David Bolt, 37
Brian Burch, 37
President GMB Architecture & Engineering
Managing Partner Burch Partners
At 37, David Bolt is the youngest president in GMB AE’s history. He started working there as a 21-year-old college graduate and quickly moved into a project manager role, leading to one of GMB’s largest higher education projects: a $65 million field house complex, said friend and colleague Rob DenBesten, vice president at GMB. “Over the years, I have found David to be a caring and dedicated leader, yet humble in his success. He sees our employees not only as coworkers but as extended family,” DenBesten said. “David is a design professional who has the unique ability to empower, encourage and guide others to work collaboratively together.” Bolt said his wife of 16 years has been a constant influence for good in his life. He feels that living in Grand Rapids for the last 20 years but working in Holland has given him a great perspective on West Michigan. “My professional work has led me to participate with many different local school districts and collegiate institutions that help shape and influence the future generations of West Michigan,” he said. “I feel strongly passionate about the ties between generations, especially in our area of the world, and the ability to educate and transfer the knowledge gained from one generation to the next.” Bolt said his proudest accomplishment was working on Hudsonville Public Schools’ Georgetown Elementary School. “Nothing will ever compare to the look I witnessed on the students’ faces when they entered the building for the first time.”
Regularly landing his clients in national publications, it’s no wonder Brian Burch’s proudest accomplishment is Burch Partners, the public relations firm he started in 2013. In two years time, Burch Partners has grown from two clients — ArtPrize and Start Garden — to 26 clients across three states. Many of those clients are startup businesses, and Burch proudly states his firm is the “agency of choice for startups and organizations leading our new economy.” “We have worked with artists and eccentrics, entrepreneurs and captains of industry,” Burch said. “We turned their thoughts and ideas into messages with meaning. We told their story to the world and made a positive impact on the bottom line.” Burch also serves the community through his position on the Holland City Council, where he represents Holland’s Third Ward residents. His accomplishments as a councilman include six balanced budgets, securing $158.84 million in municipal revenue bonds to fund the Next Generation Energy Facility, and the development and launch of a new brand and identity platform for Holland. Burch also sits on the Holland Smart Zone board, is a committee member of the Holland Fiber Initiative and is a communications advisor to Failure Lab. He is also a father who works hard to instill three key traits in his young children: loyalty, honor and commitment. “Michigan is a state in extreme transition, and West Michigan is leading the way,” Burch said. “I am proud to be part of this changing cultural landscape, and for the most part, doing it behind the scenes.” 40 UNDER FORTY 2015 | Grand Rapids Business Journal 9