Fellows Program Mentorship Roster

Fellows Program

The Fellows Program seeks to cultivate mentorships between students and alumni, and eventually the surrounding community members. Mentorship in business and in life offers individuals a chance to access knowledge and experiences through the eyes of an individual in their field of interest or beyond. Building an environment for relationships to be built through a mentorship program encourages a more inviting culture where Vermeer Studios can forge energy into productive learning, and networking opportunities.

With our online matching program, students can select mentors who align with their interests and initiate a conversation to engage in a guided mentorship. The Fellows program seeks to ensure mentorships are accessible and flexible for busy professionals and busy students to have a successful experience.

Apply For Mentorship

Meet Our Mentors

Our esteemed alumni are here to provide guidance and support. Learn more about their expertise and schedule a meeting today.

Lawrence Weller

Owner & President

ECF Wealth

Develop financial plans for clients and assist in investment management. Host meetings and events.

Jessica Economos

Vice President, Global Talent

Wolters Kluwer

Responsible for the implementation of our Global Talent Processes and Programs for 21,000 employees across 40 countries

Tyler DeKoekkoek

Owner & Operator

Chick-fil-a Battle Creek (MI)

As the owner/operator of a Chick-fil-A location, I am responsible for every aspect of the business. One of the most important parts of the role is to cast a vision for the team to get behind and to motivate the team to move in the same direction. The most enjoyable part of the job for me is helping my employees pursue the dreams that they for their life and to help them become the best versions of themselves in every aspect of their life. I am in the people business just as much, or more, as I am in the food business. With all of that being said, each day looks different than the last, but my experience of owning and running a successful business and franchise is extremely well-rounded because of the many different hats that I wear each and every day.

Evan Mares

Country Club Fitness & Racquets Manager

Colliers Reserve Country Club

Manage front desk staff, assist with creating new events, market facilities, assist with general building maintenance.

Tammy DeVries

Senior Tax Manager

Topel Forman LLC

Public Tax Accounting

Kate Fox

Associate Director, Paid Search

Monks

In my current role, I manage Google and Microsoft search paid advertising campaigns. Working at an ad agency has given me the opportunity to work with multiple clients at a time, ranging from eCommerce to B2B. In my day to day, I am hands-on-keyboard managing the advertising campaigns for our clients within the Google and Microsoft ad platforms. Many of our clients have specific business goals so I use my expertise and agency resources to put together paid media strategies and implement optimizations to help clients achieve those business goals. My role requires heavy use of excel and data analysis which is my favorite part of the job. I also have managed direct reports and have overseen the accounts they manage for their client book of business

Jeremy Rusticus

Director, Supplier Performance Management

Corewell Health

Lead a team of supply chain analysts responsible for leading several of Corewell Health’s significant objectives such as: supplier diversity, sustainability, resiliency, supplier quality, and supplier risk.

Expertise: supply chain, procurement, global / international business, leadership

Jeff Van Wyk

Director, DTC Operational Excellence

Wilson Sporting Goods

In my current role, I head up Store Development (identifying locations, through the build and turnover of a Wilson retail store), Store Operations (all processes, systems, facilities, loss prevention, inventory management, sales audit HQ functions for a Wilson Store), and Store Support. Operations is the heart and soul of what I do.

J.R. Wydra

Vice President, Secretary & General Counsel

Ozinga

Layne Hoekema

Sr. Private Wealth Advisor, Sr. Partner

Blue Trust

I lead a team that serves a select group of entrepreneurs and business owners. As an experienced wealth advisor to individuals, families, and businesses, Layne uses his objective perspective to help clients make wise financial decisions to experience clarity and confidence and leave a lasting legacy. His goal is to help those he serves focus on the things that matter most to them. Layne and his team integrate financial planning, investment management, and trust services into financial plans tailored to his clients’ needs. Our team manages approximately $750M of client assets.

Jeff Weidenaar

Vice President of Sales

Silva International / Universal Ingredients

Responsible for the industrial sales of our specialty spice ingredients to grocery food producers throughout North America. I manage over 6 sales teams and supportive positions. We have around 800 active food manufacturing customers, with a 20 line production facility in Momence, IL. My experience includes direct, customer-facing sales management of our business with clients, setting and negotiating annual contracts, resolving product issues and supply disruption, managing employees, managing and planning our marketing programs, and a part of our executive leadership team.

Aaron Tambrini

Special Agent in Charge

Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security

Manage a team of federal investigators responsible for conducting investigations of violations of export laws. Specifically, stop the diversion of sensitive U.S. commodities to bad actors such as Iran, North Korea, and Russia.

Stephanie (Reichert) Nagler

CPA, Accounting Manager

Numerator

Corporate Accounting Manager leading the month end close and managing cash, commissions, fixed assets, and other processes.

Ken Dryfhout

Financial Advisor / Branch Manager

Benjamin F. Edwards

Financial Planning, Investment Management, Team Leadership. 20+ years in a wide variety of financial roles – from client to boardroom; candidate coaching – interview, on-the-job performance, etc.

Become a Mentor

If you wish to become a member of our mentor roster to help the next generation of entrepreneurs achieve success, click the following link.

Contact Us