Our Staff
Stan and Alma Vermeer
Stan: Founder/Executive Director | Alma: Facilities Director
Stan graduated from Calvin College in 1964 with majors in mathematics and literature. After college, he spent one year teaching at Mkar Teachers College in Nigeria. He then lived and studied for a year in Israel before attending Calvin Theological Seminary, graduating with a B.D. degree in 1969. While in seminary, he married Margaret De Boer. In 1969 they moved to Nigeria and both taught at Bristow Secondary School in Gboko. Their daughter Christy was born in 1970. In 1974 it was discovered that Margaret had breast cancer and the family needed to return to the States for medical attention.
Jonathan was born in 1974, and Stan began working at Vermeer Manufacturing in 1975 in the agricultural experimental area. Margaret died in 1978 and Stan married Alma Verdon in 1980. David was born in 1982, the same year that Stan was named as President of Vermeer Manufacturing. Stan left Vermeer at the end of 1986.
For many years Stan has pursued the study of understanding of the nature of the human personality, and how that affects personal relationships. He has developed several studies on developing great relationships, and currently is focusing on marriage relationships.
Since 2009, Stan and Alma have been involved in developing and operating The Relationship Enrichment Center at Strawtown Inn. Stan has been focusing on giving the seminar “Habits for a Fantastic Marriage,” while Alma is responsible for managing the facilities.
Ebon Carter
Administrative Director
Reverend Ebon Carter comes to Developing Great Relationships with at B.A. in Missions and Bible from Central Bible College. After becoming an ordained minister in 2003, Ebon served in a variety of ministry roles, including youth pastor, senior pastor and executive directors in churches in Missouri and Iowa. He also served as administrative director of Sunstream Retreat Center for 9 years. His diverse experience in ministry over the years allows him to now serve churches across Iowa through his role here at DGR.
Ebon uses his administrate gifts to fulfill his passion of developing systematic growth plans for the local church. He is passionate about communication and believes that learning to communicate leads to quality relationships. Healthy marriages and healthy leaders are key components of healthy churches.
Ebon enjoys traveling and speaking in churches across the state and teaches Introductions to Doctrine , Pentateuch, and Introductions to Homiletics at Iowa School of Ministry. His wife Ranee is a licensed minister and a certified teacher who is committed to serving others daily in the local church and in the public schools. They have been married for 28 years and have 2 adult daughters; Elizabeth and Hannah.
Brian Davis
Director of Sales and Marketing
Brian Davis and his wife Paula join us from southern Missouri. His studies are from Berean university and has a diverse background in sales, marketing and ministry. Brian also plays a role as primary presenter here at DGR.