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Press Release

Ken Fortier Named Vice President at Hylant

March 13, 2020

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., March 13, 2020 – One of the nation’s largest privately owned insurance brokerages has hired Grand Rapids businessman Ken Fortier to lead business development efforts for the West Michigan division of the 16-office, more than 700 employee family-owned company. Fortier started in the newly-created leadership position in February at Hylant’s downtown Grand Rapids location.

Before coming to Hylant, Ken was the director of sales and marketing for Deksia, a well-known Grand Rapids area marketing firm. Fortier is credited with leading Deksia through its largest period of growth from 2018 to 2020. He also served as CEO of Grand Rapids-based information services firm Quantum Leap Communications from 2003 to 2013, when he sold his business. In 2012, Ken authored a book, “NetPlus Connections,” which reflected on his years as a business owner and his passion for developing authentic relationships.

It was during his years as a business owner that Ken developed a following of people looking to learn this art. After dozens of speaking engagements and group trainings, he grew his consulting business and supported hundreds of members in their sales and development growth. Ken also has experience working with insurance agencies as a consultative partner and brings a wealth of knowledge to the table.

“This is exciting news to share for our Grand Rapids office,” said Jeff Lumpp, president of Hylant’s Western Michigan operations. “Being a growth market, our focus on continuing to drive new opportunities to the firm remains critical. Ken is a terrific fit to lead our efforts to develop opportunities in the community as he is the ultimate connector.”

Ken serves as a co-chair of the Davenport University Alumni board. He is also a member of the Kids Food Basket Fund Development Committee and co-chairs its largest outside annual fundraiser, “Driving Out Hunger Golf Classic.”

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