Julie W. Metsker, President of Professional Administrative Resources LLC founded the organization in 1986 as a means of earning extra income while raising three children. Armed with a self-taught knowledge of computer systems and database management and design at a time when many businesses were just beginning to adopt that technology, she began taking on a number of clients for basic administrative services. Her first non-profit client, The Ad Club of West Michigan, saw that her database and computer knowledge would help them as their organization was going through some growing pains. The non-profit world has changed dramatically since 1990, with volunteers having less time and support at their place of employment. For this reason, PAR’s niche has become a service that many non-profits are finding to be a valuable resource.
Julie is a 2007 graduate of Leadership West Michigan, a member of the Board of Directors of the Better Business Bureau of Western Michigan, Past President of East Grand Rapids Youth Development, a member of Local First, the Employer’s Association, the Alliance of Women Entrepreneurs and the U.S. Green Building Council – West Michigan Chapter.
Peter L. Metsker, Vice President and CFO, joined PAR in 2006 after a successful career in both distribution and manufacturing. Peter spent over 25 years in the construction machinery industry holding increasing positions of responsibility ultimately Executive Vice President and Treasurer of a Michigan based machinery distributor. He then moved to the manufacturing industry as Controller for a manufacturing supplier of automotive related materials prior to joining PAR. His years of hands on practical experience in operations, finance, HR and IT have allowed PAR to broaden its services.
Cooking is a passion and in addition to taking culinary classes, Peter has traveled internationally with groups from the Culinary Institute located in Grand Rapids. Additional interests include sailing, computers and photography.
Chris Crandall has worked for PAR for the past 3 years and works as an account manager for various clients. She is responsible for the data entry, invoicing and reporting for Wondergem Consulting. She is also involved in event planning for monthly programs and major events. She enjoys the database work she does in maintaining the membership records and interacting with members. Much of the work involves working with the national organization affiliated with our local client to coordinate and trouble-shoot membership lists and events.
Before coming to PAR, Chris worked as a Library Assistant where much of her time was spent serving clients and “watching the details.” Chris and her husband Steve live in the Grand Rapids area and have 2 grown children.
Laura Melendez has been with PAR since April of 2007. She is the account manager for Ad Club of West Michigan, AD2 West Michigan and the Alliance of Women Entrepreneurs (AWE). Prior to joining the PAR team, she spent time working for a Grand Rapids based advertising agency as a Production/Traffic manager monitoring the daily activity of several national clients. She also spent period of time working abroad in London for one of the UK’s major media companies EMAP Elan.
When she’s not at work you can find Laura on her bike. She is an avid bike rider and an amateur bike racer. She is also an active volunteer for Elves and More and the Grand Rapids Rapid Wheelmen Bike Club.
