dan tomaszewski, 39
John Bultema, 40
It can be a hopeless feeling when a person’s once-reliable personal computer crashes. It’s also disquieting for parents who wonder about the best way to keep their kids safe when they’re online. Dan Tomaszewski resolves both apprehensions. In 2007-2009, Tomaszewski’s Computer House Calls partnered with Habitat for Humanity to establish efforts to educate parents about keeping their children safe while online by setting up new computers for Habitat homeowners that included training families how to use Cyber Safety for Kids initiatives. This awareness included Cyber Safety for Kids seminars, and underwriting child safety seminars hosted by the Children’s Assessment Center that helped parents better understand the good and bad of the “digital playground.” Tomaszewski also has discussed cyber bullying and cyber safety at various speaking engagements.
John Bultema is the exact opposite of the Texan axiom, “All hat and no cattle.” Bultema distinguished himself as the youngest president in Fifth Third Bank’s history. That promotion in 2006 is one of several professional career paths that Bultema has adroitly learned to follow from those who took note of his leadership potential. “I had many people who believed in me,” said Bultema. “And I worked hard to validate their faith in my abilities. As a result, I learned a lot about myself and grew professionally. That growth prepared me for leading the bank’s entire business banking line of business.” Bultema has forged a reputation as a civic leader. His community involvement extends to serving on the boards of the Grand Valley State University Foundation, Grand Rapids Downtown Development Authority, Ada Christian School Foundation, the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids and West Michigan United Way.
Title: President Company: Computer House Calls/Green Light Business Technology
He has parlayed his experience with computers by leading rebranding efforts and web development for the Jenison Chamber of Commerce and spearheaded the development of auction software for Holy Redeemer Parish. Tomaszewski served as table captain for the Children’s Assessment Center’s annual fundraising luncheon to comfort sexually abused children and their families. He’s also made donations of laptops, printers and free support to the Jenison High School girls basketball team.
Title: Executive Vice President Company: Fifth Third Bank
daniel Williams, 32
Title: Principal Organization: Grand Rapids University Preparatory Academy Daniel Williams is outspoken in his belief that education is the gateway to a better life. And it’s not limited to students. The principal of the Grand Rapids University Preparatory Academy fans that farreaching influence to include communities around the world. He thinks of one student in particular who helped to hone his belief in the power of education. Born in prison to incarcerated parents in Detroit, the young female student initially was raised by her grandmother until the woman died of cancer while the student was in high school. She preserved, worked hard, and graduated. That taught Williams a lesson about the potential in all regardless of circumstances. “I believe that all children from all backgrounds, of every race and socioeconomic status, and in every situation are capable and deserving of a high quality education,” said Williams. Williams’ success started at a jobs fair in Detroit with an “off-the cuff” conversation with the principal of the University Prep Academy in Detroit, which led to a job interview and a new career. He worked from 2003 to 2005 as the internship director, and then director with principal support for the Detroit Advantage Academy, positions that included organizing schoolwide programs for parents, teachers and students and developing an after-school program for at-risk boys to address their emotional and social needs. Then he was asked in 2008 to take Detroit Advantage Academy as an educational model to Grand Rapids with a new school start — an accomplishment he is most proud to have achieved with an enrollment of 300. Williams passes his knowledge and experience to students as a tutor and on field trips and provides parents with assistance in resume writing and job interviewing skills and employment searches.
He credits his father for being unsatisfied with status quo. “He encouraged me to always reach for more, to work hard and treat people with respect,” Bultema said. “No matter what my job is, no matter the customer I’m serving, no matter what organization I’m trying to help, those qualities continue to serve me well. Those are traits I try to live by today.” It’s that legacy Bultema and his wife, Tiffany, intend to pass along to their children, Johnny and Brooke. “While my children are still quite young, I take great joy and pride in watching them learn and grow and seeing what they have and will become,” he said.
40 under forty 2011 | Grand Rapids Business Journal 9
40underforty2011.indd 9
10/21/11 12:17 PM