The New Year is shaping up to be one of getting down to business fast, and alleviating worry, especially when it comes to tax and economic policies for family businesses in the Grand Rapids area.

Recently, I spoke with several of the staff members and leaders of the House Ways and Means Committee “Tax Teams.” I asked them what their first one hundred days looked like, specifically when it comes to tax legislation, an issue on every Grand Rapids family business leader’s mind.

I spoke with senior staff members (the people who do the nitty-gritty tax writing work) for Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-Fl), Chair of the “American Manufacturing” Tax Team, Rep. Darin LaHood (R-IL), Chair of the “American Workforce” Tax Team, Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA), Chair of the “Community Development” Tax Team, Rep. Adrian Smith (R-Neb), Chair of “Rural America” Tax Team, and Rep. Lloyd Smucker (R-PA), Chair of the “Main Street” Tax Team, among others.

Their messages, and priorities, were clear: “we need a tax code to help family businesses operate with certainty and permanency.”

This was good to hear, considering the specific issues that came up focused on items like lower personal taxes, the extension of the 199A, and restoring R&D expensing. All are on board, it seems now, with keeping these provisions. More importantly, they want to make them permanent.

Stability in the tax code is the most important factor they are weighing, but they also understand keenly that by extending much of the Tax Cut and Jobs Act (TCJA) the country runs the risk of increasing the national debt by over $4 trillion.

This is an unenviable balancing act we will be watching closely, to see how it will affect family businesses in Grand Rapids.

One key issue is education, that is, educating new and old Congress members on the importance of family businesses to the U.S. economy. This is what we do at Family Enterprise USA.

Another big challenge is that only a small number of the new Congress members were in office in 2017, when the TCJA was passed.

We need to educate these new members fast, not only on the helpful provisions in TCJA, but on the size and scope of family businesses in general.

If you don’t know, according to research, America’s multi-generational family-owned businesses contribute $7.7 trillion annually to the U.S. gross domestic product. Family businesses are the largest private employers in the country, accounting for 83.3 million jobs, or 59 percent of the country’s private workforce, the research shows.

In our first 100 days, this is the message we will get out, especially during the year’s first Congressional Family Business Caucus meeting to be held March 11, on Capitol Hill.

Getting The Word Out

At Family Enterprise USA, we’ve seen a year of significant gains in getting our messages out on Capitol Hill and letting our policy makers know about the importance of the economic engine that are family businesses in America, especially those family businesses in Grand Rapids.

The movement of economic and tax policies is often maddeningly slow and challenging in Washington, D.C. Educating our legislators on the importance of family businesses is a multi-year process spread across multiple administrations and political parties.

It takes time, and a lot of work.

Despite these barriers, we’ve seen significant progress and media attention to such important subjects as the continuation of favorable provisions in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, restoring R&D expensing and bonus depreciation, and adding new members to the Congressional Family Business Caucus.

Our goals in 2024, as in previous years, were to educate our lawmakers on Capitol Hill on the many harmful proposals under consideration by Congress, by the old and new Administrations, and by our regulatory agencies.

Actions Speak Volumes

Our actions this year and next year will continue to hammer away on these issues. If we don’t, no one else will. We are your voice on Capitol Hill.

Here are just a few of the key issues we worked on this year and will continue to work on in 2025.

• Educate existing and new legislators on Capitol Hill on the size and power of America’s largest private employer, Family Business
• Use the Congressional Family Business Caucus as a platform for education, dialogue, and one-to-one meetings with key policy writers
• Get the message out encouraging Congress to extend, retain, and improve key portions of the Tax Cut and Jobs Act (TCJA)
• Promote the Restoration of the R&D Expensing, Bonus Depreciation, and Other Pro-Business Tax Policies
• Secure an Estate Tax Rate reduction and/or prevent a reduction in the Lifetime Exemption
• Avoid the Elimination of Step-Up in Basis
• Stop any movement to Eliminating Valuation Discounts or limitations on Valuation Rules for Estate Tax Purposes
• Curtail and lessen taxes on Passthrough Business Profits (199A)
• Prevent an increase in the Top Income Tax Rate
• Avoid an increase in the Top Capital Gains Tax Rate
• Implementation of a Surtax on Income, Mark-to-Market Regime, and/or Other Taxes on Successful Individuals and Wealth
• Stop Elimination or Limitations on Grantor Trusts and/or GRATS
• Prevent Limitations on Retirement Accounts and/or Elimination of Holding Private Stock in IRA’s
• Avoid elimination of Like Kind Exchanges
• Work with Congress to introduce and add co-sponsors for the Estate Tax Rate Reduction Act
• Support the work of the Family Business Estate Tax Coalition and the estate tax repeal bill
• Grow the Congressional Family Business Caucus and continue to work with Congress to hold 3 meetings a year.

We look forward to reporting back to you on our progress throughout 2025. It should be an interesting year for family businesses in Grand Rapids, and for all family businesses in America. 

Pat Soldano, President of Family Enterprise USA, and the Policy Taxation Group, both are non-partisan organizations advocating for family enterprises of all sizes. Both groups are organizers of the Congressional Family Business Caucus and of the Family Enterprise USA Annual Family Business Survey.

Family Business Alliance strives to help family businesses with the tools, resources, and connections to help businesses succeed. Learn more about our resources including Leading Forward, Succeeding in Succession, and Navigating Governance that help to advance family business in our community.

Family Business Alliance is proud to announce that Mary Cline has been promoted to Director of Membership.   

Mary joined Family Business Alliance in March 2023.  Since then, she has expanded connections and educational opportunities of family run organizations in West Michigan.  Through her leadership and advocacy, she has played a pivotal role in increasing membership and driving current membership engagement in programs and resources.  

“Mary is a true advocate for family run organizations in our community,” stated Robin Burns, Director of Family Business Alliance.  “Her passionate belief in our mission, continues to create an impact in our community.  As a member of our team, she has engaged over 50 new members and maintained a member retention rate of 90%,” Burns continued. 

As Director, Mary will continue to oversee and develop membership growth, engage the current membership in programs and resources, and develop strategic partnerships within the community.  

Prior to joining Family Business Alliance, Mary’s professional experience included relationship development positions with Samaritas and the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation.  She currently serves on the Fund Development Committee for Children’s Advocacy Center of Kent County. 

Family Business Alliance strives to help family businesses with the tools, resources, and connections to help businesses succeed. Learn more about our resources including Leading Forward, Succeeding in Succession, and Navigating Governance that help to advance family business in our community.

Founded in 1894, Eikenhout Inc. navigated over a century of industry changes, growing from a small roofing supply store into Michigan’s last independent distributor of exterior building materials. Through the voices of three family members; Greg Schierbeek (President and CEO), Leah Weesies (Marketing Coordinator), and Alex Schierbeek (Director of Finance)—we get to look into the heart of this multigenerational business.

From Hot Tar to Building Supplies

Eikenhout’s roots trace back to Hendrik Eikenhout, a hot tar roofer in Grand Rapids who started selling roofing supplies and tools to other roofers. The company quickly evolved under the leadership of Hendrik’s son, John, who shifted focus from installation to distribution.

“Did you know that the asphalt roofing shingle was first made in Grand Rapids?” asked Greg Schierbeek, current president and second-generation family leader. The Eikenhout family began selling these products and moved the company to its long-standing location in the heart of Grand Rapids on Wealthy Street, eventually expanding the site across the street as well.

The family’s legacy of leadership extended through John’s widow, Nelly, who took over after his death in 1940. She managed the company for over a decade before selling shares to Walt Kok and Pete Albers, longtime employees who brought stability during a transformative period. Greg’s own father, Henry Schierbeek, joined the company in 1959 as an office clerk and eventually was part of a group of local businessmen that purchased it in 1971.

Adapting to a Changing Landscape

While Eikenhout doesn’t manufacture products, their ability to quickly adapt to market trends sets them apart. “We’ve been quicker to embrace innovations in exterior cladding and decking products than our competitors,” Greg said. During the pandemic, for example, the surge in demand for outdoor living spaces bolstered their decking business—a trend that has continued post-pandemic.

As the only remaining Michigan-owned distributor of its kind, Eikenhout stands apart in an industry dominated by national chains and private equity. Their independence allows them to remain deeply connected to their customers and communities. Leah emphasized, “We’re able to do more for our customers—whether it’s hosting events, handing out swag, or investing in local projects.”

Growing Up Eikenhout

For the Schierbeek family, Eikenhout has always been a part of their lives. All three have memories of growing up around the business, performing odd jobs long before stepping into full-time roles.  “My dad brought me here on Saturdays when I was 12 to make sure the coffee pot was full, sweep floors, and clean toilets,” Greg recounted with a smile. “I’ve been here full-time since 1980.”

Leah remembers they were too young to use power tools, “so we used hand clippers to weed whip,” she said. “My cousins and I would end up painting the warehouse—and sometimes each other.”

Alex, who now helps oversee the company’s finances, also started on the ground level of operations. “In high-school and college, I weeded, swept warehouses, and eventually drove trucks during the summers” he said. Leah joined full-time during the pandemic in 2020 after a career in commercial banking. Her brother, Jackson, recently stepped in as an estimator, continuing the family’s involvement.

Pride in Family and Reputation

When asked what they’re most proud of, the Schierbeeks pointed to the lasting legacy of the business and its impact on the community. “I love seeing our trucks out on the road and hearing from friends who spot them all over the state,” Leah said. For Alex, it’s the stories from longtime customers. “They often share memories about my grandpa or Greg, and it’s always positive. It makes me feel good about who I work for.”
Greg highlighted the relationships he’s built over decades. “I’ve been fortunate to work with my father and now with Leah, Alex, and Jackson. We’ve had phenomenal employees, we had a purchasing agent retire two weeks ago who had been here for 36 years. That’s something I’m incredibly grateful for.”

Family Values at the Core

The familial atmosphere extends beyond the Schierbeek family to the broader company culture. “We’re a close family, and that translates into the office,” Alex said. “Customers know they can walk down the hallway and talk to Greg directly. It’s not like calling a corporate hotline.” With 10 locations, 186 employees, and a six-acre compound in Grand Rapids, Eikenhout Inc. has grown significantly over the years, with Leah describing it as “a decent-sized company that still feels like a family.”
Greg, reflecting on the business’s longevity, credited the foundational values instilled by his predecessors. “My father never officially retired, and his presence shaped how we operate.”
Leah added, “When I started just four years ago, he was 87, and he was here almost every day. He’d come in just to have a cup of coffee, walk around, call his friends, and make a tee time—that’s what he did forever.”
Greg reflected on the legacy that his father left behind, saying, “We have that legacy where so many people knew him. And, you know, we’ve always just really tried to treat people fairly.”

Part of that commitment to treating people fairly extends to the company’s extensive healthcare program. “We’ve got 150 employees on our healthcare program, and probably 350 people total when you factor in their families,” Greg said. “It’s a big expense, and it gets tougher every year, but you’ve got to have it. You’ve got to take care of your people.” The program may get more challenging to manage, but Greg remains firm in his belief: “Just be good people.”

Community involvement is another cornerstone of Eikenhout’s philosophy. The company sponsors local Little League and high school teams, as well as food banks across Michigan, a practice they affectionately call ‘Eikenhelp.’ Greg shared, “We actively support charities that our employees are involved in, whether it’s donating uniforms or materials to rebuild a dugout.”

Looking Ahead

Eikenhout is positioned for continued growth with plans to open additional locations in Michigan over the next decade while maintaining its core values of promoting from within and supporting the local community. For the Schierbeek family, Eikenhout is not just a legacy; it’s a way of life. Through generations of leadership, they’ve proven that a family-owned business can thrive in a competitive landscape by staying true to its values and embracing change. As the company heads into its next chapter, it does so with the strength of its history and the promise of a bright future.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Email fba@fbagr.org if you are interested in exploring feature opportunities.

Family Business Alliance strives to help family businesses with the tools, resources, and connections to help businesses succeed. Learn more about our resources including Leading Forward, Succeeding in Succession, and Navigating Governance that help to advance family business in our community.

Family Business Alliance is pleased to announce the election of the following board members to the Executive Committee.   As of January 2025, they will serve on the organization’s Executive Committee for a one-year term with the option to renew.

Randy Boss, Chair

Certified Risk Manager and Insurance Advisor, Ottawa Kent Insurance Agency Co-founder of Emerge Apps

A member of FBA since 2011, Randy has served organizations throughout Michigan for over 40 years as a certified risk manager and insurance advisor.  In 2015, he co-founded Emerge Apps with his son.  In addition to serving on the FBA Board and Membership Committee, Randy also founded and chaired Employers for Better Health, whose mission is to improve the health and safety of community members by increasing awareness and reducing risk for West Michigan Employers.  He also served as a Board Member, Chair of the Safety Committee, and Certified ABC Safety Academy Instructor for Associated Builders and Contractors of West Michigan

Michelle Timmerman, Vice Chair

Vice President and General Manager, Direct Supply, Inc.

A member of FBA since 2017, Direct Supply is a wholesale distributor of interior construction materials and is a certified woman owned organization. A second-generation family business leader, Michelle’s history in the company, business management experience, and love for design drive her passion for the business. Direct Supply Inc. supplies manufacturers, fabricators, retailers, and builders with raw materials and components that go into finished goods, such as furniture, casework, countertops, and cabinetry.

Dave Straw, Secretary

Former Chief Operations Officer, Skytron

An FBA member since 2011, Dave has provided leadership and assistance to private and non-profit organizations throughout West Michigan.   During his career, he has directed plant expansions, adopted new manufacturing technologies, created training and development programs for employees, and developed effective cross functional teams to grow and scale businesses.  He has also served at several family run organizations in key executive roles, assisting them in the transition from one generation to the next.  In addition to serving as an FBA Board Member and Peer Group Moderator, Dave also serves as a Board Member of Koeze and American Red Cross of West Michigan.

Todd Van Haren, Partner at SecurAlarm, LLC, was re-elected to continue to serve as Treasurer. Amanda VanFossen will now serve as Immediate Past Chair through 2025.

With 185 members, Family Business Alliance is a unique member-driven business association in West Michigan that stands out for its commitment to family business leadership and family ownership.  FBA serves to create a connected community of thriving family businesses, fosters peer learning, and authentic relationships.