The founder of Master Finish didn’t start in manufacturing—he started in a bakery. John Mulder, the son of a Dutch immigrant, spent his days shaping dough in his father’s shop and his nights in the basement of a Grand Rapids auto dealership, deburring metal parts by hand. What began with window cranks and door handles turned into something bigger: a chrome plating business built on process, precision, and a mindset that still drives the company 66 years later.
John’s son Dale joined the company in 1977, bringing both engineering expertise and a values-driven approach to the business. Dale called each plating process a “recipe”—a nod to his father’s baking roots and his own belief in getting every step right. Today, Master Finish is led by brothers John Mulder, President, and Aaron Mulder, CEO—the third generation to carry the family business forward.
“When we went camping, our dad instilled in us this principle: leave it better than you found it,” the brothers recall. “That’s how Dale ran Master Finish—and that’s how we run the company today.”
With defined roles and a shared commitment to core principles, John and Aaron modernized operations while preserving the company’s foundation of teamwork, honesty, innovation, and service.
“We were able to spend a great deal of time working with our dad,” John said. “He immediately helped us determine how to carve out areas of the business where our strengths could be put to use.”
That wisdom set the stage for their next step. Nearly ten years ago, they implemented the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to provide a framework for growth, clarity, and accountability. “EOS has been a great way for us to keep progressing and improving,” Aaron said.
But process is only part of the story. “We are most proud of our team, the men and women that we call part of the Master Finish family,” John said. “We find ways to celebrate together, and we suffer and mourn together.”
That sense of connection extends beyond the shop floor. The brothers are long-time participants in the Family Business Alliance and Grand Rapids Chamber communities they say play a vital role in helping them grow as leaders.
“Business is never conducted in a vacuum,” John said. “We all need a great network of vendors, customers, and service suppliers to succeed. There’s great value in the educational events offered by FBA and the Chamber. They help us stay informed, understand current business conditions, and connect with great people in the broader business community.”
The brothers emphasize the value of FBA peer groups, where they meet monthly with other family business leaders to navigate challenges, trade insights, and stay accountable. Far from superficial networking, these closed-door sessions foster honest discussions on leadership pressures, strategic shifts, and personal growth. For John and Aaron, the benefit is mutual: the chance not only to gain perspective—but to offer it.
“You’re rarely the only one trying to solve a problem,” John said. “The groups brainstorm options that can help solve it collectively, for everyone involved. Creating a network of others who help you on your path—and whom you help on theirs—makes the journey far better and more effective.”
That same collaborative mindset fuels how they run the business, always looking for smarter, safer ways to evolve. Master Finish has long been ahead of the curve in sustainable metal finishing, recycling all plating waste and using trivalent chrome for over a decade to reduce environmental impact and improve workplace safety.
“Trivalent chrome is a much more beneficial process due to the reduced environmental impact and improved safety of the chemistry,” John said.
One area of growing interest is black chrome—a sleek, high-end finish gaining traction in the automotive industry, supporting both design flexibility and cleaner chemistry.
While today’s economic circumstances bring uncertainty, particularly around tariffs and shifting global production, the Mulders remain optimistic. “We’re seeing great new opportunities to bid on programs historically made overseas,” they said. “But we’re also seeing the other side of the coin—many are delaying launch decisions while there’s still a lot to be determined. It’s really a strange time in America.”
Through it all, John and Aaron lead with discipline—steady, thoughtful, and precise. From a basement startup to a global supplier, Master Finish proves that legacy isn’t just something you inherit. It’s something you build—layer by layer.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Email fba@fbagr.org if you are interested in exploring feature opportunities.
Family Business Alliance strives to help family businesses with the tools, resources, and connections to help businesses succeed. Learn more about our resources including Leading Forward, Succeeding in Succession, and Navigating Governance that help to advance family business in our community.
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