A Conversation with Jack Van Namen

Closing out the business department’s Conversations on Leadership series, Jack Van Namen ’68 was interviewed by Associate Professor of Business Rick Hamilton. Van Namen is the director of sales at KBC Direct Floral Programs, a wholesale floral business with 11 locations in the Midwest.

The floral business was part of Van Namen’s growing up. His family emigrated from Holland in 1955 when he was seven years old, a move that was difficult for him to accept. After being questioned by extended family about the wisdom of the decision to move, Van Namen’s father replied, “I have two hands, and I have a father in heaven, and that’s all I need” – a mantra that stuck with Van Namen throughout his life.

To make a living for his family in their new home, Van Namen’s father had tulip bulbs shipped from the Netherlands and peddled them from house to house. From there, he drove a truck for a local floral company and eventually bought out the business, which eventually became Van’s Floral Products.

As Van Namen rose in management in his father’s company, he learned several things about how to run a business. Eventually, his father handed him the baton, making him CEO of the company.

The interview with Van Namen covered more than the dos and don’ts of business. Van Namen shared his journey to becoming a leader of integrity.

“You have to lead by example,” Van Namen stated simply. “You have to be able to do what you expect others to do.”  

“You have to lead by example.

Jack Van Namen

After decades of growth Van’s was acquired in 2012 by KBC, where Van Namen serves as director of sales.

The interview was held in the Van Namen Recital Hall, a room named in honor of Van Namen’s family, supporters of Trinity and Christian education.