Bridgewater would like to honor and recognize the excellence, leadership, and impact of one of our extraordinary founders and board members, Dr. William Pickard. He was truly an inspiring mogul, best known as being one of the first Black owners of McDonald’s franchises in 1971. Later in 1989, he founded Global Auto Alliance in 1989, and it went on to become one of the largest Black-owned automotive suppliers in the country.
In remembering his life and his outstanding contributions to Bridgewater and the world, our President and CEO, Ronald Hall, had this to share:
“Sadly, this week Bridgewater Interiors lost another of its founders. Dr. William F. Pickard, a giant of the Michigan business community for over 50 years, died peacefully at his home in Florida on Wednesday. Retrospectives on Bill’s career have begun to appear in the media, two of which are here: Crain’s Detroit and The Michigan Chronicle.
Many employees and other stakeholders around the company know of my late father’s role in founding and leading Bridgewater. Less well-known is the importance of Bill Pickard’s prior experiences in entrepreneurship and automotive manufacturing in shaping the company’s success. My dad frequently referred to Bill as his “best friend, and mentor in business,” and credited their relationship for much of the business success he accomplished.
“Dr. Pickard’s service to this company, and commitment to my family, continued after Ron, Sr.’s passing in 2016. He stepped into the chairmanship of our board of managers, and remained in that position until last year. He mentored me for over 20 years, first alongside my dad, and then after we lost him. He assisted me immeasurably in transitioning the business to a second generation of management and ownership. And, most importantly, he gave me a window into my father that only a lifelong friend, college schoolmate, fraternity brother, and long-term business partner can provide. I will miss him tremendously.
Bill was very proud of what we’re accomplishing at Bridgewater Interiors. Let’s draw strength from his long career of entrepreneurship, community service, and expanding the boundaries of equal opportunity in business, and continue to pay it forward. I know he’ll be watching.”
As reported by Crain’s Detroit: Pickard was born in 1941 in La Grange, Ga., and moved with his family to Flint when he was a child. There he attended Mott College before transferring to Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo in the early 1960s. He later earned a master’s degree from the University of Michigan and a doctorate from Ohio State University.
He’s most widely known for becoming one of the first Black owners of McDonald’s franchises in 1971, which grew to dozens of stores throughout the city. Pickard also founded Global Auto Alliance in 1989, which became one of the largest Black-owned automotive suppliers in the country, as well as Supply Chain Management.
Besides his large entrepreneurial shadow, Pickard was well known for his philanthropic efforts throughout Detroit. He donated millions of dollars to hundreds of organizations, individuals and community efforts. Among his contributions was a $3 million gift to Western Michigan University, which was used to build a residence hall in honor of Ronald E. Hall Sr., Dennis W. Archer and Pickard (Hall-Archer-Pickard West/East), who were college buddies there in the 1960s.
Pickard was named one of Crain’s 100 most connected businesspeople in metro Detroit.
Beyond philanthropy, Pickard served on numerous prestigious boards in the state, including Business Leaders for Michigan, Detroit Public Schools Foundation, National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame Foundation Inc., Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan and the Detroit Economic Club.
Pickard’s life was truly well-lived and the epitome of excellence. He will be greatly missed.
To continue reading more about his legendary leadership and life, click here.
(Photo Courtesy of The Family of Dr. William F. Pickard)