D. J. DePree
Encyclopedia
Dirk Jan De Pree was born in Zeeland, Michigan
in 1891. His father was a tinsmith
who was active in local politics. His grandparents were Dutch Calvinists who had immigrated to Zeeland in the late 19th century.
In 1914, D. J. married Nellie Miller, daughter of Herman Miller
. That marriage produced three sons, two of whom would eventually join their father in the business. The third became a college mathematics professor.
Herman Miller was never active in the business. However, D. J. credits him with adopting a policy of quality through the use of the best materials and best workers.
In 1960, D. J. contracted an illness which cut short his career. He stepped down as CEO in 1961. When he recovered, there was no longer room for him as CEO. The new management team consisted of sons Hugh and Max
. D. J. continued to provide input and inspiration as chairman emeritus but the sons ran the company.
Zeeland, Michigan
Zeeland is a city in Ottawa County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 5,805 at the 2000 census. The city is located at the western edge of Zeeland Charter Township which is politically independent. Its name is derived from the Dutch province of Zeeland...
in 1891. His father was a tinsmith
Tinsmith
A tinsmith, or tinner or tinker or tinplate worker, is a person who makes and repairs things made of light-coloured metal, particularly tinware...
who was active in local politics. His grandparents were Dutch Calvinists who had immigrated to Zeeland in the late 19th century.
Early life
D. J. graduated from high school in 1909 and went to work as a clerk for the Michigan Star Furniture Company in Zeeland. The company had been formed four years earlier. De Pree's job consisted of general office work, taking orders from his boss.In 1914, D. J. married Nellie Miller, daughter of Herman Miller
Herman Miller (office equipment)
Herman Miller, Inc., based in Zeeland, Michigan, is a major American manufacturer of office furniture and equipment, as well as furniture for the home. It is notable as one of the first companies to produce modern furniture and, under the guidance of Design Director George Nelson, is likely the...
. That marriage produced three sons, two of whom would eventually join their father in the business. The third became a college mathematics professor.
Career
In 1923, D. J. decided to found his own business. With the help of a loan from his father-in-law he bought the Michigan Star Furniture Company. (The two purchased 51% of the stock.) He renamed the company Herman Miller in honor of his father-in-law.Herman Miller was never active in the business. However, D. J. credits him with adopting a policy of quality through the use of the best materials and best workers.
In 1960, D. J. contracted an illness which cut short his career. He stepped down as CEO in 1961. When he recovered, there was no longer room for him as CEO. The new management team consisted of sons Hugh and Max
Max DePree
Max De Pree is businessman and American writer. A son of D.J. De Pree, founder of Herman Miller office furniture company, he and his brother Hugh De Pree assumed leadership of the company the early 1960s, Hugh becoming CEO and president in 1962...
. D. J. continued to provide input and inspiration as chairman emeritus but the sons ran the company.