Featured Alumni
Steve Lyons '10
Employer / Job Title
Vine Line Logistics, Llc
President
LinkedIn Profile
https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenlyons1988/
1. Tell us about your journey since graduation.
I was interviewing with a large tech company for 6 months. Flew
out to Boulder, CO for the in-person, all day panel interview, only to
find out that when I got back to Grand Rapids, MI that they closed out
the position altogether and I lost my opportunity. I learned early on
not to put too many eggs into one basket. I turned around and started
doing sales for a friend's start up business called Crystal Clean Auto
Detailing. I did well selling on a commission-only basis, that I ended
up being promoted to a role that would handle the retail side of the
business. After 2 and a half years, I decided to join my Dad's
logistics and produce distribution company. Before my first day in the
new role, I asked him, "What would you like for me to do
tomorrow?". His reply, "Go learn everything." That is
exactly what I did. From the Sales / Marketing, Finance, Operations
and Human Resources departments, I learned enough to be dangerous. I
ended up working out a plan to expand the current logistics operations
and honestly, so much happened from that point on. We acquired our own
trucking assets, invested in new technology, rebranded the company,
opened up a second facility, and kept listening to our customers to
figure out the next steps. We merged with Heeren Llc in Comstock Park,
MI in 2018. In October of 2021, we ended up spinning off from the
group of companies and landed in Downtown Grand Rapids, MI with a
large enough office to expand our logistics team. I was promoted to
President of the company in December of 2021. Come full circle, I now
look out my office window and get a beautiful view of my alma mater.
2. Share a favorite Grand Valley memory.
One of my favorite memories was living with 3 of my best friends
in college at an apartment together. We met in the dorms and joined a
fraternity together.
3. What's the best piece of advice you've ever received?
Build relationships. When it feels like everything is falling
apart, those closest to you will encourage and help you through your
toughest days.
4. List three words you would use to describe your Grand
Valley experience.
1) Opportunistic
2) Community
3) Challenging
5. What difference would you like to make in the world?
I want to leave it better than I found it. I can do that by
loving others in a way that is pleasing to the Lord.
Interest Area(s)
Marketing, Supply Chain Management
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