{"id":21223,"date":"2021-07-05T03:41:21","date_gmt":"2021-07-05T08:41:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/myboysay.com\/blog\/?p=21223"},"modified":"2021-07-05T03:41:54","modified_gmt":"2021-07-05T08:41:54","slug":"vinnie-johnsons-piston-group-wins-court-battle-over-minority-designation-vinnie-johnson-is-a-great-man-a-great-owner-and-has-built-a-great-company-congratulations-sir-we-love-and-suppor","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/myboysay.com\/blog\/?p=21223","title":{"rendered":"Vinnie Johnson\u2019s Piston Group wins court battle over minority designation. VINNIE JOHNSON IS A GREAT MAN, A GREAT OWNER, AND HAS BUILT A GREAT COMPANY. CONGRATULATIONS SIR, WE LOVE AND SUPPORT MR. JOHNSON, AND THE PISTON GROUP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Vinnie Johnson\u2019s Piston Group wins court battle over minority designation<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n
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Vinnie Johnson’s Piston Group wins court battle over minority designation<\/span><\/strong><\/strong>\u00a0<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

DETROIT \u2013 Former Detroit Bad Boys great Vinnie Johnson is spending a lot of time in court these days.<\/strong><\/p>\n

His Piston Group Auto Supply company ran into trouble with the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council and it denied Johnson\u2019s companies their minority supplier designation.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Losing that designation could cost billions in lost business.<\/strong><\/p>\n

With this ruling, Judge David Groner, reinstated at least temporarily the Piston Group\u2019s minority designation.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Johnson and his lawyers asked for that injunction and received it. Rest assured there is a lot of drama here and this case is far from finished.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Johnson converted his legendary clutch play into a far more lucrative, second career, four companies under the Piston group doing roughly $3 billion a year, one of the nation\u2019s largest minority auto suppliers.<\/strong><\/p>\n

But the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council revoked Johnson\u2019s minority status last February claiming no minority management and adding Johnson does not manage his company\u2019s day-to-day operations.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Minority supplier council CEO Michelle Sourie Robinson says this is a simple case.<\/strong><\/p>\n

In a statement she said, \u201cThis is not about any one company or person. In an era where society is openly declaring its commitment to social, racial and economic diversity and inclusion, it is imperative that we all play by and not bend or break the rules established to ensure a fair shake for those who have been historically left out.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

Johnson\u2019s attorney Cinnamon Ploska disagrees that\u2019s what is at play here.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s offensive to suggest a narrative he\u2019s not managing these companies and he\u2019s not behind his brand doing everything necessary to grow these companies,\u201d said Ploska.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Instead she says Robinson had a personal problem with Johnson.<\/strong><\/p>\n

She claims Robinson wanted Johnson to fund her organization and got angry when he hired one of her staffers.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cIn addition to not donating $300,000 to MMSDC and supporting a golf outing, Johnson did hire an employee of MMSDC and that obviously agitated her,\u201d said Ploska.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Former MMSDC staffer Frank Ervin now runs the government relations department at Piston Group.<\/strong><\/p>\n

We Are Piston Group, VINNIE HAS BUILT A GREAT COMPANY.<\/h2>\n
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Corporate Leadership<\/strong><\/div>\n
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Who We Are<\/h6>\n

Building Value<\/h2>\n
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Piston Group wasn\u2019t just founded to make things. It was founded with a vision to make things better. And that begins with building better teams solely dedicated to achieving excellence at every level of execution through a combination of experience, expertise, and a deep seeded passion for what we do. Our companies consistently set the standard because our people consistently raise the bar.<\/strong><\/p>\n

We create solutions and breakthroughs. But at the end of the day, what we really create is value. And that has become the purpose that our entire Piston Group family lives and breathes every day \u2014 to not just build, but to build value.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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<\/a>Our Beginning<\/strong><\/div>\n
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Piston Group is a private investment platform founded by industry magnate and NBA champion Vinnie Johnson, to build value by creating, operating, and growing world-class manufacturing and design companies. With investments beginning in 1996 and a strong entrepreneurial culture, today\u2019s platform has grown to include Piston Automotive, Irvin Products, Detroit Thermal Systems, and AIREA.<\/strong><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Our People<\/strong><\/h6>\n
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Our Culture<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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We believe in creating the spark. We focus on igniting progress and charging forward to solve challenges and embrace opportunities.<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Diversity + Inclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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We depend on diversity in our planning, strategy, and processes. We understand, accept, and value differences because this is what leads to innovation. It all starts with diverse thinking. It all starts with our people.<\/strong><\/h5>\n
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Inclusion is the power of people, connected by a common purpose. At Piston Group we embrace inclusion as a means to connect inspired ideas from every individual within our extended employee, customer and supplier enterprise.<\/strong><\/h5>\n
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Leadership<\/strong><\/h6>\n

Leading with Energy<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Vinnie Johnson<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Founder, Chairman & CEO<\/i><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Gordon Fournier<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Chief Operating & Financial Officer
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Rob Fisher<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Group VP Marketing & Sales
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Frank Ervin<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Group VP Government Affairs
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Bob Holloway<\/strong><\/h4>\n

President<\/i><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Joe Finn<\/strong><\/h4>\n

President & CEO<\/i><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Melissa Price<\/strong><\/h4>\n

President<\/i><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Growth\"<\/strong><\/p>\n

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11<\/span>,000<\/span><\/strong><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Team Members<\/strong><\/h1>\n

Join Our Team<\/i><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Piston\u00a0Automotive wasn\u2019t just founded to make things. It was founded to make things better. And that begins with building better teams solely dedicated to achieving excellence at every level of execution through a combination of experience, expertise, and a deep seeded passion for what we do. Our assemblies consistently set the standard because our people consistently raise the bar.<\/strong><\/p>\n

As the world\u2019s largest Value Add Assembly supplier, we build world-class assemblies for America\u2019s top manufacturers, and have become a world-class center of assembly and manufacturing innovation. We create solutions and breakthroughs. But at the end of the day, what we really create is value. And that has become the purpose that our entire Piston Automotive family lives and breathes every day \u2014 to not just build, but to build value.<\/strong><\/p>\n

From the very beginning, we wanted to do something very special: quietly, consistently, and dependably deliver results for our clients. And then do whatever it takes to do a better job the next day through a proprietary combination of intellectual capital and elbow grease that is all our own.<\/strong><\/p>\n

What do we have to offer? Unparalleled process engineering capabilities. Outstanding creativity, ingenuity, efficiency, and technological expertise. An overachieving, hard-working, \u201cget it done\u201d mentality. An \u0003empowered, engaged workforce committed to helping each other get better at everything we do. Most importantly, the drive to generate continuous improvement in our processes and products \u2013 and create outstanding value for our clients.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Value. This is what we build.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Vinnie Johnson<\/strong><\/h1>\n
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Vinnie Johnson<\/strong><\/caption>\n
Personal information<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
Born<\/strong><\/th>\nSeptember 1, 1956 (age\u00a064)<\/span><\/strong>
\nBrooklyn, New York<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Nationality<\/strong><\/th>\nAmerican<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Listed height<\/strong><\/th>\n6\u00a0ft 2\u00a0in (1.88\u00a0m)<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Listed weight<\/strong><\/th>\n200\u00a0lb (91\u00a0kg)<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Career information<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
High school<\/strong><\/th>\nFranklin D. Roosevelt<\/a><\/strong>
\n(Brooklyn, New York)<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
College<\/strong><\/th>\n\n
NBA draft<\/a><\/strong><\/th>\n1979<\/a> \/ Round: 1 \/ Pick: 7th overall<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Selected by the Seattle SuperSonics<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Playing career<\/strong><\/th>\n1979\u20131992<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Position<\/strong><\/th>\nShooting guard<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Number<\/strong><\/th>\n15, 25<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Career history<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
1979<\/a>\u20131981<\/a><\/strong><\/th>\nSeattle SuperSonics<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1981<\/a>\u20131991<\/a><\/strong><\/th>\nDetroit Pistons<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1991\u20131992<\/a><\/strong><\/th>\nSan Antonio Spurs<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Career highlights and awards<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
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Career NBA statistics<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
Points<\/a><\/strong><\/th>\n11,825 (12.0 ppg)<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Assists<\/a><\/strong><\/th>\n3,212 (3.3 apg)<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Rebound<\/a><\/strong><\/th>\n3,109 (3.2 rpg)<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Stats<\/a>\u00a0\"Edit<\/a> at NBA.com<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Stats<\/a>\u00a0\"Edit<\/a> at Basketball-Reference.com<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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Vincent Johnson (born September 1, 1956), is an American former professional basketball<\/a> player and a key player as sixth man<\/a> for the Detroit Pistons<\/a> during the team’s National Basketball Association<\/a> (NBA) championships of 1989<\/a> and 1990<\/a>. He was nicknamed “the Microwave” in the NBA.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Personal life<\/span><\/h2>\n

Johnson grew up in Brooklyn, New York<\/a>, attending Franklin Delano Roosevelt High School<\/a>. Johnson has a younger brother, Eric Johnson<\/a>, who played a season in the NBA with the Utah Jazz<\/a>.<\/sup><\/strong><\/p>\n

Following his career with the Detroit Pistons, Johnson established Piston Automotive in 1995. The company found success as a supplier for major international automotive companies, particularly the Ford Motor Company<\/a> and General Motors<\/a>. Johnson serves as the Piston Group’s chairman<\/a> and chief executive officer. He has also served as the chairman of the Board of Directors for the joint ventures JL Automotive LLC and PASA Modules, LLC.[citation needed<\/span><\/a><\/i>]<\/sup><\/strong><\/p>\n

In addition to his post-playing career professional work, Johnson is a member of the Michigan Minority Business Development Council, and the Detroit Chamber of Commerce.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

NBA Star Risks Billions for Failing to Diversify Executive Ranks, “WHAT’S REALLY SUSPECT” IN THIS ARTICLE, IS THAT THEY’RE GOING AFTER THE OWNER OF THE COMPANY, WHO JUST HAPPENS TO BE AN AFRICAN AMERICAN!!!!!!!!!!<\/strong><\/h1>\n
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One of the biggest Black-owned auto suppliers in the U.S. is fighting to keep a minority designation that helped it thrive.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Vinnie Johnson<\/span><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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The Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council stripped Johnson\u2019s company, Piston Group LLC, of its \u201cminority\u201d status, a designation that gave him a foot in the door of global automakers, which award lucrative supply-chain contracts to companies that are owned by and hire people of color. <\/strong><\/p>\n

The MMSDC, as the nonprofit is known, decertified the Piston Group in February after a protracted fight over the racial makeup of its management team. The Piston Group hadn\u2019t replaced its outgoing chief financial officer, who is Asian, with a person of color, leaving its 11-person executive team devoid of any minorities, except Johnson, who is the chief executive and chairman, and its government affairs director, who is Black. The council argues Johnson is not involved in the day-to-day operations of the company, either, another requirement for certification.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Johnson disagrees\u00a0and in a lawsuit filed last month\u00a0counters\u00a0that the council has been arbitrary and opaque in its dealings with him.\u00a0 The MMSDC has used \u201cunfettered discretion and secrecy to wrongfully punish Piston Group and the Piston Companies due to a misunderstanding of Mr. Johnson\u2019s role or personal differences with him,\u2019\u2019 he argued in the suit. Johnson declined to comment.<\/strong><\/p>\n

On Monday, a judge approved the Piston Group\u2019s request for an injunction and temporary reinstatement of its minority certification while the case continues. The ruling found MMSDC had not provided enough evidence to support its claims beyond \u201cunspecified customer complaints,\u201d Judge David Groner of Michigan’s Third Judicial Circuit wrote in his decision Monday. He also added that the evidence favors Johnson\u2019s version of events.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cWe are delighted by the court\u2019s decision today,\u201d the Piston Group said in a statement Monday.\u00a0\u201cWe will continue efforts to vindicate Mr. Johnson.\u201d\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

The MMSDC didn\u2019t\u00a0immediately have a\u00a0comment on the ruling, but has previously said the lawsuit has no merit and that it requires all companies to meet the same basic criteria: at least 51% ownership by a minority, active minority management in day-to-day operations, and operational independence.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

The simmering conflict\u00a0has erupted into a debate over the nature, purpose and scope of minority set-aside programs, which were created to chip away at America\u2019s racial wealth gap.\u00a0Johnson advocates argue he\u2019s being penalized for success, and the certification standards need to be adjusted for a company the\u00a0size of his. Critics say he\u2019s undermining decades of work to create economic opportunity for racial minorities, and that he hasn\u2019t provided a path to the top\u00a0for them within his own company, either.\u00a0If he doesn\u2019t want to play by the rules, he should compete without his minority status, they say.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Vinnie Johnson during a 2014\u00a0event in Auburn Hills, Michigan, to\u00a0celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Detroit Pistons\u2019 first NBA championship.<\/strong><\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cIf companies do not want to follow those rules, then a decertification is relevant and appropriate,\u201d said William Bradford, dean emeritus at the University of Washington\u2019s Foster School of Business, who has researched minority-owned firms. At the same time, he warned against tightly prescribed criteria for growing companies, arguing their impact should be measured by\u00a0broader things like the diversity of their\u00a0labor force and suppliers, and even the generational wealth created for an entrepreneur\u2019s family. \u201cWe lose the real key outcomes we want when we try to focus on, say, \u2018You have to remain a Black business.\u2019\u201d\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

The MMSDC argues meeting the\u00a0requirements is crucial for the system to work. \u201cOur policies are not designed to create wealth for one, but to create wealth for many through employment and entrepreneurship,\u201d the organization said after the lawsuit was filed. \u201cThis is how generational wealth is realized in communities of color.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

At a time when corporations are under\u00a0pressure to show progress and transparency on racial equality \u2014 even President Joe Biden\u00a0has made procurement a key tool <\/a>in his racial equity agenda \u2014 the Piston Group\u2019s decertification could complicate\u00a0minority spending for powerhouse automakers like General Motors Co., Ford Motor Co. and Jeep owner Stellantis NV.\u00a0 In 2019, GM, Ford and Stellantis spent an average of $7.5\u00a0billion each with diverse suppliers, which include\u00a0businesses owned by women, veterans,\u00a0disabled people, LGBTQ persons\u00a0and, for Ford, small enterprises.\u00a0GM spent 28% of of its minority spend with Black-owned firms that year;\u00a0Ford and Stellantis didn\u2019t disclose that detail.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Big Auto’s Minority Spending<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Detroit automakers’ annual spend with diverse suppliers<\/strong><\/p>\n