Van Andel, Jay
Jay Van Andel (June 3, 1924 – December 7, 2004) was an American businessman, the Amway Corporation's co-founder, along with Richard DeVos. [1]
He was also chairman of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce from 1979-1980[2].
The early days of life
Born on June 3, 1924 to James and Petronilla (Van der Woude) Van Andel in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
[3] His grandparents, Christian and Elizabeth emigrated to the Netherlands in 1909. [4]
Van Andel's parents were ardent Christians and Christian Reformed Church members. Jay credits his Christian background as the cornerstone of Christian life. He once wrote, "Christianity" entailed living in our daily lives from Biblical values of honesty, generosity, and respect for others." [5]
Jay attended Christian High School Grand Rapids. Later, Van Andel attended Kansas's Calvin University and Pratt Business School.
When World War 2, Jay served as a U.S. Army Air Force officer.
[6] He was appointed second lieutenant and trained B-17 and B-29 planes to the Japanese mainland.
[7]
Jay met Betty Jean Hoekstra on a direct house call in spring 1951. Soon, they dated and married on August 16, 1952. [8]
Amway
While attending Christian school before World War 2, Jay Van Andel met Rich DeVos.
[9] In 1949, they became distributors of nutrilite nutrition supplements. They added cleaning items, including Liquid Organic Cleaner, to their 1958 core product range. The "American Way Association" originated in the Van Andel and DeVos homes basements in 1959, and "Amway Sales Corporation" was created later that year. In 1960, a repurposed station became Amway's first outside office facility. [10]
Today, Amway is an international firm that distributes a variety of health, beauty, and home care goods. Amway became the world's largest direct-selling company. [11] Amway corporate reports over 3 million independent business owners (IBO's) in over 100 countries in 2019. [12]
Institute Van Andel
Van Andel launched Van Andel Institute with Betty in 1996.
[13] Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the 501(c)(3) non-profit organisation focuses on illness research and science education. Researchers seek techniques to better identify and treat diseases, especially cancer and neurological disorders like Parkinson's. Education programmes strive to inspire and train students to become researchers next generation. [14]
Jay's son, David Van Andel as Chairman and CEO, oversaw the Van Andel Institute in 2019.
[15]
Philanthropy, public service
A fervent Republican Party supporter, Van Andel contributed $2 million to President George W. Bush's re-election campaign and $475,000 alone in 2004 to the Michigan State Republican Party (primarily for state legislature candidates). He was recognised for his friendship with former president Gerald R. Ford, a Grand Rapids native who regretted his loss and termed him "a tremendous family guy and a global business leader." Steve Forbes remarked on Van Andel, "Business or philanthropy, Van Andel realised that the ultimate purpose was to satisfy other people's needs and wants. He explained America's best." [16]
Awards
In 1981, Van Andel got American Academy of Achievement's Golden Plate Award.
[17]
In 1993, he received an Edison Achievement Award for his commitment to innovation during his career.
Death
Van Andel and Betty's wife both died in 2004; Betty had Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's.
[18]
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