May / June 2009

Back From the Edge

With people less willing to live in outlying communities because of the recession, rising energy prices, and falling investments, they’re finding that living in established communities is...

By R.J. King

Harbingers of Wholesale

Larry Gaynor has an eye for trend-spotting, a willingness to fail, and the instincts of a thief. But he only steals from the best.

By Ric Bohy

Michigan's Fortune 1000

These 29 companies are global leaders in the automotive, consumer products, furniture, and home furnishings sectors, producing some of the best-known brands in the world.

Serving the Shareholders

With billions of dollars in losses racked up on Wall Street casting new light on how boards of directors operate, the time may be right to re-examine the nation’s corporate governance laws.

By Vahe Tazian

Somebody’d Better Contact Joe

The Grosse Pointe Shores resident, who’s sold more than 5 million books, including How to Sell Anything to Anybody and How to Close Every Sale, has reached out to General Motors Corp., Ford Motor...

By R.J. King

Motor Miser

Tougher emissions laws will eventually help hybrid vehicle sales, but people like Kyle Schwulst aren’t waiting for regulations to dictate market conditions.

By Mike Scott

A Scholastic Versailles

Before General Motors Corp. developed its famed technical center in Warren, akin to an industrial Versailles, the automaker created the world’s first concept car, automatic transmission, and...

By R.J. King

Hold the Credits

Some 50 films will be shot in Michigan this year, but more work needs to be done if the movie industry is to become a major contributor to the state economy.

By R.J. King

Kathleen Ligocki

CEO, GS Motors, Mexico City discusses her strategy for low-cost automotive sales in Mexico.

Reed Kroloff and Alberto Alessi

In the world of luxury housewares, Italian design house Alessi SpA has set itself apart from the competition by partnering with world-class architects and designers to produce stunning, memorable...

By R.J. King

My First Job

Local executives recall their first foray into the corporate world.

Motown Magic

A new $40-million film studio in southwest Detroit joins several other production centers planned in Michigan.

By R.J. King