Early Life
Van Andel was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1924. He met Richard DeVos in high school when Van Andel charged DeVos 25 cents for rides to school in his 1929 Model A Ford.
After high school, Van Andel enlisted in 1942 in the United States Army Air Corps as a private during World War II and came out four years later as a first lieutenant.
After returning from military service, Van Andel and DeVos teamed up on several business ventures, including a flight school, a drive-in restaurant, and an import business.
Read more about this topic: Jay Van Andel
Famous quotes related to early life:
“... business training in early life should not be regarded solely as insurance against destitution in the case of an emergency. For from business experience women can gain, too, knowledge of the world and of human beings, which should be of immeasurable value to their marriage careers. Self-discipline, co-operation, adaptability, efficiency, economic management,—if she learns these in her business life she is liable for many less heartbreaks and disappointments in her married life.”
—Hortense Odlum (1892–?)