Jeremy Allen, Government EditorMichigan Chronicle
Dr. William “Invoice” Pickard – entrepreneur, philanthropist, schooling advocate, enterprise titan, mentor, and visionary – handed away peacefully Wednesday, June 12, at his West Palm Seashore, Fla. house, surrounded by household and family members.
Dr. Pickard’s daughter, Mary Pickard, issued the next assertion: “On behalf of the Pickard household, we prolong our heartfelt gratitude for the love and help throughout this tough time. Your kindness has offered immense consolation. We’re deeply touched by the recollections shared, which spotlight the affect my dad had on so many lives. Thanks for standing by us as we navigate our grief. We kindly ask for privateness to permit our household to heal. Funeral preparations shall be introduced quickly.”
Born within the modest confines of Georgia, Dr. Pickard’s youth was steeped within the values of arduous work and schooling. His household’s migration to Flint, Michigan, was a pivotal second that set the stage for his future successes. It was in Flint that Dr. Pickard started to forge his path, beginning with an affiliate’s diploma from Mott Faculty in 1962. His tutorial journey didn’t cease there; he earned a level in sociology from Western Michigan College in 1964, adopted by a grasp’s diploma in social work from the College of Michigan in 1965, and finally a Ph.D. from Ohio State College.
Dr. Pickard’s entrepreneurial spirit was ignited in 1971 when he bought his first McDonald’s franchise in Detroit. This preliminary enterprise was the cornerstone of a enterprise empire that might span a number of industries and affect communities throughout North America. By 1989, Dr. Pickard based the World Automotive Alliance (GAA) Manufacturing, a holding firm that generated over $5 billion in gross sales by means of its community of automotive components producers. His capacity to navigate and succeed within the aggressive world of enterprise was unparalleled, making him one of the crucial influential Black businessmen within the nation.
Nevertheless, Dr. Pickard’s legacy extends far past his enterprise achievements. His dedication to philanthropy and neighborhood service was equally exceptional. A proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Dr. Pickard was deeply invested within the upliftment of the Black neighborhood. His contributions to schooling had been huge and impactful, highlighted by his greater than $3 million donations to his alma mater, Western Michigan College, ensuing within the development of recent campus amenities named in his honor. Moreover, he donated greater than $2 million to Morehouse Faculty to help Black male college students from Detroit, Flint, and his birthplace, La Grange, Georgia.
Pickard, who co-owns Actual Instances Media and Michigan Chronicle, has generated greater than $5 billion {dollars} in gross sales by means of GAA, with eight crops within the U.S. and Canada, servicing Boeing, Mercedes Benz, Ford, Basic Motors, Delphi, Johnson Controls, Starbucks, The House Depot and Merck & Co. Prescribed drugs. Black Enterprise honored Dr. Pickard as one of many 50 most Influential Black Entrepreneurs over the previous 50 years.
Past that, Dr. Pickard has served on quite a few enterprise and non-profit boards together with Asset Acceptance Capital Company, Michigan Nationwide Financial institution, LaSalle Financial institution, Enterprise Leaders for Michigan, Nationwide City League, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Detroit Black Chamber of Commerce, the Board of Administrators of the Nationwide Park Basis, and is a lifetime member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.
In 2019, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer awarded Dr. Pickard “The Michigan Lifetime Humanitarian Award,” and he was awarded “Michiganian of the 12 months” for his exemplary enterprise success, civic management, and philanthropy.
He was the primary Chairman of the African Improvement Basis in 1982, appointed by President Ronal Reagan, and underneath President George H.W. Bush, he was appointed to The Nationwide Advisory Committee on Commerce Coverage Negotiations (1990) and the Federal House Mortgage Financial institution Board – Indianapolis Financial institution of Indiana (1991). In February 2021, he was appointed by the Commonwealth of the Bahamas because the first-ever honorary consul for the State of Michigan.
“The world has misplaced a real visionary and trailblazer with the passing of Dr. William F. Pickard. He was not solely my esteemed enterprise associate and colleague, however an expensive good friend whose knowledge, steerage, and unwavering perception in me modified the course of my life,” stated Hiram E. Jackson, Writer of Michigan Chronicle and CEO of Actual Instances Media.
“Dr. Pickard’s pioneering spirit, coupled together with his good thoughts and beneficiant coronary heart, left an indelible mark on the enterprise world and impressed numerous others to dream large. His legacy of entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and uplifting the Black neighborhood will endlessly be etched in historical past. I’m eternally grateful for the chance to have walked alongside this big amongst males. Whereas his bodily presence could also be gone, Dr. Pickard’s affect on me and so many others will reverberate for generations to come back. Relaxation in everlasting peace, my good friend and mentor.”
Born on Jan. 28, 1941, Dr. Pickard notably stated to the Clark Atlanta graduating class of 2017: “I’m from LaGrange, Georgia, a really small city, however I’ve a easy perception about life. Anyone from wherever can accomplish something. However you need to put the work in.”
That was Dr. Pickard’s spirit. That’s what made him particular.
Funeral preparations shall be forthcoming. The household has requested for privateness presently however needs to thank the neighborhood for his or her prayers and help.
Senior Reporter Ebony JJ Curry contributed to this report.
This text was initially revealed by the Michigan Chronicle
