Businessman William Pickard’s legacy created opportunity for others to follow

The last time William “Doc” Pickard and I talked, about 18 months ago, he was starting work on a book about 100 Black entrepreneurs from 1850 to 1950 — people most of us never heard of who had made their mark with unique products or inventions.

Pickard, one of the most successful Black entrepreneurs in the country who made his presence felt in the automotive, casino and fast food industries, died June 12 at the age of 83.

He thought it important to write this book to help more folks learn about those entrepreneurs. Pickard wanted to make sure young Black people heard about them, hoping it might reinforce that anything was possible for those who would roll up their sleeves and work hard to achieve their dreams.

That’s the story of Pickard. That, along with the importance he placed on education, mentoring and higher learning. He didn’t finish the book but did write two others about his inspiring life and lessons about being a successful entrepreneur.

We met at the Detroit auto show years ago after he had acquired Regal Plastics, a minority supplier company. I interviewed him about diversity and inclusion — topics that would be the underpinning of our conversations. He appeared on CBS Detroit’s “Michigan Matters” and was featured in my Detroit Free Press columns. He was a mentor, a friend and a guiding light, as he was for thousands blessed to cross paths with him.

When I heard news his family released Wednesday that Pickard had died, I felt sad for Mary Victoria Pickard, his daughter, and Vivian Pickard, his former wife and retired GM executive who remained close friends. I felt sorry for Detroit. Few had been as impactful in carrying the torch for Black entrepreneurship, education, diversity and inclusion as Pickard.

I heard from a few who captured his essence:

“While many mourn a humanitarian and an astute businessman, I am deeply saddened by the loss of my corporate father, a man who taught me about the five ships of business — mentorship, sponsorship, partnership, chairmanship, ownership,” said Sylvester Hester, president and CEO, LM Manufacturing. “I started in 1986 as an intern, and with his guidance, I went on to be the chairman of his business and then the owner of my own. None of that would have been possible without Dr. William Pickard.”

Added Neil Barclay, president and CEO of the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit: “William Pickard was both a visionary and a giant in the world of leadership, business and philanthropy.”

Pickard’s imprint in business was impressive.

He bought Regal Plastics, which later became part of GAA Manufacturing. He also co-owned five Black-owned newspapers (including the Michigan Chronicle) and served as co-managing partner at MGM Grand Detroit Casino.

He donated millions to the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, the Motown Museum, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, the 100 Black Men organization and others.

He also supported education as he donated $2 million to Morehouse College to support Black male students and $3.5 million to Western Michigan University for scholarships and two residence halls that bear his name, along with two classmates — former Detroit Mayor Dennis Archer Sr. and entrepreneur Ron Hall Sr.

Life’s moments

Pickard, during our friendship over the years, told me about a few moments that impacted his life.

The first occurred in 1956 when his dad got a job at GM in Flint and his family moved from La Grange, Georgia. The move proved unsettling to young Pickard, who loved being down South. “There were many African-American businesses, and we celebrated our heritage,” he said.

It wasn’t like that in Flint, as Pickard felt out of place. He told me his grades suffered and he lost interest in school. He almost didn’t get into college.

“My mother, father and grandfather took me to Mott Community College and they weren’t going to let me in,” he said. His mom pleaded his case and he got in.

He worked hard and went on to obtain degrees from Western Michigan University, Ohio State and the University of Michigan.

Education remained a sweet spot for Pickard, who earned the nickname “Doc” as he taught business classes at Western Michigan University, University of Michigan, Wayne State University and other colleges. He had a doctorate from Ohio State University.

Another defining moment took place in 1963.

Pickard was working on a degree in social work at Western Michigan University. He heard Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was to speak at Albion College, so he and his pals piled into his 1948 Chevy and headed there to hear the civil rights leader.

“He asked us what we wanted to do with our lives,” Pickard said of their meeting. “I told him I wanted to become a social worker and also help the civil rights movement.”

King talked about the importance of working hard, being ready as more opportunities for people of color would hopefully come in the years ahead.

Pickard heeded those words. He would go on to become one of the first Black McDonald’s franchisees in 1971, with a store in Detroit. He would have eight more franchises and later run successful businesses in the auto and casino industries.

In recent years, his focused on philanthropy, much of it aimed at higher education.

One of the last questions I asked him when we last spoke was about the future of minority business in this electrified world order and how he saw it.

“We will see opportunities like we have never seen before. On the powering side, it will take companies like Consumers Energy and DTE to help these innovative minority firms by providing opportunities. That’s what happened decades ago when Ford, GM and (former Detroit Mayor) Coleman Young worked to make things happen in the auto industry.”

Pickard wrote two books about his life, “Millionaire Moves: Seven Proven Principles of Entrepreneurship,” and “Surviving the Shift: Seven Proven Millionaire Moves for Embracing Change and Building Wealth.”

He leaves behind a legacy of helping other Black entrepreneurs, making a difference and giving those who needed a little guidance a gentle nudge.

Take a bow, “Doc,” as you head home. Job well done!

Visitation is schedule for Friday, June 28, the funeral is scheduled for Saturday, June 29 and a tribute at the Charles H. Wright Museum has been scheduled Friday, June 28.

Condolences can be sent to the Pickard family at 2801 Clark St., Detroit, Mich., 48210.

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Contact Carol Cain: 248-355-7126 or clcain@cbs.com. She is senior producer/host of “Michigan Matters,” which airs 5:30 a.m. Sundays on CBS Detroit and noon Sundays on Detroit 50 WKBD. See Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel, Wayne County Executive Warren Evans and Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter on this Sunday’s show. “Michigan Matters” can also be found on those stations’ listings on FUBO, Pluto TV, Youtube.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: William Pickard’s legacy created opportunity for others to follow