Get to Know Your Ambassadors: David Straw

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.