Companies are always looking for advantages in a world that is evolving rapidly with ever-increasing demands on time and productivity. Many leaders understand the best investment for their future success is in their people. That is at the heart of the Institute for Professional Excellence (IPEx) at Davenport University.
What began as the Lettinga Institute has grown into a powerful resource for professionals and organizations across Michigan and the globe. By offering innovative and relevant programs, IPEx is transforming careers, strengthening businesses and helping professionals adapt to the ever-changing demands of today’s industries.
Executive Director of IPEx Dan Rundhaug said IPEx blends all of the leading academic thought that is application-oriented to equip teams to create a business impact.
“We are committed to offering results-oriented programs that serve the corporate community,” said Rundhaug. “IPEx is a place that companies choose to help drive their strategic learning and development plans, because we actually listen to what their unique need is, and then craft a plan that is a hand-in-glove fit for their personal solution.”
Based in Grand Rapids, with a team of seven, IPEx now supports professionals in 19 states and 25 countries. Its global reach, combined with its local impact, reflects a unique blend of community-focused education and world-class expertise and impact. Its portfolio includes a wide range of learning opportunities, from public programs in Grand Rapids, Lansing and other locations, to custom training solutions designed for businesses–both in-person and virtually.
DP Fox Ventures, LLC is a diversified group of companies, headquartered in Grand Rapids, with interests in transportation, sports and entertainment, fashion and real estate. President and Chief Strategy Officer Diane Maher said DP Fox has worked with IPEx for years.
“They understand our business, our leadership, our challenges and what we are trying to accomplish,” said Maher. “We trust them. That takes time and investment on both sides.”
Maher said not only has DP Fox been happy working with Rundhaug and his colleagues, she has appreciated the benefits of the leadership education, the DISC training for leaders and the other courses offered to improve performance and increase loyalty.
“What we find most beneficial is not only the training itself, but the investment in building our people,” said Maher. “They begin to look at themselves as not just employees but as leaders in the company who can make a difference. Believing and investing in people can have a powerful impact on them and our company.”
Stanley Meelker is a learning and development specialist with Flexfab, a global manufacturer of performance silicone in Hastings, Michigan. Meelker said the company has leveraged Michigan’s Going Pro Talent Fund to pursue upskilling for its employees through IPEx.
“We have leveraged the project management, supply chain management and data analytics courses for some of our employees,” Meelker said. “All the courses have resulted in great feedback internally as we focus on upskilling our employees. I’ve received the most feedback on the data analytics course, which has provided insight to our employees with meaningful ways to interpret data in their day-to-day roles.”
IPEx’s collaboration with corporate partners, such as the State of Michigan, Meijer and Corewell Health, has helped thousands of employees begin or continue their educational journeys with Davenport University. IPEx offers corporate training, providing on-site services or hosting businesses at one of Davenport University’s campuses. It also provides strategic planning retreats and executive coaching, helping leaders refine their approaches to decision-making, team alignment and long-term success.
As technologies and industries evolve, so does IPEx. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and other technological advancements into professional development will ensure that IPEx remains at the cutting edge of workforce education. But what leaders at IPEx and at the companies they serve know is that the future of workforce development will be shaped by humans intersecting with technology.
“While technology will be the engineer of the future, humans will still be in the driver’s seat,” said Rundhaug. “IPEx’s unique approach to developing leaders to do their jobs better provides the type of experience for companies to excel.”
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