Alumni in Business Spotlight:

Jason Van Beck

Jason Van Beck grew up working for his dad's roofing and siding company. Today, he is the president of Capstone Home Improvement and has been living his entrepreneurial dream ever since.

What motivated you to enroll in KVCC?
My sister was two years ahead of me and attended KVCC, so when I graduated from Kalamazoo Christian High School, I enrolled too. I knew I wanted a degree in business, and starting at KVCC was the best decision financially. I graduated from KVCC in 1999 and transferred to Western Michigan University, where I earned a degree in Business Administration. I had hands-on experience working with my dad, but I knew I wanted to run my own company.

Who inspired you on your business journey?
There wasn't just one person - there were many people who helped me in different ways. I networked and connected with others in business, and those relationships influenced my decisions and growth.

Share one of your proudest moments as an entrepreneur?
I founded my company in 2010, and celebrating 10 years in business was a proud moment. Now, we're heading into our 16th year, which is what I'm most proud of. We continue to grow in residential and light commercial remodeling, and we're becoming even more specialized in the work we do in Kalamazoo County.

What advice do you have for current KVCC students?
I knew college was something I was supposed to do, but I wish I had been more involved in extracurricular activities and clubs while I was in school. Dedicate your time to your goals and follow through. I watched my dad in business and learned early on what worked - and what didn't. What I learned from him helped me avoid mistakes before they happened.

Learn more about Capstone Home Improvement at https://www.capstoneimprovement.com.