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Ben Emdin's career philosophy is not unlike those ads for Nike athletic shoes urging us to "Just do it." The comparison is especially fitting, considering that Emdin is part-owner and president of the East Hills Athletic Club and the Grand Rapids Racquet Club.
An educator by trade, Emdin spent 10 years as a teacher and administrator in the Forest Hills school district before leaving to work in the family business, Emdin's Children's Department Stores. After 10 years in retailing, Emdin was ready to move on again.
"The bottom line was, I just wasn't enjoying it anymore and it was time to do something else," says Emdin. "And I did. I made the switch."
In 1984 Emdin teamed up with good friend Bruce Osterink, owner of Osterink Construction Co., to purchase the East Hills Athletic Club. Six months later the pair purchased the Grand Rapids Racquet Club.
"I liked the idea of recreation," says Emdin. "I thought it would be a fun place to hang out.
"I think that of everything...