Jeff also has worked with many businesses in Michigan and elsewhere on organizational structure and operational matters. He counsels business owners and executives on the use of limited liability companies, profit and non-profit corporations, limited liability partnerships and limited partnerships to achieve their succession, diversification, growth or reorganization objectives, including business transition, ownership/management conflicts, and shareholder, member or partner buy-outs. Jeff also counsels businesses on contractual matters, including non-competition and confidentiality agreements, supplier and customer agreements, as well as issues relating to personal property sales, leases and security interests.
Education & Credentials
Education
Alma College
B.A., 1984- cum laude
- with honors
Indiana University School of Business (Bloomington)
M.B.A., 1988- magna cum laude
Indiana University School of Law (Bloomington)
J.D., 1988- magna cum laude
- Order of the Coif
- Indiana Law Journal, Associate and Managing Editor
Bar Admission
Acknowledgements
- 8th Annual MiBiz M&A Deals & Dealmakers
- Real Estate and Development Deal of the Year, Advisor, 2021
- Grand Rapids Magazine
- "Top Lawyers," Corporate Law, Mergers & Acquisitions, 2019-2022, 2024
- "Top Lawyers," Mergers & Acquisitions, 2019-2022, 2023
- The Legal 500 United States
- Mergers & Acquisitions - Corporate and Commercial, 2023
- "Recommended Lawyers," 2019-2020
- Martindale-Hubbell® AV Preeminent® Rating
- Best Lawyers in America®
- Corporate Law, Mergers & Acquisitions, 2011-2025
Prominent Assignments
$57.5 million sale of distribution company to a publicly traded company.
Negotiated License, Supply and Distribution Agreement for a national craft brewery business.
$11 million asset sale of manufacturing company.
$160 million asset sale as of truck remanufacturing company.
$580 million stock sale of a telecommunications business to a publicly traded company.
$170 million asset sale of a vehicle parts business.
$10 million sale of a family-run food manufacturer.
Sale of a tool and die business to a privately held investment group.
$100+ million sale of a niche automotive parts manufacturer with plants throughout the world to a private equity fund.
$150 million asset sale of a long distance carrier to a publicly traded company.
$10 million asset sale of a family owned chain of retail stores.
$26 million merger of a local exchange company.
$35 million sale of an office equipment vendor to a publicly traded company.
Sale of various mechanical and heating and cooling companies to a publicly traded "roll-up" firm.
$10 million sale of a construction company.
Acquisition of a privately-held furniture manufacturer.
Merger of a credit union into its largest competitor.
Professional Involvement
- American Bar Association
- State Bar of Michigan
- Grand Rapids Bar Association
Community Involvement
Former Activities
- Association for Corporate Growth – West Michigan, Board Member
- Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, Small Business Celebration Committee
- City of Walker Building Authority
- Kenowa Hills High School, Varsity Basketball Coach
- Alma College, Fundraising Campaign, Grand Rapids Region Leadership Team; Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity, Board of Advisors
- Grand Valley State University, Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity, Board of Advisors
- Kenowa Hills Citizens for the Schools of Tomorrow, Co-Chairperson
- Kenowa Hills Education Foundation, Board of Directors and President
- Pilgrim Manor Foundation, Board of Trustees and President
- Pilgrim Manor, Inc., Trustee and Board President
- Samaritan Center of West Michigan, Board of Directors
- Trinity Congregational Church, Moderator, Endowment Fund Committee, Secretary, Church Council