What separates those who dream of change from those who make it happen? And how can personal tragedy become a catalyst for progress? In this episode of The BOBcast, Bob sits down with Dan Gilbert, founder and chairman of Rocket Companies, and Dr. Steve Kalkanis, CEO of Henry Ford Hospital and Henry Ford Medical Group. Together, they explore how personal adversity, philanthropy, and bold decisions are reshaping Detroit’s healthcare and economic future. This is more than a conversation about medicine - it’s about momentum, legacy, and the shared belief that Detroit will be a global model for innovation.
What separates those who dream of change from those who make it happen? And how can personal tragedy become a catalyst for progress? In this episode of The BOBcast, Bob sits down with Dan Gilbert, founder and chairman of Rocket Companies, and Dr. Steve Kalkanis, CEO of Henry Ford Hospital and Henry Ford Medical Group. Together, they explore how personal adversity, philanthropy, and bold decisions are reshaping Detroit’s healthcare and economic future. This is more than a conversation about medicine - it’s about momentum, legacy, and the shared belief that Detroit will be a global model for innovation.
Show Notes
Dan Gilbert and Dr. Steven Kalkanis' Relationship and Impact on Detroit
1:09- Bob Riney introduces the podcast and the guests, Dan Gilbert and Dr. Steven Kalkanis, highlighting their significant contributions to Detroit.
2:12- Dan shares how his son Nick's neurofibromatosis diagnosis led to his relationship with Dr. Kalkanis, who was a key doctor during Nick's treatment.
3:09- Dr. Kalkanis recalls his first meeting with Dan, emphasizing Dan's relentless pursuit of the best care for his son and his inquisitive nature.
3:54- The conversation touches on Nick Gilbert's passing and its impact on Dan's dedication to advancing research and care.
Philanthropy and Vision for Detroit's Future
4:06- Bob asks Dan about the influence of his son's battle on his broader vision for Detroit's future.
4:20- Dan discusses the personal nature of philanthropy and his commitment to partnering with Henry Ford Health to improve healthcare in Detroit.
4:45- Dan highlights the lack of neurorehab centers in Detroit and his excitement about contributing to the rehab center at Henry Ford Health.
4:53- Bob and Dan discuss the broader vision for Detroit, including the need for world-class healthcare and the impact of large investments like the Future of Health project and Destination Grand.
Economic and Social Impact of Major Investments
5:12- Bob asks Dr. Kalkanis about his hopes for patients, families, and Detroiters with the new healthcare investments.
5:40- Dr. Kalkanis expresses his hope that Detroiters will feel pride in the state-of-the-art healthcare available in their city.
6:08- Dan emphasizes the importance of other institutions and businesses making big bets on Detroit to create a vibrant and inspiring city.
6:25- The conversation shifts to the need to change the mentality of Detroit residents, encouraging them to stay and thrive in the city.
Personal Stories and Career Risks
7:20- Dr. Kalkanis shares a personal story about his son's internship with Dan's company, highlighting the impact of Dan's vision on young people.
7:53- Dr. Kalkanis discusses Dan’s quote "a rich man has 1000 problems, but a sick man has one," and its relevance to their work.
8:27- Bob and Dan discuss the need to recruit talent from outside Detroit and the importance of creating a city that inspires young people to stay.
8:43- Dan shares his experience with interns and the positive energy they bring to Detroit.
8:58- Bob asks Dan about his decision-making skills and the "isms" that guide his approach to making big decisions.
9:50- Dr. Kalkanis discusses how preparation and innovation play a major role in outcomes as he leads a multi-1000 team of physicians?
9:56- Dr. Kalkanis reflects on the importance of prioritizing health and ensuring that healthcare outcomes are not determined by zip code.
Future Vision and Personal Legacy
10:54- Bob asks Dr. Kalkanis and Dan the biggest risks in their careers that taught them a lesson that they still use today.
12:18- Dr. Kalkanis hopes that Detroit will become a global model for healthcare innovation and reminds listeners of Detroit's history of innovation.
12:50- Dan aims for Detroit to be a top choice for college graduates, both in-state and out-of-state.
Final Thoughts and Legacy
13:10- Dr. Kalkanis hopes to have a positive impact on health and life for those he touches.
13:19- Dan aims to eliminate neurofibromatosis and ensure that Detroit is recognized for its positive decisions and contributions to the community.
14:12- Bob reflects on the conversation and how both Dan and Dr. Kalkanis have a deep be lief in the power of momentum
14:52- Bob concludes by encouraging listeners to keep striving and making a difference in Detroit.
Steven Kalkanis 00:02
Life lessons from Dan Gilbert: a rich man has 1000 problems, but a sick man has one.
Dan Gilbert 00:08
We have something that we call our isms, which is 20 statements that kind of drive our decision making, our prioritization: better off making a decision than not making one.
Bob Riney 00:18
Welcome back to The BOBcast. I'm your host. Bob Riney, President and CEO of Henry Ford Health, and I am thrilled to have you joining us today. The BOBcast is where Detroit's future comes into view. It is where you'll hear the big ideas, bold voices and crucial conversations that are shaping our city, our region, and beyond. Real and unapologetically focused on creating a stronger, more vibrant future. With grit and grace, this podcast introduces you to the relentless visionaries who are driving change and tackling some of the biggest challenges we face today. Today's episode is a special one, because we have not one guest, but two incredible leaders whose work has helped shape the very fabric of Detroit and extended far beyond it. I am thrilled to be joined by Dan Gilbert, founder and chairman of Rocket Companies, whose vision and investment has revitalized neighborhoods grown businesses, and whose $375 million gift to Henry Ford Health is helping fund the Shirley Ryan Abilitylab and the Nick Gilbert Neurofibromatosis Research Institute. And Dr Steve Kalkanis, a nationally recognized neurosurgeon and CEO of both Henry Ford Hospital and our Henry Ford Medical Group. Dan and Steve share a personal connection that has helped drive some of the most ambitious projects our city has ever seen, including our Future of Health Project and Destination Grand. Today, we'll talk about what all this means for Detroit's future. So let me start off with a question for both of you. You've known each other a long time. Let us know how the relationship started and how it's shaped the work you're now doing together. Let's start with you, Dan.
Dan Gilbert 02:12
Well, Steve was one of my son's surgeons, one of my son's doctors.
TV newscaster 02:16
In his early childhood, Nick Gilbert was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis, a genetic condition that causes non-cancerous tumors to grow on the brain, spinal cord and skin.
Dan Gilbert 02:28
And he was the point person while Nick was unfortunately going through his tough times. And he was a great person to be the point person, because he was not only a great doctor, but he had great bedside manner and got to know the whole family, and we got to know him.
Bob Riney 02:43
Steve, how about you?
Steve Kalkanis 02:44
First of all, let me just say how blown away and inspired I am to see Dan, you walked into this BOBcast this morning, and that's just inspiring and amazing given the journey that you've had.
TV newscaster 02:57
We've learned a friend took the Cleveland Cavaliers owner to a hospital Sunday morning because he wasn't feeling well, and according to a statement, while Gilbert was in the hospital's care, he suffered a stroke and underwent a catheter based procedure.
Steve Kalkanis 03:09
I remember the very first time I met Dan, he came into my office and the Department of Neurosurgery at Henry Ford Hospital, and despite the overwhelming complexity of Nick's case, he was kind, he had a great sense of humor, he was thoughtful, but he was inquisitive. He was relentless, even in asking not just the why and why nots for Nick's care, but why the state of the field of medicine couldn't be more successful. And that relentlessness spurred on, not only bringing together people from all over the world to find the best possible treatment, but that spirit of let's do this really opened up innovation for the future, and it really embodied who Dan Gilbert is in every aspect of his life.
TV newscaster 03:54
The Cleveland Cavaliers family and their fans are mourning the passing of Nick Gilbert. That's the son of Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert. He died over the weekend at the age of 26.
Bob Riney 04:06
Dan, you've spoken about how your son Nick's battle with neurofibromatosis has shaped your dedication to advancing research and care. How has that personal journey influenced your broader vision for Detroit's future?
Dan Gilbert 04:20
I think philanthropy can be personal a lot of times in families and with Nick and what he went through his whole life, and what we fought his whole life, was obviously an incentive for us to do something there. Doing it with you guys at Henry Ford couldn't be a better partner in the world to do it with. Your contribution and your vision for Detroit is second to none, certainly in the medical field and maybe overall in Detroit.
Bob Riney 04:45
You've commented about Detroit deserves world class healthcare in a world class medical campus.
Dan Gilbert 04:53
Well, I found out after my stroke that when I went to look for neuro-rehab centers to spend time to get that initial rehab going that there wasn't a lot of choices here in Detroit or the whole region, to be honest with you. So for me, it was certainly an eye opener. But being able to contribute and be your partner in this in the rehab center is really exciting as well.
Bob Riney 05:12
Let me start with Steve about this new era that we're embarking upon as we build this almost what's now going to be a total of $3 billion of overall economic value from other partners that are joining in. But when you think about the future of health and Destination Grand, what's your hope for patients, for families and for Detroiters when they step into that space for the first time?
Steve Kalkanis 05:40
You know, honestly, Bob, I hope they feel pride in our city, pride in the state of the art of where we are in American healthcare, embodied in the best possible innovations and advancements that we have brought here to Detroit and Destination Grand is the largest investment in our city's history in terms of healthcare. And it says to every Detroiter, you deserve world class care, and you deserve it right here.
Dan Gilbert 06:06
How about you, Dan? I actually think for you guys to make a big bet like this gives a message to other institutions in Detroit that they should also make big bets. What Ford did with the train station, with what you guys are doing, our Hudson project, these are all big bets, and hopefully we see other large nonprofits as well as profit making businesses making big bets.
Bob Riney 06:25
You said something a while back that really stuck with me, and you said "it really bothers me when I talk to people that live in Detroit area and they're almost bragging that their kids live in New York or Chicago. And we need to really change that whole mentality, so that they're bragging about the fact that their kids are staying home."
Dan Gilbert 06:47
It's almost like a rite of passage or a badge of honor, like, Oh, my son's in New York, my son's in Chicago, my daughter's in LA, but we've got to create a city that inspires them to stay home, that has the jobs for them, that has the entertainment, that has the living quarters that they can live in inexpensively.
Bob Riney 07:03
Couldn't agree more. Steve, you also made a statement that has really resonated with me and with many, many and that's relative to the need for a world class system in a world class city. Talk to us about that.
Steve Kalkanis 07:20
Well, I have a personal story that ties it all together, because this summer, one of my sons, who's about to start his sophomore year in college, did an internship in one of Dan's company's Detroit Venture Partners, and he was one of those people that Dan and his team inspired to say, hey, it's not all about the East Coast. Detroit is a really big deal, and it has a future. One of the things that Dan, and I'm going to put you on the spot here, you said to this group of young, impressionable interns, life lessons from Dan Gilbert. One of the quotes I think he attributed to you was that "a rich man has 1000 problems, but a sick man has one." Your journey, your impact have tied the two together, because your resources have made possible the prioritization of health and for everything that we're building, there's a carve out of millions of dollars to help those so that your healthcare outcomes don't have to be determined by the zip code that you grew up in or where you live in. You need the people and you need the brain power and that energy in a hub where everything is reinforcing each other to move forward.
Bob Riney 08:27
We have to re-recruit our own children to Detroit, but we also have to recruit kids who really want to move from where they grew up and want to try something different, and have that try something different be Detroit.
Dan Gilbert 08:43
We have 1500 interns every summer, and they represent over 200 colleges and universities in the United States. Once they put their feet on the ground here in Detroit, they feel the energy. They love it. Detroit's hot right now. It really is.
Bob Riney 08:58
You are involved in business and in sports, you've had to make tough calls under pressure. How did you develop your decision making skills for high stakes situations?
Dan Gilbert 09:11
We have something that we call our isms, which is 20 statements that kind of drive our decision making, our prioritization. It defines our culture. I try to get everybody involved and get their feedback first, if it's gonna be a big decision. I remember the one to come down to Detroit. We had some interesting conversations for months and months before we made that decision, or years even. And I always tell people is, there's three options with a decision. You can make a bad one and learn from it. Make a good one and that's nice, or don't make one and don't learn anything, and then it's not a good one. Better off making a decision than not making one.
Bob Riney 09:42
And Steve, how about the parallels in medicine? I mean, you have to make decisions that can literally be the difference between life and death. So what parallels do you see leading a now multi 1000 team of physicians?
Steve Kalkanis 09:56
I think it's exactly analogous to what Dan mentioned about decision making, you know. In neurosurgery and in the brain in particular, millimeters matter, time matters, so the clarity of thought to make decisions is really based on preparation and innovation and imagining what the best outcome is and sticking to that plan. We have the world's most space age simulators before we even touch a patient. And that has revolutionized surgery. We have basically an avatar of a human being down to their molecular makeup, to their physical shape, to their physiologic environment, pumping blood through the brain at the rate that it is actually happening in real life, based on the scans. And we do the surgery on a simulator, in many cases, with 3-D printed models and in real time, and we make those judgments, and we make those errors and adjustments so that by the time we go to the operating room, it's already pre-rehearsed and pre-planned.
Bob Riney 10:41
Steve, I'm going to stick with you for a minute. Biggest risk you've taken in your career that taught you a lesson that you still use today.
Dr. Steven Kalkanis 11:02
You know, I was one of the busiest neurosurgeons at our health system, so taking a step back from that craft, that passion of mine, to take on more of an administrative leadership role at the time was a risk. Now, looking back, when I think about the impact the teams that we've been able to assemble, the experiences that I've had and that I've been able to be a part of, even just in the last year with our new academic involvement and our new buildings and our new programs, it's really been a journey that I'm most grateful for, but in real time, it definitely felt like a giant leap of faith.
Bob Riney 11:36
How about you, Dan, a risk you took that really taught you a lesson.
Dan Gilbert 11:41
Coming down to Detroit, some people thought it was more risky than I did, of course. I was read the riot act by a lot of people around me on the risk. But I gotta tell you, I really felt it in my gut and talked to enough people that we got so much energy and so many assets. We over 20,000 people at the time, and that's an army. So it's not just the capital and the money that you invest, it's the people who can make such a big difference.
Bob Riney 12:04
So let's segue to 20 years from now, Steve, I'm going to start with Destination Grand and the future of health. What headline do you hope is written about this immense undertaking?
Steve Kalkanis 12:17
The headline 20 years from now is Detroit becomes a global model for healthcare innovation. I hope it doesn't take 20 years to get to that headline, quite frankly, and Dan said it it's momentum. I think I would add reminding people of our shared history. Innovation is in Detroit's DNA. Over a century ago, Henry Ford himself, our founder, innovator in chief, famously said something along the lines of, if I had just done what was expected, I would have given people a faster horse.
Bob Riney 12:46
Dan, what about the city of Detroit 20 years from now? What do you want that headline to be?
Dan Gilbert 12:50
I'll even go, you know, 5, 10 years from now. Anyone who's graduating any college of any name, we don't have to be their only choice, but Detroit's in the top five, not just from in state, but from out of state students as well.
Bob Riney 13:02
All right, gentlemen, it's been great being with you. Final word what you want your personal legacy to be? Steve?
Steve Kalkanis 13:09
Impact. We have a moment here to really brighten the futures and make health and life better for all those who we touch.
Bob Riney 13:18
Dan?
Dan Gilbert 13:19
Well, I have two one is that we eliminate the disease that took my son, neurofibromatosis, that we eliminate it from the planet, not a well-known disease. One out of 3000 people get it, but that's still 2 million people in the world. Hopefully his passing can help 2 million people be healthy. Second one, of course, is Detroit that at least people look back, they'll look back and say, we did the right thing, we made the right decisions, we did the right thing for the community.
Bob Riney 13:43
I think when we do cure neurofibromatosis and when Detroit emerges, once again, to a top 10 destination, your name Dan Gilbert is going to be all over both of them.
Dan Gilbert 13:55
And I think Henry Ford will as well. And you.
Bob Riney 13:57
Appreciate that very much.
Steve Kalkanis 13:59
Thank you.
Dan Gilbert 14:00
Thank you.
Steve Kalkanis 14:01
Let's go to Gilly's and celebrate.
Bob Riney 14:03
There we go.
Dan Gilbert 14:04
Sounds good. Bam Bam Broccoli.
Bob Riney 14:12
You know, if you really listen to Steve and Dan, the real thing that stood out to me is the deep belief both of them have for the power of momentum, and what we're seeing in Detroit as we move higher and higher up is positive momentum. If you enjoyed this episode, please click follow so you will never miss a future episode. Share us with your friends and leave us a five star rating and review, which will help others find us. If you have suggestions for a topic or a guest, email us at bobcast@hfhs.org. Remember, every action we take today is a step towards the future we're building together. Let's keep striving. Keep. Believing and keep moving forward. Let's use positive momentum to carry us through an era that's filled with troubling questions. Until next time, take care and keep making a difference.