OUR STORY
Grand Forks Development was established with a firm commitment to Grand Rapids and its surrounding communities. Our journey began with three college friends—Bradley, Jennifer, and Ian—who combined their diverse professional backgrounds to form a dedicated investment team. With a proven record of accomplishment across various sectors, we are united by a mission to enhance local communities.
What Sets Us Apart
At Grand Forks Development, we are stewards of progress, dedicated to making our community a better place to live, work, and grow. Our commitment to excellence, quality, and in-depth insights into the local market underscores our strategic vision. We approach each project with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and inclusiveness, ensuring our initiatives meet current needs while being prepared for future demands. Our professional ethos fosters long-term partnerships grounded in mutual respect, positioning us as a reliable partner dedicated to preserving the legacies of the communities we serve while striving for collective success.
Our Community Connection & Commitment to Sustainability
Bradley and Jennifer, lifelong residents of Grand Rapids, provide invaluable insights into the culture, needs, and opportunities of the area. Their deep-rooted connections inform our projects, aligning them with local values and aspirations. Ian, a respected ‘honorary’ community member, brings a fresh perspective and global expertise in development and investment strategies. Together, we effectively bridge tradition and innovation, creating initiatives that deliver lasting benefits to the community.
OUR STORY
Grand Forks Development was established with a firm commitment to Grand Rapids and its surrounding communities. Our journey began with three college friends—Bradley, Jennifer, and Ian—who combined their diverse professional backgrounds to form a dedicated investment team. With a proven record of accomplishment across various sectors, we are united by a mission to enhance local communities.
What Sets Us Apart
At Grand Forks Development, we are stewards of progress, dedicated to making our community a better place to live, work, and grow. Our commitment to excellence, quality, and in-depth insights into the local market underscores our strategic vision. We approach each project with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and inclusiveness, ensuring our initiatives meet current needs while being prepared for future demands. Our professional ethos fosters long-term partnerships grounded in mutual respect, positioning us as a reliable partner dedicated to preserving the legacies of the communities we serve while striving for collective success.
Our Community Connection
& Commitment to Sustainability
Bradley and Jennifer, lifelong residents of Grand Rapids, provide invaluable insights into the culture, needs, and opportunities of the area. Their deep-rooted connections inform our projects, aligning them with local values and aspirations. Ian, a respected ‘honorary’ community member, brings a fresh perspective and global expertise in development and investment strategies. Together, we effectively bridge tradition and innovation, creating initiatives that deliver lasting benefits to the community.
OUR team
We strive for excellence and innovation in every aspect of our work.
JENNIFER TAYLOR
Jennifer is a 1998 Miami University graduate and began her career at Neiman Marcus before co-founding Next Generation Enrollment (NGE) with her spouse, Bradley, in 2004. Her expertise played a key role in NGE’s growth, culminating in its acquisition by PlanSource in 2017.
Living in Grand Rapids with Bradley and their three daughters, Jennifer is actively involved in the community. She has dedicated over two decades to civic engagement, holding leadership positions in local non-profits and boards. Currently, she serves as Vice Chair of the Mary Free Bed Board of Trustees. Jennifer is also an accomplished endurance athlete, having completed several marathons and Ironman competitions.
BRADLEY TAYLOR
Bradley got his start out of college working for Unum in 1998. After Unum, he and his wife Jennifer founded and built Next Generation Enrollment, an employee benefits administration and services company, in 2004. They sold that business to PlanSource, an employee benefits administration and engagement SaaS platform, in 2017. Bradley was part of the team that then helped PlanSource get acquired by Vista Equity Partners in 2019.
He lives in Grand Rapids, MI, is married to Jennifer, and father to their three daughters. He is a 10-time Ironman finisher, one of Ian’s college roommates and part of the stellar 1998 graduating class from Miami University.
IAN SHEFFIELD
Prior to forming Grand Forks, Ian spent 15 years investing in public and private companies at firms such as Citadel, Bridger Capital, Great Point Partners, and Versant Ventures. Prior to his investing career, Ian spent eight years in operating roles building businesses and managing teams at Procter & Gamble and Medtronic. Ian studied business at Miami University where he met Bradley and Jennifer and received his MBA from Harvard Business School.
Ian lives in Darien, CT with his wife Eliza, daughters Hadley and Eloise, and their black lab, Pepper.
OUR team
We strive for excellence and innovation in every aspect of our work.
JENNIFER TAYLOR
Jennifer is a 1998 Miami University graduate and began her career at Neiman Marcus before co-founding Next Generation Enrollment (NGE) with her spouse, Bradley, in 2004. Her expertise played a key role in NGE’s growth, culminating in its acquisition by PlanSource in 2017.
Living in Grand Rapids with Bradley and their three daughters, Jennifer is actively involved in the community. She has dedicated over two decades to civic engagement, holding leadership positions in local non-profits and boards. Currently, she serves as Vice Chair of the Mary Free Bed Board of Trustees. Jennifer is also an accomplished endurance athlete, having completed several marathons and Ironman competitions.
BRADLEY TAYLOR
Bradley got his start out of college working for Unum in 1998. After Unum, he and his wife Jennifer founded and built Next Generation Enrollment, an employee benefits administration and services company, in 2004. They sold that business to PlanSource, an employee benefits administration and engagement SaaS platform, in 2017. Bradley was part of the team that then helped PlanSource get acquired by Vista Equity Partners in 2019.
He lives in Grand Rapids, MI, is married to Jennifer, and father to their three daughters. He is a 10-time Ironman finisher, one of Ian’s college roommates and part of the stellar 1998 graduating class from Miami University.
IAN SHEFFIELD
Prior to forming Grand Forks, Ian spent 15 years investing in public and private companies at firms such as Citadel, Bridger Capital, Great Point Partners, and Versant Ventures. Prior to his investing career, Ian spent eight years in operating roles building businesses and managing teams at Procter & Gamble and Medtronic. Ian studied business at Miami University where he met Bradley and Jennifer and received his MBA from Harvard Business School.
Ian lives in Darien, CT with his wife Eliza, daughters Hadley and Eloise, and their black lab, Pepper.
OUR VALUES
We are more than just a real estate development company.
Our core values guide every step we take.
Integrity and Transparency
We foster a collaborative and trustworthy environment built on mutual respect, honesty, open communication, and transparency.
Excellence and Quality
We unlock hidden potential, creating lasting value by consistently exceeding expectations and ensuring excellence through meticulous attention to detail.
Community Impact
We are creative visionaries, continuously reimagining communities to address need — while generating lasting social and economic benefits.
OUR VALUES
We are more than just a real estate development company. Our core values guide every step we take.
Integrity and Transparency
We foster a collaborative and trustworthy environment built on mutual respect, honesty, open communication, and transparency.
Excellence and Quality
We unlock hidden potential, creating lasting value by consistently exceeding expectations and ensuring excellence through meticulous attention to detail.
Community Impact
We are creative visionaries, continuously reimagining communities to address need — while generating lasting social and economic benefits.
Contact Us to Begin Your
Real Estate Journey!
616-344-4601