ONE Northwood University

Jan 29, 2010

Outstanding Business Leaders (OBL)

The 30th class of Outstanding Business Leaders (OBL) was honored last weekend in Florida. Dr. Richard DeVos, co-founder of Amway Corporation and owner of the Orlando Magic Basketball Team, served as Honorary Chair; and his son, Board of Trustees member Dr. Dan DeVos, was Chair of the event. The members of the DeVos family have been faithful friends and dedicated supporters of our University since our beginning. Northwood's mission to develop the future leaders of a global, free-enterprise society and our focus on entrepreneurship are at the foundation of the DeVos loyalty. As Dr. Rich DeVos noted in his remarks about OBL, "Northwood University is the school with the most distinguished record of helping people learn to start and to own their own business."

The members of the OBL Class of 2010 are: Yvonne Boice Zucaro, owner of Fugazy International Travel and the Shoppes at Village Pointe; John Bouma, Sr., Chairman of The Bouma Corporation/Bouma Construction; William D. "Bill" Grote III, Chairman & CEO of Grote Industries; Charles "Chip" McClure, Chairman, CEO, President of Arvin Meritor, Inc.; Philip P. Smith, President and CEO of Phil Smith Management, Inc; and Charles V. Wait, Chairman, President and CEO of Adirondack Trust Company.

Part of being an OBL means engagement with Northwood does not stop after the event, but rather the event is the starting point. OBLs throughout the years have been a dynamic group of people who look forward to their interactions with our students. Often they see in our students a younger version of themselves - ambitious yet idealistic. From one generation to another, the Northwood Idea comes to life.

Our awards activities are an important part of the Northwood experience. When we extend the invitation to become either an OBL or Distinguished Woman, we are engaging in a partnership with the honoree. We teach them about Northwood University and they in turn teach our students the life lessons of successful leaders.

Each year we invite students from across our system to meet members of the new OBL class and introduce them as they receive their awards. During the course of the weekend there is ample opportunity for the student and the honoree to get to know one another. Steffen Salzer, FL, International Business, Senior; Rebecca Lebon Rossetti, DeVos Graduate School; Brandon D. Strong, MI, Advertising, Marketing, and Business Management, Senior; Micholee Estime, ADP, Business Management and Marketing, Senior; Honey Glaze "Hanna" Abada, FL, International Business, Junior; and Eber Perla, TX, Accounting, Senior, were this year's student presenters.

Eber Perla was paired with Charles Wait. Significant to Perla was Wait's career path. He learned, "Great opportunities come to those who work hard for them and have the passion for it. Mr. Charles V. Wait started his banking career as a bookkeeping clerk and worked his way up to President, Chairman and CEO of the Adirondack Trust." The importance of free enterprise was a familiar theme throughout the three-day event. Perla noted the quote with the most lasting impression as, "Any government big enough to give you everything you want, is big enough to take everything away,' was stated by Charles V. Wait."

Micholee Estime introduced Chip McClure. Says Estime, "I learned about Mr. McClure's business character and his individual character; his creativity, his capability to act quickly, his innovative ideas to create sustainability for the company, and his agility. For example, Mr. McClure's ability to refocus the company to be more competitive has shown his business character, his ability to implement the performance-plus program that saved ArvinMeritor $195 million in 2009 says a lot about his leadership experiences. Mr. McClure's integrity and his openness to employees who depend on him explain his individual character."

Brandon Strong learned a lot from Mr. and Mrs. Bill Grote. "We talked about everything from his view on current events, business, family, personal goals, and even the great local weather," says Strong. When he asked how Grote Industries works as a family-run business, he was surprised by the answer. "Grote Industries has been running successfully for over 108 years. Family members who wish to join the business must earn a Masters in Business Administration and they are given a position only if an opening occurs. Grote Industries like to promote within the business and contributes its long-term success to this policy."

An interesting lesson coming from the weekend, no matter with whom a student was matched, was to be prepared for a winding road to success. Strong articulates this lesson well with, "When you set goals the path will not be a straight road but more of a crooked path. These twists and turns along the journey will be full of rewards and challenges and in the end you may accomplish an unforeseen goal but is nonetheless as rewarding."

Strong, like all the students, was impressed by the approachability of the OBLs. "Though they are business driven they are also very easy to talk to and are some of the funniest people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. This was an event that made me proud to be a Northwood University student because I saw the Northwood Idea in the stories and lives of all whom were in attendance. It was an occasion that I will never forget," he says.

Rebecca Rossetti and John Bouma examined many subjects over the weekend. "During the various events, I was able to speak to Mr. and Mrs. Bouma about his philosophy of leading his corporation through integrity, humility, hard work, and most of all his faith in God," she says.

"Mr. Bouma liked to say 'When it comes to finding the right career, you should be excited to go to work in the morning, and ready to go home at night.' In other words, it is important not only to find something you're passionate about, but also to remember to balance work and home life. For Mr. Bouma, it was always important for him to keep his family in focus even while The Bouma Corporation was growing exponentially. After meeting his wife and family, it was easy to see that his words were not empty. Like Mr. Bouma, or 'JB' as he is affectionately called by his sons-in-law, his family was so warm and down-to-earth. They also couldn't say enough how proud they were of their father," Rossetti said.

She also learned from Mr. Bouma that whatever your vocation, true leadership cannot be found when one's only commitment is to the bottom-line, but when one obliges him or herself to the development and nourishment of a culture based on passion, integrity, and humanity.

The students went home with new friends, new mentors and a new attitude about success. In summing up the weekend, Rossetti spoke for all the students. "The glamour of the weekend was far beyond anything most of us had ever experienced and could have been intimidating, but what was perhaps most impressive was how genuine and approachable the honorees were. In short, it was really a glimpse into how successful business leaders think and how they approach life and business. Their energy provided a pervasive sense of optimism over the entire event. It is extremely encouraging to meet leaders who put into practice what we read about every day."

As we work to fulfill our mission, it is essential to maximize contact between our students and proven business leaders. Our students have chosen Northwood University believing they will graduate from our campuses ready to take their place in industry. We promise to give them the skills they need, both in the classroom and in life.

OBL is a vital part of that promise.

Our Florida campus also hosted the Auto Show of the Palm Beaches during OBL weekend. The students were honored to bring the show back to campus after a three- year hiatus in which they partnered with the Auto Dealers of the Palm Beaches and the show was held at the convention center. The students' performance was outstanding as they presented a first-class show.

Last weekend was busy with important events, but we returned to our respective campuses refreshed and re-energized. The enthusiasm and quality displayed by everyone and everything taking place over the three days was more proof our foundational philosophy, the Northwood Idea, is alive and well and its principles are being heard loud and clear.

Have a great weekend!

Keith A. Pretty, J.D.
President and CEO
Northwood University
4000 Whiting Drive
Midland, MI 48640
989.837.4203 (phone)
989.832.9590 (fax)

pretty@northwood.edu

Jan 29, 2010
	Outstanding Business Leaders (OBL) The 30th class of Outstanding Business Leaders (OBL) was honored last weekend in Florida. Dr. Richard DeVos, co-founder of Amway Corporation and owner of the Orlando Magic Basketball Team, served as Honorary Chair; and his son, Board of Trustees member Dr. Dan DeVos, was Chair of the event. The members of the DeVos family have been faithful friends and dedicated supporters of our University since our beginning. Northwood's mission to develop the future leaders of a global, free-enterprise society and our focus on entrepreneurship are at the foundation of the DeVos loyalty. As Dr. Rich DeVos noted in his remarks about OBL, "Northwood University is the school with the most distinguished record of helping people learn to start and to own their own business." The members of the OBL Class of 2010 are: Yvonne Boice Zucaro, owner of Fugazy International Travel and the Shoppes at Village Pointe; John Bouma, Sr., Chairman of The Bouma Corporation/Bouma Construction; William D. "Bill" Grote III, Chairman & CEO of Grote Industries; Charles "Chip" McClure, Chairman, CEO, President of Arvin Meritor, Inc.; Philip P. Smith, President and CEO of Phil Smith Management, Inc; and Charles V. Wait, Chairman, President and CEO of Adirondack Trust Company. Part of being an OBL means engagement with Northwood does not stop after the event, but rather the event is the starting point. OBLs throughout the years have been a dynamic group of people who look forward to their interactions with our students. Often they see in our students a younger version of themselves - ambitious yet idealistic. From one generation to another, the Northwood Idea comes to life. Our awards activities are an important part of the Northwood experience. When we extend the invitation to become either an OBL or Distinguished Woman, we are engaging in a partnership with the honoree. We teach them about Northwood University and they in turn teach our students the life lessons of successful leaders. Each year we invite students from across our system to meet members of the new OBL class and introduce them as they receive their awards. During the course of the weekend there is ample opportunity for the student and the honoree to get to know one another. Steffen Salzer, FL, International Business, Senior; Rebecca Lebon Rossetti, DeVos Graduate School; Brandon D. Strong, MI, Advertising, Marketing, and Business Management, Senior; Micholee Estime, ADP, Business Management and Marketing, Senior; Honey Glaze "Hanna" Abada, FL, International Business, Junior; and Eber Perla, TX, Accounting, Senior, were this year's student presenters. Eber Perla was paired with Charles Wait. Significant to Perla was Wait's career path. He learned, "Great opportunities come to those who work hard for them and have the passion for it. Mr. Charles V. Wait started his banking career as a bookkeeping clerk and worked his way up to President, Chairman and CEO of the Adirondack Trust." The importance of free enterprise was a familiar theme throughout the three-day event. Perla noted the quote with the most lasting impression as, "Any government big enough to give you everything you want, is big enough to take everything away,' was stated by Charles V. Wait." Micholee Estime introduced Chip McClure. Says Estime, "I learned about Mr. McClure's business character and his individual character; his creativity, his capability to act quickly, his innovative ideas to create sustainability for the company, and his agility. For example, Mr. McClure's ability to refocus the company to be more competitive has shown his business character, his ability to implement the performance-plus program that saved ArvinMeritor $195 million in 2009 says a lot about his leadership experiences. Mr. McClure's integrity and his openness to employees who depend on him explain his individual character." Brandon Strong learned a lot from Mr. and Mrs. Bill Grote. "We talked about everything from his view on current events, business, family, personal goals, and even the great local weather," says Strong. When he asked how Grote Industries works as a family-run business, he was surprised by the answer. "Grote Industries has been running successfully for over 108 years. Family members who wish to join the business must earn a Masters in Business Administration and they are given a position only if an opening occurs. Grote Industries like to promote within the business and contributes its long-term success to this policy." An interesting lesson coming from the weekend, no matter with whom a student was matched, was to be prepared for a winding road to success. Strong articulates this lesson well with, "When you set goals the path will not be a straight road but more of a crooked path. These twists and turns along the journey will be full of rewards and challenges and in the end you may accomplish an unforeseen goal but is nonetheless as rewarding." Strong, like all the students, was impressed by the approachability of the OBLs. "Though they are business driven they are also very easy to talk to and are some of the funniest people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. This was an event that made me proud to be a Northwood University student because I saw the Northwood Idea in the stories and lives of all whom were in attendance. It was an occasion that I will never forget," he says. Rebecca Rossetti and John Bouma examined many subjects over the weekend. "During the various events, I was able to speak to Mr. and Mrs. Bouma about his philosophy of leading his corporation through integrity, humility, hard work, and most of all his faith in God," she says. "Mr. Bouma liked to say 'When it comes to finding the right career, you should be excited to go to work in the morning, and ready to go home at night.' In other words, it is important not only to find something you're passionate about, but also to remember to balance work and home life. For Mr. Bouma, it was always important for him to keep his family in focus even while The Bouma Corporation was growing exponentially. After meeting his wife and family, it was easy to see that his words were not empty. Like Mr. Bouma, or 'JB' as he is affectionately called by his sons-in-law, his family was so warm and down-to-earth. They also couldn't say enough how proud they were of their father," Rossetti said. She also learned from Mr. Bouma that whatever your vocation, true leadership cannot be found when one's only commitment is to the bottom-line, but when one obliges him or herself to the development and nourishment of a culture based on passion, integrity, and humanity. The students went home with new friends, new mentors and a new attitude about success. In summing up the weekend, Rossetti spoke for all the students. "The glamour of the weekend was far beyond anything most of us had ever experienced and could have been intimidating, but what was perhaps most impressive was how genuine and approachable the honorees were. In short, it was really a glimpse into how successful business leaders think and how they approach life and business. Their energy provided a pervasive sense of optimism over the entire event. It is extremely encouraging to meet leaders who put into practice what we read about every day." As we work to fulfill our mission, it is essential to maximize contact between our students and proven business leaders. Our students have chosen Northwood University believing they will graduate from our campuses ready to take their place in industry. We promise to give them the skills they need, both in the classroom and in life. OBL is a vital part of that promise. Our Florida campus also hosted the Auto Show of the Palm Beaches during OBL weekend. The students were honored to bring the show back to campus after a three- year hiatus in which they partnered with the Auto Dealers of the Palm Beaches and the show was held at the convention center. The students' performance was outstanding as they presented a first-class show. Last weekend was busy with important events, but we returned to our respective campuses refreshed and re-energized. The enthusiasm and quality displayed by everyone and everything taking place over the three days was more proof our foundational philosophy, the Northwood Idea, is alive and well and its principles are being heard loud and clear. Have a great weekend! Keith A. Pretty, J.D. President and CEO Northwood University 4000 Whiting Drive Midland, MI 48640 989.837.4203 (phone) 989.832.9590 (fax) pretty@northwood.edu