This mission began with Doug’s business career. He served as president and is now co-chairman of Amway, a direct-selling company built on a belief in people’s entrepreneurial potential. The company now has more than $8 billion in revenue, all because it empowered millions of independent business owners to strengthen their communities.
In his 16 years as president, and his nearly 6 decades in and around the company, he came to appreciate that everyone has an inner entrepreneur and a unique capacity for improving the world around them. He’s seen further proof in his roles as a federally appointed member of the U.S.-India CEO Forum and chairman of both the World Federation of Direct Selling and U.S. Direct Selling Associations.
Doug’s philanthropy is equally devoted to empowering people. From his home in Grand Rapids, he and his wife, Maria, invest in local changemakers and social entrepreneurs tackling problems close to home in new and innovative ways. As chairman of the National Constitution Center, he’s supporting efforts to move America closer to its promise of liberty, equality, and justice. And as chairman of the Frederick Douglass Society at Stand Together, a philanthropic community tackling America’s toughest challenges, he’s engaging a new generation of philanthropic leaders to engage and empower people at every level of society.
Doug’s beliefs infuse his love of athletics and adventure. He’s co-owner of the Orlando Magic, where he’s seen sports give people a sense of community and passion. And as a lifelong sailing fanatic, an accomplished skipper in his own right, and the principal of the America’s Cup team, American Magic, he’s seen sports bring out the best in people and inspire the world.
Doug has always believed that tomorrow can be better than today. It stems from his education at Purdue University. It is derived from his faith, which guides who he is. And it’s definitely tied to Doug’s family.
Years ago, his dad Rich wrote a book called Believe!, urging people of all walks of life to apply their beliefs and lead lives of meaning. Through the Believe! Podcast, Doug is doing the same thing, inspiring people of all backgrounds to share their beliefs and help shape America’s future for the better.
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