Category: Politics

Success breeds success. People want to work with those, who are successful. Is that why American Dreamer Dick Devos was appointed to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) civilian oversight board?

 

What Is Success?

 

Everyone wants to be successful, but their definition might vary. A basketball player might want to win the NBA Championship. Civil Rights Activist Doctor Martin Luther King Jr. might want justice for African-Americans. Philanthropist Dick Devos might be the son of the creator of a global brand and want to expand charter schools.

 

Each of the successful men and women create a better future. They might challenge the status quo and try to lead the world to a better reality. They lead by daring to dream.

 

A dream is difficult because you might feel alone. You might start with an idea that has never been done before. It is amazing because it has never been done before, but it can also be daunting.

 

Some will say that you cannot start a Michigan charter school due to the entrenched education bureaucracy. Mr. Dick Devos ignored the critics. He and his wife Betsy Devos started the Michigan Aviation Academy Charter School in 2010.

 

Why can’t the youth have better education? If we don’t dream, what will become of the American Dream? American Dreamer Dick Devos creates the foundation for a better tomorrow.

 

Sky High Success

 

Now, the FAA has tapped into the brilliance of Dick Devos by adding him to their civilian oversight board. Pilot Devos understands how to dream and has touched the sky himself. Now, he can help the nation touch the sky.

 

Dick Devos has run for Michigan political office. Perhaps, that was too small for him. Success does not always follow a straight path.

 

The political path of President Abraham Lincoln is a prime example. He failed several times. His message was not accepted by the people, at first.

 

And, that is another reason for dreamers having difficulties. Sometimes, the dreamers are ahead of the times. The people do not understand the dream.

 

The American Dream has brought together many people. American Dreamer Dick Devos believes it is not over. As a member of the FAA Civilian Board, American Dreamer Dick Devos is helping all to touch the sky. Learn more: http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2017/10/the_billionaire_that_put_grand.html

The John F. Kennedy Center (performing arts) has surpassed its planned budget of $125 million but still plans to increase its budget by another $50 million. In 2013, the fundraising campaign for the center planned to raise $100 million for expansion projects and another $25 million for its initiatives. However, it has already locked up at least $135.9 million. Among the center’s biggest donors with over $1 million in donation includes the Dick and Betsy DeVos Family Foundation.

 

Dick DeVos’ Philanthropy

 

Richard Marvin “Dick” DeVos Jr. is a charitable man. He and his wife, Betsy DeVos, founded (and now run) the Dick and Betsy DeVos Foundation. Since 1990, the couple has donated a lot of money to communities, religious programs, civic, artistic, and other free-market organizations in the Grand Rapids area of Michigan. The foundation has supported the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, the Thunderbird School of Global Management, ArtPrize Grand Rapids, Children First America, the Education Freedom Fund, and the West Michigan Aviation Academy.

 

Dick DeVos’ Career Accomplishments

 

Dick DeVos, born on October 21, 1955, has become a well-known businessman from Michigan. It is no wonder he works so hard to give back to the Michigan community. Mr. DeVos received his bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Northwood. He has also received honorary doctorates from the Central Michigan University, Northwood University, and the Grove City College. Working with the Amway Corporation since 1974, DeVos assumed various positions in different divisions. In 1984, he became the vice president, where he was directly responsible for the company’s operations in eighteen countries.

 

In 1993, DeVos became Amway’s president. His tenure saw the company’s global expansion to over 50 countries and across six continents. The company’s international sales also tripled. When he left the presidency seat, the company was reporting a whopping $4.5 million in annual sales. He later got involved in the management of Orlando Magic basketball franchise.

 

Dick DeVos is an avid sportsman and pilot. We see these attributes in his two-time national championship wins as a sailor, and as a qualified helicopter and jet aircraft pilot. In 1998 he released his book “Rediscovering American Values.” The publisher Weekly describes the book as an inspirational anecdote gathered from a cross-section of the population, as he explains how people have bettered themselves both morally and in their careers by practicing values such as compassion, honesty, Self-discipline, hard work, initiative, charity, and forgiveness. His book is one of New York Times bestsellers.

 

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