Crystal Flash Welcomes Ray Duimstra as Director of Corporate Development and Strategic Acquisitions

Grand Rapids, Michigan, March 13, 2018 – Crystal Flash™ has welcomed experienced banker Ray Duimstra as its director of corporate development and strategic acquisitions.

In his new role, Duimstra will lead acquisition activities for the employee-owned energy distributor, from initial discussions to executing transactions. In the last seven years, Crystal Flash has acquired 11 energy companies in Michigan, including three that were completed after the company transitioned to a 100 percent employee-owned enterprise in April 2016.

“We are delighted to welcome Ray to our leadership team to spearhead our acquisition efforts,” said President and CEO Tom Olive. “Acquisitions have been and continue to be a central part of our growth plan. Ray’s familiarity with Crystal Flash, paired with his passion for growth, talent in building relationships and keen sense of process development, made him the ideal candidate for this new role.”

Prior to joining Crystal Flash, Duimstra served as the senior vice president for Mercantile Bank of Michigan, where he managed a corporate credit portfolio in excess of $200 million and a more than 15-year relationship with Crystal Flash.

“I am excited and honored to be joining the Crystal Flash team,” Duimstra said. “Having worked closely with the company for the past 15 years, I’ve gained significant insight into Crystal Flash, which is recognized and respected throughout the country.

“I look forward to joining this hard-working team and to helping the company grow.”

Duimstra, a graduate of Grand Valley State University, currently serves as the president of the Jason Kinzler Family First Foundation, a non-profit foundation focused on providing financial assistance to families with minor children who have experienced the unexpected loss of a primary caregiver. He is also on the board of the Lowell Area Community Foundation, which provides grants on education, arts and culture, economic development, environment, health, human services and recreation to benefit the greater Lowell community.

He and his wife, Maggie, reside in Lowell with their four children.

About Crystal Flash™

Crystal Flash™ is an employee-owned energy distribution company focused on commercial and residential customers throughout the Lower Peninsula of Michigan.  Established in 1932, Crystal Flash has grown as the demand for energy has evolved, and today concentrates on the sale and distribution of propane, diesel and other fuels.  Today, the company is one of the largest independently owned energy suppliers in the state with more than 250 employees in 16 locations.  Learn more.