OTHER VOICES: Reform immigration the right way

to sponsor qualifiedfounders and idea people.

Immigrant communi-ties offer much to Michi-gan. While constitutingonly 7.2 percent of Michi-gan’s population, Arabs,Asians and Latinos makesignificant contributionsto the state’s economy. In2005, Arab-Americanowned businesses generat-

ed $7.7 billion in revenue in thefour county metro Detroit area, re-sulting in $544 million in state taxrevenue and supporting 141,541jobs. The most recent Census Bu-reau figures indicate Latino- and

Asian-owned businesses in Michi-gan accounted for a combined $8.3billion in sales and receipts and60,517 jobs.

A recent UCLA study found thatimmigration reform including acitizenship path for the 8.5 million

undocumented workers (including58,000 in Michigan) would trans-late to a $1.5 trillion boost to theannual GDP over 10 years, includ-ing $1.2 trillion in consumptionand $256 billion in investment. In-creased tax revenues are estimat-ed at $4.5 billion to $5.4 billion inthe first three years, with 750,000to 900,000 added jobs from in-creased consumer spending.

Contrast this with an estimated$206 billion to $230 billion over fiveyears to deport the undocumentedand a potential cumulative loss of$2.6 trillion in GDP over 10 years,not including the costs of deporta-tion.

The Perryman Group and Amer-icans for Immigration Reform de-termined that deporting all undoc-umented workers would cost thestate $3.8 billion in expenditures,$1.8 billion in economic output,and 20,339 jobs.

Comprehensive immigration re-form is necessary to adjust our pol-icy to meet the needs of families,employers, and workers in the 21stcentury. The numbers make clearthe benefits for the nation andMichigan.

Scott Cooper is a partner andmanaging attorney at the Troy of-fice of Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen& Loewy.

We must look beyonddemagoguery in the im-migration debate to thebenefit that the right re-form could generate forMichigan’s economy.

Two-thirds of the mostrecent American NobelPrize winners were immi-grants. Yet we are forcinghighly skilled interna-tional students at Michi-gan’s universities back to theirhome countries due to visa quotasenacted during the 1990-1991 reces-sion. Who would contribute theirskills while waiting up to 20 yearsfor the right to live here?

While we must root out visaabuse, the argument that foreignnationals simply replace U.S. citi-zens ignores studies that show thatthey create jobs. Nearly half of Sili-con Valley companies in 2006 werefounded by immigrants, with a$500 billion impact and tens ofthousands of jobs.

While small and midsize busi-nesses create more jobs, our immi-gration system poorly accommo-dates those who aren’t millionaireinvestors. Most new ideas andbusinesses aren’t that capital-in-tensive, but the law fails to recog-nize this business reality. Manyentrepreneurial leaders support a“Founder’s Visa” concept whereventure capital firms are certified

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OTHER VOICES: Reform immigration the right way

TALK CONTINUED■ From Page 8

make Michigan financially solventagain? The answer is that in aterm-limited state Legislature,that type of meaningful hard work isnot rewarded, but pablum like this,designed to appeal to a narrowconstituency thereby increasingone’s chances for re-election, is allthat matters. Pathetic.

TS Galloway

Re: Wal-Mart donations to helpwith hunger relief in Michigan

$600,000 over 24 months in cashand in-kind items equals $25,000per month, and with 101 Wal-Martsuperstores and Sam’s Clubs inMichigan means approximately$247.53 per outlet donated towardhunger relief efforts. They should beashamed.

R Sue Dodea

Re: Michigan House approves fireworks sales expansion

Many Michigan residents areshooting these off anyway and policedepartments are too busy to catchthem all. May as well make it legalwhile putting some money in thestate coffers.

Mareron

Re: Pontiac emergency planner had authority to auction Silverdome

The city of Pontiac had multipleoffers for that site, at higherprices, several years ago but failedto close a deal because the CityCouncil wanted to social-engineerthe final deal.

The other horses left the barnlong ago. Get over it.

Motown Expat

May 17, 2010 CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS Page 9

Scott Cooper

We are forcinghighly skilledinternational

students ... back totheir home countries.

20100517-NEWS--0009-NAT-CCI-CD_-- 5/14/2010 11:14 AM

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Ban body art? Be consistent

A recent job applicant at Detroit-based law firm Nemeth Burwell P.C.made a confession at the interview —she had tattoos on her arms thatwould be visible unless she dressedto conceal them.

The applicant asked if that wouldthat be a problem, said PatriciaNemeth, founder and managingpartner of the firm.

“We discussed it, and I said, ‘Thisis a professional environment, andyou would have to cover them up,’ ”Nemeth said. “She said ‘No problem,’and was hired.”

A recent Pew Research Center pollfound that 36 percent of 18- to 25-year-olds and 40 percent of 26- to 40-year-olds have at least one tattoo, andthat 30 percent and 22 percent ofrespondents in those age groups havea body piercing.

For employers, this means navigatingthe hurdles of a new kind of dress code.

It’s legal to bar employees fromexhibiting body art, Nemeth said, butemployers must be consistent.

“You can require employees toconform to a professional workenvironment,” she said. “Make surethese issues are in a dress codepolicy.”

The policy should apply across theboard, Nemeth said.

“You can’t have one employeerunning around with tattoos and onenot (allowed to show tattoos), unlessthere’s a business justification,” shesaid. “Like maybe someone’s workingin the warehouse.”

Employers must give leeway toworkers sporting a tattoo or piercingfor religious reasons, Nemeth said,such as an observant Hindu womanwhose nose is pierced.

But employers can check out anemployee’s claim of a religiouslymotivated body piercing or tattoo.

Also important is to write penaltiesfor violations in the dress code.

“Are you going to send a personhome to change, or tell them to gohome without pay for the rest of theday? Are they going to be suspended?Are they going to be terminated? All ofthis is based on your organization,and you need to try to be as specificas possible.”

You may want to be a little lenientfor the first offense. An inexperiencedworker may not understand therequirements of a professional office.

Ext ra WHAT IS A SECOND-STAGE COMPANY? Second-stage companies have betweenabout $1 million and $50 million in annualrevenue or 10-100 employees. They are ledby growth-focused entrepreneurs withmarket-ready products or services. Survivalis no longer a day-to-day worry.The Edward Lowe Foundation found thatsuch firms provided 35.7 percent ofMichigan’s jobs in 2007, more than anyother company category in the state.


REPORTER’S NOTEBOOKNancy Kaffer covers smallbusiness andsecond-stagecompanies andDetroit and WayneCountygovernment. Call(313) 446-0412 orwrite [email protected]

Nancy Kaffer

Filling the rosterIn plentiful market, companies build relationships,

network online to find ‘A’ playersBY NANCY KAFFER

CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS

oyal Oak-based First Tech Direct L.L.C. isin a hiring frenzy, adding eight newemployees to the tech company’s ros-

ter of 38. “We’re getting lots of résumés,” said

John Silvani, president and CEO. “Thereare a lot of people out there, but therearen’t a lot of quality people out there.”

Like many second-stage business own-ers, Silvani is looking for a mix of skill lev-els, from experienced workers to youngpeople that First Tech Direct can train.

But business owners and leaders aresaying that in Michigan’s job market,quantity doesn’t always equal quality —and that makes finding the right personfor the job harder than ever. Companieslike Silvani’s, though, are developing newstrategies and techniques to find the rightfit.

“You would think in this employmentenvironment that it would be easy to findgreat candidates, but it’s more difficult,”said Tom Nixon, a principal at BinghamFarms-based Identity Marketing & Public Re-lations L.L.C., a 25-employee company thatreported $3 million in revenue last year.“You have a lot of sidelined talent that isdesperate for work and applying for any-thing, so you wind up wading through alot of clutter to find the ‘A’ players.”

In 2009, businesses re-ported that on average,filling a job took 45 days,said Mary Corrado, presi-dent and CEO of theSouthfield-basedAmerican Society ofEmployers.

When looking forsupervisory, man-agerial and otherprofessional work-ers, it took an aver-age of 57 days to fill apost in 2009, she said.

“Our members are get-

ting tons of résumés for a position that’sopen,” Corrado said — one engineeringfirm that belongs to ASE received 600 ré-sumés for a single open position in justone day.

Silvani said First Tech Direct, a Mi-crosoft business soft-ware management com-pany that grossed $6.5 million in 2009, isturning its hiringprocess around. Insteadof waiting for an open-ing and finding a per-son to fill it, companyrepresentatives are at-tending job fairs andprofessional gatheringsto form relationshipswith workers before thebusiness has a need.

“We’re going to be

constantly looking for people,” he said.“We’re going to have almost a backlog ofrésumés, so when we say we need two de-velopers we can say, ‘Well, we met two de-velopers last month.’ ”

The company also has started an em-ployee referral program, offering existingworkers a small cash award for suggest-ing a successful hire.

Nixon said Identity is increasingly us-ing social networks to recruit candidates.

“The question is, How do you find the‘A’ players?” he said. “The old way of find-ing them, where you place an ad and gethundreds and hundreds of résumés andit’s someone’s job to go through that, iseven more difficult right now. What socialmedia allows us to do is take a lot of thatguesswork out of it. Just like you’d ask,‘Does anyone have a good foot doctor?’ No

NATHAN SKID/CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS

Social media and job fairs are chances for First Tech Direct L.L.C. of Royal Oak to court prospectiveemployees before the hiring process even begins. “We’re going to be constantly looking for people,”said President and CEO John Silvani.

R

See Roster, Page 12

Our members aregetting tonsof résumés

for aposition

that’sopen.

Mary Corrado, American Society of Employers

”

“

ISTOCKPHOTO.COM, COMSTOCK

20100517-NEWS--0011-NAT-CCI-CD_-- 5/14/2010 10:10 AM Page 1

one asks if anyone has a marginalfoot doctor. You do the same thingonline.”

Like Silvani, Nixon said it’sabout building relationships.

“You just start networking withpeople, assuming you have a de-cent networkbuilt online,” hesaid. “You’restill doing someguesswork, butyou’ve alreadycleared a hurdlebecause youknow someonewho knows thatperson.”

Nixon saidIdentity’s two most recent hiresfound the company via social net-working sites.

“It totally changed our hiringpractices. We no longer post jobson jobs boards because we realizedit does not get the results we’relooking for and just makes morework.”

Social networks, Nixon said,also give the company a feel forwho the prospective employee is, asort of preliminary vetting — andthat person, in turn, can learnabout the company culture.

Finding the right fit is becomingmore important at First Tech Di-rect, Silvani said.

The company is becoming moreselective in its hiring, he said,screening candidates with meth-ods such as skills assessment tests.

“It’s too expensive to hire thewrong person — not just hiringthem but keeping them and gettingrid of them.”

It’s a new way of thinking forFirst Tech Direct.

When the company was smaller,Silvani said, “We didn’t thinkabout it because we didn’t have theongoing need. We had a communi-ty of friends or contacts we couldtalk to (for referrals) and we didn’tneed as many people as fast. It wasmore like, ‘I need one person, andthen I don’t need anyone for thenext six months.’ Now we have tokeep this effort going.”

Nancy Kaffer: (313) 446-0412,[email protected].

Learn new skills.

May 17, 2010CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESSPage 12

Second Stage Extra

Nixon

Roster:Finding ‘A’ players■ From Page 11

Study: ‘Poaching’ is widespread, trying to block it is unethical BY PATRICK KIGER

CRAIN NEWS SERVICE

If there’s one thing executivesalmost universally dislike, it’shaving their workforces poachedby competitors.

It’s little wonder that poachingvictims frequently respond withlawsuits —that is, when they’renot brokering their own clandes-tine and questionably legal “gen-tlemen’s agreements” with othercompanies to keep their hands offone another’s staffs.

To Vanderbilt University associate

professor of management TimGardner, co-author of a study onthe ethics of poaching, all the ani-mus is unjustified. It’s also consid-ered harmful — to workers, theeconomy and ultimately to the ag-grieved employers themselves.

In The Ethics of Lateral Hiring,which has been accepted for pub-lication by Business Ethics Quar-terly, Gardner and colleaguesDavid Hart of Brigham Young Univer-sity and Jason Stansbury of CalvinCollege analyze the history of em-ployer-employee relationships.

They conclude that while em-

ployers may feel betrayed by de-partures, workers are legally andethically entitled to pursue oppor-tunities that arise elsewhere.

“There’s a temptation to look atpoaching as something unethical,”Gardner said. “But that implies acertain ownership of employeesand their skill sets. You don’t ownthem. To the contrary, companiesthat try to prevent lateral hiring ofemployees are actually the onesbeing unethical.”

Some legal analysts say thatgentlemen’s agreements with com-petitors to prevent workers from

changing jobs may violate federalantitrust laws.

While some executives maythink poaching is practiced byonly a few corporate pariahs, theresearchers say lateral hiring — aeuphemism for poaching — iswidespread. Federal Reserve Boardeconomists estimate that of the 4 million workers who change jobsin a typical month, 80 percent arerecruited by their new bosses.That suggests lateral hiring mayprovide a way for human capitalto flow most efficiently to theplaces it is needed.

Gardner recognizes that employ-ers have an interest in retainingcritical talent and insists there areethical ways to thwart poaching.

In particular, they should con-centrate on promoting more sym-metry — that is, in addition to ex-pecting workers to be loyal, theyshould be more loyal to workers.Two key types: relational loyalty,which results from better bondingbetween workers and managers,and ideological loyalty, in whichthe employer and the workforce feeljoined by a common purpose.

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Second Stage Extra

In need of master’s-level talent,Gongos teams up to help create it

BY DUSTIN WALSH

SPECIAL TO CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS

For Auburn Hills custom mar-keting research firm Gongos Re-search Inc., finding the right talentto bring aboard is one of the great-est challenges. But a new effortcould fill the talent pool withhomegrown researchers.

In March, the CEO of Troy-based marketing research firmDucker Worldwide contacted Gon-gos to get help create a new mas-ter’s of market research programat Michigan State University’s EliBroad College of Business and Gradu-ate School of Management. Themarketing research industry isgrowing, generating $19.2 billionglobally in 2003 and more than $32 billion in 2008, according tothe Amsterdam-based EuropeanSociety for Opinion and MarketingResearch.

And as the industry grows, sodoes Gongos, going from 77 em-ployees to 100 in the past twomonths and from revenue of $13.2 million last year to a project-ed $16.9 million this year.

But finding master’s-level talentin the area has been nearly impos-sible for Gongos.

“Marketing research has alwaysbeen seen as a background disci-pline,” saidCamille Nicita,principal atGongos andhead of the com-pany’s recruit-ment efforts.“People havebeen coming inwith marketingdegrees or socialscience degreesbut lack the project managementand relationship-building skillswe look for.”

Patrick Glaser, director of re-search standards at the Glaston-bury, Conn.-based Marketing Re-search Association, concurs.

“There are only a few schoolsthat teach this at the master’s lev-el,” he said. “This is one of the ma-jor bottlenecks.”

The University of Georgia’s TerryCollege of Business offers a master’sdegree in marketing research —one of the few in the country and afrequent recruiting ground forGongos.

But with so few programs, everyfirm goes after the same students,Nicita said. A local program likethe one at MSU allows local firmsto not only help create new talentbut access it as well.

“We’re shaping the curriculumfor the students,” Nicita said. “Theidea came about out of sheer frus-tration from the marketplace.We’ve been disappointed by thecurriculum in other programs,and now we can produce the righttype of people coming out of a localprogram.”

The one-year master of sciencein marketing research programwill commence in the winter se-mester of 2011, with all classes be-

ing taught in East Lansing. The program will feature a full

year of classes, concurrent withtwo paid internships at firmssuch as Gongos, Ducker and Fen-ton, Mo.-based Maritz Inc., whichhas an automotive research officein Southfield.

The program will leverage exist-ing graduate courses and facultyfrom MSU’s marketing depart-ment and incorporate new cur-riculum designed by the market-ing research firms.

Nicita will act as an adviser andguest lecturer. John Gongos, presi-dent and CEO, will also be a guestlecturer.

The first students — most areemployees of the three firms —will be sponsored by their respec-tive employers, Nicita said. Uni-versity officials are also courtingpotential students from undergradprograms.

The Market Research Associa-tion will attempt to address the ed-ucation issue at its annual confer-ence, June 9-11 in Boston. Theassociation also will put togetheran academic board in hopes ofsparking more interest in market-ing research programs at otheruniversities.

Glaser said there’s a growingconnection between business andacademia, and more industries arelooking to capitalize on opportuni-ties to mold new talent as the linesblur.

The Wayne State University Schoolof Business Administration CareerPlanning Placement Office plans toorganize an executive advisoryboard this summer, said AmberConway, director of the office.

Stephen Strome, former chair-man and CEO of Handleman Co. andexecutive in residence at the busi-ness school, will lead the organiza-tion of the board.

“I think for the first time univer-sities are really starting to thinkabout the output of the studentsand are starting to think about ac-countability of their programs,”Conway said. “We’re all looking todevelop programs that employeessay they need and become moreproactive.”

Daryl Weinert, executive direc-tor of the Business EngagementCenter at the University ofMichigan, said the university hasexecutive advisory boards to keepexisting programs current withtrends.

“We’re more engaged with in-dustry than we ever have been,”he said. “This type of partnershipis happening more and more.”

Most universities offer certifi-cate programs to address currentneeds, he said.

Lawrence Technological Universityrecently partnered with Waltham,Mass.-based Raytheon Co.’s Troy of-fice to develop a certificate in man-ufacturing systems for the defenseindustry.

The first courses began in Janu-ary.

“Companies want to hire stu-dents that already have the knowl-

edge,” Conway said. “What our lo-cal employers want to see is nowbecoming more of the conversa-tion.”

Nicita said program partner-ships are key to stopping up thebrain drain.

“We’ve been really successfulhere in Michigan, and we’d muchrather hire here in our state andbuild upon the talent here,” shesaid. “Participating in a programwhere we can show students thatthey can make a difference inMichigan with their skills is some-thing we hold dear.”

Nicita



Second Stage Extra Restructuring ExperienceIn Your Corner.

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Some businesses use new smoking lawas vehicle to help workers kick the habit

BY NANCY KAFFER

CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS

With a state law that bans smok-ing in most workplaces as of May1, Albert Goldstein, president ofUnited Auto Supply, thought it wouldbe a good time to encourage hisemployees to quit.

UAS, which reports $37 millionin sales in 2009, has five locationsand some 125 employees, about 25 percent of whom smoke, Gold-stein estimates.

Encouraging employees to stopsmoking is a win-win financially,Goldstein said. The company re-coups time formerly lost to smokebreaks and the workers save mon-ey previously spent on smoking.

“I figure if the average personwho smokes is spending $12,000 to$15,000 a year, I probably havethat much loss in productivityand additional absences fromsickness, compared to my non-smoking employees,” Goldsteinsaid. The employees’ benefit:“That’s got to be $6, $10, $12 (aday) after taxes they invest intheir smoking habit that theycould easily roll into an IRA.”

And, he said, it’s the right thingto do.

“With society finally getting themessage, we figured, why not tryto help people instead of movingashtrays far away from the build-ing? We’re trying a carrot ap-proach,” Goldstein said.

So he consulted his insuranceagent, who pointed him toward aWilliam Beaumont Hospital smoking-cessation program.

“You can give people pamphlets,but at the end of the day I thinkmost successful plans involvedpatches, medications. … I’m notsaying better living through chem-istry, but I think it involves moreto break a very difficult habit,” hesaid.

“I’m offering to employees topick up half the cost for this. I’llpay for their time if they’re goingto do it here. I offered to pick uphalf the cost of spouses, and if theyare successful, my wife and I willreward them again with some giftto offset the other half of the cost.Our goal is to help them help them-selves, and at the end of the day,everybody will be better off.”

A six- to eight-week, seven-ses-sion smoking-cessation programcosts about $100 per person, saidJenny Guthrie, program coordina-tor for Beaumont Business HealthStrategies.

When contacted by a businessowner, said Tom Spring, programmanager of myOptimal Health, theonsite component of BeaumontBusiness Health Strategies, thefirst step is to assess the compa-ny’s workforce.

“The first thing we do is try tohelp evaluate whether it’s a needfor their population, which inmany cases it is,” he said. “We tryto evaluate who we’re workingwith and what the goals are for asmoking-cessation program and ifour program fits their need.”

On average, Spring said, employ-ers lose roughly $1,500 annually in

lost time from smoking employees. The program doesn’t offer phar-

maceuticals, but does discuss suchaids as part of the program, he said.

“In the sessions, we talk aboutwanting to quit, strategies for quit-ting, holistic approaches in quit-ting, making a quit plan, building a‘quit kit,’ with tools and resourcesfor substituting habits for smok-ing,” Guthrie said. “One thing thatreally makes this program differentis we do a lot of talking about whatsmoking is doing to your body, inlayman’s terms. We have fun, butit’s shock value in a way.”

Michigan’s new smoking re-strictions and rising health carecosts are prompting employers toconsider offering such programs,Spring said.

“Very consciously, employersare looking at health care costs andwhat they can do to control them,”he said. “Smoking cessation is key,and it has measurable outcomes.”

Michael Rogers, vice presidentof communications at the Lansing-based Small Business Association ofMichigan, said his organization’smembership has expressed in-creasing interest in smoking ces-sation programs, and he expectsthat to continue.

“I think there’s no question thatthis is a trend for the future,”Rogers said. “(Business owners)see the benefits of employees whofeel better about their health, theysee less employee absenteeism,employees not taking cigarettebreaks. … There’s a lot of overallrecognition of the benefits of well-ness programs.”

Even if health care costs don’t godown, the small-business ownerwill see a benefit because they’reclose to employees, he said.

At UAS, just one employee hassigned up for the program so far.But Goldstein said that’s OK.

“He’s going to be the poster child,and he will be the go-to person forthe people who are smokers to pro-mote it, if it works for him,” he said.“And after him, we will continue tooffer the program. It’s a good start.That’s the way I look at it.”

Nancy Kaffer: (313) 446-0412,[email protected].

We’re trying acarrot approach.

Albert Goldstein, United Auto Supply

”“


BY MICHELLE MARTINEZ


ichael Boudreau has this advice forcompanies looking to branch outinto new industries: Brace yourself

for a long ride.Boudreau, director of Bloomfield Hills

turnaround firm O’Keefe andAssociates, said that whilediversification has become arecessionary buzzword, inpractice “it’s a lot harderthan everyone thinks. It’s along-term project that takespatience and persistence.”

Few regions can beatSoutheast Michigan’s manu-facturing expertise,Boudreau said, and automo-

tive suppliers’ understanding of exactingOEM standards and supply line efficien-cies could transfer to a number of indus-tries. But businesses need to relearn theless-tangible skills of new-businessprospecting and marketing before theycan become qualified suppliers for a newmarket, let alone add new revenue to thebottom line. And that corporate evolutioncan take years.

These are lessons that Keith Helfrich,program manager of market diversifica-tion at the Michigan Manufacturing Technol-ogy Center, teaches many small and mid-size manufacturers that often come to thecenter in crisis.

“While this is about diversification, it’salso about achieving sales growth now,”

he said. “Many of these companies arehurting in a big way.”

The nonprofit center takes companiesthrough the steps they would need to di-versify with a weeklong crash course.Step one, he said, is understanding whatit is that they do best and how it might beapplied to another industry.

“They talk aboutwhat they make andwhat they do for a par-ticular industry, but Iwant to know the com-petencies that allowthem to make thegear,” Helfrich said.“It’s something theycould do for a differentindustry.

The program useshands-on computer exercises to walkcompany teams through the process of

identifying prospective customers in newindustries and developing new sales mes-sages. Website critiques and tweaks toboost a company’s search engine perfor-mance are part of the package, Helfrichsaid.

The whole point, he said, is to walkaway with a selling road map that in-cludes quantifiable goals and actions,such as increasing sales or online traffic.

Protomatic Inc., a Dexter-based machineshop, went through the center’s programat the end of 2007, said Doug Wetzel, vicepresident and general manager (See story,Page 18). The automotive-heavy companyhad been making progress attractingwork from medical-equipment suppliersbut needed help fine-tuning its sales andmarketing for the new industry, he said.

About 90 percent of the company’sbusiness came by referral.

“Most small businesses don’t marketthemselves on the industrial side,” Wet-zel said.

After the program, Protomatic startedto target potential customers more effec-tively, leveraging a more-polished salesforce and marketing approach. The com-pany found that its greatest opportunityresided in machining parts for orthope-dic devices such as spine implants andjoint replacements, a fast-growing seg-ment of the medical-device industry, Wet-zel said.

Medical devices now make up nearly 80percent of Protomatic’s business, com-


Supplier cash flow is a mixed bag

It takes more than ambition todiversify into a new industry.

It also takes cash.Ask any midmarket to small

supplier about how they felt last yearabout the challenges facing theirbusiness, and capital availabilitywould be high on the list.

The shortage was especiallypronounced for smaller suppliersworking to diversify into aerospace,defense and other nonautomotiveindustries. I heard stories frequentlylast year that went something likethis: “We’ve got this product ortechnology that will work for otherindustries, but our bank won’t help usbuy the equipment or fund theprototype construction we need to getin the door.”

Manufacturers were turned downsimply for being in automotive. Forbanks, the risk of losing money on aloan issued to a company whose tier-one or OEM customer goes belly-upwas too great.

But traditional cash flow-basedlending is beginning to becomeavailable again in limited situations,says Sheldon Stone, a partner andauto supplier restructuring expert withBirmingham-based Amherst PartnersL.L.C.

Stone said a year ago that“automotive” was looked at like afour-letter word. So while big-banklenders like Comerica Bank and Chaseare beginning to re-enter the marketwith traditional credit lines, the flow ofcapital is still more like a leaky faucetthan a fire hose.

“It really depends on theinstitution,” Stone said. “There arebanks that are going back into themarket and trying to make nice.”

Asset-based lenders, with theirhigher interest rates and shortermaturities, are still very active, hesaid, but these are still uncertaintimes. Some lenders are still skittishabout lending to suppliers with GMand Chrysler business.

Stone said he’s still seen a fewcases of banks not lending to certainsuppliers that even have purchaseorders in hand.

And while Stone’s businessassisting financially distressed autosuppliers has been down lately, as isthe case with most autorestructuring firms, he said if theindustry gains too much momentumtoo quickly, more suppliers thatmothballed operations during lastyear’s downturn could findthemselves without the bankroll theyneed to fund the upturn.

“At the current run rate, you wouldsee some companies starting toexperience trouble,” he said.

If the North American productionvolumes creep closer to a rate of11.7 million to 12 million vehicles,“there is going to be a significantincrease of the number of suppliers indistress.”

the new supply chain

A DIVERSIFICATION PLAYBOOKWhat’s the best advice for a company looking to diversify? We asked Michael Boudreau, director of Bloomfield Hills turnaround firm O’Keefe andAssociates; Keith Helfrich, program manager for market diversification at the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center; and Tobias Schoenherr,assistant professor, supply chain management at Michigan State University. Here’s what they said:

ROBERT CHASE

Protomatic Inc. in Dexter started effectively branching out from the automotive sector afterthe machine shop took part in a Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center program, saidDoug Wetzel, vice president and general manager.

WHERE TO TURN�� Resources: Programs match companies and customers, Page 17

CASE STUDIESHow four companies took the leap in learningnew industries and expanding their customerbases:

�� Protomatic Inc., Page 18�� Saline Lectronics Inc., Page 18

�� J.C. Gibbons Manufacturing Inc., Page 19

�� Patti Engineering, Page 19

Boudreau

Helfrich

See Diversification, Page 16

■ Assess the things that setyou apart from yourcompetition. This will help youidentify what problems you cansolve in other markets.

■ Do your homework. For example,use the North American IndustryClassification System codes, agovernment statistical tool thatclassifies companies by industrycategory, to drill down to prospects.

■ First, approach customers thatallow you to leverage existingstrengths and equipment. Second,consider investing in new technologyor equipment after gaining a healthyamount of business to service.

■ Leverage supplierclients and otherexternal resourcesfor technical andindustry knowledge.

■ Be preparedfor a lot ofrejection. Bepersistent.

Worththe long

driveRoad to diversification takes patience; trade groups, government outlets can help

M

Ryan Beene writesabout auto suppliers,the steel industry,higher education andLivingston andWashtenaw counties.Call (313) 446-0315or [email protected]

Ryan Beene

REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK



Focus: The New Supply Chain

pared with about 40 percent fouryears ago. Automotive and trans-portation comprise less than 6 per-cent of its sales. Defense and re-newable energy customers roundout the mix.

“We’re going to do another roundwith (the MMTC) in 2010,” Wetzelsaid. “It keeps us fluent in the toolsand techniques that are relevant.”

Since MMTC was founded in2006, more than 130 companieshave completed the program.About one-third opt for additionalservices such as a website over-haul, six sigma training or quality

certification preparation.The program costs $18,750, but

that can be lowered through stategrants, Helfrich said. The MMTCis the state’s vendor for the Manu-facturing Extension Partnership, anational program aimed at makingmanufacturers more competitive.

“A lot of what we do is developthe very basics of sales and market-ing with tools used today in themarketplace, which is differentthan it was five, 10 or 25 years ago,”he said. “They’ll say, ‘I have to startselling again. I guess I need to takesomeone out to lunch.’ But that’s

not how business is done today.“We have to drag them kicking

and screaming into the 21st centu-ry,” he said.

Beyond marketing, challengesstill exist, Boudreau said.

Companies will likely need tolearn the supply-chain vernacularof a new industry; and even afterthey win a new customer they willneed to be patient through initialbidding processes and test runs.

“Once you have a new customer,they say you need to be a qualifiedsupplier. That might take anothersix to eight months,” he said.

Diversification: A slow process that can eventually pay off big■ From Page 15

“That just gives you an opportuni-ty to be on the quote list. When anew project comes up, you may notwin the bid. And if you do win it,it’s another six months before youstart to (see revenue from that).”

New customers also may wantto test new suppliers with smallerparcels of business before firmlyintegrating them into the mix,Boudreau said, something thatwill likely take a year or two.

Automotive suppliers used tosupplying high-volume contractsmay be confronted with anotherchallenge when they start to sup-ply lower-volume industries suchas aerospace and medical devices,Boudreau said.

“In aerospace, you don’t make 2million planes a year,” he said.

The process is one that Motor CityStamping CEO Judy Kucway is fastlearning. The 40-year-old Chester-field Township-based automotivesupplier is working to branch outinto supplying defense contractors,something Kucway said her compa-ny was recruited to do because of itsminority-owned status.

Motor City already has a vendorcode to service large defense in-dustry manufacturers, but it willlikely take “two to three years toget a quote,” Kucway said.

“Everyone is trying to diversi-fy,” she said. “We just started. It’sa slow buildup. They’ve got a goodbase of suppliers right now. ... Youhave to be competitive and quotethe process. It’s a lot different thanautomotive. It’s a learning curveyou have to get on right away.”

Motor City invested in a $2.1 mil-lion welding system that can beused to service its automotive anddefense customers, she said. And al-though the company is just startingin defense, Kucway already expectsthis year to be better than last.

In 2009, the company had rev-enue of about $36 million. Thisyear, Kucway expects to hit $45million, which would put it squarewith its sales in 2008.

“We’re not going to let any grassgrow under our feet,” Kucway said.

We have to drag (companies) kickingand screaming into the 21st century.

Keith Helfrich, Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center”

“

Tech curriculumtargets jobless

AT&T Inc. has contributed$150,000 to a Southeast Michiganeffort aimed at training workersfor technology jobs.

AT&T and other telecommuni-cations and technology companiesjoined with Henry Ford CommunityCollege earlier this year to an-nounce the Michigan Alliance forHigh-Tech Skills Training, an ef-fort to create curriculum to helpstudents and workers who havelost their jobs gain employment inan array of industries.

The program’s curriculum willinclude business and technologyclasses the college currently pro-vides, as well as new classes creat-ed out of input from the businessalliance. The curriculum is expect-ed to be available to students be-ginning this fall.

— Amy Lane


BY CONSTANCE CRUMP


While there is no all-inclusiveclearinghouse for supply chaincompanies looking to meet poten-tial new customers, there are anumber of fledgling matchmakingservices.

Programs akin to an eHarmony forbusinesses are in place or in theworks at a number of area associa-tions and state agencies. The Michi-gan Economic Development Corp. iscreating a Michigan ManufacturersCapability Database (MichCap) topromote manufacturers to original-equipment manufacturers and as-sist with matchmaking.

The database follows a series ofsummits the MEDC hosted last yearto help suppliers assess their readi-ness to diversify and give access toindustry experts and informationon matching grants for training.

In addition, the Original EquipmentSuppliers Association, the U.S. Depart-ment of Energy, the Federal LaboratoryConsortium for Technology Transfer,Oak Ridge National Laboratory and theMEDC will launch a clearinghouseeffort called the OESA AutomotiveSupplier Technology Forum.

The forum will offer networkingand an information clearinghousefor OESA members and others in-volved in developing and commer-cializing automotive technology. Itsfirst meeting is set for June 22.

“For an auto supplier looking todiversify into medical devices orwind energy, forums like ours andothers around the state play an in-valuable service to minimize thetime and cost of building new rela-tionships,” said Dave Andrea,

OESA senior vice president, indus-try analysis and economics. OESAis based in Troy.

The tech forum will be part of alarger strategy of exposing compa-nies to opportunities within the fed-eral departments of defense and en-ergy, said Gary Krause, director offederal partnerships and initiativesat the MEDC.

National laboratories are alsoworking with Michigan manufac-turers through a representative inMEDC’s Livonia office. Ray Boe-man of Oak Ridge National Laboratoryacts as a liaison between Michigancompanies and the national lab net-work.

Oakland County’s Automation Al-ley also has had requests for amatchmaking service and is consid-

ering the best way to answer the de-mand.

“We don’t have a formal network-ing mechanism in place yet, but weare looking at industry-specificroundtables starting this fall,” saidDanielle DeLonge, Alley businessaccelerator client champion.

Local manufacturers are takingaction on their own as well.

Founded as an auto supplier in1962, Atlas Tool Inc. in Roseville is di-versifying its customer basethrough industry associations,sales consultants and acquain-tances that are associated with oth-er industries, such as defense andalternative energy.

“It’s painstaking, but it seems tobe going in the right direction,”said President Mark Schmidt.

Steven Melnyk, professor of op-erations management for the De-partment of Marketing and SupplyChain Management at MichiganState University’s Eli Broad School ofBusiness said the idea of an industri-al matchmaking service is poten-tially interesting, but such a servicewould need to prequalify firms.

“You can describe the capabili-ties of the firm — does it have thecapacity, the ability to do what itsays?” he said.

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HELP BREAKING THE ICEThese resources can provide aroad map to breaking into newmarkets:� Michigan Capability Database:www.michiganadvantage.org/Diversification/Manufacturing/Default.aspx� OESA Automotive SupplierTechnology Forum: http://oesa.organd click on events.� Michigan ManufacturingTechnology Center: www.mmtc.org� Michigan Economic DevelopmentCorp.: www.michiganadvantage.org/Diversification� University of Michigan’sSurviving to Thriving program:www.irlee.umich.edu� Automation Alley:www.automationalley.com� NextEnergy: www.nextenergy.org

Programs match companies, customers

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Cash flow, versatility helped evolvingmachine shop through supplier squeeze

Protomatic Inc. has been forced tospread its machine shop wingsmore than once.

The 1969 moon landing ended therush of the space race and sloweddemand for machining rocket partsthat had been a primary businessfor Protomatic’s parent company.

Protomatic, founded in 1971, hadsome small, early wins — electro-mechanical devices for pinball ma-chines and medical-imaging ma-chines — but its big business camefrom prototyping parts for Ford Mo-tor Co., said Doug Wetzel, Protomat-ic vice president and general man-ager and son of its founder, William.

The prototypes accounted formore than 60 percent of the compa-ny’s business when Ford told itssuppliers in 2000 that it was cut-ting prototyping by 90 percent andwhittling down its supplier base.

Protomatic started to look fornew business, using lessons learnedfrom its previous experience.

The company invested in tech-nology and equipment that did notfavor a particular industry.

“We use CNC type of milling andturning machines. But they’re uni-versal,” Wetzel said. “The sameequipment is used to manufactureautomotive, aerospace or medicalparts.”

And because Protomatic wasused to low-volume prototypingruns, it could more easily switchproduction to lower-volume indus-tries such as medical equipment.

The company hadn’t relied oncredit to bulk up with equipmentand other purchases during boom

times. The result, Wetzel said, wasthat it had the cash to make itthrough the lean times while boost-ing its presence in newer industries.

Word-of-mouth referrals startedto win more medical-equipmentbusiness. By 2006, Protomatic’s au-tomotive business had been cut inhalf, to 30 percent. Medical equip-ment accounted for 41 percent ofsales. This year, medical makes upnearly 80 percent of Protomatic’sbusiness. The rest is split amongsmaller defense and aerospace cus-tomers.

Protomatic last year had rev-enue of about $3 million, Wetzelsaid, up about $1 million from 2006.

A crash course at the nonprofitMichigan Manufacturing TechnologyCenter gave Protomatic greater fo-cus on specific segments of themedical equipment industry. Or-thopedics is a growing specialty,Wetzel said.

“We had declined from 2001 to2006, and now we’re going backup,” he said.

— Michelle Martinez

Training grants, MEDC help circuit board maker growpany’s current location.

“The banks weren’t interestedin bricks and mortar. The MichiganEconomic Development Corp. steppedin with their collateral supportprogram and helped us obtain thefacilities,” Sciberras said. “Wewere the first ones to obtain itthrough that program.”

The company last August re-ceived nearly $1 million throughthe state’s Michigan Supplier Di-versification Fund to double itssize to 60,000 square feet. Since thedeal closed in November, SalineLectronics has hired about 17 em-

ployees. Saline Lectronics hasabout 104 employees; within twoyears, it expects to have about 135,largely to service defense and med-ical device customers.

Medical devices now representnearly 40 percent of Saline Lectron-ics’ business, and controls are near-ly 24 percent, with the rest comingfrom a variety of other industries,Sciberras said. Automotive is just 2 percent of its overall business.

Thermoelectric devices and bat-tery development are new marketsthe company is investigating.

— Michelle Martinez

Shortly after Saline LectronicsInc. started up in 2002, the industryit relied upon the most — automo-tive — began to pressure suppliersto lower prices.

“The margins got so thin thatthere was no room,” said SalineLectronics President and CEOMario Sciberras.

Automotive was 60 percent of theSaline-based cir-cuit board manu-facturer’s busi-ness. Theremaining 40 percent wentto controls forthings like ma-chine tools.

Market re-search ledSciberras to de-

fense and medical devices as in-dustries that offered good opportu-nities for growth. But eachindustry required quality certifi-cations to get a foot in the door.

Saline Lectronics in 2004 re-ceived $45,000 worth of traininggrants from the state, Sciberrassaid, which allowed the company toimprove internal record-keepingand train its employees. By 2006, hesaid, the company had received itsISO medical device certificationand its certification for aerospace.

“A number of companies in(our) market required that certifi-cation,” he said. “That was ourgame plan.”

But while the company began toexpand into other industries, ex-panding its plant was more diffi-cult. A credit crunch made it hardfor Saline Lectronics to finance thepurchase of more space in the com-

Sciberras

The sameequipment is used to

manufactureautomotive,

aerospace or medicalparts.

Doug Wetzel, Protomatic Inc.”

“

CASE STUDY: PROTOMATIC INC.

CASE STUDY: SALINE LECTRONICS INC.


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For ‘a bunch of electrical engineers,’hard parts were sales and marketing

Technical know-how can be ap-plied in more than one way. Butmarketing can be tricky.

Those are among the lessonslearned by Auburn Hills-based Pat-ti Engineering and sister companyLEID Products L.L.C.

“We’re a bunch of electrical engi-neers, and wecan make thingswork,” said SamHoff, president ofboth companies.

“One of thestruggles I’vehad and onething I’m learn-ing: Sales andmarketing aretough hurdles toget over,” Hoff said.

Patti Engineering was foundedin 1991 as a system integrator inelectrical controls and informa-tion systems. Its historically auto-motive customer base still ac-counts for 45 percent of business.

In the last five to seven years,Patti Engineering has added high-speed sorting and distribution sys-tems for customers such as DHLand fashion retailers Men’s Wear-house and Forever 21. Hoff projects2010 revenue of $5 million, up from$3.7 million last year. The compa-ny has 30 employees.

In 2005, Hoff created LEID Prod-

ucts L.L.C. to sell biometricallycontrolled locker and cabinet stor-age. LEID serves three industries:law enforcement, library lockersand medical distribution. Hoff ex-pects $900,000 in 2010 sales, upfrom $160,000 last year with twoemployees.

A retired police officer suggestedthe first LEID product to Hoff. Dur-ing his career, the policeman hadwanted a system using fingerprintsto check out rifles for police sta-tions, but nothing had been avail-able. His efforts to develop a lockingrifle rack on his own were incom-plete. LEID Products made it work.

“When we put it into our firstsite, (the customer) immediatelysaid, ‘That’s really good for our ri-fles. Do you have something forhandguns, Tasers, to keep otherassets?’ We added the locker prod-uct,” Hoff said.

LEID found success with librarylockers as well, especially for rurallibraries. A set of lockers fromwhich library patrons can retrievetheir reserved books and materialsis far cheaper than a branch library10 miles from the main location.

Biometric systems can be usedto track hospital scrubs and othersurgical and medical supplies or todistribute medicine and home-infusion kits to patients and homehealth care staff outside of busi-

ness hours. Corporations, collegesand universities, amusementparks and military facilities areother potential markets.

“Both companies have Twitterfeeds and blogs. Hoff’s blog for PattiEngineering includes companynews, commentary on issues likeDetroit’s revival, and his personalpassion, Detroit Tigers baseball. “Wehave a marketing consultant thatwe’re working with on the Facebookpages. Both are working prettywell. Since LEID has a product, itsmarketing is more important. PattiEngineering has a strong word-of-mouth reputation,” Hoff said.

LEID is doing its first federal pro-ject right now. It should be deliv-ered and installed by the end of Mayat National Institutes of Health for theagency’s police force, Hoff said.LEID has a dedicated salesman whomade the deal. LEID manufacturingtakes place in Tiffin, Ohio.

Patti Engineering upgraded a 15-year-old control system on the Ten-nessee Valley Authority’s WilsonDam Spillway in Muscle Shoals,Ala. The TVA had received esti-mates of as much as $15 million toreplace the system.

Patti Engineering also workswith other manufacturers, such asconveyor fabricators, to get busi-ness.

— Constance Crump

Hoff

Supplier cracks the code to finding new businessThanks to unorthodox use of in-

dustry classification codes and amajor overhaul of marketing toolsand techniques, Livonia’s J.C. Gib-bons Manufacturing Inc. is courtingnew customers.

Founded in 1959, it’s currentlymanaged by the third generationof the Gibbonsfamily. Jeff Gib-bons is vicepresident.

“In the screw-machine indus-try, our productis more expen-sive but hastighter toler-ances,” Gibbonssaid. “We makeall special products, not found in acatalog anywhere.”

Until recently, the company’scustomer portfolio was weighted to-ward the automotive industry.Three years ago, automotive orderswaned. The company joined themarket diversification program forsmall businesses offered by theMichigan Manufacturing TechnologyCenter.

With ISO certification, high-quality production, current tech-nology and up-to-date machinery,J.C. Gibbons had excellent basics.With MMTC’s help and usingNorth American Industry Classifi-cation System codes (a govern-

ment statistical tool), the companyfound and pitched potential cus-tomers in growth industries withthe same codes as existing clients.

That led to new business mak-ing parts for a local medical sup-plier and a commercial sign mak-er. The company has alsoexpanded its reach into oil and hy-draulic pumps. Jeff Gibbons ex-pects $2.5 million to $3 million inrevenue this year.

“It is a step-by-step process.Nothing happens fast. It takestime. It takes effort to find indus-tries and companies that are out-side the current product mix inother growth industries,” he said.

“We went from 75 percent directautomotive sales to 49 percent. Wefeel good about that — but wearen’t running away from automo-tive. We would welcome a returnto that business.”

J.C. Gibbons hasn’t ventured totrade shows in new markets, al-though just about everything elseabout its marketing approach haschanged. Its e-mails go more wide-ly to potential customers. Phonefollow-up is a massive effort.Culti-vating new customers is like anyother gardening, he said.

“Companies that are in the initialstages of opportunity — that’s real-ly about planting seeds. They won’tneed harvesting for maybe sixmonths or more. With feeding and

watering, eventually these pop,” hesaid.

One new reality hasn’t changed:Predicting work flow (and thusrevenue) is excruciating.

“Everybody waits till the lastminute to order,” Gibbons said.Tight time lines give J.C. Gibbonsan advantage over offshore com-petitors.

“(Competitors are) not goingaway, but I have fast turnaroundand great customer service. That’swhere we’ve seen growth opportu-nities. We can be more responsiveto that panicked call at 5 o’clock:‘We need the parts tomorrow!’

“You can’t go to China for that.You’re going to call your neighbor,and that’s where we’re going tosave them. A lot of times that willopen the door for you,” he said.

The company already has addedparts customers in industries suchas oil, electrical, heavy truck andconsumer goods, including fishingequipment and hand tools. It’s ex-ploring wind turbines and batter-ies.

The company is revamping itsweb site, www.jcgibbons.com.

Gibbons said his dad, Jerry, willalways have the president’s title,although he’s now retired. Jeff’sbrother, Dan, also works at thescrew-machine company startedby their grandfather, John.

— Constance Crump

Gibbons

CASE STUDY: PATTI ENGINEERING, LEID PRODUCTS L.L.C.

CASE STUDY: J.C. GIBBONS MANUFACTURING INC.



CRAIN'S LIST: PRIVATE 200 Ranked by 2009 revenue

Rank CompanyPhone; Web site Top executive

Revenue 2009($000,000)

Revenue 2008($000,000) Percent change

Full-time localemployeesJan. 2010

WorldwideemployeesJan. 2010 Type of business

1. General Motors Co.(313) 556-5000; www.gm.com

Ed Whitacre Jr.chairman and CEO

$57,474.0 B $148,979.0 -61.4% NA 215,000 Automobile manufacturer

2. Chrysler Group L.L.C.(248) 576-5741; www.chryslerllc.com

Sergio MarchionneCEO

17,710.0 C 47,600.0 C -62.8 NA 47,470 Automobile manufacturer

3. Penske Corp.(248) 648-2000; www.penske.com

Roger Penskechairman and CEO

16,000.0 19,020.0 -15.9 NA 33,660 Retail automotive, truck leasing and logistics, transportationcomponents, motorsports racing

4.Guardian Industries Corp.(248) 340-1800; www.guardian.com

Russell Ebeidchairman of the board,president, Guardian GlassGroup

4,950.0 D 5,400.0 D -8.3 NA NA Manufacturer of glass, automotive and building products

5. Delphi Automotive L.L.P.(248) 813-2000; www.delphi.com

Rodney O'Nealpresident and CEO

3,400.0 E 18,060.0 -81.2 NA 100,000 Manufacturer of mobile electronics and entertainment systems

6. IAC Group(313) 240-3000; www.iacgroup.com

James Kamsickaspresident and CEO

3,200.0 2,400.0 33.3 825 23,000 Global tier-one supplier of vehicle interior systems andcomponents

7.Ilitch companies F

(313) 983-6600; www.ilitchcompanies.comChristopher Ilitchpresident and CEO, IlitchHoldings Inc.

2,100.0 2,000.0 5.0 2,430 18,000 Little Caesar Enterprises, Detroit Red Wings, Blue LineFoodservice Distribution, Champion Foods, OlympiaEntertainment, Uptown Entertainment, Olympia Development,Little Caesars Pizza Kit Fundraising Program and Ilitch Holdings.Michael Ilitch owns the Detroit Tigers. Marian Ilitch ownsMotorCity Casino Hotel.

8. Cooper-Standard Automotive(248) 596-5900; www.cooperstandard.com

James McElyachairman and CEO

1,945.3 2,594.6 -25.0 460 16,334 Fluid-handling systems, noise- and vibration-control products,body-sealing systems

9. TI Automotive Ltd.(586) 758-4511; www.tiautomotive.com

Bill Kozyrachairman of the board,president and CEO

1,800.0 2,500.0 G -28.0 420 14,586 Fuel systems; brake and fuel lines; heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems

9. Affinia Group Inc.(734) 827-5400; www.affiniagroup.com

Terry McCormackpresident and CEO

1,800.0 2,178.0 -17.4 53 10,000 Automotive and industrial aftermarket parts

11. Plastipak Holdings Inc.(734) 455-3600; www.plastipak.com

William Youngpresident and CEO

1,778.7 1,924.7 -7.6 500 4,900 Manufacturer of rigid plastic containers for the consumerproducts industry

12. Priority Health(800) 852-9780; priorityhealth.com

Mike Koziaravice president, providernetwork and eastern region

1,626.9 1,427.8 13.9 121 916 Award-winning health benefits company that consistently ranksamong the nation’s best

13. Soave Enterprises L.L.C.(313) 567-7000; www.soave.com

Anthony Soavepresident and CEO

1,250.0 2,214.0 -43.5 580 1,700 Diversified management holding company, specializing in scrapmetal recycling, real estate, beverage distribution and autoretailing, among others.

14. Barton Malow Co.(248) 436-5000; www.bartonmalow.com

Lester Snyder IIIpresident

1,246.9 1,653.1 -24.6 467 1,334 Construction services

15. Sherwood Food Distributors(313) 659-7300; www.sherwoodfoods.com

Earl Ishbiaco-chairman, president andCEO

1,222.8 1,269.9 -3.7 300 815 Wholesale food distributor

16. Moroun family holdings(586) 939-7000

H 1,140.0 D 1,140.0 D 0.0 NA NA Ambassador Bridge and various trucking and logistics companies

17. Atlas Oil Co.(800) 878-2000; www.atlasoil.com

Sam Simonchairman and CEO

1,081.2 1,150.0 -6.0 NA 411 Petroleum distribution, total fuel needs

18. Acument Global Technologies Inc.(248) 813-6300; www.acument.com

Rick Dauchpresident and CEO

1,060.0 1,620.0 -34.6 500 4,900 Engineered mechanical fastening products, manages providerprograms for fastener supply

19. MAG Industrial Automation Systems(586) 566-2400; www.mag-ias.com

Dan Jankapresident MAG Global

1,006.0 1,654.0 -39.2 NA NA Machine tool and systems companies

20. Walbridge Aldinger Co.(313) 963-8000; www.walbridge.com

John Rakolta Jr.chairman and CEO

961.9 1,325.0 -27.4 410 1,050 Construction

21. Belfor Holdings Inc.(248) 594-1144; www.belfor.com

Sheldon YellenCEO

948.2 976.7 -2.9 1,077 4,335 Insurance repair and reconstruction, environmental cleanup,residential, commercial and industrial

22. The Suburban Collection(877) 471-7100; www.suburbancollection.com

David Fischerpresident and CEO

934.3 1,182.9 -21.0 1,149 1,310 Automobile dealerships

23. Bridgewater Interiors L.L.C.(313) 842-3300

Ronald Hallpresident and CEO

915.0 1,186.0 -22.8 957 NA Automotive interiors

24.Quicken Loans/Rock Financial Inc.(800) 226-6308; www.quickenloans.com andwww.rockfinancial.com

Dan Gilbertchairman and founder

875.0 I 474.0 84.6 NA NA Mortgage banking

25.H.W. Kaufman Financial Group/Burns & Wilcox(248) 932-9000; www.burnsandwilcox.com

Alan Kaufmanchairman, president and CEO

850.0 875.0 -2.9 200 800 Specialty insurance, reinsurance and premium financing

26. Wolverine Packing Co.(313) 259-7500; www.wolverinepacking.com

Jim Bonahoompresident

820.0 894.2 -8.3 375 NA Wholesale meat packer and processor; wholesale meat, poultryand seafood distributor

27. RGIS L.L.C.(248) 651-2511; www.rgis.com

Paul StreetCEO

700.0 D 686.0 D 2.0 NA NA Inventory services

28. Health Plan of Michigan Inc.(313) 324-3700; www.hpmich.com

David Cottonpresident and CEO

660.3 423.9 55.8 205 205 Health maintenance organization

29. Key Safety Systems Inc.(586) 726-3800; www.keysafetyinc.com

Jason Luopresident and CEO

615.0 D 1,000.0 G -38.5 NA NA Airbags, steering wheels, seatbelts and electronics

30. TAG Holdings L.L.C.(248) 822-8056; www.taghold.com

Joseph Anderson Jr.chairman and CEO

533.0 753.0 -29.2 6 NA Module and component manufacturing for various industries,including automotive, sports and recreation vehicle, consumerproducts

31. Amerisure Mutual Insurance Co.(248) 615-9000; www.amerisure.com

Richard Russellpresident and CEO

530.9 623.5 -14.9 354 712 Property and casualty insurance

B General Motors Co. posted $57.474 billion in revenue during the period beginning when it emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy on July 10 through the end of 2009. Its predecessor, Motors Liquidation Co. or the "old" GM, posted revenue of $47.115 millionfrom Jan. 1, 2009, through July 9.C Chrysler Group L.L.C. posted $17.7 billion in revenue from its June 10 exit from Chapter 11 bankruptcy through Dec. 31, 2009. Revenue generated before emerging from Chapter 11 is attributed to Chrysler L.L.C., owned by Cerberus Capital Management L.P.2008 figure is unaudited net revenue from the predecessor Chrysler L.L.C., owned by Cerberus Capital Management L.P.D Crain's estimate.E Delphi Automotive L.L.P. posted $3.4 billion in revenue between Aug. 19 and Dec. 31, 2009. The new company emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy in October. The "old" Delphi, now known as DPH Holdings, generated revenue of $8.3 billion from Jan. 1, 2009through Oct. 6.F There is not a holding company for the Ilitch family of businesses. Some are owned individually by Michael and Marian Ilitch, others are owned jointly.G From Automotive News.H There is not a holding company for the Moroun family businesses. Some are public companies controlled by Manuel and/or Matthew Moroun. Others are owned privately by the Moroun family.I Crain's estimate. Quicken Loans originated $25 billion in loans in 2009. Revenue estimate is based on 3.5 percent of loan volume.

Continued on Page 22


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Revenue 2009($000,000)




32. Barrick Enterprises Inc.(248) 549-3737

Robert Barrickpresident

$515.1 $591.8 -13.0% 35 35 Petroleum retailer and wholesaler

33. Kenwal Steel Corp.(313) 739-1046; www.kenwal.com

Kenneth Eisenbergchairman and CEO

512.8 844.3 -39.3 206 324 Steel service center

34. Grede Holdings L.L.C. B

(248) 522-4500; www.citation.netDouglas GrimmCEO

510.0 400.0 C 27.5 NA NA Metal components supplier

35. HoMedics Inc.(248) 863-3000; www.homedics.com

Roman Ferberpresident

500.0 D NA NA NA 700 Personal wellness products

36. George P. Johnson Co.(248) 475-2500; www.gpj.com

Laurence Vallee, presidentDavid Drews, CFO andexecutive vice president

478.9 709.4 -32.5 282 965 Experiential marketing agency

37. Orleans International Inc.(248) 855-5556; www.orleansintl.com

Earl Tushmanpresident

478.0 475.0 0.6 32 37 Meat importer

38. ABC Appliance Inc.(248) 335-4222; www.abcwarehouse.com

Gordon Hartunianchairman

475.0 450.0 D 5.6 917 1,751 Appliances, electronics and car audio

39. Carhartt Inc.(313) 271-8460; www.carhartt.com

Mark ValadeCEO and president

460.0 530.0 -13.2 240 3,750 Apparel manufacturer

40. The Harvard Drug Group L.L.C.(734) 743-6000; www.theharvarddruggroup.com

Randolph Friedmanchairman and CEO

457.9 460.4 -0.5 245 419 Pharmaceutical distributor, wholesaler and manufacturer,compounding, vet supply, etc.

41. Henniges Automotive(248) 553-5300; www.hennigesautomotive.com

Robert DePierrechairman, president and CEO

420.0 772.0 E -45.6 151 4,073 Weather-strip seals, glass encapsulation, modular sealing systemsand anti-vibration components

42. RKA Petroleum Cos. Inc.(734) 946-2199; www.rkapetroleum.com

Kay AlbertieCEO

406.7 662.2 -38.6 88 109 Wholesale distributor of gasoline, diesel fuel, ethanol, biodiesel,Jet A and Jet A1 products

43. Barden Cos. Inc.(313) 496-2900

Don Bardenchairman, president and CEO

405.0 455.0 -11.0 10 3,350 Gaming, residential and commercial real estate development andentertainment

44. Trico Products Corp.(248) 371-1700; www.tricoproducts.com

James Finleypresident and CEO

396.0 D 396.0 F 0.0 NA NA Aftermarket and OEM windshield wiper blades and systems

45. Lipari Foods Inc.(586) 447-3500; liparifoods.com

Thom Liparipresident and CEO

393.0 393.0 0.0 335 601 Wholesale food distribution

46. McNaughton-McKay Electric Co.(248) 399-7500; www.mc-mc.com

Donald Slominski Jr.president and CEO

390.0 508.0 -23.2 240 655 Electric/electronics distributor

47. Letica Corp.(248) 652-0557; www.letica.com

Anton Leticapresident

388.0 G 388.0 G 0.0 NA NA Plastic and paper packaging manufacturer

48. Art Van Furniture(586) 939-0800; www.artvan.com

Archie Van Elslander,chairmanKim Yost, CEO

385.0 440.0 -12.5 1,050 1,725 Retail home furnishings

49. Prestige Automotive(586) 773-2369; www.prestigeautomotive.com

Gregory Jacksonchairman, president and CEO

371.2 646.2 -42.6 NA NA Automobile dealerships, real estate and insurance

50. Key Plastics L.L.C.(248) 449-6100; www.keyplastics.com

Terry GohlCEO

365.0 473.0 -22.8 70 3,350 Injection-molded components and assemblies

51. R.L. Polk & Co.(248) 728-7000; www.polk.com

Stephen Polkchairman, president and CEO

350.0 352.0 -0.6 471 1,440 Automotive industry information

51. The Diez Group(313) 491-1200; www.thediezgroup.com

Gerald Diezchairman and CEO

350.0 525.0 -33.3 240 NA Holding group for steel-service and stamping companies

53. PVS Chemicals Inc.(313) 921-1200; www.pvschemicals.com

James Nicholsonpresident and CEO

334.7 417.1 -19.8 NA NA Manufacturer, marketer and distributor of industrial chemicals

54. EP Management Corp. H

(313) 749-5500; www.epcorp.comDavid Treadwellpresident, CEO and COO

328.0 479.0 -31.5 60 2,000 Products for the automotive, defense, aerospace,telecommunications and other arenas

55. MSX International Inc.(248) 829-6300; www.msxi.com

Frederick Minturnpresident and CEO

304.0 382.5 -20.5 NA NA Warranty, retail and business outsourcing services, specializedstaffing, engineering

56. Plante & Moran P.L.L.C.(248) 352-2500; www.plantemoran.com

Gordon Kratermanaging partner

301.2 291.9 3.2 840 1,480 Accounting firm

57. Allegra Network L.L.C.(248) 596-8600; www.allegranetwork.com

Carl Gerhardtpresident and CEO

300.0 353.0 -15.0 45 67 Marketing, print and graphic communications franchisor

58. Elder Automotive Group(248) 585-4000; www.elderautomotivegroup.com

Irma ElderCEO

296.7 500.1 -40.7 408 NA Automotive dealerships

59. Michigan Cat(248) 349-4800; www.michigancat.com

Jerrold JungCEO

275.0 425.0 -35.3 NA NA Heavy construction equipment and engine sales, parts, rental andservice

60. LaFontaine Automotive Group(313) 561-6600; www.thefamilydeal.com

Michael LaFontaine andMaureen LaFontaineowners

273.5 264.6 3.3 386 NA Automobile dealerships

61.Prestolite Electric Holding Inc.(734) 582-7200; www.prestolite.com

Joe LeFave, CEOBenson Woo, CFODennis Chelminski, vicepresident and controller

260.0 320.0 -18.8 40 2,450 Manufactures starter motors and alternators

62. Talascend L.L.C. I

(248) 537-1300; www.talascend.comRon Woodpresident and CEO

256.0 202.0 26.7 268 1,322 Engineering resources

63. McKinley Inc.(734) 769-8520; www.mckinley.com

Albert BerrizCEO

254.0 237.2 7.1 450 1,200 Real estate investment, property management, receiverships andworkouts, asset management, leasing and brokerage, valuecreation and dispositions

64. Lakeshore Engineering Services(313) 875-4115; www.lakeshoreeng.com

Avinash Rachmalepresident and CEO

250.0 C 150.0 66.7 NA NA Engineering

65. Piston Group(313) 541-8546; www.pistongroup.com

Vincent Johnsonchairman

247.8 162.3 52.7 120 163 Automotive supplier

66. EQ-The Environmental Quality Co.(734) 329-8000; www.eqonline.com

David Luskpresident and CEO

240.0 240.0 0.0 356 702 Environmental management services

B Citation was renamed Grede Holdings L.L.C. in February 2009 after a series of private equity-financed deals that combined Citation with Grede Foundries Inc., a Milwaukee-based ferrous metals foundry.C Company estimate.D Crain's estimate.E From Automotive News.F Figure from the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association Top 100 list.G Plastics News estimate.H EaglePicher Corp. was renamed EP Management Corp. in February 2010.I Modern Professional Services acquired Alabama-based Quality Technical Services L.L.C. in July 2008 and U.K.-based Talascend Group in October 2008. It changed its name to Talascend L.L.C. June 1, 2009. Continued on Page 24

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Revenue 2009($000,000)




67. Belle Tire Distributors Inc.(313) 271-9400; www.belletire.com

Don Barnes Jr.president

$225.0 B $248.0 -9.3% NA NA Retailer of tires and automotive services

67. Camaco L.L.C.(248) 442-6800; www.camacollc.com

Arvind Pradhanpresident and CEO

225.0 225.0 0.0 23 623 Manufacturer of stamped metal and wire frame seat assemblies,headrests and other products

69. Global Automotive Alliance L.L.C.(313) 842-3009

William Pickardchairman and CEO

222.0 261.3 -15.0 350 NA Automotive supplier

70.Tamaroff Automotive Group(248) 353-1300; www.tamaroff.com

Marvin Tamaroff, chairmanemeritusJeffrey Tamaroff, CEO andchairman

215.9 342.6 -37.0 220 0 Automotive dealerships

71. John E. Green Co.(313) 868-2400; www.johnegreen.com

Peter Greenpresident and CEO

210.0 260.0 -19.2 NA NA Mechanical and fire protection contractor

72. Detroit Lions Inc.(313) 216-4000; www.detroitlions.com

William Clay Ford Sr.chairman and owner

208.0 B 208.0 C 0.0 NA NA National Football League franchise

73. Williams International Co. L.L.C.(248) 624-5200; www.williams-int.com

Gregg Williamschairman, CEO and president

200.0 335.0 B -40.3 321 728 Designs, develops, manufactures and services small gas-turbineengines for business jets, missiles and power generation

74. United Road Services Inc.(734) 947-7900; unitedroad.com

Michael WysockiCEO

198.0 247.4 -20.0 263 989 Vehicle logistics for vehicle manufacturers, remarketers, auctions,dealers and internet vehicle transactions on a national basis

75. Crain Communications Inc.(313) 446-6000; www.crain.com

Keith Crainchairman

196.5 279.0 -29.6 275 850 Publisher of business, trade and consumer publications andrelated websites

76.Integrated Manufacturingand Assembly L.L.C.(248) 233-0860; www.comerholdings.com

Jim Comerpresident and CEO

195.0 B 280.0 D -30.4 NA NA Automotive supplier

77. Fisher & Co. Inc.(586) 746-2000; www.fisherco.com

Alfred Fisher IIIchairman and CEO

190.0 B 222.0 -14.4 NA NA Automotive seating components

78. Stewart Management Group Inc.(313) 432-6200; www.gordonchevrolet.com

Gordon Stewartpresident

189.5 228.5 -17.1 79 368 Automobile dealerships

79. The Bartech Group Inc.(734) 953-5050; www.bartechgroup.com

Jon Barfieldpresident

185.0 235.0 -21.3 1,073 2,256 Human capital and staffing services

80. NYX Inc.(734) 462-2385; www.nyxinc.com

Chain SandhuCEO

180.0 232.0 -22.4 1,100 NA Automotive interiors and under-hood plastic moldings

81. Dykema Gossett P.L.L.C.(313) 568-6800; www.dykema.com

Rex SchlaybaughCEO and chairman

175.8 169.8 3.5 377 727 Law firm

82. JAC Products Inc.(248) 874-1800; www.jacproducts.com

Steve Morreypresident and CEO

173.0 300.0 -42.3 NA NA Automotive supplier of functional exterior trim

83. SET Enterprises(586) 573-3600; www.setenterprises.com

Sid Taylorchairman and CEO

171.0 185.0 -7.6 140 250 Steel processing and sales

84.Strategic Staffing Solutions Inc.(313) 596-6900; www.strategicstaff.com

Cynthia Paskypresident and CEO

169.0 160.0 5.6 250 1,821 Provides consulting and staff augmentation services, vendormanagement programs, executive search services, call centertechnology and an IT development center to financial institutions,energy companies, telecommunications, government agencies,retail and health care industries.

85.SmithGroup Inc.(313) 983-3600; www.smithgroup.com

Jeffrey Hausman, Detroit officedirectorCarl Roehling, president andCEO

166.3 166.0 0.2 137 776 Architecture, engineering, interiors and planning

86. Roush Enterprises E

(800) 215-9658; www.roush.comEvan Lyallpresident and CEO

161.5 241.0 -33.0 1,326 1,326 Engineering, product development, and manufacturing for theautomotive, consumer product, medical device, and theme parkindustries

87. Prestolite Wire L.L.C.(248) 355-4422; www.prestolitewire.com

Greg Ulewiczpresident and CEO

157.0 B 206.0 B -23.8 NA NA Maker of ignition wire sets, battery cables, harnesses, automotivewire, other cables

87. Hiller Inc.(248) 355-2122; www.hillers.com

James Hiller, CEOJustin Hiller, vice president

157.0 180.0 -12.8 NA NA Grocer

89. CareTech Solutions Inc.(248) 823-0800; www.caretech.com

James Giordanopresident and CEO

153.3 139.2 10.1 677 837 Information-technology and web products and services providerfor U.S. hospitals and health care systems

90. General RV Center(248) 349-0900; www.generalrv.com

Robert Baidas, CEOLoren Baidas, president andchairman

150.0 150.0 0.0 250 300 Recreational vehicle and trailer dealership

90. Contractors Steel Co.(734) 464-4000; www.contractorssteel.com

Donald Simonpresident and CEO

150.0 310.0 -51.6 134 257 Steel service center

92. Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone P.L.C.(313) 963-6420; www.millercanfield.com

Michael HartmannCEO

143.0 146.1 -2.1 427 706 Law firm

93.

W.B. Doner & Co.(248) 354-9700; www.donerus.com

David DeMuth, co-CEO,presidentRob Strasberg, co-CEO, chiefcreative officerTim Blett, president, seniorpartner, Newport Beach

142.0 169.0 F -16.0 NA 771 Advertising agency

94. Saturn Electronics & Engineering Inc.(248) 853-5724; www.saturnee.com

Wallace Tsuha Jr.chairman and CEO

141.6 151.0 -6.2 114 NA Electronics, fuel components, solenoids, and wiring systems andcomponents

95. Roncelli Inc.(586) 264-2060; www.roncelli-inc.com

Gary Roncellichairman and CEO

139.0 182.0 -23.6 161 NA Construction services, program management, constructionmanagement, design and build

95. Altair Engineering Inc.(248) 614-2400; www.altair.com

James Scapachairman and CEO

139.0 152.0 -8.6 435 1,352 A global software and technology company focused onengineering simulation, advanced computing, enterprise analyticsand product development

97. Commercial Contracting Group(248) 209-0500; www.cccnetwork.com

William Pettibonechairman

135.0 245.0 -44.9 114 NA General contractor, machinery installer

97. EWI Worldwide(734) 525-9010; www.ewiworldwide.com

Dominic Silviofounder, chairman and CEO

135.0 179.0 -24.6 NA 225 A global live communications company that helps buildcommunity between brands and its customers

99.Jim Riehl's FriendlyAutomotive Group Inc.(586) 979-8700; www.jimriehl.com

James Riehl Jr.president and CEO

134.0 183.6 -27.0 185 NA Automobile dealership

100. Wright & Filippis Inc.(248) 829-8200; www.firsttoserve.com

Anthony Filippispresident and CEO

133.0 136.0 -2.2 748 915 Provider of home medical equipment, respiratory, and prostheticand orthotic services

B Crain's estimate.C From Forbes.D Company estimate.E Roush Fenway, an alliance between Roush Racing and the Fenway Sports Group, was formed in early 2007. Figures do not include the motorsports employee counts or revenue.F From Ad Age.







Revenue 2009($000,000)




101. US Farathane Corp.(586) 978-2800; www.usfarathane.com

Andrew Greenleepresident and CEO

$128.0 $125.0 2.4% 273 273 Plastic injection molder, extruder, thermal compression molder

101. Cold Heading Co.(586) 497-7000; www.coldheading.com

Derek StevensCEO

128.0 155.0 -17.4 145 NA Automotive supplier

103. Aco Inc.(248) 471-0100; www.acohardware.com

Snyder Dickpresident

125.4 128.0 -2.1 443 795 Retail hardware store chain

104. GlobalHue(248) 223-8900; www.globalhue.com

Donald Colemanchairman and CEO

125.1 B 123.8 B 1.1 NA NA Advertising and marketing

105. Inland Pipe Rehabilitation(313) 899-3014; inlandpiperehab.com

Joe Cutillopresident and CEO

125.0 110.0 13.6 140 440 Underground construction and rehabilitation; green undergroundsolutions provider

106. U.S. Manufacturing Corp.(586) 467-1600; www.usmfg.com

Brian Simonpresident and CEO

123.0 144.0 -14.6 NA NA Manufacturer of rear axle housings for light-duty trucks

107.Macomb Pipe & Supply Co. Inc.(586) 274-4100; www.macombgroup.com

Keith Schatko, vice presidentWilliam McGivern Jr., CEO

120.0 165.0 -27.3 160 230 Distributor of pipe, valves, fittings, heating and cooling, controland instrumentation, boilers, pumps repair, steam products,sanitary piping products, hose assemblies, fire protection andAWWA products

108. Phillips Service Industries Inc.(734) 853-5000; www.psi-online.com

William Phillipschairman

114.0 115.0 -0.9 440 NA Defense systems, homeland security, aircraft components,welding machines, rugged electronics, wireless networks,automated assembly systems, repair services

109. Briarwood Ford Inc.(734) 429-5478; www.briarwoodford.com

Eddie Hall Jr.president


110. HTC Global Services Inc.(248) 786-2500; www.htcinc.com

Madhava Reddypresident and CEO

111.0 85.0 30.6 260 NA Application development and maintenance, business processmanagement, document and content management, and PMOservices

111. Bill Perkins Automotive Group(586) 775-8300; merollischevycars.com

Bill Perkinspresident

105.5 111.2 -5.1 150 NA Automobile dealerships

112. George W. Auch Co.(248) 334-2000; www.auchconstruction.com

Vincent DeLeonardispresident

104.1 148.2 -29.8 80 NA General contractor and construction manager

113. Aristeo Construction Co.(734) 427-9111; www.aristeo.com

Joseph Aristeopresident

103.0 186.0 -44.6 240 NA Construction manager, general contractor, design-build, facilitiesmanagement contractor

113. Dantom Systems Inc.(248) 567-7300; www.dantomsystems.com

Timothy SchrinerCEO and president

103.0 72.0 43.1 115 NA Document processing, collection letter services

115. Intraco Corp.(248) 585-6900; www.intracousa.com

Nicola Antaklichairman and CEO

102.6 114.5 -10.4 36 270 Export management and international marketing

116. Acro Service Corp.(734) 591-1100; www.acrocorp.com

Ron Shahanipresident, chairman and CEO

102.0 105.0 -2.9 850 3,100 Staff augmentation (IT, engineering, office support), outsourcingand IT and engineering consulting

117. VisionIT(877) 768-7222; www.visionit.com

David Segura, CEOChristine Rice, president

101.0 102.0 -1.0 485 NA IT managed services, staffing and vendor management

118. Vesco Oil Corp.(248) 557-1600; www.vesco-oil.com

Donald Epsteinpresident and CEO

100.8 119.2 -15.4 116 173 Distributor of auto and industrial lubricants and chemicals, autoaftermarket products

119. Budco(313) 957-5100; www.budco.com

Perry Mielechairman

100.0 C 100.0 C 0.0 NA NA Marketing, communication, warehouse, fulfillment, distribution

120. DeMaria Building Co. Inc.(313) 870-2800; www.demariabuild.com

Richard DeMaria, CEOJoseph DeMaria Jr., president

91.3 108.6 -15.9 148 151 General contracting, design and build, construction management

121.Fori Automoation(586) 247-2336; www.foriauto.com

Mike Beck, vice president ofoperationsPaul Meloche, vice presidentof sales

91.0 90.0 1.1 165 325 Industrial automation equipment

121.Milosch's PalaceChrysler-Jeep-Dodge Inc.(248) 393-2222; www.palacecj.com

Donald Miloschpresident

91.0 90.0 1.1 133 NA Automobile dealership

123. W Industries(313) 372-4131; www.w-industries.net

Ed WalkerCEO

90.0 NA NA 400 NA Manufactured metal products

124. The Ideal Group Inc.(313) 849-0000; www.weareideal.com

Frank Venegas Jr.chairman and CEO

89.8 164.0 -45.2 178 83 General contractor, handrail, guardrail and bumper post sleevemanufacturer, indirect material management

125.Impact Steel Group(248) 414-6100; impactsteel.com

Mike Easlick, CEOJeff Jaye, presidentRob Feldman, CFODarryl Waugh, chairman

89.3 128.9 -30.7 16 21 Flat-rolled steel distributor

126. Avis Ford Inc.(248) 355-7500; www.avisford.com

Walter Douglas Sr.chairman and CEO

86.5 74.7 15.9 NA NA Automobile dealership

127. Village Ford Inc.(313) 565-3900; www.villageford.com

James Seavittpresident and CEO

86.0 78.2 C 10.0 142 NA Automotive dealership

128. Chase Plastic Services Inc.(248) 620-2120; www.chaseplastics.com

Kevin Chasepresident

85.0 95.0 -10.5 29 57 Specialty engineering thermoplastics distributor

128. Gonzalez Design Group(248) 548-6010; www.gonzalez-group.com

Gary Gonzalezpresident and CEO

85.0 68.0 25.0 420 NA Design engineering, staffing, manufacturing technologies,production systems, other

130. Tom Holzer Ford Inc.(248) 474-1234; www.holzerford.com

Constance Holzerpresident and CEO

84.7 71.4 18.6 99 NA Automobile dealership

131. Urban Science Inc.(313) 259-9900; www.urbanscience.com

James Andersonpresident and CEO

84.5 82.6 2.3 230 NA Global retail marketing consulting firm

132. Van Pelt Corp.(313) 365-3600; www.servicesteel.com

Roger VanPeltCEO and president

82.5 85.0 -2.9 130 275 Steel distributor

133. Varilease Technology Finance Group(248) 366-5300; www.varilease.com

Robert VanHellemontpresident

81.3 88.8 -8.4 14 70 Lease and loan equipment financing

B GlobalHue provided billings of $833.7 million for 2009 and $825 million for 2008. Revenue is an estimate based on 15 percent of billings.C Crain's estimate.







Revenue 2009($000,000)




134. Synergy Group Inc.(248) 740-7400; www.synergygroup.biz

Ennio "Pete" Petrellaprincipal

$81.2 $140.0 -42.0% 24 NA Design and build, general contractor, construction management

135. Market Strategies Inc.(734) 542-7600; www.marketstrategies.com

Andrew Morrisonchairman and CEO

80.1 92.2 -13.1 NA NA Custom and syndicated market research and consulting firm

136. Rush Trucking Corp.(734) 641-1700; www.rushtrucking.com

Andra Rushpresident

80.0 90.0 -11.1 198 907 Motor carrier, logistics management

137. KC Integrated Services L.L.C.(800) 476-6317; www.kcintegrated.com

Kenyon CalenderCEO

79.0 79.0 0.0 330 NA Logistics, freight management, warehousing, parts sequencing,subassembly, and more

138. Diversified Computer Supplies Inc.(800) 766-5400; www.dcsbiz.com

Joseph Hollensheadchairman, president and CEO

78.5 78.0 0.6 35 48 Distributor of imaging/printer supplies

139. Ghafari Inc.(313) 441-3000; www.ghafari.com

Yousif Ghafarichairman and founder

75.0 130.0 -42.3 498 686 Architectural engineering, manufacturing engineering, consulting,professional staffing

139. Edwards Bros. Inc.(734) 769-1000; www.edwardsbrothers.com

John Edwardspresident and CEO

75.0 77.0 -2.6 400 700 Manufacturer of books and journals

141.Active Aero Group-USA Jet Airlines(734) 547-7200; www.activeaero.com;www.usajetairlines.com

Chris Healy, president andCEOBrian Hermelin, chairman

73.0 158.0 -53.8 198 258 Air freight and ground expediting, private and public charters

142. VPSI Inc.(248) 597-3500; www.vpsiinc.com

Jeff Henningpresident and CEO

71.0 61.0 16.4 50 170 Employee transportation, commuter vanpooling

143. Continental Plastics Co.(586) 294-4600; www.contplastics.com

Joan LuckinoCEO

70.0 109.0 -35.8 504 584 Supplier of injection-molded interior and exterior auto parts. Cutand sewn cloth and leather products

144. Synova Inc.(248) 281-2500; www.synovainc.com

Tim Manneypresident

65.5 92.0 -28.8 652 NA Information-technology services

145. T.H. Marsh Construction Co.(248) 586-4130; www.thmarsh.com

Ryan Marshpresident, CEO and COO

65.0 52.0 25.0 40 NA Construction

146. TNG Worldwide(248) 347-7700; www.tngworldwide.com

Larry Gaynorpresident and CEO

64.0 71.0 -9.9 20 220 Manufacturer, importer, distributor and educator of products forthe spa and tanning markets

147. Ram Construction Services(734) 464-3800; www.ramservices.com

Robert Mazurpresident

63.0 53.0 18.9 300 450 Waterproofing, damp proofing, caulking, building restoration andconcrete restoration, deck coating

148. Peterson American Corp.(248) 799-5400; www.pspring.com

Dan SceliCEO

62.7 90.0 -30.3 108 504 Manufacturer of mechanical springs, rings and stampings

149. Ansara Restaurant Group Inc.(248) 848-9099

Victor Ansarapresident

61.7 69.4 -11.2 1,850 2,550 Restaurant

150. Zatkoff Seals & Packings(248) 478-2400; www.zatkoff.com

Gary Zatkoffpresident and CEO

61.4 80.6 -23.8 NA 150 Distributor of seals and packings; manufacturer of gaskets

151.Corrosion Fluid Products Corp.(248) 478-0100; www.corrosionfluid.com

Joseph AndronacoCEO

61.2 81.3 -24.7 30 122 Industrial distribution of process pumps, automated valves,chemical piping systems, hoses and pump repair, service sanitaryand high purity markets covering seven states with eight stockingbranches. Markets include steel, energy, chemical,pharmaceutical and auto.

152. Navigating Business Space Inc.(248) 823-5400; www.navbus.com

Richard Schwabauerowner and president

61.0 71.0 -14.1 125 NA Furniture dealership

153. Loc Performance Products(734) 453-2300; www.locper.com

Victor VojcekCEO

60.1 63.7 -5.7 190 NA Machining and assembly of driveline, suspension and enginecomponents for military and off-road vehicles

154. Hatch Stamping Co.(734) 475-8628; www.hatchstamping.com

Ronald Hatchchairman and CEO

60.0 B 75.8 -20.8 NA NA Manufactures metal automotive stampings, assemblies,progressive dies and prototypes

154. Guardian Alarm Co.(248) 423-1000; www.guardianalarm.com

Douglas PierceCEO

60.0 60.0 0.0 760 824 Alarms, guard services, medical monitoring

156. Arrow Uniform Rental(313) 299-5000; www.arrowuniform.com

Thomas Andrischairman

59.7 64.2 -6.9 NA NA Uniform rental and sales

157.Advantage Management Group-TheManors(248) 569-8400; themanors.net

Kelsey Schwartz and ReginaldHartsfieldowners

55.2 54.8 0.7 1,100 NA Nursing homes

158.Unibar Services Inc.(734) 769-2600; www.unibarinc.com

G. Jean Davis, president andCEOJohn McManus, COO

55.0 49.0 12.2 NA 1,500 Utility support servicers including contract meter reading, AMI/AMR meter installation, field credit services, service diversion,damage prevention and underground facility locating, damageinvestigation

158. Madison Electric Co.(586) 825-0200; www.madisonelectric.com

Joseph Schneiderpresident

55.0 75.8 -27.4 131 131 Electrical, electronic and automation distributor

158. Better Made Snack Foods Inc.(313) 925-4774; www.bettermadesnackfoods.com

Salvatore CiprianoCEO

55.0 54.0 1.9 200 246 Snack foods

161.MIG Detroit(313) 964-3155; www.migdetroit.com

Paul Jenkins Jr.vice president of businessdevelopment and marketingoperations

54.0 B 80.5 -32.9 NA NA General contractor, construction manager

161. International Extrusions(734) 427-8700; www.extrusion.net

Nicholas Noeckerpresident and CEO

54.0 61.0 -11.5 125 NA Manufacturer of aluminum extruded profiles, powder-coatpainting and fabrication facilities

163. James Group International Inc.(313) 841-0070; www.jamesgroupintl.com

John Jameschairman and CEO

53.0 69.1 -23.4 131 NA Supply-chain management, material management, export, import,and more

164. Domestic Linen Supply & Laundry Co.(248) 737-2000; www.domesticuniform.com

Bruce Coltonpresident

52.5 52.5 0.0 85 590 Rental and laundering of uniforms, dust-control products, wipingcloths and other reusable textiles. Restroom management services

165. Roseville Chrysler Jeep Inc.(586) 859-2500; www.mikeriehls.com

Michael Riehlpresident


166. Glassman Automotive Group Inc.(800) 354-5558; www.glassmanautogroup.com

George Glassmanpresident

50.2 74.2 -32.3 72 NA Automobile dealerships

167. Wade Trim(313) 961-3650; www.wadetrim.com

Douglas WatsonCEO

48.9 53.3 -8.4 131 339 Consulting engineering and planning services

B Crain's estimate.Continued on Page 28





Rank CompanyPhone; Web site

Top executive Revenue 2009($000,000)




168. FH Martin Constructors(586) 558-2100; www.fhmartin.com

R. Andrew Martin Jr.president

$48.0 B $71.5 -32.9% NA NA General contractor

169. Colasanti Cos.(313) 567-0060; www.colasantigroup.com

Angelo ColasantiCEO

47.5 152.9 -68.9 NA NA Construction

170. TTi(248) 853-5550; www.ttinao.com

Lori Blakerpresident and CEO

47.0 38.1 23.4 260 1,024 Staffing, outsourcing and training

170. Big Boy Restaurants International L.L.C.(586) 759-6000; www.bigboy.com

Keith SiroisCEO

47.0 60.0 -21.7 233 468 Restaurants, food manufacturer

172.Somerset Buick GMC Inc.(248) 643-8211; www.somersetbuickgmc.com

James Bechtell, generalmanager and ownerJohn McMullen, ownerJohn Fowler, owner andpresident

46.9 60.3 -22.2 55 0 Automobile dealership

173. Link Engineering Co.(734) 453-0800; linkeng.com

Roy Linkpresident and CEO

45.0 54.0 C -16.7 220 260 Manufacturer of testing equipment and testing services

174. Frank Rewold and Son Inc.(248) 601-1215; www.frankrewold.com

Frank Rewoldpresident and CEO

44.9 76.2 -41.1 48 NA Construction management, general contracting, design build

175. Ram's Horn(248) 350-3430; ramshornrestaurants.com

Eugene Kasapispresident and CEO

42.9 42.7 0.4 1,300 NA Family restaurant chain franchiser

176. Proper Group International(586) 779-8787; www.propergroupintl.com

Geoffrey O'BrienCEO

42.0 66.0 -36.4 NA NA Plastic injection molds, injection molded parts, rapid prototyping,contract services and aerospace machining

176. Flexible Products(248) 852-5500; www.flexible-products.com

Doug Reidpresident

42.0 54.0 -22.2 NA 185 Molded rubber products for chassis and underbody

178. Rodgers Chevrolet Inc.(734) 676-9600; www.rodgerschevrolet.com

Pamela Rodgerspresident

40.0 50.5 -20.8 NA NA Automobile dealership

178. Malloy Inc.(734) 665-6113; www.malloy.com

William Uptonpresident

40.0 46.2 -13.4 269 274 Book printer and binder

180. SSOE Group(248) 643-6222; www.ssoe.com

Robert Siebenallerdivision manager

38.0 42.0 -9.5 129 NA Architects and engineers

181. NTH Consultants Ltd.(313) 237-3900; www.nthconsultants.com

Keith Swaffarpresident and CEO

37.7 48.0 -21.4 166 218 Infrastructure engineering and environmental services

182. Electro-Matic Products Inc.(248) 478-1182; www.electro-matic.com

James Bakerpresident

37.2 51.9 B -28.4 101 NA Wholesale distribution of high-technology automationcomponents; digital signage, LED and LCD displays, LED lightingproducts, and connectivity products

183. PMA Consultants L.L.C.(313) 963-8863; www.pmaconsultants.com

Dr. Gui Ponce de Leonmanaging principal and CEO

36.5 39.0 -6.4 48 200 Program, project, and construction management consulting;expert witness services

184. ePrize L.L.C.(248) 543-6800; www.eprize.com

Matt WiseCEO

36.1 40.5 -10.9 221 255 Interactive promotion company

185.Kasco Inc.(248) 547-1210; www.kascoinc.com

Stephen Kassab, presidentMichael Engle, vice presidentof estimating and businessdevelopment

35.9 34.0 5.6 51 NA Construction

186. Skyway Precision Inc.(734) 454-3550; www.skywayprecision.com

William Bonnellpresident

35.4 56.9 -37.8 134 134 CNC production machining

186. MPS Trading L.L.C.(313) 841-7588; www.mpsgrp.com

Charlie WilliamsCEO, chairman and president

35.4 118.6 -70.1 5 NA Scrap metal management

188. Marisa Industries Inc.(586) 754-3000; www.marisaind.com

Jesse Lopezpresident and CEO

35.0 62.0 -43.5 250 NA Stamped metal products

188. A.Z. Shmina Inc.(810) 227-5100; www.azshmina.com

Andrew Shminapresident

35.0 30.0 16.7 42 NA Building contractor

188.Oliver/Hatcher Construction andDevelopment Inc.(248) 374-1100; www.oliverhatcher.com

Paul Hatcher, presidentPaul Oliver, principal

35.0 B 52.2 -33.0 NA NA General contractor

191. Mars Advertising Co. Inc.(248) 936-2200; www.marsusa.com

Ken BarnettCEO

34.3 33.4 2.7 335 465 Advertising agency

192. Art Moran Pontiac-GMC Inc.(248) 353-9000; www.artmoran.com

Thomas Moranpresident and Arthur Morandirector

34.0 46.0 B -26.1 59 NA Architecture, engineering, planning, design and management

192. Lowry Computer Products Inc.(810) 229-7200; www.lowrycomputer.com

Michael Lowrypresident and CEO

34.0 45.0 -24.4 68 135 National manufacturer and systems integrator specializing inwireless, RFID, bar code and data collection solutions

192. Albert Kahn family of companies(313) 202-7000; www.albertkahn.com

Thomas Moran, presidentArthur Moran, director

34.0 44.9 -24.3 185 250 Architecture, Engineering, Planning, Design and Management

195. MPS Group Inc.(313) 841-7588; www.mpsgrp.com

Charlie Williamschairman, president and CEO

33.7 45.1 -25.4 90 NA Facility management, industrial and environmental cleanup,flooring installation, paint shop cleaning

196. Load One Transportation & Logistics(734) 947-9440; www.load1.com

John Elliott IIpresident

32.5 29.0 12.1 204 222 Air charter, air freight-cargo, ground expedite, truckload, partialtruckload, flatbed, drop-deck flats, curtainside flatbeds, tempcontrol and intermodal management

197. Motor City Stamping Inc.(586) 949-8420; www.mcstamp.com

Judith KucwayCEO and CFO

32.0 45.0 -28.9 NA NA Stamping plant, automotive welding, assembly, dies andprototypes

197. H.B. Stubbs Cos.(586) 574-9700; www.hbstubbs.com

Scott Stubbspresident and CEO

32.0 63.0 -49.2 NA NA Exhibit and event marketing

199. Harley Ellis Devereaux Corp.(248) 262-1500; www.harleyellisdevereaux.com

Gary SkogCEO

31.5 65.0 -51.5 160 230 Architecture, engineering, strategic planning, programmanagement, real estate, and more

200. DeMattia Group(734) 453-2000; www.demattia.com

Gary Robertspresident and CEO

31.3 53.2 -41.2 33 33 General contractor, real estate development, architecture

This list of privately held companies is an approximate compilation of the largest companies in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Livingston and Washtenaw counties that do not have stock traded on a public exchange. It is not a complete listing but the mostcomprehensive available. Crain's estimates are based on industry analysis and benchmarks, news reports and a wide range of other sources. Actual revenue figures may vary.B Crain's estimate.C Company estimate.

LIST RESEARCHED BY ANNE MARKS




BUSINESS DIARYNEW PRODUCTS

Powermat, Commerce Township, awireless charging company, an-nounced the availability of the Power-mat 2X two-position charging mat inSprint stores nationwide. Website:www.powermat.com.Federal-Mogul Corp., Southfield, aglobal automotive supplier, has devel-oped a new seal design, called Micro-Torq, that reduces friction by up to 70 percent. Website: www.federalmogul.com.

NEW SERVICESMichigan First Credit Union, LathrupVillage, has launched an online busi-ness banking website: www.michiganfirstbusiness.com.The Financial Crisis Talk Center ofThav Gross Steinway and Bennett

P.C., Bingham Farms, launched a newwebsite: www.fctalkcenter.com. Tomkiw Dalton P.L.C., Royal Oak, haslaunched an online resource offeringinformation and advice pertaining tothe Religious Land Use and Institu-tionalized Persons Act. Website:www.attorneysforlanduse.com.Plastic Surgery Arts and Spa, RochesterHills, launched a website concerningsurgical and nonsurgical procedures:www.plasticsurgeryarts.com.Coats Funeral Home, WaterfordTownship and Clarkston, is now offer-ing live webcasting of funerals andmemorials in a safe and secure loca-tion. Website: www.coatsfuneralhome.com.Franklin CIO, Bloomfield Hills, aprovider of information-technologyconsulting and disaster recovery plan-

ning services, has become an autho-rized reseller of a complete data recov-ery service specializing in recoveringdata from desktop drives, laptop drives, external drives, servers, RAIDsystems, network attached storage de-vices, storage area network devices,flash drives and camera media. Tele-phone: (248) 642-3287.Thomson Reuters, Ann Arbor, an-nounced the launch of its new pharma-cy intervention program for hospitals.Website: www.thomsonreuters.com.

OTHERMasco Corp., Taylor, is combining itstwo cabinet companies, Masco RetailCabinet Group, Middlefield, Ohio, andMasco Builder Cabinet Group, Adrian,to form a new organization, MascoCabinetry, to be located at 4600 Arrow-head Drive, Ann Arbor Township.

STARTUPSCompete Communications, a market-ing and communications agency, at1175 W. Long Lake Road, Troy. Tele-phone: (248) 229-9980. Website:www.competecommunications.com.Good Egg L.L.C., a finance manage-ment company, at 23309 Ford Road,Suite 192, Dearborn. Telephone: (313)410-3748. Website: www.goodegg money.com.Public Pool, an art gallery, at 3309 Can-iff, Hamtramck. Telephone: (313) 506-9048. E-mail: [email protected] the Way Beverage Co. L.L.C.,manufacturers of Envo Water, an eco-friendly packaged bottle of water, at200 W. Secnd St. in Royal Oak. Tele-phone: (248) 255-1055. Website:www.envowater.com.

ACQUISITIONSSuperior Capital Partners L.L.C., a De-troit-based private-equity firm, hasformed Edge Adhesives Holdings Inc.,an investment platform created to ac-quire the assets of Fort Worth, Texas-based Q’SO Inc.123Net, Southfield, a privately heldcarrier of voice and data, has acquiredseveral hundred Internet customersformerly served by 20/20 Communi-cations, the Ann Arbor-based private-sector partner in the Wireless Washte-naw Project.

CALL FOR ENTRIESCommercial Real Estate Women De-troit Chapter, Bloomfield Hills, an-nounces last call for entries for its Im-pact Awards, honoring commercialproperties with a positive impact onSoutheast Michigan. The entry fee is$100 and the request for entry packageand fee are due June 1. Contact: LynnTrevor, (248) 354-5100; e-mail:[email protected]; website:www.crewdetroit.org.

CONTRACTSDeMattia Group, Plymouth, was con-tracted by Ventower Industries L.L.C.,Monroe, to provide architecture andconstruction services for a 115,000-square-foot manufacturing plant atthe Port of Monroe in Monroe.The Sterling Heights Regional Cham-ber of Commerce and Industry and theAnchor Bay Chamber of Commercehave signed an agreement to shareservices and collaborate on events,programs and other functions.Hendrickson, Woodbridge, Ill., andAxleTech International, Troy, have re-ceived a production award from Navis-tar Defense L.L.C., Warrenville, Ill.,for independent suspension systemson 1,050 new International MaxxProDash vehicles. Production will bebased at the AxleTech flagship opera-tion in Oshkosh, Wis.

EXPANSIONSPatti Engineering Inc., Auburn Hills,is opening a new northeast UnitedStates regional office in North An-dover, Mass. Oberweis Ice Cream and Dairy Stores,North Aurora, Ill., has opened a storeat 32808 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak.Website: www.oberweis.com.Children’s Hospital of Michigan Spe-cialty Center at 5635 W. Maple Road,West Bloomfield Township, to housepediatric surgery services.Panache Entertainment, Troy, has ex-panded to offer local musicians forhire in Chicago. Website:www.epanache.comNortheast Guidance Center hasopened The Wellness Academy, atraining center, at 2900 Conner Ave.,Bldg. A, Detroit. Telephone: (313) 308-1403. Website: www.neguidance.org.Michigan State University, East Lans-ing, has broken ground for the newPlant Sciences Expansion. Smith-Group, Detroit, is providing architec-ture, engineering, interiors, lab de-sign, lab planning and site designservices for the expansion. Michigan Office Solutions, GrandRapids, has opened a new office at40000 Grand River Ave., Suite 500,Novi. Telephone: (800) 442-9070. Web-site: www.mos-xerox.com.The Michigan Medical Marijuana Cer-tification Center, Southfield, hasopened a new location at 29777 Tele-graph Road, Suite 1451, Southfield. Ithas also opened a second facility inGrand Rapids. Telephone: (248) 932-6400. Website: www.mmmcc.net.

MOVESGiffels-Webster Engineers, a civil en-gineering and surveying firm, from407 E. Fort St. to 28 W. Adams, Suite1200, Detroit.Arzika L.L.C., a marketing and eventmanagement company, from 6937Beach Road to 570 Kirts Blvd., Suite214, Troy.



CareerWorks onlineVisit www.crainsdetroit.com/careerworks to search for jobs,post a résumé or find talent.

Harry Torigian

Former career:Sales specialistNew career:Bevinco Corp.franchise owner

Name: Harry Torigian, 45.Education: Bachelor’s degree in business ad-

ministration from the Detroit College of Busi-ness, 1995.

Past career: Torigian worked in sales formore than 20 years, most recently for Safety-Kleen Systems in Romulus as a sales specialist.

New career: Torigian bought a franchise ter-ritory of Bevinco Corp., a Toronto-based profitmanagement company. Working from hisLivonia home, he visits with bar and restau-rant owners to audit food and beverage losses.He begins by counting every closed bottle andweighing every open bottle, and then deter-mining where the product is going, by thegram. Losses may be due to theft or over-pour-ing, or any number of things. Torigian saysmost bars lose between 5 percent and 20 per-cent of their stock.

Why he decided to change careers: “I was onlayoff. I had the opportunity to be exposed toBevinco, and I went on audits with the regionalmanager. I was in my mid-’40s and I had beendownsized twice. I decided that it would be bet-ter to have my future in my own hands. Plus, Ireally feel like I can make an impact with thisbusiness.”

How he made the transition: “I have a food ser-vices background. I’m a certified executivechef. I was in sales for over 20 years, but when Iwas laid off I wanted to go back to what I know.I got my training done, started bringing clientsin and now I’m off and running.”

Obstacles overcome: “Time has been thebiggest thing, as I have been working two jobswhile making the transition. The good thing isbars and restaurants are generally not 9 to 5businesses, so I can make my appointments af-ter business hours.”

Advice for others: “Do your due diligence.With Bevinco, I knew it was an establishedfranchise and I knew that there was a realneed, an ongoing need. In good or bad times,people will want to maximize revenue. So ask alot of questions before making the leap.”

— Brett CallwoodIf you have made a similar change in your ca-

reer, or know someone who has made an inter-esting career transition, contact Andy Chapelle,managing editor at Crain’s Detroit Business [email protected].

CareerTransitionEMPLOYMENTCALENDAR Self-Employed?

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theculturalconciergea program of the cultural allianceof southeastern michigan,a 501(c)(3) organization

www.theculturalconcierge.org248.766.5599 [email protected]

Our cultural places offer outdoor spaces.

Complimentary concierge planning.Entertainment, events, meetings and more.

Lawrence Tech hosts careernetworking reception

Lawrence Technological Universityin Southfield is hosting a free ca-reer networking reception for dis-placed workers with college de-grees, not limited to LawrenceTech students and alumni.

The event is 5:30-8:30 p.m.Thursday. The reception is de-signed to provide employers andjob seekers with face-to-face inter-action in a professional environ-ment. Participants are asked toregister at www.ltu.edu/recovery/receptions.asp.

Since January 2009, more than3,000 participants have met withapproximately 300 industry repre-sentatives from Southeast Michi-gan.

New FastTrac conference setTechTown, the Kauffman Founda-

tion and the New Economy Initiativeare hosting a new class of emerg-ing entrepreneurs at the FastTracto the Future conference 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. May 25-26 at the McGregorMemorial Conference Center, 495Ferry Mall, on the Wayne State Uni-versity campus.

The free conference will includebreakout sessions on entrepre-neurial topics, information tablesand opportunities to talk one-on-one with a business adviser.

Pulitzer Prize nominee and en-trepreneur Clifton Taulbert willoffer a message of hope for Detroitentrepreneurs.

For more information, contactAllison Lumb at (313) 879-4478 [email protected] or go towayne.edu/fasttrac.

Career fair targets CIA, FBI,Army, National Guard

The Arab American and ChaldeanCouncil is hosting a career fair forpeople interested in positionswith the CIA, FBI, U.S. Army, andthe National Guard 6-8 p.m. Thurs-day at the Regency Manor andBanquet Center, 25228 W. 12 MileRoad, Southfield.

Candidates must be 18 years orolder, and most jobs require anundergraduate college degree orbetter. Recruiters are especiallyseeking those with Arabic, Dari,and Pashtu language skills in ad-dition to other languages. Posi-tions range from professionalstaff careers to language special-ists.

Interested job seekers arestrongly encouraged to visit theparticipating employer websitesbefore the session to becomeaware of the positions available.

For more information, pleasecontact Kimberly Hassan at [email protected] or (248)559-1990.



PEOPLESouthfield, from partner, BushSeyferth and Paige P.L.L.C., Troy. Eric Bowden to principal, Colombo &Colombo P.C., Bloomfield Hills, fromassociate.

MARKETINGBarbara Yolles to executive vice presi-dent, McCann Midwest, Birmingham,from executive vice president andgroup managing director, Kirshen-

baum Bond Senecal and Partners, NewYork.

NONPROFITSKathleen Mennillo to executive director,International Hearing Society, Livonia,from education manager.

Jenny Cederstrom to CFO, AmericanRed Cross Southeastern Michigan Chap-ter, Detroit, from senior associate,

Plante & Moran P.L.L.C., Southfield.

Stephen Hopkins to executive directorof Lifechoice Solutions, EvangelicalHomes of Michigan, Ann Arbor, frominterim director of the Memory Sup-port Center at Brecon Village, Saline.

SERVICESMark Scruggs to partner, Santa RosaConsulting L.L.C., Southfield, from

partner and practice director for theHealth Plan Business Unit, ComputerServices Corp., Seattle.Brad Ross to executive vice presidentof region Americas, Elopak Inc., NewHudson, from division vice presidentand general manager of packagingservices, Sonoco, Winston-Salem, N.C.Tom Csatari to vice president of salesand delivery, The Epitec Group Inc.,Southfield, from director of sales.

DISTRIBUTIONDavid Gurizzian toCFO, RKA Petro-leum Cos. Inc.,Romulus, fromcorporate con-troller.

EDUCATIONJohn Murphy todirector of ceram-ic arts depart-ment, Birming-ham Bloomfield

Art Center, Birmingham, from pro-gram analyst, Ford Motor Co., Dear-born.Darryl Taylor to director of Horizons-Upward Bound program, CranbrookSchools, Bloomfield Hills, remainingretired dental officer, U.S. MarineCorps, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

HEALTH CAREJoseph Hurshe to vice president of op-erations for west region, St. John Prov-idence Health System, Detroit, fromCOO, Vista Health System, LakeCounty, Ill.

HOSPITALITY David Kipfmiller to general manager,Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Detroit, De-troit, from general manager, Courtyardby Marriott, Livonia and Troy; also,Pamela McDonald to director of sales,from sales manager, Columbia SussexHotel Co., Crestview Hills, Ky.

LAWBrian Kelly to senior associate, Maddin,Hauser, Wartell, Roth and Heller P.C.,

IN THE SPOTLIGHTMGM GrandDetroit hasnamed TroyHammie vicepresident ofslotoperations.Hammie, 45,had beendirector of slotoperations.Slot operationsrepresent

65 percent to 85 percent of theMGM Grand Detroit’s totalrevenue, the casino said.He succeeds Hugh Flack.Hammie attended a program inadvanced gaming managementstudies with an emphasis on slotoperations at the University ofNevada in Reno. He also attendedCasino Career Institute.

Hammie

Gurizzian

PEOPLE GUIDELINESAnnouncements are limited tomanagement positions. Nonprofitand industry group boardappointments can be found atwww.crainsdetroit.com. Sendsubmissions to Departments,Crain’s Detroit Business, 1155Gratiot Ave., Detroit, MI 48207-2997, or send e-mail [email protected] must contain the person’sname, new title, company, city inwhich the person will work, formertitle, former company (if notpromoted from within) and formercity in which the person worked.Photos are welcome, but we cannotguarantee they will be used.


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Investment Analyst Job Posting

The Retirement Systems of the City of Detroit is conducting asearch for an Investment Analyst. The Retirement Systems of the City of Detroit is comprised of two Michigan public employeeretirement systems; General Retirement System and the Policeand Fire Retirement System. Both systems are administered bya Board of Trustees. The two systems have combinedapproximately 6 billion assets. Its fiscal year ends June 30 ofeach year. The systems have approximately 13,000 active members and 20,000 retirees and beneficiaries.

The Systems are governmental plans and are generally notsubject to ERISA. The Systems are subject to various statestatutes and the Detroit City Charter. Michigan Public Act 314imposes limitations on what fraction of total plan assets may beinvested in certain asset classes, including alternative investments.

The position reports to the Executive Secretary of the RetirementSystems. Responsibilities include, preparing monthly cashforecasts and cash flow strategies, monthly asset reporting withcompliance and comparison to state law and the board approvedallocation model, tracking board’s investments rate of return,implementing asset transfers, monitoring security lending program, oversee short term investments, monitoringinvestments for compliance with contractual obligations, prepare analysis and reports for use by Board of Trustees.

The ideal candidate will have excellent written and oralcommunication skills, a fundamental knowledge of the financialmarkets, knowledge of various credit instruments, investment vehicles and portfolio strategies, familiarity with governmental and municipal accounting principals, practices, regulations andexperience analyzing and evaluating investment strategies.Minimum qualifications and preferences include a bachelor’sdegree (master’s preferred), CFA certification and experiencewith the investments of a pension fund is desirable. However, allapplicants with relevant experience will also be considered.

Apply at [email protected] by May 28, 2010. Candidate review to begin in June, 2010.


CALENDARTUESDAY

M A Y 1 8

CREW Detroit Bring a Guest Member-ship Drive. 5:30-8 p.m. Open to currentmembers and nonmember profession-als in a commercial real estate-relatedfield who are interested in learningmore about CREW Detroit. Rosie O’Grady’s, Ferndale. $40. Contact:(785) 832-1808; e-mail: crewdetroit@

crewnetwork.com; website: www.crewdetroit.org.

WEDNESDAYM A Y 1 9

Michigan Week Expo. 10 a.m.-3 p.m.with lunch at noon. Sterling HeightsRegional Chamber. With: Ralph Gilles,president and CEO of Dodge brand,

EVENT SPOTLIGHTS THE FUTURE OF COBO, DETROITCrain’s Detroit Business and theMichigan Society of AssociationExecutives are sponsoring “AnInside Perspective on the Future ofCobo and Detroit” Wednesday atthe Doubletree Guest Suites FortShelby, Detroit.Learn more on how the CoboCenter renovations and expansionplans will impact SoutheastMichigan businesses,associations and meetingprofessionals; and how Detroitsecured the 2015 AmericanSociety of Association ExecutivesAnnual Meeting and Exposition.Featured presenters are LarryAlexander, president and CEO,

Detroit MetroConvention andVisitors Bureau;Walter Watkins,interim CEO,Detroit RegionalConventionCenter; andCheryl Ronk,president,MSAE.

The program is10 a.m.-noon and lunch noon-1p.m. Cost is $60 MSAE members,$80 nonmembers. Preregister atwww.msae.org and click on theevent or call Annie Taggart at (517)332-6723.

Alexander

Chrysler Group L.L.C. Best WesternSterling Inn, Sterling Heights. $30members, $40 guests. Contact: (586)731-5400, ext. 10; e-mail:[email protected]; website:www.shrcci.com.

THURSDAYM A Y 2 0

75th Anniversary Fundraiser Gala.5:30-10 p.m. Detroit Economic Club.Cocktail-attire celebration withstrolling dinner, afterglow and livemusic. Westin Book Cadillac, Detroit.$250. Contact: (313) 963-8547; e-mail:[email protected]; website:www.econclub.org.

Women Entrepreneurs and Policy:Meet the Candidates. 8:30-11 a.m. Na-tional Association of Women BusinessOwners Greater Detroit Chapter. Net-working and a chance to meet the can-didates who may soon represent yourdistrict. Walsh College, Novi. $15 members, $25 nonmembers. Contact: (313) 961-4748; e-mail: asmarshall@ nawbogdc.org; website:www.nawbogdc.org.

COMING EVENTSWXW Forum 10. 8 a.m.-7 p.m. May 22.Women’s Exchange of Washtenaw.With: Dr. Ora Pescovitz, CEO, Univer-sity of Michigan Health System; KristiMailloux, president, Molly Maid Inc.;and Diane Ward, CEO, SoutheasternMichigan Red Cross Blood Services.Kensington Court Hotel, Ann Arbor.$95. Contact: (734) 741-1134; e-mail: [email protected]; web-site: www.wxwbusiness.com.

Tee It Up for Business-A Women’sGuide. 5:30-8 p.m. May 24. ExecutiveWomen’s Golf Association and Info-rum. With: Terri Ryan, city of South-field head golf pro; others. NorthvilleHills Golf Club, Northville. $20 EWGAand Inforum members, $25 guests.Contact: (248) 932-5450; e-mail: [email protected];website: www.inforummichigan.org.

Detroit Economic Club. 11:30 a.m.-1:30p.m. May 25. With: Carlos Ghosn,chairman and CEO, Renault-Nissanalliance. Cobo Center, Detroit. $45members, $55 guests of members, $75nonmembers. Contact: (313) 963-8547;e-mail: [email protected]; website: www.econclub.org.

Leaders Without Borders-Michigan’sDefining Moment. 7:30-10 a.m. May 27.Detroit Orientation Institute, Leader-ship Detroit, Leadership Oakland,Leadership Macomb and LeadershipWindsor Essex. With: Phil Power,founder of The Center for Michigan;Kurt Metzger, director of Data DrivenDetroit; and Desiree Cooper, senioranalyst, new media, City Connect De-troit. Westin, Southfield. $30 for classmembers of sponsoring organizations,$40 for guests. Deadline May 19. Con-tact Ann Slawnik, (313) 577-0171; e-mail: [email protected];website www.doi.wayne.edu/lwb.php.

Detroit Economic Club. 11:30 a.m.-1:30p.m. May 27. With: Scott Serota, pres-ident and CEO, Blue Cross Blue ShieldAssociation. Detroit Marriott Renais-sance Center. $45 members, $55guests, $75 nonmembers. Contact:(313) 963-8547; e-mail: [email protected]; website: www.econclub.org.

Changing Realities of Business Phil-anthropy. 8 a.m.-noon. May 27.Lawrence Technological University.With: Peter Remington, president,The Remington Group; Paul Hille-gonds, senior vice president, corpo-rate affairs, DTE Energy Co.; SteveBrown, senior vice president, univer-sity advancement, LTU; others. $25.Contact: (248) 204-3095; website:www.ltu.edu/management.


OTHER VOICES: Reform immigration the right way

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