Ralph

Purchasing

Ralph joins Team Van Dam in the capacity of Purchasing Manager, adding this role to the new 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 43 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 Boston and Texas and cherish time with their grandchildren. Visiting family in differing areas of the United States and 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 Masters Degree in Engineering and has held positions in several engineering, management and sales disciplines throughout the automotive industry. When asked what he will enjoy about his new role Ralph says, “It is extremely satisfying to be in a position that supports a team of craftsmen 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.”

• Started at Van Dam: 2019
• 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