A century of craftsmanship: Family firm celebrates 100 years of building homes

When David Wesselink purchased his home on South Shore Drive in 1996, he didn’t just buy a piece of West Michigan history, he gained lifelong friends in the process. 

The home, originally built in 1928 by Vander Meulen Builders for Carl Van Raalte, required minimal updates despite its age, a testament to the craftsmanship that the family-owned business has been known for over the last century.

“I hired Vander Meulen to build a new addition in 2003 that would be consistent with our Tudor-style house,” Wesselink recalls. “The best part about all these years of having them work on my house is that I found two very good friends in Jack and his wife, Brenda.”

Wesselink’s story is just one of many that highlight the lasting impact Vander Meulen Builders has had on the West Michigan community. This year, the company celebrates its 100th anniversary, marking a century of building custom homes and forging strong relationships with homeowners.

The firm was founded in 1924 by Rhine Vander Meulen, who quickly developed a reputation for high-quality work, building custom homes and summer cottages. 

Over the decades, Vander Meulen Builders has played a significant role in shaping the Holland area, contributing to the downtown landscape and fulfilling the homebuilding and remodeling needs of the region. 

The family-owned business traces its carpentry roots back at least seven generations to the Netherlands. 

Deep ties to community

“Our work is characterized by a dedication to quality, innovative solutions, and a collaborative approach,” says Aaron Vander Meulen, the current president and fourth-generation builder. “We provide peace of mind for our clients, and when they call us back to work on other projects for them or their family and friends—that’s what matters.”

The fourth-generation builder joined his dad, Jack, in the family business, in 2003. Jack came onboard in 1973 after many years as a carpenter, quickly moving through the ranks to become president in 1996.

The company’s connection to the community runs deep. Jennifer Foley, manager of downtown Holland’s Apothecary Gift Shop, remembers how Vander Meulen Builders helped transition her grandfather’s pharmacy into a gift shop in 1999, and later built her own home in 2017.

“They care deeply about the people they build homes for,” Foley says. “I remember when their president, Aaron, even showed up to my daughter’s birthday party with a cupcake while my family was temporarily living with my mom during construction! We were thrilled they would go the extra mile to make us feel connected and cared for.”

Beyond building homes, the Vander Meulen family has dedicated themselves to community service. Jack Vander Meulen, the company’s CEO, continues the legacy of his grandfather, a charter member of the Lakeshore Home Builders’ Association. 

Jack has served multiple terms as HBA president and currently sits on the board of directors for Jubilee Ministries, a non-profit that builds attainable housing. Aaron is involved with the National Home Builders Association, the Home Builders Association of Michigan, and Careerline Tech Center.