DBusiness | November/December 2022

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11-12.22 44

Clean Finish

CONTENTS

FOCUS: Area clubs are adding

new features and amenities to attract new members and draw top-shelf talent — and, in the case of Oakland Hills Country Club’s historic clubhouse in Bloomfield Township, rebuilding after a devasting fire.

By Dan Calabrese

49 Recession

Progression PERSPECTIVES: Economists quibble about what constitutes an economic recession while inflation, labor shortages, and supply chain issues make business and life more difficult.

By Tim Keenan

57 Top

Lawyers The region’s top attorneys in various practice categories, as voted on by their peers through Professional Research Services.

74 Care

Exchange

74

BRYAN ESLER

Tina Freese Decker, the president and CEO executing the mega-merger of Beaumont and Spectrum into Corewell Health, is seeking to improve health outcomes, reduce costs without sacrificing care, and boost employee morale frayed by COVID-19. By Dale Buss

16 DBUSINESS || November - December 2022

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CONTENTS

11-12.22

40 Commentary

The Ticker

22

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

22

READERS' LETTERS

30 PRIVATE GAINS Graduates of private colleges appear to be better-prepared and start out with higher pay than their public college contemporaries.

36 OFF THE GRID To grow the nation’s network of EV charging stations, a company in Brighton has developed a self-powered solution.

By Giacomina Fabiano

24

CONTRIBUTORS

30 CARBON FUTURE Going green is likely to make the cost of energy higher, not lower.

30 ELECTRIC VALUE To find out how green electric vehicles really are, look at how their batteries are sourced and made.

32 COMPENDIUM How outsiders view Detroit.

37 GET A GRIP A sock business partners with a workout studio and both are now expanding.

By Jake Bekemeyer 37 SAFE SEARCH Hush is a digital privacy protection platform designed to thwart more threats caused by data brokers than any other digital protection services company.

By Jake Bekemeyer 38 MAKING MAGIC A candle business in Ferndale prodices more than 400,000 candles a year.

By Jake Bekemeyer

38 PDA Q&A Donald V. Orlandoni, shareholder, Butzel, Detroit. at the FarnboroughInternational Air Show.

By R.J. King 40 SIGN OF THE TIMES Finding a location along I-75 wasn’t easy for Signarama Troy/Metro Detroit. By Tim Keenan 40 FISH LURE Commercially caught Great Lakes whitefish can be worth up to $3,500 per fish if they’re fully utilized. By Tim Keenan

JOSH SCOTT

Foreword

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11-12.22

CONTENTS

90 Exec Life

92 RETURN ON INVESTMENT The Accidental Entrepreneur: How Detroit’s “hustler spirit” inspired a national brand of natural weight management products. By Tom Murray 94 PRODUCTION RUN Double Time: It’s a juggling act, but Detroit Manufacturing Systems runs two assembly lines on the same factory floor to account for internal combustion engines and electric vehicles. By R.J. King

98 PATENTS AND INVENTIONS Team Innovation: Michael Meier worked with his colleagues at Bosch Group in Plymouth Township to develop a rear-view camera system for pickup trucks. By Norm Sinclair 100 OPINION Mental Health: Companies and organizations that invest in their employees’ mental health will help their workers reduce stress and be more productive. By Gretchen Moran-Marsh

ON THE COVER Photo by Bryan Esler

109 FROM THE TOP Largest Hospital Systems in Michigan, Largest Multi-Tenant Office Buildings.

114 CLOSING BELL Photo Finish: Detrola crafted thousands of radios and cameras, but after producing M-1 minesweepers for the U.S. Army during World War II, it failed to regain its earlier success. While long gone, the brand, in a bid to nostalgia, lives on.

By Ronald Ahrens

102 THE CIRCUIT Our party pics from exclusive events.

COURTESY DR. MICHAEL SEITZ

90 CEO GIFT GUIDE From “Beetlejuice the Musical” to a limousine with a chauffeur to a water jetpack, and more, choices abound for the executive who has everything.

By Jake Bekemeyer

Et Cetera

20 DBUSINESS || November - December 2022

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Letters

Civic Gem

A

nyone who has enjoyed a play, a musical, or a concert in downtown Detroit owes a debt of gratitude to the late Charles A. “Chuck” Forbes.

Born in Highland Park in 1929, Forbes, who passed away in late September, attended the Henry Ford Trade School, where he was class president in 1948, before spending two years with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. From there, he earned a business degree from Wayne State University.

During his time at Wayne State, R.J. KING Forbes began working at Ford Motor Co. and, over the course of 31 years, he learned the real estate trade firsthand — identifying, acquiring, developing, and leasing dealership locations all over the country.

Retiring from Ford in 1981, at the ripe age of 51, Forbes went on a shopping spree, buying more than 40 mostly vacant buildings in downtown Detroit, especially older theaters. In 1984 alone, he purchased the Fox, State (today known as the Fillmore), Gem Theatre and Century Club, and The Colony Club. He also scooped up the Elwood Bar and Grill, an Art Deco masterpiece that at the time was located at Woodward Avenue and Elwood Street, hence the name Elwood.

Three years later, in 1987, he agreed to sell the 5,000-seat Fox Theatre and office building to the Ilitch family, which subsequently undertook a $12-million renovation of the entertainment jewel.

At the time, Forbes could have pocketed the money from the sale of the Fox and retired, but the son of Scottish immigrants wasn’t one to stand still.

As the Ilitch family renovated the Fox, Forbes restored the State Theatre and the attached Francis

Palms Building. He also began work on the Gem Theatre and Century Club (one building), which at the time was located next to the Elwood. A self-described preservationist, Forbes favored restoration over the destruction of architectural wonders like the YMCA, YWCA, and Wolverine Hotel — all of which were torn down to make way for surface parking lots for Comerica Park.

The stadium project, which included Ford Field, was bittersweet for Forbes. The two stadiums wiped out dozens of buildings, while the Gem Theatre and Century Club, along with the Elwood, stood in the crosshairs of redevelopment.

Rather than sell everything, Forbes made history by negotiating to have the Gem/Century and Elwood moved to Madison and Brush streets. The five-block move (1,850 feet) of the theater structure was recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the heaviest building ever transported on wheels.

Today, the two buildings, separated by a multistory parking deck, appear to have always been in their current location east of the Detroit Athletic Club. And while Forbes thought the stadium planners were short-sighted — leveling everything in their path save for the Hudson’s warehouse, which now adjoins Ford Field — he didn’t allow some of the most attractive elements of his buildings to be reduced to rubble.

The courtyard in front of the Gem/Century, for example, is surrounded by an ornamental balustrade that once graced the top of the downtown YMCA, which Forbes owned, while the brick pavers came from his other buildings that were leveled for the stadiums. Inside, he furnished the structures with historic elements he saved like fireplace mantles, stained glass, sconces, and decorative wood trim.

Downtown Detroit has never looked better, and we can credit Forbes for making it all possible.

R.J. King rjking@dbusiness.com

EMAIL US AT: editorial@dbusiness.com SEND MAIL TO: Letters, DBusiness magazine, 5750 New King Drive, Ste. 100, Troy, MI 48098 Please include your city of residence and daytime phone number. We reserve the right to edit letters for length and content.

EV APPRECIATION

I enjoyed Paul Eisenstein’s take on Ford’s electric SUV efforts in the SeptemberOctober issue of DBusiness. For all the talk about a massive societal shift to electric vehicles, I’ve always been a skeptic for one reason: Consumer demand just hasn’t been there. It looks as if that could be turning the corner.

Consumer acceptance and demand for the Ford Mach-E has exceeded expectations and, with the electric Ford F-150 orders surging to four times expectations, it seems Ford is on the right path.

Mike DeVilling Rochester Hills

HELLO FROM CHEBOYGAN

I just wanted to thank you for the recent DBusiness Daily Newsletter coverage of the Builders Association scholarships. I’ve been on that committee for several years and they’re a fine group of caring individuals.

I presently serve as the president of the Cheboygan County Community Foundation.

Our unique mission of raising funds to promote economic development has invested almost $300,000 in fledgling businesses in the county.

We recently partnered with the county for a series of leadership lunches to promote communication and problem-solving across the county, which is very rare here.

Noreen Keating Cheboygan

22 DBUSINESS || November - December 2022

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Contributors

CONTRIBUTORS

DALE BUSS

Dale Buss is a contributing editor at Chief Executive magazine and a contributor to Forbes magazine, Corporate Board Member, Automotive News, and many other publications. He also works with CEOs to tell their stories in book form and is founder of the Flyover Coalition, promoting America’s Heartland. Buss started his career at The Wall Street Journal and spent six years in the newspaper’s Detroit bureau, where he, along with co-workers, was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize. He subsequently served as an editor at metropolitan dailies in St. Petersburg, Fla., and Milwaukee. In this issue of DBusiness, Buss explores the recent merger between Beaumont and Spectrum into Corewell Health.

CONTRIBUTION: Writer, Feature | SEE IT HERE: Page 74

DETROIT’S PREMIER BUSINESS JOURNAL

VOLUME 17 • ISSUE 6 PUBLISHER Jason Hosko EDITORIAL EDITOR R.J. King MANAGING EDITOR Tim Keenan ASSOCIATE EDITOR Jake Bekemeyer COPY EDITOR Anne Berry Daugherty DESIGN ART DIRECTOR Justin Stenson SENIOR PRODUCTION ARTIST Stephanie Daniel JUNIOR DESIGNER Steven Prokuda ADVERTISING SALES ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Cynthia Barnhart, Regan Blissett, Karli Brown, Maya Gossett, Donna Kassab, Lisa LaBelle, Mary Pantely and Associates OUTREACH SPECIALIST Jessica VanDerMoss

STEPHANIE DANIEL

Stephanie Daniel has worked steadily on DBusiness magazine for the past 12 years as a senior production artist. She recently added the responsibilities of photography coordinator, which has allowed more involvement on the creative side. A graduate of Michigan State University with a B.A. in graphic design, Daniel worked in a variety of jobs in the design field before joining Hour Media in 2010 and finding her professional happy place. In her spare time, she enjoys planning trips to Disney with her husband and two children, cross-stitching funny phrases and framing them, and learning aerial acrobatics.

CONTRIBUTION: Photography coordinator and senior production artist

PRODUCTION PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Jenine Knox SENIOR PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Jill Berry ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Amanda Kozlowski PREPRESS ARTIST Jonathan Boedecker GRAPHIC ARTISTS Jim Bibart, Colin McKinney WEB DIGITAL DIRECTOR Nick Britsky DIGITAL DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Matt Cappo DIGITAL DEVELOPMENT SPECIALISTS Jim Bowser, Marissa Jacklyn, Luanne Lim, Kevin Pell VIDEO PRODUCER Nicole Toporowski VIDEO EDITOR Taylor Lutz DIGITAL STRATEGY MANAGER Travis Cleveland DIGITAL MEDIA ASSISTANT Robyn Banks IT IT DIRECTOR Jeremy Leland CIRCULATION DIRECTOR OF AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT Geralyn Wilson CIRCULATION MANAGER Riley Meyers CIRCULATION COORDINATORS David Benvenuto, Cathy Krajenke, Rachel Moulden, Lisa Sawyer, Michele Wold MARKETING AND EVENTS MARKETING AND EVENTS MANAGER Jodie Svagr COMMUNICATIONS AND EVENTS LEAD Cathleen Francois MARKETING AND EVENTS COORDINATOR Jaime Presnail MARKETING AND EVENTS INTERN Crystal Baker

BRYAN ESLER

Bryan Esler is a corporate events, portrait, and food photographer based in Grand Rapids. He has worked with clients such as Delta Airlines, NBC, Microsoft, LiveStrong, Pure Michigan, Downtown Grand Rapids Inc., Grand Rapids Magazine, Varnum, Michigan State University, ArtPrize, and the Grand Rapids Public Schools Foundation. In 2020 he was named the top food photographer in Grand Rapids by PeerSpace, and was recognized as the city’s top event photographer in 2022 by Giggster. Esler also serves as managing editor for photofocus.com. In this issue of DBusiness, he provided the cover photography of Tina Freese Decker, president and CEO of Corewell Health.

CONTRIBUTION: Photographer | SEE IT HERE: Cover

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Patrick Anderson, Ronald Ahrens, Dale Buss, Dan Calabrese, Giacomina Fabiano, David L. Littmann, Gretchen Moran-Marsh, Tom Murray, Tim Nash, Norm Sinclair, Mehmet E. Yaya CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS Nathan Bolster, Mike Eckman, Bryan Esler, Patrick Gloria, Nick Hagen, Matthew LaVere, Jenny Risher, Josh Scott, Becky Simonov, Martin Vecchio, James Yang

MARKET RESEARCH MARKETING RESEARCH DIRECTOR Sofia Shevin MARKETING RESEARCH COORDINATOR Georgia Iden MARKETING RESEARCH SALES COORDINATOR Alex Thompson MARKETING RESEARCH ASSISTANT Alyssa Fueri JUNIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Alexa Dyer BUSINESS CEO Stefan Wanczyk PRESIDENT John Balardo DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS OPERATIONS Kathie Gorecki PUBLISHING AND SALES COORDINATOR Kristin Mingo ASSISTANT OFFICE MANAGER Natasha Bajju SENIOR ACCOUNTING ASSOCIATE Andrew Kotzian ACCOUNTING ASSOCIATES Sammi Dick, Austin Schmelzle SALES INTERN Gabrielle Mancini DISTRIBUTION Target Distribution, Troy

Postmaster: Send address changes to DBusiness, 5750 New King Drive, Ste. 100, Troy, MI 48098 For advertising inquiries: 248-691-1800, ext. 126 To sell DBusiness magazine or for subscription inquiries: 248-588-1851 DBusiness is published by Hour Media. Copyright © 2022 Hour Media.

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. DBusiness is a registered trademark of Hour Media.

24 DBUSINESS || November - December 2022

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11-12.22

COMMENTARY

JAMES YANG

30 “ANYONE WHO STOPS LEARNING IS OLD, WHETHER AT 20 OR 80. ANYONE WHO KEEPS LEARNING STAYS YOUNG. THE GREATEST THING IN LIFE IS TO KEEP YOUR MIND YOUNG.”

p. 30

p. 32

Private Gains

Compendium

Carbon Future Electric Value

— HENRY FORD, FOUNDER, FORD MOTOR CO. November - December 2022 || DBUSINESS.COM 29

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Commentary

EDUCATION

Private Gains

E

INSIDE THE NUMBERS PRIVATE

PUBLIC

68%/62% Average graduation rates by private/public colleges

59,464 $ 55,182

PRIVATE

$

PUBLIC

Average starting salary of bachelor’s degree graduates at private/public colleges

76,784 $ 67,896

PRIVATE

$

PUBLIC

Average starting salary of master’s degree graduates at private/public colleges Sources: National Center for Education Statistics, Zippia Research

ducational results from colleges and universities are now front and center as companies strive to fill vacant positions during a global labor shortage. In some cases, businesses are identifying prospective recruits as they enter college and providing them with different jobs during summer breaks, so they can experience multiple operations before beginning a full-time career.

As hiring professionals sift through resumes to fill key positions, it’s becoming more evident that students who attend private schools are often better prepared for their future careers and command higher salaries than their public school counterparts. Consider that graduates with a bachelor’s degree from a private institution have an average starting salary of $59,464, as compared to $55,182 for a graduate of a public college or university — a difference of $4,282.

The gap is even wider for students who earn a master’s degree — average starting salaries are $76,784 for graduates of private schools and $67,896 for those who attended public institutions — or a difference of $8,888, according to Zippia Research. At the same time, tuition at private colleges generally costs more than public institutions, which rely, in part, on taxpayer funds to operate.

The average tuition and fees at a private college are $38,070 per year, compared to $10,740 (in-state) and $27,560 (out-of-state) costs at a public institution, according to the College Board’s Trends in College Pricing and Student Aid, 2021. The wide gap is an eye-opener, at first, but Tarek M. Sobh, president of Lawrence Technological University in Southfield, maintains private schools often provide students with more scholarships and other financial assistance than public colleges.

“It’s a myth that private schools are more expensive. While our average yearly tuition is $35,000, we also provide (students with) scholarships of between $5,000 to $20,000 per year, and most are around $10,000,” Sobh says. “So that brings our annual average tuition down to $25,000. At the same time, our students can work part time while they’re in school, which equates to $10,000 a year, and that brings the tuition down to $15,000. If a student works part time during the school year and full time over the summer, their tuition is under $10,000.”

While public college students also can work while going to school to offset their tuition costs and avoid large loans, Sobh says private institutions provide a better value when starting salaries are considered for graduates, along with graduation rates. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 68 percent of first-time, fulltime students earned bachelor’s degrees at private, nonprofit institutions. At public schools, the graduation rate was 62 percent for the same graduates.

Taking it a step further, a report released in September by Forbes magazine named Lawrence Technological University one of “America’s Top Colleges,” and the institution was ranked the top university in the three-county area of metro Detroit for highest alumni salaries, at a median of $119,900 10 years after graduation.

“When you look at tax dollars going to public schools, and you look at graduation rates and starting salaries, private schools, in my opinion and based on data, provide a better long-term value,” Sobh says. Private schools also are ahead on another front — the average annual grant aid for students at private schools is $23,080, while it’s $8,100 at public institutions, according to the College Board’s Trends in College Pricing and Student Aid, 2021.

ENERGY

CARBON FUTURE

AS POLITICIANS and environmental groups work together to boost the supply of energy produced from “green” sources such as wind turbines and solar panels, the rest of the world isn’t following suit. In fact, more energy will be needed from multiple sources to meet future global demand for energy.

According to a new report from the Manhattan Institute, humans generate 84 percent of all energy from hydrocarbons, which is 2 percent lower than 20 decades ago. At the same time, the rest of the world is still catching up to America, where there are nearly as many vehicles as people; fewer than 1 in 20 people have a car in other places.

Another sign of future energy demand comes from the airline industry, where 80 percent of the global population has yet to board a plane. While wind and solar energy often appear to be less expensive than hydrocarbons, consider the added costs of installing expensive electric wires and related equipment to transfer green energy to the grid.

The Manhattan Institute also reports the cumulative subsidies around the globe in recent years for wind, solar, and biofuels has cost some $5 trillion, although these sources only produce 5 percent of global energy. In turn, over the past 20 years, the cost of electricity has risen as utilities are forced by government decrees to build more expensive green energy power sources.

TRANSPORTATION

ELECTRIC VALUE WHILE ELECTRIC VEHICLES produce far less CO2 than those powered by internal combustion engines, at least when tailpipe emissions are considered, the overall climate effect of adding more battery-powered cars around the world isn’t so one-sided. For starters, producing batteries for EVs is expensive, as manufacturers scour the earth to find, mine, and transport rare elements like lithium and cobalt.

What’s more, EVs generate greater wear on tires and brakes — battery packs are heavy — leading to more particulate pollution than gasoline-powered vehicles. The American Economic Association found that electric vehicles, when all pollution is considered, cause more air emissions than cars and trucks powered by internal combustion engines, to the tune of $1,100 over the lifetime of an EV. For all the investment in EVs over the last decade or so, the future is murky. If every country met its electric vehicle production goals by 2030, around 231 million tons of CO2 would be spared from the atmosphere. But according to The Wall Street Journal, if those savings are entered into the standard United Nations Climate Panel model, the world would achieve a reduction of 0.0002 degrees Fahrenheit by the end of the century.

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Commentary

COMPENDIUM: HOW OUTSIDERS VIEW DETROIT DESIGN CORE DETROIT SHOWCASES THE CITY’S CAPACITY FOR 21ST CENTURY DESIGN INNOVATION AND COMMUNITY BUILDING. THE ARCHITECT’S NEWSPAPER SEPT. 26, 2022

BY SHANE REINER-ROTH

It would be too easy to describe the current resurgence of cultural and technological innovation taking place throughout Detroit as a “renaissance.”

The term, after all, can be found on everything from its most prominent buildings (the John Portman-designed Renaissance Center) to one of its most common nicknames: The Renaissance City.

Yet unlike the work of Florentines following the Dark Ages, Detroit’s recent design trends ought to be understood as more of a continuation than an aberration. For any student of history, the buzz of invention in the U.S.’s one and only UNESCO City of Design should come as no surprise. Even setting aside from the many design institutions that have outpaced the region’s brush with economic downturns over the last half-century — including Pewabic Pottery, the Cranbrook Academy of Art, and the College for Creative Studies — the city

is still the birthplace of everything from the modern assembly line to techno. And it still has plenty of energy to spare for new creative leadership. During the 12th annual Detroit Month of Design put forth by Design Core Detroit this September, a large portion of that spirit was on display across the city in structures both historic and new.

“We are building on the roots of Detroit, not its ruins,” Italian designer Roberto Palomba told AN. He curated the installation LoveITDetroit, which places design objects from Italy and Detroit in seamless dialogue on the ground floor of a sleek midcentury skyscraper at the center of the city. ...

DETROIT’S LAST INNER-CITY SYNAGOGUE HOPES TO LEAD ITS JEWISH COMMUNAL FUTURE TIMES OF ISRAEL AUG. 28, 2022

BY ANDREW LAPIN

Just off Woodward Avenue, the Motor City’s main thoroughfare crowded with high-end shops, sleek office buildings, and a luxury hotel, a synagogue with multicolored stained-glass windows anchors a block of frozen-in-time real estate. An Old Detroit relic, it sits in stark contrast to the other

heavily developed properties in the downtown corridor of this swiftly changing city.

On a recent sunny Sunday morning, a Yiddish singer belted out klezmer standards like “Tumbalalaika” and “Shein Vi Di Levone” on the block as a crowd enjoyed ice cream and popcorn. This shtetl in the city will soon see a major development of its own.

It was a special day for Detroit’s Jews: a centennial celebration of the only remaining freestanding synagogue in the city, which doubled as a groundbreaking for an ambitious expansion project. Many of the Jews in attendance at the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue’s block party weren’t even members, but all of them saw the congregation as an important link to Jewish Detroit’s past and future.

“I am so personally excited we made it to this day, hallelujah!” the synagogue’s rabbi, Ariana Silverman, said after reciting the Shehechiyanu blessing, a tradition that gives thanks for the moment.

Founded in 1921, the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue is today the last vestige of what, at the time, was a thriving Jewish community in an American industrial boomtown. But the nondenominational synagogue’s leadership is

bullish that its best years are still ahead of it. A decade in the making, a $5 million-plus expansion project will turn the four-story building into a Jewish community hub while accommodating a growing membership base. ...

HUNTERS DISCUSS KILLING MICHIGAN’S ONE-IN-A-MILLION ‘SPIRIT BEAR’ NEWSWEEK •SEPT. 26, 2022 • BY ED BROWNE

An extremely rare white spirit bear spotted in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula may have an uncertain future as people are discussing killing it in hunting season.

There has been speculation over the past couple of days that the bear is already dead after being attacked by wolves, though that is considered unlikely, according to a Michigan wildlife department official.

The white bear, known as a spirit bear, is actually a rare type of black bear with white or creamy fur and paws due to its genetic makeup. It is thought that only around 100 of them exist, according to the North American Bear Center.

Most spirit bears live on the Princess Royal and Gribbell islands along the coast of British Columbia, Canada, with some rare exceptions elsewhere.

From Sept. 4-6, a white bear was spotted by a trail cam in Michigan as it wandered through the forest. The photos were shared on social media and they received several hundred comments on the Yooper Outdoors #906 Facebook group.

“That would make an awesome mount or rug,” wrote one Facebook user in the comment section, prompting backlash from others. In response, they added: “If a person wants to use the tag they purchase on a legal animal then they can, they do not need your permission.”

Another said: “Let him grow! That would be a beautiful mount in a few more years.”

Many others urged hunters to leave the bear alone. One user wrote: “I’m all about bear hunting but I really hope fellow hunters can see the beauty in this rare beauty and let him go.”

“Not everything magnificent needs to be taken as a trophy,” said another.

Michigan’s hunting season this year runs from Sept. 7 to Oct. 26, with some variation between districts.

There was also some discussion about whether or not it would be legal to shoot the animal.

In July, the government of British Columbia banned the hunting of black bears, including white bears, in the territories of the Kitasoo/Xai’xais and Gitga’at First Nations in the Great Bear Rainforest in an effort to protect them.

However, no such protections are in place in Michigan, according to local press.

Speaking to Michigan news outlet MLive, Cody Norton, a wildlife biologist at the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, acknowledged that the bear may be killed.

“Obviously, I’d love to actually see it. If it did get harvested, we’d love to take a genetic sample and get to see if this is the same exact genetic mutation that is what is found in British Columbia in the remote bear population or if it’s something different,” Norton said.

He added that if the bear “makes it through the season” then future trail cam photos could provide useful information on it.

Hunting threats aside, there has been recent speculation that the bear may already have been killed by wolves.

News outlet Fox 2 Detroit reported it had spoken to the Yooper Outdoors #906 group and that the owner of the original trail cam photos of the spirit bear had found pieces of what looked like white fur not long after the photo was shared online.

In addition, the animal has not been seen since.

However, speaking to the Detroit Free Press, Norton said it was unlikely that the bear had been killed by wolves as wolves do not typically attack bears. He said it is more likely that the bear has simply wandered off looking for food.

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Commentary

HARBINGER UNVEILS INNOVATIVE PLATFORM FOR ELECTRIC MEDIUMDUTY TRUCKS AT DETROIT AUTO SHOW FORBES • SEPT. 8, 2022• BY ED GARSTEN

It’s not a sports car, pickup, or SUV, but one of the products (unveiled) at the North American International Detroit Auto Show may very well be the underpinnings for future electric trucks delivering packages to your front door or supporting the electric recreational vehicle transporting you to campsites around the country.

Los Angeles-based startup Harbinger (took) the wraps off a new chassis for battery-electric Class 4 through Class 7 medium-duty vehicles which include delivery trucks and RVs. The chassis is designed to save money, reduce driver fatigue and injuries, and improve performance and safety.

Indeed, it’s the newest innovation in the fast-growing medium-duty truck market serving the even faster-growing middle and last mile delivery markets.

Harbinger was created about 18 months ago by three veterans of EV startups including CEO John Harris. In an interview with forbes.com, Harris explained the idea to create this new chassis for electric medium-duty vehicles grew out of “fascination” the founders have for that market segment, finding it “compelling,” and frustration over existing solutions.

“We thought, someone’s gonna go do it right. I kept waiting and waiting and waiting. It just didn’t happen,” said Harris. “The pandemic has driven 10 years of e-commerce growth into 18 months. We decided to do it right from the ground up.”

Doing it from the ground up meant re-thinking key elements specific to electric vehicles, the most prominent innovation being Harbinger’s eAxle, which combines the motor, inverter and gearbox into a replaceable integrated unit.

The eAxle is coupled with what’s known as a de-dion beam.

“With the de-dion beam we have a floating beam that carries the bending moment coupled with half shafts, an anti-sway bar system and then leaf springs for suspension, still using rear leaf springs,” explained Harris. “Unlike having a beam axle where you have this sort of monolithic integrated unit we’re breaking that out letting us just

optimize each piece individually.”

By eliminating hypoid gears and u-joints, moving to an architecture that uses entirely spiral beveled gears, “we’re looking at about a 15-percent improvement in energy efficiency over the incumbent solutions in the industry,” said Harris.

Battery packs are designed to last 20 years, or about the same life span as a commercial truck and are placed within the frame for safety, Harris said.

A key selling point for Harbinger is the intent to make its electric truck chassis available at no cost premium.

To accomplish that, the company is building its entire battery system in-house, like passenger car companies.

Existing truck manufacturers typically purchase complete battery packs from outside companies. ...

IS THE DETROIT SELF-DEFENSE GUY FOR REAL?

ESPN.COM AUG. 24, 2022

BY RYAN HOCKENSMITH The wall of fake weapons is about 30 feet long, and Dale Brown talks about each one like it’s a crucial family member at his self-defense school here in Detroit.

He starts with the plastic batons. He picks one up, cradles it gently for a second and then takes one mock swing before he moves to the bats. Then he walks past the dozens of pretend knives, and then he’s about to start describing all of his fake guns when he passes a plastic ax hanging nearby ...

Come on.

An ax?

He shakes his head vigorously to signal that This. Is. Important. “You

don’t want your first time coming up against an ax to be in a real-life situation,” he says.

He’s serious. Extremely serious. As the man now known as “The Detroit Self-Defense Guy” speaks, it’s obvious that his core message comes from his heart, underneath his infamous black and gray outfit that Space Force ought to consider. Brown wants the whole world — the universe, really — to put just as much serious thought into ax attack survivability as he has.

Brown is a whirlwind 5-foot-9, 240-pound barrel of intensity, and has a personality that toggles between life-or-death conversations about the necessity for ax defense, to funny voices and over-the-top facial expressions as he mocks the people who mock his uber-seriousness. The switch he hits between earnestness and total goofball is a big reason he has become an internet and sports world sensation.

But make no mistake, here at D.U.S.T. headquarters (Detroit Urban Survival Training), Dale Brown mostly evangelizes a heartfelt belief that every American ought to have an extensive game plan for every single bad thing that could happen. He has hundreds of tactics and techniques, and sometimes publishes multiple videos per day to his YouTube channel, which has 1.7 million subscribers.

He has been spoofed on SNL, been imitated by Odell Beckham Jr. on a touchdown celebration, walked UFC fighter Joaquin Buckley to the cage as a cornerman and been the Pistons’ guest of honor at a 2022 game. When the Lions celebrated schedule

release day in May, they had Brown do it. He’s talking to the Tigers about throwing out a first pitch in August. The Dale Brown tour has no end in sight.

But Brown’s techniques have drawn heavy skepticism from the MMA and self-defense communities. Critics say he’s a charlatan whose teachings are a joke — or worse.

“Guys like that get people killed,” MMA legend Bas Rutten recently said on Ariel Helwani’s “The MMA Hour.”

That would be a stinging indictment for most people. But when Rutten’s comments come up, Brown laughs out loud repeatedly as he drives his SUV around Detroit in late June.

He keeps blurting out, “Bas Rutten!” in increasingly incredulous tones. ...

YUVAL SHARON IS ON THE TIME100 NEXT 2022 LIST TIME • SEPT. 28, 2022 • BY LAURA ZORNOSA

To see the most innovative opera company in America, visit the Motor City. Yuval Sharon has long used unconventional settings in unexpected ways, but now, as the artistic director of the Detroit Opera, he is breaking new ground. Lauded for past projects such as his reverse chronological staging of Puccini’s “La Bohème,” Sharon in July premiered a high-tech reimagining of a Wagner opera. Onstage action blended with computer animations with the help of green-screen tech. And of course: although the staging debuted in Los Angeles, it soon headed home to Michigan.

Every year, Time publishes the Time100 Next, a list — inspired by our flagship Time100 — that recognizes 100 rising stars from across industries and around the world.

There is no one way to have an impact, so there is no one way by which Time measures the influence essential to its selections. As a result, and by design, the 2022 Time100 Next list features musicians as well as medical professionals, government officials as well as movement leaders, and high-profile whistle-blowers alongside top CEOs — all curated by Time’s journalists and informed by their reporting.

What unites these individuals are their extraordinary efforts to shape our world — and to define our future.

November - December 2022 || DBUSINESS.COM 33

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BECKY SIMONOV

11-12.22

THE TICKER

38 BURN BRIGHT Coventry Creations in Ferndale is on pace to produce around 400,000 candles this year, up from the 40,000 candles the company made in 1992 — its first full year of business.

p. 36

p. 38

p. 40

Off the Grid

Making Magic

Sign of the Times

Safe Search

PDA Q&A

Fish Lure

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The Ticker

Off the Grid

POWER UP Stevan Bratic, co-founder and managing partner of EV Charging POD, has designed a system that can charge EVs via natural gas, battery packs, solar energy, or propane.

and how to put it together. To have the human experience to do that, it really makes a huge difference.”

After asking utilities like DTE Energy and Consumers Energy about their plans to address the infrastructure issues presented by the EV industry and receiving unsatisfactory answers, Bratic decided to take things into his own hands and created the EV Charging POD. The off-grid power solution provides commercial and industrial businesses with revenue-generating EV-charging capability. The units run on natural gas, battery packs, solar energy, or propane, allowing for use in rural areas. They also can provide backup power, pushing electricity back to the grid or surrounding facilities.

The pods provide for all levels of charging — from level 1, which takes about eight hours for a 0 to 100 percent charge, up to level 3, which takes about 45 minutes. Basic containers from an EV Charging POD provide 35 kilowatts for a trickle charge, while the biggest container can handle 10 megawatts of electricity for 30 fast charges.

“The goal is to be 100 percent off the grid,” Bratic says. As a full-service solution, the EV Charging POD can offer the necessary equipment, chargers, installation, maintenance, and management, and can even service payment processes. What’s more, with projected growth, the company plans to hire more people.

In the automotive industry, there will be savings due to lower costs of off-grid charging, but Bratic calculated and compared his systems to DTE’s publicly available emissions data and found that until 2030, his containers will have lower grid carbon emissions.

Similarly, surrounding facilities will not only benefit from the revenue-producing charging pods, but will also see an increase in consumers who come specifically to charge their EV. “This way we can work on getting closer to achieving that net zero goal that everybody’s focusing on,” Bratic says.

M1 Concourse in Pontiac Will Add a Service Center M1 Concourse, an 87-acre motorsports facility in Pontiac, and Rochester Hills-based Prefix Corp. will create a new service center for the property, providing garage owners with a variety of vehicle performance services.

GM Invests $760M for EV Propulsion at Toledo Plant According to economists at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, the job market has been recovering despite waves of COVID-19. inflation, supply chain strains, and more, which could limit economic momentum in 2022 and 2023..

To grow the nation’s network of EV charging stations, a company in Brighton has developed a self-powered solution.

BY GIACOMINA FABIANO |

E

JOSH SCOTT

lectric vehicle sales are beginning to rise as consumers seek to save on gas and create a smaller carbon footprint. It follows that electricity is in demand, but supporting additional electrical use can lead to overloading the power grid.

Simply, there isn’t enough power available to upgrade the national grid, and getting there will cost billions of dollars.

Stevan Bratic, founder of Bratic Enterprises in Brighton, and co-founder and managing partner of the new EV Charging POD, aims to help solve the power grid issue by offering a full-service solution for off-grid EV-charging.

“This is an opportunity for me to start another company and support the EV-charging industry,” Bratic says. “We have access and knowledge of where to find the equipment, where to assemble it,

DBUSINESS DIRECT

Detroit Auto Show Adds $300M to Regional Economy The first indoor-outdoor North American International Auto Show added an estimated $300 million to the regional economy, according to Ancora’s David Sowerby. Next year’s Detroit Auto Show will take place Sept. 13-24.

Oak Park’s Bollinger Motors Partners with Wabash Oak Park-based electric vehicle maker Bollinger Motors has teamed with Wabash in Lafayette, Ind., a truck body and trailer manufacturer, to develop a stronger, lighter, refrigerated truck body on an electric chassis.

Ford Breaks Ground on BlueOval City in Tennessee Ford Motor Co. in Dearborn has broken ground at BlueOval City in Tennessee, the largest auto production complex in the company’s 119-year history.

The nearly 6-square-mile campus will create 6,000 jobs.

Production begins in 2025.

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The Ticker

SAFE SEARCH

COURTESY STICKY BE SOCKS / BODY BURN STUDIO

THE MORE DATA we put

online, the more likely it is that information will fall into the wrong hands.

Detroit’s Hush, a digital privacy protection platform developed by co-founders Mykolas Rambus and Lynn Raynault, is designed to thwart more threats caused by data brokers.

There are services that monitor some data brokers — people who mine online data from public records and social media posts before selling it to companies for advertising, fraud detection, or risk manage-ment purposes — but much is left unprotected.

Hush monitors all 1,200 data brokers active in the U.S. The company states it uses AI to get past the results anyone can find on Google, and identifies and removes compromising data.

“Our Social Security numbers are (online), our dates of birth are there, our driver’s license, all that stuff is there,” Rambus says. “Where identity thieves succeed is when they combine what’s on the dark web (where users can remain anonymous) with what’s on the surface and deep web.”

Hush is looking to build on its success while expanding its capabilities.

“A long time ago we mortgaged privacy for convenience in this country. I think it’s beginning to change,” Rambus says.

— By Jake Bekemeyer

U.S. Army Awards $20M Contract for Retrofit Kits The U.S. Army has awarded Ricardo Defense a $20.2 million contract to continue delivery of antilock brake system/electronic stability control safety system retrofit kits for the Army’s high-mobility vehicle.

Get a Grip

How a sock business joined forces with a workout studio.

BY JAKE BEKEMEYER

I

n 2015, Nancy Giftos took over a fledgling business called Sticky Be Socks that she’d been helping a friend run. When her colleague decided to move on, Giftos grew the product line from a handful of women’s grip socks to include men’s, children’s, and infant’s socks, along with leg warmers.

“All of our socks have ‘Be’ sayings on them. They go from (things like) ‘Be Strong’ to ‘Be Great,’ and the kids’ socks are ‘Be Silly,’ ‘Be Cuddly.’ They’re these little subliminal messages,” says Giftos, owner and CEO of Sticky Be Apparels. “I’ll be in a workout class and want to come out of a plank pose, but I’ll look down and see my socks saying ‘Be Strong,’ and it makes me stay.”

Learning as she went, Giftos taught herself design — which ensured new socks continued to roll out when the pandemic suddenly hit. At that time, she says, she moved home to Grosse Pointe from Los Angeles. Soon, orders started to fade.

Wholesale customers — gyms, workout studios, and spas, which made up most of the business — dropped off due to the pandemic, given most were forced to close. Giftos decided to shift some of her focus to an online retail experience, which helped her find a larger audience.

“It’s not just a fitness sock. I think, a lot of times, people think grip socks are fitness socks, but they’re not. The accounts and people we sell to go from 6 months old to 100 years old,” Giftos says, noting the socks are great for older people walking on wood floors, and more.

In a stroke of fate, Kate Shannon also moved home to Grosse Pointe from New York when the pandemic hit. She opened BodyBurn Studio, which is centered around the use of the Megaformer fitness machine, in February 2021. Giftos, seeking a strenuous workout, started taking classes.

After becoming acquainted, Giftos joined Shannon, the owner and an instructor, as a partner at the Grosse Pointe studio, and started to sell Sticky Be Socks there as well. The two eventually began to think about opening a second location and started looking for the right place. The second BodyBurn Studio will open at the intersection of Telegraph and West Square Lake roads in Bloomfield Township in January 2023. The new space will include an activewear retail area and will sell Sticky Be Socks, among other name brands.

$60M Woodward West Development Opens Project developers Queen Lillian and The Platform have completed Woodward West, a $60 million development with 204 residential units in Detroit’s Midtown, located on Woodward Avenue, just south of Martin Luther King Boulevard.

Beaumont Health Expands Use of Robotic Surgery by 50% Beaumont Health in Southfield has expanded its fleet of robots by nearly 50 percent to increase the ability to provide an advanced, minimally invasive option for more patients.

Beaumont now has 24 da Vinci robotic surgical systems.

IT Talent Development Platform Digital Lakes Relaunches in State Digital Lakes, a nonprofit partnership designed to provide a platform to attract, develop, and retain IT talent, has relaunched with new programming and full-time leadership after a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19.

At BodyBurn Studio, blending a typical workout routine with the use of machines provides clients with the restorative properties of Pilates, along with elements of strength training and cardio, to deliver a fullbody workout. Shannon says it “never gets easier; you just get stronger. “(It’s) 48 minutes, and most people are absolutely gassed after 48 minutes. I can’t imagine it being any longer than that,” Shannon says. “In terms of workouts, you RIGHT SIZE get a ton of bang for your Nancy Giftos and Kate buck, and you’re also very Shannon will open a Bodynice to your joints, body, Burn Studio in Bloomfield Township early next year. and bones.”

Our Next Energy in Novi to Advance EV Batteries Our Next Energy in Novi has signed a development agreement with Massachusetts-based 6K Energy to develop and produce the battery material it will use in its Gemini and Aries battery platforms.

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

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The Ticker

Making Magic A candle business in Ferndale celebrates 30 years.

BY JAKE BEKEMEYER |

W

BECKY SIMONOV

hen she launched Coventry Creations in 1992, Jacki Smith was making intention candles as one of many sources of income following the loss of her job. This year, Smith and her sister — Vice President and General Manager Patty Shaw — are celebrating 30 years of operation. The duo has survived multiple periods of financial turbulence, and they’re thrilled to be continuing to expand today.

Coventry Creations’ candles are made in a Ferndale warehouse where paraffin wax is melted; filled with scents, herbs, and dyes; and molded into intention candles — which Smith says can be used to center one’s focus and create opportunities — before being wrapped, labeled, packed, and shipped. In its first year, Coventry made about 40,000 candles. This year it plans to produce more than 400,000.

Smith, president and CEO of Coventry Creations, cites prosperity as an example of how the candles work. “If you’re in a space in your life where you cannot get into that prosperous mindset, how can you become prosperous if you don’t know what it feels like?” she asks.

“What I do is I marry these vibrations of the color, the scent, the herbs, and the words, which are very important to this. Now you have all your senses involved in a visual representation of coming closer to this (idea). So you’re feeling your intent manifest.”

It is belief in this concept, Smith says, that has propelled the business to be a leader in its industry. While she admits “scented candles are a dime a dozen,” it’s the belief in her concept that Smith says has built a loyal customer base for her candles, oils, and sprays.

“I look at all the stores we sell to as part of our community. I was on a podcast recently where I talked about how I view the Coventry community as almost an ecosystem,” she says. “I was at one of our stores

LIGHT UP Sisters Patty Shaw and Jacki Smith have been operating Coventry Candles in Ferndale for 30 years. This year, the company plans to produce more than 400,000 candles, up from 40,000 in their first year of business.

a couple weeks ago and they talked about how when they get their Coventry Candles, they’re like, ‘We’re making rent.’ ” In the early days of the business, Smith would visit stores to see if they would sell her candles. She would even order Yellow Pages books from other cities to search for stores that might carry her products. Over time, Smith and her husband, AG Phoenix, came to own Type-40 Sales, the exclusive wholesale provider of Coventry Candles.

PDA Q&A: THE E-INTERVIEW DB: WHERE ARE YOU?

DONALD V. ORLANDONI Shareholder Butzel, Detroit

DO: At the Farnborough International Air Show in England. It’s a biennial event, and one of the largest aerospace and defense trade shows in the world.

DB: WHAT’S THE SHOW LIKE?

DO: We have several clients here. It’s a great opportunity to learn about pioneering technologies in aerospace

and defense. What strikes me the most — aside from an impressive display of aerospace offerings for both commercial and defense applications — is the level of participation. There are hundreds and hundreds of exhibits. There are ad hoc conference rooms for meetings that take place between OEMs, suppliers,

service providers, and others. And there’s billions of dollars in deals being done.

DB: ARE MICHIGAN FIRMS REPRESENTED?

DO: Yes. Michigan is one of the leading manufacturing states in America, and there are dozens and dozens of metro Detroit aerospace businesses that manufacture parts or components, as well

To kick off a year-long 30-year anniversary celebration, Smith released her third book, “The Big Book of Candle Magic,” in July (available on Amazon). In the book, she takes on her “Aunt Jacki” persona, which she’s developed over the years. In November, Coventry will launch a new collection called Aunt Jacki’s Ultimate Candles, Oils, and Sprays.

“Our contribution to the world is empowered belief,” she says. “Because what we believe, we manifest. And that’s magic.”

as other companies that service the industry. It’s often overlooked in relation to the auto industry, but there has been increasingly significant investment in aerospace.

DB: WILL AEROSPACE CONTINUE TO GROW?

DO: Yes. Even traditional auto companies have expanded their expertise to include aerospace and

defense. In addition, the Michigan Aerospace Manufacturing Association and others are working to bring low earth orbit space launches to northern Michigan. These so-called space ports will provide the opportunity to launch satellites into low earth orbit for commercial or defense applications. — R.J. King

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The Ticker

FISH LURE

COMMERCIALLY CAUGHT

TYPE FACE Bob Chapa, president and CEO of Signarama Troy/ Metro Detroit, near I-75 and Crooks Road in Troy, operates the company’s largest franchise in the world.

Sign of the Times Finding a location along I-75 wasn’t easy for Signarama Troy/Metro Detroit.

BY TIM KEENAN |

T

JOSH SCOTT

he 16-by-9-foot high-definition LED screen that greets guests with drone views of downtown Detroit in the lobby of Signarama Troy/Metro Detroit’s new facility is indicative of what lies beyond it — a growing company driven by technology.

Last December, Signarama President and CEO Bob Chapa had just about given up on finding the right kind of real estate along I-75 in Troy to expand the company when PPG Automotive put its regional office building on the market.

Four months and $4 million later, Signarama’s nearly 50 employees were occupying the 85,000square-foot facility, which has plenty of room for the numerous high-tech machines it uses to create signs of all shapes and sizes for clients including Jet’s Pizza, Beaumont Health, PayPal, and many others.

The facility includes a 4,500-square-foot design center and a 3,500-square-foot print room with a quarter-of-a-million-dollar flatbed printer capable of producing a 4-by-8-foot sheet in about 30 seconds. Other production areas house laser engravers, CNC machines, automated channel letter-bending machines, a paint booth, and a large sign assembly operation.

“The goal would be when a new business is opening in Michigan, we offer a space for them to come in and learn about building signs and window graphics, interior wall murals, and ADA-compliant

Braille signs,” Chapa says.

The second floor features warehouse space and offices that Chapa hopes to lease to an ad agency or another creative company.

Signarama’s new digs are a far cry from where the company started almost a quarter century ago. The franchise’s first outpost was an 853-square-foot space in Madison Heights where Chapa says $10,000 in revenue was a good month.

Chapa and his crew soon outgrew that location and moved to a 20,000-square-foot site at Rochester Road and I-75 in Troy. They were there for 12 years.

“The Troy community had a big impact on our growth, and we were out of room within five years,” Chapa says. “We were there much longer than we wanted to be, but I couldn’t find any real estate in the area that was along I-75 that could support us in the future.”

The local Signarama is now the West Palm Beach, Fla.-based franchise’s largest of 900 locations in 60 countries. It brings in between $8 million and $10 million annually. The new facility also is home to Chapa’s 4-year-old National Branding enterprise, which assists companies across the country with rebranding activities.

“We have so much work in the pipeline. If anything, our struggles are adding new people to the team,” Chapa says. “We’re looking to add another 20 to 25 (employees) by the end of the year.”

Great Lakes whitefish can be worth up to $3,500 per fish if they’re fully utilized, according to a new resource drive launched in September by the Chicago-based Conference of Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors and Premiers.

The so-called 100% Whitefish Initiative is intended to demonstrate how an entire whitefish can be used for different purposes beyond just food. The effort builds on the success with cod in Iceland and with other species elsewhere around the globe.

For example, high-value byproducts such as skin and collagen can be processed into a variety of food and non-food products, raising the value of each fish to $3,500 from about $12. In 2020, whitefish accounted for nearly 90 percent of Michigan’s commercial fishing harvest.

The Conference of Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors and Premiers says it believes that a 100-percent fish strategy holds “tremendous promise” for the Great Lakes’ St. Lawrence region to drive greater economic returns, create jobs, and help develop rural economies.

Current uses for commercially caught whitefish, almost exclusively filets for human consumption, capture about 40 percent of the full potential value of each fish, says David Naftzger, executive director of the conference.

“Overall, the Great Lakes commercial fishery is a tremendously undervalued and underutilized asset,” he says.

In Iceland, multiple business sectors work to maximize the use of the entire Icelandic cod, increasing its usage rate from 40 percent to more than 90 percent.

— By Tim Keenan

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Focus

MARITIME RETREAT The Detroit Yacht Club has 300 boat slips and offers many activities for its 800 boating and non-boating members.

Clean Finish

Area clubs are adding new features and amenities to attract new members, and draw top-shelf talent — and, in the case of Oakland Hills Country Club’s historic clubhouse in Bloomfield Township, rebuilding after a devasting fire.

BY DAN CALABRESE

C

ountry clubs, yacht clubs, and golf clubs often are steeped in heritage, which is a significant part of their charm. Members and their guests can wander the facilities and get a sense of club legacies that date back a century or more.

That longevity adds to the prestige of a club and gives members a sense of involvement in something with roots and staying power — something proven.

It also leads to numerous challenges. Older clubs are expensive to maintain and, at the same time, interior design features can become outdated. A concept that was charming in the 1950s may be unworkable in the fast-paced world of today.

As a result, clubs must find ways to perform modern renovations, upgrades, and expansions even as they work to maintain their historic character — all the while providing premium member experiences during construction periods.

With COVID-19 largely in the rear-view mirror, clubs throughout metro Detroit have done considerable work on their facilities over the course of the past year to maintain or grow their membership base. Others completed projects they had started and are now reaping the rewards of their investments.

For example, the Detroit Athletic Club is located in a venerable Albert Kahn-designed building that provides panoramic views of the central business district, Comerica Park, Ford Field, Little Caesars Arena, and the nation’s second-largest collection of historic theaters.

Over the past decade, the DAC has spent more than $100 million to renovate and enhance its offerings. One of the largest and most challenging improvement projects got underway in April in The Abbey — the centerpiece of which is a bowling alley that was first opened in 1915, when the club moved from its original campus immediately north of what today is The Whitney restaurant at Woodward Avenue and Canfield.

The eight bowling lanes themselves weren’t significantly changed, but the surrounding space received a complete update, including new separate locker rooms for men and women, a pro shop, a horseshoe-shaped bar, and an open restaurant that promotes comradery. Overall, the renovation added 660 square feet of space to The Abbey.

“The architectural highlight is the horseshoe bar, which is close to the bowling lanes and was designed to bring together the (dining and) social aspect because they used to be somewhat separated,” says

Charles Johnson, executive manager of the DAC. “Now the dining activities take place behind the bowling lanes, and we added a full-service restaurant, which we didn’t have previously.”

Johnson says the redesigned dining area, complemented by a new kitchen, will make it possible to prepare food to order from an expanded menu. The added improvements also are intended to create a more social environment for a vibrant bowling league with more than 700 active bowlers.

The improvements follow major upgrades to other areas of the club in recent years, including an updated business center, a restored natatorium, redesigned dining facilities, and a quick-service café.

If bowling got an upgrade in downtown Detroit, golf got one in Southfield. This year, Plum Hollow Country Club completed a $2 million golf course renovation that introduced new tee boxes and bunkers, and took out some trees for the purpose of widening the fairways.

Rick Burkardt, general manager of Plum Hollow, says the tree removal reflects the inevitable result of what seemed like a great idea back in the 1950s. “About 70 years ago, everyone got the idea, let’s plant trees,” Burkardt says, “(because then) we’ll have shade.”

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Focus

Many of the planted trees were silver maples, which Burkhardt says are more widely known as “the weeds of trees.” Once they reach a certain age, they start throwing off limbs frequently — especially in high winds. To deal with the problem, Plum Hollow brought in golf course architect Drew Rogers to design more angles for each fairway, giving golfers more options for how to approach each hole.

Plum Hollow also added a 10,000-square-foot practice putting green, in addition to renovating both the men’s and women’s locker rooms and a pool house, the latter of which features new flooring and cabinets as well as activities like foosball and PlayStation systems for kids.

Appealing to the younger generation was the motivation for the sailing-focused Bayview Yacht Club in Detroit to take on a major renovation that began during the pandemic-induced lull of 2020. As part of the now fully-completed project, Bayview tore down its clubhouse, which was originally constructed in the 1930s.

Bayview’s membership stood at 350 and falling when the club’s leadership made the decision to replace the old, 10,000-square-foot clubhouse with a 12,800-square-foot upgrade. While the new clubhouse maintains old features such as the massive fireplace and the Mackinac Room, it’s designed to be more appealing to younger people who might consider membership.

The $6 million project yielded a new kitchen as well as an entry hallway that features trophies and highlights the club’s history. New food and beverage facilities and banquet space, as well as a second bar and dining room, were also part of the renovation.

According to Bayview Yacht Club General Manager Matt Prost, the renovation has had the intended impact on membership.

“It’s definitely grown the membership,” Prost says.

“The renovation was for the purpose of attracting a next generation of sailors, and we’re absolutely growing in the 20-to-40 demographic, which is fantastic.

And we’re seeing much more engagement. A lot of the members who live out of town are coming in more, and the locals are in here more often because they’re taking advantage of the banquet space.”

According to Prost, the upgraded facilities also helped Bayview attract a new executive chef and food and beverage director.

Whereas Bayview is a venue for sailboats, Pontiac’s M1 Concourse is all about motion of the automotive variety. Late last year, the motor track playground at Woodward Avenue and South Boulevard completed a 28,000-square-foot event center. The facility was originally intended to host both special events and a public restaurant, but the pandemic changed that plan — at least temporarily.

“Given that the restaurant business suffered harder than most any other business sectors because of COVID-19, and it has not come back with leaps and bounds, we’ve been using the entire building for private and corporate events, and it’s been very successful,” says Tim McGrane, CEO of M1 Concourse.

Along the way, M1 has made progress on two other initiatives. First, it has completed the construction of all the condominium-style garages that are available for sale to individuals and companies. The garage interiors are custom-designed, and often feature a mezzanine level along with a variety of other build-out options.

The garages can be used for many purposes, including entertaining friends or hosting business sessions, and there’s even a boxing training center.

Finally, M1 is developing a new, 3,000-square-foot automotive service center — slated to open in spring 2023. It will have three service bays, a customer service area, and a section that’s available to showcase other services.

McGrane says the service center will be available to garage owners as well as to groups using the event center. Auburn Hills-based Prefix Co. has already contracted to operate the facility. “They see this as a unique opportunity for their company to be both the operator of this facility and to have a portal into the world of M1,” McGrane says.

Other clubs throughout the region have taken on upgrades of various kinds. At the Birmingham Country Club, a new outdoor pavilion was constructed that includes a large outdoor fireplace.

The pavilion, designed to host more outdoor gatherings, was completed in late spring.

At the same time, the club gave its patio a facelift to include new outdoor tables and chairs with umbrellas and new place settings. Also in the works are new pickleball courts, to tap into the growing popularity of the sport both here and nationwide.

During the summer, Royal Oak-based Red Run Golf Club unveiled its newly redesigned golf course and halfway house — the course work cost $2.3 million and produced both new and upgraded bunkers and tee boxes. The new course opened in late April. The 1,700-square-foot halfway house, built at a cost of $3 million, replaced a slightly smaller one.

KNOTS LANDING The Bayview Yacht Club in Detroit recently replaced its clubhouse and riverfront deck, at a cost of $6 million.

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CLUB LIFE

A resource guide to the top private clubs in southeast Michigan.

Barton Hills Country Club

TOP SPIN Pickleball has taken the country by storm in recent years, and recreational facilities like the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club have added courts.

In addition, the historic clubhouse was renovated at a total cost of $3 million. The new space includes a larger mixed-grill area and a new porch, along with a veranda.

Meanwhile, Great Oaks Country Club in Rochester Hills, which was established in 1971, decided in 2021 to develop its first master plan in more than 20 years for its golf course, and subsequently hired architect Chris Wilczynski to lead the effort.

The new layout calls for the removal of some trees to address drainage, erosion, and flooding, while some holes were lengthened or shortened to accommodate the skill levels of all golfers. That followed the completion in 2019 of a new outdoor pool area for Great Oaks by Roncelli Inc. in Rochester, which included a 22,800-square-foot pool deck, a renovated locker room building, and the addition of 400 square feet of space to the concession building.

Roncelli also added new roofs to both buildings, and installed a splash pad and a 700-square-foot pool bar cabana.

While the golf season has ended, area clubs have been steadily offering more indoor events during the winter months to help drive revenue, along with embracing club-sponsored activities away from their grounds, such as hockey or fishing.

Perhaps the rebuild that’s attracting the most public curiosity is the Oakland Hills Country Club clubhouse in Bloomfield Township, which burned down in March 2022 following a construction accident. The total loss of the century-old clubhouse followed a $12 million renovation of Oakland Hills’ South Course, which was completed in summer 2021 and included expanding all 18 greens, widening fairways, and rebuilding the bunkers.

The Oakland Hills fire also raised the question of insurance coverage for country clubs. Plum Hollow’s Burkardt says he and his board had already taken the step to ensure they were better covered shortly before the fire at Oakland Hills. The decision, he says, was prompted by a fire at the historic clubhouse at Redford Township-based Western Golf and Country Club in 2018. Western subsequently rebuilt its clubhouse and reopened in 2020.

The loss of Oakland Hills’ historic clubhouse stunned the region and prompted widespread questions about a rebuilding effort, now in the planning stages. To help accommodate play on the club’s two 18-hole golf courses — the other being the North Course — Oakland Hills hosted a number of gatherings during the summer under tents, in lieu of a proper clubhouse.

Groups also utilized the neighboring Birmingham Athletic Club.

“We are resolved and dedicated to come back stronger than ever,” Richard Palmer, president of Oakland Hills, said shortly after the fire. “We’re confident about our future and all the great things we hope to achieve.”

Country Club of Detroit

730 Country Club Rd. Ann Arbor 734-663-8511 bartonhillscc.com Members: 600 (estimate) Initiation fee: NA Monthly fee: NA Offerings: Signature Donald Ross golf course; tennis courts; fitness center; renovated dining room, wine bar, and resort-style pool complex with an outdoor pavilion.

220 Country Club Dr. Grosse Pointe Farms 313-881-8000 ccofd.com Members: NA Initiation fee: NA Monthly fee: NA Offerings: 18-hole golf course, cross-country skiing, clubhouse, indoor and outdoor dining, tennis, paddle tennis, pool, bowling, fitness center, children’s day camp, guest rooms, dog park.

Bayview Yacht Club

Dearborn Country Club

Birmingham Athletic Club

Detroit Athletic Club

100 Clairpointe St. Detroit 313-822-1853 byc.com Members: NA Initiation fee: NA Monthly fee: NA Offerings: Indoor and outdoor dining, banquet space, marina, sailing lessons and races, regattas, and cruising activities.

4033 W. Maple Rd. Bloomfield Township 248-646-5050 bacmi.net Members: NA Initiation fee: NA Monthly fee: NA Offerings: Indoor and outdoor dining, two pools, tennis, squash, paddle tennis, pickleball, fitness center.

Birmingham Country Club

1750 Saxon Dr. Birmingham 248-644-4111 bhamcc.com Members: NA Initiation fee: NA Monthly fee: NA Offerings: 18-hole golf course, pool, tennis, fitness facilities, indoor and outdoor dining, pickleball (future).

Bloomfield Hills Country Club 350 W. Long Lake Rd. Bloomfield Hills 248-644-6262 bloomfieldhillscc.org Members: NA Initiation fee: NA Monthly fee: NA Offerings: Golf course, dining facilities.

Bloomfield Open Hunt

405 E. Long Lake Rd. Bloomfield Hills 248-644-9411 bohclub.com Members: Contact for information Initiation fee: Contact for information Monthly fee: Contact for information Offerings: Dining room, swimming pool, fitness studio and yoga center, indoor and outdoor tennis, platform tennis, stables, indoor and outdoor equestrian facilities, kids’ activity center.

800 N. Military Dearborn 313-561-0800 dearborncountryclub.net Members: NA Initiation fee: NA Monthly fee: NA Offerings: 18-hole Donald Ross golf course, swimming, fitness area, dining, banquet facilities, junior golf, swim team.

241 Madison St. Detroit 313-963-9200 thedac.com Members: NA Initiation fee: Multiple offerings Monthly fee: Based on age Offerings: Fully restored Albert Kahn-designed clubhouse built in 1915, full-service athletic facilities, pool, restaurants, ballrooms, meeting rooms, guest rooms, newly-renovated bowling alley, salon, pavilion, named No. 1 Athletic Club in the country in 2018.

Detroit Golf Club

17911 Hamilton Rd. Detroit 313-927-2457 detroitgolfclub.org Members: NA Initiation fee: Available upon membership inquiry Monthly fee: Available upon membership inquiry Offerings: Two 18-hole golf courses, clubhouse, three dining venues, swimming pool, swim team, tennis courts, fitness center.

Detroit Yacht Club

One Riverbank Rd., Belle Isle Detroit 313-824-1200 dyc.com Members: More than 800; less than half are boating members Initiation fee: $1,500 (active members), $3,000 (boating active members) Monthly fee: $384 (active members), $424 (boating active members) Offerings: Restaurant and bar, outdoor and indoor pools, swim team, adult and junior sailing, kayaking, tennis courts, social activities, more than 300 boat slips for boating members.

Edgewood Country Club 8399 Commerce Rd. Commerce Township

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248-363-7112 edgewoodcountryclub.org Members: NA Initiation fee: NA Monthly fee: NA Offerings: 18-hole golf course, casual and fine dining, outdoor pool, fitness center, massage therapist, event space.

Offerings: 18-hole golf course; four Har-Tru clay tennis courts; aquatics facility with locker rooms, snack bar, and outdoor dining; 55,000-square-foot clubhouse; fitness center; pickleball; golf simulator studio; banquet space for 400 people; Troon Privé – Private Clubs of Distinction; member golfing privileges at Troon-managed clubs, resorts, and courses worldwide.

Bloomfield Township 248-644-2500 oaklandhillscc.com Members: NA Initiation fee: NA Monthly fee: NA Offerings: South and North 18-hole golf courses, tennis, swimming.

redrungolfclub.com Members: 690 families Initiation fee: $6,000 (social), $20,000 (golf) Monthly fee: $331 (social), $755 (golf) Offerings: Golf course, Olympic-size pool, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, fitness center, indoor golf practice area, bowling leagues, casual and formal dining.

Franklin Hills Country Club

Lochmoor Club

Orchard Lake Country Club

Shenandoah Country Club

31675 Inkster Rd. Franklin 248-851-2200 franklinhills.com Members: NA Initiation fee: NA Monthly fee: NA Offerings: Albert Kahn-designed clubhouse, Donald Ross 18-hole golf course, tennis, swimming, banquet space, dining room.

Grosse Ile Golf and Country Club

9339 Bellevue Grosse Ile 734-676-1166 gigcc.com Members: 500+ Initiation fee: Starts as low as $1,000, depending on type of membership and age Monthly fee: Starts as low as $73, depending on type of membership and age Offerings: Donald Ross-designed 18-hole golf course; two full-service dining rooms; swimming pool; GIGCC swim team; clay and hard surface tennis courts featuring adult and youth leagues, individual instruction, and professional tennis staff; social events year-round for all ages.

Grosse Pointe Yacht Club

788 Lake Shore Rd. Grosse Pointe Shores 313-884-2500 gpyc.org Members: 770 Initiation fee: Active (boating) $12,500; social $5,000 Monthly fee: Active (boating) $703; social $570 Offerings: Named a Platinum Club of the World; three dining rooms with views of Lake St. Clair; ballroom and main dining room with Italian architecture perfect for weddings, special occasions, or corporate events; fitness center; Olympic-size pool, bowling recreation center, and a family activity center; 2,440-square-foot Marine Activity Center with sailing, watersports, and boat rentals.

Indianwood Golf and Country Club

1081 Indianwood Rd. Lake Orion 248-693-9100 iwgcc.com Members: 500+ Initiation fee: Class A Membership NA, Class B Membership $3,500, Family Fitness Membership $1,500, Social/Pool Family Membership $899 Monthly fee: Class A Membership NA, Class B Membership $130, Family Fitness Membership $130, Social/Pool Family Membership $130 Offerings: 18-hole New and Old golf courses, driving range, Junior Golf Program for children, clubhouse, dining areas including Pipers Pub and Men’s Grill, health club, variety of club and social events.

Knollwood Country Club 5050 West Maple Rd. West Bloomfield Township 248-855-1800 knollwoodcountryclub.net Members: NA Initiation fee: NA Monthly fee: NA

1018 Sunningdale Dr. Grosse Pointe Woods 313-886-1010 lochmoorclub.com Members: 691 Initiation fee: Interim Golf (40+) $5,000; golf intermediate (30-39) $3,000; golf junior (21-29) $1,500; social intermediate (21-34) $500; social (35+) $1,500 Monthly fee: Interim Golf (40+) $695; golf intermediate (30-39) $595; golf junior (21-29) $376; social intermediate (21-34) $272; social (35+) $392 Offerings: 18-hole golf course; men and women’s golf leagues; creative pop-up dining events and seasonal menus; summer patio bar and outdoor dining; wine club that features wine tastings/dinners; swim team for children; tennis programs; junior sports such as golf and tennis; Lochmoor Athletic Center with year-round golf training; four Trackman simulators; 1,000-square-foot indoor golf practice area with chipping, putting green, and sand bunker; fitness center; two tennis courts; bar; food service.

M1 Concourse

1 Concourse Dr. Pontiac 866-618-7225 m1concourse.com Members: 150 Initiation fee: $30,000 Monthly fee: $412.50 Offerings: Seven hours of track time per week; use of M1 Fleet Vehicles such as Dodge Hellcats and Lexus Performance Coupes; instruction provided by high-level driving instructors, including notable racers such as Johnny O’Connell; autocross competitions; guest events for friends/family of members to drive; exclusive social events.

Meadowbrook Country Club

5000 West Shore Dr. Orchard Lake Village 248-682-0100 orchardlakecountryclub.com Members: 650 Initiation fee: NA Monthly fee: NA Offerings: 18-hole golf course and driving range; six-tiered clay tennis courts and four platform tennis courts; seasonal menus prepared by award-winning chefs; lakefront dining; ballroom for wedding celebrations; racquet classes, competitions, and tournament training for all ages; personal training and group fitness programs; sailing clinics and swim lessons for children.

Paint Creek Country Club

2375 Stanton Rd. Lake Orion 248-693-4695 paintcreekgolf.com Members: NA Annual fees: $99 to $5,349 Offerings: Golf course, fitness center, pool, 20,000-square-foot clubhouse, 300-seat dining room.

Pine Lake Country Club

3300 Pine Lake Rd. Orchard Lake 248-682-1300 pinelakecc.com Members: NA Initiation fee: NA Monthly fee: NA Offerings: Golf course, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, Olympic-size pool, fitness center, clubhouse, dining room, grill.

Plum Hollow Country Club

40941 W. Eight Mile Rd. Northville Township 248-349-3600 meadowbrookcountryclub.com Members: NA Initiation fee: NA Monthly fee: NA Offerings: 18-hole golf course; 25-meter pool, lap pool, and wading pool; fountain and wading pool for little ones; private tennis programs led by Wayne Jackson; tennis events, lessons, and tournaments; indoor and outdoor dining options.

21631 Lahser Rd. Southfield 248-357-5333 plumhollowcc.com Members: 400 Initiation fee: $20,000 (stock), $1,500 (social) Monthly fee: Varies based on membership category Offerings: Golf course, caddie program, three Har-Tru clay tennis courts, Olympic-size pool, swim teams, casual and fine dining options.

Oakhurst Golf and Country Club

Polo Fields Golf and Country Club

7000 Oakhurst Lane Clarkston 248-391-3300 clubcorp.com Members: NA Initiation fee: NA Monthly fee: NA Offerings: 18-hole golf course, six tennis courts with USPTA pro available for clinics or private lessons, executive chef, cabana bar, junior Olympic-size resort-style pool, 1,600-square-foot fitness center, variety of social functions.

Oakland Hills Country Club (clubhouse being rebuilt) 3951 West Maple Rd.

5200 Polo Fields Dr. Ann Arbor 734-998-1555 polofieldsccmi.com Members: NA Initiation fee: NA Monthly fee: NA Offerings: Golf course, clubhouse, indoor and outdoor dining, pool, lounge area, fully-equipped fitness center, snack bar, patio, golf simulator, year-round events.

Red Run Country Club 2036 Rochester Rd. Royal Oak 248-548-7500

5600 Walnut Lake Rd. West Bloomfield Township 248-683-6363 shenandoahcc.net Members: NA Initiation fee: NA Monthly fee: NA Offerings: Golf course (open to public), clubhouse, dining, partitionable 11,336-square-foot banquet room, two pre-function areas, 4,000-square-foot outdoor terrace, pool and splash pad, fitness center.

Tam-O-Shanter Country Club

5051 Orchard Lake Rd. West Bloomfield Township 248-855-1900, ext. 408 tamoshantercc.org Members: NA Initiation fee: NA Monthly fee: NA Offerings: Golf course, clubhouse, dining, four hydro-clay and two hard-surface tennis courts, Olympic-size heated pool, fitness center, banquet facilities, youth programs, pickleball.

Wabeek Club

4000 Clubgate Dr. Bloomfield Township 248-855-0700 wabeekcc.com Members: NA Initiation fee: NA Monthly fee: NA Offerings: Golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus and Pete Dye; clubhouse; formal and casual dining; pool; tennis; fitness center; spa; banquet and event space; kids room; TrackMan golf simulators; sport court for basketball, volleyball, and youth tennis configurations.

Western Golf and Country Club

14600 Kinloch Redford Township 313-531-1240 westerngcc.com Members: 425 Initiation fee: $18,000 Monthly fee: $600 Offerings: 18-hole Donald Ross-designed golf course, year-round events, four dining rooms, swimming pool, tennis, pickleball, snack bars, Kid Kamp, golf simulators, junior programs, and a brand-new clubhouse that opened in 2021.

Wyndgate Country Club

1975 W. Gunn Rd. Rochester Hills 248-652-4283 thewyndgate.com Members: NA Initiation fee: NA Monthly fee: NA Offerings: Two 18-hole golf courses, clubhouse, gardens, banquet and event facilities, junior golf program, golf lessons, club fitting, club repair, Olympic-size pool, splash pad, 3-foot-deep transitional pool, swim team.

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Perspectives

Special Report: 2023 Michigan Economic Forecast

INSPIRETTA VIA ADOBE STOCK

Recession Economists quibble about what constitutes an economic recession while inflation, labor shortages, and supply chain issues make business and life more difficult.

BY TIM KEENAN ILLUSTRATIONS BY JUSTIN STENSON

S

ince the first quarter of 2020, COVID-19 has been the albatross around the neck of the national economy. Now, as the world bounces back from pandemic-related problems, inflation, coupled with labor and supply shortages, are pulling markets under water.

There’s plenty of blame to go around for an economy teetering on the edge of a recession — if it’s not there already.

The Great Resignation that the pandemic inspired is making it difficult for businesses to find workers. Closing plants during the COVID-19 crisis is part of the supply chain problems, as is the increase in demand that occurred once pandemic bans were lifted.

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U.S. GDP (in trillions)

Not all economists are bullish about Michigan’s economy. Timothy Nash, who leads economic research at Northwood University in Midland, says he expects the U.S., Michigan, and Detroit economies will be in recession for some or all of 2023.

“If you take the old principles of economics definition of recession as two negative back-to-back quarters of GDP growth, then we’re in a mild recession,” Nash says. “I believe job growth will begin to decline on a larger scale in the months ahead, as it’s already being signaled by numerous companies mentioning their intention to eliminate any new hires for the rest of the year or they have actually begun laying off existing employees.”

Still, there’s debate about using the R word. The White House website, predictably, points out that a recession is more complicated than two quarters of GDP losses.

“The National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) Business Cycle Dating Committee — the official recession scorekeeper — defines a recession as ‘a significant decline in economic activity that is spread across the economy and that lasts more than a few months.’ ”

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

National Debt

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

RECOVERY?

Inflation, meanwhile, is the result of the government’s gush of some $6 trillion in pandemic relief into the economy, according to many economists. In turn, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February contributed to an increase in natural gas prices, which already were higher than they were the previous year. The Russian military action also put a dent in the world food market, since Ukraine is a major European supplier of agricultural products like corn, wheat, sunflowers, and barley.

According to the Foreign Agricultural Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ukraine is one of the world’s top agricultural producers. In 2021, the country’s food product exports totaled $27.8 billion, accounting for 41 percent of overall exports ($68 billion).

If a recession is defined by two quarters of negative gross domestic product, we’re there as a country. The first-quarter 2022 GDP decreased by 1.6 percent. In the second quarter, it fell 0.9 percent. That came after six consecutive quarters of growth following the COVID-19-related downturn in the second quarter of 2020.

Michigan’s GDP, on the other hand, grew 0.1 percent in the first quarter of 2022. Figures for the second quarter weren’t available at press time.

“Michigan’s actually doing very well,” says John Augustine, chief investment officer at Huntington Bank in Detroit. “Michigan is recovering employment. We’re actually recovering labor force, too, which is important because that’s our pool of customers and workers. Our unemployment rate is a little bit above the national average, but it’s still respectable at 4.2 percent.

“In general, Michigan has come out of this above the national average for economic growth the last two years. We’ve been growing better than the country. We had positive GDP growth in the first quarter, and the country was negative.”

Bill Adams, chief economist at Comerica Bank in Detroit, agrees that the Great Lakes State is in better overall economic shape than the country.

“Michigan’s economy should continue to be solid next year and the inflation that’s weighed on consumer spending power should alleviate somewhat, which will be a cushion for consumer spending,” Adams says. “The slow growth of the labor force in Michigan is going to be a headwind to the state’s growth, and the housing market is likely to cool (due to higher interest rates).

“I’m optimistic about Michigan’s economy and the prospects for the state next year. The national economy is going to be growing below trend, but Michigan has a lot going for it, especially the sustained demand for motor vehicles ( from) a lot of Americans who wanted to buy vehicles but couldn’t, even with other areas of consumer spending likely to slow.”

The variables the committee typically tracks include real personal income minus government transfers, employment, various forms of real consumer spending, and industrial production. Notably, there are no fixed rules or thresholds that trigger a determination of decline, although the committee does note that in recent decades, they’ve given more weight to real personal income, less transfers and payroll employment.

Comerica’s Adams defines a recession as two quarters of negative GDP growth, plus decreases in employment and income.

If the U.S. economy isn’t officially in a recession, when might it happen? Augustine and Adams say the odds are 50-50 that the U.S. will see a recession in 2023.

Michigan may not get there, but it will be dealing with the majority of the rest of the country, which will be experiencing a recession.

A recent survey of 49 economists in the Financial Times showed that almost 70 percent of the respondents believe the NBER will declare a recession at some point in 2023, with 38 percent predicting it will come in the first half of the year. A separate CNBC survey of chief financial officers agreed, at a 68 percent clip.

Economists everywhere are polishing their crystal balls seeking insight into the future. The International Monetary Fund predicted in June that the U.S. economy is likely to slow in 2022 and 2023, but will “narrowly avoid a recession” as the Federal Reserve implements its rate-tightening plan to curb inflation.

There may be more clarity closer to home. In May, the University of Michigan’s U.S. Economic Outlook stated: “The Q4-to-Q4 growth slows markedly from 5.5 percent in 2021 to just 1.6 percent in 2023. It then rebounds to 2.2 percent in 2024, as the Fed eases policy again. A shift in demand from goods to services, persistent rent increases, and pass-through from food and energy prices keep core inflation high through 2023.”

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Perspectives

The state’s business leaders are optimistic about their businesses, but not the economy in which they operate.

A recent survey by Business Leaders for Michigan shows 86 percent of its responders expect their businesses to increase their capital investment or keep it the same, and 90 percent anticipate maintaining or boosting their employee ranks over the next six to 12 months.

Yet, 64 percent of respondents said they expect the U.S. economy to decline, and 36 percent expect it to stay the same or improve in the next year. More than half (53 percent) expect Michigan’s economy to fade, while 46 percent expect it to hold the line or improve.

Regardless of whether the nation or state is in an official recession, inflation is making life more difficult for businesses and citizens alike.

Consumer prices in August climbed 0.1 percent compared to the month before, as food and housing costs were higher for millions of Americans, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

To combat the problem, U-M economists say, “We project the Fed to raise the target range for the federal funds rate at every meeting of the FOMC (Federal Open Market Committee) this year. Consequently, the top range will reach 3 percent by early 2023 and ultimately peak at 3.5 percent.”

Other economists said they were hopeful that falling energy prices would be enough to cool inflation, but government data indicated large price increases persist on core items that make up a central part of most families’ budgets.

The bureau’s Consumer Price Index showed that prices were up 8.3 percent in August compared to 12 months earlier — higher than analysts expected. The overall figure was lower than the inflation rate notched in the previous two months, but still higher than expected, given the sharp decrease in gasoline prices in August.

Inflation Rate

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

BY PATRICK L. ANDERSON

A

mericans have faced unprecedented economic challenges since 2020.

Some are behind us now, but five will continue to shape Michigan’s 2023 economy.

1. Most would call our economic slowdown a “recession.” Anderson Economic Group began warning of a recession in spring 2022. Since then, consumers have lost real income and we incurred a second straight quarter of negative growth.

Whether 2022 is officially declared a recession year or not, financial security dropped, inflation soared, job growth slowed, and retirement savings plunged with the stock market. That spells “recession” for Michigan consumers.

2. Inflation and high interest rates will co-exist in 2023. Consumers’ earnings don’t go as far as they did last year.

While aggressive monetary tightening should slow inflation, it won’t do so quickly. Amid rising interest rates and expensive borrowing, auto and housing markets will likely face customer resistance on monthly payments.

3. Electric vehicle promises will be tested.

The EV transition poses risks, including a dearth of entry-level options; insufficient charging infrastructure; limited range; and reliance upon materials sourced from Africa and China. Yet automakers have made huge bets on EV adoption, as have the federal government, the State of Michigan, and many cities and townships. Despite ambitious targets, EV penetration barely broke 5 percent in 2022.

The year ahead will test EVs, and they won’t be the only challenge.

We continue to the face automotive sourcing problems that were identified in February 2020. Many buyers remain on waiting lists for new cars, and vehicle inventories are still remarkably low.

RECESSION?

“We thought we’d see inflation start to come down, and instead what we’ve seen is inflation really sort of entrenched,” says Betsey Stevenson, professor of public policy and economics at the University of Michigan and a former member of the White House Council of Economic Advisers. “If there’s no real progress, then that says, does the Fed need to take stronger action? And if the Fed needs to take stronger action, what does that mean for the risk to peoples’ livelihoods?”

Prices for food, energy, and other items in metro Detroit went down 0.5 percent during July and August, but were up 8.6 percent from a year ago, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U).

Over the year, food prices increased 13.9 percent, while home groceries were up 14.9 percent from a year ago. Although energy prices declined 14.1 percent in July and August, they were up 18.6 percent over the year, largely due to higher gasoline prices (21 percent). Prices paid for natural gas increased 34.8 percent, and electricity prices rose 2.8 percent during the past 12 months. The index for all items, less food and energy, rose 6.7 percent. Shelter costs, up 5.4 percent, were a major contributing factor.

Five Forces that Will Impact Michigan in 2023 These factors are driving up new vehicle prices, which were 10 percent higher in August 2022 than in August 2021.

4. Extra federal funds should address lasting pandemic damages. Many early pandemic efforts, including the speed of vaccine development and the unflagging work of medical staff, saved countless lives. We owe thanks to them, and to those who kept lights on, food available, communications running, and products manufactured.

Now, we must acknowledge policy mistakes and address the most serious problems, beginning with the loss of in-class learning. Next, we must face the consequences caused by the continuing neglect of our roads and the fact that so many small businesses were forced to close their doors. The choice of whether to use federal dollars to address Michigan’s problems, or to reward favored constituencies, will impact our future.

5. Economic burdens fall unevenly. Pundits often look at aggregate earnings or a market basket of prices, ignoring the fact that the economy is made up of people, and people are rarely average.

The 2021-2022 spikes in used car prices are illustrative. When new vehicles became scarce, used car prices rose an astounding 30 percent. Many consumers were able to postpone a purchase, but others found the lack of affordable transportation threatening their employment, education, and families.

Adding high interest rates to higher prices will subject working-class families to a double-whammy of economic hardship in 2023.

Conclusion Michigan’s businesses, their employees, and their investors should plan for a stormy year.

Patrick Anderson, a nationally recognized expert in business economics, founded Anderson Economic Group in 1996 and serves as the company’s principal and CEO.

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Perspectives

Weekly Wage Averages for All Industries

Michigan Facing Economic Retreat in 2023

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

BY DAVID L. LITTMANN

S

ixty-five years of tracking and comparing Michigan’s economic fortunes with those of the nation have revealed three dominant factors influencing timing and the movement of Michigan’s economy versus the U.S. Here’s how 2023’s forecast shapes up.

First, Michigan outperforms national growth when interest rates are low and not ratcheting up — no surprise, considering the state’s largely industrial base. Second, Michigan prospers most when U.S. worker productivity accelerates and this occurs in conjunction with rising optimism, which is itself a reflection of the third forecasting variable: greater purchasing power and employment prospects.

Historically, this trifecta of favorable events — low and stable prices and interest rates, rising output per worker, and continuous gains in real, after-tax (disposable) household incomes — has fueled impressive motor vehicle financing, sales, and exports to other states and the world. Housing starts and overall construction activity expands consistently under these conditions.

In contrast, rapidly rising interest rates mirror inflation, thereby impairing the financial positions of firms and individuals. The destabilization of transaction prices — on transportation, food, clothing, housing, taxes, utilities — creates uncertainty and fear within business establishments and households, thereby diminishing public confidence and the capacity to save or spend.

Emotionally, an era of inflation stares down people’s willingness to invest in the

future to gain the advantages that are naturally bestowed on a competitive, free, and innovative population. Our economic system — but particularly in Michigan — is at its finest from advances in technology, education, and the ability to engage in rational, long-term planning.

Michigan now faces economic retreat.

Stunning surges of inflation — coupled with interest rate costs and the prospect of larger public sector deficit spending, taxes, and regulatory burdens — already have incited swift declines in both consumer and business confidence. These economic and financial hits are disproportionately damaging to Michigan’s growth. The timing couldn’t be much worse.

Year-to-year growth in Michigan’s economy as of midyear 2022 exceeded the national average in many income and employment categories, especially in engineering, technology, health care, and manufacturing. Indeed, the state had just pulled ahead of some pre-COVID-19 activity levels. Unfortunately, the U.S. economic scene between midyear 2022 and 2023 will thwart improvement in housing or auto sales, and dampen hiring and expansion plans.

What might have been a consistent Michigan rebound into 2024 now has been converted into a likely loss in business activity of 2 percent to 3 percent (midyear 2022-23). Relative stagnation is a distinct probability in the last half of 2023. Given the yet-to-be solved economic uncertainties still afflicting Michigan, this outlook is consistent with historical experience.

RECESSION?

A frequent contributor to DBusiness, David L. Littmann is a senior economist with the Mackinac Center for Public Policy in Midland. Previously, he had a 35-year career as senior vice president and chief economist at Comerica Bank in Detroit.

“Commodity prices are a big swing factor in the inflation numbers,” says Augustine, of Huntington Bank. “There are three factors: rent, wages, and commodities.

The commodities story was impacted by an event we didn’t anticipate — Russia invading Ukraine. Russia is a commodities superstore and it was shut down. Historically, it takes a couple of years for wages and rents to come back down. Gas prices are going down and consumer confidence is going up.”

According to the University of Michigan’s September Surveys of Consumers, consumer sentiment was 1.3 points above its August reading, which had risen 13 percent from July.

The one-year economic outlook continued lifting from the extremely low readings earlier in the summer, but these gains were largely offset by modest declines in the long-run outlook, says Joanne Hsu, director of the surveys at U-M. “Personal finance components of the index, as well as buying conditions for durables, remained at similar, relatively low levels from last month,” Hsu says. “After the marked improvement in sentiment in August, consumers showed signs of uncertainty over the trajectory of the economy.”

Northwood University’s Nash says he sees inflation increasing between early fall and the end of the year, and it will begin declining on a steady basis early in 2023, due to effective Federal Reserve Bank monetary policy.

“By the end of 2023, U.S. inflation will be 4 to 4.5 percent,” he predicts. “Michigan inflation will be 4.5 to 5 percent, and Detroit will be 4.7 to 5.2 percent. Inflation and the severity of the economic downturn will be exacerbated if simultaneously excessive government spending and the desire to increase taxes are not mitigated.”

Just more than half (52 percent) of the respondents in the Business Leaders for Michigan survey expect inflation to come down in the next year. About 28 percent expect inflation to continue at the current rate, while 20 percent expect it to increase.

“The Russia-Ukraine war is definitely a big factor,” Comerica’s Adams says.

“That’s going to keep the cost of heating homes high during this coming winter, with natural gas prices up nationally by about two-thirds from where they were last winter.

“A very tight job market and strong consumer demand have also been big drivers of inflation, as well as supply chain disruptions affecting the auto industry and other manufacturing industries.”

The picture going forward is mixed, Adams says, because the Russia-Ukraine war continues to be an issue for energy prices. At the same time, he’s starting to see some relief on inflation because inventories are higher than they were a year ago — and that means more retailers are discounting products, especially for non-durable manufactured goods, fast-moving consumer goods, and shelf-stable products in grocery stores.

“I think we’re going to see housing prices increasing more slowly and possibly come down a bit in some slower-growing markets,” Adams says. “That could give some relief to some Michigan households, especially renters, over the next year.”

Northwood’s Nash is one of those who believes much higher inflation over the last year is due to excessive government spending and growth in the Federal Reserve Bank’s balance sheet.

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Nash says Michigan needs to attract more businesses while putting new initiatives in place to encourage job growth at a faster pace. To do that, he says the state should eliminate its 6 percent corporate income tax.

“We would suggest Michigan announce before the end of the year, beginning with fiscal year 2025, that the state will eliminate its corporate income tax,” Nash says. “Simultaneously, we would announce that beginning in 2027, the individual income tax would be eliminated at that point, joining Wyoming, Washington, Texas, Tennessee, Florida, Alaska, South Dakota, and Nevada as the ninth state that does not tax income.”

Northwood University’s economic research team maintains such a policy, if taken up by the Michigan Legislature, would attract new businesses and encourage existing companies to grow their presence in Michigan. The twin strategy would serve to boost Michigan’s labor force and population.

In Detroit, U-M analysts predicted job growth to increase from 3 percent in 2021 to 5.4 percent this year, then cool down to 2.7 percent in 2023. The researchers say the rate of growth should slow further as scheduled large-scale construction projects wrap up and rising interest rates cool new home construction. Other speed bumps include remote work schedules that impact retail and restaurant activity, more baby boomers reaching retirement age, and weak domestic and international migration.

Another concerning, but likely temporary, trend has emerged in the resident employment measure: While the city’s labor force recovered nearly 95 percent of

RECOVERY?

He explains the Federal Reserve Bank’s balance sheet, or U.S. money supply, was about $1 trillion in 2007 compared with a GDP of $14.5 trillion. Today the Federal Reserve’s balance sheet is $8.8 trillion, with GDP (in September) at $24.8 trillion.

“Simply stated, there’s a lot more money relative to goods and services in the economy today than there was in 2007, explaining much of the reason we have inflation at the rate it is in today’s economy,” Nash says. “Exacerbating the inflationary conditions in the United States economy over the last year and a half has been the negative effect of well-intended but excessive spending on the part of the Trump and Biden administrations to avoid a severe economic downturn and return the economy to the pace and level of economic growth pre-COVID-19.”

The Business Leaders for Michigan survey shows 84 percent of respondents expressed concerns over filling jobs due to labor shortages. While most jobs are in demand, many companies (67 percent) are finding it difficult to find suitable job applicants, especially among professional and skilled trade positions.

“There’s a strong relationship between labor shortages in Michigan and early retirements due to the pandemic, as well as issues like long COVID-19, which are increasing the number of people nationally who are out of work because of disability,” Adams says. “That’s going to disproportionately affect states with older working age populations, like Michigan.

“I think the biggest constraint on economic growth in Michigan is the growth of the labor force, and so I think Michigan needs to find ways to attract and retain workers, to keep the state a place where businesses can find employees. The state education systems and making sure Michigan retains a highly skilled workforce are keys to its long-term economic prospects.”

its initial pandemic losses by March, it dropped by 1.4 percent through May. “We do not believe that those declines represent a reversal in the underlying trend, but they are not what we were hoping to see,” U-M researchers wrote in a recent study.

The forecast calls for Detroit to add 11,300 payroll jobs this year and 6,100 in 2023, the year in which the city is expected to recover to its pre-pandemic level. Job growth is forecast to continue — but at a slower pace — through 2027, and blue-collar industries should lead the way in the recovery during that time with projects like the Gordie Howe International Bridge, Stellantis’ Mack Assembly complex, and General Motors’ Factory Zero coming online.

While some supply chain issues are easing in the aftermath of the pandemic, many materials, components, and products still are difficult to come by.

The Michigan House Fiscal Agency says forced COVID-19-related lockdowns in China in recent months and other pandemic-related issues continue to aggravate global supply chains. While it is anticipated that supply chain conditions should continue to improve, new or prolonged issues in the supply chain present a downside risk to the forecast.

“Supply chains are still disrupted,” says Huntington Bank’s Augustine. “Every business tells us there’s something they can’t get because supply chains mostly start in China, and they’re still shut down.”

On metro Detroit’s housing front, buyers are seeing some relief with home sales slowing and median home prices dropping for the past two months, says Jeanette Schneider, president of RE/MAX of Southeastern Michigan in Troy.

Still, “interest rates continue to be a factor buyers are watching, but often more important to buyers is whether they have the needed down payment and whether they can afford the monthly payment,” Schneider says. “And although the shift we’re seeing in the market favors buyers, sellers are still in a good position to sell their home quickly.”

Overall, Augustine says there’s a shortage of housing in the U.S. and Michigan. “Builders are not building what millennials want,” he says. “They want starter homes like we had in the ’80s, and (home builders are) building McMansions.”

Economists also have their fingers in the political wind, waiting to see if Republicans take over Congress in the new year.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

1 $892 $1,12 $1,068 4 8 9 $ 5 5 $7 $920 4 15 279 $1, $1,473 $1, 81 $1,426 2 1, $ $1,391 9 112 $1,33 $1,308 $1, 1 10 1, $ $911 $1,100

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Perspectives

Federal Reserve, Ukraine Will Impact 2023 Economic Outlook

Detroit-Area Employment Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (As of June 2022)

BY MEHMET E. YAYA

W

ithout any doubt, the COVID-19 pandemic adversely affected the world economy.

Impacted by forces ranging from work stoppages to stay-at-home orders, and from nonpharmaceutical interventions to transitioning to new home offices, economies around the world suffered from high unemployment rates.

In order to stimulate their respective economies, numerous governments and central banks opted for expansionary monetary and fiscal policies, making domestic currencies abundantly available and keeping interest rates low while expanding government expenditures for pandemic mitigation services such as virus testing and vaccination clinics.

As the impact of the pandemic has subsided, economies worldwide have slowly started to return to normalcy, especially starting this past summer.

As employees returned to work, many realized that the supply-chain disruptions during the pandemic made manufactured goods more expensive. Coupled with the supply-chain disruptions, easy and accessible money with low interest rates led to higher inflation rates. Unfortunately, the war in Ukraine and concerns about natural resources and energy supplies exacerbated inflation in many economies, including the United States. For instance, the price of a gallon of gasoline in the U.S. was $1.93 during the initial stages of the pandemic in April 2020, and increased to $3.87 in September 2022. During the same time period, the inflation rates skyrocketed to 8.2 percent from 1.2 percent in the United States.

The 2023 economic expectations for the U.S., and especially Michigan, largely depend on the response of the Federal Reserve and uncertainty in Ukraine. In response to the high inflation rates, and achieving the target inflation rates around 2 percent, the FED started increasing FED funds to 3.25 percent from zero in September 2022, signaling a tightening monetary policy will continue until inflation rates start converging to the FED’s long-run target rates. Economists are in general agreement that these macroeconomic forces — uncertainty in Ukraine and related energy prices, high inflation rates, and the FED’s robust interest rate hikes — are likely to push the U.S. economy into a brief recession, possibly in 2023.

One silver lining among all of these looming conditions is the low unemployment rate, which briefly reached 14.7 percent during the stay-at-home orders of the pandemic, rapidly decreased to 3.7 percent in August 2022 in the U.S., and was slightly higher in Michigan, sitting at 4.1 percent in the same period.

The fundamental question that remains for households, firms, and policymakers is how to behave now in order to be prepared for whatever comes in these unprecedented times.

For households and firms, it’s important to concentrate on bolstering savings.

On the other hand, policymakers should diligently continue educating and informing the market players about their policy changes and potential consequences, so these players can position themselves well.

Mehmet E. Yaya is a professor and head of the Department of Economics at Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti.

Professional & Business Services – 404.4K Trade, Transportation & Utilities – 384.3K Education & Health Services – 301.9K Manufacturing – 255.3K Leisure & Hospitality – 186.2K Government – 183.9K Financial Activities – 132.7K Mining, Logging & Construction – 84.3K Other Services – 72.8K Information – 28K

Conventional wisdom says a red wave in November will lead to a more business-friendly environment.

“If Republicans gain control of the U.S. House and Senate … the regulatory climate (will) be more business friendly (and) the ability of President Biden to reverse the Trump tax cuts would undoubtedly be thwarted by Congress,” Nash says. “I also believe that a Republican Congress will slow down what seems like a meteoric pace in the United States toward electrification of the motor vehicle industry. A more multipronged approach to fighting climate change is exactly what this country needs.”

Augustine says he thinks neither Republicans nor Democrats will have a large enough majority in Congress to make significant change happen.

“One of the things that concerns us for next year is there are no growth policies,” he notes. “Central banks are pulling back support. The fiscal programs are pretty much done. There’s only fiscal support going on in the world right now in China. We worry about the lack of fiscal support next year.”

As long as there are so many economic factors in flux going into next year, economists admit to having a difficult time predicting how things will play out. “The 2023 economy is going to be a mystery,” Augustine says. “We have things swirling around that we haven’t seen since the ’70s and ’80s. We haven’t had a recession with growing employment since 1974.”

Nash says inflation will be the cause of economic decline he predicts for 2023.

“What we’re experiencing today is an over-expansion of the economy due to improper monetary and fiscal policy,” Nash says. “It’s what many economists would describe as the malinvestment theory of the business cycle. We’ve overstimulated the economy with excessive government spending and expansionary monetary policy.”

Augustine says the key to Michigan’s economic future is greater access to vehicle microchip production, preferably from domestic or local sources, and continued diversification.

“For Michigan, we have to get those chips,” he says. “We’ve got to get the cars out of the fields and parking lots, and we’ve got to continue to diversify, which we are.

We’ve done a great job diversifying our economy away from just the auto industry.”

Adams, Comerica’s chief economist, sees a situation where the Michigan economy is outperforming the nation’s economy. “We’re really living in a different world now,” he says. “The last two recessions hit Michigan much harder than the rest of the country. Now, it looks like the auto industry is likely to be recovering in 2023, with the rest of the U.S. economy going a bit slower.

“That’s going to be a different type of economy for Michigan to navigate through. I think it makes it better for Michigan, with products from the state’s pillar industry holding up better than the rest of the economy.”

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TOP LAWYERS |

2023

2023 Top

Lawyers Index ANTITRUST LAW.............................................................58 APPELLATE LAW .............................................................58 ARBITRATION..................................................................58 BANKING & FINANCIAL SERVICE LAW ..........................58 BANKRUPTCY & CREDITOR/ DEBTOR RIGHTS LAW ....................................................59 COMMERCIAL LAW ........................................................59 CONSTRUCTION LAW ....................................................60 COPYRIGHT LAW............................................................60 CORPORATE LAW ...........................................................60 EMPLOYEE BENEFITS LAW ............................................60 ENERGY LAW ..................................................................61 ENVIRONMENTAL LAW ..................................................61 FAMILY LAW ....................................................................61 FOOD & BEVERAGE LAW ...............................................61 FRANCHISE LAW ............................................................62 HEALTH CARE LAW ........................................................62 IMMIGRATION LAW ........................................................62 INFORMATION MANAGEMENT & DISCOVERY LAW.........................................................63 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY LAW ..............................63 INSURANCE LAW............................................................63 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY & PATENT LAW ..................63 INTERNATIONAL TRADE LAW ........................................63 LABOR & EMPLOYMENT LAW........................................64 LAND USE & ZONING .....................................................64 LEGAL MALPRACTICE LAW ............................................65

LITIGATION – ANTITRUST ..............................................65 LITIGATION – BANKING & FINANCE..............................65 LITIGATION – COMMERCIAL .........................................65 LITIGATION – CONSTRUCTION .....................................66 LITIGATION – INSURANCE.............................................66 LITIGATION – INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY.....................66 LITIGATION – LABOR EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS...........66 LITIGATION – PATENTS ..................................................67 LITIGATION – REAL ESTATE ...........................................67 MEDIATION .....................................................................67 MEDICAL MALPRACTICE LAW .......................................67 MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS LAW ..................................67 MUNICIPAL LAW .............................................................68 NON WHITE-COLLAR CRIMINAL DEFENSE...................68 NONPROFIT/CHARITIES LAW ........................................68 PERSONAL INJURY ........................................................69 PRODUCT LIABILITY.......................................................69 PROFESSIONAL MALPRACTICE LAW ............................69 PUBLIC FINANCE LAW ...................................................69 REAL ESTATE LAW ..........................................................70 SECURITIES LAW ............................................................71 TAX LAW..........................................................................71 TRADE SECRETS.............................................................71 TRUSTS & ESTATES ........................................................71 WHITE-COLLAR CRIMINAL DEFENSE ............................72 WORKERS COMPENSATION LAW..................................72

he research for the Top Lawyers list was created by PRS (Professional Research Services) and is based on an online peerreview survey sent out to the certified lawyers within the metro Detroit area. Many votes were cast honoring excellence in the legal field. Inclusion in DBusiness magazine’s Top Lawyers list is based solely upon one’s standing within their peer group. Listings in Top Lawyers cannot be purchased.

The Top Lawyers list will be posted at DBusiness.com on Nov. 21, 2022.

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2023 | TOP LAWYERS

LAWYER POPULATION IN MICHIGAN 2012–2021

ANTITRUST LAW

Deborah A. Hebert Collins Einhorn Farrell

Steven Cernak Bona Law

Todd A. Holleman Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone

Forrest O. Dillon Bodman

Paul D. Hudson Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone

George B. Donnini Butzel Long

Daniel J. McCarthy Zausmer

David F. DuMouchel Butzel Long

Terry Milne Osgood Mantese Honigman

David A. Ettinger Honigman

Thomas J. Rheaume Jr. Bodman

2012

33,692

2013

33,995

2014

34,739

2015

34,739

2016

35,087

Howard B. Iwrey Dykema Gossett

Joseph E. Richotte Butzel Long

2017

35,236

Sheldon H. Klein Butzel Long

Daniel S. Saylor Garan Lucow Miller

2018

35,362

Robert Edgar Murkowski Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone

Joanne Geha Swanson Kerr, Russell and Weber

2019

35,360

2020

35,214

Larry J. Saylor Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone

Matthew J. Turchyn Hertz Schram

2021

35,114

L. Pahl Zinn Dickinson Wright

Kurtis T. Wilder Butzel Long

Source: State Bar of Michigan

APPELLATE LAW Matthew P. Allen Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone

AVERAGE ATTORNEY ANNUAL SALARY IN MICHIGAN

$

$223,496 $116,786 PRIVATE PRACTICE

NON-PRIVATE PRACTICE

Source: State Bar of Michigan

Beth A. Wittmann Kitch, Drutchas, Wagner, Valitutti & Sherbrook

ARBITRATION

Donovan S. Asmar Bodman

Frederick A. Acomb Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone

Michael J. Cook Collins Einhorn Farrell

Tracy L. Allen Global Resolutions

Maura Corrigan Butzel Long

Michelle P. Crockett Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone

Phillip J. DeRosier Dickinson Wright

Gene J. Esshaki Abbott Nicholson

Stephanie A. Douglas Bush Seyferth

Samantha S. Galecki Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone

Amanda J. Frank Bodman

Daniel P. Makarski Secrest Wardle

Christina A. Ginter Kitch, Drutchas, Wagner, Valitutti & Sherbrook

Ronald P. Strote Strote Law

Caroline Brooks Giordano Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone

Kurtis T. Wilder Butzel Long

Katharine Gostek Kitch, Drutchas, Wagner, Valitutti & Sherbrook

BANKING & FINANCIAL SERVICE LAW

K. Scott Hamilton Dickinson Wright

Kasturi Bagchi Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone

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TOP LAWYERS |

Douglas C. Bernstein Plunkett Cooney

Frank R. Simon Simon

Dennis W. Loughlin Warner Norcross + Judd

David C. Bosman Bodman

Theodore B. Sylwestrzak Dickinson Wright

Ralph E. McDowell Bodman

Matthew K. Casey Warner Norcross + Judd

Kristen M. Veresh Varnum

Max J. Newman Butzel Long

W. Patrick Dreisig Butzel Long

Robert A. Wright III Dawda, Mann, Mulcahy & Sadler

Yuliy Osipov Osipov Bigelman

Joseph N. Ejbeh Aloia Law Robert B. Goldi Kotz Sangster Wysocki Edward S. Gusky Varnum Scott P. Gyorke Bodman Craig W. Hammond Dickinson Wright Kathleen O’Callaghan Hickey Bodman David W. Hipp Butzel Long Shawn N. Hopper Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone Steven G. Howell Dickinson Wright Joseph C. Huntzicker Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone Melissa A. Lewis Bodman Michael P. McGee Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone Adam B. Norlander Bodman Christine L. Phillips Bodman Steven A. Roach Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone Damali A. Sahu Bodman Wayne S. Segal Dawda, Mann, Mulcahy & Sadler William P. Shield Jr. Dickinson Wright Larry R. Shulman Bodman

BANKRUPTCY & CREDITOR/DEBTOR RIGHTS LAW Marc M. Bakst Bodman Jason W. Bank Kerr, Russell and Weber Brendan G. Best Varnum Jeffrey H. Bigelman Osipov Bigelman Charles D. Bullock Stevenson & Bullock Elliot G. Crowder Stevenson & Bullock Robert J. Diehl Jr. Bodman Earle I. Erman Maddin, Hauser, Roth & Heller Stuart A. Gold Gold, Lange & Majoros Jonathan S. Green Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone Paul Robert Hage Jaffe Raitt Heuer & Weiss

2023

James A. Plemmons Dickinson Wright Thomas B. Radom Butzel Long Steven A. Roach Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone E. Todd Sable Honigman Joseph R. Sgroi Honigman Ronald A. Spinner Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone Marc N. Swanson Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone Julie B. Teicher Maddin, Hauser, Roth & Heller Brian R. Trumbauer Bodman Jaimee L. Witten Bodman Scott A. Wolfson Wolfson Bolton Craig E. Zucker Maddin, Hauser, Roth & Heller

COMMERCIAL LAW

Steven G. Howell Dickinson Wright

Benjamin J. Aloia Aloia & Associates

Daniel G. Kielczewski Abbott Nicholson

Jonathan S. Berg Bodman

Scott M. Kwiatkowski Goldstein Bershad and Fried

Jonathan P. Burleigh Bodman

Stephen S. LaPlante Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone

Edward C. Dawda Dawda, Mann, Mulcahy & Sadler

Scott R. Lesser Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone

Nicholas J. Stasevich Butzel Long

Michael Lieberman Lieberman, Gies & Cohen

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2023 | TOP LAWYERS

CONSTRUCTION LAW

Scott H. Sirich Plunkett Cooney

Forrest O. Dillon Bodman

Jay M. Berger Clark Hill

Andrew Z. Spilkin Bodman

Arthur Dudley II Butzel Long

Harvey W. Berman Bodman

COPYRIGHT LAW

Bruce W. Haffey Giarmarco, Mullins & Horton

R. Edward Boucher Kotz Sangster Wysocki

Marjory G. Basile Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone

James R. Case Dykema Gossett

Joseph A. Bellanca Hertz Schram

Peter J. Cavanaugh Cavanaugh & Quesada Christopher A. Cornwall Dickinson Wright Michael C. Decker Butzel Long Joseph W. DeLave Dickinson Wright Ronald A. Deneweth Deneweth, Dugan & Parfitt David J. DeVine Butzel Long Lawrence M. Dudek Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone Patrick A. Facca Facca, Richter & Pregler Eric J. Flessland Butzel Long J. Christian Hauser Frasco Caponigro Wineman Hauser Luttman Kevin S. Hendrick Clark Hill Ronald E. Hodess Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone Carina Kraatz Kitch, Drutchas, Wagner, Valitutti & Sherbrook Paul M. Mersino Butzel Long Gary D. Quesada Cavanaugh & Quesada Jeffrey M. Sangster Kotz Sangster Wysocki John M. Sier Kitch, Drutchas, Wagner, Valitutti & Sherbrook

Kimberly A. Berger Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone Lisabeth H. Coakley Harness, Dickey & Pierce Jennifer A. Dukarski Butzel Long Caroline Brooks Giordano Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone Howard Hertz Hertz Schram Erin Morgan Klug The Dobrusin Law Firm Susan M. Kornfield Bodman Rebecca L. Wilson The Dobrusin Law Firm

CORPORATE LAW Geaneen M. Arends Butzel Long Robert S. Bick Williams, Williams, Rattner & Plunkett James C. Bruno Butzel Long James R. Cambridge Kerr, Russell and Weber Robert J. Cambridge Bodman Jennifer E. Consiglio Butzel Long Timothy R. Damschroder Bodman Edward C. Dawda Dawda, Mann, Mulcahy & Sadler Laurence B. Deitch Bodman

Mark R. High Dickinson Wright Laura E. Johnson Butzel Long Justin G. Klimko Butzel Long Nicholas Stephen Kovach Shifman & Carlson Jeffrey L. LaBine Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone Carrie Leahy Bodman Heather B. Miles Wright Beamer Marc K. Salach Dawda, Mann, Mulcahy & Sadler Jared A. Smith Dickinson Wright Nathan D. Wilson The Head Law Firm

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS LAW Thomas H. Bergh Varnum Amy M. Christen Dykema Gossett Roberta P. Granadier Dickinson Wright Edward C. Hammond Clark Hill Mark W. Jane Butzel Long Samantha A. Kopacz Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone Mary Jo Larson Warner Norcross + Judd Charles M. Lax Maddin, Hauser, Roth & Heller

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TOP LAWYERS |

2023

Lynn McGuire Butzel Long

Brian J. Considine Dawda, Mann, Mulcahy & Sadler

Susan E. Cohen Law Office of Susan E. Cohen

Cynthia A. Moore Dickinson Wright

George F. Curran III Kotz Sangster Wysocki

Cristina Crescentini CMC Family Law Group

Rebecca D’Arcy O’Reilly Bodman

Fredrick J. Dindoffer Bodman

Roquia K. Draper Warner Norcross + Judd

Samuel Parks Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone

Nathan D. Dupes Bodman

Laura E. Eisenberg Eisenberg & Spilman

Gary M. Remer Dawda, Mann, Mulcahy & Sadler

Grant P. Gilezan Dykema Gossett

Joshua Faber Berlin Family Law Group

Jordan S. Schreier Dickinson Wright

Beth S. Gotthelf Butzel Long

Randi P. Glanz Clark Hill

Andrew Stumpff Butzel Long

Susan L. Johnson Butzel Long

Elizabeth A. Kitchen-Troop Kitchen Sharkey Family Law

David B. Walters Bodman

Kurt A. Kissling Warner Norcross + Judd

Channelle Kizy-White Kizy Law

Jennifer Watkins Warner Norcross + Judd

Steven C. Kohl Warner Norcross + Judd

Timothy J. Kramer Abbott Nicholson

Lisa B. Zimmer Warner Norcross + Judd

Steven C. Nadeau Honigman

Marco Carmine Masciulli The Head Law Firm

ENERGY LAW

Sharon R. Newlon Dickinson Wright

David S. Mendelson The Mendelson Law Firm

Gary A. Peters Howard & Howard

Julia A. Perkins Varnum

Susan J. Sadler Dawda, Mann, Mulcahy & Sadler

Kristyn P. Recchia Dickinson Wright

Erica J. Shell Bodman

Jorin G. Rubin Rubin Frampton

Arthur Siegal Jaffe Raitt Heuer & Weiss

Nazli G. Sater Warner Norcross + Judd

Tyler D. Tennent Dawda, Mann, Mulcahy & Sadler

Dawn M. Schluter Schluter & Hughes

Susan J. Sadler Dawda, Mann, Mulcahy & Sadler

FAMILY LAW

Lynn Capp Sirich Dickinson Wright

Michael J Watza Kitch, Drutchas, Wagner, Valitutti & Sherbrook

Jeffrey Lance Abood The Abood Law Firm

Sherri A. Wellman Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone

Mark A. Bank Bank Rifkin

Thomas P. Wilczak Troutman Pepper

Kyle Bristow Bristow Law

ENVIRONMENTAL LAW

Sonia M. Cannon Cannon Law

FOOD & BEVERAGE LAW

Gerald Cavellier Hertz Schram

Kelly A. Allen Adkison, Need, Allen, & Rentrop

Randall J. Chioini Chioini Group

Thomas J. Azoni Secrest Wardle

Karen Louise Boore Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone Beth S. Gotthelf Butzel Long Susan L. Johnson Butzel Long Douglas R. Kelly Clark Hill Rodger Kershner Howard & Howard

Kurt M. Brauer Warner Norcross + Judd Paul Collins Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone

Ivonne M. Soler Butzel Long Lisa D. Stern Hertz Schram Matthew S. Weaver Giarmarco, Mullins & Horton

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TOP

5

AREAS OF PRACTICE FOR MICHIGAN LAWYERS

1

2

3

4

1. Private Practice 2. Corporate Counsel 3. Government 4. Legal Services 5. Non-law Related

5

16,929 3,274 3,194 2,386 1,463

Source: State Bar of Michigan

TOP

5

2

3

4

1. New York 2. California 3. Texas 4. Florida 5. Illinois 12. Michigan

Mark S. Kopson Plunkett Cooney

Courtland W. Anderson Bodman

Alexander Lebedinski Giarmarco, Mullins & Horton

Thomas J. Azoni Secrest Wardle

Mark R. Lezotte Butzel Long

Stuart M. Bordman Maddin, Hauser, Roth & Heller

Theresamarie Mantese Mantese Honigman

Joel C. Bryant Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone

Gregory W. Moore Dickinson Wright

Bernard J. Fuhs Butzel Long

Joseph G. Nuyen Jr. Bodman

Nicholas Stephen Kovach Shifman & Carlson

Lori-Ann Rickard Rickard & Associates

Donald V. Orlandoni Butzel Long

Alan T. Rogalski Warner Norcross + Judd

Gary M. Remer Dawda, Mann, Mulcahy & Sadler

Robert H. Schwartz Butzel Long

David Steinberg Jaffe Raitt Heuer & Weiss

Keith J. Soltis Kotz Sangster Wysocki

Robert Y. Weller II Abbott Nicholson

Andrew B. Wachler Wachler & Associates

John F. Youngblood Abbott Nicholson

Deborah J. Williamson Williamson Health Law

HEALTH CARE LAW Reesa Benkoff Benkoff Health Law

POPULATIONS OF LAWYERS

BY STATE (+MICHIGAN)

1

FRANCHISE LAW

5

12

187,246 170,306 95,196 77,223 62,720 35,114

Mark E. Wilson Dickinson Wright

IMMIGRATION LAW

Brandon M. Dalziel Bodman

N. Peter Antone Antone, Casagrande & Adwers

Peter J. Domas CND Law

Linda J. Armstrong Butzel Long

Jovan Dragovic Kotz Sangster Wysocki

Edward Bajoka Bajoka Law Group

Gregory G. Drutchas Kitch, Drutchas, Wagner, Valitutti & Sherbrook

Elizabeth B. Baker Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone

Debra A. Geroux Butzel Long

Rami D. Fakhoury Fakhoury Global Immigration

John Paul Hessburg Kitch, Drutchas, Wagner, Valitutti & Sherbrook

Shaju Jacob Ellis Porter

Ann T. Hollenbeck Jones Day

Amany Kasham Butzel Long

Robert S. Iwrey The Health Law Partners

Elise S. Levasseur Dickinson Wright

Eric S. Klein Dykema Gossett

Clara DeMatteis Mager Butzel Long

Source: American Bar Association

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TOP LAWYERS |

Richard D. Rattner Williams, Williams, Rattner & Plunkett

LITIGATION — ANTITRUST

Evan M. Chall Wright Beamer

Ronald E. Reynolds Fisher & Phillips

David A. Ettinger Honigman

Dennis K. Egan Kotz Sangster Wysocki

Carol A. Rosati Rosati Schultz Joppich & Amtsbuechler

Howard B. Iwrey Dykema Gossett

Homayune A. Ghaussi Warner Norcross + Judd

Thomas R. Schultz Rosati Schultz Joppich & Amtsbuechler

Robert Edgar Murkowski Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone

Cynthia J. Haffey Butzel Long

Tyler D. Tennent Dawda, Mann, Mulcahy & Sadler

Larry J. Saylor Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone

Shawn H. Head The Head Law Firm

Peter H. Webster Dickinson Wright

Bruce L. Sendek Butzel Long

William H. Horton Giarmarco, Mullins & Horton

LEGAL MALPRACTICE LAW

Thomas J. Tallerico Bodman

Amy M. Johnston Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone

L. Pahl Zinn Dickinson Wright

Phillip C. Korovesis Butzel Long

David C. Anderson Collins Einhorn Farrell

LITIGATION — BANKING & FINANCE

Gerard V. Mantese Mantese Honigman

Joshua I. Arnkoff Collins Einhorn Farrell

J. Adam Behrendt Bodman

Thomas G. McNeill Dickinson Wright

Michael P. Ashcraft Jr. Plunkett Cooney

Lara L. Kapalla-Bondi Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone

Paul M. Mersino Butzel Long

Theresa M. Asoklis Collins Einhorn Farrell

Scott R. Lesser Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone

Roger P. Meyers BSP Law

Thomas H. Blaske Blaske & Blaske

Dennis J. Levasseur Bodman

John Mucha III Dawda, Mann, Mulcahy & Sadler

Donald D. Campbell Collins Einhorn Farrell

Thomas G. McNeill Dickinson Wright

Sean P. Murphy Collins Einhorn Farrell

Brian D. Einhorn Collins Einhorn Farrell

Thomas B. Radom Butzel Long

Kenneth F. Neuman Altior Law

Michael W. Hartmann Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone

Steven A. Roach Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone

H. Joel Newman H. Joel Newman

Harvey R. Heller Maddin, Hauser, Roth & Heller

Joseph J. Shannon Bodman

Mark W. Peyser Howard & Howard

Jeff Hengeveld Plunkett Cooney

LITIGATION — COMMERCIAL

Katherine L. Pullen Warner Norcross + Judd

Thomas H. Howlett The Googasian Firm

Benjamin J. Aloia Aloia & Associates

Kathleen H. Klaus Maddin, Hauser, Roth & Heller

Alexander A. Ayar McDonald Hopkins

Michael J. Sullivan Collins Einhorn Farrell

Frederick A. Berg Jr. Butzel Long

Alan J. Taylor Segal McCambridge Singer & Mahoney, Ltd.

Jordan S. Bolton Clark Hill

Steve M. Wolock Maddin, Hauser, Roth & Heller

Michael G. Brady Warner Norcross + Judd

Lawrence J. Acker Lawrence J. Acker

2023

Jeffrey G. Raphelson Bodman Joseph J. Shannon Bodman Alexander Stotland Hertz Schram Douglas L. Toering Mantese Honigman Ann Marie Uetz Foley & Lardner November - December 2022 || DBUSINESS.COM 65

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2023 | TOP LAWYERS

Joseph D. Gustavus Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone

Gary J. Collins O’Reilly Rancilio

Brian Schwartz Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone

Robert A. Hudson Butzel Long

Rebecca S. Davies Butzel Long

Rebecca C. Seguin-Skrabucha Bodman

Jeffrey G. Richardson Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone

David R. Deromedi Dickinson Wright

Brian D. Shekell Clark Hill

Nicholas J. Stasevich Butzel Long

Carey A. DeWitt Butzel Long

Ronald A. Sollish Maddin, Hauser, Roth & Heller

Richard A. Walawender Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone

Gary S. Fealk Bodman

Andrey T. Tomkiw Dinsmore & Shohl

LABOR & EMPLOYMENT LAW

Donald J. Gasiorek Gasiorek, Morgan, Greco, McCauley & Kotizan

Christopher M. Trebilcock Clark Hill

Leonard D. Givens Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone

Daniel B. Tukel Butzel Long

Deborah L. Gordon Law Offices of Deborah L. Gordon

Richard W. Warren Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone

Aaron D. Graves Bodman

Kathryn S. Wood Dickinson Wright

James F. Hermon Dykema Gossett

LAND USE & ZONING

James R. Acho Cummings, McClorey, Davis & Acho Laura S. Amtsbuechler Rosati Schultz Joppich & Amtsbuechler Randolph T. Barker Abbott Nicholson Dirk A. Beamer Wright Beamer John T. Below Bodman Karen B. Berkery Kitch, Drutchas, Wagner, Valitutti & Sherbrook John F. Birmingham Jr. Foley & Lardner Kathleen L. Bogas Bogas & Koncius Terry W. Bonnette Nemeth Law Robert A. Boonin Dykema Gossett Deborah Brouwer Nemeth Law Kaitlin Abplanalp Brown Maddin, Hauser, Roth & Heller Aaron V. Burrell Dickinson Wright John C. Cashen Bodman Evan M. Chall Wright Beamer John C. Clark Giarmarco, Mullins & Horton Randal R. Cole Dawda, Mann, Mulcahy & Sadler

Richard A. Hooker Varnum Frank T. Mamat Dinsmore & Shohl LLP Brett J. Miller Butzel Long Patricia M. Nemeth Nemeth Law Megan P. Norris Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone Eric A. Parzianello Hubbard Snitchler & Parzianello Eric J. Pelton Kienbaum Hardy Viviano Pelton Forrest Michael L. Pitt Pitt, McGehee, Palmer, Bonanni & Rivers James M. Reid IV Dinsmore & Shohl James S. Rosenfeld Butzel Long Maureen Rouse-Ayoub Varnum Jennifer L. Sabourin Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone Jennifer B. Salvatore Salvatore Prescott Porter & Porter

Le Roy L. Asher Jr. Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone Derk W. Beckerleg Secrest Wardle Robert M. Carson Carson Fischer Daniel P. Dalton Dalton & Tomich Rosemary V. Davis Kirk, Huth, Lange & Badalamenti Geoffrey S. Gallinger Butzel Long Lisa J. Hamameh Rosati Schultz Joppich & Amtsbuechler Ronald E. Hodess Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone Steven P. Joppich Rosati Schultz Joppich & Amtsbuechler Thomas A. Kabel Butzel Long John Mucha III Dawda, Mann, Mulcahy & Sadler Jerome P. Pesick Steinhardt Pesick & Cohen Richard E. Rassel III Williams, Williams, Rattner & Plunkett

64 DBUSINESS || November - December 2022

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TOP LAWYERS |

Richard D. Rattner Williams, Williams, Rattner & Plunkett

LITIGATION — ANTITRUST

Evan M. Chall Wright Beamer

Ronald E. Reynolds Fisher & Phillips

David A. Ettinger Honigman

Dennis K. Egan Kotz Sangster Wysocki

Carol A. Rosati Rosati Schultz Joppich & Amtsbuechler

Howard B. Iwrey Dykema Gossett

Homayune A. Ghaussi Warner Norcross + Judd

Thomas R. Schultz Rosati Schultz Joppich & Amtsbuechler

Robert Edgar Murkowski Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone

Cynthia J. Haffey Butzel Long

Tyler D. Tennent Dawda, Mann, Mulcahy & Sadler

Larry J. Saylor Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone

Shawn H. Head The Head Law Firm

Peter H. Webster Dickinson Wright

Bruce L. Sendek Butzel Long

William H. Horton Giarmarco, Mullins & Horton

LEGAL MALPRACTICE LAW

Thomas J. Tallerico Bodman

Amy M. Johnston Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone

L. Pahl Zinn Dickinson Wright

Phillip C. Korovesis Butzel Long

David C. Anderson Collins Einhorn Farrell

LITIGATION — BANKING & FINANCE

Gerard V. Mantese Mantese Honigman

Joshua I. Arnkoff Collins Einhorn Farrell

J. Adam Behrendt Bodman

Thomas G. McNeill Dickinson Wright

Michael P. Ashcraft Jr. Plunkett Cooney

Lara L. Kapalla-Bondi Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone

Paul M. Mersino Butzel Long

Theresa M. Asoklis Collins Einhorn Farrell

Scott R. Lesser Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone

Roger P. Meyers BSP Law

Thomas H. Blaske Blaske & Blaske

Dennis J. Levasseur Bodman

John Mucha III Dawda, Mann, Mulcahy & Sadler

Donald D. Campbell Collins Einhorn Farrell

Thomas G. McNeill Dickinson Wright

Sean P. Murphy Collins Einhorn Farrell

Brian D. Einhorn Collins Einhorn Farrell

Thomas B. Radom Butzel Long

Kenneth F. Neuman Altior Law

Michael W. Hartmann Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone

Steven A. Roach Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone

H. Joel Newman H. Joel Newman

Harvey R. Heller Maddin, Hauser, Roth & Heller

Joseph J. Shannon Bodman

Mark W. Peyser Howard & Howard

Jeff Hengeveld Plunkett Cooney

LITIGATION — COMMERCIAL

Katherine L. Pullen Warner Norcross + Judd

Thomas H. Howlett The Googasian Firm

Benjamin J. Aloia Aloia & Associates

Kathleen H. Klaus Maddin, Hauser, Roth & Heller

Alexander A. Ayar McDonald Hopkins

Michael J. Sullivan Collins Einhorn Farrell

Frederick A. Berg Jr. Butzel Long

Alan J. Taylor Segal McCambridge Singer & Mahoney, Ltd.

Jordan S. Bolton Clark Hill

Lawrence J. Acker Lawrence J. Acker

Steve M. Wolock Maddin, Hauser, Roth & Heller

2023

Jeffrey G. Raphelson Bodman Joseph J. Shannon Bodman Alexander Stotland Hertz Schram Douglas L. Toering Mantese Honigman Ann Marie Uetz Foley & Lardner November - December 2022 || DBUSINESS.COM 65

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TOP

5

POPULATION OF LAWYERS BY COUNTY

Thomas Van Dusen Bodman

Jason J. Liss Fabian, Sklar, King & Liss

Joseph Gibson Vernon Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone

Thomas J. Rheaume Jr. Bodman

Ian M. Williamson Mantese Honigman

Stuart A. Sklar Fabian, Sklar, King & Liss

LITIGATION – CONSTRUCTION

David B. Timmis Vandeveer Garzia

Harvey W. Berman Bodman R. Edward Boucher Kotz Sangster Wysocki Christopher A. Cornwall Dickinson Wright Michael C. Decker Butzel Long Ronald A. Deneweth Deneweth, Dugan & Parfitt Lawrence M. Dudek Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone

1

2

3

1. Oakland 2. Wayne 3. Kent 4. Ingham 5. Washtenaw

4

5

11,358 6,634 2,730 2,408 1,854

Source: State Bar of Michigan

Eric J. Flessland Butzel Long Jeffrey M. Sangster Kotz Sangster Wysocki John M. Sier Kitch, Drutchas, Wagner, Valitutti & Sherbrook James J. Urban Butzel Long

LITIGATION – INSURANCE Matthew P. Allen Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone

NUMBER OF LAWYERS IN MICHIGAN BY GENDER Female

Male

12,656

22,392

Source: State Bar of Michigan

Frederick A. Berg Jr. Butzel Long Sarah L. Cylkowski Bodman Michelle Thurber Czapski Bodman

Douglas Young Young Insurance Law

LITIGATION — INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY John Shepherd Artz Dickinson Wright Robin W. Asher Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone Justin P. Bagdady Bodman Glenn E. Forbis Harness, Dickey & Pierce Maxwell J. Goss Fishman Stewart Andrew (Jake) Grove Howard & Howard Richard W. Hoffmann Reising Ethington Kristopher K. Hulliberger Howard & Howard Dennis J. Levasseur Bodman Barbara L. Mandell Fishman Stewart Steven Susser Carlson, Gaskey & Olds Brian D. Wassom Warner Norcross + Judd

Nathan J. Edmonds Secrest Wardle

LITIGATION — LABOR EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS

Michael H. Fabian Fabian, Sklar, King & Liss

William J. Blaha Collins & Blaha

Steven M. Gursten Michigan Auto Law

Gary J. Collins O’Reilly Rancilio

Adam B. Kutinsky Kutinsky

Rebecca S. Davies Butzel Long

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TOP LAWYERS |

Carey A. DeWitt Butzel Long

Lawrence M. Dudek Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone

Victoria S. Lehman Giarmarco, Mullins & Horton

John C. Kava Collins & Blaha

Andrew M. Harris Kitch, Drutchas, Wagner, Valitutti & Sherbrook

Donald B. Lenderman Kitch, Drutchas, Wagner, Valitutti & Sherbrook

Samantha A. Kopacz Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone

Brian H. Holt Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone

Donna M. MacKenzie Olsman MacKenzie Peacock & Wallace

David A. Lawrence Couzens, Lansky, Fealk, Ellis, Roeder & Lazar

Lara L. Kapalla-Bondi Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone

Brian J. McKeen McKeen & Associates

Mark T. Nelson Butzel Long

Marco Carmine Masciulli The Head Law Firm

Cullen McKinney Tanoury, Nauts, McKinney & Garbarino

Brian Schwartz Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone

Jerome P. Pesick Steinhardt Pesick & Cohen

Jeffrey Meyers Jeff Meyers Law

Diane M. Soubly Butzel Long

Ronald E. Reynolds Fisher & Phillips

John J. Moran Abbott Nicholson

LITIGATION — PATENTS

Thomas C. Simpson Butzel Long

Jules B. Olsman Olsman MacKenzie Peacock & Wallace

Marjory G. Basile Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone

MEDIATION

Jesse M. Reiter Reiter & Walsh

Kimberly A. Berger Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone

Tracy L. Allen Global Resolutions

Gregory Dempsey DeGrazia Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone

Kathleen L. Bogas Bogas & Koncius

Glenn E. Forbis Harness, Dickey & Pierce

Michelle P. Crockett Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone

Amanda E. Hill Bodman

Gene J. Esshaki Abbott Nicholson

Kristopher K. Hulliberger Howard & Howard

Daniel P. Makarski Secrest Wardle

Mitchell Zajac Butzel Long

David S. Mendelson The Mendelson Law Firm

LITIGATION — REAL ESTATE

James J. Rashid Judicial Resource Services

Le Roy L. Asher Jr. Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone

2023

Laura H. Selzer Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone Elizabeth C. Thomson Hertz Schram Norman D. Tucker Sommers Schwartz Heidi E. Warren Abbott Nicholson Steve J. Weiss Hertz Schram Leroy H. Wulfmeier III Giarmarco, Mullins & Horton

MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS LAW

Stuart S. Weiner Schafer & Weiner

J. Adam Behrendt Bodman

MEDICAL MALPRACTICE LAW

Ian Sean Bolton Bolton Legal Group

Dana L Abrahams Clark Hill

Alfredo Casab Dawda, Mann, Mulcahy & Sadler

Lori A. Barker Abbott Nicholson

Bradley S. Defoe Varnum

Daniel R. Corbet Corbet, Shaw, Essad & Bonasso

Joseph A. Doerr Doerr Law Firm

Paul J. Dwaihy Tanoury, Nauts, McKinney & Dwaihy

J. Benjamin Dolan Dickinson Wright

Paul W. Hines Gasiorek, Morgan, Greco, McCauley & Kotizan

Thomas G. Appleman Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone Brad B. Arbuckle Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone Allison R. Bach Dickinson Wright J. Michael Bernard Dykema Gossett Robert S. Bick Williams, Williams, Rattner & Plunkett Richard M. Bolton Dickinson Wright Gene P. Bowen Bodman

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2023 | TOP LAWYERS

Jennifer E. Consiglio Butzel Long

Daniel H. Minkus Clark Hill

Sarah J. Williams Bodman

Timothy R. Damschroder Bodman

Christopher Joseph Moceri Jaffe Raitt Heuer & Weiss

Laurence B. Deitch Bodman

Mohamed Nehme Hammoud, Dakhlallah, and Associates

NON WHITE-COLLAR CRIMINAL DEFENSE

Joseph J. DeVito Dinsmore & Shohl LLP

Zan M. Nicolli Dickinson Wright

Forrest O. Dillon Bodman

Steven R. Pacynski Clark Hill

Daljit S. Doogal Foley & Lardner

Alex L. Parrish Honigman

Michael D. DuBay Honigman

Linda Paullin-Hebden Warner Norcross + Judd

David Foltyn Honigman

Michael T. Raymond Dickinson Wright

William H. Heritage III Giarmarco, Mullins & Horton John J. Hern Jr. Clark Hill Jeffrey A. Hoover Dinsmore & Shohl LLP Robert A. Hudson Butzel Long Laura E. Johnson Butzel Long John P. Kanan Honigman Lee B. Kellert Jaffe Raitt Heuer & Weiss Justin G. Klimko Butzel Long Donald J. Kunz Honigman Jeffrey L. LaBine Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone Donald M. Lansky Couzens, Lansky, Fealk, Ellis, Roeder & Lazar Jeffrey A. Levine Couzens, Lansky, Fealk, Ellis, Roeder & Lazar Nicholas P. McElhinny Bodman Richard M. Miettinen Howard & Howard

Michael J. Romaya Varnum William L. Rosin Dickinson Wright Alan E Schwartz Honigman Samuel T. Stahl Honigman Dana L. Ulrich Dickinson Wright John P. Ulrich Jr. Kotz Sangster Wysocki P.C. Thomas S. Vaughn Dykema Gossett Richard A. Walawender Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone Shusheng Wang Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone Gregory L. Wysocki Kotz Sangster Wysocki

MUNICIPAL LAW Derk W. Beckerleg Secrest Wardle P. Daniel Christ Hafeli Staran & Christ Steven P. Joppich Rosati Schultz Joppich & Amtsbuechler Thomas J. Ryan Thomas J Ryan

Aaron J. Boria Aaron J. Boria Jack Burke George Law Raymond A. Cassar Law Offices of Raymond A. Cassar Jalal J. Dallo Dallo Law Colin Andrew Daniels Neil Rockind Derrick E. George George Law Gerald J. Gleeson II Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone Marc E. Hart The Law Offices of Marc E. Hart Shawn H. Head The Head Law Firm Joseph A. Lavigne Law Offices of Joseph A. Lavigne Marco Carmine Masciulli The Head Law Firm Brian J. Prain Prain Law Ryan Travis Ramsayer Barone Defense Firm Shannon Marie Smith Reising Ethington

NONPROFIT/CHARITIES LAW Celeste E. Arduino Bodman Christopher J. Dine Bodman Gary R. Glenn Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone Mark R. Lezotte Butzel Long Thomas W. Linn Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone

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TOP LAWYERS |

Jennifer M. Oertel Bodman

Jeffrey Meyers Jeff Meyers Law

Dani K. Liblang The Liblang Law Firm

Wendolyn W. Richards Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone

Mike J. Morse Mike Morse Law Firm

Christina J. Marshall Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone

PERSONAL INJURY

David M. Moss Moss & Colella

William E. McDonald III Bush Seyferth

Jules B. Olsman Olsman MacKenzie Peacock & Wallace

Donald B. Miller Butzel Long

Robert M. Raitt Raitt Law

Jules B. Olsman Olsman MacKenzie Peacock & Wallace

Bryan L. Schefman Schefman & Associates

Daniel J. Scully Clark Hill

Kevin H. Seiferheld Michigan Auto Law

Patrick G. Seyferth Bush Seyferth

Pratheep Sevanthinathan Seva Law Firm

Michael J. Sullivan Collins Einhorn Farrell

Joshua R. Terebelo Michigan Auto Law

John C. Valenti Butzel Long

Elizabeth C. Thomson Hertz Schram

James E. Wynne Butzel Long

Timothy D. Tomlinson York, Dolan & Tomlinson

PROFESSIONAL MALPRACTICE LAW

Matthew Ray Bates Mike Morse Law Firm Brian J. Bourbeau Bone Bourbeau Law Steffani Chocron Lipton Law A. Vince Colella Moss & Colella Donald John Cummings Mike Morse Law Firm Jennifer G. Damico Buckfire Law Firm Robert M. Giroux Jr. Giroux Pappas Trial Attorneys Scott A. Goodwin Goodwin & Scieszka Lawrence E. Gursten Michigan Auto Law Steven M. Gursten Michigan Auto Law

Ronald K. Weiner Lipton Law John L. Weston Secrest Wardle

Dustin Hoff Christensen Law

PRODUCT LIABILITY

Thomas W. James Michigan Auto Law

Anthony A. Agosta Clark Hill

Ven Johnson Johnson Law

David C. Anderson Collins Einhorn Farrell

Jordan M. Jones Michigan Auto Law

W. Rick Braun III Hawkins Parnell & Young

Alexander Kemp Michigan Auto Law

Cheryl A. Bush Bush Seyferth

Sarah E. Kuchon Hohauser Kuchon

Michael P. Cooney Dykema Gossett

Jody B. Lipton Lipton Law

Katherine A. Crowley Collins Einhorn Farrell

Marc E. Lipton Lipton Law

Clayton F. Farrell Collins Einhorn Farrell

Brian J. McKeen McKeen & Associates

Amy M. Johnston Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone

Brian A. McKenna Sinas Dramis Law Firm

William J. Kliffel Butzel Long

2023

David C. Anderson Collins Einhorn Farrell Theresa M. Asoklis Collins Einhorn Farrell Donald D. Campbell Collins Einhorn Farrell Brian D. Einhorn Collins Einhorn Farrell Melissa E. Graves Collins Einhorn Farrell Michael W. Hartmann Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone Richard A. Kitch Kitch, Drutchas, Wagner, Valitutti & Sherbrook Kathleen H. Klaus Maddin, Hauser, Roth & Heller Edward G. Lennon Lennon Law

PUBLIC FINANCE LAW Jeffrey S. Aronoff Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone Laura M. Bassett Dickinson Wright November - December 2022 || DBUSINESS.COM 69

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2023 | TOP LAWYERS

POPULATION OF LAWYERS

BY GENERATION

1

3

2 1. Pre 1944 2. 1944-1960 3. 1961-1980 4. 1981+

4

1,675 11,411 13,849 8,179

Source: State Bar of Michigan

5

Barbara A. Bowman Bodman

Geoffrey S. Gallinger Butzel Long

John A. Carlson Shifman & Carlson

Gregory J. Gamalski Bodman

Thomas D. Colis Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone

Edward S. Gusky Varnum

Steven M. Frank Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone

Daniel M. Halprin Dawda, Mann, Mulcahy & Sadler

Robert J. Gavin Shifman & Carlson

Andrew M. Harris Kitch, Drutchas, Wagner, Valitutti & Sherbrook

Craig W. Hammond Dickinson Wright

Kyle R. Hauberg Dykema Gossett

Steven D. Mann Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone

Ronald E. Hodess Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone

Michael P. McGee Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone

Brian H. Holt Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone

Patrick F. McGow Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone

William E. Hosler Williams, Williams, Rattner & Plunkett

Amanda Van Dusen Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone

Joseph M. Judge Dawda, Mann, Mulcahy & Sadler

REAL ESTATE LAW

Thomas A. Kabel Butzel Long

TOP

Geaneen M. Arends Butzel Long William G. Barris Barris, Sott, Denn & Driker Nicholas T. Chapie Howard & Howard

TOP 5 LAW SCHOOLS ATTENDED BY MICHIGAN LAWYERS

Alexander J. Clark Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone George A. Contis Giarmarco, Mullins & Horton Edward C. Dawda Dawda, Mann, Mulcahy & Sadler Alexandra E. Dieck Bodman Joseph A. Doerr Doerr Law Firm

1 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

2

3

4

Wayne State University Law School Western Michigan University Cooley Law School Michigan State University College of Law University of Detroit Mercy School of Law University of Michigan Law School

5 7,011 6,416 6,002 4,789 2,853

Source: State Bar of Michigan

William B. Dunn Clark Hill Joseph M. Fazio Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone Adam M. Fishkind Dykema Gossett Thomas W. Forster Varnum

Patrick A. Karbowski McDonald Hopkins Dana Kreis Glencer Dawda, Mann, Mulcahy & Sadler Elizabeth Kyprianos Shifman & Carlson Monica J. Labe Dickinson Wright Scott R. Lesser Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone Kelly M. Lockman Bodman Michael J. Lusardi Dickinson Wright Ronn S. Nadis Couzens, Lansky, Fealk, Ellis, Roeder & Lazar Gregg A. Nathanson Couzens, Lansky, Fealk, Ellis, Roeder & Lazar David Nykanen Friedlaender Nykanen Rogowski Duane L. Reynolds Wright Beamer Ronald E. Reynolds Fisher & Phillips

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TOP LAWYERS |

Lowell D. Salesin Honigman

Justin G. Klimko Butzel Long

Jeffrey M. McHugh Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone

Steven D. Sallen Maddin, Hauser, Roth & Heller

Mark Kowalsky Jaffe Raitt Heuer & Weiss

Suzanne M. Miller Butzel Long

Nicholas P. Scavone Jr. Bodman

Donald J. Kunz Honigman

Jeffrey D. Moss Dawda, Mann, Mulcahy & Sadler

Todd A. Schafer Dawda, Mann, Mulcahy & Sadler

Carrie Leahy Bodman

Eric M. Nemeth Varnum

Wayne S. Segal Dawda, Mann, Mulcahy & Sadler

Mark W. Peters Bodman

Gregory A. Nowak Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone

C. Kim Shierk Williams, Williams, Rattner & Plunkett

TAX LAW

R. Peter Prokop Butzel Long

Andrew Z. Spilkin Bodman Emily M. Sullivan Wright Beamer Roxana Zaha Butzel Long Glen M. Zatz Bodman

Venar Ayar Ayar Law Jess Bahs FisherBroyles, LLP Steven R. Cole Bodman James H. Combs Honigman

Carl Rashid Jr. Dykema Gossett Ryan J. Riehl Bodman Marc K. Salach Dawda, Mann, Mulcahy & Sadler Richard S. Soble Honigman

Sean H. Cook Warner Norcross + Judd

TRADE SECRETS

SECURITIES LAW

David R. de Reyna Kotz Sangster Wysocki

Kimberly A. Berger Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone

Thomas G. Appleman Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone

Randall A. Denha Denha & Associates

Eric M. Dobrusin The Dobrusin Law Firm

Brad B. Arbuckle Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone

Katrina P. Desmond Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone

Bernard J. Fuhs Butzel Long

Michael S. Ben Honigman

Christopher J. Dine Bodman

Phillip C. Korovesis Butzel Long

Robert J. Cambridge Bodman

Gary R. Glenn Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone

Paul M. Mersino Butzel Long

Arthur Dudley II Butzel Long

Stephen L. Gutman Couzens, Lansky, Fealk, Ellis, Roeder & Lazar

Alexander Stotland Hertz Schram

Dennis K. Egan Kotz Sangster Wysocki

Michael A. Indenbaum Honigman

Joseph Gibson Vernon Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone

David Foltyn Honigman

Jay A. Kennedy Warner Norcross + Judd

TRUSTS & ESTATES

Patrick J. Haddad Kerr, Russell and Weber

William C. Lentine Warner Norcross + Judd

Miles D. Hart Saretsky Hart Michaels + Gould

Jay B. Long Bodman

Todd A. Holleman Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone

George M. Malis Abbott Nicholson

John A. Hubbard Hubbard Snitchler & Parzianello

Curtis J. Mann Dawda, Mann, Mulcahy & Sadler

Katheryne L. Zelenock Dickinson Wright

2023

Thomas H. Bergh Varnum Kelly M. Burnell Bodman Anthony P. Cracchiolo Bodman Andrew H. Curoe Bodman

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2023 | TOP LAWYERS

David R. de Reyna Kotz Sangster Wysocki

Aaron Sherbin Jaffe Raitt Heuer & Weiss

Walter J. Piszczatowski Hertz Schram

Randall A. Denha Denha & Associates

James P Spica Chalgian & Tripp Law Offices

Joseph E. Richotte Butzel Long

Julius H. Giarmarco Giarmarco, Mullins & Horton

Jeffrey S. Sternberg Kotz Sangster Wysocki

Neil S. Rockind Rockind Law

Amy L. Glenn Butzel Long

Rachel Tucker Joelson Rosenberg

Brian R. Jenney Kemp Klein Law Firm

Nancy H. Welber Ferguson Widmayer & Clark

WORKERS COMPENSATION LAW

Shirley A. Kaigler Jaffe Raitt Heuer & Weiss

WHITE-COLLAR CRIMINAL DEFENSE

Robert D. Kaplow Maddin, Hauser, Roth & Heller Robert B. Labe Williams, Williams, Rattner & Plunkett David P. Larsen Bodman William C. Lentine Warner Norcross + Judd Elizabeth L. Luckenbach Dickinson Wright John Mabley Chalgian & Tripp Law Offices J. Thomas MacFarlane Clark Hill Curtis J. Mann Dawda, Mann, Mulcahy & Sadler Julia C. Massaro Bodman Chiara F. Mattieson Couzens, Lansky, Fealk, Ellis, Roeder & Lazar Alan A. May Kemp Klein Law Firm Jeffrey D. Moss Dawda, Mann, Mulcahy & Sadler Robert P. Perry Butzel Long Stephen C. Rohr Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone Glenn G. Ross Dawda, Mann, Mulcahy & Sadler Dawn M. Schluter Schluter & Hughes

Joel Alpert Alpert & Alpert Alex Berman Michigan Workers Comp Lawyers

Christopher Andreoff Jaffe Raitt Heuer & Weiss

Douglas S. Campbell Rich Kenneth & Associates

James W. Burdick Burdick Law

John P. Charters Charters, Tyler, Zack & Shearer

Raymond A. Cassar Law Offices of Raymond A. Cassar

Jeffrey E. Kaufman Michigan Workers Comp Lawyers

Kenneth R. Chadwell Mantese Honigman

Jeffrey S. Kirschner Kirschner Law

Joshua J. Chinsky Butzel Long

Timothy J. Mullins Giarmarco, Mullins & Horton

Martin E. Crandall Clark Hill PLC

Dennis P. Partridge Garan Lucow Miller

Thomas W. Cranmer Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone

Richard Warsh Alpert & Alpert

Colin Andrew Daniels Neil Rockind George B. Donnini Butzel Long Damien DuMouchel Butzel Long David F. DuMouchel Butzel Long Theodore R. Eppel Butzel Long Steven Fishman Neighborhood Defender Service Derrick E. George George Law Gerald J. Gleeson II Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone Joseph A. Lavigne Law Offices of Joseph A. Lavigne

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Cover Story

Tina Freese Decker, the president and CEO executing the megamerger of Beaumont and Spectrum into Corewell Health, is seeking to improve health outcomes, reduce costs without sacrificing care, and boost employee morale frayed

by COVID-19.

By Dale Buss |

Bryan Esler

Care Exchange

M

ore than 20 years ago, Beaumont Hospital launched an advertising campaign that resonated with generations of Detroiters. “Do you have a Beaumont doctor?” was wildly successful in building the health care institution’s brand as it turned the market’s preconceived notions into an urgent message that would click with potential patients the next time they needed medical assistance.

But today, in the wake of the $14-billion merger of Beaumont and Spectrum of Grand Rapids in 2021 into Corewell Health, many people might be asking, “Can I afford to have a Beaumont doctor?”

The combination of the two largest health care providers in metro Detroit and on the west side of the state has raised legitimate questions about how Beaumont’s traditional strength of patient care is faring now and how it might endure going forward, as well as whether the merger will lead to higher prices by the bellwether health care provider in all of Michigan.

Trying to provide the right answers to the questions is the job of Tina Freese Decker, the former president and CEO of Spectrum Health who was tapped as president and CEO of Corewell Health.

Although the obstacles are many, she says she’s up to the challenge.

“It’s a tremendously tough time right now,” says Decker, an industrial engineer and health care financial expert by training, and a career-long executive at Spectrum who followed Beaumont’s President and CEO John Fox. “I’m focused on leaving behind the status quo and creating something better. We must remain focused on our end goal — a vision where health care is simple, affordable, equitable, and exceptional.”

The merger “checks a lot of important boxes for value-based care,” says Ron Hall, CEO of Detroitbased auto supplier Bridgewater Interiors, who was a member of the Beaumont system board for five years before joining the Corewell board. “Scope and scale are important tools that can enable improving value across a broad spectrum of patient populations. That’s part of what we hope we’ve begun to accomplish.”

Julie Fream, chair of the Corewell Health board and head of the auto industry’s Original Equipment Suppliers Association, or OESA, in Southfield, believes the organization represents the culmination of a process that unfolded over more than a decade, including several unfulfilled attempts at other mergers. “This one really focuses on Michigan and health for Michigan people,” she says.

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COURTESY BEAUMONT

Cover Story

“Some other strategic deals we looked at certainly had merit, but this was much stronger in terms of a common vision and a shared sense of doing right by the Michigan community,” Fream adds. “That gave it a lot of sense of purpose.”

Some outsiders also hail the combination. “Institutionally, there was a lot of bad blood between the (previous Beaumont) administration and providers,” says Alex Calderone, president of Calderone Advisory Group, a health care business consultancy in Birmingham. “Something needed to be done about that. I think this merger — to a large degree, particularly because John Fox stepped down — may have been a decent first step toward mending some of those relationships.”

A major proof point emphasized by Corewell executives of the continued high regard for their system is the most recent version of U.S. News & World Report’s annual listing of “America’s Best Hospitals.”

Beaumont had the most nationally ranked hospitals in Michigan, and Beaumont Royal Oak (now Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital) was ranked No. 2 statewide, after the University of Michigan hospital in Ann Arbor.

Few industries are more challenging these days than health care.

Even after battling through COVID-19, hospital organizations face stifling regulations, a matrix of political considerations, rising antitrust pressures, and, in the background, all the increasing medical requirements of an aging, obese, and mentally stressed American society.

Plus, there are the inflation, supply-chain, and labor challenges that nearly every industry is dealing with these days.

For Corewell, add in the pressures any organization faces in the wake of a merger: cleaning up inadequacies, trying to realize financial efficiencies, and reassuring employees at each constituent company.

Meanwhile, in Beaumont’s case, there’s the nearly $100 million in losses in the first half of 2022, thanks largely to the steeply higher costs of paying employees, as well as Corewell’s layoff of about 400 management and other non-patient-facing workers statewide out of its overall staff of 64,000 people.

Nearly every health care provider in the United States was seared by horror stories from the pandemic, and many were much worse than Beaumont’s, including the lows reached by some Michigan nursing homes and big-city hospitals in New York. “We didn’t see changes in our (evaluations) that appeared to be tied to COVID-19,” says Dr. Ben Harder, head of health care analysis for U.S. News.

But Hall admits that “COVID-19 was probably harder for us because we were in the middle of a remodeling, if you will,” several years after Beaumont swallowed up the Oakwood Hospital and Botsford Hospital health systems in metro Detroit in 2014.

The path that led Beaumont to this year’s Corewell Health was at least a decade in the making. As American health care companies struggled with fast-rising costs, the onset of Obamacare, and vast changes in the medical insurance market, Beaumont’s leaders began looking for merger partners to prepare for a more difficult future.

In 2012, Beaumont announced a $6.6-billion mega-merger with Henry Ford Health in Detroit, the other regional dominant provider, but the two parties soon scuttled their arrangement. It was largely

PROTON POWER Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital in Royal Oak was the first to offer a Proton Therapy Center in Michigan. A high-tech alternative to radiation therapy, it provides patients with a safer cancer treatment option that has fewer side effects.

nixed by Henry Ford private practice physicians, who were worried about merging with a (Beaumont) system consisting mainly of employer-based physicians.

Beaumont succeeded in consummating a $3.8-billion merger with Oakwood and Botsford hospitals that was designed to produce $134 million in annual cost savings. Around the same time, Fox came from Emory Healthcare in Atlanta to run the enlarged Beaumont. In addition to making three health care systems into one, the board of Beaumont and its new CEO continued looking for even bigger merger partners.

Deals with two new merger partners — Ohio-based Summa Health and the much larger, Chicago-based Advocate Aurora — emerged in 2020. But Fox bowed out of those, amid the financial pressures and confusion of COVID-19.

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Cover Story

HIGHER GROUND Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital in Royal Oak was recently ranked the No. 2 hospital statewide, behind the University of Michigan,

by U.S. News & World Report.

Another huge factor in Fox’s inability to make Beaumont even bigger was physician resistance. Shortly after news of the Advocate Aurora negotiations broke, someone associated with Beaumont released the results of an internal survey of Beaumont doctors in 2020 that showed nearly 60 percent of them “strongly” lacked confidence in Fox and Beaumont COO Carolyn Wilson, with an additional 20 percent “somewhat” lacking confidence in senior management. Wilson left in 2021.

Fox “wasn’t a very physician-friendly CEO,” says one Beaumont doctor who asked not to be named. “It seems his job was to make Beaumont a good merger candidate by showing that costs were low. So we were asked to do the same clinical activities with less support and fewer people. People started leaving because the work environment changed so much. Our goals and markers for incentives were constantly being changed or not even honored under our contract.”

Beaumont also, this doctor says, “would hide behind” the “corporate-integrity agreement” that the organization signed in 2018. This pledge required the hospital system to pay $84.5 million to settle whistleblower allegations that, over eight years, Beaumont had compensated eight physicians with free or substantially discounted office space and employees, in exchange for patient referrals.

“The compensation wouldn’t be competitive for people, and that was part of the reason people were leaving,” this doctor says. “And they really didn’t care if you left or not. Doctors became widgets. You’d spend 20 years at Beaumont building a practice, but they’d just replace you with someone else. Beaumont was the important brand, not you.”

As a result, several physicians left — and then the coronavirus accelerated their exits. For instance, Beaumont’s two biggest hospitals had to address intentions to leave among 40 percent of their respective anesthesiology departments before and amid the pandemic, according to media reports.

The system also “lost people who work in the operating room, X-ray technicians, and scrub technicians,” the doctor says. In addition, the crucible of COVID-19 stretched Beaumont’s nursing staff to the breaking point and robbed the hospitals of crucial elective procedure revenue for most of two years.

“The prior Beaumont leadership did a lot of good and really hard things that were exactly what the board asked them to do,” Hall says. “Might some of those things have been done differently or communicated better?

You can always look back and question decisions at the margins.”

Fox finally helped find Beaumont’s ultimate merger partner in Spectrum and left as the deal closed, having earned as much as $6.7 million a year amid still-growing internal criticism of his leadership.

Enter the new CEO, like a breath of fresh air.

BRAND AWARENESS The ad was voiced by Peter Thomas, a famed announcer and narrator who also worked on shows such as “Nova” and “Forensic Files.”

Or maybe it was how Beaumont “used a hook that’s been in the playbook for seemingly a hundred years: Ask a question, so that it begs an answer,” says Jeff Stoltman, a business professor at Wayne State University in Detroit and the school’s vice president of marketing during the era when the Beaumont campaign was running.

Sandy Hermanoff believes the campaign “grabbed the ears of people at that time because medicine was so screwed up. It gave them a feeling of peace, and that someone was on their side, and they could find a doctor who’d take care of them or a loved one, and they would be able to relax a little bit,” says the head of Hermanoff Public Relations in Bingham Farms, a veteran marketer in metro Detroit whose own Beaumont doctors successfully treated her for breast cancer.

Whatever the effective elements, the

“It’s 7 a.m., and Michigan’s most respected team is preparing for another day in the operating rooms at Beaumont. Soon, they’ll have something far more important than the latest technology placed in their hands. In their hands will be people’s lives.

At Beaumont, we believe that choosing a hospital may be the most important decision you’ll ever make.”

— Excerpt from the “Beaumont Doctor” campaign

whole thing was developed by the late Paige Curtis and her ad agency in Bloomfield Hills. The campaign ran for several years and was rebooted in 2011 with a female narrator. While cardiac care apparently was the emphasis of the operating-room commercial, Beaumont’s campaign hit other specific specialty areas, as well.

“You could shoot one for heart attacks, one for children, one for cancer, and one for health care in general,” Hermanoff observes. “You could go on and

on about every segment of medical.

That was the beauty of it.”

Beaumont’s marketing would go on after the end of the “Beaumont Doctor” campaign in 2011, of course, including a regional Super Bowl TV ad in 2017 that touted the system’s “Never Settle” attitude and was voiced by Hollywood actor Courtney B. Vance.

But to this day, nothing else has approached the legendary “Beaumont Doctor” campaign.

COURTESY BEAUMONT

F

ew advertising themes have the staying power to be remembered for decades, but at least around Detroit, the “Do you have a Beaumont doctor?” campaign has a shot at marketing immortality.

It’s already been several years since southeast Michigan residents last experienced a series of TV commercials, radio spots, billboards, print ads, and even transit-bus signage that urged them to consider the origins of their health care providers so seriously. Yet today, a word-association game with “Beaumont” likely brings that campaign to mind.

What made the campaign so successful? It might have been the urgency of the operating room scene in a 12-year-old, 30-second TV commercial that helmed the ads, as doctors and nurses masked up, scrubbed down, and checked their instruments.

Or the pulsating music in the background. Or the tremulous voiceover that brought things to a dramatic crescendo by asking, “Do you have a Beaumont doctor?”

— Dale Buss

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Decker is a Des Moines, Iowa, native with an undergraduate degree from Iowa State University and a joint master’s from the University of Iowa in industrial engineering and health care administration. Fream says Decker “always wants to move faster.”

Hall, who worked with Decker and the State of Michigan during 2020 on COVID-19 health protocols, says “she pulls the board and her team hard. She’s got a strong sense of vision and values about what this combination can be, and how to get various moving parts going in that direction in lockstep. She’s been really impressive and has exceeded my expectations.”

Decker also is “a great communicator” with a “no-nonsense, rollup-your-sleeves personality,” Hall says. “We’re enjoying a level of buy-in around the Beaumont division that we hadn’t enjoyed consistently with our prior (merger) efforts.”

Decker says her approach is summed up by “collaboration — trying to find those opportunities and make sure we’re moving them forward. And learning from successes and failures.”

The merger into Corewell Health is certainly based, in some ways, on the same logic that Fox applied, if perhaps gracelessly. “Health care in general is a fairly inefficient business and so, certainly, consolidation can make a lot of sense with regard to driving efficiencies and cost savings,” Calderone says. Also, “You can combine specialties and augment them, and one system might have better access than the other to top-notch equipment, imagery machines, and so on.”

Overall, hospital mergers in Michigan and across the country are on the rise, with their numbers accelerated by the pandemic. At the same time, supply-chain snarls are affecting medical products as much as automotive microchips and sunflower oil, and “we’ve never seen human-resources costs rise so dramatically,” says Brian Peters, CEO of the Michigan Health and Hospital Association.

For example, he says, in the face of shortages and defections of their full-time nurses, Michigan hospitals have had to turn more than ever to traveling-nurse staffing outfits, “and they’re incredibly expensive.”

The cost of capital is rising precipitously, he adds, while “many Michigan hospitals were built 50, 60, 70, and 80 years ago. Any time you think about expanding capacity and acquiring new technology and building patient rooms that are private, there’s a capital cost. And sometimes there’s a benefit for a larger organization to have access to that kind of capital.”

Cover Story

O

f all the occupational dramas set in motion

by COVID-19, none was more compelling than what befell the nursing profession as hospital staffs nationwide struggled to keep up with a deluge of affected patients. But “Heroes Work Here” signs on the front lawns of hospitals during the pandemic have devolved to strikes and threats of strikes by nurses this year, from California to Massachusetts.

Corewell Health, the recently formed merger between the Beaumont and Spectrum systems in Michigan, wants to avoid the same scene unfolding in its operations, and that’s one big reason the organization recently announced an agreement with Oakland University in Rochester Hills to provide more than $20 million over the next five years to the school’s nursing program.

The deal includes about $10 million for student grants, with recipients “on a path” to become Corewell employees for at least two years after graduation, with the other half earmarked for investments in labs, classroom space, and faculty positions.

“You can’t wave a magic wand and create nursing jobs,” says Dr. Ora Pescovitz, president of Oakland University, a board member of Corewell’s Priority Health plan, and former chief of the University of Michigan Health System. “I approached (Corewell) to help solve this problem by working together to address part of the workforce shortage and, in particular, for more nurses.”

Modeled after a similar program that Spectrum Health (Corewell) and Grand Valley State University enjoy on the west side of the state, Beaumont’s program with Oakland University ensures that “500 new nurses will be committed to working for them,” Pescovitz says. “The students win because they get scholarship support. OU gets a win because half of the money goes to our infrastructure for additional students. And patients get a win because Beaumont needs additional labor.”

Tina Freese Decker, the newly-appointed president and CEO of Corewell Health, says the collaboration with Oakland University is “fantastic.”

Says Decker: “This expands the pipeline for nursing, and we’re working with other schools to find other creative, win-win solutions for these real-world problems.”

Pescovitz acknowledges that the challenges for nursing in general include staff shortages and overwork that existed prior to COVID-19 but were intensified by the pandemic, leading to burnout and many departures from the profession.

“But many will come back when conditions improve,” she predicts. “They’ll return because the same things that motivated them to choose health care initially are still motivating factors.

People who became nurses or physicians or therapists went into those fields because they love the technology parts of it and the science, and want to take care of people and make them better.”

— Dale Buss

CODE BLUE

BALANCE SHEET Tina Freese Decker, president and CEO of Corewell Health, oversees a $14-billion enterprise that includes more than 60,000 employees — 11,500 physicians and 15,000 nurses at 22 hospitals and 300-plus facilities with 5,000 licensed beds.

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But, he notes, “We can’t pass on these added costs to the end consumer like other sectors of the economy can, like for a gallon of gasoline or a gallon of milk. Medicare and Medicaid dictate what they will pay us, and private insurance contracts are negotiated sometimes years in advance.”

Moreover, in health care, “IT has become mission-critical, from electronic medical records to the ability for physicians and hospitals to communicate with one another,” Peters adds. “And it’s incredibly expensive.”

Indeed, Corewell’s immediate plans include creating a single “technology platform” to bridge the two previous systems, Decker says.

Calderone believes the analytically minded Decker can wrangle huge cost efficiencies in addition to the few hundred layoffs. “They’ve got their work cut out for them, but there’s great opportunity in fully undertaking systems integration and the consolidation of back-office functions,” the consultant says. “The larger system will have more negotiating power and, in theory, be able to operate more efficiently. It will also have better access to capital, which can also mean state-of-the-art equipment buys and the ability to attract top talent.”

In fact, Decker says, “We’re moving integration faster than we expected to get to synergies, while we’re also starting new programs and services to grow revenues.”

There’s significant skepticism, however, that the only direction Corewell will move the cost needle is down — including worries that the larger entity, with a huge share of the Michigan market, inevitably will raise the cost of care.

“The prices for Spectrum Health were significantly higher than for Beaumont Health in a recent Rand Corp. study of prices for hospitals for self-insured care,” says Bret Jackson, president of the Economic Alliance for Michigan, which represents businesses and unions.

“It stands to reason that the new entity — which is larger and has more negotiating power in the market — will want there to be a more uniform look as a pricing structure than what was there previously. They’re just a gigantic system. They have leverage. They just have the ability to demand prices in the marketplace because, if you don’t have them in your network, you’re missing out on really significantly geographically important hospitals in the state.”

To be sure, Corewell executives note that there’s virtually no geographic overlap in the Spectrum and Beaumont markets, whereas the problem of market concentration is what has raised health care prices in other mergers across the United States. Decker insists the merger has “pro-competitive benefits” and that challenging Corewell on such grounds “wouldn’t be viable.” After an intense examination for anti-competitive potential, the Federal Trade Commission approved the merger.

“When you look at the two organizations, they served completely different markets,” Decker adds. “(They’re) not in any way competing with each other.”

That sounds like arguments Fox used to make. But to some degree, Decker also is trying to unwind Fox’s legacy. To help accomplish that, she lured a physician administrator, Dr. Ben Schwartz, westward to head the Beaumont side of the new company as president.

“My strengths as a leader,” says the former obstetrician and gynecologist who ran the eastern region of Northwell Health in New York, “are in empowering those people who are at the bedside taking care of patients in hospitals and in offices to have a stronger voice, and to figure out how to make care as great as possible.” He likes Decker’s “vision of what health care would be in the future.

“I saw an opportunity to be really innovative here,” Schwartz says. “It’s much easier to be innovative in a space where you’ve got really high-quality care being provided on the doctor, nursing, and administrative sides.”

For instance, Corewell can point to some of the best organ-transplant survival rates in Michigan at its operations on both sides of the state. And Decker is pressing for more clinical leaps forward. “Our tumor board is already sharing examples and case studies from patients,” she says, “which

WE MUST FOCUS ON CULTURE FIRST. IT’S IMPORTANT TO BE AUTHENTIC ...

— TINA FREESE DECKER

”

has been really beneficial to patients because (the two sides) have different perspectives.”

Priority Health, the pre-existing medical insurance plan brought to the merger by Spectrum, is another difference-maker with more than 1.2 million members, Decker believes. The health plan “gives us the ability to try innovative rescue programs in the community that help people be healthy, such as caring for the elderly who have significant diseases.”

Beaumont had been “trying to affiliate in some capacity with a health plan for a long time, so (Priority) was a huge appeal” of the merger, Hall says. Meanwhile, according to one Beaumont doctor, “Some physicians are welcoming Priority because they believe it will make Beaumont much more financially sound, much like Henry Ford Health has HAP.” Corporate culture might be the area where Decker is working hardest of all to leave Beaumont’s recent past behind, beginning wih staffing levels. For example, even after the pandemic, radiology staffs at Beaumont hospitals might be down to two rooms a day instead of the normal three.

Cardiac care has chased away some of its best doctors, never to return because they’ve already gone to other systems.

“We must focus on culture first,” Decker says. “It’s important to be authentic and talk about and do the hard thing first, which advances culture (and) figuring out those tough, sticky issues as a team.” Recruiters “talk about compassion, collaboration, clarity, curiosity, and courage. We make sure they believe in them and model them.”

Still, Decker faces a challenge. “How do you bring the two cultures together?” asks Dr. Richard Winters, director of leadership development for the Mayo Clinic Care Network and an adviser on health care mergers.

“Culture is the combination of values plus behavior; a screen saver means nothing. There will be efficiencies from bringing larger systems together, but it’ll come from all different perspectives, and good leadership needs to be able to weave in and out and, in complex situations, bring lots of people together to facilitate ideas.”

Actually, Decker notes, post-merger, Corewell conducted an assessment that showed “Spectrum and Beaumont are more alike than different” despite the well-understood differences in the reigning background cultures on opposite sides of the state. “Everyone talks about compassion and collaboration. That’s directly tied to the values that we share,” Decker says. “There were some differences in how we get work done, and that we’ll focus on in the next six months or so.”

From that standpoint, Spectrum’s standards might actually help resurrect the atmosphere of care and concern at Beaumont operations that patients remember. “Spectrum has expanded and taken on other hospitals, and they’ve always improved the quality and delivery of care in those hospitals,” Jackson says. “That will happen” in southeast Michigan, too.

One Beaumont doctor is hopeful. “Spectrum has a good reputation for physicians with better relationships with their administration,” he says.

“It’s not as adversarial as what was going on at Beaumont. If they’re going to bring that philosophy of partnering with you rather than dictating to you, it’ll be a great change of culture.”

Decker says this doctor can count on it. “We’re creating an environment where people feel valued and supported (while providing for) a more flexible work environment.”

The cultural change will only build on a foundation that “is really quite strong. And the Beaumont brand is strong. We’re well-positioned to transform health in our communities. There are a lot of complementary strengths of each organization that will propel us. We’ve set a high bar and we need to continue to push that bar.”

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MOBILE SHOPPING Woodward Corners, located at the southwest corner of Woodward Avenue and 13 Mile Road in Royal Oak, opened in early 2020 following a complete makeover.

T

he shopping center at the southwest intersection of Woodward Avenue and 13 Mile Road in Royal Oak is about as much of a local institution as the iconic Beaumont Hospital that looms over it from the west.

The joy is palpable in what’s now called Woodward Corners, as consumers head home with their New Order lattes and GrabbaGreen Spring Berry salads after sessions at X-Golf or the European Wax Center, or dart into the navigably sized Meijer market to score some vegetables or a Diet Coke.

But the journey to Woodward Corners from what had been called Northwood Shopping Center since it opened in 1954 wasn’t easy. Beaumont, now Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital, acquired the property in 1982 and intended for many years to overhaul it, but only in the post-pandemic era has it become a new shopping community. And it will be another year or so before a promised Hyatt House Hotel opens at Woodward Corners.

“When Beaumont bought this old center, it was the eighth-largest hospital in the country and it had 30,000-plus employees,” says Jim Bieri, president and CEO of Stokas Bieri Real Estate in downtown Detroit, which was Beaumont’s leasing agent for Woodward Corners. “The idea was to enhance the campus in a way that made it a better experience for employees and guests.

“A lot of hospital facilities in the last few years have tried to do something like this, to create synergy with commercial real estate on their campuses, and some have done it. But this is on a main street, and the hospital is set back, so (Woodward Corners) provides a wonderful commercial gateway to the hospital,” he says.

Longtime local residents remember a Northwood strip center that was anchored by a Kroger and a JCPenney, and whose smaller tenants at various times included an Elaine Powers workout room and a Sanders candy store, where elated fathers would buy pink- or blue-foil-covered chocolate cigars to celebrate the birth of their infants at the neighboring hospital.

Beaumont’s plans for the retail center at one point included giving consideration to the idea of selling the property. At another point, Beaumont decided in earnest to redevelop the site into a

16-acre, $33-million new complex, but progress was slow. Then COVID-19 ground things to a halt for a while.

While Bieri says the new center has been an overall success, one eagerly greeted tenant, Wahlburger’s, the fast-food franchise founded by actor Mark Wahlberg, recently closed its doors at Woodward Corners. “Sometimes concepts don’t work in certain spots even though they do in others,” Bieri says, noting that “other restaurants are very successful” there. They include Panera, which moved its local store there from Birmingham, along with Mod Pizza and Bucharest Grill.

The biggest difference between the old Northwood and the new Woodward Corners, however, will be the Hyatt. The coronavirus halted financing, Bieri says, but construction is underway now.

“The hospital will provide a constant amount of occupancy” for the hotel, he says, which is slated as a five-story structure with 128 apartment-style guest rooms. “People come to the hospital for specialties, and so there are reasons for them to have to stay nearby. Having a hotel on campus will be a great addition.”

By Dale Buss |

Martin Vecchio

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EXEC LIFE

COURTESY FLYBOARD JETPACK SMILES

11-12.22

90 FLY LIKE AN EAGLE Jetpacks and hoverboards allow people to fly several feet above the water surface.

Users can control their height, maneuver in any direction, and perform multiple stunts.

p. 90

p. 92

p. 94

CEO Gift Gide

Return on Investment

Production Run

p. 98 p. 100 p. 102 Patents

Opinion

The Circuit

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Exec Life

CEO Gift Guide 1

5

1

Beetlejuice the Musical at the Detroit Opera House Beetlejuice the Musical is coming to the Detroit Opera House for a run starting on Jan. 31, 2023, and ending Feb. 12, 2023. Based on the iconic Tim Burton film, the comedic musical tells the story of Lydia Deetz, an unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple, including the titular demon — who has a thing for stripes. The score sets the tone for what the magazine Variety called “screamingly good fun.”

An open caption performance is available on Sunday, Feb. 5, at 7:30 p.m.

Price: Prices vary depending on seat, from $150 to $802

2

2

Diamond Paragon Pool Table from Paramount Billiards, Wixom The Diamond Paragon pool table, available at Paramount Billiards in Wixom, is a 9-foot pool table that’s made in the U.S. to the tournament standards Diamond is known for. This pool table is designed for home use and manufactured from solid hardwood maple. Available with a 1-inch-thick, one-piece or three-piece slate design, the table comes with a built-in leveling system (20 points on the one-piece model and 40 on the three-piece), a bilevel pocket design, premium Simonis cloth, and a Diamond Professional Ball Rack and Holder in maple, stained to match the table.

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3

Flyboard and Jetpack Smiles WaterPropelled Flyboard and Jetpack Rentals

4

Meemo’s Farm Hunting Experience

Learn to blast off on a water-propelled flyboard and jetpack on bodies of water throughout Michigan (previous page). Both options give riders the chance to lift into the air and maneuver, held up only by the jetpack or hoverboard. Following a brief training session, it’s time to take off. Available to rent for business and work functions, parties, family gatherings, bachelor and bachelorette parties, cookouts, graduation parties, and more. Head to Devil’s Lake, Round Lake, Torch Lake, Coldwater Lake, Wamplers Lake, Clark Lake, Lake Columbia, or Lake St. Clair.

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Exec Life

5

The Thatch House of the Charlevoix Mushroom Houses The Thatch House, the first home built by Earl Young in 1918, didn’t originally resemble his unique hobbit-style-homes. Only after a reimagining years later was the roof redone with natural thatch, hand-reaped in Europe, and claimed its status as a Charlevoix mushroom house. Featuring three stories, the house has six bedrooms, 5.5 baths, a media room, upper-level outdoor sitting, central air, and floor heating. This collection of vacation homes, led by The Thatch House, also includes The Chalet, The Cottage, and The Applecore Cottage, all built in the mushroom house style.

Price: Weeknights $1,100-$1,600/night; Weekends $1,300-$1,900/night

6

6

Lincoln MKT 120-inch, 5-Door Limousine and Chauffer Lincoln last made the MKT 120-inch, 5-Door Limousine in 2019, but the all-wheel-drive vehicle still offers extreme luxury for your favorite CEO. Features include a curbside fifth door for easy entry and exit; optional California-exit windows; interior halo, dome, and console lighting; and ice and drink storage compartments with a full suite of glassware, including champagne and rocks glasses. There are many options to choose from, including ceiling finishes, wood trim, and LCD and TV monitor choices.

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7

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SimXperience Stage 5 Full-Motion Racing Simulator This immersive racing simulator allows users to replicate nearly every conceivable car, track, and racing condition, as well as a variety of aircraft. The simulator is finished with a polished powder coat, combined with anodized aluminum and carbon fiber accents. With support for 48 different racing titles, it comes with adjustable control positioning, power adjustable pedal distance, three screen heights, and a GS-5 G-Seat with full-body feedback. The low-lag, 55-inch screens move with the simulator to increase the sense of immersion.

It also comes with a virtual reality headset, for those who want to dial it up even more.

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Exec Life

RETURN ON INVESTMENT

The Accidental Entrepreneur How Detroit’s “hustler spirit” inspired a national brand of natural weight management products.

BY TOM MURRAY

A

LIFE BRAND Samia Gore, founder and CEO of Body Complete RX in Reston, Va., was born in Detroit and grew up on the west side. Her wellness and lifestyle brand has grossed more than $10 million over the last five years.

large government agency. At the same time, she was starting a family. And that’s when her well-planned and predictable career took an unforeseen and dramatic turn.

“After I had my fourth child in 2014, I picked up 80 pounds and weighed close to 300 pounds,” she reveals.

Determined to lose the weight, she searched for a solution across a new frontier.

“It was the early stages of social media,” she says.

“Instagram was really just a space where people were sharing their daily lives, what they were eating or doing, with pictures or whatever. And I thought, hey, this social media platform might be a good way for me to share how I’m losing the mommy weight I picked up in my pregnancy, and also keep me accountable.”

Gore promptly launched her own Instagram page.

“I called it ‘Transformer Mom,’ ” she says. “I went on this entire weight loss journey. And then when I lost probably about 40 pounds, I went on a mommy makeover journey.”

Gore’s “mommy makeover” involved considerably more than losing weight.

“I had a tummy tuck, a breast-lift — all of the things a woman might want to have after having four children,” she says. “But in 2014, plastic surgery was still kind of a secret, and some women care about

things like that. I’m a very open person, so I started sharing information like where I was going to get the surgery, and whatever else I was doing. And it was wildly popular, because nobody was really sharing that information.”

Gore soon realized her audience wasn’t limited to women who just wanted to lose weight. Some of her followers were contemplating plastic surgery.

“All of the top surgeons around the world were my followers,” she says. “People began coming to me for advice and for recommendations, and who should they go to for the surgery? I grew an Instagram page to over 150,000 followers. It was just me sharing the experience of losing the weight, and then having the surgery for the mommy makeover.”

Soon, Gore couldn’t keep up with all the requests that kept pouring in.

“So, I wrote a book,” she says breezily. “I basically became the go-to person to ask for this kind of information, and instead of me responding to all of these comments or direct messages every day, (I thought), let me just write a book and explain exactly what I did and share the advice I would give to anyone who wants to do what I did.”

The book, “Plastica: Step by Step Guide to Plastic Surgery,” was published in 2016. But instead of simply answering questions, Gore was barraged by a fresh

COURTESY SAMIA GORE

s the founder and CEO of the wellness brand Body Complete RX, Samia Gore is a successful entrepreneur. But she’s the first to admit it took longer than usual to decide that going into business for herself was the best, and only true option, for her.

“It’s funny,” Gore says. “I see a lot of stories about entrepreneurs, and they talk about their early childhood, where maybe they sold candy or had different little side hustles. But that’s not my story.”

Gore’s journey began in Detroit’s Sinai Hospital. “I was born there in 1981,” she says. “I spent many of my early years on Sussex at Six Mile Road, on the west side, where my grandparents lived in the early years of my life. And then my parents moved us to Canton Township, where I spent my middle school years.”

Gore’s parents had distinctly different careers. Her father is a singer and an entertainer who has performed with groups like the Four Tops and the Spinners, while her mother worked for the United States Postal Service for 34 years and retired as a manager.

By the time Gore finished middle school, the family had moved to Southfield, where she attended high school and had one distinct goal for her future career.

“I’d always grown up with a thought process of just going to corporate America,” she says. “Get your degrees and go in the corporate world, get a job, work that job, and grow up the ladder in that particular profession. And that’s what I actually did. I got my bachelor’s degree at Eastern Michigan University, and then I received my master’s degree from Central Michigan University.”

And Gore says she wasted no time getting on with her career.

“I started immediately,” she says. “As soon as I received my master’s degree, I started with the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs in 2006 as a human resources intern. I received a full-time position with the Department of Veteran Affairs and worked at the VA hospital in Ann Arbor for several years. Then I went to work at the VA headquarters in downtown Detroit for several more years.”

In 2010, Gore received a promotion and moved to Washington, D.C., where she worked at the VA’s headquarters as a training and development manager in human resources. She was already on the path she thought she desired — having a safe and comfortable career as one of the thousands of people working at a

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Exec Life

COURTESY NATHAN BOLSTER

HEALTH WEALTH Body Complete RX recently debuted its weight management product line at The Vitamin Shoppe, which has 700-plus locations.

slew of queries from her followers, who wanted answers to problems she hadn’t anticipated.

“A lot of the people that were following me at that time needed to lose weight,” she says. “They were having these mommy makeovers, but they weren’t losing the weight before the surgery. So they were unhappy with the results they were receiving. And then, two years later, they would gain all the weight back and now they’re asking me, what did you do?”

Gore soon had the answer to that pressing question. “It wasn’t just about weight loss,” she says. “It wasn’t just about having a tummy tuck. It was about having a healthy life, right?”

Gore had already taken steps after her surgery to ensure she could keep the weight off. “I was using weight-loss supplements my doctor had prescribed for me. It helped me lose weight because it was really strong and basically just took away my appetite — but not in a healthy way, because I just wasn’t eating.”

Gore consulted a friend of hers, a nutritionist.

“I was telling her, I’m using these capsules my doctor gave to me, but I haven’t eaten all day,” she says, “and so what will that look like for me when I stop taking these capsules? I knew I was going to go crazy on food, and I thought, there has to be a better way to help me control my appetite with a product that’s not as harsh. And so we started talking about different plant-based ingredients that help with weight loss.”

Plant-based products comprise not only fruits and vegetables, but also nuts, seeds, oils, whole grains, legumes, and beans.

“These plant-based ingredients have been proven to help with weight management,” Gore says. “From there, I found a laboratory to create the first products, and that’s how Body Complete RX was born in 2017.”

It’s also how Gore’s career as a full-time government employee came to a screeching halt. “I retired from the VA to further pursue my own entrepreneurial goals,” she says, then drolly adds the key reason why that decision was a no-brainer: “At that time I was making my yearly salary on a monthly basis in my business.”

In the past five years, Gore’s wellness and lifestyle brand has grossed more than $10 million in sales. Last spring, Body Complete RX debuted its weight management products in The Vitamin Shoppe, the nationwide nutritional supplements retailer, and its 700-plus locations. With that announcement, Gore’s company became the first ever in the weight management category to be owned by a Black female.

“It’s a very big deal,” Gore says, proudly. “Currently, 99 percent of the founders and CEOs of supplement companies on the shelf are white men. So I always felt a little bit like an outsider in this industry, and still do.”

Gore, unsurprisingly, is undaunted by her circumstances, and she’s forging ahead with a unique marketing spin for her brand.

“It’s for everyone, with women of color in mind,” she says. “Heart disease and diabetes highly impact people of color. When we were making our protein formula, our nutritionist said we should put sweet potato and beet root in our protein formula. Why? Because beet root and sweet potato are plant-based ingredients that fight heart disease and also diabetes. So why not put them in a particular product that’s targeted to everyone, but with people of color in mind?

“And women of color notoriously have an iron deficiency,” Gore continues, “so when creating our multivitamin, we made sure to offer the right amount

of iron to help not just myself, because I have an iron deficiency, but anyone who’s looking to improve their supplement intake and their iron. So we’re looking at everybody from an overall health aspect, not just one particular demographic.”

These days, the 41-year-old Gore lives in Virginia, near her company’s headquarters in Reston, but she still has strong connections to her home city.

“Oh, absolutely,” she says. “My grandmother still lives on Sussex, the street I lived on in my early years, and I’ll always credit Michigan and Detroit for my ability to hustle. Being a Detroiter, I know there’s a little string of hustler spirit running through all of us from there. And I definitely attribute that to the grit I have and where I am now, pioneering this space for Black women.”

Gore says her hometown is very much in the plans she has for continuing to spread the word about her company and brand. “One of our goals is to go to different cities and states, and have people come out and experience a wellness day with Body Complete RX. Detroit is one of those cities, and we’re working on coordinating that.”

Gore also wants to personally connect with her home city in a more profound and enduring way.

“I want to give back in a lot of different ways, not just doing a pop-up, but also from an entrepreneurial standpoint,” she says. “I have my degrees from Eastern Michigan and Central Michigan, and I have dreams of being able to offer scholarships to young women who are looking to get into the entrepreneurial space. I know what it looks like to want to do something and maybe just not just have the funds to do it. These are things I hopefully can look to do in the future, and give back.”

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Exec Life

PRODUCTION RUN

Double Time

LEAD TIME Above, instrument panels for a range of Ford and Lincoln vehicles are carried by wheeled robots at Detroit Manufacturing Systems, while below, a robot gets ready to enter the final inspection booth.

In a juggling act, Detroit Manufacturing Systems runs two assembly lines on the same factory floor to account for internal combustion engines and electric vehicles.

BY R.J. KING |

MATT LAVERE

L

ike many factories across the country, Detroit Manufacturing Systems, located on the city’s northwest side, has its hands full dealing with labor challenges and supply chain delays.

The company, which this year is on pace to record $1 billion in revenue, is running at around 70 percent capacity due to parts delays. One culprit is computer chips, which have been slowed by strong demand for consumer electronics and supply problems caused by a few key plants in the Far East that were impacted by fires.

Some smaller suppliers, meanwhile, haven’t been able to meet parts delivery schedules due to a lack of workers.

On top of that, Detroit Manufacturing Systems, or DMS, is dealing with another major challenge: How to sequence instrument panels for two separate powertrains — internal combustion engines and electric vehicles — within the same facility.

While most parts suppliers run single assembly lines, the introduction of electric vehicles like the

Ford F-150 Lightning has caused DMS to be much more creative to meet customer orders.

Apart from the Lightning, which is so popular Ford reports orders are running at four times the estimated forecasts, DMS assembles instrument panels and center consoles for other Ford vehicles like the Mustang, Explorer, F-150, and Ranger, as well as the Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, and Aviator.

“We designed and set up another assembly line for electric vehicle instrument panels, and then we sequence the two lines as we go through final inspections,” Scott Cieslak, CFO of DMS, said during a recent tour of the company’s 482,000-square-foot complex at the northwest convergence of the I-96 and Southfield freeways.

“It was a little tricky getting all the computer and sensor systems working together, but we have enough experience now that we can seamlessly handle what we expect will be rising orders for electric vehicles.

We also brought in staff, and increased our knowledge base and technical expertise, to meet the demand for rising automation on assembly lines.”

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Exec Life

THE RUNDOWN

$1B Projected 2022 revenue of Detroit Manufacturing Systems

2 Assembly lines, one for ICEs and one for EVs

34 Injection molding machines

1,700 Workers, 70 percent of whom live near the Detroit or Toledo facilities Source: Detroit Manufacturing Systems

Advanced technology like Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) lines, a fully automated system where driverless robots follow sensors embedded in the factory floor to transport parts and components, has allowed DMS to speed up orders without sacrificing quality. The company also developed final inspection stations where instrument panels are scanned by 16 different cameras in a matter of a minute or so.

“The cameras look for any defects, and if we find one, the instrument panel exits the inspection booth, takes a 180-degree turn, and one of our technicians resolves the problem,” Cieslak explained. “From there, the same instrument panel goes back through the inspection station for final clearance. In this way, every instrument panel is ready to go when it arrives at a final assembly plant.”

In addition to automotive, the company, which was founded in 2012 and also operates a 190,000-square-foot facility in Toledo, can provide contract manufacturing services for the aerospace and defense, health care, recreational, industrial, and heavy truck markets. Next year, DMS will begin building parts and components for Volvo Heavy Truck.

In addition to performing more than 2.3 million large-scale assemblies per year, the company can “print to order” using 34 different injection molding machines, and can weld parts via ultrasonic, vibration, and hot plate systems. It also provides sub-assembly of robotic and mechanical systems, and can launch, prototype, and provide pre-production parts to its clients.

QUALITY CONTROL The management team at Detroit Manufacturing Systems includes Scott Cieslak, CFO (middle), and Ben Meacham, COO (right).

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Exec Life

MADE TO ORDER Due to supply chain delays and labor challenges among its suppliers, Detroit Manufacturing Systems is running at 70 percent capacity as of September 2022.

To make it all go, DMS has more than 1,700 employees, 93 percent of whom are minorities. To expand their knowledge base, where 70 percent of employees reside in local communities in Detroit and Toledo, the company offers college tuition assistance for students in multiple fields of study, says Bruce Smith, CEO and chairman of DMS. The DMS Academy, in turn, provides multimedia learning resources in disciplines such as lean manufacturing principles, supervisory skills, employee engagement, and finance.

“The way to reduce poverty is to provide people with economic and educational opportunities,” Smith says. “That’s why we provide scholarships and education payments, and we work in the community to provide mentorship to students at Cornerstone Schools, as well as help local nonprofit organizations such as Winning Futures, the Joey Kocur Foundation, the Black United Fund of Michigan, and more.”

In total, the company reports it has awarded more than $1 million in scholarships and charitable donations.

“We’re one of the largest minority-owned and operated suppliers in the automotive industry,” Smith says. “We touch around 50 percent of what goes into a vehicle, and the faster we can do things without sacrificing quality means customers get their trucks or SUVs that much faster.”

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Exec Life

PATENTS AND INVENTIONS

Team Innovation Michael Meier worked with his colleagues at Bosch Group in Plymouth Township to develop a rear-view camera system for pickup trucks.

BY NORM SINCLAIR

Farmington Hills, has teams that work on various challenges. He says for his projects, different experts oversaw such needs as low resolution, digital capability, and pixels for the camera. As a result, bringing his initial patent to reality became a group project.

Stephen Miller, a senior Bosch executive who oversees video-based trailering functions, says Meier’s innovation is part of the culture the company — founded in Stuttgart in 1886 by Robert Bosch — has fostered for more than a century.

In 1897, the company brought forward a magneto ignition device that proved to be a game-changer for mass production. A forerunner of ignition systems for vehicles, it helped make automobiles the common mode of transportation. Today, the business is centered on four sectors: Mobility Solutions, Industrial Technology, Consumer Goods, and Energy and Building Technology.

“The thing that we most try to do is to have an easy way for people to submit their ideas,” Miller says.

“What we like to do is to make it possible for people to submit just the basic idea for something, and that goes on an internal website so it can get feedback from other peers. Then we have a group that actually reviews those (submissions) and decides whether this is something that should be pursued by our business unit or handed off to another business unit, or maybe we need to dig a little deeper or expand it.”

In Meier’s case, his invention brought forward a system for a rear-facing camera unit with two fields of view for the lift gate. One shows the open position and the other shows the down position. Both fields of view overlap in a shared field of view, whether the lift gate is up or down.

To make it work, a sensor indicates when the rear-lift door is open or closed, and relays that data to an electronic controller that receives image data from the camera unit and adjusts the image data to show the driver the entire shared field of view behind the vehicle.

COURTESY BOSCH

D

uring his 17 years working as an engineer for the Bosch Group in Plymouth Township, Michael Meier was awarded more than half a dozen U.S. patents for inventive solutions to various mobility issues — “pain points,” in engineering parlance — that show up in customer complaints.

There was a patent for reducing vehicle and animal collisions, another involved the maximum braking threshold for a motorcycle going through a corner, and yet another was for a “water slip control of watercraft” that benefits boaters.

None of these inventions had the same type of personal connection to Meier as the one that Bosch showed off in September at the North American International Auto Show in downtown Detroit. The invention, a rear-view camera system for pickup trucks, enables a driver to see behind their vehicle regardless of whether the rear-lift gate is in the up or closed position.

“I like to drive pickup trucks and I was reading some articles and saw some complaints regarding people with pickups when the camera is facing downward and they couldn’t see anything behind them, and this kind of resonated with me,” Meier says. “I had the same problem with my truck when I was backing up (with the gate down) and couldn’t see where I was going. I had worked on cameras in the past and I thought there must be a good way we can solve this.”

Meier says for six months he tinkered with ideas for a rear-facing camera and a system that would work with the rear lift gate up or down on his pickup truck. Given his workspace at Bosh is adjacent to another division, he approached a colleague and shared his ideas for an all-encompassing camera system.

“We were kind of brainstorming and I came up with the idea and a patent,” Meier says. “The executive (in charge of the group) at the time thought it was a pretty good idea and he pushed it through pretty quickly.”

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Exec Life

TAILGATE TIME Frank Riggi, Meng Cai, and Stephen Miller, along with Michael Meier (not shown), from Bosch have developed a new tailgate camera system designed to improve backing up while driving a pickup truck.

In July, another patent application by Meier and two other Bosch colleagues was approved and published by the U.S. Patent Office detailing another advance on the back-up, rear-facing cameras for vehicles. This one involved programming a camera to default to a second camera when the view of the first is obstructed by the lift gate or a load in the back of the truck.

Miller says Bosch’s process of bringing in group or company-wide feedback and peer review speeds up the innovative process.

“It’s nice to have this clear way — and a pretty low barrier, I’d say, for people to get started down the invention path without fully having to write a patent, or even knowing how to do that,” Miller says. “I’ve taken advantage of that a number of times, and people on my team do that, and there’s a little bit of compensation ( for the team and the inventor) up front if something gets patented. So it’s a little encouragement, but I think it’s mostly a creative outlet — an outlet for people’s creativity.”

Miller says inventions and patents that Bosch holds usually germinate from one of two paths.

WHEN WE LOOK AT TRAILERING, BOSCH’S DEVELOPMENTS IN THAT AREA ARE HAPPENING HERE LOCALLY ...”

— STEPHEN MILLER “One involves people working on a problem and then they come up with a new way to do it, and we try to patent that,” Miller says. “Other times people learn about pain points from their own experience while driving, or hearing other people complain about things, similar to what Mike did, then making a connection with technology that Bosch has and how that could be adopted or modified and used (to relieve the problem).”

Miller, who earned a Ph.D. in external physics from the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, says while Bosch is a German company, it has a large presence in the Detroit area, specifically in developing functions that make it easier and safer for drivers who tow trailers behind their vehicles.

“When we look at trailering, Bosch’s developments in that area are happening here locally because we recognize trailering is a big thing in the United States, but not as big in other parts of the world,” he says.

It isn’t a surprise that Meier would pursue a career highlighted by the inventions he has to his credit.

After graduating from Grand Blanc High School, he went on to earn a degree in electrical engineering from the University of Michigan.

From there, he joined the Delphi Corp. in Flint, where he was assigned to work on instruments. A transfer by Delphi sent him off to Indiana, where he enrolled at Purdue University and earned a master’s degree in computer engineering.

After joining Bosch in 2005, Meier spent two years in Germany working on platform development. The 44-year-old inventor now lives in Walled Lake with his family, where today he’s tinkering around with another idea.

He owns a Raspberry Pi computer that can be used to build hardware projects, learn programming skills, or take on industrial applications. “It’s a computer you can use to do some cool things and I’d like to come up with ideas for it,” he says.

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Exec Life

OPINION

Mental Health

Companies and organizations that invest in their employees’ mental health will help their workers reduce stress and be more productive.

BY GRETCHEN MORAN-MARSH health initiatives, there’s a $4 return in productivity.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, one in five adults had a diagnosable mental health problem involving anxiety, depression, or both. That number has jumped between 20 percent and 30 percent in the two-plus years following the outbreak of the pandemic.

Some managers are becoming more aware of mental health conditions and recognizing that it’s impossible for employees to leave these struggles at home. Left untreated, mental health issues can lead to increased absenteeism, decreased productivity, a higher employee turnover rate, and increased health care expenses. They also may generate negative relationships among coworkers.

To help stem the tide, solutions must begin with leadership.

Executives and managers can use a variety of tactics to show they value mental health in the workplace. They can create a healthier culture by providing education on mental health topics. By bringing in experts on a regular basis, leaders are providing their workers with the skills they need to improve their mental wellness. Inviting guest experts also decreases the stigma around mental health, and it makes conversations about emotional well-being more commonplace.

Good leadership also means modeling good mental health habits. In his closing remarks after my July presentation at Lear, Scott shared his own efforts to sleep more. There was a time, he said, when sleeping less than four hours per night was a point of pride among executives, and people worked past the point of emotional exhaustion.

“You’re not actually creating value,” Scott said. “You’re not focused. It’s just better to take a little break.”

When leadership shows vulnerability and divulges its own struggles, the benefits spread to the rest of the company. Leaders should model good mental health by taking breaks, going for walks, and using their vacation days.

They also should increase their knowledge of their business’s mental health coverage and employee assistance programs.

Another Detroit-area company that has made a long-term investment in its employees’ mental health is Bluewater, an audio-visual technology provider in Wixom. It was one of the first companies to recognize that COVID-19 was going to threaten not only its employees’ physical health, but also their mental and emotional wellness.

Since that time, the company has made a variety of efforts to destigmatize mental health struggles, acknowledging that mental illness does not discriminate — it’s found on both the factory floor and in the executive offices. Bluewater has offered its employees training in breaking negative cognitive loops, avoiding burnout, developing resilience, establishing a healthy work-life balance, recognizing when fellow workers may be struggling, and other mental health topics.

More employees are returning to the office after two and a half years of working from home, and that’s going to cause stress. Change always does. Companies that invest in their employees’ health — and leaders who model good mental health behaviors — will help their workers maintain mental wellness during this transition.

The American Psychological Association recently asked workers if mental health initiatives at their respective companies have improved since the beginning of the pandemic, and 31 percent said they had. The employers who have made those improvements will be glad they did. Those are the companies that will retain their best talent and successfully recruit employees with the most potential.

GRETCHEN MORAN-MARSH

A clinical psychologist specializing in the assessment and treatment of anxiety and depression-related disorders in teens and adults, Moran-Marsh splits her professional time between her private practice in Bloomfield Township and public speaking. She completed her undergraduate work in psychology at the University of Michigan, followed by her master’s degree and Ph.D. in clinical psychology at Wayne State University. She also completed a doctoral internship in professional psychology at the Wayne State University Medical School’s department of psychiatry.

NICK HAGEN

T

he middle market is a broad industry term that describes middle-sized businesses that have revenue between $10 million and $1 billion. Although far less recognized in comparison to their small and large corporate counterparts, these businesses are a financial colossus worthy of a starring role in a Stan Lee comic book.

When businesses recruit new talent, they assume potential employees will care about the usual features: salary, benefits, and opportunities for growth and promotion. But what about a company’s approach to mental health in the workplace?

Perhaps surprisingly, potential employees are becoming more concerned about how an employer addresses mental health. A recent study from the American Psychological Association found that eight in 10 U.S. workers say that the degree to which businesses support their employees’ mental health will be an important consideration when considering job opportunities. This is especially true among younger workers, who view mental health concerns as less of a stigma and more as a way of prioritizing their own well-being.

Companies that want to recruit and retain talent should consider their workplace mental health initiatives. For example, in July, as part of my work with Lear Corp., the Southfield-based multinational automotive supplier, I gave a talk entitled “Cultivating Mental Wellness: Learn the Four Best Strategies for Coping with Stress.”

In his introduction, Ray Scott, president and CEO of Lear, urged the audience in the full auditorium — including both salaried and hourly workers — to recognize the importance of self-care across the company. Scott also encouraged the audience to be more comfortable with discussing mental health, including their own.

For businesses and organizations, sessions can address anxiety, depression, the mind-body connection, and other topics. In fact, Lear has requested that I speak in November about managing holiday-related stress.

The auto supplier is among an increasing number of progressive companies investing in mental health initiatives, and research indicates these investments reap significant dividends. According to a recent study by Deloitte, for every dollar invested in mental

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Exec Life

RUB-A-DUB PATRICK GLORIA

ORT America, a global Jewish educational network with a Michigan chapter, hosted the Rub-a-Dub fundraiser on Aug. 25 at M1 Concourse in Pontiac.

This year’s event honored Brian Hermelin, who received the Hermelin ORT Legacy Award for his “outstanding commitment to ORT and his devoted service to the Rub-a-Dub fundraiser for more than 20 years.” The event is ORT Michigan’s largest fundraiser.

1 3

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1. Jason and Amy Brooks, Stella Gitler 2. Jennifer Hermelin, Isabel Hermelin, Brian Hermelin, Max Hermelin, David Hermelin 3. Jodi Becker, Nicole Eisenberg 4. Marci Shienbaum, Mark Cohen, Nate Forbes, Jennifer Gilbert, Max Hermelin 5. Zaid Safadi, Steven Tapper, Brenda and Howard Rosenberg

CASINO ROYALE PATRICK GLORIA

The Rugiero Promise Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in Dearborn, hosted its 12th annual Casino Royale Carnivale on Oct. 8 at the Ford Community and Performing Arts Center in Dearborn. Proceeds of more than $350,000 from the Carnivale-themed event benefitted the Antonio Rugiero Sr. Diabetes Research Fund at Michigan Medicine at the University of Michigan.

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6. Antonio Rugiero, Vanessa Rugiero,

Anthony and Sabrina Rugiero, Attilio Rugiero, Adrianna Rugiero 7. Fr. John Phelps, Pamela Good, Jack Krasula 8. Michael Stein, Ashley Stein, Heather and Vito Gioia 9. Lauren and Nino Ruggierello 10. Patrick Rugiero, Isabella Rugiero, Rita Rugiero, Patrizio Rugiero

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FAIR LANE PATRICK GLORIA

Fair Lane, a nonprofit organization and the former home of Clara and Henry Ford, hosted An Evening for Fair Lane on Aug. 31 at the estate in Dearborn.

The event started in the music room and terrace, followed by a tour through Clara’s gardens to Henry’s powerhouse and garage. Funds raised from the event will go toward completing the restoration of the home.

11. Amy and Dennis Wright 12. Bob an d Mary Ann Bury, Paul W. Smith 13. Heather and Paul Windel 14. Laurie and Rob Transou, Frank and Raika Abkenar 15. Sharon and John A. James

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Exec Life

AUTOGLOW PATRICK GLORIA

The Children’s Center, along with Lisa and Bill Ford and Lia and Jim Farley, hosted AutoGlow 2022 on Sept. 16 at Ford Field in downtown Detroit. Funds raised from the event help children and families shape their futures through programs and services. Guests enjoyed a pre-event cocktail reception before viewing the Detroit Auto Show at Huntington Place. The main celebration, which followed the auto show, featured a strolling dinner, drinks, and dancing.

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1. Andrew Henry, Ashley Atwater, Carmen Harlan,

Jessica Hall, Andrew Henry Sr. 2. Andy Norman, Mary Culler 3. Hannah and Joseph Gillum 4. Will Ford, Taylor Magnuson 5. Bill and Lisa Ford, Deborah Matthews, Lia and Jim Farley

CHARITY PREVIEW PATRICK GLORIA

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The North American International Auto Show, or the Detroit Auto Show, hosted Charity Preview on Sept. 16 at Huntington Place and Hart Plaza, both in downtown Detroit. Proceeds from the black-tie event, which included live entertainment, raised funds for several nonprofit organizations.

Sponsors included Delta Airlines, the Michigan Economic Development Corp., the Michigan Office of Future Mobility, and Michelin.

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6. Allison Gabrys, Julie Tuckovics,

Samantha Myers 7. Julie and Mike LeVan 8. Jerome and Sharee Sims 9. Karen and Larry Burr 10. Nicole George, Chris Thomas

CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE PATRICK GLORIA

Hagerty, an automotive lifestyle brand, hosted the 2022 Detroit Concours d’Elegance on Sept. 18 on the grounds and streets surrounding the Detroit Institute of Arts. The event included 120 historically significant vehicles that were competing for various awards and accolades. The event supported the College for Creative Studies as well as Midtown Inc. and DRIVE One Detroit.

11. Andrew Schumacher, Alexandra Horst 12. Ashley Taulbert, Cory Taulbert, Chris Piscitelli 13. Chelsea and Tom Gardner 14. Larry and Shantele Thomas 15. Liam LaBute, Larry LaBute

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Exec Life

MARKET BENEFIT PATRICK GLORIA

Fratarcangeli Wealth Management in Bloomfield Hills hosted a market update dinner on Aug. 10 at The Daxton Hotel in downtown Birmingham. To mark the event, Fratarcangeli Wealth made a charitable donation to the Antonella Improta Memorial Foundation, which works to feed those in need, provide funding for service animals, and support struggling families and children. The event featured a fireside chat with Jeff Fratarcangeli, Ron Isana, Gene Peroni, and Kevin O’Leary.

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1. Kathryn and Michael Podelnyk 2. Marc Anolik, Cindy Mulonas, Neal Rubin 3. Nicole Fratarcangeli, Kevin O’Leary, Jeff Fratarcangeli, Ron Insana 4. Rachelle and Emil Cherkasov 5. Tony Antoun, Evelyn Randazzo, Michelle Randazzo, Liana Randazzo, Michael Randazzo, Antonio Randazzo

CENTENNIAL SOIRÉE PATRICK GLORIA

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The Downtown Detroit Partnership hosted its centennial celebration on Aug. 24 at Campus Martius Park in downtown Detroit. Funds from the event support the 501(c)(3) organization’s goal of creating a thriving and welcoming urban center through investment, philanthropy, community-building, and innovation. The outdoor cocktail reception drew business, civic, and government leaders.

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6. Lauren Stoval, Cliff Green

7. Melissa Roy, Beth Utton 8. Michael Morse, Michael Ruzycki 9. Roshni Shokar, Nicole Simmons 10. Vadim Avshalumov, Cindy Pasky, Kathy and Eric Larson, Makenzie Larson

LEGACY GALA PATRICK GLORIA

The WGPR Historical Society hosted its annual Enduring Legacy Gala on Sept. 10 at The ICON building, along Detroit’s riverfront near Belle Isle.

The event is a celebration of the legacy of Black professionals in the media conducted by the nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the history of the first Black-owned television station in the continental U.S. — WGPR-TV in Detroit. The event raised funds for the expansion of the William V. Banks Broadcast Museum and Media Center.

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11. Calvin Jackson, Huel Perkins,

Anita Claxton, Juan Forest 12. Deborah Owens, Terry Owens, Kevin White, Lisa Langford-White 13. Earl Cureton, Donna and Greg Kelser 14. Jonas Hill, Genise Brown, William ‘Billy’ Prince 15. Klodiana Makupson, Amyre Makupson, Amyre Makupson, Rudy Makupson

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EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES SPONSORED BY DBUSINESS

HOB NOBBLE GOBBLE Friday, November 18, 2022 6:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.

Ford Field, 2000 Brush St., Detroit, MI 48226 theparade.org/hob-nobble-gobble/ As the most magical fundraiser for The Parade Company, Hob Nobble Gobble® presented by Ford Motor Company, will be held Friday, Nov. 18, from 6:30–10:30 p.m. at Ford Field. Produced by The Parade Company, guests will enjoy an evening featuring a special guest entertainer, a fabulous carnival midway; delicious cuisine; and live entertainment from end zone to end zone for kids and adults alike. Hob Nobble Gobble presented by Ford Motor Company, helps to raise important funds for The Parade Company to produce America’s Thanksgiving Parade® presented by Gardner White, recognized as one of America’s best parades. Tickets to the black-tie evening are limited. To reserve your tickets or tables, please contact CarolAnn at cbarbb@theparade.org or (313) 432-7831.

57TH ANNUAL GUILD GALA Saturday, December 10, 2022 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Westin Southfield, 1500 Town Center, Southfield, MI 48075 deturbanleague.org The Urban League of Detroit & Southeastern Michigan is celebrating the 57th Annual Guild Gala, which will be held Saturday, December 10, 2022 beginning at 11:30 a.m. at the Westin Southfield located at 1500 Town Center, Southfield MI 48075. During the Gala, we’ll celebrate area youth who demonstrate positive attributes with our “Do the Right Thing” recognition while also honoring outstanding community servants with our Community Service Award. Proceeds from the event support our College Club/Project Ready and Workforce Career Development Center programs.

NATIONAL PHILANTHROPY DAY DINNER GALA Thursday, November 3, 2022 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Motor City Casino Hotel 2901 Grand River Ave., Detroit, MI 48201 npddet.org The Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Detroit Chapter is delighted to welcome you back to National Philanthropy Day on Thursday, November 3 at MotorCity Casino Hotel!

Our gathering of National Philanthropy Day will celebrate philanthropists, fundraisers and the impact both make on Metro Detroit. Visit in-person with colleagues, enjoy dinner served by MotorCity Casino Hotel, and honor all those who work tirelessly to improve our world, near and far. Funds raised through this event support the programming, outreach, professional development, and educational efforts of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Detroit Chapter.

NEWAY WORKS ANNUAL LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE CHARITY GALA Thursday, November 17, 2022 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Villa Penna Banquet Hall, 43985 Hayes Road, Sterling Heights, MI 48313 eventbrite.com/e/neway-works-annual-let-your-light-shine-charity-gala-tickets-397125411797 Over 200 professionals, community and business leaders, philanthropists, elected officials, and influencers from Southeastern Michigan that have a heart for community and at-risk children will be in attendance. You are the key to our and local communities’ success, and we would be grateful for your support! The problem, some advocates say, is not that more than half of all American children who live in poverty have the wrong mindset, the problem is that more than half of all American children live in poverty. With your help, we will be the light to make a positive social impact in the community we live, work, and serve!

GET YOUR MITTS ON THIS! AN ONLINE SILENT AUCTION SUPPORTING MITTENS FOR DETROIT Saturday, November 12, 2022, 12 p.m. to Sunday, November 20, 5 p.m.

Virtual Event; bit.ly/GetYourMittsOnThis22 For the second consecutive year, Mittens for Detroit is proud to present its online silent auction – Get Your Mitts on This! You’ll have a chance to stock up for the holidays as you purchase with a purpose. Proceeds from this event support the purchase of new, warm, durable mittens and gloves for children, teens, and adults in need in Detroit, Highland Park, Hamtramck, Dearborn, and Pontiac. You’ll find items from sporting events and memorablia, theatre experiences, handmade clothing, fine dining and more!

Please join us in this fun way to support your community while you buy just the right present for just the right person… maybe even yourself!

ADVERT IS EMENT

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EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES SPONSORED BY DBUSINESS

10TH ANNUAL FALL GALA FOR HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF OAKLAND COUNTY

Saturday, November 5, 2022 6:30 p.m. – 11 p.m.

M1 Concourse, 1 Motorsports Drive Pontiac, MI 48341 eventbrite.com/e/habitat-for-humanity-fall-gala-fundraiser-tickets-376496881307

Our 10th Annual Fall Gala will be held on Saturday, November 5th at M1 Concourses NEW event center! Through the help of generoussupporters like you this event has raised over $750,000 to further Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County’s mission to build strength, stability and self-reliance through affordable homeownership. Please choose to join with us to make this year’s event a huge success.

With your help, we can continue to make the dream of affordable housing a reality for all of our neighbors in Oakland County.

17TH ANNUAL NONPROFIT MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE

Thursday, November 3, 2022 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Oakland University, 318 Meadow Brook Road, Rochester, MI 48309 cca.troychamber.com/EvtListing.aspx?class=E&dbid2=mitroy&&evtid=15566797

The Troy Chamber of Commerce and its Non-Profit Network (NPN) will host the 17th Annual Nonprofit Management Conference on Thursday, November 3 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The event will be taking place in-person this year and will be hosted at Oakland University.

The annual conference marks seventeen years of revenue sharing given to nonprofit Troy Chamber organizations made possible by the conference’s sponsorship and ticket sales. The conference is designed for nonprofit professionals, board members, and volunteers. Attendees have the opportunity to participate in a variety of seminars to help them improve their operations in seven core areas specifically geared toward nonprofit organizations: Marketing, Performance Metrics, Strategic Planning, Technology for NonProfits, Grant Writing, Content Creation, Fundraising, and Operations.

Keynote Speaker: Caroline Altman Smith, Deputy Director, The Kresge Foundation Education Program.

Caroline’s keynote presentation will paint the picture of where philanthropy is today and focus on ways local organizations can partner with foundations to increase their impact.

THE ARTICHOKE GARLIC FOUNDATION RED TIE HOUR, PRESENTED BY THE TONI A. WISNE FOUNDATION

Friday, November 18, 2022 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.

WOMC Radio beaumont.org/giving/foundation-events/red-tie-hour

Get ready to tune in to the Red Tie Hour, a special one-hour event during the annual 104.3 WOMC Turn Up the Miracles Radiothon that supports Beaumont Children’s on Friday, Nov. 18. From 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., funds will be raised through community and corporate donations in support of Beaumont’s Center for Exceptional Families, Dearborn. CEF is a medical/ rehabilitative facility that treats developmental diagnoses, disabilities, and disorders, including autism, for patient families. Listeners will have fun with the on-air talent and special guests, learn more about CEF, as well as enjoy many participation incentives. To make a contribution, call 877-335-KIDS (5437), turn on 104.3 FM, or visit beaumont.org/redtiehour.

DOGSTRAVAGANZA

Thursday, November 10, 2022 6:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.

The Palazzo Grande, 54660 Van Dyke Ave., Shelby Township, MI 48316 humanesocietyofmacomb.org/dogstravaganza/ Dogstravaganza is the Humane Society of Macomb’s largest fundraising event of the year. Join us November 10 at the Palazzo Grande for an amazing evening with live entertainment, great food, animals, auction, raffles and more!

With your help, we can continue to be an independent, high-save shelter. We rely solely on the generosity of our community to help those who cannot speak for themselves.

ADVERT IS EMENT

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From the Top

(LISTED BY 2021 OPERATING REVENUE) 1. SPECTRUM HEALTH* 100 Michigan Ave. NE Grand Rapids 866-989-7999 spectrumhealth.org President/CEO: Tina Freese Decker 2021 Revenue: $9.2B 2020 Revenue: $8.3B 2021 Employees: 31,000 Operations: Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital; Spectrum Health Reed City Hospital; Spectrum Health United Hospital; Spectrum Health Special Care Hospital; Spectrum Health Zeeland Community Hospital; Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital; Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital; Spectrum Health Big Rapids Hospital; Spectrum Health Blodgett Hospital; Spectrum Health Lakeland; Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial; Spectrum Health Kelsey Hospital; Spectrum Health Pennock; Priority Health 2. HENRY FORD HEALTH SYSTEM 1 Ford Place Detroit 800-436-7936 henryford.com President/CEO: Wright Lassiter III 2021 Revenue: $6.8B 2020 Revenue: $6.5B 2021 Employees: 33,000+ Operations: Henry Ford Hospital; Henry Ford Allegiance Health; Henry Ford Macomb Hospital – Clinton Township; Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital; Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital; Henry Ford Kingswood Hospital 3. MCLAREN HEALTH CARE One McLaren Parkway Grand Blanc 810-342-1100 mclaren.org President/CEO: Philip Incarnati 2021 Revenue: $6B 2020 Revenue: $6.4B 2021 Employees: 19,900 Operations: McLaren Bay Region; McLaren Caro Region; McLaren Central Michigan; McLaren Flint; McLaren Greater Lansing; McLaren Lapeer Region; McLaren Macomb; McLaren Northern Michigan; McLaren Oakland; McLaren Port Huron; McLaren Thumb Region; Karmanos Cancer Institute

4. MICHIGAN MEDICINE/ UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN HOSPITALS AND HEALTH CENTERS 1500 E. Medical Center Dr. Ann Arbor 734-936-4000 uofmhealth.org Executive Vice President for Medical Affairs University of Michigan, Dean, U-M Medical School; CEO, Michigan Medicine: Dr. Marschall S. Runge 2021 Revenue: $5.5B 2020 Revenue: $5.2B 2021 Employees: 24,761 Operations: A. Alfred Taubman Health Care Center, University Hospital; University Hospital – South; C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital; Von Voightlander Women’s Hospital; Frankel Cardiovascular Center; Rogel Cancer Center 5. BEAUMONT HEALTH* 26901 Beaumont Blvd.

Southfield 248-898-5000 beaumont.org

President/CEO: Dr. Benjamin Schwartz 2021 Revenue: $4.7B 2020 Revenue: $4.6B 2021 Employees: 23,900 Operations: Beaumont Hospital – Dearborn; Beaumont Hospital – Farmington Hills; Beaumont Hospital – Grosse Pointe; Beaumont Hospital – Royal Oak; Beaumont Hospital – Taylor; Beaumont Hospital – Trenton; Beaumont Hospital – Troy; Beaumont Hospital – Wayne 6. ASCENSION MICHIGAN 28000 Dequindre Rd. Warren 586-753-0911 President/CEO/Interim Ministry Market Executive, Ascension Michigan: Dr. Ken Berkovitz 2021 Revenue: NA 2020 Revenue: $4.1B 2020 Employees: 30,000+ Operations: Sixteen hospitals and hundreds of related health care facilities including Ascension Borgess Hospital; Ascension

Borgess – Allegan Hospital; Ascension Borgess – Lee Hospital; Ascension Borgess – Pipp Hospital; Ascension Brighton Center for Recovery; Ascension Genesys Hospital; Ascension Macomb-Oakland Hospital (Warren Campus and Madison Heights Campus); Ascension Providence Hospital (Southfield Campus and Novi Campus); Ascension Providence Rochester Hospital; Ascension River District Hospital; Ascension St. John Hospital; Ascension St. Joseph Hospital; Ascension St. Mary’s Hospital; Ascension Standish Hospital 7. TRINITY HEALTH (FORMERLY ST. JOSEPH MERCY HEALTH SYSTEM AND MERCY HEALTH) 1600 S. Canton Center Rd., Ste. 310 Canton Township 844-237-3627 stjoeshealth.org; mercyhealth.com CEO: Rob Casalou 2021 Revenue: NA

8. SPARROW HEALTH SYSTEM 1215 E. Michigan Ave. Lansing 517-364-1000 sparrow.org President/CEO: Dennis Swan 2021 Revenue: $1.5B 2020 Revenue: $1.4B 2021 Employees: 9,000 Operations: Sparrow Hospital; Sparrow Hospital St. Lawrence; Sparrow Carson Hospital; Sparrow Clinton Hospital; Sparrow Eaton Hospital; Sparrow Ionia Hospital; Sparrow Specialty Hospital 9. DETROIT MEDICAL CENTER 3990 John R St. Detroit 313-745-1250 dmc.org President/CEO: Audrey Gregory 2021 Revenue: $1.1B (est.)

2020 Revenue: $1.1B (est.)

2021 Employees: 12,000 (est.)

Operations: DMC Children’s Hospital of Michigan; DMC Detroit Receiving Hospital; DMC Harper University Hospital; DMC Heart Hospital; DMC Huron Valley-Sinai

Hospital; DMC Hutzel Women’s Hospital; DMC Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan; DMC Sinai-Grace Hospital 10. MYMICHIGAN HEALTH (FORMERLY MIDMICHIGAN HEALTH) 4000 Wellness Dr. Midland 989-839-3000 midmichigan.org President/CEO: Diane Postler-Slattery 2021 Revenue: $1.1B 2020 Revenue: $1B 2021 Employees: 8,800+ Operations: MyMichigan Medical Center – Alma; MyMichigan Medical Center – Alpena; MyMichigan Medical Center – Clare; MyMichigan Medical Center – Gladwin; Mackinac Island Medical Center; MyMichigan Medical Center – Midland; MyMichigan Medical Center – Mount Pleasant; MyMichigan Medical Center – Sault Ste. Marie; Mackinac Straits Health System; MyMichigan Medical Center – West Branch *Spectrum Health and Beaumont Health merged on Feb. 1, 2022, to form what today is Corewell Health.

Source: DBusiness research

SPECTRUM HEALTH MEIJER HEART CENTER, GRAND RAPIDS

COURTESY SPECTRUM HEALTH

LARGEST HOSPITAL SYSTEMS IN MICHIGAN

2020 Revenue: $2B (est.)

2021 Employees: 2,100+ Operations: St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor; St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea; St. Joseph Mercy Livingston; St. Joseph Mercy Oakland; St. Mary Mercy Livonia; Mercy Health Muskegon; Mercy Health Grand Rapids; Mercy Health Lakeshore Campus

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From the Top

LARGEST MULTI-TENANT OFFICE BUILDINGS (LISTED BY SIZE)

1.ONE CAMPUS MARTIUS 1 Campus Martius, Detroit Total Sq. Ft.: 1,697,000 Avail. Sq. Ft.: 366,123 Office Rent Avg.: NA Owner/Broker: 1000 Webward

Avail. Sq. Ft.: 40,000 Office Rent Avg.: $32-34 (gross lease) Owner/Broker: Domino’s Farms Office Park, LLC/Margaret Parkinson, Broker

2.PENOBSCOT BUILDING 645 Griswold St., Detroit Total Sq. Ft.: 1,149,710 Avail. Sq. Ft.: 400,000 Office Rent Avg.: $21-25 Owner/Broker: Triple Properties Detroit/P.A. Commercial, broker

5. FIRST NATIONAL BUILDING

3. ONE DETROIT CENTER

6. BEAUMONT SERVICE CENTER (FORMERLY FIRST CENTER OFFICE PLAZA) 26901 Beaumont Blvd., Southfield Total Sq. Ft.: 640,000 Avail. Sq. Ft.: 285,416 Office Rent Avg.: $19 Owner/Broker: Beaumont Health/Colliers

500 Woodward Ave., Detroit Total Sq. Ft.: 1,000,000 Avail. Sq. Ft.: 66,439 Office Rent Avg.: NA Owner/Broker: 500 Webward 4. DOMINO’S FARMS OFFICE PARK

24 Frank Lloyd Wright Dr., Ann Arbor Total Sq. Ft.: 937,203

660 Woodward Ave., Detroit Total Sq. Ft.: 831,918 Avail. Sq. Ft.: 51,411 Office Rent Avg.: NA Owner/Broker: 660 Woodward Associates

7. THE FISHER BUILDING 3011 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit Total Sq. Ft.: 635,000 Avail. Sq. Ft.: 111,000 Office Rent Avg.: $24 Owner/Broker: Fisher 2015 Acquisition/JLL 8. DETROIT EXECUTIVE PLAZA

1200 Sixth St., Detroit Total Sq. Ft.: 612,890 Avail. Sq. Ft.: 612,890 Office Rent Avg.: ~$18 Owner/Broker: Detroit Executive Plaza 9. SOUTHFIELD TOWN CENTER – 1000 TOWN CENTER* 1000 Town Center, Southfield Total Sq. Ft.: 597,346 Avail. Sq. Ft.: 204,803 Office Rent Avg.: $16 + $8 for electric Owner/Broker: SL Town Center Realty

10. RENCEN – TOWER 200 200 Renaissance Center, Detroit Total Sq. Ft.: 593,480 Avail. Sq. Ft.: 277,000 Office Rent Avg.: $25.50 Owner/Broker: CBRE 11. RENCEN – TOWER 100 100 Renaissance Center, Detroit Total Sq. Ft.: 587,973 Avail. Sq. Ft.: 88,000 Office Rent Avg.: $25.50 Owner/Broker: CBRE 12. SOUTHFIELD TOWN CENTER — 3000 TOWN CENTER* 3000 Town Center, Southfield Total Sq. Ft.: 586,038 Avail. Sq. Ft.: 50,289 Office Rent Avg.: $16 + $8 for electric Owner/Broker: SL Town Center Realty

13. RENCEN – TOWER 300 300 Renaissance Center, Detroit Total Sq. Ft.: 584,531 Avail. Sq. Ft.: 0 Office Rent Avg.: $25.50 Owner/Broker: CBRE 14. RENCEN – TOWER 400 400 Renaissance Center, Detroit Total Sq. Ft.: 576,449 Avail. Sq. Ft.: 55,000 Office Rent Avg.: $25.50 Owner/Broker: CBRE 15. SOUTHFIELD TOWN CENTER – 2000 TOWN CENTER 2000 Town Center, Southfield Total Sq. Ft.: 556,014 Avail. Sq. Ft.: 77,062 Office Rent Avg.: $16 + $8 for electric Owner/Broker: SL Town Center Realty 16. 444 MICHIGAN AVE. 444 Michigan Ave., Detroit Total Sq. Ft.: 551,453 Avail. Sq. Ft.: 402,538 Office Rent Avg.: NA Owner/Broker: Reign CO1 Propco

17. MASONIC TEMPLE 434-500 Temple St., Detroit Total Sq. Ft.: 550,000 Avail. Sq. Ft.: 125,000 Office Rent Avg.: $19 Owner/Broker: Masonic Temple Association 18. PNC CENTER 755 W. Big Beaver Rd., Troy Total Sq. Ft.: 535,000 Avail. Sq. Ft.: 133,233 Office Rent Avg.: $22.50 Owner/Broker: 755 Towers Associates/Friedman Real Estate 19. THE QUBE (FORMERLY CHASE BUILDING) 611 Woodward Ave., Detroit Total Sq. Ft.: 528,932 Avail. Sq. Ft.: 47,724 Office Rent Avg.: NA Owner/Broker: 611 Webward 20. AMERICAN CENTER 27777 Franklin Rd., Southfield Total Sq. Ft.: 508,000 Avail. Sq. Ft.: 80,909 Office Rent Avg.: $19.50 gross + electric (asking rent) Owner/Broker: REDICO/ Cushman and Wakefield

A HEALTHIER TAKE ON HEALTH CARE COVERAGE

You provi acce an

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From the Top

21. STROH RIVER PLACE 300 River Place, Detroit Total Sq. Ft.: 502,308 Avail. Sq. Ft.: 236,641 Office Rent Avg.: $22-24 + electric Owner/Broker: Bedrock

ONE CAMPUS MARTIUS, DETROIT

22. NEW CENTER ONE BUILDING 3031 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit Total Sq. Ft.: 496,208 Avail. Sq. Ft.: 30,000 Office Rent Avg.: $18-$19 Owner/Broker: NAI Farbman Group

COURTESY ONE CAMPUS MARTIUS

23. GUARDIAN BUILDING 500 Griswold St., Detroit Total Sq. Ft.: 470,557 Avail. Sq. Ft.: 30,600 Office Rent Avg.: $20-25 Owner/Broker: 400 Monroe Associates/Beanstalk Real Estate Solutions * Did not respond to request for updated information.

Source: DBusiness research

R TAKE H CARE ERAGE

You want your employees to get the care they need — and so do we. At Blue Cross, we work hard to provide the best coverage in Michigan. With more plan options, more eff icient, higher quality care, and access to no-cost programs such as Coordinated Care Core, a Blue Cross plan adds up to smarter care and better coverage for you and your employees, so you can attract the best talent, and keep it too.

Visit bcbsm.com/employers to see what a Blue Cross plan can do for your business.

#1 Member Satisfaction Among Commercial Health Plans in Michigan

Confidence comes with every card.®

For J.D. Power 2022 award information, visit jdpower.com/awards Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network are nonprofit corporations and independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

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PROMOTIONAL CONTENT

Trusted Advisers Q&A RELY ON THE EXPERTS TO HELP YOU ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS

H

ave you put off making important decisions this year? Then it’s time to reach out to a trusted advisor who has the knowledge, the experience and targeted expertise in their field.

Were you thinking of expanding benefit offerings to your employees? With a dental insurance

plan, your employees are healthier, and they are unlikely to miss work because of oral problems.

If you are concerned about cyberattacks, talk with an expert to learn how to protect your company’s confidential data.

If you own a management company, do you

know how a catastrophic event could affect your fees and your responsibilities?

Don’t wait until the New Year to make those important decisions. The trusted advisors in this section are happy to share their knowledge and insight.

Q: H ow can management companies avoid providing certain services for free?

A: A management agreement is a contract

between ownership and management that defines expected services to be performed by management and the fees paid by ownership for those services. Most management agreements are silent on the extensive effort and expense management must endure to maintain operations after property damage occurs.

After a catastrophe, management must perform certain services not considered in their fee structure. Examples are coordinating meetings with insurance adjusters and their consultants, and dealing with tenant relocation. Management agreements that include special service provisions could allow management to be compensated by insurance companies for these services that have

consistently been provided without compensation. After damage, a supplemental management agreement should also be required to list specific services management is responsible for.

If damage causes a reduction in rental income, it could affect the payment of management fees.

However, specific language can be inserted into the agreement to protect management from receiving less fee income due to tenant rent abatement or relocation.

Adding this additional language will help management submit claims to the insurance company for reimbursement of value served, and protect management from incurring expenses and providing services that once may have been provided for free.

BOBBY LEVIN, SPPA Chairman & President Globe Midwest Adjusters International 400 Galleria Officentre Ste. 101 Southfield, MI 48034 248-352-2100 globemw-ai.com

Q: Are there extra steps I can take to protect my company’s data?

A: Given the growing number of cyberattacks,

companies need to be more vigilant — especially when a breach has the potential to significantly disrupt business. The term “privileged access” refers to special network access or IT capabilities above and beyond those that apply to standard users. A human user, such as an IT administrator, can have privileged access. It can also be granted to a non-human user, like an application.

Here are some privileged access management best practices that can help companies educate privileged access users and protect their data: • Educate privileged access users on current cyber threats and best practices, including using unique pass-phrases for their accounts.

• Require multifactor authentication for privileged access accounts, including SaaS, admins,

and privileged business users.

• Maintain a centrally managed, digital vault to hold well-known infrastructure accounts; automatically rotate passwords after each use.

• Vault any privileged accounts used by third-party applications.

• Conduct “red team/blue team” simulations, where members of your IT department role-play as attackers and attempt to exploit security weaknesses in your systems. This way, you can identify the weaknesses and address them.

For more information on protecting your company’s private data, visit key.com/payments.

This material is presented for informational purposes and shouldn’t be construed as individual financial advice. KeyBank doesn’t provide legal advice. Member FDIC. CFMA #220909-171494.

KeyBank Michigan David Mannarino President & Commercial Sales Leader KeyBank Michigan Market 248-204-6550 David_Mannarino @keybank.com

Q: Can my company culture affect the value of my business?

A: Having a strong, healthy culture that’s adaptive can be pivotal when considering the sale of a business.

Approximately 60 percent of business acquisitions fail, and one of the driving factors is culture clashes.

Post-merger integration, or PMI, is a complex and grueling affair. Buyers are always looking to find synergies between businesses that allow for efficiencies, best practices applications, margin improvement, and elimination of redundancies.

Many failed transactions show recurring themes such as lack of due diligence, customer and employee engagement, tech integration, and culture.

Understanding the buyer’s strategy around culture is imperative when executing a smooth

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integration and preserving deal value. If your business is built around people and incentivized by their effort and goals, then this ultimately impacts how your company is valued. From senior management down, business owners must consider how everyone will function under new ownership. Bad culture eats good strategy.

When dealing with both strategic and financial buyers, transaction structure will dictate your end goal, especially when compensation is presented in future earnings or a retained interest. Having an understanding of whether your company culture is poised to support that next phase of growth might be one of the most important things you can do.

O’Keefe Marco Eadie Managing Director 2 Lone Pine Rd. Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304 248-593-4810 meadie@okeefellc.com okeefellc.com

10/3/22 12:01 PM

PROMOTIONAL CONTENT

Trusted Advisers Q&A Q: I ’ve found bad reviews of my business on the internet. Is that considered defamation?

A: Defamation refers to false statements meant to

be construed as the truth, made to a third party, that causes damage to an individual’s reputation.

There are two types of defamation covered under the legal system: libel and slander. Libel is a written false statement and slander is a verbal false statement. Most of today’s defamation is libel and often done through social media or posted reviews When someone that is a true patron of a business posts a negative review of their experience with that business, it is not necessarily defamation. If they felt their experience was negative and voices their feelings about actual events or interactions, that is their opinion and that would

not be considered defamation.

A negative review is defamatory if the person wasn’t actually a client or patron of that business, when they make false statements about what happened, or when they accuse the business owner of some sort of criminal activity. Sometimes a person will leave a negative review using a fake name, which is also defamatory. Any statements that are false, and meant to hurt someone’s business or personal reputation is defamation.

Google and other internet platforms are not liable for defamatory language. So, you need to take action against the person who published those falsehoods. A good first step is hiring a

George Law Maggie George, Esq. Attorney & Counselor at Law 444 S. Washington Ave. Royal Oak, MI 48067 248-330-7223 mgeorge@georgelaw.com

lawyer to draft a cease-and-desist and a demand for retraction, which also sets you up to claim all available damages should the issue escalate to a defamation lawsuit.

Q: W hy is oral health important for employee well-being?

A: Your oral health and overall health are closely connected, making regular dental visits much more important than some may realize.

More than 90 percent of systemic diseases have oral manifestations, which means that if something is wrong in your mouth, then something could be wrong in another part of your body. If certain signs are detected, your dentist may recommend you follow up with your physician for better overall health management.

Keeping up with dental visits can reduce time away from work, too. Each year, adults

miss 164 million hours of work because of oral health problems. By seeing the dentist regularly, potential oral health problems can be spotted earlier when treatment is easier and more affordable.

Dental care is very personal, so it’s important that you find a dentist you’re comfortable with, and who has hours and a location that work best with your schedule.

A healthier workforce means happier employees, improved morale, and increased productivity, and lower health care costs.

Delta Dental of Michigan Jeffery Johnston, DDS Delta Dental of Michigan Chief Science Officer 4100 Okemos Rd. Okemos, MI 48864 deltadentalmi.com

Q: W hat are the relevant factors in quantifying minority discounts?

A: A minority discount represents an amount or

percentage deducted from the pro-rata share of the value of an enterprise to reflect the absence of some or all of the powers of control, and indicates that the investment may be somewhat illiquid and/or less marketable than a controlling interest.

The main reason for such a discount is that a minority equity-holder doesn’t usually have the ability to make management decisions such as determining management compensation and bonuses, acquiring and liquidating assets, timing of distributions, the sale of the entity, election of officers/other control persons, and changing the direction of the company.

There’s no mathematical formula to determine a discount for lack of control, but a variety of factors

are used to make such a determination: the size of the equity position being valued compared to the whole; the relationship between the various equityholders; the impact of the operative documents of the enterprise; statutory rights providing protection to the minority interest; discounts implicit in other sales of interest in the entity; the history of the enterprise regarding distributions; and the involvement of the equity-holder in the operation of the business.

A significant factor in quantifying discounts is negotiation. Minority discounts are usually in the range of 10-40 percent; however, if a seller is motivated to sell, the buyer may be able to negotiate a higher discount. If the buyer is motivated to buy, the seller may be able to negotiate a lower discount.

Plunkett Cooney, PC Scott K. Lites Partner 38505 Woodward Ave. Ste. 100 Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304 248-901-4074 248-901-4040 (F) slites@plunkettcooney.com

Q: What is the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), what is its intent, what entities have to file, when do businesses have to report, and what are the penalties for failing to do so?

A: Enacted on Jan. 1, 2021, as part of the Na-

tional Defense Authorization Act, the Corporate Transparency Act requires domestic and foreign businesses to file information about the individuals who formed, own, and control the company to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), a division of the U.S. Treasury Department.

The purpose of CTA is to prevent using corporations and LLCs to facilitate activities like money-laundering, tax evasion, cyber crime, and terrorism. Any “reporting company” that’s a corporation or limited liability company that was formed by filing with a secretary of state, or

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was formed in a foreign country and registered to do business in the U.S. and doesn’t fall under one of the 23 broad exceptions under the Act, is required to file.

FinCEN expects to start enforcing reporting requirements in 2023. Businesses that fail to do so will incur violations that may result in civil and criminal liability including civil fines of $500/day, criminal fines of up to $250,000, and even prison time.

For those reasons, businesses should take this new law seriously. More information on the Corporate Transparency Act and how it may apply to your company is available at fosterswift.com.

Foster Swift Robert A. Hamor 28411 Northwestern Hwy. Ste. 500 Southfield, MI 48034 248-785-4737 rhamor@fosterswift.com fosterswift.com

10/3/22 12:01 PM

Closing Bell

Photo Finish

Detrola crafted thousands of radios and cameras, but after producing M-1 minesweepers for the U.S. Army during World War II, it failed to regain its earlier success. While long gone, the brand, in a bid to nostalgia, lives on.

E

ven as a novice photographer in the 1930s, Saul Leiter enjoyed the smooth precision and bold design of the Detrola camera his mother had given him. He went on to shoot photos for Life and show his fine-art efforts at the Museum of Modern Art. Around 1942, Robert Frank, another member of the New York School of photography, created an image titled “Detrola Camera” that he later gave to the National Gallery of Art. Detrola Corp. of Detroit was an important manufacturer and significant brand. Detrola took its name by adding the suffix “ola” to make a new noun rooted in Detroit’s name. Player pianos called Pianolas started the trend in nomenclature in the late 19th century. Then came the Victor Talking Machine Co.’s Victrola phonograph, the Moviola film editor, and Motorola car radios.

Founded by John Ross in 1931, Detrola operated in Ecorse, then on nearby Fort Street, before moving into a spacious four-story factory at Beard and Chatfield streets in southwest Detroit. With about 1,000 employees, Detrola ranked as Michigan’s largest manufacturer of radios and, in 1936, it claimed to be No. 6 nationally. Contemporary collectors prize the PeeWee and Super PeeWee sets, which “took the market by storm,” according to an enthusiast’s blog. The Super PeeWee came in four colors; today, a rare lavender example can fetch thousands. While marketing products under its own name, Detrola also fulfilled contracts for Western Auto Truetone and Sears, Roebuck Silvertone radios.

DYNAMIC RANGE Founded in 1931, Detrola Corp. found early success producing low-cost radios during the Depression. They soon developed private brand radios for department stores and merchants, and added cameras in 1939. During World War II, Detrola produced M-1 minesweepers, electrical panels, and aircraft radios.

Detrola somewhat resembled The Crosley Radio Corp. of Cincinnati, which Powel Crosley Jr. established in 1921. Crosley’s techniques of mass-manufacturing resulted in radio industry dominance. Instead of branching into cameras, though, Crosley introduced its innovative Shelvador refrigerator and, in 1939, a line of subcompact cars and trucks.

Detrola started to make cameras the same year. The venture lasted only two years but yielded memorable results. Low-cost, lightweight production meant using formed tinplate instead of metal castings and working with generous amounts of Bakelite, the thermoset plastic named for its inventor, Leo Baekeland.

Ribs and grooves in a streamlined Art Deco style distinguished the bodies.

A February 1940 ad in Popular Photography claimed, “Thousands of camera enthusiasts agree: Detrola precision-built cameras top them all for extra value!”

Five models ranged in price from $3.95 to $22.50, but the top-of-the-line Detrola 400 was $69.50. Features abounded on the 400: full-size frames, a 50-millimeter Wollensak Velostigmat lens, a Miracle Eye rangefinder, a built-in flash synchronizer, and a broad range of shutter speeds and exposure settings.

Camera production ended with the start of World War II, and Detrola joined the Arsenal of Democracy. Early in the conflict, it made the M-1 minesweeper for the U.S. Army. But John Ross sold his interests to International Machine Co., and the result was that International Detrola Corp. used “Detrola Radio” in ads. One promotion looked forward to the war’s end, boasting, “With the eclipse of the Rising Sun, Detrola will manufacture distinctive radio and television receivers (and) sturdy record changers, all of unparalleled design.”

Detrola did make record players, but operations ended in 1948 before the costly production of TVs commenced. Low margins were too much for Detrola’s medium-scale operations, and Motorola acquired the car-radio division. At some point the factory was demolished, and the Roberto Clemente Learning Academy now stands on the site.

Meanwhile, Crosley went out of business in 1956, but the new Crosley Brands revived the name in 1989. It has made a reproduction radio and the Detrola Crosley 5-in-1 Entertainment Center. And back at home, Shinola in Detroit has a line of Detrola wristwatches, including the irresistible 25-millimeter model called — what else? — the Pee-Wee.

MIKE ECKMAN

BY RONALD AHRENS

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