DBusiness | September-October 2023

INSIDE: BIG 3 EXEC CHARTS | CAPITAL GRILLE | BRILLIANT DETROIT

INSIDE: BIG 3 EXEC CHARTS CAPITAL GRILLE BRILLIANT DETROIT

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The Detroit Lions are primed for a breakout season, but sustaining their recent success will hinge on the organization’s ability to raise the team’s overall value by drawing top talent, maintaining fiscal excellence, and boosting fan engagement.

The Detroit Lions are for a breakout season, but their recent success will on the to raise the team’s overall value top talent, fiscal excellence, and fan engagement.

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CONTENTS

40 Capital Return 48 Home Academy

FOCUS: Back in prime demand, the Capital Grille at the Somerset Collection in Troy may at first look like the original mahogany-lined restaurant, but nearly everything is brand-new following a fire in June 2022.

PERSPECTIVES: Setting up a nonprofit organization in Detroit’s neighborhoods to provide early child development and community services may seem straightforward, but as one founder reveals, to effectuate success is a whole different thing. By Dan Calabrese and Michelle Cohl

52 Big Three Exec Listings 68 Lion’s Share

Our annual listing of Big Three auto executives and officers. Assembled by Tom Beaman Plus: Top 25 Tier 1 automotive suppliers.

The Detroit Lions are ready for a breakout season, but sustaining their recent success will hinge on the organization’s ability to raise the team’s overall value by drawing top talent, maintaining fiscal excellence, and boosting fan engagement. By Tim Keenan

Commentary Foreword

CONTENTS

Exec Life

75 JET-SET TRAVEL

Mixing and matching versatile capsule wardrobes for quick business trips.

Stephanie Daniel

Styled by Jessica VanAssche, and Photographed by Becky Simonov

84 RETURN ON INVESTMENT

Play by Play: Ebbie Parsons III grew up on Detroit’s west side with a dream of playing in the NFL. When he didn’t make the cut, he built up a successful business consulting firm. By Tom Murray

86

TOP BUSINESS RESTAURANTS

Our list of the region’s most business-friendly dining establishments.

92 PATENTS AND INVENTIONS

Fleet Transit: An engineer by training, Ronald C. Lamparter tapped his family’s knack for innovation and built up several businesses in the bus and military sectors.

Norm Sinclair

94 OPINION

Come Together: Recent bank failures have cast a dark shadow on Michigan’s middle-market businesses.

Christopher T.R. Letts

96 THE CIRCUIT

Our party pics from exclusive events.

Et Cetera

102 FROM THE TOP Top Intellectual Property Law Firms in Metro Detroit, 2024 Largest Conventions in Metro Detroit, Largest Meeting Venues in Metro Detroit.

106 CLOSING BELL

Boss Ket: A tragic event, a moral imperative, and a brilliant invention: How Charles F. Kettering transformed balky automobiles into civilized, usable contraptions. By Ronald Ahrens

Prime Time

Afew years back, McKeel Hagerty was shaken by a consultant’s prediction that gas-powered vehicles would be obsolete today.

By this time, we all would be whisked around in autonomous living rooms. Cold champagne and caviar would be at the ready as a satellite-guided limousine brought us to the best table at our favorite restaurant, a mega yacht prepped for an evening cruise, or a private jet cleared for takeoff to a tropical island.

So much for predictions. As it turns out, Hagerty, CEO of Hagerty, an automotive lifestyle brand in Traverse City that provides specialty vehicle insurance and hosts lifestyle events like the Concours d’Elegance at the Detroit Institute of Arts (Sept. 22-23), is still adding value to what is now a public company.

The range of options for autonomous vehicles hasn’t changed much since Hagerty first heard that doomsday scenario in 2017. We still have elevators, escalators, moving walkways, and the cream of the crop — monorails at airports and Disney’s parks — but where are the robo-cars?

Depending on the company or government agency, R&D activities have slowed or been eliminated. Turns out that for all the hype, self-driving cars are much harder to bring to market than most anyone realized.

For starters, hundreds of satellites must be lifted into orbit to provide the GPS bandwidth to guide specially equipped vehicles across street grids. In truth, we’ve barely installed the millions of sensors that are needed to bring true reliability to advanced transportation in urban areas.

Getting everything to market will be tough, plus there’s the unknown. Consider how the entire auto

industry was upended starting in 2020, when a few key factories in the Far East caught fire and the supply of computer chips nearly slowed to a halt.

In a short period of time, new cars and trucks couldn’t be delivered, and many automakers chose to keep production going for fear of laying off key talent. Inventory started piling up seemingly everywhere. The global chip shortage also caused price hikes for new cars and a sudden jolt in used-car values.

What’s more, OEMs were second fiddle to manufacturers of computers, smartphones, and video game consoles, which had longstanding contracts for more robust integrated circuits that brought higher profit margins.

Another factor that curtailed self-driving cars was the introduction of electric vehicles, which came roaring out of the gate in 2008 when Tesla debuted its first model. Today, a mere 15 years later, EVs represent 7 percent of annual U.S. sales despite hefty subsidies every step of the way.

Why aren’t we all plugging in? Even though EVs have 10 percent of the parts of a gas-powered vehicle, it turns out the batteries are extremely difficult to manufacture at scale, most rare earth metals must be imported, charging times are still way too long, and there aren’t nearly enough public chargers.

Cost is another challenge. The average price of an EV is $64,000 (no subsidy), compared to $48,000 for a gas-powered car. Access to a charger is a must, which puts apartment dwellers at a disadvantage.

All of which leaves Hagerty in a prime position. The traditional vehicle market isn’t going anywhere soon; most people still love a finely sculpted motorcar, whether as a driver, a passenger, or a passerby.

Rather than pine for an unrealistic future, we should enjoy what we have, set realistic goals, and stop trying to mandate everything that’s coming down the road.

30 IN THEIR THIRTIES

Just a quick note to say thanks again for the 30 in Their Thirties honor. I am truly humbled to be recognized by DBusiness and to have been selected alongside such a distinguished and impressive class of 2023. I enjoyed and was impressed by the process from start to finish: interview, logistics, breakfast, and publication (which was awesome!).

OTTOMAN

EMPIRE

Regarding the July/ August DBusiness article about Gardner White Furniture Co., Norm Sinclair is a longtime pro, and this was the first time I had the opportunity to work with photographer Becky Simonov. She has such positive energy and a great eye. I spent a lot of time with her after Gardner White CEO Rachel Stewart’s portrait shots were taken, walking her around the showroom and scoping out eye-catching visual vignettes (and even assisting her a bit with hiding tags, propping up pillows, etc.).

CONTRIBUTORS

5

Jason Hosko

EDITOR R.J. King

MANAGING EDITOR Tim Keenan

TOM BEAMAN

Tom Beaman has written for DBusiness since 2007, covering topics ranging from aviation to the dairy industry and Michigan’s Native American community. He worked as a news anchor and a reporter at WDET and WOSU in Columbus, Ohio, and has contributed stories to NPR’s “All Things Considered.” Beaman also worked as a science writer at the General Motors Research Laboratories and as manager of product communications for Pontiac, Saab, and Vauxhall Motors Ltd. He also mentors journalism and public relations students at his alma mater, Ohio State University. In this issue, Beaman compiled the bios of the Detroit Three executive officers.

JIM STICKFORD

Born and educated in Detroit, Jim Stickford earned his journalism degree from Michigan State University. He covered local news writing for The Grosse Pointe News and has spent two decades covering the auto industry for Used Car News, The Detroit Auto Scene, and the Tech Center News His work has appeared in such national publications as the National Independent Automobile Association’s Used Car Magazine and the Society of Automotive Engineers’ Automotive Engineering In this issue, Stickford writes about Lakeview Hills Country Club in Lexington and two former U-M athletes who are helping current players navigate NIL deals.

JESSICA VANASSCHE

Jessica VanAssche is a wardrobe and set stylist, production designer, art director, and costume designer who styled the DBusiness Exec Life fall/winter executive fashion feature in this issue. VanAssche studied in France, where she was captivated by French fashion, and eventually co-owned a boutique that featured ready-to-wear, vintage, and handmade jewelry and fashions. She is writing and illustrating a children’s book series about rescue animals. In addition to working on several local independent films, her wardrobe and set-styling clients include Pure Michigan, Ford Motor Co., Audi, the Detroit Zoo, Rocket Cos., and Hour Detroit. She plays keyboards, percussion, writes, and sings in a Detroit-based band, The Mythics.

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Jim Stickford

COPY EDITOR Anne Berry Daugherty

EDITORIAL INTERNS Maggie McGrath, Rylie Rosenfeld

DESIGN

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Lindsay Richards

ART DIRECTOR Justin Stenson

SENIOR PRODUCTION ARTIST Stephanie Daniel JUNIOR ART DIRECTOR Steven Prokuda

ADVERTISING SALES

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Cynthia Barnhart, Regan Blissett, Karli Brown, Cathleen Francois, Maya Gossett, Donna Kassab, Lisa LaBelle, Mary Pantely and Associates, Jessica VanDerMaas

OUTREACH SPECIALIST: Prynsess Partridge

PRODUCTION

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Jenine Knox

SENIOR PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Jill Berry

PRODUCTION ARTIST Jonathan Boedecker

ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Amanda Kozlowski

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Jim Bibart, Kathryn Dave WEB

DIGITAL DIRECTOR Nick Britsky

DIGITAL DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Matt Cappo

SR. DIGITAL DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST Luanne Lim

DIGITAL DEVELOPMENT SPECIALISTS Jim Bowser, Marissa Jacklyn, Kevin Pell

VIDEO PRODUCER Nicole Toporowski

VIDEOGRAPHER Heather Moody

DIGITAL STRATEGY MANAGER Travis Cleveland

DIGITAL MEDIA ASSISTANT Robyn Banks

IT

IT DIRECTOR Jeremy Leland

CIRCULATION

DIRECTOR OF AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT Geralyn Wilson

CIRCULATION MANAGER Riley Meyers

CIRCULATION COORDINATORS David Benvenuto, Susan Combs, Cathy Krajenke, Rachel Moulden, Michele Wold

MARKETING AND EVENTS

MARKETING AND EVENTS MANAGER Jodie Svagr

MARKETING AND EVENTS COORDINATOR Jaime Presnail

COMMUNICATIONS AND PR: Regan Blissett

MARKETING AND EVENTS INTERNS: Morgan Barbat, Delia Bechman, Natalie Brooks, Julia Tatone, Yessica Villaruel

MARKET RESEARCH

MARKETING RESEARCH DIRECTOR Sofia Shevin

MARKETING RESEARCH COORDINATOR Kristin Mingo

MARKETING SALES COORDINATOR Alex Thompson

MARKETING RESEARCH ASSISTANT Alyssa Fueri

MARKETING RESEARCH SALES ASSISTANT Cassandra Morris

JUNIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Alexa Dyer

BUSINESS

CEO Stefan Wanczyk

PRESIDENT John Balardo

DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS OPERATIONS Kathie Gorecki

PUBLISHING AND SALES COORDINATOR Mikala Bart

ASSISTANT OFFICE MANAGER Natasha Bajju

SENIOR ACCOUNTING ASSOCIATE Andrew Kotzian

ACCOUNTING ASSOCIATES Sammi Dick, Austin Schmelzle

DISTRIBUTION Target Distribution, Troy

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

CONTRIBUTING

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“THE MANUFACTURING OF AN EV HAS A NEGLIGIBLE POSITIVE BENEFIT FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, IF ANY.”

DAVID HARSANYI, SENIOR EDITOR, THE FEDERALIST

EV Follies

Sales of electric vehicles have risen, but the pace has slowed in recent months as inventory begins to pile up on dealer lots. EVs in the United States represent a 7 percent market share, but due to a range of factors, the drive to sell more will prove difficult — even with generous federal and state subsidies.

Rather than see politicians control the supply of EVs largely due to their ability to extract campaign donations out of so-called “green” enterprises while simultaneously instituting favorable regulations to assist such businesses, the better play would be to institute a carbon tax.

NIMBY WARS

RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES in the form of wind turbines and solar arrays have gotten high marks for producing clean electrical energy, but the path to building more such infrastructure will face stronger headwinds. In addition to running into permitting problems as more property owners resist wind and solar farms, people also are fighting transmission and distribution lines needed to get the electricity to the grid.

So far, utilities and private companies have selected the easiest sites to install turbines and solar arrays, yet pushback from the Not in my Backyard, or NIMBY, crowd is just getting started. Consider a recent study from Princeton University, which estimates the number of wind and solar projects needed to reach net zero emissions would consume 244 million acres of uninhabited land in the United States.

58 THOUSAND 90 31

Such a consumption levy would be fairer than today’s contrived marketplace. It would slow CO2 emissions, encourage sales of more hybrid vehicles (powered by both an electric battery and an internal combustion engine), and spare mining huge amounts of rare earth metals, some of which are produced by child labor in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Consider how environmental damage caused by scraping the earth and operating toxic lithium pools, not to mention other dirty aspects of building batteries, could be limited if cobalt, cerium, lanthanum, neodymium, and more were spread out. The materials needed to make one purely electric battery also can be used to produce around 90 smaller batteries for hybrid vehicles.

Somehow, though, hybrid vehicles aren’t good enough for virtue-signaling politicians and climate alarmists. Their message, largely embraced by a complacent media, has led to EVs that are often so expensive that only the rich can afford them — witness the GMC Hummer EV that easily costs more than $100,000 per vehicle.

%

By their standards, the bicycle would be the best option to lower CO2 emissions — but, alas, politicians would have a hard time extracting campaign donations for such a relatively inexpensive mode of transportation, while the climate crowd would be skewed by the general population that wants an inexpensive and reliable means of travel, whether near or far.

The other dirty secret that doesn’t get much attention is profitability. Yes, Tesla makes money selling EVs, but that’s propped up by revenue it derives from the sale of carbon credits, which in 2022 accounted for almost $1.8 billion. On the other hand, Ford reports it will likely lose $4.5 billion this year selling EVs, on top of $2.1 billion in losses last year.

Rather than see the EV folly for what it is — a false nirvana created by power-hungry politicians — federal and state governments are doubling down on their fantasy world. Witness the U.S. Energy Department extending a recent $9.2 billion taxpayer-funded loan to Ford that no financial institution would ever approve to help it build batteries and EVs.

Sources:

The State of Michigan, meanwhile, has approved millions of dollars in subsidies to lure automakers to build battery plants. Now consider if that same money were used to actually fulfill government’s purpose: to build and maintain infrastructure, provide for public safety, and deliver a quality education. On all three fronts, the government gets low grades. Is it any wonder the political elite is failing at driving demand in a market economy, as well?

What’s more, the areas of the country where wind speeds are consistently strong, namely the Midwest, are far from major coastal cities where energy consumption is greatest. One solution to the challenge would be to build more nuclear plants, which typically occupy around 640 acres as compared to 100,000 acres needed to produce the same amount of electricity from a wind farm.

Unfortunately, nuclear plants have gotten a bad rap for myriad reasons, and take years to gain approvals. Still, smaller, more efficient nuclear power systems have been developed that could help us reach net zero emissions if only our government leaders would take them more seriously.

CLIMATE CALAMITY

THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT has admitted that end-of-life scenarios from global warming, much of which has been generated by politicians eager to score points with environmental groups, will have little impact on economic growth — and, by extension, life expectancy.

A recent report from the Council of Economic Advisers and the Office of Management and Budget shows an increase of 2.2 degrees Fahrenheit has lowered global GDP by 0.5 percent. If temperatures rise 4.5 degrees by 2100, according to what’s being reported by climate panel projections at the United Nations, it will lead to a loss of 2 percent GDP.

While available climate data has been around for nearly 150 years, such a finite unit of time can be revealing. Since 1901, the U.S. has seen average temperatures rise about 2 percent Fahrenheit (excluding Alaska and Hawaii). At the same time, average life expectancy has jumped to 79 years from 48 years, while the overall economy has flourished.

Rather than tout our progress in reducing harmful emissions over the last century, much of the federal government, along with climate activists, have been painting a doomsday scenario. Such hype does a disservice to real-world conditions and will lead to what could be ill-advised investments into infrastructure and bring about policies that may harm lives.

COMPENDIUM: HOW OUTSIDERS VIEW DETROIT

HOW DETROIT AND FLINT BECAME HAVENS FOR RAP DARK HORSES

NPR

JULY 27, 2023

More than any particular sound, lyrical style, or historical movement, the true calling card of Detroit hip-hop just might be its underdog spirit. Despite the reign of Motown Records in the 1960s, the region has long lacked the infrastructure and resources of prosperous, self-sustained scenes in New York City, Los Angeles, and Atlanta. There are fewer live venues, label offices, and behind-thescenes heavyweights.

For years, major tours and street team promotions regularly skipped Detroit on the way to bigger cities. The slogan “Detroit Vs. Everybody,” ubiquitous on shirts and in song, is less provocation than observation, the principle holding together a city of splintered scenes through decades of inattention from the outside world.

The independent horrorcore pioneer Esham broke the seal for Detroit rap with Boomin’ Words from Hell in 1989. That same year, Awesome Dre and The Hardcore Committee scored a deal with the rising label Priority Records, which had just minted Compton stars N.W.A. In 1993, Bo$$ was

among the first from the city to earn major hits with “Deeper” and “Recipe of a Hoe,” which topped the Billboard rap charts.

The ’90s brought other minor triumphs — Kid Rock and Champtown and Soul Intent — but the seismic shift toward Detroit along the fault lines of rap production came with J Dilla, who built on the work of Pete Rock and Q-Tip to combine warped soul and jazz samples and off-beat drum programming that glowed with the magic of live, improvisational instrumentation.

After perfecting the sound for his groups 1st Down and Slum Village, he worked with hometown compatriots Frank-N-Dank, Guilty Simpson, and Elzhi (his eventual replacement in Slum Village) while expanding his repertoire as part of the Soulquarians. Whether the raps were about street life, strippers, or Black liberation, his warm beats brought it all to the same place. His sound eventually influenced countless progeny, even after his death at 32.

DETROIT-AREA PHOTOGRAPHY DEALER PLEADS GUILTY TO $1.5M ART FRAUD SCHEME

THE ART NEWSPAPER

JULY 19, 2023

A former Detroit-area gallery owner pleaded guilty to conning

collectors out of more than $1.5 million worth of art in July, charges that could land her up to 20 years in prison.

Wendy Halsted Beard pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud, the Department of Justice said on July 13. Beard is the former owner of the Wendy Halsted Gallery located in Birmingham. Beard acknowledged defrauding more than 10 victims over nearly three years, including one victim who was vulnerable because of their advanced age, officials said. Beard’s sentencing has been scheduled for December.

From approximately March 2019 until October 2022, Beard defrauded her clients by selling photographic prints she had received on consignment without notifying the owners and pocketed the profits, according to the DOJ. Beard used a variety of excuses to explain to clients why their work could not be returned, including telling them she had recently woken from a coma or had received a double-lung transplant. Other times, Beard said clients’ photographs were not attracting buyer interest, even in cases in which the work had already been sold. Beard also created fake email addresses for employees who did not exist to support her fraud.

Beard’s alleged victims

include Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist J. Ross Baughman, who told The New York Times earlier this year that the former gallerist conned him out of 20 prints he valued at $40,000.

“She was willing to take advantage of me,” Baughman told the Times, saying Beard “had taken my life’s work — all of these very fun, sentimental personal artifacts.”

A DECADE AFTER BANKRUPTCY, IS DETROIT BETTER?

REASON • AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2023 • BY JAMES M.

If there is a lesson from Detroit’s 2013 bankruptcy, it’s that going broke can only take a city so far. Municipal bankruptcy is a process that gets a city out of debts that it can’t pay. But city residents don’t get better services when those debts are canceled.

There are some things that ought to surprise people about city finances. When Detroit filed for bankruptcy in July 2013, residents found out that the group the city owed the most money to was not banks or bondholders or city contractors — it was the city’s pensioners. Former city employees accidentally became Detroit’s largest creditors because the city didn’t have enough money to pay them what they were owed.

This should not be. When governments promise to pay their employees pensions, they should set aside enough money to pay for them. This keeps the cost of pensions on current taxpayers and doesn’t push the costs into the future.

Michigan has a constitutional requirement that public officials properly pre-fund pensions, but that did not happen in Detroit. This wasn’t a simple mistake. Multiple Detroit pension officers and advisers were sent to prison for bribery.

So Detroit retirees got their pensions cut in bankruptcy. The city no longer pays for retiree health insurance. Retirees instead rely on coverage from the Obamacare exchanges and any subsidies they may be eligible for there, plus Medicare when eligible. Pensioners would have gotten a better deal had the people managing their investments

not been corrupt and exploited their positions to benefit themselves.

During the bankruptcy, Detroit had a weird situation with its art collection. The works hanging in the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) were not owned by the museum; they were owned by the city government. A bankruptcy court isn’t going to let a normal person keep a $100 million Bruegel the Elder masterwork when it’s asking creditors to take a haircut. But things worked out differently in Detroit.

A mediator put together a deal to give the DIA the city’s collection, and in return the city got some extra payments from state taxpayers and from local foundations to be put in the pension fund. The city hasn’t been putting revenue in its pension fund since bankruptcy; the state and foundations have. Whether the city can afford this obligation when those payments end this summer is a big question.

An important step in emerging from bankruptcy was for the court to certify that the city’s bankruptcy plan was “feasible” — that the city would not fall back into insolvency shortly after going through bankruptcy court. City officials hired a high-priced consultant who wrote a 226-page report on the subject, concluding that it was difficult to say.

Sure, the projections looked fine. But Detroit was lacking some of the basics that it needs to operate like a normal institution.

“The lack of accounting and financial information systems confounds virtually every city operation and makes it difficult to perform even basic analysis or performance monitoring,” the consultant noted.

CAN FORD CONVINCE SHAREHOLDERS ITS MOMENTUM IS NOT A FLUKE?

Ford Motor Co. is seeing sun through the clouds. The Detroit-based automaker’s sales momentum was strong in the first half of 2023, despite the company’s stock being worth about one-third the price of a share of General Motors Co. (GM).

One year ago, Ford’s New York Stock Exchange-listed stock closed (adjusted) at $10.07 per share. (In July), ahead of the earnings report, the stock closed (adjusted) at $14.94, its highest point since August 2022.

Ford has reason to be optimistic. The company finished June on a streak, having led the way as America’s top brand for six straight months. Overall, sales were up 11.2 percent in the second quarter.

The company built that strength on the back of its pickups, vans and commercial vehicles, with second-quarter sales of F-Series trucks up 34 percent (up 27.9 percent overall in the first part of 2023), besting Chevrolet’s Silverado, its closest rival, by 118,000 units. F-Series market share has risen to nearly 36 percent, up five points from where it was a year ago.

Ford also outsold all GM brands in the pickup truck category thanks to strong showings from F-Series, Ranger and Maverick. Additional Maverick production capacity will come online in July at the company’s plant in Mexico.

Electric vehicle (EV) purchasing is strong due to improved production opportunity, up 11.9 percent year-to-date and 35.5 percent in June alone. Americans are buying the company’s Mustang Mach-E electric crossover at a very high rate, up 110 percent in June versus June 2022.

Still, Mach-E sales pale in comparison to Tesla Model 3/ Model Y sales, which hit 170,000 deliveries in Q2 alone. GM’s closest rival to the Mustang Mach-E, the Bolt EV, has had a sales boom in 2023, reaching 33,658 sales. Bolt production ends near the end of this year.

F-150 Lightning purchases are up 119 percent in Q2 versus 2022 as the company ramps back to full capability following a manufacturing stop due to a battery fire.

Winning with F-150 Lightning isn’t just about overall sales. The truck is introducing new customers to Ford with 50 percent of its clients new to the brand based on the company’s recent conquest data.

Commercial vehicle buys are also a strong point for the company. Sales of Super Duty pickup and chassis cabs were up 34 percent in Q2, up 24.7 percent in the first quarter. A new version of the truck went on sale during that time.

“Ford’s truck sales remain the key profit driver, infused by a new Super Duty. Expect Maverick sales to continue to climb as more production capacity bolsters supply. The new Ranger is coming in late summer, a critical launch for Ford to execute smoothly,” Paul Waatti, manager of industry analysis at AutoPacific, told Newsweek

“Ford has struggled with low supply for its EVs, though that situation is brightening. Mustang Mach-E supply has been tight but recent renovations at its plant have opened up increased production volumes that will help meet strong demand.”

THE HOOKAH LOUNGE

THE NEW YORK TIMES

JULY 20, 2023

Coming of age is marked by a series of firsts. Your first kiss. Your first job. Your first drink.

Many who grew up in Dearborn would add to the list: your first hookah.

Located just outside downtown Detroit, Dearborn is home to one of the (nation’s) largest Arab American communities: Nearly 50 percent of residents identify as having Arab

ancestry, according to the U.S. Census. Middle Eastern shops, where you may find portable hookah cups, dot the streets. There is also the Arab American National Museum (which sells hookah-themed socks) and the Islamic Center of America, one of the nation’s oldest and largest mosques.

And then there is the long list of hookah lounges, where locals spend hours leisurely smoking flavored tobacco through water pipes while catching up, watching soccer games, or enjoying a live Arabic music performance.

“A spot like a hookah lounge, it’s sacred,” particularly for immigrants and refugees far from home, said Marrim (pronounced Mariam) Akashi Sani, 25, who is Iraqi-Iranian. “And it’s something you have to create for yourself when you’re displaced, and you might not ever be able to go back home because you don’t really know what home is anymore.”

For many young people in Dearborn, core memories were made at a hookah lounge: birthdays, graduations, that time you cried over the crush who didn’t like you back or showed off your smoke ring skills to your friends. “It’s like a rite of passage here when you start smoking hookah,” Marrim said.

Many of the lounges do not serve alcohol and are seen as alternatives to bars for customers who abstain for religious reasons. Some of them are upscale, giving off “halal nightclub” vibes, said Marrim, but most share the same features: plasma TVs mounted on the walls, leather seating, images of Islamic symbols. (“It looks like a diner and a banquet hall had a baby.”)

JACK WHITE SELLING PERSONAL TESLA, WHITE STRIPES, RACONTEURS GEAR TO BENEFIT DETROIT PARK

BILLBOARD • JULY 26, 2023 • BY GIL

Jack White put some of his classic White Stripes and Raconteurs gear up for auction for a very good cause. White’s Third Man teamed up with Cincinnati-based re-seller Everything but the House (EBTH) for a “Third Man Garage Sale” auction of memorabilia from his personal and his label’s collection, with a portion of the proceeds going to benefit southwest Detroit’s Clark Park Coalition.

The items that went under the gavel in the auction spanned a wide range, from White’s black 2013 Tesla Model S, to his White Stripes-era Framus hollow body acoustic guitar used in the “We’re Going to Be Friends” video, some props from the photo shoot for the Raconteurs’ Consolers of the Lonely album, and the finger cast White had to wear after a 2003 car accident, which appeared in “The Hardest Button to Button” video.

Other oddball items include a late 19th century glass cylinder jar that White held on the cover of the Get Behind Me Satan album, a customized 2018 St. Vincent signature model green-and-white Ernie Ball guitar used on White’s Boarding House Reach tour, a Third Man Records wooden podium used in promotional videos, and a mid-20th century wooden candlepin bowling ball return device that was once intended for White’s home bowling alley.

The auction also included a state piano with flight case, a scary-looking zombie figure with floral arch from the Consolers of the Lonely album cover shoot, a 1950s vintage art deco style sofa and armchair re-upholstered by White, and a 1970 Midway Sea Raider Submarine arcade game. The provenance of each item was described in (often hilarious) detail on the EBTH site.

The inclusion of White’s personal Tesla is notable because while the rocker famously performed a free show for Detroit Tesla employees in 2018, he has recently had a change of heart about Twitter/Tesla boss Elon Musk, yanking Third Man’s Twitter account in November.

Country Golf

Lakeview Hills Country Club in Lexington is fashioning itself as a destination for golfers, diners, and wine aficionados.

Lakeview Hills Country Club and Resort, located in Lexington, 22 miles north of Port Huron, isn’t known for its wine cellar — yet.

The club has embarked on a project to transform the property into a “world-class” golf, lodging, dining, and wedding destination. The cost of the overall project was not disclosed.

The renovation includes a fine dining restaurant called Emilio’s Prime Steakhouse, an homage to Emilio Fabbri, the late patriarch of the family that owns Lakeview Hills. Emilio’s is designed to be a destination and special occasion restaurant serving specialty steaks and fresh seafood, along with tagliatelle San Marino (made from a 100-year-old family recipe), signature lobster bisque, and other delicacies.

Careful attention has been devoted to upgrading the club’s wine selection, which is stored in alder wood cabinets specially built by an Amish craftsman. It’s the

DBUSINESS DIRECT

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General Motors Co. in Detroit has launched “Hands Free, Eyes On,” a consumer education program to encourage consumer confidence in and the safe deployment of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) like its Super Cruise.

ACE IS THE PLACE

Lakeview Hills Country Club in Lexington offers an array of golf, recreation, and fine and casual dining. One of the menu highlights is a signature lobster bisque, served tableside.

More Michigan Companies

Offer Remote Work Option

ASE’s new 2023 Workplace Flexibility Survey shows 82 percent of Michigan businesses participating in the study are offering flexible work arrangements that include the choice of remote work, according to CEO Mary E. Corrado.

only place in Michigan that offers Patrimony Black label wine from the California vineyard of Georges and Daniel Daou.

The idea, Lakeview Hills general manager Fadi Achour says, is to make the club a destination for the growing wine culture in Michigan. Lakeview Hills hosted a special wine-tasting dinner in mid-July and will host another wine-tasting dinner on Sept. 1 (California, France, and Italian wines) and Oct. 27 (DAOU Winery).

The design of the new steakhouse is special. Most of the seating consists of booths, so people can gather while being able to maintain a sense of privacy. There’s a custom-made iron gate at the entrance to the steakhouse, along with a stone fireplace.

The club has another restaurant called San Marino, in honor of Emilio Fabbri’s birthplace. It has been completely redone, and Achour says the project took about seven months. There’s also the Tin Cup Bar for more casual dining.

The refurbishment plans call for the club’s 11,000-square-foot bowling alley to be turned into a ballroom. That part of the project will commence once golfing season ends in late October.

Rick Fabbri, COO of the club, says they haven’t neglected the hotel. It currently has 29 rooms, and they’re in the process of upgrading them and adding more. The Shamrock House, which has six bedrooms, will be refurbished and be ready next year.

Lakeview Hills, which offers two 18-hole golf courses, a health club, and two racquetball courts, remains in family hands. Rick Fabbri’s brother Tom is president and CEO, Dennis is the golf pro, and their married sister, Sue Willis, remains a co-owner.

“People come here from all around the state,” Rick Fabbri says. “They come for the golf, but we also host weddings and other special events. We just put on a fundraiser to fight cancer. People come for the fun. We aren’t a private club; we’re a public venue and we’re available to anyone who wants to come here and use our facilities.”

Oakland County Acquires

Downtown Pontiac Buildings

Oakland County has purchased 10-12 acres of property, including Ottawa Towers at 51111 Woodward Ave., the former GM Building at 31 E. Judson, four adjacent parcels of land, and the current lease for the Phoenix Center parking garage.

Joe Muer Seafood Opens

In Downtown Nashville

Joe Muer Seafood, a Detroit mainstay owned by the Joe Vicari Restaurant Group in Warren, has opened a 12,000-square-foot location at Capitol View, a mixed-use, urban district in downtown Nashville, Tenn.

Automakers to Form North American Charging Network General Motors Co. in Detroit and Stellantis in Auburn Hills are creating a joint venture with BMW Group, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, and Mercedes-Benz to develop a new charging network with at least 30,000 EV chargers throughout North America.

FULFILLING DETROIT

AMAZON HOSTED the grand opening of its first robotics fulfillment center in Detroit — the largest in the state — in late July at the site of the former Michigan State Fairgrounds at Eight Mile Road and Woodward Avenue.

The facility supports the 10 fulfillment and sorting centers and 13 delivery stations servicing Michigan. To staff the new center, Amazon hired more than 1,200 employees, 60 percent of whom are Detroit residents.

“When the State of Michigan shut down the fairgrounds, I knew (they) needed to turn this area over to the city so we could build it up for employment,” Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan says. “In 2018, the State gave in and sold the land to Detroit, which allowed us to develop it in a special way to cultivate 1,200 jobs. This facility allows other historic buildings around it to be saved and repurposed, which will allow for more employment opportunities.”

The new robotics center spans 823,000 square feet and is five stories tall. As one of Amazon’s newest generation of semi-automated fulfillment centers, the Detroit location is among the first to use robots to help move products and deliver them to employees at workstations. This ensures productivity is more efficient and the jobs are safer.

Electronics Reseller PayMore

Enters Michigan with 25 Stores

PayMore, an electronics buy, sell, and trade franchise based in New York, has announced its entrance into Michigan with a 25-unit deal to establish a presence within the Detroit, Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, and Kalamazoo areas.

College Collectives

Now that student athletes can make money from their images, a group of former U-M players are helping them make the most of the opportunity.

Soon after an NCAA interim rule written in 2021 made it possible for student-athletes to pursue profitable opportunities from their names, images, and likenesses (NIL), Stadium & Main jumped into action.

The collective is headed by U-M alumnus and former star running back Jamie Morris, who went on to play in the NFL. It’s an independent business that connects fans, businesses, and charitable organizations with Michigan student-athletes, along with advising student-athletes on how they can monetize their NIL.

“When college sports divisions can make millions off the NIL of college student-athletes, (and) when coaches get paid millions to coach, I have to ask, what do the athletes get?” Morris says.

They do get a college education, and that’s something, he acknowledges. But, he points out, most student-athletes won’t make their living as pros. And just as basketball star Michael Jordan was able to gain control of his image from the NBA, it’s only fair that student-athletes have the same right.

The NIL collective is open to any athlete who falls under NCAA bylaws, and U-M is just one of many such organizations around the country.

“The question I’m asked most by student-athletes is, ‘How much money can I make?’ I tell them it’s usually not life-changing money,” Morris says. “They can make money on a local, or even state, level. The biggest misunderstanding student-athletes have is that they’ll get rich quick, that this is easy money. But they have to work at creating a social media presence.”

One way to do that might be to post a selfie wearing a particular shoe. This type of exposure gets the attention of major companies like Nike or Adidas.

Michigan Auto Insurance Rates Still Nation’s Highest Three years after reforming its auto insurance laws, the state of Michigan still has the highest auto insurance rates in the country, averaging $2,766 annually, according to the Mid-Year Auto Trends Report by Insurify.

Farmington Hills, Humanetics, Mcity Collaborate on Mobility Humanetics in Farmington Hills and the Mcity Test Facility in Ann Arbor are collaborating to spearhead mobility innovation by developing software and robots as a way to provide access to leading-edge active safety testing.

Stellantis and Samsung SDI Plan to Build Battery Facility Stellantis and Samsung SDI, both in Auburn Hills, have signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a second EV battery manufacturing facility in the United States by 2027 under their existing StarPlus Energy joint venture.

Stadium & Main helps students with product shout-outs on video, live chats, virtual coaching sessions, autograph signings, and social and media endorsements, along with participation in camps and clinics, charity events, and special appearances. The students can be paid monetarily or via non-fungible tokens, or NFTs.

Many people are uncomfortable with the new reality, says Morris, who was a development manager for U-M’s athletic department from 1998 to 2010, where he helped raise more than $100 million.

SOCIAL FORCE

Jamie Morris, left, founder of Stadium & Main in Ann Arbor, connects student-athletes to businesses, fans, and charitable organizations.

“As to the future, we expect that there will be a lot of new rules from the NCAA,” Morris says. “We also believe the students will challenge those new rules. If the NCAA wanted to be involved, it should have planned ahead. Right now they’re playing catch-up, and that’s always tough.”

Auto Supplier Asahi Kasei Opens New Novi Office

Asahi Kasei America Inc. has relocated its Novi office to a newer, larger facility in Novi as a part of the company’s commitment to strengthen marketing activities centered on the automotive industry and beyond.

For full stories and more, visit dbusiness.com/daily-news to get daily news sent directly to your email.

Ready for Launch

Dan Schutter has developed a software platform that tracks space debris.

Space may be the final frontier, but before we explore the distant edge of the universe, there’s the challenge of navigating the more than 100 million pieces of orbital debris spinning around Earth at speeds approaching 20,000 mph.

The human-made objects include nonworking spacecraft, abandoned launch vehicle stages, and mission-related and fragmentation debris.

Enter Dan Schutter, founder and CEO of Space Interactions Inc. in Sterling Heights, who has developed what he describes as the world’s most comprehensive space object and tracking system ever assembled.

“We created a digital platform for space infrastructure,” says Schutter, who earned a business marketing degree at Northwood University in Midland and is self-taught in aerospace. “I recognized the need for software solutions to track space debris and sell it as an enterprise subscription service.”

The potential customer base includes multiple government agencies, aerospace manufacturers like SpaceX, defense contractors, and some 1,600 satellite companies based around the world. Consider in 2010 there were 1,000 satellites in orbit around Earth; today there are more than 7,000 such spacecraft.

According to Schutter, 75 different countries have at least one satellite in orbit, and each nation is responsible for their spacecraft.

“If there was a legal

matter that came about, you would sue a given country and not the manufacturers or suppliers of a spacecraft,” he notes. “Still, there’s all kinds of debris in near orbit that must be navigated and identified.”

During a recent demonstration of the Forerunner software system, which can viewed at Interactions. Space, Schutter navigated a range of options that include finding a given satellite or debris object, collision reports, mapping programs, launch schedules, and other data.

So far, the company’s Space Surveillance Network tracks more than 30,000 pieces of debris — a fraction of what’s in orbit. Schutter launched the company in 2011 after seeing Elon Musk, founder of SpaceX, successfully assemble, and now systematically launch, commercial rockets.

Today, Space Interactions has five employees and has raised more than $200,000 in operating funds.

PDA Q&A: THE E-INTERVIEW

DB: WHERE ARE YOU?

GD: Camp Justice at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

DB: WHAT’S GOING ON?

GD: I’m here as a non-governmental organization (NGO) observer on behalf of the American Bar Association. There’s also press, victims’ family members, and representatives of the various nations involved — in this case, Bali and Australia. There are maybe

15 total people observing the pre-trial proceedings for a case involving the 2002 Bali bombing at two nightclubs. (The explosions killed 202 people, 88 of whom were Australians.)

DB: HOW DID YOU GET SELECTED?

GD: I’m involved in the leadership of the ABA, and given my experience as an active-duty Marine judge advocate, I applied, went through the application

process, and was ultimately selected to go. September 11 was right in the middle of my active-duty time, and some of these cases involve individuals from September 11.

DB: WHAT’S HAPPENING?

GD: Between 600 and 800 people have gone through the facility since 2006. They all have the terrorist label and were all captured post-9/11. They’re down to

The goal is to begin offering a subscription service by the end of the year.

“Once we get the service up, we’ll use AI (artificial intelligence) to predict when the next crash between satellites occurs,” he says. “Another customer base is the retrieval companies that will be developed to locate precious metals like gold and silver that are found within satellites.”

Schutter says his technology can support wayfinding systems like GPS that are used today to power navigation-related services in the automotive, aircraft, and construction sectors.

“I’d like to see Michigan become the aerospace capital of the world, and we can do it because we have hundreds of precision manufacturers,” he says. “We have the technical capability, we’re closer to orbit than most parts of the world, and we have the engineering talent.”

30 now. Ten are charged and the other 20 haven’t been charged, but they’ve been there since 2006. Four of those charged are working through the trial system.

DB: WHAT’S THE TRIAL STATUS?

GD: These folks have been held without trial for over two decades and there’s no resolution, (and) no proof that they did what they’re alleged to have

done. It’s a non-capital case, so the maximum punishment is life in prison. These cases take a long time because of the many agencies involved, and they’re very complicated.

DB: WHEN IS THE TRIAL?

GD: There’s talk about a March 2025 trial date, but I think it’s going to be way past that. I think this case will drag out a lot longer than that.

Triple Play

How a husband-and-wife team juggles three businesses along Main Street in downtown Northville.

Few business owners offer an array of products and services that range from creating fresh floral displays to preparing traditional British fare such as Yorkshire pudding and purveying candy — lots of candy.

Meet Ryan and Alicia Racine, co-owners of Adorn Fine Flowers, Sugar Lu’s, and Toria, all of which are located along Main Street in downtown Northville. At first blush, running three different businesses would appear difficult to manage, but Alicia is quick to highlight the synergies of each enterprise.

“Right now we have a lot on our plates, but we’re always trying to bring something cool to downtown Northville,” she says. “Ryan and I love doing creative projects, and I was creating floral designs for a local event company and have been in the industry for 25 years.”

Taking the entrepreneurial plunge in September 2017, the designers by trade opened Adorn Fine Flowers to serve commercial and residential clients.

As the business grew, the couple began offering a box of truffles and other confections to go with their flower and plant arrangements.

When the retailer next door, Chocolates by Renee, closed soon after the pandemic, the Racines purchased the enterprise and opened Sugar Lu’s in August 2020. “We didn’t intend to get into the candy business, but we were already doing sweets out of Adorn, so it was a natural extension,” Alicia says.

The sweet shop offers everything from hard-to-find

soda pops to potato chips covered in milk chocolate, bubble gums, licorice sticks, suckers, taffies, Atomic Fire Balls, and more. During the summer, the staff often spins fresh flavors of cotton candy from tables set on the sidewalk.

Then, when a small café and catering business located directly across Main Street became available in May 2020, the Racines hatched upon the idea of opening a restaurant that was a mix between a Parisian café and a London-style pub. The name Toria was taken from Queen Victoria, who ruled over the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland from 1837 to 1901.

“We renovated everything from the front door to the back door, and had planned to open in August 2020, but with all the supply and construction delays, we wound up opening in August 2021,” Ryan says. “It was really hard getting materials like shelving, and tradespeople were difficult to find.”

The space, which is adorned with Victorian accents, has 40 seats inside and an additional 18 seats on a seasonal patio set up on the sidewalk. Open for lunch, brunch, and dinner, the menu offers house compound butters, walnut fig bread, artisan cheeses, cured cold meats, roast rack of lamb, a Delmonico ribeye, scallops, miso black cod, and a variety of summer mushrooms.

“At the moment, we have our hands full,” Ryan says. “We’re not looking to open any new businesses, but you never know what might happen.”

Capital Return

Back in prime demand, the Capital Grille at the Somerset Collection in Troy may at first look like the original mahogany-lined restaurant, but nearly everything is brandnew following a fire in June 2022.

Afire last year at the Capital Grille on the north side of the Somerset Collection in Troy, which closed the restaurant for nearly a year until it reopened in June, is proving to be divine intervention.

As a result of water damage and other factors, the owners of the upscale steakhouse, Darden Restaurants Inc. in Orlando, Fla., invested in replacing the kitchen and renovating the dining room, private rooms, and bar.

“It was a weird blessing,” says Tim Wilkins, managing partner of the Capital Grille in Troy. “To be able to take a 27-year-old restaurant and make these changes is fantastic. Most places don’t get that chance. We put a brand-new restaurant into an existing successful building and we were able to modernize it. Everything is now modern. It’s a weird byproduct of the fire.”

The late afternoon blaze that broke out on Tuesday, June 13, 2022, was confined to the kitchen’s exhaust stack, which travels three stories up to the roof of the mall. After being out of service days shy of

WELCOME BACK

one year — or 331 days, as Wilkins prefers to refer to the forced hiatus — the renovated Capital Grille reopened for business on June 9, 2023.

“Our goal was to make this place look the same, but a little different and freshened up somewhat. We wanted people to feel like they’re back home, but something is a little different — and I think we accomplished that,” Wilkins says. “Our guests are happy we look similar to what we were, but with some changes.

“The entire kitchen was gutted out, back to the studs; everything from walk-in coolers to freezers, every piece of equipment was taken out of there,” Wilkins says. “Floors, ceiling, lights, counters — it all suffered water damage.”

The most complicated challenge, however, and the one that kept the restaurant closed for nearly one year, was the replacement of the kitchen exhaust stack.

“We thought we were going to be down a shorter window because we envisioned (that) replacing the exhaust would be a quicker process. Then, when you realize how much damage was done and the process it took to get a new one made and reinstalled, it took much longer than we all anticipated,” Wilkins explains.

He points out that when the restaurant was built in 1996, the space above it was empty and easily accessible.

“To put an exhaust duct up wasn’t any big deal when there (weren’t) any other stores there, but now you’ve got two levels of stores, a food court, and infrastructure,” Wilkins says. “Now there are walls and stores, so all of that had to be navigated. Fortunately, no other stores were damaged.”

Wilkins says after the completion of the investigation into the fire, the decision was made that the duct would have to be cut up and removed in four to five sections. The removal and replacement process was a collaborative effort with The Forbes Co. in Southfield, which owns the Somerset Collection. The work was carried out by Goyette Mechanical, a heating contracting firm in Oscoda.

“They had to engineer and design it, then build it and put it up there. The install went up in small pieces, but you’re still dealing with the stores above and that was quite a challenge,” Wilkins says. “The mall (management) was crucial in helping us

build the new exhaust with the finest design. We now have something installed that’s state-of-the art, and it’s just absolutely as safe as you can build it.”

Wilkins says even as the fire was burning, neither the staff nor their guests in the restaurant initially realized anything was amiss.

“At first we didn’t even know we had a fire, or how long it was going,” he says. “People driving down Big Beaver Road were the first to see smoke coming off the roof of the mall, and they didn’t know what it was — whether it was the roof on fire or the exhaust.”

That afternoon, bartender Jason Ceresnie was setting up glasses behind the bar when he noticed a whiff of smoke coming from a vent. “Everything was normal. We had a few people at the bar and a few ladies in the lounge,” he says.

Ceresnie, who has worked at the restaurant since it opened, says he continued with his chores until smoke appeared near the ceiling. A minutes later, it formed into a cloud. “At that time, we asked the customers to step outside and told them the checks are on us,” he recalls.

PAST REVISITED

Wilkins says soon after, the Troy Fire Department was swarming the area with firefighters and equipment, and clambering up to the roof of the mall. At first glance, after the fire was put out, the damage seemed minimal to the restaurant’s interior. The heavy dark mahogany wall fixtures were all intact.

It was soon determined, however, that water had seeped in behind the walls and into the drywall. Nearly three-quarters of the interior’s mahogany panels had to be replaced, along with the back surface.

“As we started peeling back the mahogany wood panels to make sure there wasn’t water damage, we realized we (could) do some refreshing,” Wilkins says.

New furnishings, including chairs and booths, were added. The entire back bar, one of the restaurant’s top attractions, was removed and rebuilt.

In a sentimental nod to the regulars who view the bar as their club, the brass bar top was carefully removed, refinished, and polished to a point where water rings from cold drinks are nonexistent. “Saving the bar top was important, as there are a lot of memories there for a lot of people,” Wilkins says.

Replacing 75 percent of the mahogany interior of the restaurant was a particular challenge. The remaining wood had to be blended seamlessly with the new.

“A lot of restaurants change their entire décor, and it’s fantastic for them. We wanted the opposite,” Wilkins says. “We wanted our clientele to come back to the same clubhouse, even though we made a lot of changes.”

Nate Forbes, managing partner of The Forbes Co., says the restaurant’s closing did not go unnoticed. “I can’t tell you how many calls we received about when will the Capital Grille reopen,” says Forbes. “The restaurant really does a great job of taking care of their customers, and now that Tim and his team are planning to expand the bar area where the patio is, it will bring them more business. The kitchen is brand new. It’s an exciting time for everyone.”

Wilkins says the change that has drawn the most comments from customers is the new paintings. Replacing what was a series of auto barons are portraits of famous Detroiters like Aretha Franklin, Sonny Bono (yep, he was a Detroiter), and a life-size portrait of the late Chuck Daly, the beloved coach of the Detroit Pistons who guided the Bad Boys to back-to-back NBA championships (1989-90).

A recent visitor, James Edwards, the former center on that team, admired the portrait. “I said to James, ‘Chuck’s keeping an eye on you,’ ” Wilkins says with a laugh. “James said, ‘I’ve seen that stare before.’ ”

For all its success, the Capital Grille hasn’t expanded in Michigan — it was the fifth such steakhouse to open nationwide. The first restaurant opened in 1990 in Providence, R.I.

Overall, Darden Restaurants operates 1,900 restaurants and has 190,000 employees around the country. Its brands range from Olive Garden, Red Lobster, and Bahama Breeze to pricier attractions like Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, Eddie V’s, and Seasons 52 (the latter three establishments are located nearby along or near Big Beaver Road).

Wilkins is a nine-year veteran of the company, and has been the managing partner of the Troy restaurant for two and a half years. He says the staff’s dedication to the dining experience and the loyalty of its customers sets it apart from its competitors.

“We’re the only Capital Grille in Michigan, and the reputation the company has nationwide makes people travel from Brighton, Ann Arbor, and Howell. We had people come down the other day from Saginaw,” he says. “One of the hard things when we closed was that for a lot of people, this was their daily stop. This was their home, this was their clubhouse, and it was hard for them, as all of a sudden it was taken away.”

Despite months of uncertainty about an exact opening date, the restaurant didn’t have trouble putting the team back together. “The veteran staff that came back to us has over 380 years of service. We

REGULAR FIXTURE

Above - The kitchen was completely replaced, while all of the furniture is brand-new. Right - The wine vault, which is in the dining room, features rare varietals from around the world. The vault sculpture of a jazz trio evokes Detroit’s musical heritage and talents.

returned 95 percent of our front of the house people, and 76 percent of our kitchen and back of the house team. And we’ve added some fantastic people,” he says.

Wilkins says the loyalty the group has with the guests is remarkable.

“We have servers who have been here for 25 years or 27 years, and they have gotten to know their people. We have servers who were here when their kids were born and those kids now have kids,” he says. “To see that is a great thing, and our guests feel connected with them. Our staff is very much a reason why this place has been so successful.”

Ceresnie, the bartender, and Debra Hurley, the restaurant’s front desk hostess, say the outpouring of support from customers who contacted them during the closure was remarkable.

Hurley says special relationships she developed with her customers over the last 27 years helped her stay at the Capital Grille.

“It’s a great family atmosphere, it’s cheerful and pleasant, the food is wonderful. It’s something like a ‘Cheers’ feeling,” she says, referring to the long-running television comedy set in a fictional Boston bar in the 1980s.

During the time the Capital Grille was closed, Hurley went to work at Eddie V’s and Seasons 52. Some of her regular customers turned up to see her, she says.

She compared going back to work at the Capital Grille to visiting family for a few days over the holidays. “You enjoy spending time with the family, but after a while you’re ready to go home and sleep in your own bed,” she says.

Ceresnie says he went on his scheduled two-week vacation after the fire, thinking he would soon be back at work. Then, as a return date never materialized, he decided to take the summer off.

His down time lasted through the fall until a manager at Ocean Prime, near the Somerset Collection, reached out and brought him in to help out over the holidays. He found a similar welcome mat at the Tallulah Wine Bar & Bistro in downtown Birmingham, where he worked part time. At both restaurants, his Capital Grille customers often showed up to keep in touch.

He says the June 9 reopening of the Capital Grille was like a family reunion.

“We had tons of amazing guests who had been reaching out to us, coming to see us, and hugging us and kissing us,” Ceresnie says. “Even some people we hadn’t seen in some time just came in to see us and support us.

“Our regulars were lined up at the door when we reopened, and many had called ahead of time to make sure they had a seat. Even the bar was full the first day, and it hasn’t let up. We’ve rebounded very nicely.”

The new carpeting includes added gold coloring to help brighten the dining room, while the lighting and sound systems were replaced, as were the heating and cooling systems.

OUR STAFF IS VERY MUCH A REASON WHY THIS PLACE HAS BEEN SO SUCCESSFUL.”

TIM WILKINS

TOP MICHIGAN BUSINESS LAWYERS

BASED UPON A SURVEY OF THEIR PEERS

Less than 5% of all lawyers licensed in Michigan have received the distinction of being a LEADING LAWYER.

A lawyer CANNOT buy the distinction of Leading Lawyer. The distinction was earned by being among those lawyers most often recommended by their peers. For a full description of our research process, a complete list of all Leading Lawyers, and to view profiles of the lawyers listed on this page, go to www.LeadingLawyers.com

Home Academy

Setting up a nonprofit organization in Detroit’s neighborhoods to provide early child development and community services may seem straightforward, but as one founder reveals, to effectuate success is a whole different thing.

In Detroit’s Martin Park neighborhood, near Palmer Park, there’s a charming 1,400-squarefoot home — part of a network of 15 bustling houses that offer various services including early childhood development and family support for children under the age of 8, along with their parents and neighbors.

The homes, located in different neighborhoods, are part of a community-enriching program funded and operated by Brilliant Detroit. As the organization’s leaders describe it, elevating a city means meeting the needs of families. And that starts with being present where the people are, which is why Brilliant Detroit is spread out among the city’s neighborhoods.

If elevating a city means elevating its people, the most fruitful time to do that is when they’re young. Jim Bellinson, owner of Riverstone Communities in Bloomfield Township, which owns and operates 70 manufactured housing communities nationwide, thought about that principle a lot in his role as a board member of the nonprofit Jewish Fund.

His focus serving the Jewish Fund was in early childhood development, but Bellinson says he believed there was an opportunity to go beyond the Jewish community and make an even larger impact on families in Detroit.

To bring the idea to life, Bellinson and his wife, Carolyn, in 2015 reached out to Cindy Eggleton, a consultant to the Jewish Fund. They shared the need for an outreach program that would address issues of concern in Detroit’s neighborhoods, starting with early childhood development. The couple donated an initial $250,000 to get things started.

“The light went off in my head that if you want to change literacy and change Detroit, you need to enter in the right way because people have come into the

city and tried to do things, and they weren’t effective,” Bellinson says. “They help a little bit, but they don’t promote systemic change.”

And big doesn’t necessarily mean better.

As plans were formulated, Bellinson became intrigued by independent early childhood development centers, and he traveled to Los Angeles to see firsthand an ambitious project called Magnolia Place. Funded initially through a $10 million private donation, Magnolia Place offers a wide variety of services including early childhood education, family life education, child abuse services, and much more.

As Bellinson toured the facility, he thought Detroit would benefit more from neighborhood-based centers. “Magnolia Place has a beautiful building, but most people couldn’t get to it,” Bellinson says. “L.A. is a huge area.”

The three founders explored other successful programs, like the Harlem Children’s Zone, which was founded in 1990 and today is a national model on issues like pre-kindergarten education, health clinics, youth violence prevention, and related efforts. The Bellinsons also traveled to Israel nine times to learn about other nonprofit neighborhood programs.

Their research showed that individual communities need many diverse services, and each neighborhood’s needs are unique to its people and its history. In addition, one core truth kept popping up: Getting children on the right path early is the key to success.

“If you can get mothers to get their children interested in reading when they’re babies, and foster curiosity, we could change the whole city in one generation,” Bellinson says.

The more they studied the available models, the more the Bellinsons and Eggleton became convinced that Detroit’s best opportunity for success was a neighborhood-based approach. They developed a model in which the organization would acquire vacant homes, renovate them, and set up Brilliant Detroit operations in each neighborhood.

“I was running one day, and it occurred to me that there are all these empty houses we could get inexpensively,” Bellinson says. “And we could rehab them and make them early childhood centers that people could walk to in these neighborhoods.”

The team members seemed perfectly suited for the vision, given the Bellinsons are experts in property development and Eggleton was becoming immersed in early childhood development.

Still, the founders disagreed on one point — at least at first. The Bellinsons believed Eggleton should run the organization, but she didn’t initially see it that way. Eggleton agreed to help the Bellinsons start the nonprofit, yet she didn’t see herself as its leader.

The more she learned, however, the more she started to see herself in the driver’s seat. “I decided six months later that I was wrong and Jim was right,” Eggleton says.

Growing up in a Detroit neighborhood, Eggleton credits her parents with teaching her not to accept that anything was beyond her reach. “I had parents who really wanted the best for us, and that was really the secret sauce,” she says. “We all need encouragement and people who are paying attention to what we’re doing and how we’re doing it.”

She eventually moved into the foundation sector. “When I was a little girl, I always thought I should be destined to help the world,” Eggleton says. “People are changing their own world. It’s not me, but I know how to do it now.”

LOCAL TIES

Brilliant Detroit, a nonprofit organization that helps prepare children 8 years and younger for school work, operates 15 neighborhood hubs, or learning centers, within existing homes across the city. Three additional homes are under renovation.

Applying her knowledge, background, and personal experience to her job leading Brilliant Detroit, Eggleton has won multiple awards from groups such as AARP. In 2023, she was chosen as one of 12 winners of the Elevate Prize, which is given every year by the Miami-based Elevate Prize Foundation and comes with $300,000 in funding for each winner’s organization.

“She’s the reason we are what we are,” Bellinson says. “Anyone can have an idea, but to effectuate it is a whole different thing.”

Making things more challenging, Brilliant Detroit doesn’t select the neighborhoods where it will operate. The neighborhoods select Brilliant Detroit. “We don’t go anywhere we’re not invited,” Eggleton says.

When Brilliant Detroit is brought into a neighborhood, it becomes crucial for the families of that community to become partners. After all, each family understands what’s best for their children, and Brilliant Detroit values their input and listens to their needs.

The invitation can come from community groups, block clubs, or even an ad hoc group of long-term residents. Brilliant Detroit looks for neighborhood areas that are roughly 12 blocks by three blocks, making them readily accessible.

Anyone can show up seeking help, though. No one at the house checks where people are from, or whether they walked or drove. The only thing the organization prefers to see is children under 8 years old, along with their parents or guardians.

In addition to offering free literacy services, Eggleton and her team will engage in a series of listening sessions with the respective neighbors, who are free to share ideas. When a family walks in, the first thing they’re asked is, “If you could wish upon a star, what do you want for you and your family?” More often than not, the answer is connectiveness. As a result, there’s no single approach Brilliant Detroit takes at every location. It only provides what each neighborhood says it needs.

That can be anything from the standard offerings like tutoring to exercise sessions, GED programs, parenting classes, or mental health platforms.

“Some things are permanent,” Eggleton says. “Tutoring is all year. But people come in and dip their toes in and say, ‘I’m going to try this or that.’ This summer we’re doing an effort called Detroit Reads. Men will come in and read to the kids, and we’re also having architects come in and help design what a reading corner might look like.”

Outcomes can be measured by numbers, such as the 1,800 people Brilliant Detroit currently serves on an annual basis, with help from more than 3,700 volunteers — some direct and some through partner organizations.

But outcomes can also be measured by looking at individual transformations.

Eggleton tells a story of a young boy her staff noticed wandering the streets, often without a coat. His mother was working most of the time, and he had gotten into the habit of skipping school. A Brilliant Detroit staff member invited him into the house and got him involved with tutoring.

The process wasn’t always smooth. “About a week into the tutoring, he flipped a chair,” Eggleton says. “We talked to him and explained, ‘You can’t do that.’ And he ran out.”

When Brilliant Detroit comes into a neighborhood, they know the neighborhood — and they knew where the young boy lived. After having a conversation with his mother, eventually the boy came back and received tutoring five days a week from a professor who lived in the community and volunteered to help him.

SHARING THE WEALTH

It wasn’t just academic challenges he faced. Eggleton recalls him telling her, “I don’t know how to make friends. They taught me how to make friends here.”

The young boy expressed to Eggleton that he had always felt alone. But when people find each other, miracles can happen — they feel like they belong, like they’re part of something, and they come back. “Brilliant will never leave us,” the boy’s mother told Eggleton.

The young man has since enrolled in college, and a mural of him is painted on the side of the house where the Brilliant Detroit staff took him in. That sort of outcome, Bellinson says, is the reason the organization was put together; its mission is that no child will get left behind.

“We’ve built a great team of people who live by our core value and our mission, and we believe the work we’re doing is transformational,” Bellinson says. “We’re trying to make it a movement.”

Consider Dana, who came to a Zumba class offered at her neighborhood hub. She explained she had lived in the neighborhood for 35 years and still felt isolated. The Zumba class made her feel connected, and she soon was coming five days a week, eventually bringing her daughter and granddaughter to share her new connections.

“Connectedness is a big issue,” Eggleton says.

Another case involved a 26-year-old mother who struggled to support her four children. “No one could love them more than I do,” she told the instructors. Later, she revealed, “I never once felt cared about. Until now.”

From that time forward, she was at one of Brilliant Detroit’s east side homes five days a week, and is now learning alongside her kids. Eggleton says the mother’s experience follows a progression that has been shown to work with people who feel isolated and disconnected.

“Love, safety, and growth,” Eggleton says. “You can’t get it out of order. We all need community, and in this day and age, we have less of it.”

Brilliant Detroit has an annual budget of $8 million. Each acquisition and renovation of a home costs approximately $200,000. Annual operating costs — including a small full-time staff and items such as food, diapers, and clothing that are donated to the community — run another $200,000 per home. Volunteers supplement the staff to provide tutoring and other services.

Buying the homes seems straightforward, but the process is far from smooth or easy. What’s more, as homes come up for sale, Brilliant Detroit isn’t always the successful bidder. In the case of the Martin Park home on LaSalle Street, opportunity and sentiment combined to make something special happen.

“We usually do a massive renovation, and we’re good with that,” Eggleton says. “But we liked this one because we could get it open more quickly. I thought there was no way we would get it. There were eight bids, and I said I didn’t think we would get it. But the next day, our real estate agent called us.”

Their bid had been accepted.

“There were two sisters and they were crying when I walked in,” Eggleton says. “The home had been in their family for three generations. Their parents were social workers. When they saw it was us, they said, ‘We want you here.’ That was their dream for this house.”

When Brilliant Detroit held its first open house at the location, the sisters attended and helped with tours of the house. “It’s ridiculously sweet how these places get sort of blessed,” Eggleton says.

While $8 million is hardly insignificant as an annual budget, the delivery of the services, which are free to neighborhood members, is surprisingly economical on a per-person basis.

“People are recognizing place matters,” Eggleton says. “You need to fundamentally change a place, and we have to do this a different way. We’re able to reach more kids and families. We do this for about $500 per person per year, which is a ridiculously low price point.”

Ongoing funding comes from a combination of organizations and private donors including the Kellogg Foundation, Skillman Foundation, Kresge Foundation, Rocket Community Fund, and Children’s Foundation. There are several hundred corporate and individual donors listed in Brilliant Detroit’s annual report, as well.

As might be expected, the success of operating neighborhood hubs is getting attention outside the city. Eggleton recently appeared on the “Kelly Clarkson Show,”

COMING HOME

Children from a given neighborhood have a safe zone to learn and play, all provided by Brilliant Detroit. Local families are offered a range of services, as well. The support comes from public and private donations, much of which is locally sourced.

and people from other cities are now getting in touch and asking about the possibility of replicating the model in their areas.

Recognizing that dedicated learning homes could work elsewhere, Brilliant Detroit put together a scaling committee with a national presence.

“I’ve had (people from) 21 cities in four different countries reach out to us,” Eggleton says. “We weren’t ready, but we’re ready now. We’ve actually identified what will be our potential first cities, and we’re working on one of them right now.”

As the organization expands nationally, it will be called Brilliant Cities.

“It’s not about us being this big organization,” Eggleton says. “It’s about how do we really help communities and people be at the center of neighborhoods and own what they want? How do we get to early childhood? We know 90 percent of the brain is formed by age 3, so if you don’t start early, it’s harder to get to children in need.”

While today Brilliant Detroit has 18 neighborhood hubs — 15 active and three under renovation — its ambitious goal is to have 24 active homes by the end of 2024. That would put the organization in every district in the city. “We’re going to launch a Brilliant Cities fund, which will sustain Detroit for the next 20 years,” Eggleton says.

True magic unfolds when resources, expertise, neighborhoods, and communities unite, fostering a nurturing and supportive environment for all involved. Bellinson believes the key to unleashing more fortune is seizing on the curiosity of people who want something better.

“You have to take a holistic approach to a family,” he says. “You have to make sure that families are getting enough food, that everyone’s eyesight is good, and they can hear. That they have books. And we teach the community how a baby’s brain develops, and how important it is to talk to them and ask questions, and make them more curious all the time.”

THE BIG THREE AUTO EXECUTIVES LIST

THE BIG THREE

ExecutiveVicePresidents

Barra became the first female chief executive to lead a major automaker when she was named CEO in January 2014. She was elected chairman of the

GM Board of Directors in January 2016. Under Barra’s leadership, GM envisions a world with zero crashes, to save lives; zero emissions, so future generations can inherit a healthier planet; and zero congestion, so customers get back a precious commodity – time. She’s focused on improving the customer experience and strengthening GM’s core vehicle and services business, while also working to lead the transformation of mobility.

MARK

Reuss leads GM’s vision of a sustainable, equitable, and all-electric future within the organization and beyond through its innovative

technologies, products, and initiatives. He also directs the company’s regional operations, including North America, South America, China, and General Motors International. GM’s global product development team, global design, global quality and operational excellence, and GM Defense report to Reuss. He serves on the board of GM’s SAIC-GM joint venture in China and is a member of the GM senior leadership team.

MICHAEL (MIKE) ABBOTT

Executive Vice President, Software

Effective May 22, 2023. Abbott leads a new, integrated end-to-end software organization focused on the

development of vehicle and enterprise software technologies and solutions, and the delivery of digital services and features to retail and commercial customers.

The newly created team combines three distinct software functions within the company: Software Defined Vehicle and Operating System, Information and Digital Technology, and Digital Business. Abbott served as a visiting scholar at Stanford.

Based in Shanghai, Blissett oversees GM’s business in China. Prior to this appointment, as GM senior vice president,

International Operations

– leading GM’s global operations outside of the Americas and China –Blissett streamlined operations and refined the global go-to-market strategies for GM’s International Operations, strengthening the foundation to turn around financial performance and sustain a customerfocused organization. Blissett also served as executive vice president of SAIC-GM, GM’s flagship joint venture in China.

PAUL JACOBSON

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Before joining GM in December 2020, Jacobson served as CFO of Delta Air Lines Inc.,

SeniorVicePresidents

which he helped transform into one of Fortune magazine’s Top 50 Most Admired Companies for six consecutive years. He was named the airline industry’s best CFO eight times by Institutional Investor magazine’s poll of Wall Street analysts and investors. Jacobson graduated from Auburn University with a bachelor’s degree in aviation management and later received an MBA from Vanderbilt University.

SHILPAN AMIN

Senior Vice President and President, GM International

Since April 2022, Amin has been responsible for GM operations outside of North America and China.

His objective is to deliver profitable growth in each of the markets in which GM competes. Amin succeeds Steve Kiefer, who retired. Previously, Amin was vice president, GM global purchasing and supply chain, and was responsible for the strategic direction of GM’s worldwide purchasing, supply chain, and logistics operations. He’s the lead executive chair of the board of directors for the GM Asian Connections Business Resource Group.

Executive Vice President, Legal (general counsel and corporate secretary), Policy, Cybersecurity, and Strategic Technology Initiatives

and general counsel, leading a transformation of its global legal operations to support the company’s vision of a future with zero crashes, zero emissions, and zero congestion. Previously, he was executive vice president and chief legal officer for LyondellBasell Industries, one of the world’s largest plastics, chemicals, and refining companies. Glidden also served as senior vice president and general counsel of Chevron Phillips Chemical. Glidden joined GM in 2015 as executive vice president

RORY

HARVEY

Executive Vice President and President, North America

Appointed June 2023. Harvey leads GM sales, service, and marketing across its full portfolio of

automotive and connected services brands in North America, including Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Cadillac, OnStar, ACDelco, and GM Genuine Parts. He took over GM North America after leading Global Cadillac since September 2020, where he ran the brand’s day-to-day operations. Harvey first joined Cadillac in March 2018 as VP of North American sales, service, and marketing. He also served as chairman of Vauxhall Motors in the U.K.

GERALD JOHNSON

Executive Vice President, Global Manufacturing and Sustainability

Johnson leads GM’s global manufacturing, manufacturing engineering, labor

relations, and sustainability organizations and is a member of the GM senior leadership team. He’s responsible for approximately 94,800 employees representing more than 118 sites on four continents in 13 countries. In January 2020, Johnson was appointed to the GM Political Action Committee board and steering committee. He’s also a founding member of GM’s Inclusion Advisory Board.

DOUG L. PARKS

Executive Vice President, Global Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain

Prior to this appointment, Parks was the VP, autonomous and electric

vehicle programs. In that role, he launched Super Cruise, the industry’s first hands-free driving technology for compatible highways, on the 2018 Cadillac CT6. He oversaw the engineering team behind the Cruise AV, a production-intent autonomous vehicle built from the ground up, without driver controls, that operated on its own. He led the electrification team responsible for developing GM’s all-new EV architecture.

DANIEL E. BERCE

Senior Vice President President and CEO, GM Financial

Berce has held these positions at GM Financial since October 2010, when GM purchased the

company. Previously, he served as vice chairman, president, treasurer, CEO, and CFO of AmeriCredit Corp. Before that, Berce was an auditor with Coopers & Lybrand for 14 years and was a partner with the firm. He is a certified public accountant and is a graduate of Regis University in Denver. GM Financial’s origination mix consists of 75 percent prime credit customers with credit bureau scores of 680 and above in North America.

NORM DE GREVE

Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer

Effective July 31, 2023. De Greve joins GM from CVS Health, where he served as chief marketing officer since

2015. He will report to GM President Mark Reuss. While at CVS Health, de Greve helped transform the company from America’s corner drug store to the largest consumer health care company in the country, moving it to sixth place on the Fortune 500. During that time, CVS earned the highest national reputation in health care and consistently gained market share.

ARDEN HOFFMAN

Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer

Appointed January 2023. Hoffman previously served as Cruise’s chief people officer, driving the company’s people

strategy. Her team supported Cruise’s mission to build the most advanced self-driving vehicle by creating a high-performance culture where Cruisers could do their best work. Before Cruise, Hoffman was VP of People at Dropbox, where she was responsible for building and scaling the company and culture across its 12 global offices. Her leadership guided the company from a private startup to a publicly traded company.

MICHAEL SIMCOE

Vice President, GM Global Design

Simcoe has been GM’s global design chief since 2016. His teams focus on all aspects of design including advanced,

VicePresidents

production, and industrial design operations supporting GM’s brands and subsidiaries. Recent designs developed under Simcoe’s leadership include the Cruise Origin, Cadillac Lyriq, GMC Hummer EV, and the BrightDrop EV600. Simcoe plays a pivotal role in GM’s transformation, challenging his teams to innovate as society experiences a massive shift in mobility, championing new technologies.

Wexler leads GM’s Data and Customer Insights, Innovation, and Strategy teams. He has been working at the intersection

of strategy, technology, and creative for more than 30 years. Before joining GM, Wexler served as chairman and CEO of Publicis Sapient, which helps clients innovate and compete more effectively in the digital age. He has also advised early-stage companies on how to compete with disruptive business models in a consumer-empowered era. Wexler holds a bachelor’s degree and an MBA from Rider University.

LIN-HUA WU

Effective Aug. 21, 2023. Wu joins GM from Google, where she served as vice president of global communications and

public affairs, supporting the Knowledge & Information and Global Business organizations. She reports to GM Chair and CEO Mary Barra. Wu has extensive experience in corporate, agency, and tech industry communications. Before Google, she worked at Dropbox from 2016-2021, including serving as chief communications officer.

Prior to Dropbox, Wu was head of corporate communications for Square (now Block).

DUNCAN ALDRED

Vice President, Global Buick–GMC

Aldred provides senior leadership and strategic direction for Buick and GMC sales, service, and marketing. His goal is to

increase positive opinion for both premium brands and to transform those opinions into profitable sales growth. In 2013, prior to joining Buick and GMC, Aldred was named acting vice president of sales, marketing, and aftersales for Opel and Vauxhall, based in Germany. In 2010, he was chairman and managing director at Vauxhall. He joined GM in 1990 at Vauxhall’s Ellesmere Port plant near Liverpool, and worked in various positions there.

LOEK BECKERS

Vice President, Treasury and Asset Management

Effective May 2023.

Beckers is responsible for leading GM’s global treasury and asset management operations including capital planning,

capital markets, treasury operations, insurance, banking activities, and pension plans. Before becoming treasurer, he served as vice president and chief financial officer of GM International, and was responsible for the financial transformation and return to sustainable profitability of General Motors’ global automotive operations outside of North America and China. Previously, Beckers was vice president and CFO for GM in China.

SCOTT BELL

Vice President, Global Chevrolet

Since being named vice president of Global Chevrolet in 2022, Bell has presided over the introduction of key

vehicles including the Chevrolet Trax, Colorado, and Silverado EV, among others, and has logged thousands of miles traveling to meet with hundreds of dealers across the country. During his first year in this role, Chevy Silverado was the No. 1 best-selling retail full-size pickup for the first time on record. Bell previously served as president and managing director of GM Canada, which produced 10 million masks during COVID-19.

JIM

Vice President, Product Marketing, Accessories, Performance, and Motorsports

Campbell leads Chevrolet, Cadillac, and Hummer EV motorsports marketing

strategy, in addition to directing the development and marketing of specialty vehicles and performance variants of production-based models. He also leads the product marketing strategy for Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac portfolios, and planning and marketing of accessories and performance parts for production vehicles. Previously, Campbell served as U.S. VP, Chevrolet marketing.

MARGARET CURRY

Vice President, Tax and Customs, Chief Tax Officer

Curry joined GM in this position in 2017. She’s responsible for strategy and operations related to

GM’s worldwide tax and customs functions. She has more than 30 years of tax experience. Prior to joining GM, Curry served as vice president of tax for Deere & Co. and Kimberly-Clark Corp. Before that, she was director of tax for Dell Inc., senior tax counsel for GM, and senior tax counsel for the Internal Revenue Service. Curry received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and a law degree from Michigan State University.

JIM DANAHY

Vice President, Global Safety Systems and Integration

Danahy, who took on this position in June 2021, oversees the implementation of safety, compliance,

systems engineering, supplier quality, and performance across global vehicles. His group ensures safety, while exceeding customer requirements and government regulations to deliver the best vehicles for a great customer experience. Before this, Danahy was VP, global hardware components and subsystems, where he led engineering operations, components development, and advanced vehicle work.

TONY FRANCAVILLA

Vice President, Global Quality and Operational Excellence

Francavilla is responsible for leading GM’s global quality efforts, which are aimed at providing the

highest-quality vehicles possible. In late 2017, his responsibilities expanded to include leadership over GM’s Operational Excellence. He brings to the role in-depth knowledge and global experience in manufacturing, engineering, and supplier quality. Prior to his current position, Francavilla served in a variety of senior roles within the quality organization, including executive director of global supplier quality.

MICHELLE GARDNER

Vice President, Global Hardware Components and Subsystems

Gardner was appointed to this position in June 2021. Her role and organization comprise engineering

operations, components development, advanced vehicle development, and other engineering business initiatives. She leads a global team of engineering professionals in realizing GM’s vision of zero crashes, zero emissions, and zero congestion through the design and development of advanced ICE, EV, and AV systems, and vehicles. Prior to this, Gardner served as executive director of interior and thermal cabin comfort.

ROCKY GUPTA

Vice President, Finance and Treasurer

Through his multiple roles at GM, Gupta has become a trusted adviser to CFO Paul Jacobson, and recently moved to a

newly created special projects role. He will be focused on a variety of impactful projects, like how to maximize the benefits of the EV tax credits under the IRA and acting as a liaison with Cruise. He previously served as GM’s treasurer, where he was responsible for leading the company’s global treasury operations including capital planning, capital markets, operations, and worldwide banking activities.

CHRISTOPHER T. HATTO

Vice President, Global Business Solutions and Chief Accounting Officer

Hatto manages a global team charged with optimizing GM business processes to improve

service quality and customer experience, and reduce complexity and costs. He continues to serve as chief accounting officer, and is responsible for global leadership and oversight for external reporting, technical accounting matters, the development of new accounting policies, internal controls, and the consolidations process. He’s also responsible for reporting financial results to senior leadership and the board of directors.

TIM HERRICK

Vice President, EV Launch Excellence

Herrick serves as the champion for limitedstart-of-production to start-of-regular-production EV launch window

execution. His focus is on supporting cross-functional alignment to ensure launch success across the entire EV portfolio. Prior to this, Herrick served as vice president, global product programs, where he led an international team in the design, engineering, development, and validation of the GM portfolio, including specialty, performance, and motorsports programs. He also served as interim president of GM Defense from 2020 to 2021.

Vice President, Global Chief Engineers and Program Management

Appointed April 2023. Hester leads teams responsible for the global design, development, and

delivery of gas, diesel, and plug-in hybrid vehicles, including GM’s SUVs and trucks. Prior to his current role, Hester was vice president, electric vehicle growth operations, leading the rapid transformation of the EV business including EV infrastructure development, off-board energy management and grid integrations, dealer EV readiness and training initiatives, and crossbrand EV vehicle charging strategies. He also was president of GM Canada.

STACY LYNETT

Vice President, Information and Digital Technology

Lynett leads approximately 9,000 technology professionals responsible for information

technology and software engineering products that support the core internal business and digital functions. Prior to this role, she was the executive director and CIO for the global product group innovating on technology to support the designers and vehicle and quality engineers building GM’s world-class vehicles. Earlier, Lynett focused on the transformation of human resources, leveraging the Workday solution set.

SCOTT MILLER

Vice President, Software Defined Vehicle and Operating Systems

One of Miller’s main responsibilities is developing and deploying Ultifi, GM’s

new end-to-end vehicle software platform. Ultifi will help enable the frequent and seamless delivery of software-defined features, apps, and services to customers over the air. Miller has held many positions since joining GM in 1994, and most recently was executive director, vehicle motion embedded controls, where he was responsible for all propulsion, chassis, and thermal software.

JEFFREY (JEFF) MORRISON

Vice President, Global Purchasing and Supply Chain

Morrison, appointed in April 2022, is responsible for the strategic direction of GM’s worldwide purchasing, supply chain,

and logistics operations. His team collaborates with more than 19,000 global suppliers to deliver exceptional vehicle quality, innovation, and value to GM customers, along with a commitment to achieving long-term sustainability and accelerating diversity and inclusion in the supply base. Under Morrison’s direction, GM is building a strong, resilient, and scalable EV supply chain to support its goal of electrification.

DAN NICHOLSON

Vice President, Strategic Technology Initiatives

Prior to this appointment, Nicholson was vice president of global electrification, controls, software, and electronics,

and responsible for all electrified propulsion products including batteries and electric drive units, electronic control systems, strategies, software, and electronic hardware for all GM products globally. Previously, he was vice president, global propulsion systems, responsible for all propulsion products including engines, transmissions, fuel cells, EV drive units, and batteries.

KENT HELFRICH

Vice President, Global Research and Development, Chief Technology Officer, and President of GM Ventures

solutions in the development of GM vehicles. He previously was GM’s executive director of global electrification and battery systems, responsible for GM electrified vehicle hardware development and the overall electric vehicle propulsion, calibration, and driving performance. Prior to rejoining GM in November 2016, Helfrich was vice president and CTO at Flex Automotive, splitting his time between Detroit and Silicon Valley. Helfrich is responsible for innovation and technology

STEPHEN HILL

Vice President, Commercial Growth Strategies and Operations

Hill oversees current cross-brand activities that strengthen GM’s brands and the company’s

position in the market. His group helps with the assessment and commercialization of future business opportunities that support GM’s revenue growth commitments. Hill previously served as vice president of Chevrolet and vice president of GM’s Customer Care and Aftersales division. He also served as vice president for the Cadillac, Hummer, and Saab brands. Hill began his GM career in 1983.

KEN MORRIS

Vice President, Electric, Autonomous, and Fuel Cell Programs

Morris leads the global team of executive chief engineers and program managers who oversee

GM’s electric, autonomous, and fuel cell vehicle programs, electric drive units, battery systems, and fuel cell systems from inception to launch and beyond. He’s also responsible for the initiatives associated with the commercialization of EVs and AVs. Previously, Morris was vice president of global product programs, leading the global team that oversees conventional GM vehicle, engine, and transmission programs.

Vice President, GM North America Labor Relations

agreements that support the company’s manufacturing team members and enable GM to achieve strong business results. Prior to this, he was the executive director of manufacturing planning and strategy, responsible for the product allocation strategy as well as new site selection. Perez played a critical role in developing the strategy to support manufacturing’s transition to GM’s all-electric future.

MARCOS PURTY

Vice President, Global Workplace Safety

Appointed to this role in June 2022, Purty returns to GM from Amazon, where he was vice president, North America

fulfillment, Amazon robotics sortable operations. He succeeds Jim Glynn, who retired. Purty spent the first 25 years of his professional career with GM, beginning in 1994 at GM’s former Pontiac assembly plant. In his last assignment at GM as executive director, global manufacturing strategy and planning, he directed GM manufacturing’s footprint in cost and profitability and spearheaded new product allocation.

JOHN ROTH

Vice President, Global Cadillac

Effective June 2023. With his recent appointment as vice president of Global Cadillac, Roth returns to a brand that has been

interwoven throughout his 32 years with GM. He was previously the global VP of customer care and aftersales, tackling industry growth, reimagining fulfillment, and preparing for the future of mobility. Roth has also served as president and managing director of Africa and Middle East operations, and VP of GM Canada marketing, sales, and service. He began his career with General Motors in 1991.

Vice President, Sustainable Workplaces and Chief Sustainability Officer

Appointed to this position in February 2021, Sieman is helping to lead General

Motors to a future with zero emissions as the company continues to take actions against climate change, including a commitment to becoming carbon neutral in its products and operations by 2040. In her most recent role as executive director, global energy strategy, certification, compliance, and test labs, Siemen led a cross-functional leadership team responsible for setting corporate energy policy.

Tierney’s global team is responsible for all aspects of cybersecurity across GM including executing enterprise, product, and

manufacturing cybersecurity programs, with a focus on security architecture, penetration testing, cyber risk management, incident response, vulnerability management, intelligence, awareness and training, and governance. Prior to his current role, Tierney served as the chief product cybersecurity officer, and led the team responsible for developing and implementing cybersecurity strategies to reduce risks.

PresidentsandotherC-suiteofficers

President, GM Defense, LLC

DuMont leverages GM’s advanced technologies, world-class manufacturing capabilities, and global supply chain for global

defense and government customers. He joined GM Defense in 2021 after a 13-year stint at Raytheon Intelligence & Space, a business of Raytheon Technologies, where he led and implemented a focused strategy for global growth. Earlier in his career, duMont supported flight test, systems engineering, and business development within Boeing and BAE Systems. Prior to entering the private sector, duMont served in the U.S. Army.

MIKE TREVORROW

Vice President, North America Manufacturing

Trevorrow is responsible for the safety, productivity, and quality performance of over 67,000 employees at more than

40 assembly, stamping, propulsion, and component plants in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. He has held various leadership positions of increasing responsibility for GM, including plant director for several plants, VP of global workplace safety and, most recently, manufacturing executive director for the truck and components sector. He started at GM as a skilled trades die-maker apprentice in Flint.

OMAR VARGAS

Vice President and Head of Global Public Policy

Vargas leads GM’s global engagement of government officials and public policy. Prior to joining GM, he held senior

government relations roles with 3M, Praxair, and PepsiCo. In the early 2000s, Vargas was an appointee of President George W. Bush to the U.S. Department of Justice, where he served in a variety of capacities. His portfolio includes a broad range of law enforcement, civil rights, national security, and immigration policy matters, including violence against women and human trafficking victim services programs.

FRANCISCO GARZA

President and Managing Director, General Motors de Mexico, Central America and Caribbean

Garza is responsible for General Motors de Mexico’s export and

domestic market operations. Previously, he was vice president, vehicle sales, service, and marketing for GM de Mexico, with responsibility for developing and implementing go-tomarket strategies for Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac, and for managing and maintaining close relationships with dealers in Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. He also served as managing director of Ally Credit Mexico.

EDWARD KUMMER

Chief Digital Officer

Since October 2021, Kummer has overseen an expanded GM group responsible for bringing more focus to connected services and digital

products, and is empowered to drive commercial success and strategic investments to establish digital market leadership. His team is implementing new digital strategies across mobile and in-vehicle infotainment as the company launches more software-defined vehicles. Kummer also oversees GM’s OnStar brand, a leader in safety and connected services for more than 25 years. He spent 18 years at the Walt Disney Co.

Effective July 2023.

Puchek leads GM’s office of diversity, equity, and inclusion, which is focused on defining the company’s overarching vision and

strategy to be a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization globally. She also sits on GM’s inclusion advisory board. Puchek has more than two decades of experience advising senior executives and organizations in corporate and individual purpose, DEI, talent strategies, cultural transformation, and responsible business practices. She holds an MBA from Thunderbird School of Global Management.

TAVEL

Appointed June 2023. Tavel’s team is responsible for servicing every vehicle in GM’s portfolio and markets parts worldwide.

As GM’s former executive chief engineer for battery electric trucks, he employs his knowledge of the EV customer to deliver a strategy that will define a frictionless customer experience for both ICE and EV service customers as GM prepares for its all-electric future. Tavel earned a BA in automotive engineering and technology from Minnesota State University and an MS in engineering from the University of Michigan.

MARISSA WEST

President and Managing Director, GM Canada

Appointed in April 2022, West was most recently executive chief engineer for the global mid-size truck and medium-duty

truck programs. Before that, she was the chief engineer for the next-generation full-size truck programs, where she was responsible for launching the 2020 GMC Sierra HD and the Chevrolet Silverado HD. As vehicle chief engineer, she led the design, engineering, and development of future full-size truck and SUV programs. Earlier, she was the director of the global noise and vibration center.

GENERAL MOTORS CO. BOARD OF DIRECTORS

MARY T. BARRA

Chairman and CEO, General Motors Co.

ANEEL BHUSRI

Co-founder, Co-CEO, and Chairman, Workday Inc.

WESLEY G. BUSH

Retired Chairman and CEO, Northrop Grumman Corp.

JOANNE C. CREVOISERAT

CEO, Tapestry Inc.

LINDA R. GOODEN

Retired Executive Vice President, Information Systems & Global Solutions, Lockheed Martin Corp.

JOSEPH JIMENEZ

Retired CEO, Novartis AG

JONATHAN MCNEILL

Co-founder and CEO, DVx Ventures

JUDITH MISCIK

Senior Adviser, Lazard

Geopolitical Advisory

PATRICIA F. RUSSO

Chairman, Hewlett-Packard Enterprise Co.

THOMAS M. SCHOEWE

Retired Executive Vice President and CFO, Walmart Stores Inc.

MARK TATUM

Deputy Commissioner and COO, National Basketball Association

JAN TIGHE

Retired Vice Admiral, United States Navy

DEVIN N. WENIG

Former President and CEO, eBay Inc.

GM’s board of directors can be viewed at: gm.com/company/ leadership/board-of-directors. html.

Ford has been a member of the company’s board of directors since 1988 and has been chairman since

Jan. 1, 1999. Under his leadership, Ford Motor Co. has taken aggressive steps to improve the efficiency and focus of its traditional automotive business. At the same time, it is accelerating its efforts to be the most trusted provider of smart vehicles and mobility services. Ford serves as chairman of the board’s Finance Committee and was CEO from 2001 to 2006. During that time, he took the company from a $5.5 billion loss to profitability.

President and CEO

Farley became president and CEO of Ford in October 2020, and in March 2022 he took on the additional role of president, Ford Model e,

Presidents

President, Ford Blue

Prior to this role, which he took on in March 2022, Galhotra was president of the Americas & International Markets Group, with

responsibility for the profit and loss of its business units, including the newly established commercial vehicle business unit for the U.S. and Canada. He has also served as president, North America, leading all aspects of Ford’s North American business, and group vice president, Lincoln, overseeing all Lincoln operations globally, including product development; marketing, sales, and service.

President and CEO, Ford Motor Credit Co.

Harris is responsible for a leading financial services provider for dealers and customers around the world in

the division created in March 2022 that specializes in electric and connected vehicles and services. Under Farley’s leadership, Ford has boosted investment in electric vehicles to more than $50 billion and has set targets for scaling their production to 600,000 EVs a year by the end of 2023 and more than 2 million by the end of 2026. He collects and races vintage vehicles, including a 1965 Ford GT 40.

support of Ford Motor Co. sales. Prior to this, as vice president of Ford’s Mobility Business Group, he was responsible for the connected services businesses of Ford Commercial Solutions and FordPass, as well as Chariot and GoRide Health. Previously, Harris served as chief financial officer and treasurer at Ford Credit, responsible for the financial planning, analysis, and accounting operations.

President, Lincoln

Craig is responsible for growing Lincoln as a world-class, luxury brand and leading its transformation toward a fully electrified future. She

oversees Lincoln operations globally, including product development, marketing, and sales and service. She reports to Jim Farley, Ford president and CEO. Previously, she was president of the International Markets Group, Ford Blue, leading business unit operations for both dealer and distributor markets in over 100 countries across Africa, ASEAN, India, the Middle East, Australia, and New Zealand.

LYLE WATTERS

Vice President and General Manager, Passenger Vehicles, Ford China

Effective June 2023.

Watters is responsible for Ford-branded ICE and BEV products in China, and

leads the Changan Ford joint venture, National Distribution Services Division, Jiangling Ford Technologies, and Ford China operations, including purchasing, manufacturing, new model launches, and quality. He reports to Sam Wu, president and CEO of Ford China. Earlier, as general manager of the Ford Passenger Vehicle Division, Ford China, Watters broadened Ford’s appeal and customer experiences.

Chief Enterprise Technology Officer

Amend leads Ford’s Technology and Software Platform, comprising Enterprise Information Technology along with

Global Data Insight and Analytics. His team helps the company use data, software, and technology to drive growth and create value for customers and other stakeholders by translating the needs of those customers into engaging solutions. They work closely with Ford teams that handle product development and the hardware and software that goes into vehicles.

Amend came to Ford from Lowe’s, where he was president, online.

and tools based on lean manufacturing and related concepts. The system is central to realizing the value-creation and growth potential of the Ford+ plan.

JOHN DION

Chief Transformation Officer

Appointed April 2023.

Dion oversees global deployment of the Ford Operating System, comprising methodologies

Dion came to Ford from ESAB Corp., a Maryland-based fabrication and specialty gas-control technology firm where he was senior vice president and officer, ESAB Business Excellence, and led the company’s industrial and cultural remaking. Prior to ESAB, he worked at Danaher Corp.

TED CANNIS CEO, Ford Pro

The global Ford Pro business and brand are dedicated to delivering the world’s most comprehensive suite of solutions to government and

commercial customers of all sizes to help accelerate productivity, improve uptime, and lower operating costs through connected services and work-ready gas and electric vehicles. As a one-stop shop, Ford Pro provides a platform of software, charging, financing, and customer support to serve commercial customers of all sizes and industries, and will help lead the transition from gas to electric vehicles.

STEVEN CROLEY

Chief Policy Officer, General Counsel

Croley guides the company as it leverages and builds on its strengths in government relations, sustainability, safety, legal,

and privacy matters.

Before coming to Ford, Croley was a partner in the Washington, D.C., office of Latham & Watkins, where he assisted clients with legal policy and regulatory compliance, with an emphasis on energy and the environment. From 2014 to 2017, he served as general counsel for the U.S. Department of Energy. Croley spent the previous four years in the White House, and was a special assistant to President Barack Obama.

LIZ

DOOR

Chief Supply Chain Officer

Effective June 12, 2023. Door assumes supply chain responsibilities that had been held on an

interim basis by CFO John Lawler, to whom she reports. She comes to Ford at a time when improving quality and reducing costs, including through the supply chain, are high priorities and vital to realizing the full potential of the Ford+ plan. Before joining Ford, Door was Whirlpool’s executive vice president of global strategic sourcing and a member of Whirlpool’s Executive Committee.

DOUG FIELD

Chief Advanced Product Development and Technology Officer

Field oversees design and vehicle hardware engineering across the enterprise, and leads

development of Ford’s electric vehicles and digital systems within Ford Model e. The latter includes overseeing software development, digital product design, and advanced driver assist systems, along with design and vehicle hardware engineering. Field’s team is responsible for delivering seamless experiences with infotainment, navigation, driver-assist technology, connectivity, and cybersecurity.

Since March 2022, Ford has led the organization responsible for creating a world-class customer

experience throughout the entire ownership cycle. She reports to Kumar Galhotra, president, Ford Blue. She has also been responsible for integrating the work of the Ford Customer Service Division, the quality organization, sales and marketing, and the global dealer network to more tightly connect the interactions between Ford and its customers worldwide. She continues to be closely integrated with the sales organization.

and policy vital to the Ford+ plan for growth and value creation.

Chief Customer Officer, Ford Model e

Smith leads a global team that enhances Ford’s expertise and influence in legislation

Policy priorities include connectivity, electric vehicles, and digital services, and are intended to benefit customers, society, and the environment. He reports to Steven Croley, Ford’s chief policy officer and general counsel.

From 2009 to 2017, Smith served in the U.S. Department of Energy as assistant secretary for fossil energy.

Gjaja leads Ford Model e’s market-facing organization including marketing, sales, distribution, customer TRUBY Chief Communications Officer

Truby leads Ford’s global communications and public relations activities, including building the company’s reputation

VicePresidents

experience, service, and charging. He is part of the founding team at Ford Model e, and his team works with Ford dealers globally to develop and deploy all aspects of the new customer experience for Ford’s electric vehicle portfolio. Gjaja joined Ford from Boston Consulting Group, where, as senior partner and managing director, he served clients in consumer, retail, technology, health care, capital goods businesses, and automotive.

globally among customers, employees, dealers, suppliers, news media, communities, governments, and policymakers. He reports to Jim Farley, Ford CEO. Truby joined Ford in 2007 as director of global corporate communications. He has also served as communications director for Bill Ford; VP, communications, Ford Europe, Middle East, and Africa; and, most recently, vice president, communications, Ford Asia Pacific.

Lawler has overall responsibility for Ford’s finance functions including accounting,

financial planning and analysis, treasury, tax, investor relations, economics, and audit, as well as the Ford Credit business. On an interim basis starting in September 2022, he has led Ford’s global supply chain organization. Lawler previously was CEO, Ford Autonomous Vehicles, LLC, and vice president, mobility partnerships, where he led the team developing and bringing to market driverless transportation services.

DAVE

WEBB

Vice President, Treasurer

Webb is responsible for Ford’s global treasury strategy and operations. He reports to John Lawler, Ford’s CFO. From June 2017 to December 2018,

he served as assistant treasurer for Ford and had responsibility for Ford’s global capital markets, banking, capital strategy, affiliate finance, risk management, and treasury operations. Before this, as director of funding, he was responsible for Ford and Ford Credit’s global funding programs and issuance strategy. This included managing Ford Credit’s unsecured commercial paper and financing programs.

Vice President, Ford Product Development Operations and Quality

Baumbick is responsible for delivering industryleading quality across the enterprise, in addition to

the development of all Ford Blue internal combustion engine products. He also leads cycle planning, vehicle development engineering, and product development operations for all of Ford, partnering closely with Doug Field, chief advanced product development and technology officer, on the broader development of Ford vehicles. Previously, Baumbick was vice president, industrial platform, operations and new model launch, Ford Blue.

JENNIFER WALDO Chief People and Employee Experience Officer

Appointed in April 2022, Waldo contributes to the global deployment and success of the Ford+

strategic plan for growth and value creation by leading the development of a high-performance culture, recruiting people with additional and needed new kinds of talent, and boosting overall organizational capability, especially in technology and innovation. She reports to Ford President and CEO Jim Farley. Before joining Ford, Waldo led change in highly regarded companies, spending 10 years in Silicon Valley.

KIERAN

Vice President, Industrial Operations Europe & International Markets Group, Ford Blue

Cahill, appointed to this position in March 2022, reports to

Kumar Galhotra, president of Ford Blue. Prior to this role, he was vice president, manufacturing, Ford of Europe, and was named board chair for Ford Motor Co. Ltd. Cahill also served as director, manufacturing, strategic projects, Ford of Europe, and director, manufacturing, U.K. and Romania. He was director, Ford of Europe powertrain operations.

BRYCE

CURRIE

Vice President, Americas Manufacturing & Labor Affairs, Ford Blue

Currie is responsible for the company’s largest industrial footprint, with more than 30 manu-

facturing facilities. He succeeds John Savona, who retired. Currie joined Ford in January 2023 from Johnson Controls, where he was VP, global products operations, and then chief manufacturing officer. Currie deployed lean manufacturing principles and digital management tools at Johnson Controls to transform an operation spanning nearly 90 plants and 120 distribution centers globally.

LISA DRAKE

Vice President, EV Industrialization, Ford Model e

As of March 2022, Drake reports to Doug Field, chief EV and digital systems officer, Ford Model e. She

also oversees manufacturing engineering as Ford develops breakthrough electric vehicles at scale. Previously, as COO, North America, Drake was responsible for bringing enhanced focus to product launches, warranty reduction, and material cost improvements. Earlier, as vice president, global purchasing, she was responsible for all category management processes and procurement functions.

ANDREW FRICK

Vice President, Sales, Distribution and Trucks, Ford Blue

Effective July 1, 2023, Frick added general management

responsibilities for family vehicles, Mexico and Canada for Ford Blue from Kiersten Robinson, who left the company. He continues to head sales, distribution, and trucks for Ford Blue. Previously, he was vice president sales, field operations, market representation, customer care, and dealer relations for the Ford brand in the U.S. and Canada. He also was director of U.S. sales and director of marketing.

Vice

Gray’s current role became effective in March 2022. Previously, as vice president, vehicle embedded software and

controls, he led the development of vehicle embedded software, vehicle controls, embedded connectivity technology, advanced driver assist technologies and systems, and vehicle cybersecurity. Earlier, he was vice president of vehicle components and systems engineering, and central to the company’s commitment to develop Ford and Lincoln vehicles with quality, fuel efficiency, safety, smart technology, and value for customers.

ecosystem evolves, Ford Next focuses on ways to offer new, technologyforward customer experiences in various domains such as energy, supply chain, internet of things, and distribution.

Vice President, Sustainability, Environment & Safety Engineering

As Ford’s top environment and safety officer, Holycross is responsible for implementing

sustainable best practices throughout Ford and leading its global environment and safety, strategy, and policy. Previously he was director, sustainability, homologation, and compliance. Holycross formerly served as vice president of sustainability, environment, and safety engineering for Ford of Europe, Middle East, and Africa, where he ensured compliance with government regulations.

Vice President, Design

Since joining Ford in 2021, Lo has been responsible for creating a lineup of products and services that are unique, authentic, and true to Ford’s values as

customers expect smarter, increasingly connected, and increasingly electric vehicles. He worked at Groupe Renault in Paris for the past 10 years, most recently as VP, exterior design. He was instrumental in the development of the company’s Cycle of Life design strategy, which he was the basis for a series of award-winning concept cars. From 2004 to 2010, he was director of advanced design for GM Europe.

CEO, Ford Next, LLC and Vice President, New Businesses Platform

The Ford Next team incubates and launches vehicle-adjacent business ventures that create value for Ford. As the automotive

Louis-Victor was responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive strategic plan that included the company’s existing and emerging portfolio of capabilities in areas like autonomous vehicles and mobility services.

Vice President, Strategy and

McClelland leads corporate strategy, business development, and global data insights and analytics. He’s also

chairman of the Ford Motor Credit Co. board of directors. Prior to this appointment, McClelland was CEO of Ford Motor Credit Co., Ford’s global provider of financial products and services for dealers and customers. He had served as Ford Credit executive vice president of marketing and Asia Pacific, overseeing global marketing and Ford Credit’s business in China and India. He joined Ford Credit Britain in 1993, then Ford Credit South Africa.

O’Callaghan had served as chief financial officer, Ford South America, since 2015. In that position she was responsible for all

Ford finance activities in Ford South America, including operations finance, profit analysis, treasury, tax, accounting, and internal control. Prior to working in South America, O’Callaghan held a number of key leadership positions at Ford of Europe, including finance director for product development, controller of European manufacturing operations and logistics, and finance director of Ford of Britain. She joined Ford in 1990.

PALMER

Vice President, Electrical Vehicle Programs, Ford Model e

Palmer’s current position became effective in March 2022. Previously, he was general manager, Ford

Battery Electric Vehicles, where he was responsible for leading the EV business in North America, including implementing a $22 billion transformation of the EV portfolio. He was a founding member of Team Edison, an internal startup created to determine where to play and how to win in electric vehicles. The first product resulting from this new approach is the Mustang Mach E, the all-new, ground-up electric car.

TIM SLATTER

Head of Vehicle Programs, Ford Blue

Effective June 1, 2023. Slatter manages all Ford Blue global vehicle programs, including derivatives, and Ford

Performance products. He succeeds Trevor Worthington, who retired. Slatter will also be involved in strategy and cycle planning for Ford Blue, Ford Performance, and Ford Motor Sports. Slatter has worked in China and Australia, but most recently was vehicle line director for buses and vans at Ford of Europe, and chair of Ford of Britain. He’ll continue to direct U.K. operations until a successor is named.

FORD MOTOR CO. BOARD OF DIRECTORS

WILLIAM CLAY FORD JR.

Executive Chairman and Chairman of the Board of Directors

KIMBERLY A. CASIANO

President, Kimberly Casiano & Associates

ALEXANDRA FORD ENGLISH

Director, Global Brand Merchandising, Ford Motor Co.

JAMES D. FARLEY JR.

President and CEO

HENRY FORD III

Member, Board of Directors, Ford Motor Co.

WILLIAM W. HELMAN IV General Partner, Greylock Partners

JON M. HUNTSMAN JR.

Former U.S. Ambassador to Russia

WILLIAM E. KENNARD

Non-Executive Chairman and Co-founder of Velocitas Partners

JOHN MAY

Chairman and CEO, Deere & Co.

BETH MOONEY

Chairman and CEO, KeyCorp

LYNN VOJVODICH

RADAKOVICH

Former Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Salesforce

JOHN L. THORNTON

Chairman, Barrick Gold Corp., Lead Independent Director

JOHN VEIHMEYER

Former Chairman, KPMG International

JOHN S. WEINBERG

Former Vice Chairman, Goldman Sachs Group Inc.

Ford Motor Co.’s board of directors can be viewed at: corporate.ford.com/about/ leadership.html.

CARLOS TAVARES

CEO

Tavares was appointed the first CEO and executive director of Stellantis in January 2021. Under his leadership,

Stellantis is focused on providing clean, safe, and affordable mobility while rapidly transforming itself into a mobility tech company through the swift and efficient execution of Dare Forward 2030, the company’s bold strategic plan that paves the way for Stellantis to be the first in the industry to achieve carbon net zero by 2038. Previously, Tavares served as chairman of the managing board of Groupe PSA.

OLIVIER BOURGES

Global Corporate Office and Public Affairs Officer.

Appointed global corporate office and public affairs officer on July 1, 2023. In this new

role, Bourges leverages his previous experience as general secretary of the former Peugeot S.A. and his impressive knowledge of the strategic stakes of the automotive sector and its stakeholders.

Previously, he was Stellantis’ chief planning officer. . Prior to joining PSA, he held several positions with Renault. At Nissan, he was responsible for planning and program management in North America.

BRIGITTE COURTEHOUX

Brand Chief Executive Officer, Free2Move

Courtehoux leads Free2move, Stellantis’ mobility service that provides vehicle rental, car-sharing, and

subscription services in Europe and the U.S. She joined Groupe PSA in 1998 and held planning and quality manager positions in a variety of car projects. Between 2010 and 2013, as global project director, she successfully managed and launched the Peugeot 2008 crossover in the European, Latin American, and Chinese markets. In 2018, Courtehoux was named executive vice president and a member of Groupe PSA’s global executive committee.

ARNAUD DEBOEUF

Chief Manufacturing Officer

Deboeuf’s background is in process engineering, manufacturing, program development, and purchasing in France and

South Korea. He started his career at Renault in 1993 as a powertrain process engineer. In 2002, he joined purchasing to take responsibility at Renault Samsung Motors in South Korea. He returned to France to develop the Dacia Duster crossover.

Deboeuf was appointed senior VP of the Renault-Nissan Alliance CEO office in 2015. He joined Groupe PSA in 2019 as senior VP for industrial strategy.

YVES BONNEFONT BERTRAND BLAISE

Chief Communication and Corporate Social Responsibility Officer

Blaise began his career at Renault in 1990 as product and technology communication manager,

and was assigned to Japan in 1999 as head of the Renault liaison office in Tokyo to contribute to the start of the Renault Nissan Alliance. He was appointed Renault Group Asia Pacific communication VP in 2000, covering the corporate, product, and Formula 1 communications activities in South Korea. Blaise joined French train manufacturer Alstom Transport Division as VP in 2007, and in 2014 joined Groupe PSA as senior vice president.

Chief Software Officer

Bonnefont joined Groupe PSA in 2012 as executive vice president, corporate strategy, where he contributed to the group’s turnaround plan,

including its brand differentiation strategy, and created the connected vehicle business unit. In 2013, he was appointed Citroën deputy CEO in charge of its premium sub-brand, DS Automobiles, and later served as the first CEO for DS Automobiles. In January 2020, he was appointed executive vice president in charge of high-end brand development during preparations for the merger with FCA.

XAVIER CHÉREAU

Chief Human Resources and Transformation Officer

Chéreau joined Groupe PSA in 1994 and subsequently held the

position of employment and mobility manager for Europe. He has served as senior vice president, industrial and R&D division human resources, director of human resources development, executive vice president of human resources of Groupe PSA, and as a member of the global executive committee. He has bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the Institut Sciences Politiques de Paris.

SAMIR CHERFAN

Chief Operating Officer, Middle East and Africa

Cherfan has broad experience across the automotive value chain including R&D, manufacturing, product and program manage-

ment, and sales and marketing for various automotive groups. He previously served as brand CEO, Free2Move. Cherfan began his career with Renault Group in 1992, worked in the program management department for seven years, and became program director of mid-range models designed for international markets. In 2010, he was named managing director of the eastern Paris retail network at Renault Retail Group.

NED CURIC

Chief Engineering and Technology Officer

Effective July 1, 2023. The addition of engineering responsibility extends Curic’s scope to include research and development. He replaces Harald

Wester, former chief engineering officer, who retired. Curic’s added responsibility will drive the continued transformation of Stellantis into a sustainable mobility tech company by ensuring alignment between strategic vision and project implementation of the Stellantis R&D function. Curic entered the automotive sector in 2013 as group vice president and chief technology officer at Toyota Motor North America.

PHILIPPE DE ROVIRA

Chief Affiliates Officer (Sales, Finance, Used Cars, Parts and Service, Retail Network)

De Rovira joined Groupe PSA in 1998 and held various positions in

corporate and manufacturing finance before becoming financial controller in the Madrid and Poissy (France) plants. In 2009, he was named CFO for Latin America, and became controller of the PSA sales division in 2012. In 2013, he was appointed senior VP and took responsibility for B2B and used car sales, network development and quality of service, CRM and digital, outbound logistics, and car flow.

CHRISTINE FEUELL

Brand Chief Executive Officer, Chrysler

Feuell is a well-recognized senior marketing executive with extensive experience in automotive, omni-channel supply

chain automation systems, and smart building technologies industries. Her career has included sales, marketing, product management, and profit and loss leadership at Ford Motor Co., Johnson Controls, and Honeywell, and she has a strong track record of delivering profitable growth through integrated products, software, and services. She has a degree in marketing and economics from Michigan State.

ANTONIO FILOSA

COO, South America

Filosa has responsibility for Latin America. He succeeds Mike Manley, former head of Americas, who left the company to become CEO of

AutoNation Inc. Filosa has extensive experience in purchasing and manufacturing operations activities, as well as overall business management and strategy. He joined the Fiat Group in 1999 and was responsible for all purchasing activities in the Latin America region. Filosa held positions at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, including plant manager of the Betim facility in Brazil. He was the head of Alfa Romeo and Maserati for the Latin America region.

GIORGIO FOSSATI General

In 2023, Fossati is strengthening his legal contribution in the demanding regulatory context of the automotive industry, while continuing

to successfully support the company’s efficient governance with his support to the board of directors. Previously, he was general counsel for Fiat Group Automobiles S.p.A. He serves on the board of directors of FCA Italy S.p.A., Teksid S.p.A., Fiat Chrysler Finance S.p.A., Fidis S.p.A., FCA Partecipazioni S.p.A., Fiat Chrysler Risk Management S.p.A., Abarth & C. S.p.A., FCA Poland S.A., and FCA Group Marketing S.p.A.

BÉATRICE FOUCHER Chief Planning Officer

Effective July 1, 2023. Foucher succeeds Olivier Bourges, who was appointed global corporate officer and

global public affairs officer. Her past experience as CEO of the premium DS Automobiles brand and her expertise in the automotive industry will benefit her as she aims to offer the best solutions in terms of products and technologies to meet customer expectations. Foucher has 30 years of experience in quality, product planning, program, HR talent development, and general brand development.

OLIVIER FRANÇOIS

Brand Chief Executive Officer, Fiat and DS Automobiles; Global Chief Marketing Officer

Effective July 1, 2023, François added the role of brand CEO of DS

Automobiles, succeeding Béatrice Foucher. He retains the role as Stellantis’ global chief marketing officer. François has extensive experience in brand development and strategic positioning that will benefit both Fiat and DS Automobiles. Before joining Fiat in 2005, François worked in positions of increasing responsibility at Citroën, including CEO. He was the lead executive for the Lancia brand beginning in September 2005.

GILLES

Chief Design Officer, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Maserati, Fiat Latin America

Gilles joined Chrysler Corp.’s design office in 1992 and was appointed

VP, interior design Jeep/ truck and specialty vehicles in 2006. He also served as president and CEO, Motorsports; president and CEO, SRT brand; and president and CEO, Dodge brand for FCA US, LLC. Gilles was named VP, design in September 2008, and he also led the FCA North America product design office beginning in June 2009. He is global head of design and was a member of the FCA Group Executive Council.

Brand Chief Executive Officer, Maserati

Grasso was named chief operating officer of Maserati in July 2019, with responsibility for overall commercial and financial

performance and for driving its operating success across all global markets. He was appointed a member of the FCA Group Executive Council in July 2019. Grasso joined Nike in 2001 and held positions with increasing responsibility, including chief marketing officer. He also served as CEO for Nike subsidiary Converse Inc., where he engineered the brand for long-term sustainable growth. Grasso holds a master’s degree.

UWE HOCHGESCHURTZ

Chief Operating Officer, Enlarged Europe

Hochgeschurtz was brand CEO for Opel and Vauxhall before joining Stellantis in September 2021. He has more than 30 years of

experience in the automotive industry, beginning with Ford in 1990, where he was sales director for Ford Switzerland and product manager and head of light commercial vehicle marketing in Germany. In 2001, he moved to Volkswagen as head of worldwide LCV marketing. Hochgeschurtz later moved to Renault, where he eventually was appointed CEO of Renault Germany, Austria, and Switzerland in June 2016.

FLORIAN HUETTL

Brand Chief Executive Officer, Opel and Vauxhall

Huettl leads the commercial development of the only German brand and the only British brand in Stellantis’ portfolio, and

their transition into the electric era. Previously, he was head of sales and marketing for Opel and Vauxhall for Enlarged Europe. Huettl joined Stellantis in March 2021 after serving in numerous senior automotive management positions in the U.K., Germany, and Russia. He is an international business management graduate from the University of Applied Sciences in Bergisch-Gladbach, Germany.

JEAN-PHILIPPE IMPARATO

Brand Chief Executive Officer, Alfa Romeo

Imparato’s 30-year career at Groupe PSA has focused on sales, quality, and retail activities. He was in charge of

Mercosur for Citroën in 1998 before joining the central corporate team in charge of international organization and audit for Groupe PSA in 2000. Imparato was later appointed vice president in charge of quality in the Dongfeng Peugeot Citroën Automobiles joint venture in Wuhan, China, in 2003. He was named director of Peugeot international operations and director of European sales and marketing activities in 2012.

LINDA JACKSON

Brand Chief Executive Officer, Peugeot

Jackson has built her experience across the auto industry with finance and commercial roles at Jaguar, Land Rover, and

Rover Group, where she went from regional financial manager for Rover Europe in the late ‘90s to European sales finance director for the MG Rover Group until 2004. She joined Groupe PSA in 2005 as finance director of Citroën U.K. and then of Citroën France from 2009 to 2010. She became CEO of Citroën U.K. and Ireland in July 2010. In 2014, Jackson was appointed the global CEO of the Citroën brand.

Effective July 1, 2023, Kendell directs the North American team’s drive to achieve industry

leadership in customer experience, consistent with the global organization’s mission statement: Every Customer Counts; Every Journey Matters. Kendell joined the company in 1994 as an engineer in the original Trenton, Mich., engine plant and held various manufacturing quality positions with a focus on powertrain. Previously, he had global responsibility for propulsion supplier quality.

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Effective July 10, 2023. Knight succeeds Richard Palmer, who left the company after a 20-year

career. She previously served as CFO at Ahold Delhaize, a leading global food retailer headquartered in the Netherlands, and at Arla Foods in Denmark. Knight held several senior finance positions during her 17 years at Adidas AG in Germany and the U.S. She graduated from the University of Arizona and Freie Universität in Berlin, Germany, followed by executive leadership programs in France and Switzerland.

THIERRY KOSKAS

Brand Chief Executive Office, Citroën; Chief Sales and Marketing Officer

Koskas added the Citroën brand CEO title in March 2023. He began his career in 1990 as a civil servant

in France’s north region government office in charge of nuclear safety, then in the Ministry of Industry as industry general director chief of staff. In 1995, he served as an adviser in the Ministry of Agriculture. Koskas joined Renault Group in 1997 and served in sales and marketing roles. He moved to London as general manager of Renault London City branch, then to Hungary in 2000 as managing director of Renault NSC.

MIKE KOVAL

Appointed July 1, 2023. Koval is responsible for Mopar’s strategic profit and loss performance in the North America region.

He reports to North America COO Mark Stewart. Koval previously was Ram Brand CEO. He joined the company in 2002 and was named head of Ram brand operations in 2016, where he handled vehicle and media mix optimization and pricing strategies. He was named head of Ram brand, FCA North America in June 2020, with responsibility for sales and marketing operations in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

TIMOTHY KUNISKIS

Brand Chief Executive Officer, Dodge and Ram

Effective July 1, 2023. As Ram CEO, Kuniskis will execute the brand’s growth plan with a special

focus on global expansion. He served as president and CEO, Dodge and SRT brands, FCA North America; head of the Fiat and Jeep brands in North America; and head of Maserati. He was named global head of Alfa Romeo in February 2018 and head of passenger cars, North America, in June 2019. Kuniskis joined the former Chrysler Corp. in 1992 and worked in business center operations and marketing.

CHRISTIAN MEUNIER

Brand Chief Executive Officer, Jeep

Meunier began his career at Ford Motor Co. in France in key sales and marketing positions. He moved to Nissan in 2002,

where he served as division vice president of Infiniti global sales, marketing, and operations; senior VP of sales, marketing, and operations for Nissan North America; chairman, Nissan Canada; and president of Canada and Brazil. He served as chairman and global president for Infiniti Motor Co. Ltd. Meunier was global president of the Jeep brand and a member of the FCA Group Executive Council.

LUCA NAPOLITANO

Brand Chief Executive, Lancia

After working in the Ford Italia sales organization, Napolitano joined the Fiat Group in 2000 as a business management

manager in Italy, and held roles within the sales and marketing areas in Spain and Italy. He has led the Spain and Portugal Business Center, EMEA fleet sales, and EMEA minor markets. Napolitano was appointed head of Fiat and Abarth brands for FCA’s EMEA region in 2017, having served as the head of the Fiat brand in EMEA from 2015. He has an MBA from the University of Rome.

GREGOIRE OLIVIER

Chief Operating Officer, China (interim, in charge of Dongfeng PeugeotCitroën Automobile Co.)

Olivier started as a civil servant in the French

Ministry of Industry in 1984 and was appointed adviser to the prime minister for industry and environment in 1990. From 1992 to 1998, he worked for French aluminum firm Pechiney. He started at PSA in 2006 as CEO of Faurecia. In 2016, Olivier was named senior vice president, mobility services, and became general secretary for Groupe PSA in 2018, in addition to supervising Chinese activities since April 2020.

MAXIME PICAT

Chief Purchasing and Supply Chain Officer

In January 2021, Picat replaced Michelle Wen, who left the company. Picat joined Groupe PSA in 1998. After various jobs in

manufacturing, he became manufacturing manager at the group’s plant in Sochaux, France, before being named managing director for the manufacturing facility of Wuhan, China, in 2007. In 2011, he was appointed managing director of the Dongfeng Peugeot-Citroën Automobiles joint venture in China, and in 2012 he was named CEO of the Peugeot brand. From 2016 to January 2021, he was executive vice president for Europe.

JEAN-PIERE PLOUÉ

Chief Design Officer:

Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Citroën, DS Automobiles, Fiat Europe, Lancia, Opel, Peugeot, Vauxhall

Ploué’s automotive career has included

strategic roles at Renault, Volkswagen, Ford, Citroën, Peugeot, and DS Automobiles. He joined Groupe PSA in 2000, serving as Citroën’s design director, and became the group’s head of design in 2008. Ploué initiated the DS product line in 2006, which included the DS Automobiles premium brand in 2014. He became the senior vice president of design for Groupe PSA in 2016.

company to become CEO of AutoNation Inc.

MARK STEWART

Chief Operating Officer, North America

Stewart assumes responsibility for North America, succeeding Mike Manley, former head of Americas, who left the

Stewart spent the first years of his career in manufacturing with TRW Inc., and later Tower Automotive Inc. He has been based in the U.S., Belgium, Germany, and China in a variety of positions in production, quality, and engineering.

Stewart was named vice president of operations for Amazon in 2017. He was appointed COO for FCA’s North America region in December 2018.

RICHARD

SCHWARZWALD

Chief Customer Experience Officer

Schwarzwald joined Fiat Automobiles in 2004 as the senior VP for quality, and supplier quality director for the Fiat, Alfa

Romeo, Lancia, and Maserati brands. In 2007, he was named quality assurance director for Volkswagen South America, where he was responsible for the manufacturing quality of six plants in Brazil and Argentina. He also oversaw quality strategy and certification, supplier quality engineering, and product reliability. He rejoined FCA Group in 2016 and served as head of quality for the Latin America region.

CARL SMILEY

COO, India and Asia Pacific

Smiley began his career at General Motors.

Beginning in 2006, he held a number of advancing roles at Magna

Steyr including executive director, purchasing — Asia Pacific; vice president, operations and purchasing, Magna Powertrain – Asia; and president and board member, Magna Steyr — Asia. Smiley was named senior vice president and general manager for technology firm TE Connectivity for the Asia Pacific Region in 2012, and in 2019 he was appointed chief purchasing and supply chain officer for FCA.

SILVIA VERNETTI

Head of Global Corporate Planning

Vernetti was appointed to this role on July 1, 2023. She reports to Béatrice Foucher, chief planning

officer. Vernetti previously headed the global corporate office. She has managed new strategic projects for Stellantis, relying on deep expertise in business development and financial business management. Vernetti held consultant roles at Bain & Co. in Italy and Andersen Consulting prior to joining Fiat S.p.A in 2004, where she was responsible for business development and joint ventures coordination.

SPIRITED REVEAL Chrysler Brand CEO Christine Feuell introduces the 2023 Chrysler 300C to kick off the 2022 North American International Auto Show,

STELLANTIS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

JOHN ELKANN

Chairman, Executive Director

CARLOS TAVARES

Chief Executive Officer, Executive Director

ROBERT PEUGEOT

Vice Chairman,

Non-executive Director, Remuneration Committee Member

FIONA CLARE CICCONI

Non-executive Director, Remuneration Committee Member, Environmental, Social and Governance Committee Member, Audit Committee Member

HENRI DE CASTRIES

Senior Independent Director, Chairperson Environmental, Social and Governance Committee, Audit Committee Member, Remuneration Committee Member

JACQUES DE SAINT-EXUPÉRY

Non-executive Director

NICOLAS DUFOURCQ

Non-executive Director, Environmental, Social and Governance Committee Member

ANN FRANCES GODBEHERE

Non-executive Director, Chairperson, Audit Committee

WAN LING MARTELLO

Non-executive Director, Chairperson, Remuneration Committee, Audit Committee Member

BENOÎT RIBADEAU-DUMAS

Environmental, Social and Governance Committee Member Remuneration Committee Member

KEVIN SCOTT

Non-executive Director, Environmental, Social and Governance Committee Member

The Stellantis board of directors can be viewed at: stellantis.com/en/company/ governance/board-of-directors

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LION’S SHARE

THE DETROIT LIONS ARE PRIMED FOR A BREAKOUT SEASON, BUT SUSTAINING THEIR RECENT SUCCESS WILL HINGE ON THE ORGANIZATION’S ABILITY TO RAISE THE TEAM’S OVERALL VALUE BY DRAWING TOP TALENT, MAINTAINING FISCAL EXCELLENCE, AND BOOSTING FAN ENGAGEMENT.

or the first time in decades, fans of the Detroit Lions — and the media that covers them — are expecting the team in Honolulu blue and silver to have success on the gridiron.

A fanbase that coined the term “Same Old Lions,” or SOL, to describe a squad that historically found new ways to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory now looks forward to cheering for a team that is expected, by national and local pundits alike, to win its division, the National Football League’s NFC North, and host a playoff game at Ford Field.

Whether the Lions will play up to those lofty expectations is one question that will be answered this season. Another is whether success on the field will have an impact on the value of the team, which has jumped to more than $3 billion, according to Forbes, from $4.5 million in 1963, when the late William Clay Ford bought the franchise outright.

The Lions will be celebrating their 90th year in the Motor City this season. The “party” will include a special logo, historic artifacts displayed around the concourses at Ford Field, and the unveiling of a statue of Barry Sanders, one of the franchise’s greatest players.

“It’s truly amazing that we’re celebrating 90 seasons of Lions football,” says Sheila Hamp, principal owner and chair of the Detroit Lions, and a daughter of William Clay Ford. “My family is proud to have been associated with the organization for 60 of those years, and (we) cherish the relationship the team has with the NFL, the city of Detroit, and our amazing Lions fans around the world.”

The last nine decades have been a roller coaster ride for fans, with very few highs during the six decades the Ford family has been at the helm. Many fans have called for the family to sell the team.

“William Clay Ford wanted to win in the worst way,” says Jim Brandstatter, who covered the Lions from 1972 until 2017, first as a television sports reporter and then as a radio color commentator for more than three decades. “He did everything possible that he could do to give those players the best chance and the best opportunity to win.

“The Silverdome was a state-of-the-art facility when it was built. Ford Field, same thing. He outbid the rest of the NFL to get quarterback Scott Mitchell when he was thought to be the best quarterback available in 1994. If there was a criticism of William Clay Ford, maybe it would be that he was too loyal (to unsuccessful general managers Russ Thomas and Matt Millen). In many ways that’s not considered a bad thing, except in sports.”

Ford’s purchase of the team followed the team’s finest decade — the 1950s — in which it won four divisional titles and league championships in 1952, 1953, and 1957. Since the 1957 title, the franchise has won one playoff game — during the 1991 season — and holds the league’s longest postseason-win drought.

GOAL STANDARD

The lowest of the low was the 2008 season, when the Lions finished 0-16 and became the only NFL team to go winless for an entire season.

“They never had that one quarterback,” Brandstatter says of the team’s lack of success. “Joe Montana, Tom Brady, and Patrick Mahomes never came through Detroit. (Matthew) Stafford should have been the guy, but they didn’t help him with the defense. He did it (won the 2022 Super Bowl) with the Rams.”

The Lions’ resurgence can be traced to the handoff of team management to Hamp when her mother, Martha Firestone Ford, decided to step away from the role in June 2020. Martha Ford took the reins of the team when her husband died in 2014.

At the end of the 2020 season, Hamp — with the assistance of team President and CEO Rod Wood, COO Mike Disner, and Special Assistant CEO Chris Spielman, a former Lions linebacker — laid out a vision for the organization. The goal, according to the team, was establishing the Lions’ facilities as workplaces built on a collaborative culture.

That led to the hiring of Brad Holmes as the team’s executive vice president and general manager. Holmes came to the Lions after spending the previous 18 seasons with the Los Angeles Rams, the last eight of which he spent as director of college scouting.

A week later, Holmes hired former Lions player Dan Campbell as head coach. Campbell promised to change the culture of losing and provide for more individual player training and, by extension, accountability. Having been a member of the 2008 team, he was familiar with the Same Old Lions refrain.

The team also hired a slate of assistant coaches, highlighted by offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, whom other teams in the league are keeping their eyes on for future head coaching vacancies. Following last season, in fact, Johnson declined several offers to fill head coaching vacancies.

At the same time, the Lions’ front office revamped the overall leadership team, and has since established long-term goals that focus on football and organizational excellence, fan engagement, brand reputation, and stadium experience.

On the latter front, this season fans can look forward to the unveiling of the Barry Sanders statue, improved wireless connectivity inside Ford Field provided by

NFL TEAM VALUES (AS OF AUG. 22, 2022)

Galtronics of Tempe, Ariz., a new Field Turf playing surface that’s designed to reduce player injuries, and Coca-Cola as the team’s new official soft drink.

As a “reward” for the 3-13-1 2021 season, the league put the Lions on last year’s edition of HBO’s “Hard Knocks,” a program that shows how a team tries to bounce back from a difficult season. Rather than capturing a squad in disarray, the program revealed the culture change, with Campbell at the helm, against the backdrop of the team’s Allen Park headquarters. The show made more than a few believers in the Detroit Lions.

“Hard Knocks” also introduced the football world to 2022 NFL Draft picks Aidan Hutchinson from the University of Michigan and Malcolm “Rodrigo” Rodriguez from Oklahoma State University, both of whom became standout defenders last season.

They joined 2021 Holmes/Campbell draft picks Penei Sewell, an offensive lineman from the University of Oregon, and Amon-Ra St. Brown, a wide receiver from the University of Southern California. Both have proven to be elite performers on the field.

“I always felt that in some ways (the Lions’) scouting organization, at the grass roots level, may not have been as strong as other teams (in the past),” Brandstatter says. “You’ve got to find gems with the third-, fourth-, and fifth-round picks that can play and contribute to your team. The Lions just never did that. Matt Millen is a wonderful guy and a great broadcaster but his evaluation of talent, when you look at the evidence, wasn’t good.”

ROAD TO VICTORY

The results of the first two Holmes/Campbell drafts, plus key free agent signings on both sides of the line of scrimmage, show the team seems to have resolved that issue.

“The operative word is seems,” Brandstatter says. “I think that they have, and I hope that they continue to do well. But they’ve got to do it for 17 weeks starting in September. They’ve got to maintain that hunger, determination, and focus week after week.”

Other 2022 draft picks that played significant snaps last year included defensive ends Josh Paschal from the University of Kentucky and James Houston from Jackson State University. University of Alabama star wide receiver Jameson Williams has yet to make an impact, but is expected to do so this season after he serves a six-game suspension for gambling.

Holmes and Campbell followed up their 2022 draft performance with a highly rated draft class in 2023, including University of Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs and safety Brian Branch, University of Iowa linebacker Jack Campbell and tight end Sam LaPorta, and University of Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker.

NFL Next Gen Stats, which takes into account pure data in its grading system, gave the Lions’ draft selections an overall score of 81, to lead the league. The Tennessee Titans came in second with an overall score of 80. The New York Giants were third with 79.

Other draft grades included:

• The Sporting News — A

• DraftKings Nation — A-

• Bleacher Report — A-

• Pro Football Focus — B+

• Fox Sports — B+

• ESPN — B

• Washington Post — B-

• NFL.com — C+

• Sports Illustrated — C+

Some of the 2022 “Hard Knocks” hype got deflated when the Lions started last season with a 1-6 record. Soon after, Hamp — sensing a shot of confidence was in order — visited the team’s practice facility to reassure the players and their fan

The Lions have some of the most devoted fans of any sport, and come every home game, they fill the seats and cheer as if their lives depended on a win.

base that the squad was on the right track. The players responded by finishing the season 8-2, beating the Green Bay Packers in Lambeau Field on the last day of the season, and just missing the playoffs.

The Lions’ win also prevented the Packers from making the postseason.

“Mrs. Hamp did a great job in calming the savage beast by reassuring the team that they needed to just keep doing their jobs and make the coach happy because she’s happy with him,” Brandstatter says. ”As a franchise and as a player, you want security and continuity. You don’t want to think the coach is in trouble because the radio, TV, and newspaper people start doing what they do.”

The Lions’ 8-2 finish following Hamp’s pep talk got the attention of the schedulers at the NFL who decide what teams get to shine under the brightest prime time lights.

The league, which fans have accused of conspiring against the hometown team in the past, has put the Lions on prime-time national television five times this season, including the opening night Thursday game against the defending Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs on Sept. 7 and the Thanksgiving Day contest against the Packers on Nov. 23.

The Lions’ other prime time games include another “Thursday Night Football” appearance on Sept. 28 at Green Bay, “Monday Night Football” at home against the Las Vegas Raiders on Oct. 30, and a Saturday night game in Dallas on Dec. 30.

Mike North, the NFL’s vice president of broadcast planning, says that when the schedules were released in May, the Lions “earned” the spotlight after winning eight of their final 10 games last season, marking the team’s first winning season (9-8) since 2017.

“The last time we all saw them, they were going into Lambeau (Field) and ruining the Packers’ season,” North says. “We always talk about you play your way into prime time, you play your way into the bigger television windows, and the Lions have done that.

“Maybe it started a little bit in August with ‘Hard Knocks,’ and everybody getting to know Coach Campbell and learning what a ‘kneecap-biter’ might be someday, but they earned it with their play on the field.”

DETROIT LIONS TIMELINE

June 30, 1934 George A. Richards heads group that purchases the Portsmouth (Ohio) Spartans for $7,952.08 and moves the team to Detroit.

Sept. 23, 1934 Lions play their first NFL game, beat New York Giants 9-0 at University of Detroit Stadium before 12,000.

Nov. 29, 1934 Lions play the first of their traditional Thanksgiving Day home games, losing to the Bears, 19-16, before 26,000 fans.

Dec. 15, 1935 Lions defeat the New York Giants, 26-7, for their first championship.

Sept. 9, 1938 Detroit defeats Pittsburgh, 16-7, in the first game played at the Lions’ new home, Briggs (later renamed Tiger) Stadium.

Dec. 28, 1952 Lions win their first championship since 1935 with a 17-7 victory over the Browns in Cleveland before 50,934.

Dec. 27, 1953 Detroit wins its second straight championship with a 17-16 decision over Cleveland in Detroit before 54,577.

Dec. 29, 1957 Detroit claims its fourth championship on a 59-14 victory over Cleveland before 55,263 in Detroit.

Jan. 10, 1964 William Clay Ford takes over as the Lions’ sole owner after purchasing the franchise for $4.5 million. The deal was agreed to on Nov. 22, 1963.

Aug. 23, 1975 Lions play the first game in their new home, the Pontiac Metropolitan Stadium (later renamed the Pontiac Silverdome).

Dec. 31, 1983 After claiming the club’s first NFC Central title, a last-second field goal attempt fails and Detroit drops a 24-23 playoff game at San Francisco.

Dec. 22, 1991 Lions finish regular season with 12 wins (the most in franchise history) and claim the NFC Central Championship, Detroit’s first division title since 1983.

Jan. 5, 1992 Lions host their first playoff game in the Silverdome — the first home playoff game since 1957. Detroit defeats Dallas, 38-6.

Jan. 12, 1992 Lions make their first appearance in NFC Championship Game, losing to the Redskins, 41-10, in Washington.

Jan. 9, 2001 Matt Millen is hired as president and CEO, and assumes control of team operations. Chuck Schmidt resigns as executive vice president and chief operating officer.

Sept. 22, 2002 In the inaugural game at Ford Field the Lions fall to the Green Bay Packers, 37-31.

Sept. 24, 2008 Matt Millen is dismissed as president and CEO.

January 2008 Lions finish the season with a 0-16 record.

March 9, 2014 Lions Owner and Chairman William Clay Ford passes away at age 88. Martha Firestone Ford succeeds her husband as owner and chairman of the board.

June 23, 2020 Sheila Ford Hamp succeeds Martha Firestone Ford as principal owner and chairman.

Jan. 14, 2021 Lions hire Brad Holmes as their executive vice president and general manager.

Jan. 21, 2021 Lions hire Dan Campbell as head coach.

January 2022 Lions finish 2021 season 3-13-1.

January 2023 Lions finish 2022 season 9-8.

BETTING ON THE LIONS

IN RECENT YEARS, the joke in betting circles was never put money on the Lions to win because they rarely do. On the other hand, a wager on their opponent often ended with a Lions victory. And forget about betting on the local team winning the Super Bowl.

These days, as stock in the Lions is rising based on last year’s turnaround from a 1-6 start to a 9-8 final record, people are actively betting on the Detroit squad to win the NFC North, and get to and win the first Super Bowl in franchise history.

“For the first time in what feels like decades, things are looking up for the Detroit Lions,” writes Kyle Johansen on TheLines.com. “Despite narrowly missing out on their fourth playoff appearance since 1999, Detroit is building a young core that should challenge for the NFC North crown over the next five years. The Lions’ odds to win the Super Bowl opened at +3500 and that number has fallen to as low as +1800.”

Odds numbers fall as people bet on a team.

Draft Kings has the Lions’ Super Bowl odds at +2200, which is ninth best in the NFL, according to LegalSportsReport.com. Meanwhile, the favored Kansas City Chiefs, Detroit’s first opponent this season on Sept. 7, check in at +600.

SIGNING DAY

Detroit Lions Quarterback

Jared Goff has been a fan favorite — both on the field and during a recent training camp session in July in Allen Park— since he arrived two years ago.

At his introductory press conference, Campbell raised some eyebrows with a comment about wanting his players to be kneecap-biters, willing to scratch and claw their way to victory. Now the head coach is cautioning fans that the hype surrounding the Lions might be a bit much.

“I think it’s always the thing that’s going to worry you, is the hype train,” Campbell said at the start of training camp in July. “I mean, this thing has just taken off, and it’s out of control right now.”

If the team does continue its upward trajectory, there’s sure to be more interest. As it is, in late July people waited for hours in the rain to attend the first public day of training camp at the Lions’ training facility in Allen Park, which doesn’t have much parking nor capacity for spectators. This is causing the team to consider moving the operation to another location.

“We’re considering whether we’re going to continue to stay there and put more money into the facility, or (if we’d) be better off looking at locations elsewhere in metro Detroit, where we’d have more space for the team and training camp for the fans,” team president Rod Wood told reporters in March. “Right now, in the short run, we’re going to stay where we are, do the best we can to get as many fans in there, and have the experience as good as it can be.”

The team invested $34 million more than 20 years ago to build the Allen Park complex, which features an indoor practice field, two full-length outdoor practice fields, staff offices, a broadcast studio, film rooms, a weight room, locker rooms, and rehab facilities.

“I’d like to have 15,000 fans there,” Wood says.

I THINK IT’S ALWAYS THE THING THAT’S GOING TO WORRY YOU, IS THE HYPE TRAIN. I MEAN, THIS THING HAS JUST TAKEN OFF, AND IT’S OUT OF CONTROL RIGHT NOW.”

DAN CAMPBELL

2023-24 DETROIT LIONS SCHEDULE

1Thu. Sept. 7at Kansas City8:20 p.m. NBC

2Sun. Sept. 17vs. Seattle1:00 p.m.FOX

3Sun. Sept. 24vs. Atlanta1:00 p.m.FOX

4Thu. Sept. 28at Green Bay8:15 p.m.PRIME VIDEO

5Sun. Oct 8 vs . Carolina1:00 p.m.FOX

6Sun. Oct 15at Tampa Bay1:00 p.m.FOX

7Sun. Oct 22at Baltimore1:00 p.m.FOX

8Mon. Oct 30vs. Las Vegas8:15 p.m.ESPN

9BYE WEEK

10Sun. Nov 12at LA Chargers4:05 p.m.CBS

11 Sun. Nov 19vs. Chicago1:00 p.m.FOX

12Thu. Nov 23vs. Green Bay12:30 p.m.FOX

13Sun. Dec 3at New Orleans1:00 p.m.FOX

14Sun. Dec 10at Chicago1:00 p.m.FOX

15Sun. Dec 17vs. DenverTBD

16Sun. Dec 24at Minnesota1:00 p.m.FOX

17Sat. Dec 30at Dallas8:15 p.m.ESPN/ABC

18Sun. Jan 7vs. MinnesotaTBD

DETROIT ON DRAFT

IF THE RESURGENT LIONS don’t get the eyes of the NFL to focus on Detroit with their play this season, the NFL Draft, which will take place in the Motor City April 25-27, 2024, certainly will.

More than 300,000 football fans converged on Kansas City for this year’s NFL Draft, and local officials are expecting the same kind of crowd around Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza, which will serve as the event sites for the Detroit edition of the Draft. The three-day extravaganza has become one of the most anticipated sports events of the year.

“Detroiters have shown, many times, our ability to put on highly successful national events and we’ll be ready again to welcome the world next April,” Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan says. “Next year’s NFL Draft is going be an incredible opportunity for hundreds of thousands of visitors to see the progress our city is making.”

The festival will include an interactive football theme park where fans can partake in pick-up games, exhibits, musical performances, and autograph sessions, and have an opportunity to take photographs with the Vince Lombardi Trophy.

“The Draft has become a prominent offseason event across the country, and we’re excited to work with the Lions and their partners to bring the 2024 NFL Draft to the Motor City,” says Roger Goodell, commissioner of the NFL. “With the help of Visit Detroit, the Detroit Sports Commission, and the City of Detroit, the Lions’ passionate fan base and all visitors will be treated to an incredible threeday experience.”

Goodell predicts that the Detroit area could see an economic windfall of around $200 million from hosting the Draft. In April, Kansas City estimated that the event brought in approximately $125 million to its economy.

Nashville, though, is the city to beat. Draft attendance and the resulting economic impact set records in 2019, when 600,000 football fans traveled to the Music City and spent $224 million.

One site reportedly being considered is a 14-acre parcel along Gratiot Avenue, just west of I-375, now owned by Dan Gilbert’s Rock Ventures. The vacant parcel, which offers plenty of nearby parking, was once the proposed site of a new Wayne County Jail.

Regardless of how successful the Detroit Lions are on the football field in 2023 or where the team’s headquarters ends up being located, its value will continue to increase, making William Clay Ford’s 1963 investment of $4.5 million one of the greatest investments in the history of sports.

“It’s almost impossible to lose money with an NFL franchise,” says Michael Leeds, a professor of economics at Temple University in Philadelphia who specializes in sports economics. “It just keeps going up, and up, and up.”

As of Aug. 22, 2022, the Lions’ value, according to Forbes, was $3.05 billion, which is 31st out of 32 teams. Because the NFL shares so much of its revenue with all of its franchises, the value is based on operating income, of which the Lions had $88.6 million in 2021.

Only the Buffalo Bills had less operating revenue ($83.4 million) than the Lions. That compares to the league’s most valuable franchise, the Dallas Cowboys, which is worth $8 billion with $465.9 million in operating income.

“Football is somewhat unique because it shares so much of its revenue,” Leeds says. “Luxury boxes are the big differentiator. The (Cowboys’) stadium in Arlington has far more luxury boxes than any other stadium in the league. That’s one of the areas where teams get to keep the lion’s share of the revenue.

“The market is a relatively minor factor. Being in a large market doesn’t carry the premium that it does in other sports. It hasn’t been a factor for close to a century.”

Leeds says that even when ticket sales were the bulk of the revenue, the NFL teams were sharing, which was born out of weakness because so many franchises were in such terrible shape.

“They realized if these teams went under, then we don’t have anybody to play,” Leeds says. “(The NFL) was the first to share ticket revenue. They were the first to establish a reverse-order draft. All of this was designed to keep the franchises afloat.

“Someone once said that the last bastion of communism in America is the National Football League,” Leeds adds with a chuckle, noting television revenue is what makes even the Lions and the Bills so valuable.

In 2021, the NFL signed long-term agreements (2023-2033) with media partners Amazon, CBS, ESPN/ABC, FOX, and NBC for the distribution of NFL games that will bring the league and its teams $113 billion over the course of the contract. It’s by far the richest such package in American sports.

But for the Lions, will improved performance on the field result in any increase in overall team value?

“To the degree that they might be able to jack up the prices of their luxury boxes, doing better on the field might have an effect on the team’s value,” Leeds says. “It will nudge their value up a little bit, but it’s not going to turn them into the Dallas Cowboys.”

Jet-Set Fashion

Fall/Winter

styles, from the runway to the jetway.

Skip right past the luggage carousel and head straight to your destination with your carry-on luggage, packed with all the essentials for a three-day business trip. Here’s how to pack a thoughtfully curated capsule wardrobe where you can mix and match key pieces to create the perfect look for every aspect of your trip.

Travel Outfit

Classic Duchess Oliver Blazer

$725, Smyth

Stamped Poppy Button-Up Blouse

$698, Lafayette 148

Walk’N’Dior Sneakers

$1050, Christian Dior

Neiman Marcus, neimanmarcus.com

Stella Ring, $70, FYB

Astra Ring, $66, FYB

Premium Ribcage Straight Ankle Jeans in Well-Worn, $98, Levi's Good Neighbor shopgoodneighbor.com

Blue Ella Collage Scarf, $59, Nordstrom

Roxanne Chain Beaded Rope Necklace

$348, Tory Burch

Delicate Kira Pearl Necklace, $168, Tory Burch Nordstrom, nordstrom.com

The Runabout 25mm in Olive Watch, $650, Camera Crossbody Bag in Tan, $495, Shinola Shinola Locations, shinola.com

Dinner with Clients

Classic Duchess Oliver Blazer, $725, Smyth Navy Floral Dress, $285, Reiss

LTD Sassie Pointed Toe Cream Pump

$150, Marc Fisher

Roxanne Chain Beaded Rope Necklace

$348, Tory Burch

Delicate Kira Pearl Necklace, $168, Tory Burch Gold Hoops, $26, Madewell Nordstrom, nordstrom.com

Ring, $70

Astra Ring, $66, FYB Good Neighbor shopgoodneighbor.com

Charcoal Dress Pant, $325, Vince Pearl Bird Earrings, $78, Kurt Geiger

Pearl Bird Necklace, $198, Kurt Geiger Nordstrom, nordstrom.com

Pearl Bird Necklace, $198, Kurt Geiger Nordstrom, nordstrom.com

GG Marmont Super Mini Bag

$1,200, Gucci, gucci.com

The Runabout 25mm in Olive Watch

$650, Shinola, Shinola Locations shinola.com

Chloe CE620S Honey Cat Eye Sunglasses, Stylist's Own

Work Meeting

Double-Breasted Crepe Blazer, $595, Vince Calfskin Red Sole Boots, $1,295, Christian Louboutin, Neiman Marcus, neimanmarcus.com

Vintage Red/Black Polka Dot Silk Blouse, $110 L’Agence, Boro Detroit, borodetroit.com

Roseli Black Leather Belt, $65, Able Bonsoir Ring, $64, Mai & Row Stella Ring, $70, FYB Astra Ring, $66, FYB Good Neighbor shopgoodneighbor.com

Charcoal Dress Pant, $325, Vince Pearl Bird Earrings, $78, Kurt Geiger

Pearl Bird Necklace, $198, Kurt Geiger, Nordstrom, nordstrom.com

Pearl Bird Necklace, $198, Kurt Geiger Nordstrom, nordstrom.com

GG Marmont Super Mini Bag

$1,200, Gucci, gucci.com

Medium Woody Tote Bag

$1,250, Chloé, chloe.com

The Canfield Sport 40mm, $1,295, Shinola Shinola Locations, shinola.com

Silk Emilio Pucci Scarf, Givenchy Oversized Cat-Eye Sunglasses, Stylist's Own

To maximize space, this bag cleverly encompasses two bags into one. Zip suits and sport coats into the garment bag to keep them wrinke-free, then snap it around the outside of the duffle bag.

The Convertible Traveler Garment Bag, $995, Shinola Shinola Locations, shinola.com

Travel Outfit

Men’s Amedeo Navy Suede Low-Top Sneakers, $450 Magnanni, Neiman Marcus neimanmarcus.com

Dark Red Wool Button-Up Knit Shirt, $199.97, Canali, Nordstrom Rack, nordstromrack.com

Vachetta Top-Stitch Leather Cognac Belt, $98, Good Man Brand

Bronze Tokyo Totepack

$199, Bellroy, Good Neighbor shopgoodneighbor.com

Black Infinity Bomber Jacket

$155, 7 Diamonds

Organic Standard Oatmeal

Long-Sleeve Tee, $48, Kuwalla

Blue 14.5-oz. Salvage Denim $122, Unbranded, Youngbloods youngbloodsshop.com

The Canfield Model C56 43mm $750, Shinola, Shinola Locations shinola.com

Work Meeting

Dark Purple Check Sport Coat

$2,790, Zegna

Dark Orange Button-Up Men’s Dress Shirt, $495, Zegna Sky Blue Button-Up Men’s Dress Shirt, $325, Emporio Armani

Blue Chevron Tie, $210, Zegna Silver Tie, $225, Giorgio Armani Neiman Marcus, neimanmarcus.com

Slate YSL Tie, Stylist's Own

Vachetta Top-Stitch Leather Cognac Belt, $98, Good Man Brand Good Neighbor shopgoodneighbor.com

Gray Dress Pants, $150, Calvin Klein Nordstrom, nordstrom.com

Prime Button-Up $99, 7 Diamonds, Youngbloods youngbloodsshop.com

The Canfield Model C56 43mm $750, Shinola, Shinola Locations shinola.com

Dinner with Clients

Dark Purple Check Sport Coat

$2,790, Zegna

Men’s Maddin Leather Derby Shoes, $475, Magnanni, Neiman Marcus, neimanmarcus.com

Vachetta Top-Stitch Leather Cognac Belt, $98, Good Man Brand Good Neighbor shopgoodneighbor.com

Sunglasses, $88, Zillion Shades Black 11-oz. Salvage Denim $94, Unbranded Venice Button Knit Polo $119, 7 Diamonds Organic Standard Oatmeal Long-Sleeve Tee, $48, Kuwalla Youngbloods youngbloodsshop.com

Utility Sunglass Case, $165

The Canfield Model C56 43mm $750, Shinola, Shinola Locations shinola.com

GRAND TRAVERSE RESORT AND SPA

WHERE TO MEET. WHERE TO STAY.

At Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, the entire property is your home. With 86,500 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space, endless dining options, plus opportunities to relax or have fun, the Resort is your one-stop meeting spot.

A GRAND LOOK. Bring the beauty of northern Michigan into your next meeting. “As northern Michigan’s largest convention center, we’re thrilled to offer state-of-the-art upgrades and features in every one of our meeting spaces,” says Katie Leonard, director of sales. “Located off the lobby, the 10,000square-foot Michigan Ballroom is seen by so many, and its chic design and natural colors are eye-catching.” The “lake effect” theme continues in the Resort’s 19,000-square-foot Governors’ Hall, as well as the Tower, Mackinac, and

Peninsula ballrooms. All of the spaces were inspired by the natural beauty of the Traverse City area.

Updated meeting space restrooms include all touchless features, while airwalls offer increased sound-dampening. Outside of all meeting rooms, guests will find easy-to-read, 21-inch digital reader boards. All rooms are furnished with linenless classroom tables and Michigan-made banquet chairs. The meeting spaces are also equipped with a state-of-the-art Crestron sound system, lighting, and increased bandwidth.

YEAR-ROUND MEETINGS. With four seasons of adventure and 86,500 square feet of event space, the team at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa will show you how a small-town meeting can make a big difference. Custom event design, an award-winning meeting staff, and indoor and outdoor spaces to choose

from ensure the Resort isn’t like other hotel event venues. If you want to mix business with pleasure and bring a relaxing element to meetings and events, check out the options at the full-service Spa Grand Traverse.

Looking to work on your short game?

The Resort is home to three championship golf courses, including Jack Nicklaus’ The Bear. Engage in positive team-building at The Den, Traverse City’s entertainment hub. Located off the main lobby, The Den features axe-throwing, boutique mini-bowling, an escape room, and more. Whether it’s a summer meeting at the Resort’s private beach, alongside the Governors’ Pool, or in a ballroom with space for 2,500, all that and more awaits at the Resort’s conference center.

To learn more about holding a meeting or event at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, visit grandtraverseresort.com/meet.

FORBES HOSPITALITY

333 MADISON ST., DETROIT, MI 48226 • 313-463-4215 • SALES@FORBESDETROIT.COM •

GRAND TRAVERSE RESORT AND SPA

231-534-6150

• SALESMANAGER@GTRESORT.COM

tavern scene, and a game day favorite for Tigers fans. The Elwood’s Art Moderne design lends a distinctive atmosphere for rehearsal dinners, cocktail parties, and get-togethers.

• GRANDTRAVERSERESORT.COM

WHERE TO MEET. WHERE TO STAY.

AS A STAPLE OF THE DETROIT EVENT venue scene for more than 30 years, Forbes Hospitality proudly owns and operates Detroit’s premier exquisite venues for unique occasions: the Gem Theatre, Colony Club, and Elwood Bar and Grill.

At Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, the entire property is your home. With 86,500 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space, endless dining options, plus opportunities to relax or have fun, the Resort is your one-stop meeting spot.

The historic Gem Theatre, centrally located on Madison Avenue, is one of Detroit’s most dramatic locations for weddings, presentations, and special events. It features ornate Spanish Revival and Arts & Crafts architecture; four unique event spaces, including a striking outdoor garden and patio; and up to a 450-person capacity.

Colony Club, at the corner of Montcalm and Park Avenue, is an impeccable space for weddings and private events. With gold leaf ceilings, glimmering crystal chandeliers, and exquisite Louis XVI décor, it offers an unparalleled experience for any occasion. The Colony Club includes two unique ballrooms in one location with up to a 500-person capacity, along with a newly renovated bar on the first floor.

Elwood Bar & Grill is an icon of the Detroit

A GRAND LOOK. Bring the beauty of northern Michigan into your next meeting. “As northern Michigan’s largest convention center, we’re thrilled to offer state-of-the-art upgrades and features in every one of our meeting spaces,” says Katie Leonard, director of sales. “Located off the lobby, the 10,000square-foot Michigan Ballroom is seen by so many, and its chic design and natural colors are eye-catching.” The “lake effect” theme continues in the Resort’s 19,000-square-foot Governors’ Hall, as well as the Tower, Mackinac, and

Each venue offers full-service catering

Peninsula ballrooms. All of the spaces were inspired by the natural beauty of the include airwalls ing. will reader with Michigan-made meeting state-of-the-art lighting,

YEAR-ROUND seasons square Grand you how a small-town meeting can make a big difference. Custom event design, an award-winning meeting staff, and indoor and outdoor spaces to choose

DAXTON HOTEL

DAXTON HOTEL WAS BUILT TO BECOME the ideal destination to stay, dine, and host remarkable events in the heart of Birmingham. With a specially curated collection of more than 400 works of art, this avant-garde destination welcomes guests from around the world to explore, unwind, and enjoy exceptional experiences of all kinds.

In its unique private meeting and event spaces, Daxton Hotel will bring your vision to life, carefully considering every detail to ensure your needs are met and your expectations are exceeded. Whether it’s a corporate retreat or a life-changing milestone moment, Daxton can accommodate any size and event type, delivering on a promise of service and excellence.

Daxton is home to Madam, Hour Detroit’s 2023 Restaurant of the Year. One of the few upscale dining experiences in metro Detroit that’s open daily, including Mondays, Madam’s menu is always evolving to feature the freshest in-season ingredients and creative flavor profiles typically found in the poshest international cities. The restaurant’s culinary expertise extends beyond the

restaurant to on-site event catering, elevating experiences with tastes to match.

The hotel offers all-day dining options, including breakfast and lunch in its experiential art-focused lobby. The iconic Geode Bar is a hot spot for Golden Hour, Daxton’s special happy hour experience,

and bar services, turnkey event rentals and linens on-site, full audio/visual capabilities, and convenient parking. Forbes Hospitality is a full-service hospitality solution and collaborative partner that knows how to make your occasion the perfect experience.

from ensure the Resort isn’t like other hotel event venues. If you want to mix

conference center.

To learn more about holding a meeting or event at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, visit grandtraverseresort.com/meet.

where visitors savor house-crafted cocktails within a work of art.

Every guest of Daxton Hotel is met with a tailored luxury experience that’s not easily replicated. It’s time to stay, dine, and host exceptional experiences at Daxton Hotel. Visit daxtonhotel.com for reservations.

TRAVERSE CITY TOURISM

101 W. GRANDVIEW PKWY., TRAVERSE CITY, MI 49684 • 800-940-1120 SALES@TRAVERSECITY.COM • TRAVERSECITY.COM

AT THE INTERSECTION OF BUSINESS

and pleasure, you’ll find Traverse City. It’s the place to travel if you’re looking to host a small team-building retreat, a mid-sized conference for your group, or a major convention.

Traverse City has seven full-service meeting properties, more than 5,000 hotel rooms, and plenty of activities to keep your team fully engaged. It’s home to one of the largest meeting facilities in Michigan, with more than 98,000 square feet of space. These facilities have been upgraded to handle the specialized tech requirements if you need to have a hybrid meeting that includes remote access.

Bring your team to the haven where they bring their families to vacation. Traverse City is recognized as a premier Midwest getaway. Incredible natural resources on the shores of Grand Traverse Bay are perfect for sailing adventures, golf outings, fall color tours, wine-tasting, retail therapy, spa visits, cultural performances, skiing, and team-building hikes and bike rides. It’s just a short drive

from what viewers of ABC’s “Good Morning America” called the Most Beautiful Place in America: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Traverse City has the charm and warmth of a small town, with the amenities you’d expect in a much larger city.

While you’re there, don’t miss the amazing culinary scene of the region. It’s where farm-to-table is more than a cultural trend, as chefs team up with local farmers to ensure their ingredients are the freshest they can present to their guests.

Business leaders have found that Traverse City is more than a place to meet; it’s a place to build a loyal team. Some get their teams involved in community give-back programs to develop a special esprit de corps, while others bond over social gatherings where they get to know each other as friends. Still others attract families who participate in fun activities while the serious business takes place.

Traveling to Traverse City is a breeze. Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) is a full-service commercial airport that offers major airline

service with worldwide connections, along with direct flights to some of the most popular U.S. destinations.

Experienced meeting professionals at Traverse City Tourism are available to help with your planning. They can connect you with the right venue, best room rates, and unique activities that ensure a successful meeting. The sales team can help with comprehensive bid presentations, boost attendance at the meeting, stoke media interest, and facilitate site inspections. Referral services include suggestions for off-site venues, off-site catering, off-site activities, transportation, speakers, photographers, and videographers.

Traverse City is exactly where you should meet. It’s exactly where your business can be headed in the same direction. In all four stunning seasons, the area will inspire, motivate, and recharge.

Contact Brett Bowman for more information at Brett@TraverseCity.com, or learn more about the region at traversecity.com.

THE WESTIN BOOK CADILLAC DETROIT

GRAND TRAVERSE RESORT AND SPA

231-534-6150 • SALESMANAGER@GTRESORT.COM

• GRANDTRAVERSERESORT.COM

WHERE TO MEET. WHERE TO STAY.

At Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, the entire property is your home. With 86,500 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space, endless dining options, plus opportunities to relax or have fun, the Resort is your one-stop meeting spot.

LET YOUR NEXT EVENT STAND out from the rest at the historic Westin Book Cadillac, where all of the hotel’s guestrooms and suites have been thoughtfully redesigned. Upgrades have also been made to the Westin Book Cadillac’s more than 36,000 square feet of meeting and event spaces. The $20 million transformation, which has created a contemporary urban oasis in the city, includes the arrival of Sullivan’s, a brand-new steakhouse.

Secure your next meeting or event at the Westin Book Cadillac Detroit by calling 313-442-1616 or visiting westinbookcadillac.com.

A GRAND LOOK. Bring the beauty of northern Michigan into your next meeting. “As northern Michigan’s largest convention center, we’re thrilled to offer state-of-the-art upgrades and features in every one of our meeting spaces,” says Katie Leonard, director of sales. “Located off the lobby, the 10,000square-foot Michigan Ballroom is seen by so many, and its chic design and natural colors are eye-catching.” The “lake effect” theme continues in the Resort’s 19,000-square-foot Governors’ Hall, as well as the Tower, Mackinac, and

you how a small-town meeting can make a big difference. Custom event design, an award-winning meeting staff, and indoor and outdoor spaces to choose

conference center.

To learn more about holding a meeting or event at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, visit grandtraverseresort.com/meet.

MOTORCITY CASINO HOTEL

313-237-1589 • MOTORCITYCASINO.COM

FROM THE PLANNING TO THE PRESENTATION to the post-party, MotorCity Casino Hotel has all the ingredients for a perfect meeting or event. Fully loaded with in-house lights and sound, their ballrooms, boardrooms, and the 1,500-seat Sound Board theater provide the canvas for an unforgettable experience. Inspired menus and meals prepared by award-winning chefs will impress you and your guests.

When work wraps up, it’s time to play, and there’s no better place to let loose. Excitement radiates from the electrifying gaming floor, and fans flock to the FanDuel Sportsbook. The fun gets fueled by a wide assortment of dining options, from casual grab-and-go to award-winning culinary experiences, including their new modern American steakhouse, Revel Steak, set to open in October 2023.

Time slows down with massages, saunas, and spa services at D.Tour Spa. Then, when it’s time to wind down at the end of the night, 400 luxurious hotel rooms and suites are only steps away.

Give MotorCity Casino Hotel a call and let them help you create an unforgettable event in an unparalleled space.

Play by Play

Ebbie Parsons III grew up on Detroit’s west side with a dream of playing in the NFL. When he didn’t make the cut, he built up a successful business consulting firm.

Nowadays, Ebbie Parsons III is best known as the founder of Yardstick Management and global managing partner of consulting at Diversified Search Group, one of the fastest-growing executive search firms in the world.

But as a 10th-grade starter on the defensive line at Cranbrook Schools in Bloomfield Hills, where he played tackle and end, Parsons was focused on a much different career.

“College football, and maybe the NFL, was always in the cards for me,” Parsons recalls. “(When I was in 10th grade) we won the metro conference, but then lost to Country Day in a really tough game, like maybe by a touchdown.”

Which compelled Parsons to make a rather quick decision.

“Frankly, football was a very important part of my upbringing, and Country Day kept beating us, so if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em. And that’s what happened. I transferred to Country Day and I was MVP in both my junior and senior year. My junior year, we lost in the state championship, and then won it my senior year. I was All-State, first team everything, and won all the accolades.”

Parsons was more than ready for college ball, but with a significant caveat.

“I had that cocky, high school football star arrogance,” he concedes. “I wanted to go to a school that was going to allow me to start. And Northern Illinois University was the only school that guaranteed me a starting position as a true freshman.”

Which was great for Parsons — except the team “finished the season 1-10,” he says, glumly. “That’s what made me transfer again.”

For Parsons, the decision wasn’t only logical, but obvious. “I transferred in high school because we couldn’t win against Country Day,” he says. “Then I transferred in college because we couldn’t win at all. So I went to Florida A&M University and we ended up being the Black college national champions, and I was a two-time All-American.”

Given the success of his football journey up to that point, the NFL seemed like the next rational step for Parsons.

“I had some workouts, but I was undersized for my position,” he notes. “I wasn’t tall enough, wasn’t fast enough, but I’d had the success. What’s funny is several of the guys who backed me up actually went on to play in the NFL, but I didn’t make the cut.”

Parsons did, however, earn an industrial engineering degree at Florida A&M — perhaps not exactly what would be expected for a guy who spent his high school and college years focused on being a professional football player.

“To be really transparent (about my degree), it goes back to Detroit,” he says. “My education over-prepared me for college. I graduated cum laude with that engineering degree, and it really came fairly easily to me. Cranbrook and Country Day were so challenging that college was a breeze.”

A strong argument could be made that the groundwork for Parsons’ success in the classroom began long before he entered high school.

“I grew up on the west side of Detroit, on the corner of Prest and Florence, right at Six Mile and Greenfield. It was a really traditional 1980s-1990s neighborhood in Black Detroit. A lot of kids’ parents worked at the auto plants. There were a couple of teachers, a couple of contractors, your standard Detroit mix. You played outside, drank water out of the hose, yelled at cars while you played football in the street, and there were always fireworks on the 4th of July.”

Parsons pauses here, as if to savor a certain memory, then chuckles and says: “If you didn’t listen, your friends’ parents had the right to spank you.”

Growing up, Parsons’ parents were educators. “My mom taught science at Taft Middle School and my father was a substitute teacher at Cerveny Middle School,” he says.

His dad also was an entrepreneur and a small business owner.

“We were the first family to be street vendors in the city of Detroit,” he says. “My father had sole

GOING FOR THE GREEN

proprietorship agreements with Cobo Hall (Huntington Place), Chene Park (Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre), and Joe Louis Arena (since demolished) for any high school, college, or even middle school graduation. And back when the Detroit Pistons won (the NBA championship) in 1989, I was 10 years old selling T-shirts on the corner. My parents really instilled a work ethic and entrepreneurial values in me.”

After Parsons earned his bachelor’s degree at Florida A&M, he pursued and received an MBA from the University of Minnesota. Following graduation, he took a job at American Express, which is where the first seeds were planted for what became Yardstick Management.

“Even though I was a junior employee, I wanted to be able to diversify the executive rungs of all the companies I worked for,” he says. “I had a pretty big job at American Express, where I had direct exposure to the C-suite. We had Ken Chenault as CEO, and this was the best place for diversity in business at the time. But even with a Black CEO, we still had minimal representation. And so I thought, if this is one of the best places for diversity, I can’t imagine what everywhere else looks like.”

That revelation prompted Parsons to make another significant shift in his career.

“I wanted to figure out how I could really level the playing field,” he says. “I thought that improving education would improve representation in the executive rooms. And that’s when I started my doctorate at the University of Pennsylvania, to learn about education.”

What Parsons learned was disturbing.

“There was no real spending by companies, or systems that would actually tackle the bias (at the time),” he says. “That’s what made me want to launch Yardstick Management — to be laser-focused on diversifying the C-suite and help organizations think about being inclusive in every facet of what they do. It started with Black leaders, but we diversified and brought it to all marginalized communities.”

Ask Parsons to summarize the goal of Yardstick Management, and his response is immediate and succinct.

“We brought management consulting to DEI,” he says. “We do surgery on the organization that brings us in, first from the 30,000-foot-high level, then a deep dive analysis, and figure out where that data takes us. And then we go into what systems exist to allow for these types of behaviors — or what systems don’t exist, and how can you prevent certain behaviors? We basically do the research to tell (company management) the truth they may not want to hear.”

Parsons offers an example of how a Yardstick consultation might work.

“If a woman wears a hijab to a job interview, how is she perceived differently than a woman with straight hair? Those are real differentiators that impact an organization’s decisions on who they bring on board, how they promote people, how they pay people equitably, and how people grow within an organization.

“Does everybody have equitable access to promotional opportunities or stretch opportunities?” he asks. “These are things that were (largely) missing in the workforce before us.”

Parsons is especially proud of Yardstick’s role in the commitment Netflix made in 2020 to move 2 percent of its cash holdings, around $100 million, into Black-owned banks and other Black-led financial institutions in the United States.

“We were the company behind that,” Parsons says, proudly. “That was the largest investment in the history of American Black-owned banks. But behind Netflix’s $100 million, $4 billion followed (from other companies), which is the largest reallocation of resources into Black-led financial institutions in history.”

And last January, there was another significant milestone for Yardstick.

“We went through a pretty historic exit transaction to become a wholly owned part of the Diversified Search Group, which is the largest search firm in the world to be led by a woman, Judy von Seldeneck,” Parsons explains. “She’s a pioneer who pretty much invented DEI in executive search. It’ll be 50 years old next year, and who better for Yardstick to sell to than a company with diversified in its name? It was a match made in heaven.”

Now based in Atlanta, the 45-year-old Parsons stays in touch with his roots as a devoted fan of the University of Michigan football team.

“Growing up in Detroit, you make a choice,” he says, laughing. “It’s MSU or Michigan, and that’s what

NEXT LEVEL

In January,

you care about until you die. It’s been tattooed on my heart that I’m a Michigan fan through and through, and I bleed blue.”

Parsons still has lots of family in Detroit. “I have cousins and uncles and aunts there,” he says, adding that he also owns real estate in the city. “I’m one of the founding members of a group that invested in a whole neighborhood of properties, and a number of my friends are all investing in the city, too. And several who were, at one point, expats have repatriated back to Detroit. So it’s beautiful to see.”

Parsons’ resume is lengthy and impressive, ranging from his time as a faculty member at both the University of North Carolina and the University of Southern California to his service on an array of corporate boards.

He’s also had leadership roles with cultural institutions like the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Metropolitan Opera Guild, served as a fellow for the Aspen Institute, and is a member of its Aspen Global Leadership Network.

But Parsons is basically a Motor City kid at heart and a grateful one, too. “If it weren’t for Detroit, none of this would be possible,” he says.

Reflecting on his upbringing, Parsons reveals that the whole time he was playing football as a kid and focused on a career in the NFL, he had already discovered another sport he loved almost as much: He started swimming at a recreation center in his neighborhood when he was 8 years old, and continued to compete on the varsity swimming teams at both Cranbrook and Country Day.

“I think that helped me become a great football player, because of the level of conditioning swimming takes,” he says. “It teaches you how to breathe like no other exercise. And so I really attribute a lot of my football skills to being a pretty strong swimmer.”

Maybe his life skills, too? “Oh yeah,” Parsons replies. “I need to shout out to the Adam Butzel Recreation Center in my neighborhood in Detroit. If not for it, I wouldn’t be here.”

TOP BUSINESS Exec Life

ANN ARBOR

BLUE LLAMA JAZZ CLUB

New Orleans jazz meets downtown Ann Arbor with live music every night and world-inspired cuisine. A favorite spot for locals, visitors, and fans attending a sporting event. 314 S. Main St., Ann Arbor, 48104, 734-372-3200, D Wed.-Sat. / 40 / 100 / / NA

THE CHOP HOUSE

An elegant steakhouse destination featuring grain-fed beef like filet mignon and New York strip — usually a great spot before or after a U-M football game. 322 S. Main St., Ann Arbor, 888-456-3463, D Daily / 46 / 81 / /

The Chef’s Table. Seats 10-12 people at the front of the restaurant, with a view of Ann Arbor’s Main Street.

GANDY DANCER

Located in the elegantly restored 1886 Michigan Central Depot railroad station made from stone, the Gandy Dancer specializes in seafood, steak, and pasta dishes. 401 Depot St., Ann Arbor, 734-769-0592, B Sun., L Mon.-Sat., D Daily / 35 / 270/ / / Window tables with a scenic view of the train tracks or a central booth by a sculpture.

PAESANO RESTAURANT & WINE BAR

A cozy atmosphere featuring rustic Italian dishes with an emphasis on regional preparations. The menu also boasts variety, offering dishes such as duck ravioli and barbequed ribs flavored with orange molasses and vinegar. 3411 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor, 734-971-0484, L & D Daily / 26 / 250/ / NA

ZINGERMAN’S ROADHOUSE

A down-to-earth establishment, Zingerman’s serves fresh regional American foods. Entrées include Uncle Joe Burroughs’ Southern fried whole catfish platter, rainbow trout, and Alaskan halibut. 2501 Jackson Ave., Ann Arbor, 734-663-3663, B, L & D Daily / 293 / 65 / / / NA

AUBURN HILLS

LELLI’S OF AUBURN HILLS

This Italian restaurant is known for its filet mignon with zip sauce, a 32-oz. porterhouse, and tableside Caesar salad. Originally located in Detroit. 885 Opdyke Rd., Auburn Hills, 248373-4440, L & D Daily / 50 / 350 / / / Located in a high-profile part of the restaurant, the tables by the bar are highly requested.

BIRMINGHAM

220 MERRILL

220 Merrill is a modern and chic upscale restaurant specializing in American cuisine. 220 E Merrill St., Birmingham, 248646-2220, L & D Daily, BR Sat.-Sun. / 40 / 250 / / NA

BIRMINGHAM PUB

Enjoy a sophisticated twist to the classic gastropub experience with an inviting ambience that’s casual and comfortable, with luxe touches and urban chic details. 555 S. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham, 248-885-8108, B & L Sun., L Tue.-Fri., D Tue.-Sun. / 30 / 300 / / The Sunset Room can seat up to 60 guests and has standing room for 70. It overlooks South Old Woodward Avenue and features a full bar and open-air views.

CASA PERNOI

Casa Pernoi, located in Birmingham’s Triangle District, is best known for its famous bread basket, which is baked in-house. The food is all scratch-made in this Trattoria-style casual Italian restaurant, featuring homemade pastas, wild-caught seafood, local vegetables in season, and locally raised meats. 310 E. Maple Rd., Birmingham, 248-940-0000, L Wed.-Fri., D Tue.-Sat. No valet, but the restaurant has its own dedicated parking lot that costs $5 to use. / 50 / 400 / / The most popular area for guests to sit is the covered patio in the bar/ port rooms. The restaurant offers private dining in the Maple/Ocean rooms from 6 to 50 people.

FLEMING’S PRIME

STEAKHOUSE & WINE BAR

This steakhouse, accompanying a menu complete with aged prime beef and fresh seafood, offers a renowned wine list with more than 100 selections. 323 N. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham, 248-723-0134, D Daily / 50 / 400 / / / The Captain’s Table seats eight people in large, comfortable chairs.

FOREST

Located in Birmingham’s Triangle District, diners can watch as the culinary team prepares charcuterie and traditional bistro dishes behind glass windows. The chef emphasizes fresh, local ingredients. 753 Forest Ave., Birmingham, 248-258-9400, L Sat., D Tue.-Sat. / 45 / 65 / / / The restaurant’s corner booth seats up to 14 people and provides ample privacy.

HAZEL’S SEASONAL SEAFOOD

This seafood restaurant offers diverse options

all year long, with rotating regional offerings from some of the best-known seafood destinations in the country. 1 Peabody St., Birmingham, 248-671-1714, L & D Tue.-Sun. / 25 / 125 /

HYDE PARK PRIME STEAKHOUSE

The popular downtown venue offers both traditional and specialty steaks, including dry-aged reserve prime offerings, as well as shrimp and lobster tail. 201 S. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham, 248-594-4369, D Mon.-Sat. / 70 / 60 / / / The plush red Gotti booth is a customer favorite, but for more privacy the Board Room seats 8-10. Other popular areas of the restaurant include six rooms for private dining, and stained glass-ornamented Room 11, which includes a flat-screen TV and a fireplace.

MADAM

The new downtown establishment, located inside the Daxton Hotel, serves American cuisine and beverages. Entrées include scallops, flat iron steak, and steelhead trout. 298 S. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham, 248-283-4200, B, L & D Daily / 42 / 90 / / /

With an open floor plan and the large expansive space, every table is as advantageous as the next.

MÀRE MEDITERRANEAN

Màre offers a modern take on seafood dishes with Greek, Italian, and Spanish influences. 115 Willits St., Birmingham, 248-940-5525, L Sat.Sun., D Tue.-Sun. / 28 / 35 / / / Table 6, in the center of the dining room,

seats six people comfortably. You can be seen and watch the incoming and outgoing crowd.

PHOENICIA

A unique and refined menu for Middle Eastern cuisine, inspired by Old World Beirut. Owner Sameer Eid selects the finest cuts of meat every morning and uses them in specialty dishes such as the baba ghanoush and hashwi with lamb confit. 588 S. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham, 248-644-3122, L Mon.-Fri., D Daily / 25 /

The dining area can comfortably accommodate parties of up to 10 people. / / Booths 1, 2, and 21 are popular for meetings. The two most private booths can seat up to six people and are located beside the wine cellar.

RUGBY GRILLE

Tucked inside Birmingham’s Townsend Hotel, the Rugby Grille offers steaks, seafood, and racks of lamb. Or sit outside on the expansive sidewalk patio, which offers a great view of who’s coming in and out of the main entrance doors. 100 Townsend St., Birmingham, 248642-5999, B, L & D Daily / 52 / NA / /

/ Tables 71 and 74 have unparalleled vantage points of the restaurant.

TOWNHOUSE

Located in downtown Birmingham, this American bistro serves up everything from lobster rolls to footlong cheesesteaks, and has an extensive alcohol selection. 180 Pierce St., Birmingham, 248-792-5241, L & D Daily / 34 NA / / NA

ZANA

Zana offers a modern American menu with a European flair. Its ambience celebrates the fusion of art, aesthetics, and food. 210 S. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham, 248-800-6568, D Tue.-Sun. / 42 / 130 / / The back booth is perfect for a private business lunch.

BLOOMFIELD HILLS

ANDIAMO BLOOMFIELD

The Italian eatery offers a range of traditional dishes such as ravioli and lasagna, along with premium cuts of beef. 6676 Telegraph Rd., Bloomfield Hills, 248-865-9300, L Mon.-Fri., D

Daily / 41 / 150 / / / Table 40 is at the center of the restaurant near a fireplace. With a low wall to one side and a high wall to the other, this secluded table offers ample privacy for a group of eight.

EDDIE MERLOT’S

This is the first and only Eddie Merlot’s in Michigan and, in keeping with the restaurant’s mantra, it provides top-of-the-line steaks and seafood. 37000 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills, 248-712-4095, D Daily / 56 / 600 / / / Table 441, located in the center of the restaurant, seats up to eight people and offers views of the entire restaurant and the wine wall. Table 119 is also highly requested for a more private setting.

JOE MUER SEAFOOD

Joe Muer Seafood in Bloomfield Hills is the second Muer seafood restaurant in the region. The menu is the same, and the décor is distinctive with a central bar, black-and-white marble floors, live acts, and an extensive wine collection. 39475 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills, 248-792-9609, D Daily / 49 / 200 / / / The Bloomfield Hills location seats up to 250 people, with several prime locations.

ROADSIDE B&G

This bar and grill is retro-themed and specializes in everything from burgers, ribs, and fish and chips to steaks and seafood. 1727 S. Telegraph Rd., Bloomfield Township, 248-858-7270, D Daily / 24 / 40 / Tables on the patio are the most requested.

CANTON TOWNSHIP

ANTONIO’S CUCINA ITALIANA

Family recipes feature authentic Italian cuisine like linguine primavera, ravioli, and cannelloni, that truly reflects the Old Country. The location is one of four Antonio’s restaurants in metro Detroit, along with Roman Village in Dearborn. 2220 N. Canton Center Rd., Canton, 734-9819800, L & D Daily / 19 / 140 / / The VIP Room. This plush and private room, equipped with a 20-foot-long captain’s table and captain’s chairs, has a widescreen TV.

CLARKSTON

VIA BOLOGNA

Designed to remind customers of the romantic atmosphere of European dining, this Italian restaurant specializes in pastas, veal, chicken, and fish entrées. 7071 Dixie Hwy., Clarkston, 248-620-8500, D Wed.-Sat / 28 / 50 before 3 p.m. / / Table 14 is tucked away by a window.

CLINTON TOWNSHIP

THE BREWERY RESTAURANT

A casual American restaurant featuring upscale, world-class cuisine including steak, chops, fresh seafood, and daily specials. 39950 Hayes, Clinton Township, 586-286-3020, D Tue.-Sat. / 34 / 30 / / A corner table by the patio that seats up to eight people and offers plenty of privacy.

BRIO TUSCAN GRILLE

From the chic atmosphere to world-class service, signature Northern Italian cuisine, and fine wines and cocktails, this Italian restaurant is a go-to for any occasion. 17420 Hall Rd., Clinton Township, 586-263-7310, L & D Daily / 28/ maybe /

DEARBORN

ROMAN VILLAGE CUCINA ITALIANA

This family-owned restaurant sticks to its traditional Italian roots and uses family recipes. For example, their polenta consists of cornmeal topped with Italian sausage and meat sauce. 9924 Dix Ave., Dearborn, 313-842-2100, L & D Daily / 19 / 110 / / A round table in the center of the room.

DEARBORN HEIGHTS

ANTONIO’S CUCINA ITALIANA

This location, just as the Rugiero family’s other locations, produces its own pasta daily. Apart from ravioli Florentine or mannicotti, pair their fresh gnocchi with the house special pancetta and mushroom sauce. 26356 Ford Rd., Dearborn Heights, 313-278-6000, L & D Daily / 19 / 110 / The secluded south room, with its few tables, is reminiscent of old school Italian restaurants and is located away from the main room’s hustle and bustle. It’s private and quaint.

DETROIT

ANDIAMO RIVERFRONT

Located on the Detroit River in the Renaissance Center, this scenic eatery offers authentic Italian dishes including ravioli and lasagna, and has numerous wine selections. 400 GM Renaissance Center, Detroit, 313-567-6700, L Sat., D Daily / 44 / 200 / / / The Galleria. Accommodating up to 90 guests, the elegant room offers plenty of privacy for meetings both small and large.

THE APPARATUS ROOM

Housed in the former Detroit Fire Department Headquarters that is now the 100-room Foundation Hotel, the Apparatus Room features regional riffs on traditional American dishes. Entrées include braised farm chicken, lamb shank, and seafood bourride. 250 W. Larned, Detroit, 313-800-5600, B Mon.-Sat., L & D Daily / 39 / 320 / / / The Chef’s Table, a 10-seat space that offers a multi-course tasting menu, and also serves as a home for visiting chefs and pop-ups.

BASAN

Tucked neatly into the ground floor of the historic Eddystone and a mere stone’s throw from Little Caesar’s Arena, Basan is a marriage of distinctive food and inimitable beverages with a lifestyle of hospitality. 2703 Park Ave., Detroit, 313-481-2703, D Daily / 24 / 24 / /

BESA

An exceptional modern dining experience in a 1917 building featuring cuisine inspired by the Adriatic Sea. 600 Woodward Ave., Detroit, D Mon.-Sat. / 44 / 108 / / / The

Chef’s Table, a 15-seat space on the lower level that features its own lounge.

CAUCUS CLUB

The Caucus Club, which originally opened in 1952 and then closed in 2012, is enjoying new life and new ownership in the Penobscot Building. House favorites include tenderloin steak bites, roast prime beef, and pan-seared halibut. 150 W. Congress, Detroit, 313-965-4970, D Daily/ 66 / 93 / / / Table 53, a corner booth that’s right in the middle of the restaurant, is the most sought-after spot, but Table 31, a “Vegas-style booth,” is the favorite of owner George Sboukis.

CUISINE RESTAURANT

Set in New Center, this quaint French-American restaurant is located inside a residential manor and offers seared sea scallops, beef tenderloin, and roasted Alaskan halibut. 670 Lothrop St., Detroit, 313-872-5110, D Tue.-Sat. / 50 / 200 / By request / / Tables 15 and 16 are on the old porch overlooking Lothrop Street.

D.PRIME

Inside MGM Grand Detroit, D.PRIME features a modern twist on flame-grilled steaks, signature cocktails, and a fresh atmosphere. 1777 3rd St., 313-465-1645, D Wed.-Sun. / 70 / N/A / / / NA

GIOVANNI’S RISTORANTE

A recipient of a DiRoNA award for being among the best restaurants in North America, Giovanni’s is a cozy Italian eatery offering ravioli, lasagna, and gnocchi. Guests have included Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. 330 S. Oakwood, Detroit, 313-841-0122, D Tue.-Sat./ 26 / 127 / / The Sewing Machine Table, in a corner that overlooks the entire restaurant, seats up to four people.

HANAH STEAKHOUSE

An Asian-fusion restaurant, Hanah is a new high-end steakhouse designed with a sleek nightclub-like atmosphere that combines modern design with Asian touches. 607 Shelby St., Ste. 100, Detroit, 313-462-4722, L Sat.-Sun., D Tue.-Sun. / 68 / maybe /

HIGHLANDS DETROIT

Atop the Renaissance Center downtown, Highlands Detroit offers a riff on a traditional steakhouse with starters like squash and coconut soup, second courses including Spanish octopus, and classic steakhouse third courses such as an 8 oz. New York strip, a Wagyu skirt steak, sea scallops, and more. 400 Renaissance Center, Floor 71, Detroit, 313-877-9090, D Mon.-Sat. / 85 / 300 /

JOE MUER SEAFOOD

With sweeping views of the Detroit River and a modern interior, the menu offers various seafood dishes, sushi, and classics such as Dover sole, whitefish, and surf and turf. There’s also a piano bar and a small patio. 400 Renaissance Center, 313-567-6837, L Mon.-Fri., D Daily / 49 / 175 / / / A table in the main dining room, next to floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the river, the RiverWalk, and Windsor.

THE LONDON CHOP HOUSE

Renovated and paying homage to the original restaurant, The London Chop House is like dining in private luxury. Also harkening back to the original restaurant, the new establishment serves old favorites like a porterhouse steak. 155 West Congress, Detroit, 313-962-0277, D Mon.-Sat./ 55 / 40 / / / Booths 1 and 2. In the restaurant’s early days, and even today, these booths hosted celebrities and auto luminaries.

MAD NICE

This Italian restaurant in midtown Detroit offers a modern menu surrounded by coastal chic décor and Mid-century Modern design with smooth, sophisticated service. 4129 Second Ave., Detroit, 313-558-8000, L Wed.-Sun., D Daily / 51 / 28 / /

PARC AT CAMPUS MARTIUS PARK

Parc combines contemporary Detroit cuisine with French and Mediterranean flavors in a vibrant atmosphere featuring modern design. 800 Woodward Ave., Detroit, 313-922-7272, L & D Daily, BR Sat.-Sun. / 40 / 175 /

PRIME + PROPER

Aiming to be Detroit’s premier steakhouse, Prime + Proper dry-ages all meats in-house and offers 100 percent USDA prime beef and lamb, as well as seafood. In the lower level is a truly private bar called Cash Only. 1145 Griswold, Detroit, 248-294-0700, L Sat.-Sun., D Daily / 40 / 230 / / / Table 1 is one of the restaurant’s most private and sought-after tables, while Table 2 offers the chance to see and be seen.

PRISM

Winner of the Best Steakhouse award from Hour Detroit magazine and located in Greektown’s Hollywood casino, Prism delivers a sensory overload from appetizers through desserts, thanks to their award-winning dishes, renowned musical accompaniment, and stylish décor overlooking the Detroit skyline. 555 E. Lafayette St., Detroit, 313-309-2499, D Wed.-Sun. / 44 / / / Indoor and outdoor seating

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RATTLESNAKE CLUB

Enjoy Maine diver sea scallops and a host of seafood and steak selections on the covered terrace, when weather permits, and take in the views of the Detroit River. 300 River Place, 313567-4400, D Tue.-Sat. / 41 / 25 / /

/ Any table along the riverfront provides a wonderful view for guests.

SAN MORELLO

Located in the Shinola Hotel, San Morello is a hip, trendy Italian restaurant. Specialties include wood-fired pizza and handmade pasta with seasonal ingredients. 1400 Woodward Ave., Detroit, 313-209-4700, B, L & D Daily / 38 / 40 / / / The two power tables for a business lunch are large enough to accommodate a group of four, but also work well for two. One is somewhat tucked away in the dining room, and the other is free-standing.

SELDEN STANDARD

This seasonally driven restaurant allows guests to enjoy flavors born on local farms and captured at the peak of the season, for ultimate taste and quality. The eatery offers meals such as seasonal flatbread, grilled trout, and charred octopus, as well as local brews and craft cocktails. 3921 Second Ave., Detroit, 313-438-5055, D Wed.-Sun. / 27 / 88 /

The chef’s counter seating area is highly requested and very interactive.

THE STATLER FRENCH AMERICAN BISTRO

Nestled in the center of Detroit’s entertainment district, this French bistro and market offers classic French-influenced cuisine with a slightly modern twist, crafted by Certified Master Chef Daniel Scannell, one of only 72 certified master chefs in the U.S. 313 Park Ave., Detroit, 313-4637111, L Sun.-Fri., D Daily; Market: 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat. / 45 / 150 / / / NA

SYMPOSIA

Located in the Atheneum Suites Hotel on Brush Street, Symposia offers Mediterranean cuisine inspired by Greece, Italy, and Spain. 1000 Brush St., Detroit, 313-962-9366, D Wed.-Sun. / 48 / maybe / / / The high-top table in the front of the restaurant is the perfect spot, as it has an elevated view of the dining room and enough space for up to eight people. For a more private meeting, a corner booth allows you to discuss all the important details of your deal in a more secluded space.

TABLE NO. 2 RESTAURANT

Greektown’s Table No. 2 offers a three-course meal with ingredients sourced from local

farmers’ markets served alongside live entertainment. 1045 Brush St., Detroit, 313-3409550, D Mon.-Sun. (no Tue.) / 37 / maybe / / / There are two different options for the best table. The first is a private alcove with a curtain drape for a romantic dinner for two. The other is the girls’ night out table, which can seat 12-15.

THE WHITNEY

Detroit’s most iconic mansion, this historic eatery retains all of its charm and refinement while appealing to contemporary tastes with offerings such as bourbon beef Wellington, bourbon-glazed salmon, and crispy panroasted duck. 4421 Woodward Ave., 313-8325700, D Wed.-Sun., BR Sat.-Sun. / 81 / 400 / / / Table 28 is in the center of the bay window area and overlooks Woodward Avenue. The table seats two and looks out over a colorful, expansive garden.

WRIGHT & CO.

This restaurant offers contemporary American food, small-plates style, along with craft cocktails. The menu typically features nine plates and three desserts, which change with the seasons. 1500 Woodward Ave., Second Floor, Detroit, 313-962-7711, L Tue.-Fri., D Tue.-Sun./ 30 / 16 / / Table 40. The round table underneath the chandelier is by the front

window and overlooks Woodward Avenue. It comfortably seats a minimum of five people and a maximum of eight.

FARMINGTON HILLS ANTONIO’S CUCINA ITALIANA

Signature dishes include gnocchi Rita, chicken Antonio, various veal dishes, and pizzas — all in an Italian countryside setting. 37646 W. 12 Mile Rd., Farmington Hills, 248-994-4000, L Tue.-Fri, D Tue.-Sun. / 20 / 45 / NA

CAFÉ CORTINA

This Farmington Hills restaurant may be the best-kept secret in metro Detroit. A garden provides fresh ingredients like arugula, basil, eggplant, peppers, and tomatoes for the Northern Italian cuisine. 30715 W. 10 Mile Rd., Farmington Hills, 248-474-3033, D Tue.-Sun./ 45 / 185 / / / When weather permits, the ideal table is one by a fireplace on the patio, with a scenic view.

HONG HUA

With more than 80 years of combined experience, the chefs at Hong Hua offer guests authentic Chinese cuisine like Peking duck in an upscale setting. Other selections include stirfried choice rib-eye, king of the sea, and Phoenix nest. 27925 Orchard Lake Rd., Farmington Hills, 248-489-2280, L Fri.-Sun., D Tue.-Sun. /

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28 / 200 / Private meeting rooms are available.

STEVEN LELLI’S ON THE GREEN

Located at Copper Creek Golf Course, Lelli’s Inn continues the tradition started in 1939, serving filet mignon with zip sauce, bone-in filet mignon, and veal marsala. 27925 Golf Pointe Blvd., Farmington Hills, 248-994-1111, D Tue.Sun. / 35 / 200 / / / Tables in the Red Room or the Champagne Room are very private.

GROSSE POINTE FARMS

THE BRONZE DOOR

This restaurant offers a modern reimagining of several classic dishes including shrimp scampi, stroganoff, fried chicken, and burgers alongside a lineup of classic steak, pork, and lamb chops. 123 Kercheval Ave., Grosse Pointe Farms, 313886-8101, L Tue.-Sat., D Daily / 28 / 180 / / / N/A

DIRTY DOG JAZZ CAFÉ

In an intimate pub atmosphere, this restaurant provides live music along with entrées such as Vietnamese short ribs, confit chicken fettuccine, and braised pork chops. 97 Kercheval Ave., Grosse Pointe Farms, 313-882-5299, L & D Tue.-Fri., D Sat. / 30 / 80 / / For entertainment, Table 4 offers an up-close view of the live music, but for a quieter and secluded setting, the Board Room is a private room with a

64-inch screen and speakers that allow guests to see and hear the band, yet still conduct a private meeting.

GROSSE POINTE WOODS

DA EDOARDO

Family-owned by the Barbieri family for more than 25 years, Da Edoardo offers rich Italian cuisine like fettuccine Alfredo, tuna au poivre, and veal saltimbocca. 19767 Mack Ave., Grosse Pointe Woods, 313-881-8540, D Tue.-Sun./ 32 / 75/ Fireside booths, with elegant mahogany and leather features, offer an impressive and intimate setting.

LEXINGTON

EMILIO’S PRIME STEAKHOUSE

Located at Lakeview Hills Country Club, Emilio’s Steakhouse offers first-in-class dining and service. 6560 East Peck Rd., Lexington, 810-3597333, D Wed.-Sat. / 50/ 120 / / The best table is the corner booth that overlooks the third and fourth holes and the picturesque lake on the South Golf Course. It seats two, or can easily be extended to the nearby tables to accommodate 15.

LIVONIA

ANTONIO’S PICCOLO

RISTORANTE

This new upscale casual, family-owned restaurant is decorated with oil paintings and mosaics on its walls and serves its fan-favorite linguine

with white clam sauce, as well as a fresh, steamed mussels appetizer, and spaghetti carbonara. A full carry-out menu is available. Everything, including the gelato, is made in-house in this authentic Italian restaurant. 31735 Plymouth Rd., Livonia, 734-513-8000, L & D Tue.-Fri. D Sat.-Sun. / 18 / 15 / / NA

FLEMING’S PRIME STEAKHOUSE

An ideal setting for entertaining clients, this restaurant offers award-winning steak and seafood, including New York strip, bone-in rib-eye, and double breast of chicken. Desserts can easily be shared. 17400 Haggerty Rd., Livonia, 734542-9463, D Daily. / 46 / 60 / / / A table in the main dining room, next to the reserve wine room with more than 100 bottles.

MITCHELL’S FISH MARKET

Fish so fresh, the menu is printed twice daily. Mitchell’s provides a wide array of fish, and their crab cakes are a guest favorite. 17600 Haggerty Rd., 734-464-3663, L & D Daily/ 37 / 40 / / / NA

NORTHVILLE

GAUCHO STEAK HOUSE

This authentic Brazilian steakhouse offers a vibrant atmosphere and 17 types of unlimited meats including filet mignon, rib-eye, and lombo com parmesao. 39550 W. Seven Mile, Northville, 248-380-7770, L Fri., D Daily / 55 / 40 / / Table 7 is located in the

second dining room and, conveniently, near the salad bar. This table offers privacy, and one of the restaurant’s waterfalls accentuates the surroundings. There’s also a private dining room that seats up to 30 people.

HYDE PARK PRIME STEAKHOUSE

The venue offers both traditional and specialty steaks, including dry-aged reserve prime offerings, as well as shrimp and lobster tail. 17107 Haggerty Rd., Northville Township, 248-6790007, D Tue.-Sat. 69 / 60 / / / NA

NOVI

BRENTWOOD GRILLE

Chefs Steve Allen and Chuck “Rocky” Rachwitz offer local American, favorites including filet mignon, shrimp Provencal, and lake perch sauté. The restaurant pays homage to its former occupant, Steve & Rocky’s, by keeping a number of signature menu items. 43150 Grand River Ave., Novi, 248-374-0688, L & D Mon.-Fri., D Sat. / 27 / 250 / /

The perimeter tables offer the most privacy.

NO. SIX PRIME

Serving prime steaks and seafood in an elegant setting, this Novi establishment located inside the Crowne Plaza Hotel is known for its live Maine lobster and generous cuts of beef. 27000 S. Karevich Dr., Novi, 248-3085100, D Mon.-Sat. / 50 / 625 / / Any of the oversized luxury booths.

TOASTED OAK GRILL & MARKET

Located in the Baronette Renaissance Hotel next to Twelve Oaks Mall, the upbeat restaurant offers an array of steak and seafood prepared in-house, including grilled pizza, Lake Huron trout, local grass-fed rib-eye, and Creekstone Farms tenderloin. 27790 Novi Rd., Novi, 248-277-6000, B, L & D Tue.-Sat., BR Sat.-Sun. / 33 / 50 / / A private dining room is available that can extend near the fireplace. With its doors shut, the room holds approximately 26 people.

PLYMOUTH

LA BISTECCA ITALIAN GRILLE

The Grille offers pollo alla picatta and an array of steak and seafood such as a 16-oz. New York strip and salmon al griglia. All steak is certified Piedmontese beef. 39405 Plymouth Rd., Plymouth, 734-254-0400, D Tue.-Sat. / 37 / 100 / / / Table 11 is tucked away in the corner of the dining room off the beaten path, giving you a full view of the room. Table 22 is more private, in an area where diners don’t see many others.

PLYMOUTH TOWNSHIP

CANTORO TRATTORIA

This restaurant offers a selection of homemade gelatos, cannoli, breads baked fresh daily, and a cheese room. Hundreds of wines complement appetizers, salads, fish, meats, seafoods, pastas, and pizzas. 15550 N. Haggerty Rd., Plymouth Township, 734-667-1199, L Tue.-Sun., D Tue.-Sat. / 40 / 280 / / Table 19

is the most popular. The restaurant can’t guarantee reservations for it, but takes requests.

ROCHESTER

PARK 600 BAR + KITCHEN

AT THE ROYAL PARK HOTEL

Park 600 bar + kitchen is a well-appointed restaurant that has memorable flavors and locally sourced foods. The expansive menu features Indian Brook rainbow trout, Asianstyled pork shank, and pasta carbonara. 600 E. University, Rochester, 248-453-8732, B Daily, L Wed.-Fri., D Wed.-Sat. / 42 / 118 / / / Booths near the fireplace or half-booths along the back wall are recommended.

ROCHESTER CHOP HOUSE

The Kruse and Muer restaurant offers great, affordable steaks, chops, Australian lamb chops, and seafood such as Maine lobster tails and stuffed shrimp. 306 Main St., Rochester, 248-651-2266, L & D Mon.-Fri., D Sat.-Sun / 34 / 60 / / / Table 210 is highly requested and is located in the center of the restaurant. The table is half-moon-shaped and near the piano, providing a nice view of the restaurant.

SILVER SPOON RISTORANTE

A new location that embraces the culture and feel of dining in Italy. There are plenty of homemade dishes to satisfy any palate. 534 Main St., Rochester, 248-652-4500, D Mon.-Sat.

/ 20/ 15 / / / Will accommodate upon request.

ROCHESTER HILLS MITCHELL’S FISH MARKET

Fish so fresh, the menu is printed twice daily. Mitchell’s provides a wide array of fish, and their crab cakes are a guest favorite. 370 N. Adams Rd., Rochester Hills, 248-340-5900, L Tue.-Sun., D Daily/ 37 / 32 / / / Tables 91, 92, 93, and 94 are horseshoe-shaped booths that are semiprivate, and located in the back of the restaurant. Each one seats up to six people.

ROMULUS REFLECTIONS

Located inside The Westin at Detroit Metropolitan Airport, Reflections offers a contemporary setting with a modern American menu that provides a wide array of options including pasta, salads, and soups. 2501 Worldgateway Place, Detroit, 734-229-6782, B, L & D Daily / 35 / 10 / / /

Table 29 is next to the tranquility pond in the atrium, and provides an intimate and relaxed setting. A great way to relax before or after a flight.

ROSEVILLE

MR. PAUL’S CHOPHOUSE

This family-operated restaurant offers exceptional steak, seafood, and pasta in a club-like setting. Beef and fish are delivered to the restaurant twice daily, in order to keep meals fresh. 29850 Groesbeck Hwy., Roseville, 586777-7770, L & D Mon.-Fri., D Sat. / 45 / 182 / / / The larger booth in the back corner of the restaurant.

SOUTHFIELD

BACCO RISTORANTE

Classic Italian cuisine meets a contemporary ambience. The restaurant boasts an impressive selection of authentic Italian dishes made with fresh ingredients. 29410 Northwestern Hwy., Southfield, 248-356-6600, L & D Tue.-Fri. D Sat. / 41 / 70 / / / Tables 40 and 44. Private rooms are also available upon request.

TAYLOR

PETE’S PLACE

Fresh food and great service has been the motto for the past 30 years. A new addition has taken the motto a step further to include 40 draft beers, 26 of which are Michigan craft beers. The menu includes an array of salads, sandwiches, pasta, and more. 12245 Telegraph Rd., Taylor, 734-374-0088, B, L & D Daily / 11 / 40 / / A large high-top table seats up to 10 people and is highly requested by larger parties.

TROY THE CAPITAL GRILLE

Located at Somerset Collection North, the Capital Grille offers prime steaks and seafood, accompanied by an extensive wine list. 2800 W. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, 248-649-5300, L & D Daily / 59 / 60 / / / Table 64

is the most secluded table, and 61 is great for romantic occasions such as anniversaries and engagements.

EDDIE V’S PRIME SEAFOOD

Eddie V’s offers fresh seafood, a wide selection of steaks, jazz played by local musicians, and more than 300 wines. 2100 W. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, 248-649-7319, D Daily / 48 / 48 / / / The V Lounge offers live jazz every night in a comfortable, secluded area.

MON JIN LAU

Enjoy cuisine infused with Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Korean, and Vietnamese influences, a lengthy sushi list, and a lively atmosphere. Menu selections include cashew chicken, Mongolian rack of lamb, and spicy Korean pork chop. 1515 E. Maple Rd., Troy, 248-689-2332, D Daily / 23 / 60 / / / The patio is spacious, and can be rented for private events.

MORTON’S STEAKHOUSE

Enjoy an intimate setting among lush wood tones and unique caricatures — it’s as close to an Old World steak and seafood club as you can get, and famous for its large portions. 888 W. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, 248-404-9845, D Daily / 56 / 138 / / / Booth 70 is often requested, and is set against a brick wall. Table 51 is highly requested for parties of eight. The round table encourages interaction between guests.

OCEAN PRIME

This contemporary version of a rich American supper club is an award-winning steakhouse that offers prime beef and seafood on its madefrom-scratch menu. 2915 Coolidge Hwy., Troy, 248-458-0500, L Mon.-Fri., D Daily / 45 / 95 / / / Table 10 is highly requested for parties of eight. An all-glass room that seats up to eight people is a popular setting.

RUTH’S CHRIS STEAKHOUSE

With more than 40 years of rich history, Ruth’s Chris boasts an extensive offering of steak and seafood, and an award-winning wine list. Steak selections include filet, New York strip, and porterhouse. Well located near I-75. 755 W. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, 248269-8424, D Daily / 51 / 125 / / / Table 50, a special round table that accommodates 10.

STONEY RIVER

STEAKHOUSE AND GRILL

An upscale steakhouse specializing in handcut steaks, fresh seafood selections, signature salads, and house specialties. Lunch and dinner specialties include steak and biscuits, wild mushroom meatloaf, and burgers, sandwiches, and bistro chicken. 155 W. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, 248-925-4730, L & D Daily / 36 / 40 / / / NA

UTICA

FILIPPA’S WINE BARREL

A tradition in dining excellence for more than

40 years, Filippa’s offers quality steaks and seafood, but the hand-rubbed, sweet-sauced ribs are a favorite. 45125 Mound Rd., Utica, 586-254-1311, L & D Tue.-Sun. / 27 / 400 / / Tables 5 and 91. Table 5 is in a corner by a window and faces the main dining room area. Table 91 faces the bar and is near a bulk counter. With the terrace to the right, this is a great option for guests looking for a serene setting.

WARREN

ANDIAMO WARREN

The flagship location of a bustling Italian franchise. Joe Vicari’s Andiamo Italian Steakhouse features cuts of premium beef and seafood, and tableside Caesar salad, cordials, and a dessert cart. It has all the ambience of an upscale steakhouse. 7096 E. 14 Mile, Warren, 586-268-3200, L Mon.-Fri., D Daily. / 34 / 650 / / / Tables in the main or west part of the restaurant allow diners privacy.

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP

BAR VERONA

With a thoughtfully chosen menu and locally sourced ingredients, Bar Verona strives to deliver cuisine that is fresh and uncomplicated, yet unique and refined. 59145 Van Dyke Ave., Washington Township, 586-473-0700, D Daily / 36 / 135 /

WEST BLOOMFIELD

PRIME29 STEAKHOUSE

A contemporary steakhouse featuring prime cuts of seafood and beef aged for 29 days. The 24-oz. bone-in rib-eye is a restaurant specialty. 6545 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield, 248737-7463, L & D Tue.-Sun. / 47 / 152 / /

A table inside a glass-partitioned room adjacent to the main dining area.

WYANDOTTE

PORTOFINO

A Wyandotte riverside landmark for almost 40 years, the restaurant’s menu is current, with seafood and pasta being the main focus. Lunch and dinner are available all day. Specialties include Italian cuisine like seafood, pastas, baked Italian sausage pasta, and authentic Italian desserts. “Small Plate” offerings include ahi tuna, shrimp and grits, lobster crab cake, and calamari steaks. “Big Plate” selections offer filet mignon, New York strip, chicken marsala, gnocchi, and more. 3455 Biddle Ave., Wyandotte, 734-281-6700, L & D Tue.-Sun./ 23 / 200 / / / The August Room seats up to 18 people.

Compiled by DBusiness

All restaurants are reviewed anonymously, and all expenses are paid by DBusiness The listings have no relationship to advertising in the magazine.

PATENTS AND INVENTIONS

Fleet Transit

An engineer by training, Ronald C. Lamparter tapped his family’s knack for innovation and built up several businesses in the bus and military sectors.

A60-year engineering career that saw Ronald C. Lamparter produce more than 100 patents for safety innovations on buses, trucks, and military vehicles began with an assist from a great-uncle, and creative inspiration imparted by his grandfather.

In 1961, freshly graduated from Wayne University, as it was known then, Lamparter began looking for a job in the auto industry.

“I’m a young kid, 21 years old with an engineering degree, I’ve got all these ideas and I don’t know anything but the automotive industry. I was born and raised in Detroit and that was all that was here,” Lamparter recalls.

“I started calling on Ford, GM, and Chrysler, and they didn’t want to hear about my ideas,” Lamparter says. “They had a policy back then, NIH — Not Invented Here. If it wasn’t their idea, it wasn’t going to go anywhere. So I’m getting nowhere six months out of college.”

His great-uncle, Henry Gassoway, a project engineer with General Motors’ truck and bus division, came to a family dinner and invited his nephew to visit the plant where he worked.

“We’re not Chevrolet, or Pontiac, or Buick. We’re not a high-volume division, but we need young engineers with your ideas,” Gassoway told him.

“Back then they had tables bigger than this whole office and you would see eight to 10 engineers, lying down on top of tables with their squares and French curves and compasses, drawing General Motors’ next generation of buses,” Lamparter remembers. “Uncle Henry took me around to all the project engineers and, by the time I left there, I had more projects than I knew how to handle.”

Years before Gassoway introduced his greatnephew to the bus and truck industry, however, it was Lamparter’s grandfather, Perry Phillips, who instilled a spirit of innovation in his 5-year-old grandson. It was the foundation for the multimillion-dollar businesses he went on to develop as an adult.

“Grandpa was a third-grade dropout. He wasn’t a successful man, but he was brilliant in terms of his creativity,” Lamparter says. “Grandpa was just an inventor. He created things. I learned more from my grandfather than I learned from any college professor, including the stuff that ultimately made me an inventor.”

Those lessons started after his grandparents moved from Detroit to a 7-acre farm in Homer, near Battle Creek, where they scratched out a subsistence living selling chickens, vegetables, and fruit.

His grandfather’s solution for dealing with the messy proposition of raising chickens was one of the

earliest innovations young Lamparter witnessed. Phillips built cages with a wire floor to house the birds.

“He built drawers below the coops and lined them with paper to catch the poop,” Lamparter remembers. “He didn’t have to take the chickens out in order to clean the coop.”

The fruit trees that eventually grew too big and prevented his grandfather from reaching the nicest fruit at the top proved another innovative learning moment.

“Grandpa took an old cane fishing pole and an old coat hanger and twisted that coat hanger into a hand with fingers and a center hole,” Lamparter says. “He took one of grandma’s old silk stockings and hung it below the hole. He would go up there and hook a piece of fruit and it would drop through the hole into grandma’s stocking.”

Years later, while walking through a hardware store, Lamparter spotted a device similar to his grandfather’s fruit-picker.

“Instead of a cane pole this was an aluminum telescoping pole with a basketball net and a plastic claw to pick fruit,” Lamparter says. “It was grandpa’s invention, 60 years to 70 years later, and sure enough, there was a patent pending notice on it. That was my grandfather’s invention.”

Lamparter says his grandfather taught him how to use tools to make things he needed — early personal lessons for innovations that would shape his work as an inventor.

“I remember wanting to build my own wagon. There were no toys back then; this was after World War II, and if you wanted toys you had to build them yourself,” Lamparter remembers. “Grandpa showed me how to take a piece of scrap 2 by 4 and take beer

bottle caps and nail them on the wood for wheels, and those were the toys I played with as a kid.”

As Lamparter grew older, his grandfather took him to a local junkyard where they salvaged parts of bicycles — wheels, frames, and other parts. “Grandpa showed me how to take the parts of 10 different bicycles and assemble them to build a bicycle, how to paint them up, and how to sell them to the local kids in the neighborhood to make money,” Lamparter reminisces.

Seated on a black leather couch in the sitting area of his large office in Sterling Heights, near a curved floor-to-ceiling glass wall with views of the adjacent 10-acre wooded campus and a wild turkey wandering by, Lamparter, 84, is surrounded by dozens of framed pictures, plaques, mementos, and tributes to his long career, as well as the charities he and his wife, Mary, support.

One section of wall and the table below it is devoted to rows of plaques highlighting patents for inventions he registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Most of the patents he registered while he owned Transpec Worldwide Inc., a bus component supply company he founded in 1969. The company operated from a 135,000-square-foot headquarters at the Sterling Heights campus until he sold the business in 2007. He kept the office headquarters.

At Transpec, Lamparter designed and assembled roof vents that doubled as escape hatches for school and commercial buses; stop sign arms that pop out of school buses as children exit the buses; crossing arms for those buses, steering exiting children away from blind spots for bus drivers at the front of buses;

BRIGHT IDEAS

Ronald C. Lamparter has been issued more than 100 patents, including one for a bus stop sign illuminated by LED lights. The inventor has since retired from business, and today oversees the nonprofit Defense Corridor Center for Collaboration and Synergy in Sterling Heights.

energy-absorbent bumpers on the front of the buses; and wheelchair access ramps.

Lamparter says that early on, all GM’s buses were equipped with three identical 24-inch square holes cut into the roof; two of them were ventilators and one was an emergency exit.

“I met the chief engineer and he said he would love to combine the holes into ventilators and escape hatches, but he didn’t know how to do it,” Lamparter says. “So I came up with a technique to put a latch on it and open up the entire ventilator to turn it into an emergency exit when needed.”

For years the Transpec hatch, protected by Lamparter’s patent, dominated the bus industry. “We purchased components from manufacturers; we owned the tooling and the designs,” he says. “We brought the components in and we did the assembly. We controlled the pricing and marketing.”

Another patent Lamparter filed was to limit motorists from striking children exiting buses despite flashing lights on the buses.

“I did a study and observed that the brighter you made those flashing lights, the less you could see the stop sign, as the lights were blinding you,” he says. “So I theorized and later proved that if you took the lights off the pop-out sign and replaced them with LED lights and outlined the letters ‘STOP,’ then you could see the whole stop sign. So that became a patent.”

He also obtained patents for shoulder seat belts for students on school buses, as well as the three-lapbelt system for grade school children and two for larger high school students.

At the time, the lap belts used in cars wouldn’t protect students from hitting their heads on the seat in

front of them in a collision. “Most of the companies that tried to put seat belts on school buses looked to reinvent seat belts,” he says. “I thought why reinvent seat belts? They’re already building millions of them for automobiles.”

Lamparter says his 100-plus patents include what he describes as a “picket fence” to protect his product line. For example, the combination ventilation emergency exit patent spun off 10 to 12 other patents.

Transpec Worldwide had fewer than 100 employees in 2007 when Lamparter sold the company. From there, he created Syntec Seating Solutions and partnered with Takata Corp. to build the first modern prototype school bus seat.

“After I built a few and proved that it worked safely, I sold the whole company to Takata,” he says.

His next opportunity came from a military contractor who reached out to him to help solve the problem of IEDs, or improvised explosive devices, which could explode beneath vehicles and kill soldiers. Lamparter started Survivability Solutions to work on the problem.

“I took the same technology I used for the energy-absorbing bumper and applied it to a school bus seat and patented it as a blast seat for military use,” he says. The company was sold to Portable Factory in 2016.

Following his business career, Lamparter converted his office and production campus into a nonprofit military research, development, and technology complex he named the Defense Corridor Center for Collaboration and Synergy.

Thirty-five military contractors who compete or work with each other now fill his former company headquarters. The facility regularly hosts meetings as a way to explore synergies between military contractors and automotive manufacturers and suppliers.

“There are lots of creative engineers in Michigan,” he says. “Detroit has the only patent office outside of Washington, D.C., in the entire country — an indication of how much creativity we have in the state as a result of the auto industry being here.”

Come Together

Recent bank failures have cast a dark shadow on Michigan and the nation’s middle-market businesses.

In the wake of the Silicon Valley Bank and First Republic Bank failures, a looming credit crisis poses a real threat to middle-market business growth.

Michigan’s middle-market businesses are a remarkable force powering the economy. With revenue ranging from $10 million to $1 billion, these companies employ 30 percent of southeast Michigan’s workforce. They’ve also been responsible for more than 50 percent of national job growth since the Great Recession, even though they represent 1 percent of all American businesses.

The economic impact of these job-creators is clear: Michigan’s 3.7 percent unemployment rate is near a record low, trending with the national average for the first time in decades.

TOUGH TIMES

While Michigan’s middle-market businesses continue to power the economy, a gap is growing between recent positive economic headlines and the realities these companies face.

I often interact with middle-market entrepreneurs across the country. Despite recent discussions about an economic “soft landing,” I frequently hear a different narrative from business owners, suggesting the broader economy is deteriorating more than many people realize.

Emerging data is showing this, as well. The National Center for the Middle Market recently reported a 75 percent increase in middle-market bankruptcies since June 2020. Mid-market businesses continue to be confronted with myriad challenges including skyrocketing costs, disruptions in supply chains, and staffing shortages.

If these headwinds weren’t enough, the failure of Silicon Valley Bank and First Republic Bank have posed the biggest test yet for middle-market firms: a rapidly unfolding credit crisis.

A BANKING CRISIS

The recent fallout from the Silicon Valley and First Republic collapses couldn’t have come at a worse time. The past two years have encompassed one of the most challenging banking environments in decades. Even before this crisis, banks were contending with skyrocketing interest rates, growing loan losses, and a yield curve inversion only comparable to the early 1980s.

The scale of SVB and First Republic’s failures,

bigger than the combined losses of the top 25 bank failures in 2008, has triggered the most significant drop in corporate lending since records began being kept in 1973.

This contraction of credit has proven more severe than the fallout from the OPEC oil crisis, the dot-com crash, and even the shock of 9/11. And it hasn’t stopped there. In May, the Federal Reserve reported half of all U.S. banks have tightened lending standards, thereby increasing barriers to mid-sized businesses in need of accessible and affordable financing.

Looking ahead, the outlook is uncertain. Federal regulators are considering additional rules on banks with deposits over $100 million. This will likely lead to stricter underwriting rules and capital requirements, further constraining lending. The impact will be felt most by regional banks, which will be required to lend less at higher interest rates.

A PATH FORWARD

Despite the uncertainty and challenges ahead, Michigan’s middle-market companies have a proven track record of resilience and adaptation. As they navigate this economic landscape, it’s important that we promote strategies to support and sustain Michigan’s economic growth. Here are some considerations for the business community moving forward.

Responsible Bank Regulatory Reform: As federal policymakers consider rewriting the rules on regional banks holding more than $100 billion in deposits, it’s crucial any changes consider regional banks’ outsized role in funding middle-market success. This is especially important given mid-sized companies are often too large to be eligible for U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) support, and too small to access Wall Street financing. They rely heavily on regional banks for everything from meeting payroll to acquiring a competitor.

Alternative Financing Routes: Encouraging policies that support alternative financing options such as private credit, growth capital, business development

companies, and non-banking financial institutions is imperative as traditional banking avenues constrict. Entrepreneurs should also consider the services of reputable M&A advisers to assist in finding financing to meet their strategic objectives.

Greater Policy Advocacy: Policymakers and community leaders must be educated on the significant contributions of mid-market businesses. Governments at all levels should partner with these employment engines to reduce needless regulations, provide additional tax benefits, increase accessibility to low-interest loan programs, and create more innovation grants focused on growth.

Promoting Leadership: Michigan consistently ranks among the top states for middle-market businesses in the country. Highlighting these companies, their leaders, and their significant economic impact is essential. Promoting this important part of the local economy not only sustains our current momentum, but also serves to attract new middle-market ventures to our state.

Michigan’s middle-market businesses have weathered hard times before, and they’ll do it again.

The road ahead won’t be easy, so it’s more important than ever to come together and advocate for these important economic leaders. After all, if the Michigan middle-market community continues to win, so will we.

EVENING CHEER

CARRIE HALL

The French American Chamber of Commerce Michigan, along with similar organizations representing Britain, Germany, Italy, and Sweden, gathered on July 20 for the 11th annual Meadow Brook: Connect, Design & Bordeaux evening at Meadow Brook Hall in Rochester Hills. The event featured speakers Bob Lutz, Steve Pasteiner, Mark Trostle, Kemal Curic, and Bryan Nesbitt. Members and guests were able to network and sample food and wine. In addition, selections from Woodbury Wine in Troy were sold in a silent auction to raise money for scholarships.

1. Bob and Terri Lutz

2. Regis, Dominique, and Christel Gaillard

3. Frank and Kimberly Campanale

4. Laura Guibault, Emily Chmielewki, Angela Doncic

5. Chris and Riva Monsour

AUTO HALL

LINDSAY SCHWEICKERT

The Automotive Hall of Fame in Dearborn held its annual induction and awards ceremony on July 20 at the Fillmore Detroit. This year’s inductees included Mary Barra, chair and CEO of General Motors Co. in Detroit; Fred T. Bauer, founder of auto supplier Gentex in Northville Township; race car driver Juan Manuel Fangio; co-founder of the Hondo Motor Co., Takeo Fujisawa; Ford car designer McKinley W. Thompson; and Hot Wheels toy designer Larry Wood. The Automotive Hall of Fame also presented its Mobility Innovator Award, which recognizes those whose new technologies and services are redefining mobility, to Jensen Huang, founder and CEO of NVIDIA, for his work in transforming the transportation industry through AI.

6. Elizabeth Krear, Kim Irwin, Dianne Craig, Dave Habiger

7. Heather Joy Thompson, Oreal James

8. Nancy and Steve Wesoloski

9. Ravi Ramamurthy, Ashwini Balasubramanian, Rob Fairchild

10. Tomorris and Briana Jocelyn

MOCAD SOIREE

CHRISTINE MJ HATHAWAY

The Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD) hosted its inaugural Summer Arts

Soirees on July 13 at the Charles T. Fisher Mansion in Detroit. Money raised from the event goes toward MOCAD’s exhibitions and programs, which explore contemporary art while connecting Detroit with the global art world. Entertainment was provided by Detroit neo-soul singer Vespre and harpist Ahya Simone.

11. Daphne Means Curtis, Emily Ferrero, Marisu Murillo, Linda Powers

12. Dr. Charles Boyd, Nate Wallace

13. Joel Tauber, Scott Jacobson, Allan Nachman

14. Lynn Gandhi, Mike Han

15.

PROMOTIONAL CONTENT TrusTed Advisers Q&A

In the Most Challenging of Times, Expertise Matters Even More

When with difficult medical

When dealing with difficult medical problems, it’s important to be guided by competent physicians. When it comes to air travel, we entrust our well-being to professionals with a demonstrated safety track record. With a leaky roof, no fly-bynight service can provide the peace of mind that an established and knowledgeable contractor will.

Likewise, during uncertain financial times,

it’s comforting to know that an organization like KeyBank has its fingers on the pulse of the economy. One way the company provides this extra value to its customers is by regularly surveying middle market business owners and executives. Here, president and commercial sales leader for KeyBank’s Michigan market David Mannarino shares a sampling of recent insights on inflation and how businesses are managing their way through it.

it’s to know that an a moment

And consider for a moment what it would be like to be an attorney who finds him- or herself being sued by a former long-term client. Attorney Kathleen H. Klaus of Maddin Hauser in Southfield says it’s just about the worst thing that can happen in a lawyer’s career. With 30 years of experience, she works with her attorney-clients to build cases that not only lead to a satisfactory resolution, but helps them move on.

Q: Why hire a lawyer’s lawyer when you need representation?

A: When an attorney is sued by a former client, it can be emotionally devastating for the attorney. I’ve had clients tell me that getting sued was the lowest point of their careers. This is especially true if the client and the attorney had a long-term relationship. I’ve developed great empathy for people I consider colleagues as well as clients, who get served with a lawsuit by a former client. I help them work through the initial anger and get to a place where they can be more objective and reasonable, and not let the lawsuit consume

them. This is especially important when the client did make a mistake, because we as attorneys are not at all comfortable with acknowledging our errors. Some of my clients want to take an active role in defending themselves, and I welcome their participation. My clients are experienced attorneys who often know the relevant areas of law better than I do and I learn something valuable from my clients on nearly every case. Representing colleagues and helping them through the litigation process has been a true privilege.

A: KeyBank’s most recent middle market sentiment survey found that for some, inflation and higher costs continue to put pressure on the bottom line. Respondents cited negative effects of inflation to include higher overhead costs, increased costs of raw materials and increased costs of energy, oil and gas. On the positive side, business owners cited the ability to raise prices, increased incentives for the business to spend or invest and increased customer spending—e.g., building up inventories and buying ahead.

marketing efforts to generate more customers and revenue and improve processes or create more operational efficiencies. Business leaders with a more negative view are moving to identify alternative suppliers or sources of raw materials and commodities and pass increased costs onto customers through higher prices.

David Mannarino is President and Commercial Sales Leader for KeyBank’s Michigan Market. He can be reached at (248) 204-6550 or David_Mannarino@keybank.com.

This material is presented for informational purposes only and should not be construed as individual financial advice. KeyBank does not provide legal advice. KeyBank is member FDIC. ©2023 KeyCorp.. CFMA #230717-2168868.

28400 Northwestern Highway, Ste. 200 Southfield, MI 48034 248-359-7520

kklaus@maddinhauser.com

maddinhauser.com

KeyBank

FORD FIREWORKS

PATRICK GLORIA

The 65th edition of the Ford Fireworks extravaganza went off on June 23 in downtown Detroit. The Parade Co. put on the display over the Detroit River and hosted a Rooftop Party presented by Ford, which took place atop the Center Garage just west of the Renaissance Center. Attendees enjoyed food and drinks, along with live entertainment sponsored and hosted by WDIV-Local 4. The sold-out party was attended by metro Detroit business and civic leaders, along with their families and guests.

1. Chris Moyer, Heather George and John George

2. Louis and Beth Manley

3. Mike Land, Ryan and Sheri Maibach

4. Renee Godfrey, Marri Frick

5. Tony Michaels, Rod Alberts, Doug Fox

SHIMMER ON THE RIVER

PATRICK GLORIA

The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy celebrated 20 years on the Detroit riverfront on June 22 at its Shimmer on the River event, the organization’s largest annual fundraiser. The festivities, held at Robert C. Valade Park just west of Stroh River Place in Detroit, commemorated the conservancy’s history and the individuals and organizations that have supported its efforts to build a five-mile Riverwalk from Belle Isle to the Ambassador Bridge, among other projects. The family affair featured food trucks, prizes, and music from the Prince tribute band, the Purple Xperience.

11. April Wagner, Carl Bentley, Saunteel Jenkins

12. Elliot Rentenbach, Brendan Clancy, Vivian and John Stroh, Megan Clancy, Alexis Walker

13. James A. Kelly, Mariam Noland, Matt Cullen

14. Margaret Trimer, Elyssa Kotak, Erik Frasier

15. Sean Kelley, Richard Wallace

SUNSET AT THE ZOO

PATRICK GLORIA

The Detroit Zoological Society hosted its Sunset at the Zoo 2023 fundraiser on June 23 at the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak. The theme of this year’s event was Leap into Conservation. The gathering highlighted the society’s mission of wildlife conservation, both locally and across the planet, through the zoo’s supporting of biodiversity through species-specific programs, partnering with communities worldwide to preserve important habitats, speaking up for legislation that protects threatened species, and, ultimately, protecting endangered species from extinction.

6. Alex and John Decker, Ryan Polk

7. Jennifer and Bob Zhang, Marcello and Angie Pizzuti

8. Kelly Houseman, Alexandra Shepherd

9. Sabarras George, Denise Lewis, Ghebre Mehreteab

10. Shoti Jones, Wilson Jones, Lia Jones

Finishing Touch Auto Spa

Isaac Baker became a leader within his industry at just 25 years old. His passion, dedication, and drive to achieve perfection, has landed him where he is today. With every intention of continuing that pursuit for perfection, Isaac always says, “We will always continue to be 1% better every day.”

In 2016, Finishing Touch Auto Spa was founded by Isaac Baker, at 17 years old. Growing up, his father, Scott Baker, had a passion for collecting vehicles. “It all started because of my relationship with my father. He is a dedicated car collector and not only my father, but my best friend since I was a child,” says Baker. Isaac caught the “car bug” quickly from detailing cars on the weekends with his father. “I’ve always been fascinated with the detailing aspect and enhancement of automobiles,” said Isaac.

Continuing the desire to soak up knowledge, Isaac learned from his father’s success of owning and operating an engineering company, The Dako Group. Staffing large Automotive Manufactures, with the best professionals in the industry. In 2021, Scott sold the business and now has an office next to his son.

Looking back at his first invoices at 10 years old, he is reminded of why he started FTA in the first place. “As I got older, I wanted to turn that passion into a true business model so instead of going to college I started my own business when I was a sophomore in high school.” Specializing in Enhancing & Protecting the world’s finest automobiles. “Our passion for protection and enhancement has been at the forefront of our business since inception,” Baker said. “We offer the highest level of enhancement and protection for every vehicle that rolls through our doors, and we provide total car care solutions under one roof with a offering a multitude of expert concierge services. From start to finish, we will steer you in the right direction that best suits your needs.”

Isaac built Finishing Touch from the ground up, alongside his father and now business partner helping guide him, by continuously testing new products, creating new and innovative techniques, and never accepting less than perfection. During the early years of FTA, Isaac brought Miguel Cordero onto the team. Who is now Isaac’s other best friend and Operations Manager. “I couldn’t think of a better person to take that journey with than Miguel,” Says Baker. Miguel has put his heart into this business from the beginning and learned alongside Isaac.

Finishing Touch started in a one-bay facility in Troy before moving to a “ground-breaking”

10,000 square foot facility in Sylvan Lake, where the company “put itself on the map.” In 2022, they moved to the new facility in Waterford and had their grand opening in June 2023.

“Our new facility has over 50,000 square feet. 38,000 square feet of full-operational workspace and 10,000+ for vehicle storage and office space,” Isaac said. Now, their custom facility houses the most talented and skilled Installers and Technicians. All specializing in high value classics, exotics, and luxury vehicles.

Isaac’s next step in growth aimed to build scalable processes for a more “corporate” structure. Isaac’s better half, Madison, specializes in Corporate Training and Development. So, they joined forces over 2 years ago to accomplish just that. She always supported Isaac’s goals, and couldn’t think of a better way to continue, than putting her own dedication and passion into FTA.

“Dedication, passion, and continuous improvement will always be what propels us to the top, but what keeps us there is that every client,

DESIGN REVOLUTION

PATRICK GLORIA

The Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology (DIO) hosted the 2023 EyesOn Design on June 18 at the Eleanor and Edsel Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores. The theme of this year’s classic car show, which takes place annually on Father’s Day, was Design Revolution. The money raised from the event goes toward the DIO, a division of the Henry Ford Health Department of Ophthalmology that supports the visually impaired and organizes eye research conferences.

1. Al Trombetta, Ava Sand, Dan Trombetta

2. Dr. Philip and Betsy Hessburg

3. Kip Wasenko, Rica Gonzalez, Ken Lingenfelter

4. Kuni Ito, Takako Ito, Tom Malano

5. Nathan Malinick, Sam Firouzbakht, Kailyn Cox, Patrick Harley

ARTFUL AFFAIR

PATRICK GLORIA

Ralph Gilles, chief design officer for Stellantis North America in Auburn Hills, and his wife, Doris, hosted a fundraiser for DesignConnect with the theme of Cars, Art, and Cocktails at the Gilles’ garage and condominium at M1 Concourse in Pontiac on June 17. DesignConnect, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, was founded by Jocelyn Chen to provide underrepresented students in metro Detroit with help in finding pathways to careers in creative design through exposure, mentoring, and financial assistance. The event also celebrated the achievements of students in the program.

6. Avery Folk, Maya Rice, Chris Benjamin, Ben Stone

7. Ralph and Doris Gilles, Jocelyn Chen

8. Davon Travier, DaJuanna Travier

9. Dr. Darienne Driver Hudson, Dr. Kara Driver 10. Mikayla and Max Gilles

FORE BENEFIT

PATRICK GLORIA

The 2023 Boys Hope Girls Hope Detroit Invitational Golf Tournament took place on Aug. 7 at the Franklin Hills Country Club in Franklin. The event featured golf, lunch, dinner, a raffle, and a live auction. For more than 20 years, Frank Torre, chairman of BHGH Detroit and chairman and co-CEO of Signal Restoration in Troy, has hosted the local version of the invitational, which works to nurture and guide motivated young people in need so that they can become well-educated, career-ready men and women.

11. Frank Torre, Mark Davis

12. Kelly Pyle, Katie Spillane

13. Mark Herbert, Brian Kovach, Eric Guckian

14.

GREAT LAKES WBC 23RD BUSINESS CONFERENCE

Begins Sept. 26 at 8 a.m. concludes Sept. 27 at 5 p.m. takerootdance.com

The 2023 Great Lakes Women’s Business Conference brings together more than 1,000 certified women-owned businesses from around the country, diverse corporate and government suppliers, and procurement professionals. The conference addresses the needs of emerging and established business owners. Events will include:

• Coaching Labs

• Educational Workshops

• WEpitch Competition

• WEmatch 1:1 Sessions

This conference is for business owners, CEOs, corporate partners, business leaders, certified WBEs, and anyone who is ready to take their business(es) to the next level.

Charity Calendar

DETROIT AUTO SHOW

Sept. 13, 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. naias.com

The Detroit Auto Show is one of the most influential annual automotive events in the world and a showcase for emerging technologies. It features brand-defining vehicles, product ride-and-drives, and dynamic experiential activations. The auto show includes Media Day, an opportunity for automakers and industry suppliers to debut new products and technologies; Technology Days, a chance to preview emerging mobility technologies and engage with innovators; the Mobility Global Forum, a two-day symposium on mobility trends and new technologies; AutoMobili-D, an inside look at future mobility platforms; Charity Preview, a signature fundraising gala for children’s charities; and the Public Show, a nineday mobility and community celebration.

TOP OF TROY: WOMEN OF INFLUENCE

Oct. 11, 8:30 a.m. - 10 a.m. troychamber.com/chamber-events

Top of Troy is back! Meet the area’s top female business leaders for breakfast and a panel discussion at this signature event. Learn about the challenges these leaders faced on their paths to success, the key tools they’ve used to remain focused along the way, the hard decisions they are faced with on a daily basis, and how being a woman has affected the choices they made to get to where they are today. The event moderator will be Priya Mann, anchor and reporter at WDIV, Local 4 News.

Panelists include:

• Beth Correa, director of corporate responsibility, Flagstar Bank

• Eunice Jeffries, director of government & community relations, Oakland Community College

• Cindy Stewart, community affairs director, City of Troy

• Kate Walsh, editor, Hour Detroit, Hour Media

RUGIERO CASINO ROYALE

Oct. 14, 5:00 PM rugieropromise.org/event/12th-annualrugiero-casino-royale/

RISE UP! 2023 BREAKFAST WITH THE BISHOP

Oct. 3, 8-10 a.m.

The 2023 Breakfast with the Bishop is a highimpact morning of inspiration featuring a keynote address from Bishop Bonnie A. Perry of the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan, music, and comradery. This is a signature fundraiser for St. Anne’s Mead, the area’s leading assisted living home offering memory care and extended care. All are welcome, as the event is interfaith.

Casino Royale is a signature event benefiting diabetes research at Michigan Medicine at the University of Michigan. The Antonio Rugiero Diabetes Research Fund continues to be a key partner in supporting research and education in diabetes discovery and treatment. It is estimated that one out of every three children born after 2000 in the United States will be directly affected by diabetes. The Rugiero Promise Foundation, a Michigan 501(c)(3) nonprofit, invites you to attend and become a sponsor for this exceptionally fun event. The exciting Casino Royale, “An Evening in Monte Carlo,” is a high-energy event that includes performance by Your Generation Band, outstanding food, a specialty bar, gaming on authentic tables with professional dealers, live entertainment, raffles, grand prizes, and a silent and live auction.

The Women’s Business Forum is collecting donations for its Top of Troy Charity Partners: Grace Centers of Hope and Sparkle Network.

HR IN THE D23 CONFERENCE

Sept. 21, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

detroitshrm.org

stannesmead.org

On Thursday, Sept. 21, HR Professionals from all around southeast Michigan will meet at The Westin Southfield–Detroit for a day of inspiration, learning, and growing. Scheduled events include local keynote speakers and popular breakout speakers, and all participants are sure to benefit from the intriguing content that will be presented.

METRO DETROIT’S TOP INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW FIRMS

(FIRMS ARE RANKED BY NUMBER OF METRO DETROIT IP ATTORNEYS.)

1. DINSMORE AND SHOHL 900 Wilshire Dr., Ste. 300 Troy 248-647-6000 dinsmore.com

Total IP attorneys: 105

Total attorneys nationwide: 747

2. JAFFE, RAITT, HEUER, AND WEISS (MERGED WITH TAFT) 27777 Franklin Rd., Ste. 2500 Southfield 248-351-3000 jaffelaw.com

Total IP attorneys: 94

Total attorneys nationwide: 1,009

3. HONIGMAN 2290 First National Building 660 Woodward Ave. Detroit 313-465-7000 honigman.com

Total IP attorneys: 81

Total attorneys nationwide: 318

4. BODMAN 1901 St. Antoine St. 6th Floor at Ford Field

Detroit 313-259-7777 bodmanlaw.com

Total IP attorneys: 70

Total attorneys nationwide: 169

5. HOWARD & HOWARD 450 W. Fourth St. Royal Oak 248-645-1483 howardandhoward.com

Total IP attorneys: 63

Total attorneys nationwide: 128

6. BROOKS KUSHMAN 1000 Town Center, 22nd Floor Southfield 248-358-4400 brookskushman.com

Total IP attorneys: 60 Total attorneys nationwide: 68

7. HARNESS IP 5445 Corporate Dr., Ste. 200 Troy 248-641-1600 harnessip.com

8. DICKINSON WRIGHT 500 Woodward Ave., Ste. 4000 Detroit 313-223-3500 dickinson-wright.com

Total IP attorneys: 45

Total attorneys nationwide: 485

9. YOUNG BASILE 3001 W. Big Beaver Rd., Ste. 624 Troy 248-649-3333 youngbasile.com

Total IP attorneys: 35

Total attorneys nationwide: 47

10. MILLER CANFIELD 150 W. Jefferson Ave., Ste. 2500 Detroit 313-963-6420 millercanfield.com

Total IP attorneys: 31

Total attorneys nationwide: 251

11. CANTOR COLBURN 201 W. Big Beaver Rd., Ste. 1101 Troy 248-524-2300 cantorcolburn.com

Total IP attorneys: 28

Total attorneys nationwide: 86

12. QUINN LAW GROUP 21500 Haggerty Rd., Ste. 300 Northville 248-380-9300 quinniplaw.com

Total IP attorneys: 24

Total attorneys nationwide: 24

13. CARLSON, GASKEY AND OLDS 400 W. Maple Rd., Ste. 350 Birmingham 248-988-8360 cgolaw.com

Total IP attorneys: 23

Total attorneys nationwide: 23

14. FISHMAN STEWART 800 Tower Dr., Ste. 610 Troy 248-594-0600 fishstewip.com

Total IP attorneys: 19

Total attorneys nationwide: 19

15. DARROW MUSTAFA 41860 Six Mile Rd.

Northville 248-864-5961 darrowmustafa.com

Total IP attorneys: 19

Total attorneys nationwide: 19

16. REISING ETHINGTON 755 W. Big Beaver Rd., Ste. 1850 Troy 248-689-3500 reising.com

Total IP attorneys: 19

Total attorneys nationwide: 19

17. DYKEMA 400 Renaissance Center Detroit 313-568-6800 dykema.com

Total IP attorneys: 19

Total attorneys nationwide: 365

18. BUTZEL 150 W. Jefferson Ave., Ste. 100 Detroit 313-225-7000 butzel.com

Total IP attorneys: 16

Total attorneys nationwide: 160

19. BEJIN BIENEMAN 2000 Town Center, Ste. 800 Southfield 313-528-4882 b2iplaw.com

Total IP attorneys: 16

Total attorneys nationwide: 16

20. THE DOBRUSIN LAW FIRM 29 W. Lawrence St., Ste. 210 Pontiac 248-292-2920 patentco.com

Total IP attorneys: 12

Total attorneys nationwide: 12

Source: DBusiness research

DINSMORE AND SHOHL, TROY

2023-2024 Largest Conventions/Events in Metro Detroit (AS

OF AUG. 9, 2023)

Largest Meeting Venues in Metro Detroit

Boss Ket

A tragic event, a moral imperative, and a brilliant invention: How Charles F. Kettering transformed balky automobiles into civilized, usable contraptions.

One day in 1908, Byron Carter stopped on the Belle Isle Bridge to help a woman whose Cadillac had stalled. To restart it, the 44-year-old automotive innovator and founder of Cartercar Co. of Pontiac cranked the engine by hand, but “kickback” reversed the crank’s action and the handle smashed Carter’s jaw. Shortly thereafter, he developed fatal pneumonia.

Henry Leland, co-founder of Cadillac (and later of Lincoln), had admired Carter and lamented, “I’m sorry I ever built an automobile.” In the subsequent quest to end such accidents, Leland pushed for a better system of engine-starting.

Enter Charles F. Kettering, who met with Leland. Kettering’s biographer, Thomas Alvin Boyd, explains: “If Kettering could develop a successful self-starter, (Leland) would agree to put it on the Cadillac car the next year.”

Thomas Edison had tried to solve the problem, but Kettering’s approach was different in that it derived from his electric cash register for National Cash Register of Dayton, Ohio — one of 23 patents for NCR between 1904 and 1909. Kettering and a small group of engineers, known as the “Barn Gang,” went on to form Dayton Engineering Laboratories Co., or Delco.

“Just as with the cash register,” Boyd explains, “the apparatus needed to crank an automobile engine … (required) an electric motor big enough to turn it continuously. All he had to have was a small motor capable of putting forth a momentary, but sufficiently vigorous, burst of turning power.”

An electrical engineering graduate of Ohio State University, Kettering developed the electric motor to

EARLY STARTUP

After Charles F. Kettering co-founded Dayton Engineering Laboratories Co., or Delco, he spent 27 years as head of research at General Motors Co. in Detroit. Over time, Delco came to be known as ACDelco, an automotive parts brand owned by GM. Over his life, Kettering was issued 186 U.S. patents.

turn the engine’s internal components. He needed a power source, so he added a six-volt storage battery and a generator to charge it. The system was demonstrated on Feb. 17, 1911, with the touch of a button. “This car performed very satisfactorily and went through all the Cadillac tests,” Kettering said.

When Leland placed a large order for the 1912 model year. Kettering’s next problem was finding a supplier of batteries, as well as subcontractors like Remy Electric Co. to make the parts. He next undertook the addition of electric lights. Until that time, the lightweight gas acetylene from an onboard tank fueled carriage lamps for nighttime illumination.

Developing electric lights was a project unto itself. “You should have seen (Kettering) get down into the guts of an automobile and fish out the trouble,” a Cadillac electrician said. “He would come in all dressed up and go away looking like a greasy bum.”

Skeptics suggested the Delco system would be the end of Cadillac, but Leland was confident. With exclusive use of it for a year, he put out the 1912 models without a crank at all. Kettering’s invention had not only made automobiles safer, but also more practical for all drivers.

By 1913, Delco’s self-start system spread throughout General Motors, and to Hudson and Packard as well. Ford abandoned the crank in 1919.

Kettering wasn’t finished. GM acquired Delco and established a new R&D center in Detroit. Leland and his wife, Olive, kept their home in Dayton and resided in the Book Cadillac Hotel when business brought them to the Motor City. His subsequent work resulted in an effective refrigerant for “ice boxes,” leaded gasoline for smooth internal combustion, fast-drying lacquers for colorful cars, and improvements to diesel engines. He registered 186 patents in all.

The leaded gas and Freon refrigerant turned out to have pernicious aspects, while the air-cooled engine he designed for the 1922 Chevrolet was off the mark. Otherwise, it’s impossible to estimate the good that Kettering did before his death in 1958.

Enduring emblems of his engineering skills include the Sloan Kettering Institute, founded in New York with GM chairman Alfred Sloan and dedicated in 1948. Twelve years later it became Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Closer to home, Kettering University (formerly General Motors Institute), in Flint, honors “Boss Ket.”