Family Business Council

Janice Van Dyke-Zeilstra

CEO, Darwill

Year Darwill was founded: 1951

FBC member since: 1999

FBC forum: ELFEM

FBC: Why did you decide to become a member of the FBC?

Janice: I became a widow in 1993. I then became the majority shareholder of Darwill, with my four sons owning equally the remainder of the shares. Our business was and continues to be family owned. Currently, I serve as CEO with two of my sons working along with me and five others as part of our Executive Management Team. They serve as Vice Presidents of Sales and Operations; one in Sales, the other in Operations. Dennis DuBois, the Executive Director at that time contacted me. A group of potential interested persons met in Oak Brook. From that meeting, our ELFEM forum group began. I needed a place to learn and discuss business.

FBC:  How has your life changed professionally and personally since joining the Council?

Janice: The FBC has introduced me to other family and private businesses that share in most of the same issues. Many issues are the same even though company size is not equal. I learn most from looking at other companies. It is always easier to see what someone else should do to solve a problem when the "emotion" of the decision is removed. It has been a place where I have received unbiased solutions to business situations. We have also shared how to structure bonus plans, health insurance issues and more. It is the only setting of its kind where these discussions can take place. The general meetings have provided education along with meeting those in other businesses. Personally, I have met great new friends. Our spouses are an important part of who we are.

FBC: If you could say one thing to a business owner or leader considering membership with the FBC, what would it be?

Janice: Family businesses are important to U.S. business. The FBC gives you a place to discuss business, family and personal issues with those who become friends, those who care about you, your business, your family and give you the honest feedback that is an important in the decisions you make.

FBC: Your sons are involved with the business; what is their current involvement with the company?

Janice: Two of my sons are living outside of Illinois and are not involved in the day-to-day at Darwill. They are minority shareholders and are part of an annual family business meeting. The two oldest are part of operating the company (see above).

FBC: What do you like to do in your free time?

Janice: I serve on the Board of Trustees for Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I have traveled to Uganda and work alongside my oldest son with the Uganda Orphan Relief Fund in working with churches and orphanages in Uganda. I am involved in the C200 Women's Business Organization, where I mentor young women business students. I enjoy downhill skiing and gardening. Most of all I enjoy spending time with 11, almost 12 grandchildren, seven children and their spouses, and traveling with my husband.