Editorials

Charles Vander Kooi, consultant, speaker, author, pastor and the founder of Hardscape Magazine passed away March 12, 2016.

Remembering Charles Vander Kooi

By Tom Hatlen

About 20 years ago I was the new Editor of what is now Green Industry Pros Magazine when I started reading Charles Vander Kooi’s book, The Complete Business Manual.

Now here was someone who knew how to tell stories that hit home. Chuck wrote from the contractor’s point of view, he made me laugh, and he got his point across. I called him immediately to see if I could get exclusive rights to publish his articles, and after some negotiating, he agreed.

8 years later (2003) I left Pro Magazine, and Chuck asked me to start up Hardscape Magazine for him. He had seen hardscaping take hold in North America and saw a need for a magazine to serve that market.

Chuck was an idea man. “Sometimes he’d drive us crazy with his ideas,” reflected long-time Senior Vander Kooi Associate Jerry Gaeta.

In the 1980s Chuck got the idea to bring together a group of exceptional people to form a speaker’s/consultant’s bureau, and Vander Kooi & Associates was born. Most of the associates were past clients of Chuck’s. He had an impact on all of them, so much so that all flew in to attend his memorial service: Jerry Gaeta, Joe Palimeno, Tony Bass, Mark Borst, Chris James, Gary Ostwald and Scott Evans.

Chuck helped launch the forerunner of FEWA (Federation of Employers & Workers of America) with Scott Evans to help contractors bring in H2B workers. FEWA is going strong today.

Chuck helped his long-time employee Tim Saul start SVK Construction to support his family. In the same way, he looked out for me thru the years creating the structure for Hardscape Magazine, relying on me to make it work, and transferring ownership to me in 2014.

Chuck wrote several books though I don’t know where he found the time. Up until a few years ago he traveled about 200 days annually. And, how was he able to write a book when he couldn’t sit down for more than 15 minutes!? Chuck’s high energy allowed him to accomplish a lot.

Everyone remembers him for his seminars. He spoke as someone who had been there. I’ve heard similar quotes from so many contractors: “It was like he was talking directly to me. It was like he knew what was going on in my business.”

Chuck’s seminars were powerful. But, they were also really funny. Anyone who’s seen him knew not to sit in the front row unless you wanted to become “Billy-Bob” and part of the show.

If you thought Chuck sounded like a preacher you were right. In addition to his consulting/seminar work, he was a pastor at the Amazing Grace Church since 1976 though I’m told he gave his first sermon at age 3 standing on a soapbox preaching to his sisters.

Chuck was a mentor to current Pastor Bob Beach for some 30 years. “But, lots of people would consider him to be their mentor,” reflects Pastor Beach. “He baptized them, performed their wedding, walked with them thru tragedies. He was very much involved in people’s lives.”

Through the years Pastor Beach turned to Chuck during difficult times. “I don't know how many times I heard these words from my wife: ‘Go talk to Chuck. He’s a very wise man.’”

For many, Chuck’s seminars opened their eyes to the secrets of running a successful business. They’d talk to him at seminar breaks because they couldn’t contain their excitement. They’d invite him to their businesses to complete the transformation of their companies.

I’ve met so many smart people who just needed the tools Chuck provided to flourish. Most of the Vander Kooi Associates can be included in that group. Today they are passing on what they learned to others. The Steven Stoltzfus story on page 10 is an example.

When Steven’s company was struggling, he was helped by contractor David Bowers. Years before, David’s company was struggling. He was helped by consultant Jerry Gaeta who years before that (when he was a contractor) was helped by Charles Vander Kooi.

Chuck changed people’s lives, and will continue to change lives thru those he’s helped, and the business systems he created. Our sincerest condolences to the family, and thank you for sharing him with us.