LEARN FROM THOSE THAT DO WHAT THEY TEACH.

Matt Missad

CEO of UFP Industries

Entrepreneurship Instructor
While making his way through Hope College and Thomas Cooley Law School, Matt Missad worked maintenance jobs at UFP. After earning his law degree, he became UFP’s manager of legal compliance, eventually taking on roles including executive vice president, general counsel and secretary. In 2011 Matt became chief executive. UFP Business School students benefit from Matt’s experience in business startups and turnarounds, entrepreneurship, and mergers and acquisitions, as well as his time serving on the board of directors of Independent Bank and UFP Industries. Matt was recently featured in an Investor’s Business Daily article focusing on UFP’s unique culture and his effectiveness in growing the company. Matt is proud to helm a company powered by hardworking people who value integrity in everything they do, who look for opportunity around every corner, and who enjoy a culture that demands accountability and mutual respect while providing opportunities for personal and professional growth. He relies on the inspiration and support of his 15,000 coworkers to continue UFP’s tradition of achievement.

Sarah Conley

Senior Manager of Talent Acquisition

Job Search Instructor
Sarah Conley has over 20 years of experience in recruiting and human resources. She started with UFP Industries in 2013 as a Recruiting Coordinator, grew to a Recruiting Manager, and now serves as Senior Manager of Talent Acquisition. Sarah thoroughly enjoys assisting candidates and students with their career growth aspirations in her professional role, and she carries that same drive and compassion to the classroom. Sarah delivers knowledge and expertise with finesse and vigor to teach students how to develop resumes, professionally network, and interview with confidence.

Ben Zbikowski

Regional General Manager of Operations

Operation Management Instructor
Ben Zbikowski started with UFP Industries as an intern in the Finance Department, leading to his role as the Far West Regional Controller upon his graduation. Ben pivoted his career through the UFP Production Management Trainee program and worked his way through the company managing everything from Plant to Sales to Operations. Through UFP, Ben grew into a General Manager of Operations and is currently a Regional General Manager of Operations. He is an expert in building relationships with customers and UFP employees alike and sets a daily goal to take care of both to the best of his ability. Ben brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the classroom to create real-life learning opportunities that illustrate how to build and maintain a successful operation.

Jill Heron

Sr. Manager of HRIS 

Business Ethics and Organizational Management
Jill Heron is a Human Resources expert with UFP Industries. She is currently a Manager within the Human Resources Systems team and has managed a variety of HR functions in her eight years with UFP Industries with three of those at corporate headquarters, including recruiting, employee relations, and talent and development. Jill has a diverse and multifunctional perspective of UFP Industries operations and how different stakeholders can influence one another, making her professional experience invaluable to her course content. Her expertise provides meaningful, real-world context and application in an experiential and exploratory class.

DeWayne Creighton

Vice President of RV Operations

DeWayne Creighton is the Vice President of RV Operations for UFP Factory Built. After graduating from Indiana University South Bend with a degree in Marketing/Advertising, DeWayne started his career with UFP 15 years ago as Production Manager Trainee in Granger, IN. When beginning with UFP, DeWayne needed to gain more knowledge about lumber. Applying basic manufacturing principles and focusing on improving operations, DeWayne progressed through UFP’s Operations career path, holding positions such as Continuous Improvement Facilitator, Production Manager, Plant Manager, Operations Manager, and General Manager of Operations. While his career centered around operations, he always approached his business with a sales lens. DeWayne is an excellent example of the opportunities available to those who work hard, learn as much as possible, and Innovate to Dominate.

Rolf Nelson

Vice President of Manufacturing & Engineering

Rolf Nelson is the Vice President of Manufacturing & Engineering for UFP Factory Built and has been with the company for 30 years. He started as a PMT in Ranson, West Virginia, and within three years had moved five times to multiple plants in the East, finally ending up at UFP Granger, where he has held numerous roles, including Plant Manager, General Manager of Operations (GMO), Regional GMO and Operational Vice President. Throughout Rolf’s 30 years, he has been a leader in bringing new equipment and processes to UFP. For example, Granger helped lead in our exposure to CNC routers, portable kilns, ProWood DuraColor, and painting operations and was the first plant with robotic assembly. In addition to adding capabilities to UFP Industries, he assisted in developing multiple new products, BarrierWood, UFP Edge – Barnwood & Charred Wood, CNC’d Radius Bows, etc. Rolf is an innovative thinker excited to bring his years of experience into classroom discussions to enhance the leadership skills of our students.