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Jon VerLee

Helping startups start up.

Jon VerLee is the Director of the Calvin Startup Garage at Calvin University, located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. His role focuses on fostering entrepreneurship among students and professionals by providing resources and support to help them start and scale their own companies. VerLee aims to increase the number of "redemptive companies," which are businesses that prioritize positive social impact alongside profitability.23

Background and Experience

  • Entrepreneurial Focus: Jon VerLee has a strong background in entrepreneurship and has previously founded a church management software company, Breeze ChMS, which he sold in 2021. This experience informs his current role, where he guides aspiring entrepreneurs through the startup process.12
  • Educational Role: At Calvin University, he is involved not only in directing the Startup Garage but also in teaching and mentoring students interested in entrepreneurship.5

Contributions

VerLee actively shares insights and strategies for startups through various platforms, emphasizing innovative decision-making techniques like the "six thinking hats" method to enhance team collaboration and creativity.1 He is also engaged in community outreach, highlighting the importance of entrepreneurship in Michigan's economic landscape.45

For more detailed insights into his work and philosophy, you can find him on LinkedIn under the username jon-verlee-a42106b4.

Highlights

Aug 27 · linkedin

It was an honor to be hosted by Shelley Irwin on the Shelley Irwin Show to share about what Calvin University is doing with the Calvin Startup Garage - a program designed to help college students and working professionals start businesses of their own.

I can't wait for the semester to start; if you're interested in starting an endeavor of your own and looking for support, let me know. And thanks Shelley for the chance to share!

You can listen to the interview here: https://lnkd.in/gMfvRmnQ

Jul 2 · linkedin

One of my favorite tools for leading focused and productive team meetings is the six thinking hats framework.

Whether you're a founder or a department manager leading your team, understanding these hats allows you to help your team collectively solve problems rather than argue in unproductive loops with one another.

I hope you find the article helpful as you grow as a leader.

Related Questions

What inspired Jon VerLee to transition into startup support?
How does the Calvin Startup Garage support students and professionals?
What are some success stories from the Calvin Startup Garage?
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How does Jon VerLee integrate his experience in church management software into his role at the Calvin Startup Garage?
Jon VerLee
Jon VerLee, photo 1
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Location

Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States