Lee and Linda DeVisser are West Michigan natives born and raised on Holland’s north side. Linda’s father owned and operated a Phillips ’66 gas station. Lee and his friends frequently stopped by the gas station during evenings and weekends. One Friday night, Lee called to ask if Linda would like to go for a ride with him and the rest is history. Their relationship is grounded by a firm foundation in faith, support from their families, and shared values.
An entrepreneurial spirit led the DeVissers to pursue real estate and property management. Lee dabbled in other things, including selling insurance, but he always gravitated back to real estate. “My dad was a poultry farmer,” he explained. “His dream was always to get into real estate, he even bought a piece of property that was zoned to develop for commercial use, but he never got around to building.”
At 26 years old, Lee and Linda moved their young family to Muskegon. Their fathers had agreed to co-sign a loan for a down payment on the Bellaire Motel. “The motel was an introduction to the start of my dream,” said Lee. “Through conversations with other business owners and entrepreneurs, we realized there was great opportunity in mobile home communities.”
The DeVissers moved back to Holland and Lee began working with partners, forming a company later known as Aspen Enterprises which listed and sold small mobile home communities. Over time, they grew an extensive network of connections, formed additional partnerships, and created a livelihood selling and developing mobile home communities in eight different states.
Lee and Linda remain devoted to the Holland/Zeeland community. Their two children, four grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchildren all live locally. “Holland is unique with its thriving nonprofit sector and support of small businesses,” said Linda. “We like that it’s an area of good, solid people with Christian values and a giving spirit.”
The De Vissers support numerous local nonprofits and causes. Their focus on giving back can be traced to their parents making sure to set aside money for tithing to church. Lee and Linda included their own family in conversations about giving and are proud to see their children and grandchildren sharing their time, talents, and treasure with the community.
Lee and Linda work with the Community Foundation to achieve some of their charitable goals. They have a Donor Advised Fund, support the MSU Bioeconomy Institute, and have chosen to leave a legacy gift by becoming members of the Bridge Builders Society. “We were working with an out-of-town foundation and made the switch to CFHZ,” said Lee. “It’s been a wonderful experience. The process is easy and comfortable, and we appreciate CFHZ’s efforts to educate donors about the many worthy nonprofit organizations in our community.”
