Vance and Beth Maultsby are Texas natives who fell in love with Traverse City. Recently they decided to further invest in the community by making a donation to the new 20Fathoms Vision Fund.
“Hearing from Eric [Roberts] and Brittany [VanderBeek] about what’s happening at 20Fathoms really struck a chord,” said Vance. “We made the contribution because we love Traverse City and in order to sustain this vibrant community, you need to have a good business community.”
The 20Fathoms Vision Fund is a philanthropic initiative that enhances programs and services to promote the future of tech entrepreneurship in the Grand Traverse Region. Donations support startup incubation services, educational programming, talent acquisition and development, shared workspace, and a community of innovators that fuel growth in Northern Michigan.
“A business incubator that could produce the next big thing is exciting,” said Vance. “It creates jobs for creative people – the kind of jobs that will grow a community.”
Falling in Love with Northern Michigan
While early in his career Vance spent some time in Michigan on work assignments (including during the legendary Michigan winter of 1978), he and Beth have deep roots in Dallas, Texas.
Beth is a family law attorney and partner at GoransonBain Ausley, one of the largest family law firms in Texas. Previously, she served as Judge of the 303rd Family District Court and Associate Judge of the 301st Family District Court.
“My wife was one of the best-known divorce lawyers in Dallas,” said Vance.
Vance is a certified public accountant specializing in oil and gas taxation. He also works with families and individuals on income tax, estate, and gift tax planning. He is currently Of Counsel at Huselton, Morgan & Maultsby.
Vance and Beth began vacationing in Northern Michigan more than 20 years ago.
“Two of our dearest friends, who live in Ft. Worth, have a second home in Traverse City. We would visit them regularly. Eleven years ago, the house next door to them was for sale, so we bought it!”
Today, Vance and Beth are mostly retired and spend a little less than six months a year at their Traverse City home. They enjoy hosting friends here – especially first-time visitors who are stunned to see what Northern Michigan has to offer. In addition, Vance enjoys fly fishing on the Manistee River while Beth enjoys spending time with friends, painting, visiting the farmers market, and enjoying the region’s coffee shops and restaurants.
They’ve become very active in the Traverse City community – Beth is a member of Impact100 while Vance is a member of Northern Michigan Angels, serves on the Finance Committee at Grace Episcopal Church, and volunteers at the Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park.
“We just love Traverse City,” said Vance. “It’s beautiful, friendly, and we’ve been welcomed into the community. We want to see Traverse City thrive. Supporting 20Fathoms is one way that we can help contribute to that effort.”
Become a 20Fathoms Visionary
Like Vance and Beth Maultsby, 20Fathoms Visionaries are community leaders driving tech innovation. If you would like to support 20Fathoms, please contact Brittany VanderBeek, Director of Development & Community Engagement to discuss giving opportunities.
Donations of any amount are appreciated and help support our mission. However, for a limited time, donors who contribute $10,000 or more by December 31 will receive exclusive benefits and hold the recognition of “20Fathoms Visionary” in perpetuity.