Meet Mike VanGessel

CEO

Mike VanGessel is the CEO and President of Voyage. Previously, he was a founding partner in Rockford Construction. He grew the company from a two-person firm to a 300-person firm with total revenues more than $625 million in 2024. In 38 years with Rockford Construction, Mike oversaw more than 7,000 projects worth $9 billion throughout the United States, Caribbean, and Canada.

As CEO, Mike led by action to ensure client satisfaction, was passionate about community, and passionate about Rockford’s long-term vision. While at Rockford Mike launched Rockford development group, Rockford property management, first cut millwork, legacy steel, and Invictus Builder.

Education & Training

  • Graduate of West Catholic Senior High School, Grand Rapids, Michigan

  • B.S. Degree in Construction Management, Michigan State University

  • Licensed builder

Project Experience

  • Amway Corporation

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan

  • Calvin College

  • Central Michigan University

  • Cherry Street Landing Redevelopment

  • Corewell Health

  • Davenport University

  • Family Video

  • Ferris State University

  • Front Row Mixed-Use Development

  • Gentex

  • Grand Rapids Civic Auditorium

  • Grand Rapids Public Schools

  • Grand Valley State University (GVSU)

  • GRid70

  • Independent Bank

  • JW Marriott Grand Rapids

  • LG Corp.

  • Meijer, Inc.

  • Monroe Center Redevelopment

  • Network 180 Headquarters

  • RDV Offices

  • Reserve Wine Bar

  • Saint Mary’s Health Care

  • United Bank

  • Van Andel Arena

  • Wayne State University

  • Western Michigan University

  • Wolverine World Wide, Inc.

Professional Associations

  • Chair, Grand River Restoration, 2014-present

  • Member, U.S. Green Building Council’s West Michigan Chapter, 2008-Present

  • Member, Grand Rapids Community Foundation, Environmental Leadership Network, 2011-Present

  • Chair, of the Municipal Council, 2021-present

  • Michigan Strategic Fund Member, 2019-2022

  • Board of Directors, The Right Place, 2009-Present

  • Member, Michigan League of Conservation Voters, 2008-2016

  • Member, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources’ Stakeholder Advisory Council, Michigan State University, 2007-2011

  • Member, All for You, Catholic Central High School Capital Campaign, 2007

  • Alumni Service Award, Michigan State University, 2009

  • Michigan Construction Hall of Fame, Ferris State University, 2012

  • Board Member, Economic Club of Grand Rapids, 2010-Present

  • Campaign Cabinet Member, Boys and Girls Club of Grand Rapids Youth Commonwealth, 2012-Present

  • Member, Talent 2025

  • President’s Advisory Council, Davenport University, 2005-Present

  • National Advisory Council, Rehoboth Christian School, 2005-Present

  • Board of Directors, Keystone Community Church, 2004-2012

  • Member, BCS Grand Rapids Business Advisory Board, 2009-Present

  • Board Trustee, Davenport University Foundation, 2009-Present

  • Member, GVSU Foundation, 2009-Present

  • Member, CEOs for Cities, 2009-Present

  • Board Member, Catholic Secondary Schools Board, 2012

  • Board Member, Christian Business Men’s Committee

  • Member, Greater Grand Rapids Home Builders Association, 1987-Present

  • Board of Trustees Member, Aquinas College, 2010-2012

  • Trustee, Grand Rapids Public Museum Foundation

  • Campaign Cabinet Member, Mel Trotter Ministries, 2010-2012

  • Board Member, West Michigan Minority Contractors Association, 2007-2011

  • Member, GRPS Centers for Innovation Advisory Committee, 2008-2011