The American Dream on Wheels and Water:

How the Vandenberg Family Built Lynden Sports | June 15th, 2026 Coopersville Observer

For the Vandenberg family, the road to building a local powerhouse business was paved with winter storms, economic recessions, and an unwavering commitment to the community. Above all, the family gives God the glory for the success and providential guidance that has sustained them through every season. Twenty years after arriving in the United States from Canada in search of opportunity, patriarch Doug Vandenberg and his sons, Luke and Charles, are celebrating their biggest milestone yet: the grand opening of their third major division, a brand-new RV facility right here in Coopersville.
    What is today a sprawling 16-acre, three-building operation totaling 74,000 square feet began with much humbler roots.
    Weathering the Storm – The family’s American journey started in 2006 with a single car wash on 28th Street, which Doug operated while simultaneously managing a dealership back in Canada. When the 2008 economic recession hit, the RV and Marine business plummeted. Tough decisions had to be made. Ultimately, both the car wash and the Canadian dealership were sold, leaving the family looking for a fresh start.
    That restart came in 2011. Refusing to give up, Doug and his sons rented a modest space from Fun N Sun RV near 68th Avenue and Randall Street. In those early days, survival meant pure grit and faith. Luke and Charles—who have spent their entire working lives alongside their father—recall a defining moment during their first winter. Armed with only two trucks and not a single trailer to their name, the brothers braved a blinding Indiana winter storm to attend regional boat shows, driving forward on a belief that their hard work would pay off.
    Built on Word-of-Mouth – It did pay off. The Vandenbergs operated on a simple, non-negotiable rule: always, always, always prioritize customer care. Without a massive advertising budget, the business grew rapidly through the most powerful marketing tool available: word-of-mouth referrals from satisfied neighbors. In just a year and a half, the family outgrew their rental space. In 2013, they purchased their first permanent building—the former Skipper Bud’s location on O’Malley Street.
    A Generational Legacy – Instead of pocketing their success, Doug and Irene Vandenberg focus on generational thinking and stewardship. Year after year, they reinvested their profits directly back into the Coopersville community. They gradually acquired an additional ten acres of land, later selling one acre to Ace Hardware to help bring more commerce to the immediate area.
    Today, Lynden Sports operates as a fully integrated, locally owned enterprise. Under one single umbrella, the business now offers three distinct divisions specializing in boats, tractors, and RVs, alongside three fully certified, top-tier service shops.
    As the ribbon is cut on the new RV division set for July 29, 2026, you can still find Doug Vandenberg exactly where he belongs: on the showroom floor, overseeing the expansion, and greeting the community that helped build his family’s dream. Reflecting on the journey from 2006 to today, the family remains humbled by the growth they have experienced and continues to give God the glory for every open door.