Mediator Profiles
- Photo
- Name
- Gregory E. Hooks
- First Name
- Greg
- Last Name
- Hooks
- Metropolitan Area
- Grand Rapids
- State
- MI
- Industries Served
- Banking, Consumer Products /CPG, Entrepreneurial, Food Services, Manufacturing, Supply Chain
- Expertise
- Administration, Executive Management, Finance, General Business, Project Management
- Associations
- Foundation 4 Strategic Sourcing
- License or Certification
- Mediator
- Business Background
- 41 years of business experience in banking and food manufacturing industries. Held senior executive positions including President and COO.
- College or University
- University of Notre Dame, University of Michigan
- Degrees
- BBA, MBA
- Biography
Greg Hooks retired in 2012 following careers in commercial banking and food manufacturing spanning 41 years. Experience in banking included development of the West Michigan market for a large Detroit based bank where Hooks served as Regional President with accountability for Middle Market business development, commercial lending, general management, and community relations. Success required expertise in financial analysis, credit judgement, structuring and negotiation, confidential relationship management, and staff development.
After 17 years as a Banker, Hooks accepted the position of COO at a privately held third generation food manufacturing company. In his 24 years as COO, and later President, the Company enjoyed consistent, rapid growth, developing its own brands and partnering with several of the country’s largest food companies becoming one of the largest contract manufacturers in the US. This career required expertise in all aspects of managing rapid business expansion, with emphasis in contract negotiation, complex customer relationship management, and organizational structure and staff development. Hooks served on the Board of Directors of the Foundation for Strategic Sourcing (F4SS).
Beyond expected responsibilities, experience included leadership roles in significant litigation with insurance and financial service providers, negotiation of strategic asset sales to Private Equity investors, assistance in family generational management transitions, and board directorships. From broad experience, Hooks understands business obstacles and appreciates the value of efficient business solutions.
- Testimonials
“Greg Hooks would be a top choice to mediate most any commercial dispute. I have seen him at work in a number of contentious business settings, in which negotiations broke down and constructive conversation was overwhelmed by emotion. Greg used his non-judgmental demeanor and conversational style to defuse these situations and restore an environment in which the parties were able to refocus and have a productive dialogue. Greg’s demeanor complements his analytical skills, which he honed both as a commercial banker and as a senior business executive who had regular contact with his counterparts of some of the world’s largest food manufacturing companies. His experience, intellect, and poise make him highly effective at enabling adversaries to reach agreements that each believes to be in its own best interest.”
Grand Rapids, MI
“Greg is the person I would want to mediate a business dispute for me. Without exception he is fair and understands the must haves and give backs needed to reach an agreement. I would not hesitate in recommending Greg as a mediator.”
Grand Rapids, MI