BACKGROUND:
Ron Palmer has always had an entrepreneurial spirit, even back in college Ron instrumentally established student housing and the first sorority house on campus. It was not surprising when in 1971 Ron Palmer founded Haven Industries, a metal-fabrication business in Taylor, Michigan. Proving extremely successful, Palmer expanded his business by acquiring Lincoln Park Screw Products from his father in 1974. Bringing these two manufacturing entities together, Horizon Enterprises Inc. was formed.
Horizon’s growth continued through the 70’s and 80’s where Palmer acquired several screw machining and cold forming companies while continuing in real estate activities, he established a network of diverse divisions.
Palmer became Chairman of the Board in the fall of 1998, after six years of coaching, Ron assuringly handed the reigns over to his daughter Heather Gardner, Chief Executive Officer. Stepping away from the day-to-day operations allows Palmer to spend more time on community projects that support the educational world such as Charter Schools and now Halls Flight Service. Example of other local contributions would Club Soda, Business Air, Horsefarm, & Hawthorn Glen development.
EDUCATION:
Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan
Bachelors Degree in Engineering Administration
PROFESSIONAL AND CIVIC AFFILIATIONS:
YPO – Board Member
DPO – Member
Chief Executive Officer Organization – Member
Detroit Regional Chamber – Board Member
BETA Board Member
Guidance Center – Board Member
Mackinac Center for Public Policy – Board Member
Ronald Palmer Family Foundation – Founder
Southeast Michigan Community Alliance – Board Member and past Strategic Chairman
World Presidents Organization, Detroit Chapter – Member
Michigan National Bank – Board Member
Trillium Academy – Founder & Board Member
Creative Montessori Academy – Founder
PERSONAL:
Resides on Grosse Ile with wife Wendy and two sons, Adam and Ryan and has three grown daughters, Heather, Heidi, and Bridget who are successfully contributing to their communities.