Balkema Companies Announce Fourth-Generation Leadership Transition, Appoint Jessica Routley as CEO
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Balkema Companies Announce Fourth-Generation Leadership Transition, Appoint Jessica Routley as CEO
Kalamazoo, MI — March 26, 2026
The Balkema Companies and its affiliated businesses today announced the appointment of Jessica Routley as Chief Executive Officer, marking the transition to fourth-generation leadership for the 115-year-old family-owned organization.
Founded more than a century ago, the Balkema Companies has grown into a diversified group of businesses with operations spanning aggregates, mining, excavation, construction, landfill and waste services, trucking, rail, and related industries across Michigan, Indiana, and Kentucky. In Michigan, the company’s aggregates operations are led through Aggregate Resources, an active member of the Michigan Aggregates Association, supporting critical infrastructure and construction projects throughout the region. Throughout its history, the organization has remained grounded in family leadership, long-term relationships, and a commitment to the communities it serves.
Routley represents the fourth generation of the Balkema family to help lead the business and is the daughter of owner Dan Balkema. Having grown up in the company and built her career within it, she brings both a deep personal connection to its legacy and a comprehensive understanding of its operations.
“I’m honored by the opportunity to lead our family business and continue building on what has been created over generations,” said Routley. “Having grown up in the company, this work is deeply personal to me, and I’m proud to carry that forward while focusing on the future.”
Routley holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Western Michigan University and a Juris Doctor from Cooley Law School. She has been a member of the Michigan and Indiana bars since 2007. Since joining the company, she has served as Corporate Counsel, supporting corporate governance, real estate, contracts, insurance, and employee-related matters, while also taking on broader leadership responsibilities across the organization.
“Jessica has the experience, judgment, and understanding of the business needed to lead the Balkema companies into the future while honoring the values that have guided us for generations,” said Dan Balkema, Owner and Chairman of the Board.
Third-generation leaders Dan, Ralph, and Mike Balkema will remain actively involved in the business, continuing to provide strategic guidance, mentorship, and continuity as the fourth generation steps forward to lead. Together, their shared perspective bridges decades of experience with a forward-looking vision for the future, with a continued focus on supporting both future generations of ownership and the employees who contribute to the strength of the organization.
In her role as CEO, Routley will focus on aligning operations across the organization, supporting long-term financial strength, and continuing to develop the leadership structure needed to sustain the business, including its long-standing commitment to the aggregates industry and the customers and communities it serves.
As the company enters its next chapter, the Balkema Companies remains committed to the principles that have defined it for over a century, operational excellence, strong customer partnerships, responsible resource management, and a long-term approach to growth.
About Balkema Companies The Balkema Companies and its affiliated businesses operate across a broad range of industries, including aggregates, mining, excavation, construction, landfill and waste services, trucking, and rail. Through companies such as Aggregate Resources, the organization plays an active role in Michigan’s aggregates industry and infrastructure development. With operations spanning Michigan, Indiana, and Kentucky, the organization is committed to delivering high-quality services while maintaining strong community and industry partnerships.
Media Contact Danielle Dungey Media Coordinator Balkema Companies Phone: 269-330-9457 Email: ddungey@azoservices.com
