Background
Andel, Jay Van was born on June 3, 1924 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States. Son of James and Nella (Vanderwoude) Van Andel.
direct selling company executive
Andel, Jay Van was born on June 3, 1924 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States. Son of James and Nella (Vanderwoude) Van Andel.
Student, Pratt Junior College, 1945. Student, Calvin College, 1946. Student, Yale, 1944; Doctor of Business Administration (honorary), Northern Michigan University, 1976.
Doctor of Business Administration (honorary), Western Michigan University, 1979. Doctor of Business Administration (honorary), Grand Valley State University, 1992. Doctor of Laws (honorary), Ferris State College, 1977.
Doctor of Laws (honorary), Michigan State University, 1997.
He was also known for funding religious missions and conservative political causes, including the Republican Party. In 1949, Van Andel and DeVos become distributors of Nutrilite dietary supplements. They added cleaning products including Liquid Organic Cleaner, to their core line of products in 1958.
In 1959, the “American Way Association” began in the basements of the Van Andel and DeVos homes, and later that year “Sales Corporation” was formed.
A converted service station became ’s first outside office building in 1960. Today, is a direct selling multi-national company that sells a variety of health, beauty, and home care products.
The 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization is located in Grand Rapids, Michigan and focuses on disease research and science education. Researchers look for ways to better diagnose and treat diseases, primarily cancer and neurodegernative diseases such as Parkinson"son
Education programs seek to inspire and prepare students to become the next generation of researchers.
A strong supporter of the Republican Party, Van Andel contributed $2 million to the re-election campaign of President George West. Bush, and $475,000 to the Michigan State Republican Party (mostly for state legislature candidates) in 2004 alone. Steve Forbes wrote about Van Andel, "Whether in business or philanthropy, Van Andel understood that the primary goal was to serve the needs and wants of other people. He exmplified the best of America." Jay Van Andel served as a director of the Gerald R. Ford Foundation.
In addition to, Van Andel pursued many other business ventures throughout his life.
He served as chairman of the United States. Chamber of Commerce. He was particularly interested in leaving his mark on the city of Grand Rapids, and his name appears on landmarks throughout the city.
After purchasing the 65-year-old Pantlind Hotel in 1978, he and DeVos had it rebuilt with a 29-story tower and reopened as the Grand Plaza Hotel. He donated substantial funds to build the Van Andel Museum Center to house the Grand Rapids Public Museum in 1994.
He donated $11.5 million towards the $75 million cost of Van Andel Arena downtown.
Participant White House Conference Industrial World Ahead, 1972. Chairman Michigan Republican finance committee, 1975-1981. Founding chairman Right Place Committee, Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Member advisory council National 4H Foundation. Trustee Hillsdale (Michigan) College, Citizens Research Council Michigan, Hudson Institute, Indianapolis and Washington. Director Jamestown Foundation, Gerald R. Ford Foundation.
Board directors, trustee, treasurer Washington, Heritage Foundation, Washington. President Van Andel Foundation. Co-chairman Michigan Botanic Garden Capital Campaign.
Founding chairman Citizen's Choice, Washington. Former board directors BIPAC, Washington, former chairman Netherlands-American Bicentennial Commn. Former member board governors United Service Organizations World.
Served to 1st lieutenant United States Army Air Force, 1943-1946. Member United Service Organizations World of Governors. Member Sales and Marketing Executives International Academy Achievement (charter), Direct Selling Association (board directors, hall of fame), United States Chamber of Commerce (chairman board, 1979-1980), Right Place Committee (founding chairman), de Tocqueville Society (former chairman), National Chamber Foundation (director), Mensa Society United States of America, Peninsular Club, Cascade Hills Country Club, Lotus Club, Capitol Hill Club (Washington), Macatawa Bay Yacht Club (Holland, Michigan), Le Mirador Country Club (Switzerland), Economic Club (Grand Rapids), Omicron Delta Kappa (honorary).
Married Betty J. Hoekstra, August 16, 1952 (deceased January 18, 2004). Children: Nan, Stephen, David, Barbara.