Author: KMF Infotech

Josh serves as Chief Strategy Officer for Owen-Ames-Kimball, a West Michigan based commercial construction contractor. Utilizing his two decades of experience in the commercial construction industry, Josh specializes in planning and delivering institutional construction projects, process management, and business strategy. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Michigan Technological University and a Master’s in Civil Engineering from Purdue University. He is a licensed and registered Professional Engineer in the State of Michigan and a LEED Accredited Professional.

 

Josh actively volunteers at board, committee, and coach levels with Cannonsburg Challenged Ski Association, John Ball Zoo, Michigan Society of Professional Engineers, Forest Hills Youth Ski Team, and St. Thomas the Apostle School.

 

Josh, you have years of Senior Executive leadership experience. Who are the people who have had a profound influence on you and your leadership style?

I’ve had the benefit of learning from many great leaders who’ve invested in me and taken an interest in my career. If I started naming names, it would be hard to stop. As a firm believer in Jim Rohn’s philosophy, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with,” I have noticed if you have a great leader in your life, you have both a model to intentionally follow, and you organically pick up that person’s traits. Spend time with people who reflect your values and the person you’d like to become. If you don’t have a good leadership example, model, or mentor, invest in seeking them out.

 

Talk to us about company culture. What are some values that you and your team live by? 

Company culture has always mattered, but I don’t think business leaders always recognized the extent to which it mattered, especially in a market of plentiful labor. The importance of culture is indisputable today – it has become THE most important factor in both employee and client attraction and retention. Culture impacts the way we interact with one another, the way we feel, and ultimately the work that we do.

 

At O-A-K we have a strong culture of trust. We also have a high degree of autonomy. I trust that others will honor their commitments and we able to count on each other, not just internally but also through our partnerships with clients, architects, and trade contractors. That dynamic also comes a level of humility and servitude. I use the phrase “serve others well” frequently.  Are we providing best-in-class solutions? Are we utilizing all our resources to solve issues collaboratively? And are we telling our teams and clients what they need to hear, even when it’s not what they want to hear? We routinely ask ourselves these questions. Because we have a culture of trust, we’re able to serve each other well, ask and answer the tough questions, and everything else falls into place.

 

We know you are someone who gives back to the community in many meaningful ways. Tell us about a cause that is near to your heart. 

I’ve been a volunteer with the Cannonsburg Challenged Ski Association (CCSA) for over 10 years.  This organization provides adaptive equipment, instruction, and funding to ensure people with a range of physical and cognitive disabilities have access to alpine skiing.  Many of our athletes would not be able to align all of the necessary resources without assistance of a program like CCSA.  The group has modeled inclusion for over 40 years – well ahead of their time.  Having an outdoor activity to look forward to during West Michigan winters changes your whole perspective on the season, especially for those with a disability.  Although not all our athletes are able to verbally communicate the same way I can, the happiness and gratitude always shine through, and it’s contagious.

 

When I speak with other business leaders in West Michigan and the Lakeshore, one very consistent and inspiring trend is the amount of community service work in our region.  Almost all successful leaders in our area have poured themselves into one or more causes that make life better for all of us in West Michigan.

 

What is a book that you’ve read or an influencer that you watch that has made you a better leader?

The classic “How to Win Friends and Influence People” (Carnegie) is still as relevant today as it was when written 85 years ago.  I slant left brained and need fairly consistent reminders to practice empathy. A personal approach goes a long way.  I try to consume a book on the business bestseller track every month or two, industry publications, and remain a daily reader of the Wall Street Journal.  The most recent read I stopped and took notes on was Extreme Ownership (Willink and Babin) – a must read for current and aspiring leaders. I also have a habit of immediately passing along any book or article I think worthy, so my library tends to be distributed throughout West Michigan. The remnants of the best books are random notepads containing my cliff notes.

 

Can you share why it is a priority to you to invest in economic development?

One of the beautiful things about the American organization of cities, townships, counties, and states is their ability to compete for businesses attention and physical location based on their business climate (talent, resources, legislative structure, etc.).  Economic development is how we compete and demonstrate our region’s model as the best. It’s also how we bring new ideas, leaders, and businesses to our area, ensuring that our local economy isn’t just a zero-sum equation, but that it grows, adds value, and attracts capital from around the world.  We all benefit by attracting and retaining best-in-class businesses that contribute to our local community, while serving customers around the world.

Jack Johnson is a visionary entrepreneur who is adept at finding the value and potential in challenging opportunities. With specialized knowledge of capital projects involving chemical, electrical and mechanical engineering disciplines, Jack eagerly tackles challenging projects governed by complex regulations, requirements and standards.

 

As the co-founder of two unique technology companies in the energy storage industry, he’s spent his career driving innovation and process improvement with a refined focus on lean manufacturing and processes. Aside from his extensive technical knowledge, Jack possesses the ability to cultivate deep, meaningful, lasting partnerships and business relationships across industries.

 

Founded in 2014, Volta Power Systems provides safe, powerful and simple lithium-ion energy storage solutions for small to midsize businesses. RV, marine and specialty vehicle OEMs trust Volta to deliver advanced, automotive-grade power systems that enhance the lifestyle, freedom and comfort of their end-users.

 

Jack Johnson co-founded Jolt in 2014 along with chief science officer Tom Guarr. The company is using molecular design principles to create organic compounds that will revolutionize the field of energy storage, including improved battery safety and grid-scale organic redox flow batteries. Jolt is located in the Michigan State University Bioeconomy Institute in Holland, MI, where Guarr serves as Director of the Organic Energy Storage Laboratory.

 

Jack, you have years of Senior Executive leadership experience. What has been a lesson learned that you have been able to pass along? 

Have a plan, do your research, insure you know your competitive advantage, then find the right people with the capability and drive to succeed.  Make sure you have some fun while doing it.

 

Talk to us about company culture. What are some values that you and your team live by? 

Volta is a fast-paced and growing business in the middle of some incredible advancements in energy storage technology. However, in the midst of that growth, we have been intentional in cultivating a team of highly-skilled, diverse and collaborative people, each of whom embody our core values:

• Learn – Grow – Succeed
• We Listen = We Do
• Everyone is Smiling
• Drive for Success

 

What is something that is currently energizing you about the business or industry?

Everyone in mobility is talking about advanced energy for EVs right now. There’s immense global investment now in the trillions of dollars along with consumers seeing the advantages of energy storage over traditional solutions. Volta is right in the middle of it!

 

Our exclusive technology design for mobile applications like RV, marine and work trucks, is providing us with the opportunity to build a great business here in the US. It represents both a user experience improvement and real economic returns. Two things that have us really excited right now are 1) the growth of off-grid and stealth camping in the RV sector and 2) the growing demand for idle-free solutions in municipalities and utilities.

 

On the RV side, we absolutely love seeing more and more campervans like Winnebagos and Storytellers running down the road. We’ve got users of these products that are living full time on the road and never stay in campgrounds because they’ve got all the power they need stored in their Volta system. We even have a user that tours and plays folk music and powers his concerts from the van.

 

On the work truck side, we’re excited to see cities adopting our technology for applications like fire trucks and utility trucks. These organizations can cut their emissions from idling to zero and work without disrupting sleeping residents.

Industry 4.0 is becoming a big topic of conversation. Can you share where this fits in as a priority at Volta Power Systems?

Volta is leaning strongly into advanced materials, data and IoT connectivity. As advanced energy storage is at the heart of our business, we are working with our suppliers constantly to gain access to high-density chemistries that enable greater energy storage with a fraction of the weight or space of previous batteries. We’re then going to the next level by integrating a custom battery management system to optimize performance while exporting data that not only benefits the user but also provides us with performance information of our units as they’re used across the country.

 

Can you share why it is a priority to you to invest in economic development?

Economic development initiatives like Lakeshore Advantage played a leadership role in transforming West Michigan into the hub of advanced energy storage manufacturing that it is today. As a result, we have access to incredible talent and intellectual capital that few other US cities can claim. Volta was born out of that environment.

 

Our continued investment in economic development today is not only a way to give back, but is to support continued cultivation of new markets, talent acquisition and entrepreneurial growth.

Rich was the principal founder and chairman of Lake Michigan Financial Corporation which started and owned The Bank of Holland and InSite Capital. InSite Capital helped to develop affordable and workforce housing. Rich was involved in the West Michigan charitable community, was Chairman of Grand Angels (an angel investing organization) for ten years, and was an active member of Riverview Development, focusing on downtown Holland development.

Rich, you have years of Senior Executive leadership experience. What has been a lesson learned that you have been able to pass along? 
Success in any organization depends on finding and developing the best people for the current and future needs. Everything depends on having and keeping the best talent.

 

Talk to us about company culture. What are some values that you and your team live by? 
Culture is not a statement-it is how you run the business or organization each day. Values are set at the very top of the organization and everyone watches what you do as opposed to what you say.

 

What is your biggest insight from the last year and the disruption that has been navigated? 
The last year underscored the importance of building resiliency in organizations and in our personal affairs. We proved that we could build efficient systems that proved not to be resilient. It showed up in supply chains, staffing models, financial structure, and personal investments. We need to improve in this as an organization, society, and individually.

 

You partner with a variety of mentorship and investment organizations. Why is it important to you to give back?
When we started the bank, we had wonderful partners- directors, investors, advisors. They helped me become a better leader and manager. By giving back, I feel like I am paying back the wonderful assistance these people gave me. This willingness to help other businesspeople is a hallmark of the Holland/Zeeland community and directly contributes to its’ success.

 

Can you share why it is a priority to you to invest in economic development?
This area is an economic miracle and is unique in many respects. I have worked in markets that do not have our success and without it, everything else is much more difficult. Economic vitality drives housing, education, social progress, and other areas of community development.

Nick Nykerk is the President of Lakewood Construction, a commercial construction firm that serves clients throughout West Michigan.

Nick leads the Lakewood team, bringing his 18 years of experience in the industry, to help build relationships throughout the community and help clients have a successful building experience. In 2019, he was one of the Grand Rapids Business Journals 40 Under 40 Business Leader Honorees.

 

Nick is the Board Chair for Compassionate Heart Ministry and also sits on the boards of Lakeshore Advantage Now for Next, Associated Builders and Contractors of West Michigan, and TCF Bank West Michigan.

Nick received his bachelor’s in construction management from Michigan State University. Upon graduation he was hired by McCarthy Building Companies and gained valuable experience working various large-scale projects throughout the western United States before returning to Michigan and joining the Lakewood Construction team.

 

Questions:

Nick, you have years of Senior Executive leadership experience. What has been a lesson learned that you have been able to pass along? 
One lesson I have learned and try to encourage others in is to enjoy wherever you are at in your career now. As I look back on my own career, I realize I’ve had a few seasons where I was discontent because of my title or lack thereof. The reality is that regardless of title or role, I was in a position to learn, serve, and grow professionally. More importantly I was in a position to grow as a person. If you are someone with high integrity and a good work ethic, you will get your shot. Whether or not you are where you want to be right now, enjoy each season as it comes and try to find the lessons you can take from each.

 

Talk to us about the culture at Lakewood Construction. What are some values that you and your team live by? 
I think if you asked many of our employees at Lakewood, they would say that they feel more like friends and family than co-workers, and that is exactly what we want. Our team cares about each other and making sure that everyone is valued no matter their roll.

 

Our recently rolled out internal values help us better articulate who we are and who we aim to be every day using the acronym BUILD.

 

B – Build Trust. By communicating openly, being personally accountable, and consistently exceeding expectations.

U – Utilize Teamwork. By coming together and combining our individual experience, talents, and expertise into one tight-knit team.

I – Inspire Innovation. By continuously learning, growing, and pushing to find a better way.

L – Lead Through Serving. By treating others with respect, always being willing to lend a hand, and making a point of giving back.

D – Deliver Excellence. By anticipating challenges, focusing on the details, and investing in those who we serve.

 

What is your biggest insight from the last year and the disruption that has been navigated? 
The last year has certainly been a year of challenges and growth for everyone. As someone who is a high factfinder (Kolbe Index) and someone who loves strategic thinking, I can sometimes fall into analysis paralysis. The past year has given me the opportunity to push past that and make decisions with incomplete and often conflicting information. In many situations, the right or appropriate answer is obvious. However, throughout the pandemic, we have been challenged to make vital decisions knowing that not everyone is going to agree or even like the ones that you are making. While it has been a hard year for everyone, the silver lining is being able to take valuable lessons from these situations and become better leaders and people.

 

You celebrate 50 years in business this year. Looking back, what would you consider a milestone moment in Lakewood Construction’s history that speaks to the longevity of your business? 
In our 50 years of business, we hit a milestone each and every time a client chooses to work with Lakewood on a second, and sometimes even third, or fourth project. Repeat clients are a true testament to the team here and everyone’s dedication to creating raving fans. We don’t just want a successful project; we want to see our clients succeed in their new spaces for many years to come.

 

What is a book that you have read or an influencer that you watch that has made you a better leader?
Someone I discovered and have been continually learning more about ever since is Dr. Edward Deming. While much of what people know him for is improvement in quality, he was also committed to training people on how they worked and learned together. He eventually created “The Deming System of Profound Knowledge”. This system gives leaders a framework for enhancing and transforming how their organization operates. While he goes through many different practices and thought ideas, one of my favorite takeaways is the emphasis on ensuring that those closest to the problem are empowered to provide the solution.

 

Can you share why it is a priority to Lakewood Construction to invest in economic development?
At Lakewood we believe that communities with strong businesses can and should lead the way in generating resources for the community and region. Economic development leads to economic prosperity which is the catalyst for a vibrant community. From social services to philanthropy to the people living/working in our community, we want it to be a place where we can all continue to grow and succeed together.