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Get to know PJ...
Some fast facts...
His great-grandfather, Harm Huizenga, started a West Side trash hauling company at the time of the World's Columbian Exposition in 1893.
PJ's mother, Heidi Huizenga said, "[Our] family motto became, and this is a Dutch phrase, 'We are family'."
What's your favorite childhood memory that shaped your outlook or describe a moment in your life where someone's act of kindness profoundly impacted you?
The pivotal influence on my worldview wasn't confined to a singular moment; rather, it was a culmination of intentional efforts by my parents. My father was a true jack-of-all-trades, crisscrossing the country to build landfills and passing the torch once he found a replacement. His approach to work was deeply rooted in his Calvinistic upbringing, emphasizing the importance of hard work and an overarching calling to serve others. At Huizenga Capital, our home saw a constant stream of people—nonprofits, Christian organizations—seeking his support. My father's scrutiny ensured their alignment with his values and virtues before any assistance was granted.
Yet, amidst this professional rigor, he maintained a deliberate focus on our family. When he returned home, he engaged me in meaningful conversations while sorting through the mail. Simultaneously, my mother, equally intentional, made sure to attend my sporting events, despite their busy schedules. Their investment of time in my upbringing is something I now recognize as a rare and invaluable gift.
Reflecting on my childhood, I see the blend of my mother's nurturing love and my father's strategic guidance. Their consistency, dedication to family, and hard work—my mother within the home and my father in building a business—left an indelible mark. They encouraged me to participate in Student Council, engage in mock trial, understand the foundational role of accounting in business, and even contemplate the qualities I sought in a future spouse through prayer and introspection.
These influences shaped me into a person who values intentionality. Their guidance propelled me to be purposeful in my actions, just as they were in theirs, laying the foundation for the person I am today.
What inspired you to establish or join the men's fraternity?
The inspiration behind establishing and joining the Men's Fraternity traces back to Pastor Robert Lewis, a former D-1 All-American linebacker turned pastor, who recognized a recurring pattern of mistakes among men after 25 years of mentoring. His curriculum, initially offered by Park Community Church, became the foundation for this initiative. Despite initial reservations due to commuting and my stable childhood, peer insistence led me to experience a unique atmosphere far from my expectations, marked by Guns N' Roses tunes and humorous videos.
Motivated by the desire to replicate this intentional approach in Hinsdale after moving there in 2010, I started with five guys in a restaurant back room. What began as a small gathering soon attracted over 500 men to Men's Fraternity. As we outgrew the original curriculum, the shift to live speakers was prompted by attendees seeking more diverse insights. For the past eight years, these speakers, with extensive experience in various aspects of life, have shared their journeys and key lessons. The program now attracts an average of 60 to 80 attendees every Thursday morning, aligning with the NFL football season from October to February, excluding December. In essence, the Men's Fraternity serves as a platform for intentional growth, driven by the wisdom and experiences of those who have walked the path of being better husbands, fathers, coworkers, and individuals.
Men's Fraternity meets every Thursday at 6:15 AM (412 S Garfield St, Hinsdale) from October to the end of February (but does not meet in the month of December). If interested in joining, just bring yourself! It's like going to the gym before work in the morning. But, it's for your mind and your soul.
How do you personally contribute to fostering a culture of support and care within the group, promoting not just brotherhood but also active involvement in societal well-being?
My approach involves a structured format that encourages engagement and openness. Following the speaker's presentation, I implement a unique system where the speaker formulates five reflective questions related to their talk, which are then placed on each table. While sitting at the same table each week is encouraged, it's not mandatory, providing flexibility for attendees. Despite initial expectations, people have expressed a strong desire for more of this interactive time, showcasing the group's eagerness to connect on a deeper level. This structured time around the tables serves as a platform for meaningful conversations, allowing guys to process the speaker's content and discuss personal challenges. Remarkably, even with the option to leave at any time, most choose to stay until after the table discussions, underscoring the value they find in these conversations.
Beyond our regular meetings, there's a notable tradition among some tables to continue discussions over breakfast, demonstrating the sense of camaraderie that extends beyond our scheduled sessions. Recognizing the challenges of scheduling social events due to busy lives, I'm currently exploring ways to deepen our impact through a service project. The idea is to invite a group of guys to go on a trip to Honduras to work with orphans. Currently I am looking at potential dates in November, and I believe this new dimension could offer a powerful and transformative experience for a group of 20 to 30 guys. Notably, my wife is involved with the organization in Honduras, and, having taken our own kids there several times, we have witnessed the profound impact of such service trips.
In your opinion, what role does a men's fraternity play in shaping individuals to become active and responsible citizens?
I emphasize to people that the group is not political. However, I have leaned into politics as I express to them that the primary goal of this group is to encourage men to be intentional in strengthening their families and communities. Examining policies that may impact family structures is essential, and it's not something they should ignore. Instead, individuals should seek politicians and judges who uphold the Constitution, enforce the law, and champion family values. Being intentional, men need to actively engage in their school boards to prevent chaos that arises when wise individuals disengage, (as evident in cities like Chicago, Seattle, and San Francisco).
In the last election, I distributed a sample ballot recommending individuals whom I believed aligned with family values and supported the law. While I faced some pushback from a few individuals who thought I had overstepped boundaries, I clarified that Men's Fraternity is not affiliated with the church we meet in; it is my personal group with the sole purpose of raising men to be intentional in building stronger families and communities. Acknowledging that politics plays a significant role in community strength, I stand behind this perspective, even if it means losing a few members who may disagree – respecting their right to do so.
In his own words...
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