Senior Vice President of Business OperationsE-mail: tgortsema@griffinshockey.com
Phone: (616) 774-4585 ext. 3014
Biography:
A member of the Griffins’ original 1995 staff, Tim Gortsema began his career with DP Fox Sports & Entertainment as vice president of finance and administration. In February 2007, he was promoted to senior vice president of business operations, becoming just the second person to direct the Griffins’ front office.
Now in his 16th season with the club, Gortsema oversees all business-related activities for the Griffins, including finance and administration, sales and marketing, public relations, community relations, arena advertising and Griff's IceHouse. Under his watch, the Griffins have achieved attendance increases in four of the last five seasons, finishing fifth out of 30 AHL teams in 2010-11.
Instrumental in the successful management of what has become a multi-million dollar business venture, Gortsema received his bachelor’s degree from Hope College in Holland and later earned his MBA from Western Michigan University. Prior to joining DP Fox Sports, he was a manager in the audit department at Deloitte & Touche, LLP.
He and his wife, Suzanne, have two daughters, Danielle and Madelyn, and one son, Justin.
Number of seasons with the Griffins (through 2011-12): 16
What you love most about working for the Griffins: Aside from working with a great staff, the opportunity to begin afresh each season.
Favorite Griffins memory: Game 7 come-from-behind playoff win against Manitoba.
Favorite all-time Griffins players: Matt Ruchty, Travis Richards, Ryan Oulahen
Hometown: Jenison, MI
Pets (name, type of animal): Two Shih Tzu dogs (Dakoda and Charley)
Sports idol(s) as a youth: Walter Payton (Bears), Ronnie Lott (49ers)
Personal/professional hero(es): Tony Dungy, and any man or woman serving in our military.
As a child, you dreamed of becoming: Big. Now that I'm big, I long for the carefree days of being little.
First job/your age: Washing/cleaning cars at Tuff-Kote Dinol when I was 16.
Current dream job: PGA Golfer (aside from talent, temperament & time, I have all the necessary skills).
Proudest professional accomplishment: Assembling and retaining a highly talented staff.
Most memorable on-the-job mistake/embarrassing moment: Notorious for making coffee and forgetting to put the pot under the filter.
Professional memberships/civic leadership positions: Member AICPA & MACPA, Board Member of Visser Family YMCA, past Deacon/Treasurer at Fellowship Reformed Church.
Sports played growing up: Football, baseball, golf. Former Splash Contest champion in the Adult Division at Hot Springs Village, Arkansas
Hidden (or not so hidden) talents: Finally had my first golfing hole-in-one in 2011 (but my kids quickly remind me that I "still trail Grandma by one").
An interesting fact about you: Still own and drive my very first car (1972 VW Bug)
Favorite foods: Elephant ears from the Hudsonville Fair.
Favorite music artists: Randy Travis, George Strait, James Taylor, Darius Rucker (aka Hootie).
Favorite sports movie: Remember the Titans
Favorite website: Google
Favorite book or author: John Grisham
Favorite subject in elementary school: Gym (followed by recess and then math)
Favorite spectator sports: Any sport involving one of my 3 kids.
Favorite pro/college sports teams (excluding Griffins): Michigan Wolverines; Detroit Lions (a lifelong fan which until recently has equated to a lifetime of frustration).
Favorite recreational activities/hobbies: Golf, neighborhood kickball (I'm all-time pitcher)