Meaningful change in the workplace and community comes from listening to people, learning from their experiences and removing the friction that holds them back.

As a Vice President at Gentex, Joe Matthews is helping lead that change. A 15-year veteran of the global auto supply company, Joe has spent his career championing initiatives that make it easier for people to contribute and succeed. His work aligns closely with Thrive + Prosper’s mission to build a more prosperous Grand Rapids by partnering with people and businesses whose potential hasn’t yet been fully tapped.

“My passion has always been helping people and organizations reach their full potential,” Joe reflected. “It’s about creating a culture where each person is seen, valued and equipped to contribute in ways that strengthen the company and its people.”

Designing Real Solutions Around Real People

Joe believes real solutions start by listening. Under his leadership, Gentex has developed people-first strategies to reduce everyday challenges — especially in communities like Grand Rapids’ Southtown neighborhood

For example, when Gentex identified language as a barrier to employment, they launched a bilingual initiative to ensure Spanish-speaking team members had access to training materials, benefit explanations and career development tools in their native language.

Transportation also posed a challenge. When Joe and his team learned that long commutes were limiting hiring potential, Gentex partnered with Amplify GR and Rockford to open a new manufacturing facility in the heart of 49507 — its first location outside the Holland/Zeeland corridor.

And when working parents shared how a lack of childcare kept them from pursuing full-time roles, Gentex responded by building onsite childcare in Zeeland.

Joe’s commitment to practical, people-centered change naturally extended to Thrive + Prosper’s Opportunity Marketplace, where he connected with other business leaders committed to opening up real pathways for more local entrepreneurs to grow their businesses by becoming trusted supply chain partners.

After attending the March 2024 event, he joined a working group focused on supplier diversification — one of the key next steps identified by the entrepreneurs in the room.

“We want to partner with people who are building value — and that means being intentional about how we invest, who we back, and how we show up.”

Creating Tangible Opportunities for Everyone

That work is already paying off. Gentex now partners with EM Services, a local business led by President and CEO Laura Hopson — and a fellow participant in the supplier diversification working group — to source PPE through badge-accessible vending machines installed at local sites.

It’s a real-world example of what’s possible when business and community work hand in hand.

Gentex’s new Southtown facility is another. Beyond expanding Gentex’s manufacturing base, the site reflects the company’s belief that strong businesses and strong communities grow together. With plans for additional office functions, the Southtown campus represents an investment not just in production — but in people.

Joe sees this approach as essential to Gentex’s future and Grand Rapids’ future, too.

“We have a goal to be a tech and innovation hub here in West Michigan, but that can’t happen in isolation. It starts with vibrant neighborhoods and access to opportunity across the region.”

That’s where Thrive + Prosper comes in. By convening cross-sector leaders, building community ownership models and highlighting voices like Joe’s, Thrive + Prosper is accelerating a vision for a stronger Grand Rapids where growth and opportunity reach further and last longer.

Joe’s Advice for Other Leaders

When asked what advice he’d give to others exploring supplier diversity or similar initiatives, Joe’s answer was simple: know your data, reflect your community and let your values lead.

“We’re in a dynamic marketplace. Now more than ever, it’s crucial to lean on your company’s values through the turbulence and make decisions based on what will build long-term, inclusive growth. That’s how we stay anchored in what matters most — helping people grow, succeed and contribute — in a way that lasts.”