Welcome to the Family Owned Business Institute
In September 1999, the Seidman College of Business and the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce (working with its Family-Owned Business Council) raised $301,000 from a salute to Jay Van Andel and Rich DeVos. This became the seed money for the Family Owned Business Institute, housed at the downtown campus of Grand Valley State University.
The creation of the Family Owned Business Institute at Grand Valley State University is born out of the collective belief that family businesses (large and small) are the cornerstone of a community's prosperity and a vital ingredient in its quality of life.
Upcoming Events
SPGC x FERC Global Family Business Summit
FOBI Research Impact
Podcast Series
Scholar in Residence
SPGC x FERC Global Family Business Summit
Grand Rapids, Michigan | May 18-21, 2027
The Summit is convening the best minds in academia, business families and family business consultants to connect, share ideas and learn new strategies for achieving their mutual goals. With keynotes, workshops, expert panels, and discussions, we’ll explore essential and emerging family business topics. We aim to create a rich exchange of insights and experiences. Our goal is to ensure there is something new for every participant—be part of making it happen!
Thrive Forward: Building Inclusion Success with FOBI Podcast
Michelle Timmerman
CURRENT EPISODE
Episode 5: Navigating Growth and Multi-Generational Legacy with Michelle Timmerman
In this episode, host Ana Cristina Gonzalez is joined by Michelle Timmerman, Vice President and General Manager of Direct Supply, Inc. As a second-generation family business leader and Vice Chair of the Family Business Alliance, Michelle brings a wealth of hands-on experience to the table regarding the unique intersection of business strategy and family dynamics. This episode explores what it looks like to navigate leadership transitions and maintain legacy across generations — and how community engagement and peer support shape both business growth and local success.
GLOBAL FAMILY BUSINESS REPORT 2025
The 2025 Stichting STEP Project Global Consortium (SPGC) and KPMG Private Enterprise Global Family Business Report is now LIVE!
