Mike Van Ryn

Director of Talent Development, Zeigler Auto Group

Mike Van Ryn is the Director of Talent Development for Zeigler Auto Group, headquartered in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Zeigler was founded in 1975 and is a retail automotive group with 35 stores in 4 states and over 2,500 employees.

Mike’s responsibilities include culture, leading the recruiting team, sales, manager trainings, leadership development, Zeigler University, Performance Groups, recognition and some functions of HR. Mike was recognized in 2012 with the company’s highest award, the Legacy Tribute. Mike has been featured in 269 Magazine, MLive, CarBiz Magazine and Automotive News for innovative motivation, culture, recruiting and training in the automotive industry. He has spoken to numerous organizations about best practices in business and leadership. Proud moments were speaking at the Faith-Based Leadership Conference Wrestling with Life Summit in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, speaking for Millennium Restaurant Group Leadership Conference, KSS Enterprises Leadership, Disrupt HR, and the HUMANeX Leadership Summit.

Prior to joining Zeigler, Mike was a principal and teacher in Byron Center, Michigan. A few of his proudest moments were when the school became a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence and also being one of the youngest principals in the school system’s history.

Mike graduated from Western Michigan University with his BA and continued on receiving a Master’s Degree.

Mike’s wife Kari is a fellow Bronco and an Occupational Therapist and team lead for Mary Free Bed. They have a 20-year old son Nate, who is a finance manager at Zeigler. His daughter Annika is 23 and is a pediatric nurse at U of M Mott Children’s Hospital. Mike’s family traveled to China to add Hayden a 9 year-old to the family. Mike loves playing golf, snowmobiling, skiing and has run several triathlons and distance races over the years. His hot buttons are talent, culture, recognition and country music!