Richard DeVos

Richard DeVos – Life, Career, and Famous Quotes

Learn about Richard DeVos, co-founder of Amway and philanthropist: his early life, business journey, personal values, legacy, and memorable quotes.

Introduction

Richard Marvin DeVos Sr. (March 4, 1926 – September 6, 2018) was an American entrepreneur, philanthropist, and co-founder of the multi-level marketing firm Amway. Over his lifetime, he built one of the world’s most enduring direct sales organizations, became a major figure in business and sports, and left a significant philanthropic footprint. His life story is one of vision, conviction, and the interplay between business success and social responsibility.

Early Life and Family

Richard DeVos was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Ethel Ruth (née Dekker) and Simon Cornelius DeVos.

During the Great Depression, the DeVos family faced financial hardship. According to accounts, at one point they moved into the attic of his grandparents’ home while renting out their own house to make ends meet. These early struggles shaped DeVos’s ethos around work, perseverance, and enterprise.

From a young age, DeVos displayed entrepreneurial leanings. In high school, he would sell items, make small business ventures, and dream of starting something of his own. Grand Rapids Christian High School.

After high school, he enrolled at Calvin College, where he was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity.

DeVos also served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II (1944–1946).

Later in life, he married Helen June Van Wesep in 1953. Dick (Richard Jr.), Dan, Cheri, and Doug.

Business Career & Achievements

Founding and Growth of Amway

In 1959, DeVos and his high school friend Jay Van Andel founded Amway (short for “American Way”), initially distributing a simple household cleaning product called LOC.

Under DeVos’s leadership, Amway expanded from domestic sales to a global footprint. Alticor.

DeVos held various leadership roles in Amway over decades, guiding its growth and strategy.

Sports & Other Ventures

Beyond his business in direct sales, DeVos made significant investments in sports franchises:

• In 1991, he purchased the Orlando Magic NBA team.

• He also owned or had involvement in minor league sports franchises such as the Orlando Solar Bears, Grand Rapids Griffins, and Kansas City Blades.

Philanthropy, Civic Engagement & Values

DeVos placed strong emphasis on faith, stewardship, and service. His charitable giving and civic efforts were significant, especially concentrated in Michigan and around Christian education, health, arts, community development, and policy.

He and his wife established the Richard and Helen DeVos Foundation (1970), which became a major philanthropic vehicle.

DeVos played a key role in civic revitalization efforts in Grand Rapids, Michigan, including downtown development, restoration of key landmarks (e.g., the Pantlind Hotel into Amway Grand Plaza), and supporting urban renewal.

Politically, DeVos was aligned with conservative causes and was a substantial donor to the Republican Party.

Health Challenges & Later Years

DeVos had significant health issues later in life. Notably, in 1997, he underwent a heart transplant in the United Kingdom after being denied one in the U.S. due to his age and health conditions. Hope From My Heart.

He also had earlier heart bypass surgeries in 1983 and 1992.

In his later years, he published books reflecting on business, faith, purpose, and wealth, among them Believe!, Compassionate Capitalism, and Simply Rich.

Richard DeVos died peacefully at his home in Ada, Michigan on September 6, 2018, at the age of 92.

Legacy and Influence

• Business model & direct sales impact: DeVos was one of the most prominent figures in the MLM/direct-sales industry. Amway, under his guidance, became a global model (for better or worse) of that approach.

• Philanthropy & community development: His foundation and civic projects left tangible infrastructure, educational, and cultural benefits, especially in Michigan and in areas tied to DeVos family influence.

• Faith-infused entrepreneurship: He integrated Christian conviction into public life, promoting a narrative that wealth could be stewarded for social good.

• Sports & cultural identity: His ownership of the Orlando Magic gave him visibility in sports business circles and media.

• Public service & policy: His political engagement, donations, and influence in policy debates (especially around capitalism, free enterprise, and education) make him a figure in U.S. conservative circles.

His life illustrates the intersection of entrepreneurial ambition, ethical values (as he framed them), and the tensions inherent in wealth, influence, and public perception.

Famous Quotes of Richard DeVos

Here are some notable statements and reflections associated with DeVos:

• “You can succeed in life, begin with the willingness to fail.”

• “The purpose of life is not to build wealth for ourselves but to help others build wealth, joy, and a better life.”

• “Integrity is not something you ‘do’; it’s who you are.”

• “Faith gives you the courage to face tomorrow.”

• “Money is a tool, but the really important things in life—character, faith, relationships—are priceless.”

(While these are paraphrased from his published writings, speeches, and interviews, they reflect the themes he often emphasized.)

Lessons from Richard DeVos

1. Vision beyond constraints: From humble beginnings and economic hardship, DeVos believed in building something enduring.

2. Wealth with responsibility: He viewed money not merely as an end, but as a resource for stewardship, philanthropy, and influence.

3. Resilience amid health and age challenges: His willingness to seek medical solutions, reflect on life, and continue giving later in life is instructive in perseverance.

4. Integration of faith and business (as he saw it): He did not compartmentalize spirituality and enterprise; he allowed them to inform one another.

5. Importance of community investment: Business success is magnified when reinvested into one's home region or community.