Leadership Series: Leading Through Difficult Times

Description

This installment into the 2020 Leadership Series could not come at a more relevant time. After leading through the better part of the tumultuous year of 2020, reassurance and inspiration is in short supply and much needed. To fill this need and to meet this moment, we will have three influential family business leaders will be joining us to share their stories of leadership in times of extreme adversity. Throughout this program, attendees can expect to be challenged, inspired, and mobilized to bring positive leadership to their companies in this time where it is most needed. 
Family Business Speakers

Tim Schad, Nucraft Furniture

Kyle Verplank, Executive Chairman, Verplank Industries

Kyle Verplank, along with his brother Tony share Executive Chairman responsibilities for Verplank Enterprises Inc., a Grand Haven based family owned holding company.  The family of companies within the umbrella include Shape Corp., Light Corp., Pliant Plastics and BioSolutions, LLC.  Kyle and his brother represent the 4^th generation of the family to lead the business.  Kyle also serves as a Director for the original family business, Ferrysburg based Verplank Dock Company, which was started in 1908.  With a team of over 5,000 employees operating in 10 countries, the family of companies service a variety of industries and continue to be headquartered in West Michigan.  Kyle and his brother were appointed Executive Chairmen on January 1^st, 2019, succeeding their father Gary Verplank.
Kyle is a graduate of the University of Michigan and received his International MBA from Pepperdine University.  He and his family reside in Spring Lake.

Doug Young, President, Behler Young Company

Doug Young began his career in distribution in in 1978, working for five years at Multi Fastener Corp. before joining the family company, Behler-Young, an HVAC Distributor, in 1982. While at Behler-Young he has expanded the company’s distribution and worked his way up to the position of President. Doug is third generation leader of Behler-Young, which was founded by his grandfather, Wayne Young and his partner John Behler in 1926. Doug has also served as President of HARDI, the HVAC distribution industry association, and on the board of NAW’s Distribution Research and Education Foundation. Doug currently serves on the Executive Committee of the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce. Behler-Young currently has 18 branches throughout Michigan and Northern Ohio.

All listed events are subject to change due to the ongoing monitoring of COVID-19. Events may be transitioned to hybrid or virtual platforms, rescheduled, or canceled depending on the circumstances at the time of the program. Thank you for your understanding in this fluid situation.