When it comes to making the right moves, we provide the guidance, connections, and solutions you need to proceed with confidence.

Explore Solutions

Your guide in navigating risk.

We’re your biggest supporter, loudest advocate, and one of the first calls you make when you need sound advice.

A fearless fan club

Our experience and understanding allow us to uncover solutions that fit your needs and follow your goals.

A steady guide.

We’re here to look out for pitfalls, explain the complex details in human speak, and make sure you’re always looking ahead.

The real deal

We’ll handle the hurdles, so you can focus on innovating, adapting, and charging forward confidently towards your goals.

A springboard for growth.

About us

Learn more about what we stand for (and who we stand behind.)

#fff

Because we care about more than keeping you covered. We care about providing a springboard for where you want to go, with safety and support along the way.

Big-firm expertise, boutique risk solutions.

We love spending time with our clients and being given the space to find creative, custom solutions for them.

Max founded Van Wyk Insurance Agency, now Van Wyk Risk Solutions, in 1982 with a simple belief. Strong relationships and genuine care are the foundation of great service. More than four decades later, that belief still guides the firm as it serves clients across the globe and maintains trusted partnerships throughout the insurance industry.

As Chief Executive Officer and Shareholder, Max provides strategic leadership with a steady, forward-looking approach. His background in underwriting, marketing, and program development allows him to uncover smart, practical solutions that help clients navigate risk with confidence. Licensed in Property, Casualty, Life, and Health insurance, Max brings both experience and perspective to every decision.

Max holds a BA in Economics from Calvin University and an MBA in Marketing from Western Michigan University. He has served in leadership roles across numerous civic, charitable, educational, and professional boards and has helped lead Van Wyk to multiple Agent of the Year honors. Outside the office, you will find him traveling with his wife, Carol, spending time on Lake Michigan, or quietly plotting Van Wyk’s next Mystery Trip. He is the only one who ever knows where it is headed.

#000

Max Van Wyk

Business

Alison provides strategic leadership that helps guide the direction of the firm. Her leadership influences the entire organization, with a focus on personal insurance, human resources, and information technology. She also manages private family groups, supporting the personal insurance and risk management needs of business owners, executives, and their families. She appreciates working at a company that consistently stays true to its values.

Alison oversees continuing education and licensing for professionals. She is licensed in Property, Casualty, Life, and Health insurance and holds the Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR) designation.

A graduate of Calvin University with a BS in Business and Social Sciences and Western Michigan University with an MBA emphasizing Human Resource Development, Alison enjoys time with her family on Lake Michigan and is an avid traveler. Her next bucket list destination is Switzerland.

Alison Van Wyk

Personal

Eric brings thoughtful leadership, strategic direction, and a people-first management style to the firm’s ownership team. He works closely with client managers to ensure every client receives attentive service and solutions that are anything but one-size-fits-all.

With more than two decades of experience, Eric specializes in developing tailored risk management solutions for trade associations and industry-specific programs, including dealerships and contractors. Licensed in Property and Casualty insurance in multiple states, he is known for connecting the dots between coverage details and real-world business needs. He finds our approach meaningful because it helps clients find clarity in an industry that can often feel overwhelming.

Eric holds a BA in Business and Communications from Calvin University. Outside of work, he is a proud family man and a lifelong fan of great rock music, a passion he has happily passed down to his daughters. He brings energy, humor, and a personal touch to every relationship he builds.

Eric Van Wyk

Michael supports employer-provided benefit programs and helps clients navigate day-to-day service needs and complex coverage questions. He works closely with client executives throughout implementations and renewals, ensuring each client receives a smooth, organized, and personalized experience. He values our culture that prizes honesty, respect, and doing what you said you would do.

Mike is from the Whitehall area and earned a BBA in Financial Planning and Services from Western Michigan University, along with an MBA in Organizational Leadership from Baker College. He is also licensed as a Michigan Life and Health agent.

Outside of work, Mike enjoys spending time with his family and staying busy with all the sports his kids are involved in. Whether he is coaching a soccer team or cheering from the sidelines, Mike is a true family man. Around the office, he is also known for his sense of humor and quick wit, always ready with a joke at the right moment.

Mike Belrose

Employee Benefits

Julia leads the development and execution of strategic branding and marketing initiatives across the firm. She oversees brand positioning, digital marketing strategy, and content creation, and works closely with client executives and managers to ensure every proposal and client-facing project reflects Van Wyk’s mission and meets the highest standards. 

Before joining Van Wyk, Julia built her marketing expertise at agencies, creating branding and marketing solutions for organizations across a wide range of industries. She holds a BA in English Literature with a minor in Business from Calvin University and brings a strong blend of creative storytelling, digital strategy, and client engagement to her work.

Outside of work, Julia enjoys traveling, spending time with her husband and dog, thrifting for the next great find, and getting lost in fantasy novels, where her love of story and imagination continue to inspire her creative approach.

Julia Bergquist

Client Support

Carol is the friendly voice clients hear on the phone, as well as the first to welcome them when they visit the office. She enjoys building long-term relationships with our clients. She supports the team by keeping communication flowing smoothly and ensuring every client feels heard, helped, and well taken care of.

In her role, Carol oversees the day-to-day operations of the office, coordinating reception and hospitality, certificates of insurance, supplies, IT support, and a wide range of behind-the-scenes responsibilities that keep the team running efficiently. She is licensed in Property and Casualty insurance.

Outside of work, Carol stays just as active teaching Sunday school, organizing charity events, serving on the ISJ Academy school board, and volunteering throughout the community. She is also an avid runner and enjoys spending time with her grandchildren.

Carol Bifulco

Matt provides leadership, strategic guidance, and a strong client-first mindset. As a trusted partner to Van Wyk’s clients, he works closely with client managers to design tailored risk solutions and deliver the high level of service the firm is known for. He’s proud to do this work alongside a team committed to serving others well. Known for his thoughtful analysis and collaborative style, Matt excels at identifying creative ways to transfer risk and implement group captive programs.

Matt is licensed in Property and Casualty insurance and holds the CAWC and CRM designations. He earned a BA in Business Administration from Calvin University and an MBA in Finance from Western Michigan University. Active in the West Michigan business and nonprofit community, he was recognized with the Young Guns Award by Insurance Business America.

Outside of work, Matt enjoys spending time with his family, tackling his latest fixer-upper project, fueling his passion for golf, and defending his title as Van Wyk’s Fantasy Football champion.

Matt Capel

is a trusted advisor to clients seeking personal insurance solutions built around their unique needs. With more than 27 years of experience, she draws on a strong underwriting background to guide clients through coverage decisions, support them through claims, and make sure every detail is handled with care. She appreciates the sense of purpose behind the work.

Becky is licensed in Property and Casualty and Life and Health insurance. She holds the Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation and the Associate in Personal Insurance (API) designation, and earned an associate degree in business from Davenport University.

As Van Wyk’s longest-tenured employee, Becky brings deep experience, trusted perspective, and a steady presence clients truly appreciate. She is also known for her upbeat personality and the kind of support that makes the insurance feel a whole lot easier. Outside of work, Becky is always up for a good adventure and can often be found traveling with her sister.

Becky Cooper

Ethan is gaining hands-on experience across personal insurance, commercial insurance, and employee benefits. Licensed in Property and Casualty insurance, he supports special projects and collaborates with teams across the organization to develop a well-rounded understanding of how tailored risk solutions are delivered. He’s energized by our culture that keeps asking how to do things better.

Ethan is currently pursuing a degree at Grand Valley State University’s Seidman College of Business, where he serves as a Marketing Student Assistant and President of the Professional Sales Association. He has earned Dean’s List honors while building leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.

A natural problem-solver with a strong desire to learn, Ethan is focused on building meaningful connections and supporting both Van Wyk’s clients and team. Outside of work, he is the go-to resource for all things cars. If you are wondering which Porsche is the fastest, Ethan is your guy.

Ethan Doxey

Hunter helps clients build commercial insurance strategies that support their goals and protect what they have worked hard to build. Known for his reliability and client-first approach, Hunter is committed to doing what is right and building relationships that last.

Hunter brings real-world experience navigating high-stakes decisions where education, transparency, and trust matter. He takes a consultative approach to every conversation, helping clients understand their options clearly so they can move forward with confidence. He appreciates our collaborative culture and learning from colleagues who bring deep experience and genuine humility.

Motivated and personable, Hunter is focused on delivering tailored solutions and providing consistent communication throughout the process. Outside of work, he enjoys hunting and is a true car enthusiast, always ready to talk engines, builds, or the next great find.

Hunter Glencer

Benjamin brings strong accounting expertise and leadership experience to the team. He oversees all accounting functions, including financial reporting, budgeting, and financial analysis, and is known for using technology and process improvement to strengthen accuracy, efficiency, and day-to-day operations. He appreciates the trust that defines our culture and helps uphold it every day.

A native of Grand Rapids, Benjamin holds a BS in Technology Project Management with a specialty in Accounting Information Systems from Davenport University. 

Outside of work, Benjamin stays active in the community and is enjoying the process of turning his newly purchased house into a home. He brings the same energy, dedication, and attention to detail to both his work and the people around him.

Benjamin Guis

Ryan helps clients build strategic, long-term benefits solutions that support both business goals and employee well-being. Known for his relationship-driven approach, Ryan works closely with clients to develop customized strategies that fit their organization and culture. He’s grounded by our simple standard: do the right thing.

Ryan brings a background in sales and leadership, with experience in recruitment, sales management, and leading high-performing teams. He is licensed in Michigan for Life and Health insurance and holds a BBA in Finance from Grand Valley State University, along with Series 3 and 30 securities licenses.

Outside of work, Ryan enjoys spending time with his wife and kids, staying active through running, and supporting his family in all of their adventures. He also enjoys unwinding with a good John Grisham novel.

Ryan Harris

provides leadership, strategic direction, and a warm, client-focused approach. He works closely with his colleagues to ensure clients receive custom solutions that truly fit their needs. He appreciates being part of a culture that’s always pushing to do things better. Known for his thoughtful, thorough meetings, Mark takes the time to answer questions, explain options clearly, and make sure clients feel confident in every decision.

With more than 25 years of experience in marketing, finance, and management, Mark combines business expertise with a strong client-first mindset. He is licensed in Property and Casualty insurance and holds the Certified Authority on Workers’ Comp (CAWC) designation.

Mark earned a BA in Marketing and Finance from Western Michigan University and is active in leadership programs at his local YMCA. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time outdoors as a hunting and fishing enthusiast, and he is even building his own cabin.

Mark Ignasiak

Dennis brings more than 25 years of insurance industry experience to his role. He provides strategic direction and works closely with client executives to deliver tailored risk solutions across a wide range of industries. Known for his concierge-level service, Dennis is focused on supporting both day-to-day needs and long-term goals, earning trust through consistency and follow-through. He takes pride in simplifying complex decisions so clients feel equipped, not overwhelmed.

Dennis has experience working with insurance companies as well as independent and national brokers. He is licensed in Property and Casualty insurance and holds the Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR) designation.

Outside of work, Dennis enjoys spending time with his family, especially during trips to Hawaii. He also loves attending live music shows and organizing the office Fantasy Football league, where he keeps the competition lively.

Dennis Lake

Heather plays a key role in supporting clients’ day-to-day insurance needs. She manages policy changes, claims, renewals, and coverage reviews, working closely with client executives and company partners to deliver tailored risk solutions and a smooth, responsive client experience. She appreciates working with people who care deeply—about the work and about one another.

Heather holds a Michigan Property and Casualty license and the Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) and Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR) designations. Her background in legal studies and public administration, paired with years of customer service experience, gives her a thoughtful, detail-oriented approach to helping clients feel supported and informed.

Outside of work, Heather enjoys cheering from the front row at her son’s baseball games and spending time on the golf course whenever she can, bringing the same focus and dedication she shows her clients every day.

Heather Mannisto

Traci provides strategic leadership and direction across the organization. She oversees the commercial client management team and the marketing team while also managing key client relationships and stewardship. Traci is focused on delivering an exceptional client experience and supporting the growth and development of the teams she leads.

With 25 years of experience in insurance and marketing, Traci brings a strong blend of business strategy, communication, and industry knowledge to her role. She earned a BBA in Marketing from Davenport University, holds her Property and Casualty insurance license, and has achieved the Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR) designation.

Known for her relationship-driven approach and thoughtful leadership, Traci excels at aligning strategy with the company’s mission, values, and brand. Outside of work, she enjoys baking sourdough, spending time with her husband, and soaking up every moment she can with her college-aged daughters.

Traci Poortenga

Derek helps organizations plan long-term employee benefits programs. He analyzes, designs, and implements solutions that deliver value, control costs, and improve HR efficiency, supporting both clients and the firm’s broader direction. He values being part of a culture built on honesty, respect, and follow‑through.

Derek holds a BA in Mathematics Education from Hope College and the Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) designation from The American College for Financial Services. He is licensed in Michigan for Life and Health insurance and holds non-resident licenses in many other states. He began his career through Cigna’s Sales and Leadership Academy, a foundation that continues to shape his strategic and client-focused approach today.

Outside of work, Derek is a coaching dad, a hunting enthusiast, and a dedicated coffee lover. He drinks so much coffee that his teammates often have to remind him to sip some water too. In the summer, he enjoys spending time on the water and throwing a great cookout with family and friends.

Derek Temple

Susan, with more than 18 years of commercial insurance experience, is known for her commitment to exceptional service, Susan serves as a trusted advisor to clients seeking thoughtful, comprehensive insurance solutions.

Susan is widely respected for her depth of knowledge and is a go-to resource for both clients and teammates. She appreciates working with teammates who genuinely support one another and share the work. She brings clarity to complex coverage questions and helps ensure the right solutions are in place. Susan is licensed in Property and Casualty insurance in Michigan and holds the professional designations of Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC), Associate in Commercial Underwriting (AU), Associate in General Insurance (AINS), and Associate in Surplus Lines Insurance (ASLI).

Susan is a magna cum laude graduate of Indiana Wesleyan University with a BS in Management. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, hiking, being outdoors, and hanging out with her two German Shepherds.

Susan VandenBosch

Hannah brings more than nine years of experience in insurance sales, operations, client relations, and account management. She supports employer-provided benefit programs by handling onboarding, day-to-day service needs, and complex client questions, while working closely with client executives throughout implementations and renewals.

Known for her organization and clear communication, Hannah is skilled in product analysis, proposal development, and client and employee education. She is dedicated to creating a smooth, supportive benefits experience and building long-term relationships rooted in trust and responsiveness. Hannah holds Health, Life, and Disability licenses and is a graduate of Grand Rapids Community College.

Outside of work, Hannah enjoys volunteering at her local equestrian club, spending time on horseback, updating her home room by room, and spoiling her two dogs.

Hannah Vander Ark

Beth brings more than 20 years of experience in the commercial insurance industry. With a background in both agency operations and insurance auditing, she offers clients a well-rounded perspective and a strong attention to detail.

A graduate of Davenport University with a degree in Business, Beth is known for her clear communication, proactive service, and ability to simplify complex insurance matters. She is committed to delivering a client-first experience and takes pride in building lasting relationships and providing customized solutions that align with each client’s goals and risk profile. She values how different strengths come together across the team to create better outcomes for clients.

Outside of work, Beth enjoys reading, traveling with her husband, and spending time in Pentwater. She also loves being with her kids and grandchildren and stays active through outdoor adventures and community involvement.

Beth Woltjer

A solid crew.

If you’re driven by purpose, committed to excellence, and ready to make an impact, we’d love to hear from you.

Make better moves with Van Wyk.