your favorite FBA event or activity?
I loved launching new FBA peer groups. FBA’s peer groups are invaluable, so it was exciting to witness a new group of family business leaders engage and benefit from FBA’s peer groups.
Our family business, Grand Rapids Chair Co., has been a member of FBA for many years and my husband, Geoff, greatly benefited from participating in a NextGen peer group at the start of his career. I personally became involved in FBA more recently when I began working as FBA’s Membership Coordinator 4 years ago.
Why do you think family businesses are important to West Michigan?
The culture of family businesses is second to none. Family businesses give back to the community via philanthropy, are loyal and committed to their employees, and are the backbone of our local economy.
Get to Know Your Ambassadors: Alex Boelkins
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 Boelkins 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?
I read an MiBiz article about family business succession and learned about the Family Business Alliance and their presence in West Michigan. It sounded like an intriguing organization, so we reached out to learn more and became FBA members within a few weeks.
Why is FBA important to you?
The FBA provides a safe forum for discussing the unique challenges and opportunities within family businesses.
What has been your favorite FBA event or activity?
I had the opportunity to immediately join a new Peer Group, and it has exceeded my expectations. Meeting monthly with a group of NextGen peers has provided the sounding board and external feedback I’ve been looking for as a young leader in a family business.
Why do you think family businesses are important to West Michigan?
“Family businesses can be capitalism at its best”, and in West Michigan, there are a lot of examples being lived out on a daily basis. If we can build and steward long-lasting, privately held companies, we will continue to enjoy a strong business community that puts people first.
What are some of your favorite hobbies?
I’m a father to three young kids, so I work hard to get them outside as much as possible! Bike riding, canoeing, and camping are all family favorites.
Get to Know Your Membership Engagement Manager: Mary Cline
Why do you think family businesses are important to West Michigan?
Family businesses are the backbone of a vibrant community. Business families are deeply rooted in their communities. This connection facilitates close and long-term relationships all while making a positive impact within their community. Additionally, the family values tend to translate throughout their employees and into the greater community.
Tell us a little about your career/background before FBA.
I am a graduate of Hope College. I started my career working in advertising and marketing and worked in both Chicago and Denver. I took time away from the work force when my 3 sons were born. As they started school, I began to explore my yoga practice and pursued my 200-hour teacher training and then my 500- hour teacher training. I taught at a yoga studio in Redmond, Washington. When I went back to work full-time, it was a yoga student who invited me to interview, and eventually hired me to be the events and communications manager for the not-for-profit where she has served as Executive Director. I moved back to Michigan in 2016 and have worked in events and corporate relations for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation and Samaritas.
What do you enjoy most about living in West Michigan?
Some of my favorite memories are my summers spent in Northern Michigan.
What is your favorite (non-work related!) hobby?
I love to practice yoga, ski, both X-country and downhill, play tennis, sail, bike, water ski and float on a tube in a lake.
Tell us a little about your family.
I have 3 sons. Two are attending Purdue University. One is a senior and will move to Cary, NC upon graduation this spring for a job. The second is a freshman in First Year Engineering, he will enter into the Electrical Engineering major next year. My youngest son is a junior at East Grand Rapids HS. He plays Water Polo and swims. I have 2 cats that were feral and starving when I encountered them. I just felt the need to feed them and make them comfortable with human touch. They now rule the home.
Fun Facts about Mary:
- Favorite GR Restaurant: San Chez
- Favorite TV Show or Movie: Succession
- Favorite Book: Pillars of the Earth
Get to Know Your Ambassadors: Mark Kimball
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
Get to Know Your Ambassadors: Rachael Vender Heide
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.
Rachael Vander Heide is one of FBA’s committed ambassadors serving the family business community on her own time. Get to know Rachael with her answers to our questionnaire below.
How did you first get involved in FBA?
For many years, I lived outside of Grand Rapids and sought out ways to feel more connected to the family business. I discovered that Eastern Floral was a part of the FBA and began watching sessions that were offered virtually. Since then, I have moved back to Grand Rapids and enjoy being more involved in many in-person sessions and events and am happy to have joined a Peer Group recently.
Why is FBA important to you?
The learning opportunities through the FBA sessions have been valuable and the personal connections created through its programming have been meaningful.
What has been your favorite FBA event or activity?
There are two events that stick out in my mind. The first was a virtual interview with Fred Keller of Cascade Engineering back in 2020. The other was in person with Jane Grote Abell of Donato’s Pizza in 2022. I enjoyed both speakers as they shared insights into Father/Daughter leadership teams. Neither session was dedicated to that topic, but it was fun to hear from business leaders who are working together or have worked together, as father and daughter.
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?
My husband and I have four kids and we enjoy their busy schedules of sports and school activities. As a family, we also enjoy traveling, time on the beautiful lakes of Michigan, and downhill skiing. I believe that I will enjoy sitting down…someday!
Some fun facts about Rachael:
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Moose Tracks
Favorite GR Restaurant: Gaslight Kitchen Asian Cuisine
Favorite TV Show or Movie: The Lord of the Rings Trilogy
Favorite book: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
Get to Know Your Ambassadors: Hugh Ingalls
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
Get to Know Your Ambassadors: Alex Richert
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
Get to Know Your Ambassadors: Elyse Arsulowicz
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
Transition to Transformation – Capital Structures That Work For You.
Strategic Planning for the Next Generation
Part 3, NextGen Series: A Leader in All of Us
15th Annual Family Business Forum: A Story of Family Business Transformation
