Growing Up in Montague & Whitehall
For James “Jimmy” TenBrink, Montague and Whitehall aren’t just hometowns — they are the foundation of who he is. Raised in the White Lake area, he credits the community for shaping his values.
“The people here will literally give you the shirt off their back,” TenBrink reflects. From parents and grandparents to neighbors, teachers, and coaches, he was surrounded by role models who instilled in him a sense of service, humility, and perseverance. Those lessons, he says, were exactly what he wanted for his own children as they grew up in the White Lake area.
Service and Leadership
In 2015, TenBrink ran for the Whitehall District Schools Board of Education, inspired by a Montague teacher, Jim Tate, who encouraged students to get involved in government. What began as curiosity quickly became a calling. When the board treasurer had to step down, TenBrink stepped in — and has served in that role ever since.
Balancing budgets, managing bond proposals, and working with teachers taught him to live out the same advice given to students: “learn for life.” He is proud that the board has provided “a good education and excellent life opportunities for our students” even within constraints.
Values That Travel
TenBrink’s approach to leadership — both locally and at Gun Lake Investments (GLI) — is grounded in authenticity and servant leadership. “I was taught by a former employer in Montague the value in rolling up your sleeves and working hard to get the job done. He showed me the value of being authentic in my relationship with others and not being afraid to park my pride and be a good servant leader,” TenBrink explains. Those values, reinforced by family and neighbors, carry through to his work today.
At GLI, the economic development arm of the Gun Lake Tribe, TenBrink views his role as that of a “Swiss army knife,” adapting to every challenge — whether negotiating contracts, analyzing financials, or managing projects. He emphasizes teamwork, noting that every member brings different tools, and together they can “build or fix most anything.” Many of those tools, he says, were forged in Montague and Whitehall.
Connecting Tribal Heritage and Community
Although he grew up away from reservation life, TenBrink identifies deeply with his Potawatomi heritage. Over the years, he’s embraced the “Seven Generations” mindset: looking back three generations for wisdom, considering the needs of the next three generations, and making today’s decisions with that future in mind.
“The children of this community will be the next leaders of this community,” he says, tying together his work in tribal development and local education.
Hot ’n Now: Nostalgia with a Purpose
One of GLI’s most public projects is the relaunch of Hot ’n Now, a brand beloved by West Michiganders. TenBrink recalls how the idea nearly fizzled out — until a conversation between GLI’s CEO Monica King and partner Jeff Konczak reignited it. From there, things moved quickly.
For TenBrink, the revival is more than just bringing back burgers. “Today’s families are being hammered with increases to basic needs that are out of their control. To many, Hot ’n Now was a treat, it was a meal when they could only find some change under the seat, or it helped get them through the busy day.”
The first two relaunch locations are in Wayland (next to Gun Lake Casino) and Alpena. While the brand will retain its throwback feel, TenBrink emphasizes improvements: “The quality of the food we expect to be improved, yet we have worked hard to ensure the taste is true to the old recipes. You are just going to have to see it to believe it!”
Why It Resonates
Hot ’n Now holds a special place in Michigan’s culture. As TenBrink puts it: “The Hot ’n Now brand was an iconic staple in many communities around Michigan and the Midwest. The founder still lives here in Michigan! We have heard so many stories of ‘Hot ’n Now got me through college.’ The look of the buildings was unique and everyone seems to remember where their favorite location was.”
In many ways, it mirrors TenBrink’s own journey — rooted in Michigan, shaped by community, and carried forward with purpose.
Looking Back, Looking Forward
Asked what stands out most from his journey — from Montague High School to Whitehall dad to COO of GLI — TenBrink doesn’t hesitate: it’s the people. From his wife Kristin, who’s been part of every step, to mentors and lifelong friends who would still “give the shirt off their back,” TenBrink says his community has always been his compass.
As he helps relaunch an iconic Michigan brand, he also offers advice to the next generation: “Be curious, not judgmental. Curiosity is infectious. This thirst for understanding and knowledge helps each of us learn and grow, and hopefully become better leaders when it’s our time.”
Whitehall District Schools Board Meeting Recap – August 18, 2025
