Name
Brianne Hooper
Age
31
Company/Organization
Vibracoustic
What Does Your Company/Organization Do?
Vibracoustic is a global expert in automotive NVH (Noise, Vibration & Harshness), designing and manufacturing components that reduce sound and vibration in vehicles. With around 12,000 employees across roughly 40 engineering and production sites worldwide, including key locations in the US like the corporate office/research and design facility in South Haven, Vibracoustic serves nearly every major light and commercial vehicle manufacturer to help improve the ride of vehicles.
Education
South Haven High School- 2011; Grand Valley State University- 2015
Accomplishments
I’ve been fortunate to have some meaningful life experiences recognized through special accomplishments and honors, but two that I hold especially close to my heart are receiving the President’s Volunteer Service Award Gold Medal and being named the 2024 Citizen of the Year by our local Elks Lodge #1509.
What else do you hope to accomplish by the age of 40?
By the time I’m 40, I hope that I’ve learned to give myself more grace while continuing to be someone who leads with kindness, is known to be a good friend, and helps others to believe in their own potential. Titles and achievements are great but what means the most to me is leaving people, places, and organizations better than I found them.
Current City
South Haven, MI
Place You Were Born
South Haven, MI
What was your first job?
Technically it wasn’t my very first job, but the first job that really impacted who I am today was working in housekeeping for Frank and Gail Hanson at Sun ‘n Sand Resort. Watching how they ran things taught me so many lessons on how to do business the “right” way, how to manage others with grace, and how to empower your team to be the best versions of themselves.
What’s the best advice you ever got?
In high school, my mom told me, “Go where you are wanted”, and that advice has stayed with me. There’s something so powerful about giving your energy, time, and love to people, places, and organizations that truly see and value you.
Who inspires you most?
My parents and immediate family. I’m lucky that my brother, parents, grandparents, cousins, aunts & uncles all set a great example of what it means to work hard, do good, and take care of the people around you.
That one thing about you we’d be most surprised to learn.
If you know me now, you’d be surprised to learn that I was very shy and unsure of myself growing up. I’m naturally introspective, so I spent a lot of time just watching what was going on around me and not necessarily stepping outside my comfort zone to get involved or speak up. As time has gone on, I have learned the value of pairing this introspection with speaking up when necessary and it has helped me step outside my comfort zone to lead and help make a difference in my community.
What do you love to do in your downtime?
I love to spend my summer evenings enjoying the Lake Michigan sunsets! I also enjoy taking walks, playing beach volleyball, shooting hoops, and working on my latest quilting project.
What book are you reading now?
I wish I had a good read to share here, but I am between books! I’m drawn to books that teach or challenge perspective, so I’d love any recommendations you’ve got for my next read.
Volunteer activity you love the most.
Being part of the team that makes The National Blueberry Festival happen.
What motivates you to give back to your community?
What motivates me to stay involved is knowing that we all have something we can contribute to making our communities better. Whether it’s time, skills, or compassion, we all have something to offer and I am happy to share mine where I can!
What Superpower would you most love to have?
Oh- hands down- I am flying. I’ll have to work past my fear of heights but this would be both practical and fun.
What would you like to leave behind as your legacy once you are gone?
I’d love to be remembered as someone who always gave her all, treated people with kindness, and truly loved and lived her best life.
What does the honor of being named to the 40 Under 40 most mean to you?
Being named to this year’s 40 under 40 class is incredibly meaningful to me both as a personal milestone and a reflection of the people and organizations that have supported me along the way. I’ve been so lucky to learn from strong mentors, work with inspiring colleagues, and to grow through challenges. This honor is a gentle reminder to stay grounded and lift others up as I continue leading with empathy and I’m deeply grateful and humbled to be recognized alongside so many other passionate, driven, and inspiring individuals.
