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ICYMI: Michigan Business Beat | Kory Gier, Holland Bowl Mill, Celebrating 120 Years in Business

MBN: Holland Bowl Mill

MBN: Holland Bowl Mill 120Chris Holman welcomes Kory Gier, Owner, Holland Bowl Mll, Holland, MI.

Watch Kory and Chris discuss 120 years of history, craftsmanship, innovation and the future of the Holland, Michigan company. Click play on the YouTube video shared below. 

There were several questions Chris had for Kory in this conversation.
 
1. Welcome Kory, tell us about Holland Bowl Mill, and what does 120 years in business mean to you and the Holland Bowl Mill team?
 
2. Holland Bowl Mill has lived many lives over the years, from Fuller Bowl Mill to manufacturing  shoes to present-day Holland Bowl Mill. How has that history shaped the company you are today?
 
3. There are historical and technical components to your bowl-making process, like your custom hydraulic lathes. How are you continuing to evolve the bowl-making process to keep up with the current lifestyle-focused business sector?
 
4. What can guests expect at the 120th anniversary celebration, and how can they find out more information?
 

5. Why is preserving the history and legacy of Holland Bowl Mill such an important part of your mission, and how does that influence the products you create today?

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Holland Bowl Mill Celebrates 120 Years of Craftsmanship 

Fourth-generation Holland bowl-making company celebrates years of artistry, honoring its roots while looking ahead with a community celebration

HOLLAND, MI – July 2026 – Holland Bowl Mill is celebrating 120 years of handcrafted bowls built to last. Now in its fourth generation of ownership, the West Michigan staple has grown from $700,000 to $4M in revenue since 2016. In celebration of decades of work and community, the family-owned company is inviting visitors to commemorate local entrepreneurship and generations of hard work.

Holland Bowl Mill’s roots date back to 1906, when Louis Fuller founded Fuller Bowl Mill in North Muskegon, Michigan, trailblazing a nesting process that created multiple bowls from a single block of wood. The business evolved through the Wooden Shoe Factory and was officially acquired in 1987 before Dave Gier refocused the company solely on bowl making in 1999, renaming it Holland Bowl Mill. 

In 2001, the company moved to its current James Street location, scaling production with custom hydraulic lathes. With Kory Gier taking over as the fourth-generation owner in 2017 and his sister, Krista Chalifour, joining in 2019, the Bowl Mill came full circle back to the tourism industry, started offering visitors a chance to experience the process through free factory tours of the bowl-making process, and opened their retail store. 

“There are so many thoughts that come to mind when I think of 120 years of Holland Bowl Mill. What stands out the most are the people and relationships that have made this journey possible,” Kory Gier, fourth-generation Holland Bowl Mill Owner. “This milestone is a testament to generations of hard work and the belief that a simple idea can grow into something lasting with the right team behind it. We’re proud of our history, grateful for those who have helped shape it, and excited to continue building on that legacy for years to come.” 

More than a bowl manufacturer or West Michigan destination, Holland Bowl Mill is a reflection of the value of workmanship, community, and a business built to last. What began as the art of turning wooden bowls has grown into partnerships with major retailers like Quince, Williams-Sonoma, and Crate & Barrel. The team continues to build on these partnerships and maintain its high employee retention, with some staff members being a part of the team for more than twenty years. 

“I couldn’t be more proud of Kory for continuing to bring quality-built products to Holland Bowl Mill consumers,” said third-generation owner Dave Gier. “In a world where many products are becoming increasingly more based on trends, there’s something special about staying true to a time-tested process. Quality, care, and tradition have always been at the heart of what we do, and we’re proud to be preserving this craft and sharing it with future generations.” 

To celebrate this monumental accomplishment in Holland Bowl Mill’s history, the team is inviting community members and visitors to join them over Labor Day weekend. On Saturday, September 5th, guests can visit Holland Bowl Mill for exclusive “120 years” bowls signed by third-generation owner, Dave Gier, live bowl turning, raffles, food, live music, and kids’ activities: chalk, face painting, 7” bowl finishing, and engraving.  

For more information on celebrating 120 years with Holland Bowl Mill or to find out more about how to procure your piece of Holland Bowl Mill history, visit hollandbowlmill.com.

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About Holland Bowl Mill 

Holland Bowl Mill is a fourth-generation, family-owned woodworking company based in West Michigan specializing in handcrafted wooden bowls. Founded on a legacy dating back to 1906, the company uses time-honored turning techniques to produce durable, heirloom-quality bowls for home and retail markets. Over the years, it has grown into a nationally recognized brand while maintaining its roots in local craftsmanship, family leadership, and small-batch production.

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