At the heart of Orefice LTD is a story of legacy, leadership, and a deep commitment to music education. Meet Jaymen VanDam, President of Orefice LTD — a man who didn’t just step into a role, but grew into it through years of hands-on experience, mentorship, and a passion for making a difference in the lives of music educators and students across Michigan and the Midwest.
From Satellites to Sousaphones
Jaymen’s path to Orefice LTD is anything but ordinary. Before joining the family business, he lived in Salt Lake City, Utah, where he worked in electronics testing for L3, supporting government satellite and communications systems. With a security clearance and a job he couldn’t really talk about, it was a far cry from marching shoes and color guard gloves.
But when Jaymen married into the Orefice family, he saw something special in the company his father-in-law Joey and uncles Carmine and Juno had built. He moved into the business full-time and began learning from the ground up — managing the books, supporting sales, diving into marketing, and absorbing the values and practices that had sustained the company for nearly 50 years.
“I would not be who I am today without the mentorship of the Orefice brothers,” Jaymen says. “They taught me what mattered most: service, integrity, and being there for music educators.”
Leading with Heart
Now, as President, Jaymen leads with a strong sense of purpose and emotional intelligence.
“I believe in leading by example and creating a culture where people feel safe coming to you. Our team is the engine of this business. My job is to support and guide them.”
That leadership was put to the test when COVID-19 hit. Just as Jaymen had completed a major website overhaul and internal process updates, the industry came to a screeching halt.
“Managing the business through COVID and coming out the other side has been one of my proudest accomplishments,” he reflects. “We had to pivot fast, and one of the most important moves we made was building a new partnership with Fruhauf Uniforms. It helped us rebuild when we lost our previous uniform supplier and allowed us to continue serving our clients.”
Advocating for Music Education
Jaymen’s passion for music has only deepened over the years. A drummer in middle school, he still finds peace in music and is a vocal advocate for the arts in education.
“We exist to help music educators — to make their lives easier, to reduce stress, and to support them however we can. Music builds lifelong bonds for students. It’s a powerful outlet, and we want to be part of that story.”
You’ll find Jaymen and the Orefice team actively involved in the community — from sponsoring local circuits to helping lead the Scholastic Marching Band Circuit. Most of the company’s reps also judge competitions, not just selling products but staying connected to the heartbeat of the activity.
Where Tradition Meets Innovation
What makes Orefice LTD different? It’s the personal touch in an increasingly digital world.
“We value tech, but not more than human connection. We use it to enhance relationships, not replace them. Because people need people — especially in our industry.”
And when it comes to evolving the business, Jaymen’s philosophy is simple: honor tradition, stay true to your values, and welcome change that aligns with your purpose.
Looking Ahead
Jaymen envisions a future where Orefice LTD continues to be a trusted resource for music educators — not just a vendor, but a partner.
“We want to build a supportive community where directors know they’ll be taken care of. That’s what matters.”
When he’s not leading the company, Jaymen enjoys hiking (a love he discovered while living in Utah), watching hockey, baseball, and soccer, and spending time with his family. And while he may not be behind a drum set these days, he’s never far from the music that inspires everything he does.