Q&A with Amway CEO Michael Nelson: Vision for Amway Stadium and Community Impact in Grand Rapids
Michael Nelson - Amway CEO
At the core of what makes Grand Rapids' forthcoming soccer stadium so captivating is the opportunity to celebrate community spirit and welcome another compelling sports team, a rallying force, to West Michigan.
Michael Nelson, President and CEO of Amway and a lifelong supporter of local sports, says he has always valued the community energy and atmosphere that comes with every game. Amway Stadium aims to be much more than a sports venue in his mind; it seeks to be a hub for shared experiences, showcasing Grand Rapids, its people, and the pride we have for our city. Michael also notes his excitement in blending Amway’s local and global mission with the enthusiasm professional soccer captures across the world, and now in West Michigan.
In a recent interview, Michael spoke further about Amway Stadium and its future impact.
Q & A with Michael Nelson - Amway CEO
GR& Riverfront: What inspired Amway to make this significant commitment to the new downtown soccer stadium and to visibly connect the company to this venue?
Michael Nelson: Though our business spans the world, our home is West Michigan. It has been since Rich DeVos and Jay Van Andel founded the company in 1959 – and always will be. This community is special to Amway and the 2,500+ employees that work in our Headquarters location in Ada.
That’s why we’re committed to ongoing investments in this community – its people and its success. We’re proud to support the vision of Grand Action 2.0 and to continue Amway’s legacy of community partnership. It’s an honor to have our name associated with such an exciting new landmark in Grand Rapids.
GR&: Grand Rapids as a city, and Amway as a company, have great histories in sports. What is it about sports that brings people together – both in a region and via a company? What about that excites you with regards to this new stadium?
Michael: We are a people business, and sports bring people together. It’s often a source of community and connection – offering shared experiences and points of pride. Those ideas are part of Amway and the thousands of communities around the world that Amway Business Owners create.
While this will be the home of a new soccer club, the Amway Stadium will also provide much more – a hub for community interaction and healthy activity. Just like the team it houses, it will be something this community can feel proud of, because it will make Grand Rapids a destination for people to visit across Michigan and beyond.
“While this will be the home of a new soccer club, the Amway Stadium will also provide much more – a hub for community interaction and healthy activity.”
GR&: Many of Amway’s efforts in the region are focused on activities that promote a healthy lifestyle and togetherness, including the Amway River Bank Run. Why is this a focus and how does the soccer stadium connect to it?
Michael: Amway’s purpose is to help people live better, healthier lives. This is our promise to every community we serve – from Asia, to Europe, to South America, to our home in West Michigan. And Amway solutions are focused on supporting people’s health and wellbeing journey. Therefore, this soccer stadium is a natural fit!
Our Founders, Jay Van Andel and Rich DeVos, believed that all of us are responsible for using our talents to make the world a better place. Supporting our community and working together have been key parts of Amway since 1959. Rich and Jay knew that a strong partnership, using our unique skills and talents toward a shared purpose, allows us to go far. West Michigan demonstrates this uniquely through the many public-private partnerships that occur, including the soccer stadium.
GR&: Thousands of Amway employees are based in western Michigan and many Amway Independent Business Owners visit regularly. What will this stadium mean for them?
Michael: For 65 years, Amway has been part of the West Michigan community. It’s where our Founders were born, started a business, and raised their own families. The Grand Rapids landscape was shaped through that support and regional commitment. We’re proud to have our name on a new regional landmark and to keep Rich and Jay’s commitment alive. We hope that our employees, Business Owners, and broader community see this not only as a commitment to our region, but also an investment in our health and wellbeing focus.
GR&: Soccer is a global game that has grown greatly in popularity in the United States in recent decades. Does the global nature of the game and the global nature of the Amway business go hand-in-hand?
Michael: Amway operates in more than 100 countries and territories – with millions of passionate Amway Business Owners building health and wellbeing communities. We’re the #1 direct selling company in the world. And soccer is the #1 sport in the world – inspiring a unique comradery and community spirit. Supporting this soccer stadium is a great example of building community based on our unique values.
We know that we’re all stronger, and better, when communities come together and rally for a shared purpose. We’re excited to see what the future of West Michigan soccer holds. For our community, and for global fans of this great sport!
Stay locked to GR& Riverfront for the latest on Grand Rapids soccer and more, with a team and league announcement on the horizon.
