Archive for the 'Membership Spotlight' Category
March Membership Spotlight
Name: Ryan De Boer
Age: 28
Company: Spartan Stores, Inc.
Occupation: CPA / Financial Reporting Analyst
How long have you worked/lived in Holland?
I relocated to Holland in June 2007 when I moved into the Baker Lofts. I grew up in Hudsonville and have always loved coming to the lakeshore. When I was ready to leave my hometown, I knew I wanted to find a place in Holland. I work in Byron Center, which is a bit of a long drive, but I’m happy here in Holland and I could see myself staying here for a long time.
Hobbies:
I simply like to get outdoors. I sit in front of a computer all day at work, so I enjoy getting outside and being active. I run several times a week, go for an occasional hike, hit the beach just about every Sunday (when it’s warm!), mountain bike, kayak… When I can’t be outside, I enjoy watching college football and basketball, and European league soccer.
What do you like best about HYP, or if you’re a new member, what drew you to HYP?
I first got connected with HYP by participating in the summer sports activities… which are GREAT. (I didn’t know that twenty- and thirty-something’s played kickball). I’ve been to a couple Unwind events and look forward to the next one. Being new to Holland, HYP has been a great way to meet other young professionals and start building relationships. Getting involved with HYP has given me a sense of community, and I really appreciate the opportunity to be a part of such a talented group of people.
Jokes:
One of my Sunday-school kids told me a good one the other day… and so with apologies to any OSU fans… “Did you hear that coach Tressel is only going to dress half the players for the next big game? Why you ask? Well, the rest of the players have to learn to dress themselves.”
February Membership Spotlight
Name: Mark Ryan Oegema
Age: 29
Company: Coldwell Banker Woodland Schmidt
Occupation: Professional Realtor
How long have you worked/lived in Holland:I have worked in Holland for 4 years, I am West Michigan born and raised. I moved to Holland my senior year at South Christian High School, graduated from the GVSU Seidman School of Business with a BBA in Marketing, Lived downtown Grand Rapids until about 3 years ago when I moved back to Holland and invested in a Baker Loft. So somewhere between 3 and 11 years.
Hobbies: I have many interests and hobbies including but not limited to Sailing, Boating, Traveling, Hiking. The more I travel the more I crave it. When I was younger we would take trips to Bar Harbor, Maine, Estes Park Colorado, in High School I played Soccer with Calvin College throughout Netherlands, Luxemburg, Belgium, France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland. Read more
No commentsJanuary Membership Spotlight
Name: Nate Volkema
Age: 27
Company: John Hancock Financial
Occupation: Financial Advisor: I help individuals, family’s and businesses better plan and organize their life insurance, investment, and financial affairs.
How long have you worked/lived in Holland: My entire life, born and raised
Hobbies: In the summer months I enjoy spending time on my sailboat or out racing sailboats. I am active in several non profit’s here in the area (Shriners and the Masonic Lodge). Spending time with my fiance (wife as of Janaury 5) Heather, friends and family. I have also gone back to school to earn my CFP (Certified Financial Planner) designation.
What do I like best about HYP: It is a great group for a number of reasons. First, it is a great way to network and meet new people. One of my favorite quotes is “The only difference between who you are today and in 25 years is the books you read and the people you meet”. Not everyone needs to network for their career, but you can gain a lot personally from meeting new people. Second, it is a great way to get involved and help out in the community and make Holland a better place for our generation and those to follow. Also, there are a number of different events, programs, gatherings which will help you both personally and professionally. There is much more to HYP than the UNWINDS, so get involved!
Jokes: I’ll give you two (I think I heard this first one from Mike anyways) Q: What did the zero say to the eight?
A: Nice belt!
Q: If fruit grows on a fruit tree, what do chickens grow on?
A: A Poul-try!
December Membership Spotlight
Name: Adrienne Schumacher
Age: 31
Company: The City of Holland Department of Leisure & Cultural Services
Occupation: Recreation & Special Events Coordinator
How long have you lived/worked in Holland? I’ve lived in Holland for 8 years, worked for the City of Holland for 3 of those.
What besides being HYP do you like to do (Hobbies)? Run with my dogs, read with the Divas, coach volleyball at Holland High, digital photography, play volleyball, watch college football and basketball with my hubby (Steve), cook for friends, volunteer for non-profits, and most would say attending college is a hobby for me, I’m working on my second Masters degree. Geez, no wonder I’m always tired!!
What do you like best about HYP, or if you’re a new member, what drew you to HYP? I’m definitely not a new member, I’m like the “mother hen” of HYP. I enjoy being able to plan and attend fun events where I can meet new people and help them make their own way in our community. When I first moved here from the East side of Michigan, I felt very awkward and not included; Holland is a tough community to break into! I try to make other YP transitions to this area a little smoother than my own. If they are from here, I love to introduce them to things they didn’t know existed. I want YPs to feel connected to the community so they contribute and represent our generation more on boards and by way of volunteering. There are a lot of opportunities out there if you know where to look and have a little ambition; you’re never too busy to get a little dirty for a non-profit.
Our VP, Mr. Hill, is a funny guy; he’d like you to tell us a joke. He’s always looking to add to his own collection.
I’ve got two for you Mike:
Q: How do you get a redhead to argue with you?
A: Say something
Q: How do you know when a redhead has been using a computer?
A: There’s a hammer embedded in the monitor
November’s Membership Spotlight
Age: 25
Company: Cunninghman Dalman, PC
Occupation: Attorney
How long have you lived/worked in Holland? 3 months. I’m from Grand Rapids, and moved here after graduating from law school in Dallas, Texas.
What besides being HYP do you like to do (Hobbies)? See places and things, play the piano, do gymnastics & judge local gymnastics competitions, play vintage Nintendo & Atari, juggle, go to Lake Michigan
What do you like best about HYP, or if you’re a new member, what drew you to HYP? HYP gave me an instant group of friends so I felt at home in Holland right away. There is something for everyone, and a lot to choose from. HYP isn’t just a business networking group, it’s social too.
Our VP, Mr. Hill, is a funny guy; he’d like you to tell us a joke. He’s always looking to add to his own collection.
Why did the police arrest the turkey? It was suspected of fowl play.
No commentsOctober’s Membership Spotlight
Age: 25
Company: Gentex Corporation
Occupation: Material Planner
How long have you lived/worked in Holland?
I moved to Holland 3 years ago after graduating from college (wow, has it really been that long?!)
What besides being HYP do you like to do (Hobbies)?
Teaching Spinning classes, cycling, horseback riding, painting (acrylic and watercolor), traveling, crafting handbags/purses (hoping to one day launch my own line), preparing outrageous vegan meals (read: “experiments” – I’m a bit of a mad scientist in the kitchen) . . .
What do you like best about HYP, or if you’re a new member, what drew you to HYP?
I really like that HYP gives new comers a way to get involved in the community and also allows people to network and meet other young professionals in the area. For me, HYP has lead to many new opportunities through other members that I have gotten to know, and has opened my eyes to the possibility that this community holds.
Our VP, Mr. Hill, is a funny guy; he’d like you to tell us a joke. He’s always looking to add to his own collection.
I’m not so sure anyone really wants me to tell a joke . . . but it is October, so I have a few that seem appropriate:
Why did the Vampire subscribe to the Wall Street Journal?
He heard it had great circulation . . .
What did the skeleton say to the bartender?
I’ll have two beers and a mop . . .
See, I warned you . . . =)
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