At an Acton Institute event on Oct. 3 in Grand Rapids, Mich., Amway President Doug DeVos delivered a talk on ‘Free Enterprise and the Entrepreneurial Spirit’ to an audience of 200 people. He was introduced by the Rev. Robert A. Sirico, president and co-founder of the Acton Institute.
See the Grand Rapids Press/MLive coverage of the event in “Read Doug DeVos’ take on Amway, the presidential race and Dwight Howard leaving the Orlando Magic” by reporter Shandra Martinez.
DeVos’ Amway bio:
Doug DeVos oversees daily operations of the company and shares Amway’s Office of the Chief Executive with chairman Steve Van Andel. Since 1986, DeVos has spent his career building enthusiasm for the Amway business. His belief in its ability to foster entrepreneurs around the world is reflected in the company’s record of sales growth during his time as president, since 2002.
He also has helped Amway grow into one of the world’s most international enterprises. DeVos has also served in various leadership positions in Asia, Europe and the Americas. DeVos is the youngest son of Amway co-founder Rich DeVos. In 1959, Rich DeVos and his lifelong friend and business partner, Jay Van Andel, started Amway from their homes in Ada, Mich.
DeVos is involved in numerous international, national, and local business and civic organizations, including the World Federation Direct Selling Association, National Constitution Center, Business Leaders For Michigan, Gerald R. Ford Foundation, Early Childhood Commission and Keystone Community Church. He previously led the Economic Club of Grand Rapids as chairperson. Currently, he is chair of The Right Place, a regional economic development organization in West Michigan.
DeVos earned a bachelor’s degree from Purdue University’s School of Management. While at Purdue, he played quarterback for the Boilermakers football team. He is a member of the Dean’s Advisory Council for Purdue’s Krannert School of Management.
