Jake Frederick Office Manager / Controller
Jake is a proud graduate of Hudsonville High School (‘09) and GVSU (‘14). Jake joined Model in 2019, after working several years in commercial banking, and as controller of a regional chain of retail stores. He chose Model because it felt like a family. “Everyone is so friendly, and people really care about each other. This is hard to find nowadays.” Customers appreciate his listening skills and how pleasant he is to speak with. They also find that he is prompt in getting things done. Jake has been recognized by his co-workers for helping them out when they are busy and going above-and-beyond his normal job responsibilities. Jake is also a very bright guy! When Jake isn’t managing the office and the books, he loves spending time with his wife, Aleigha, and their two young boys, Grayson and Cohen. He also enjoys golfing – he’s played since he was a little kid – and hiking with his wife. They even took an awesome hiking trip to Sedona and South Dakota. Model is very lucky to have Jake as a new leader on the team!
Matt Birkle Customer Service / Data Entry
Matt may enjoy reading fantasy novels when he’s not at work, but he’s very grounded in fact and reality at work. Matt enters every single customer order at Model: adding new accounts, adding uniform wearers to existing accounts, changing uniform sizes, adding mats, changing sizes or frequencies, etc., etc. Matt makes sure customers get exactly what they want when they want it. Matt also answers most customer phone calls and says “I feel proud any time I can make our customers happy. I like that many customers call and specifically ask for me to handle their questions and needs.” Matt’s awesome service has been recognized by Model with a Rookie of the Year Award, and an Employee of the Year Award. Matt also excelled in his previous jobs, at a AAA call center, and managing a Subway store. Matt has lived in Grand Rapids all his life and graduated from Kenowa Hills High School. He lives with his high school sweetheart (did someone say “fiancé”?), and for the past 10 years has heard nothing but “when are you gonna get married?” Well, they’re enjoying their two cats and 2 guinea pigs, and Matt enjoys going fishing and camping. They love going up north camping every year to the Keweenaw Peninsula—and plan to keep going every summer. When he can, Matt enjoys watching “Dark” on Netflix (“Nothing else compares!”) and listening to 80’s music like Depeche Mode, The Smiths, and Devo. Matt enjoys his job at Model. “I like the family atmosphere at Model and the variety of my job. No day is the same.” Give Matt a call and let him show you how courteously and professionally he handles your request.
Beth Sexton Accounts Receivable
Beth is Model’s newest office staff member and we’re lucky to have her. She grew up in Grand Rapids, then moved up north to Lake City (near Cadillac), where her father owned a grocery store. Beth and her husband, Dan, now live by Green Lake in Caledonia, and have 5 beautiful children and 10 (so far) grandchildren. All those kids did not stop Beth’s education—she is proud to say she received her bachelor’s degree in business when she was a grandma! Beth enjoys working with customers to collect money and resolve billing issues, and loves learning new things all the time. She has worked in many kinds of businesses, from catering to insurance. She loves to help solve problems. “If you have a problem or question about your account, call me!” When she is not working, Beth is reading, gardening, or out on the lake with the grandkids.