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Valerie Knol

Valerie Knol

Xemplar Club Speaker Spotlight

Wednesday, 9 April 2025

Valerie Knol on Leadership: Local Voices, Lasting Impact

This week, the Xemplar Club welcomed Valerie Knol, a dedicated public servant and longtime advocate for the Farmington and Farmington Hills communities. Knol, who currently serves on the Farmington Hills City Council and works in public affairs at Stellantis, offered a heartfelt and insightful look into the power of local government and the importance of community connection.

Valerie began by sharing how her journey in public service started—not with a campaign, but with volunteering.

 

“I didn’t run for office first. I actually served on the Planning Commission,”

She reflected on the early days when a friend encouraged her to apply. That first step, taken with humility and a desire to help, would eventually lead to roles as Mayor of Farmington, Mayor Pro Tem, and Council Member.

One of the strongest messages Valerie brought was about the value of local government.

 

“The government that affects your life the most is your local government.”

From public safety to zoning, she reminded us how decisions made close to home often have the biggest impact on our day-to-day lives.

Her time in local office has been shaped by a strong belief in listening and building consensus—skills she also brings to her role at Stellantis, where she works on policy and government relations.

 

“It’s about solving problems and making things better, not making headlines.”

Throughout her talk, Valerie stressed the importance of engagement, encouraging members to take part in community life in whatever way they can.

 

“Don’t be afraid to show up,” she said. “You don’t have to be on Council to make a difference.”

She also touched on how powerful it is to simply be present and listen, whether it’s at a Council meeting, a neighborhood gathering, or a volunteer event.

In closing, Valerie reminded us that being involved is a form of leadership in itself.

 

“Leadership isn’t about titles. It’s about showing up, doing the work, and caring about the people around you.”

We’re grateful to Valerie Knol for her time, her candor, and her continued commitment to public service. Her story is a reminder that leadership starts with listening—and that we all have a role to play in building stronger communities.

John O’Brien

John O' Brien

Xemplar Club Speaker Spotlight

Wednesday, 2 April 2025

From Trenches to Transformation: Inside Farmington’s FiberCity® Rollout with John O’Brien

As Farmington and Farmington Hills continue their ambitious transformation into a fully connected FiberCity®, one name keeps coming up—John O’Brien.

John isn’t just a liaison between construction crews and city planners—he’s the boots-on-the-ground advocate, the one who takes the heat when lawns get dug up and the first to follow up when repairs need to be made. Now officially joining the Farmington Area FiberCity® Community Relations team, John’s mission is clear: make the transition smooth, make the communication clear, and make the impact long-lasting.

 

FiberCity®: What It Means and Why It Matters

Unlike traditional internet infrastructure projects that piggyback on old DSL or cable lines, the FiberCity® initiative is a full-scale rebuild of internet infrastructure—laid entirely from scratch. This new underground network will deliver ultra-fast fiber optic internet to every home and business in the community, creating multiple high-speed service options for residents and businesses alike.

Currently, T-Mobile is the leading provider for single-family homes on this network, while Spartanet (formerly Spartan Fiber) and Collectro will serve multi-family housing. These new choices bring long-overdue competition to a space long dominated by limited and often unreliable options like Spectrum or AT&T.

 

John’s Approach: Real Talk, Real Results

In a recent community Q&A session, John broke down the process in plain language. From the messy trenching stages to the final straw-blanket grass restoration, he assured residents that while the disruption is temporary, the benefits are built to last.

 

“People would come up to me pretty fired up—‘Hey, you messed up my lawn!’” John shared candidly. “Yes, but fixing it is part of the process. We won’t leave a mess behind—we’re here to improve your service and your property.”

He emphasized that final landscaping is done after all fiber work is complete. The sequence ensures crews aren’t tearing up newly restored yards for finishing touches later on.

 

Smart City Possibilities on the Horizon

The implications go beyond just fast internet. The FiberCity® backbone lays the groundwork for smart city features: traffic light coordination, temperature sensors for roads, air quality monitors, and more.

 

“This isn’t just about watching Netflix faster,” John said. “It’s about public safety, infrastructure efficiency, and economic growth.”

Keeping Residents in the Loop

One of John’s biggest points was the 24/7 UK-based call center that logs complaints or questions, which are then handled locally—often by John himself. Whether it’s a sprinkler damaged by drilling or a mysteriously delayed flag removal, he tracks issues, writes tickets, and gets them resolved.

 

“I’m your advocate. I work with the contractors and make sure they’re accountable. Don’t be afraid to call—I want to help.”

He also provided practical tips—like when to remove those infamous utility flags (after the biodegradable blanket is down and grass hits four inches) and what each stage of the process should look like.

 

Looking Ahead to 2026

As of now, the project is 50% complete, with construction expected to wrap up by 2026. More neighborhoods are coming online each month. Residents are already reporting better service and significant savings—some switching to T-Mobile Fiber for double the speed at lower prices compared to legacy providers.

John closed the session not with more tech talk, but with heartfelt appreciation:

 

“Thanks for having me. I’m proud to be part of something that’s really going to change our community for the better.”

David Roggenkamp​

David Roggenkamp

Xemplar Club Speaker Spotlight

Wednesday, 26 March 2025

Davids Commitment to Education and Community Growth

At a recent event, David Roggenkamp highlighted the importance of investing in students through scholarships and robotics programs. Speaking to a community audience, he emphasized how these initiatives are shaping the future by providing young minds with opportunities to excel in education and STEM fields.

Scholarships play a crucial role in easing the financial burden for students pursuing higher education. By offering financial support, these programs open doors for talented individuals who might otherwise struggle to afford college. Roggenkamp underscored the long-term benefits of such aid, helping students achieve their academic and career aspirations.

In addition to scholarships, he discussed the growing significance of school robotics programs. With technology evolving rapidly, hands-on STEM education is more critical than ever. Robotics teams not only introduce students to engineering and programming but also foster teamwork, problem-solving, and innovation—skills essential for success in today’s world.

By championing these educational opportunities, Roggenkamp reaffirmed the importance of community support in preparing students for a brighter future. His message served as a call to action for continued investment in young learners, ensuring they have the resources and encouragement needed to thrive.

Trevor Medema

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Trevor Medema

Xemplar Club Speaker Spotlight

Wednesday, 19 March 2025

Givers Gain: Building Business Through Community and Connection

Trevor Medema, a partner and Realtor® at the Compo & Medema Group in Farmington Hills, Michigan, recently addressed the Xemplar Club to share his insights on the “Givers Gain” philosophy and its transformative impact on business success.

 

Trevor Medema: A Brief Background

 

Trevor Medema has established himself as a dedicated real estate professional, specializing in both commercial and residential properties. He is a partner at the Compo & Medema Group, a firm committed to fostering community connections and supporting local businesses and charities. Trevor’s educational background includes studies at Albion College, and he is an alumnus of Detroit Country Day School.

 

Understanding the Givers Gain Philosophy

 

The “Givers Gain” philosophy, popularized by Dr. Ivan Misner, founder of BNI (Business Network International), is rooted in the principle of reciprocity. It suggests that by prioritizing giving to others—be it time, resources, or referrals—individuals naturally attract goodwill and opportunities in return. This approach fosters trust, strengthens relationships, and cultivates a supportive business environment.

Insights from Trevor’s Speech

Drawing from the principles of “Givers Gain,” Trevor emphasized the following key points during his speech:

  1. Building Authentic Relationships: Trevor highlighted the importance of genuine connections in business. By focusing on how one can assist others without expecting immediate returns, professionals can cultivate trust and long-term partnerships.

  2. Creating a Positive Business Ecosystem: He discussed how a culture of giving leads to a supportive community where members actively seek opportunities for one another, resulting in collective growth and success.

  3. Personal Growth Through Giving: Trevor shared personal anecdotes illustrating how adopting a giving mindset not only benefits others but also leads to personal and professional development.

  4. Implementing Givers Gain in Real Estate: He provided insights into how real estate professionals can apply this philosophy by prioritizing clients’ needs, offering valuable resources, and building networks based on mutual support.

Conclusion

Trevor Medema’s address to the Xemplar Club shed light on the transformative power of the “Givers Gain” philosophy. By embracing a mindset centered on giving and collaboration, professionals can foster meaningful relationships and drive sustainable success in their respective fields.

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