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Jon VerLee
Helping startups start up.
Jon VerLee is the Director of the Calvin Startup Garage at Calvin University, an initiative he helped launch to foster entrepreneurship among students.12 Here's a comprehensive overview of Jon VerLee's background and role:
Professional Background
Jon VerLee is a 2008 graduate of Calvin University.1 After graduation, he worked as a youth pastor at a large church in Grand Rapids.1 In 2014, seeking business advice, he connected with Tom Betts, a marketing professor at Calvin, which led to a pivotal decision in his career.1
Entrepreneurial Success
VerLee founded Breeze, a user-friendly church management software company, in 2013.4 He developed the product to address the needs of small to mid-sized churches that struggled with complex software solutions. Breeze became successful, and VerLee sold the company in 2021.4
Role at Calvin University
After selling Breeze, VerLee and his wife Kerrie decided to give back to the community. This led to the creation of the Calvin Startup Garage.1 As the Director and Entrepreneur in Residence, VerLee is volunteering his time for four years to lead this initiative.13 His responsibilities include:
- Directing the overall operations of the Startup Garage
- Mentoring and advising student entrepreneurs
- Hosting weekly meetings with participating students
- Organizing pitch competitions and "Shark Tank" style events
Vision and Investment
VerLee's vision for the Calvin Startup Garage is to "create 100 Christ-centered companies in the next 10 years".1 To support this goal, he and his wife have committed $500,000 over four years to fund the initiative and seed an endowment.1
Philosophy and Approach
Jon VerLee believes that business is a powerful tool for creating change.5 He emphasizes the importance of creating systems that generate companies rather than just starting individual businesses.1 This philosophy underpins his approach to mentoring and guiding student entrepreneurs at Calvin University.
Through his role at the Calvin Startup Garage, VerLee aims to equip students from all disciplines with the skills and resources needed to start businesses that deliver value in the marketplace while serving as agents of renewal in their communities.1
