Steven Barnes, 29
Partner Mobile Defenders, Tech Defenders and Genius Phone Repair AT 28, Steven Barnes is at the helm of three companies to watch. Genius Phone Repair, Tech Defenders and Mobile Defenders all have been Top 50 Companies to Watch in Michigan, and Genius was No. 750 on the Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Companies for 2016. “My partners and I (Garry VonMhyr and Jordan Notenbaum) opened Genius Phone Repair in 2011 with less than $9,000,” Barnes said. “We had no money and were working 80 hours each week to keep the business going. Since then, we have had success across three different companies because of that risk we took.” Today, the three companies have more than 200 employees. Barnes credits his father as his largest influence, following the death of his mother when he was 2 years old. “He worked harder than anyone I have met to provide me with unlimited opportunity, and I wouldn’t be here without him,” Barnes said. This year, the three companies are expected to bring in $75 million in revenue, and Barnes and his partners credit much of the success to the West Michigan community. The partners also recently helped launch the Hudsonville restaurant Sonder. “We cherish the ability to provide opportunity to Grand Rapids families and are proud of being from Grand Rapids,” he said. “Although I am only 29 years old, I feel we have built a tremendous organization focused on giving, innovation and community involvement. We will not stop expanding our footprint in Grand Rapids or across the USA and plan for several new ventures in the coming years.”
12 Grand Rapids Business Journal | 40 UNDER 40 2017
Max Benedict, 34 Principal Third Coast Development
HELPING SATISFY Grand Rapids’ demand for housing is Max Benedict’s game. Without being named partner at Third Coast Development, his biggest break, he might not be in the position to contribute hundreds of housing units to Grand Rapids, but now his efforts in affordable housing helped lead to his appointment to the Grand Rapids Housing Advisory Committee and could help change the city’s landscape indefinitely. “In the past year, I have worked hard to bridge the gap between policymakers and the affordable housing advocates in our community,” Benedict said. “Communicating the impact incentives have on private developers to other affordable housing advocates is key to aligning goals and developing a successful housing strategy.” His time on the Affordable Housing Task Force is appreciated by multiple city commissioners. “Max is a true asset to Grand Rapids helping push the envelope on what is possible in the sphere of housing development,” said Jon O’Connor, a commissioner and owner of Long Road Distillers. His 2016-17 was big. “Max was appointed to the Mayor’s Affordable Housing Board, approved for a great affordable housing project on the West Side, took over as president of his river association and was also asked to be on the board of directors for Goodwill,” 2nd Ward Commissioner Ruth Kelly said. “Max has a passion for both business and volunteer work in the city.” Benedict said his children, Jack and Dominic, along with wife — and fellow 40 Under 40 honoree — Whitney, fuel his desire to be successful.