Ralph

Purchasing Manager

Ralph joins team Van Dam in the capacity of Purchasing Manager, adding this role to the life he and his wife are carving out in Boyne City. Being in the process of remodeling his second home in our area, his experience in woodworking brings a much appreciated slant to an integral position in the company.

He and his wife of 45 years (and a successful Federal court reporter) are quite proud of their two children, raising them in the Owosso, MI area. They enjoy seeing them succeed as adults in East Grand Rapids and Austin, Texas and cherish time with their grandchildren. Traveling for business/pleasure throughout his career have fed the travel bug he has acquired. Ralph is pleased to say that to date, he has enjoyed visiting and working in 11 countries in the Asia Pacific region, including a stint in Shanghai, China as a Director of Sales for a major automotive supply chain company. He and his wife love meeting new people in new places and the rewarding experiences that come from that.

Ralph holds a BS Degree in Chemical Engineering and an MSA Degree.  He has held positions in several engineering, management and sales disciplines throughout the automotive industry. When asked what he enjoys about his role Ralph replied, “It is extremely satisfying to be in a position that supports a team of craftspeople that build unique and world class wooden works of art.  As a boater my entire life, it is great to be working in an industry that makes people smile.”

• Born in: Lansing, MI
• Graduated: Michigan State University and Central Michigan University
• Favorite projects to work on: Renovation and maintenance of the homes he lives in
• Favorite Fundamental:  #35- Plan Ahead
• Best thing about working at Van Dam:  Working around talented people everyday and watching them make someone’s dream come true.