Family Owned Business Institute

Hall of Fame

In Recognition of their significant contributions to West Michigan's vitality, and foundation for the future, Grand Valley State University honors these family owned businesses. These exemplary businesses have provided leadership through their:

  • Continued family ownership for more than 45 years
  • Transfer of leadership through at least one generation
  • Eminent position within their industry and contributions to the economic diversity of West Michigan
  • Significant sales revenues and economic influence directly impacting the quality of life in West Michigan
  • Sustained leadership in community and philanthropic activities

 		 Alticor
Founder: Rich DeVos and Jay Van Andel
Year Founded: 1949
Generation Number: 2
7575 E Fulton St.
Ada, Michigan, 49355
USA

Detailed description		  
Behler-Young Co.
Inducted: 2002
Founder: John Behler & Wayne Young
Year Founded: 1926
Generation Number: 3
4900 Clyde Park Ave, SW
Wyoming, Michigan 49509
USA

Detailed description 		 
Bissel Inc.
Inducted: 2001
Founder: Melville R. Bissell
Year Founded: 1876
Generation Number: 4
2345 Walker Street, NW
Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49544
USA

Detailed description 		 
D&W Food Centers
Inducted: 2001
Founder: Roy Woodrick
Year Founded: 1943
Generation Number: 3
3001 Orchard Vista Dr
Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49546
USA

Detailed description		  
Gordon Food Service
Inducted: 2001
Founder: Isaac Van Westenbrugge
Year Founded: 1897
Generation Number: 4
333 50th Street SW
Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49501
USA

Detailed description 		 
Haworth
Inducted: 2001
Founder: G.W. Haworth
Year Founded: 1948
Generation Number: 2
One Haworth Ctr.
Holland, Michigan, 49423
USA

Detailed description 		 
Howard Miller
Inducted: 2001
Founder: Howard Miller
Year Founded: 1926
Generation Number: 3
860 E Main Ave
Zeeland, Michigan, 49464
USA 

Detailed description 		 
  Irwin Seating Company
Inducted: 2001
Founder: Five Investors
Year Founded: 1907
Generation Number: 3
3251 Fruit Ridge Ave. NW
Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49501
USA

Detailed description 		 
  Lorin Industries
Inducted: 2001
Founder: Herb Kersman
Year Founded: 1943
Generation Number: 3
1960 Robert St.
Muskegon, Michigan, 49442
USA

Detailed description 		 
  Louis Padnos Iron and Metal Company
Inducted: 2001
Founder: Louis Padnos
Year Founded: 1905
Generation Number: 3
P.O. Box 1979
Holland, Michigan, 49422

Detailed description 		 
  Meijer Inc.
Inducted: 2001
Founder: Hendrik Meijer
Year Founded: 1934
Generation Number: 3
2929 Walker Ave, NW
Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49544
USA

Detailed description		  
  Monarch Hydraulics Inc.
Inducted: 2001
Founder: Joseph Jackoboice
Year Founded: 1856
Generation Number: 5
PO Box 1764
Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49501
USA

Detailed description 		 
   Paragon Die & Engineering Co.
Inducted: 2006
Founder: Fred M. Keller
Year Founded: 1962
Generation Number: 3
15225 33rd St. SE
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49509
USA

Detailed description		  
  Rogers Department Store
Inducted: 2002
Founder: Hy and Greta Berkowitz
Year Founded: 1955
Generation Number: 2
1001 28th St. SW
Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49509
USA

Detailed description 		 
  Steelcase Inc.
Inducted: 2001
Founder: Peter M. Wege, Walter Idema, David D. Hunting
Year Founded: 1912
Generation Number: 4
901 44th St.
Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49501
USA 

Detailed description