GRIN - The Organization

Grand Rapids Inventors Network is a regional non-profit organization where inventors, marketers, and creative people can learn and network to further their creative ideas.

The Board consists of:

Joe Finkler - 2013 President - Joe is the owner of the retail As Seen On TV Store in Muskegon and Grand Rapids; as a buyer, he has purchased over 4,000 different items. Joe believes in a “start smart and finish strong” philosophy in selecting retail products. Joe was instrumental in establishing the "Try It Before You Buy It" campaign with WZZM 13 News and TV Tuesdays on Radio. Mr. Finkler works as a Financial Advisor with FSC Securities Corp (http://www.pathwaysfinancialgroup.com) and has over 17 years of successful investment experience with Stocks, Mutual Funds, IRA's, 401(k)'s, and Retirement Plans. Email: jfink2090@yahoo.com

Jay Groendyke - Vice President – Jay Groendyke is the former President and CEO of Synergis Technologies Group, one of the largest privately owned tool and die manufacturers in North America at one time. Synergis led the industry in the processing, engineering and manufacturing of line, transfer and progressive dies for the automotive and appliance industries with sales in excess of $40 million annually. Under Jay’s leadership and vision, Synergis joined forces with the three largest tooling manufacturers in China, creating Synergis China Automotive Die Group (SCDG), one of the largest tooling multi-partnerships in the world. This business model gave Synergis the ability to compete globally. Known for its innovative thinking, Synergis constantly challenged the norm and reinvented the way automotive tooling was built to gain efficiencies, reduce costs and improve both speed to market and durability. The methods Synergis pioneered are the accepted practices in the automotive industry today. Jay now serves as an independent consultant, bringing his expertise, art of problem solving, coaching and implementation abilities to organizations striving to take their businesses to a new level. Email: jay.groendyke@gmail.com

Dan Clark - Treasurer - Dan is Managing Director of Plum Crazy (http://www.plumcrazydevelopment.com), a business consultancy assisting clients in the areas of product development, operations management, intellectual property strategy, manufacturing, and business finance. In 1999, he founded Dahti Seating which produced its products via patented manufacturing processes. In 2003, Illinois Tool Works acquired the company (ITW Dahti) where Dan served as General Manager. Dan is a seasoned entrepreneur and has worked for 21st Century Plastics, Cascade Engineering and is a former US Naval Aviator. Dan has a BS in Marketing from Miami University. Email: clarkd@plumcrazydevelopment.com

Bonnie Knopf - Ex-President, Product Review Coordinator - Bonnie is the President of Intrepid Plastics Manufacturing (http://www.intrepidplastics.com), a Grand Rapids-based plastic injection molder. She founded Intrepid Plastics in 2003 and the company was recognized as a top Women Owned Business in 2009. Bonnie started her career as a Program Manager in the areas of extrusion, tooling, and the injection molding process servicing large Tier 1 automotive suppliers. Bonnie has been an active leader with the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) for 9 years and is currently on its National Member Council. She is head of the local SME chapter fundraising for student scholarships and is involved with expos in the West Michigan Area. Bonnie also led the formation of WMMSU (West Michigan Manufacturing Societies United). This is a collaboration of several manufacturing non-profits uniting to support each other and manufacturing. Bonnie received a Bachelor’s Degree from Ferris State University in the Plastics Engineering Technology Program. Email: bonnie@intrepidplastics.com

Steve Chappell - Secretary, Media Director - Steve Chappell is a promotional marketing manager that launches new product lines for a Fortune 500 company. Email: schappelljr@gmail.com

Joani Gill – Board Member - Highly motivated Business Development and Financial Services Professional with extensive experience in furniture and automotive manufacturing and fashion retail. Proven track record in influencing corporate direction through strategic planning, marketing, sales and public relations. An energetic team leader with demonstrated ability in efficiently organizing people and resources to accomplish long-range goals. A visionary with excellent communication and customer relationship skills.

Dan Girdwood - Board Member - Dan is a Partner at Price Heneveld (http://www.priceheneveld.com), an intellectual property law firm. Dan specializes in the procurement, licensing, and enforcement of mechanical patents for primarily mechanical inventions, as well as the registration and enforcement of trademarks. He worked for General Motors for several years as an engineer in many different areas, including production engineering, reliability, product assurance, and government recalls and campaigns. Dan has taught as an adjunct professor at Thomas Cooley Law School, Lansing Community College, and Grand Valley State University. Mr. Girdwood is a member of the Michigan Bar, and has served as a council member for the Intellectual Property Law Section of the Michigan Bar. He is also a member of the American Intellectual Property Law Association, the American Bar Association, the Federal Circuit Bar Association, the Michigan Patent Law Association, and the Grand Rapids Bar Association. Dan's education includes a BS in Mechanical Engineering from General Motors Institute (now Kettering University), an MBA from Michigan State University, and a JD from Thomas Cooley Law School. He is a certified professional engineer in the State of Michigan, and has passed the certified public accountant exam. Email: dgirdwood@priceheneveld.com