Doug DeVos stopped by the studio for a candid conversation about wide ranging topics including podcasting, including his own “Believe! A Podcast With Doug DeVos.” We discuss how philanthropic gifts can be more impactful, what he’s learned about life (and business) by racing sailboats and the ultimate question…if being wealthy makes one happy.

Doug DeVos is Co-Chair of the Board of Directors for Amway, the world’s largest direct selling company with more than $8 billion in revenue. He previously served as President of Amway for more than 16 years. DeVos joined Amway in 1986 and served in various leadership positions for Amway in Europe, the Americas and Asia. Doug, along with his wife Maria, is the Founder of Continuum Ventures – an investment company for The Doug & Maria DeVos Family.

This episode is made possible by:

University of Michigan Health-West and Dr. Peter Hahn

Brian Kelly Photography & Film

ON LOCATION - PORT-AU-PRINCE, HAITI

Mitch Albom is a mega-selling author (Tuesdays With Morrie, The Five People You Meet In Heaven, Finding Chika), as well as a long-time columnist for the Detroit Free Press and philanthropist who operates numerous charities in the Detroit area through his Say Detroit Foundation.

Despite all his talent and massive success, Mitch often says the most important work he’s ever done is with the Have Faith Haiti Mission. He assumed operations and responsibility for this orphanage after the devastating earthquake in 2010 that leveled most of Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

In this episode recorded with Mitch at the Have Faith Haiti Mission, we dive into exactly how he became responsible for the lives of 55 kids ranging in age from 2-22 years old as well as numerous teachers at the school, nannies, cooks and other important staff. Once a child is accepted at the orphanage, they become part of a large family and are never adopted out. Mitch and his wife Janine personally commit to each child’s physical, mental and spiritual health, as well as the cost of their education through college.

This is an inspiring episode. Dive in!

This episode is made possible by:

University of Michigan Health-West and Dr. Peter Hahn

Brian Kelly Photography & Film

CO-FOUNDER OF THE COMEDY PROJECT

Joe Anderson is in my opinion one of the finest improv artists and comedic actors working today. Having worked with The Second City and also having traveled around the country for years with his own sketch comedy troupes, Joe has now bet his entire livelihood on comedy as the co-founder of The Comedy Project, an improv and sketch comedy club on Grand Rapids’ Westside that also features a comedy/corporate training center as well as private event hosting.

The pandemic made operating The Comedy Project nearly impossible and its taken a mental and financial toll on Joe and his team. But they are beginning to thrive again and there’s light at the end of the tunnel.

Joe also had a teenage infatuation with my (now) sister-in-law Kristen at a summer sports camp in Pennsylvania, something we found out about years after we met. We attempted to set the record straight in this episode.

Follow Joe Anderson on Instagram

Follow The Comedy Project on Instagram

This episode is made possible by:

University of Michigan Health-West and Dr. Peter Hahn

Brian Kelly Photography & Film