Business courses, faculty help Verhoeven launch painting business

Michael Verhoeven is taking knowledge and skills from his business management courses at Northwest Missouri State University and applying them to his own painting business.

Verhoeven, a junior business management major from Kansas City, Missouri, came to Northwest to play football on an athletic scholarship. But after one year, he turned his focus to his academics and gaining the profession-based skills Northwest offers through its coursework and other co-curricular activities. He wanted to take advantage of his Northwest experience and build relationships with people throughout the campus.

“There is a good feeling when you drive into Maryville,” Verhoeven said. “There is an energy that kind of goes through you. That’s why I like it.”

Michael Verhoeven is pictured in Colden Hall, the home of Northwest's Melvin D. and Valorie G. Booth School of Business. (Photo by Lauren Adams/Northwest Missouri State University)

Through a conversation with other students during a study session in the B.D. Owens Library, Verhoeven connected with College Works Painting. That led to him launching Michael V. Painting, which he operates in northern Kansas City. He spent last year working as an intern, building his skills in sales, marketing, production and accounting while applying his course knowledge. He is now an executive branch manager.

Verhoeven says Northwest business faculty have had a significant impact on the way he runs his business. Through course material, faculty demonstrate how to use formulas, templates and problem solutions in a business setting that he can apply to his business. He views coursework not as an obligation but as an opportunity to learn.

“For me, I think learning is not power, but it’s a gift and really dependent on you, whether it keeps giving,” Verhoeven said. “If you enjoy what you do, learning is fun, learning is easy. Luckily for me, I love what I do.”

Using his education and experience, Verhoeven has expanded his painting business to hire a marketing manager and production manager. Both of the managers, Colton Tisthammer and Danny Dennison, are Northwest business students.

“It’s kind of fun because we’re all around the same age, and we’re all in business management,” Verhoeven said. “We’re all trying to carry that entrepreneurial spirit into this year.”

Additionally, Verhoeven is a member of Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity, National Association of Dietetics and the Booth School of Business Leadership Program.

“I know how blessed I am to be in the position that I’m in,” Verhoeven said. “It’s because of the people around me. It’s my support system.”