RETAIL – AUTOMOTIVE

RICK KEYES

President, CEO Meijer Inc., Walker Rick Keyes became the seventh president in Meijer’s history in 2015 and, a year later, added the title of CEO — one of the only nonrelative CEOs in the family-owned retailer’s history. Previously, Keyes was EVP of supply chain and manufacturing, moving from Ohio to Grand Rapids to fi ll the role in 2006. Keyes has worked for Meijer for three decades and has presided over charitable efforts and led the charge to open a new urban-concept store, the Bridge Street Market in Grand Rapids. Meijer has more than 240 supercenters in six Midwest states and employs about 70,000 people.

COMPANY FOUNDED: 1934 EDUCATION: Ohio Northern University Rudolph H. Raabe College of Pharmacy (B) FIRST JOB: Student intern at a Columbus, Ohio, Meijer pharmacy in 1985 NOTABLE: According to a 2016 article in his alma mater’s alumni journal, Keyes prides himself on keeping his pharmacist license up to date, despite not having practiced as a pharmacist since the 1990s. CURRENT SERVICE: Board treasurer, National Association of Chain Drug Stores Inc. PAST BOARDS: Raabe College of Pharmacy Advisory Board

HANK MEIJER

Executive chair Meijer Inc., Walker Hank Meijer is executive chair of Meijer and son of Frederik Meijer. According to his bio from Grand Valley State University, he joined the family business at age 11 as a grocery clerk. After serving as a reporter for a Detroit-area newspaper group, he became editor and, later publisher, of a weekly newspaper in Plymouth. He rejoined Meijer in 1979 as assistant advertising director and has served the company since. He wrote biographies of Sen. Arthur Vandenberg and of his grandfather, Hendrik Meijer, and is a philanthropist.

COMPANY FOUNDED: 1934 EDUCATION: University of Michigan (B) FIRST JOB: Meijer grocery clerk NOTABLE: With his brother, Doug Meijer, Hank Meijer was ranked No. 224 on the 2019 Forbes World Billionaires list and No. 68 on the Forbes 400 ranking of the wealthiest Americans. BOARDS: In addition to his role as a Hauenstein Center Associate at Grand Valley State University, Meijer serves on the boards of Business Leaders for Michigan, The Henry Ford, The Kettering Foundation, The National Constitution Center, Grand Valley University Foundation, Ford Presidential Foundation and the Food Marketing Institute.

CHRIS BAKER

Co-owner Betten Baker Automotive, Muskegon Chris Baker is serious about investing in Michigan. Betten Baker Automotive has been in business for 37 years, but the company really hit a growth spurt over the past four, expanding further into West Michigan. As of January 2019, Betten Baker Automotive had grown to 21 dealerships in western and mid-Michigan after adding South Haven Chevrolet Buick GMC. The company had 12 dealerships in 2016. The company set a record growth level in 2018 by adding eight dealerships. Through all of these acquisitions, Baker has maintained embracing local communities by retaining the staff of each dealership the company acquired. Betten Baker also has dealerships in Allegan, Twin Lake, Lowell, Grandville, Big Rapids and Ludington.

EMPLOYEES: About 900 BRANDS: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Honda, GMC and Jeep

JOHN LEESE

President, owner Harvey Automotive, Grand Rapids John M. Leese has been owner of Harvey Automotive since 2002 but has worked for the car dealership for over 39 years. The company was founded in 1966 with the opening of Harvey Cadillac. In 2003, the Cadillac facility was remodeled and is currently undergoing a reimaging estimated to be completed in spring 2021. Harvey Lexus (originally opened in 1990) added its own service facility in 2004 and also will complete some facility updates in 2021. In fall 2015, Leese opened Harvey Auto Outlet, offering affordable pre-owned vehicles to the luxury mix. Two full-service centers and a collision center round out service and repair at Harvey Automotive. “We don’t just sell and service some of the fi nest vehicles on the planet; we’re in the people business,” Leese said. “It’s been our philosophy to treat people as guests in our home. It’s a different shopping experience right now, but we have a tremendous outlook going forward. We’re excited about what the future holds.”

EDUCATION: Northwood University (B) HOMETOWN: Grand Rapids HIGH SCHOOL: Forest Hills Northern High School, class of 1977 BOARDS: Grand Rapids New Car Dealership Association