An Automotive Journey

Recently, a conversation with a friend sparked a journey down memory lane, particularly reflecting on my path into the auto industry and its current state. This friend reached out seeking guidance on career decisions, and as we spoke, I couldn't help but notice the resemblances between our paths. Both having ventured to Michigan with aspirations of making our mark in the auto industry. This exchange prompted a moment of reflection on my own trajectory since stepping into the automotive world back in 1999.

My journey into the automotive industry began with a move to Michigan, driven not only by the state's position in the automotive sector but also due to it being the home of Kettering University (GMI). More precisely, GMI's presence in Michigan was a testament to the auto industry's roots there. And the reason for choosing GMI? It was known as the alma mater of some of GM's top executives. In a time when AOL dial-up was the norm, I departed from my small town, fueled by ambition but with minimal understanding of the place I was about to make my new home.

Arriving in Flint at 18 years old, I found a city stricken by poverty. One of the things I never asked myself as a young man was, "Where are all the cars? This is the Vehicle City. Why is it called the Vehicle City when all I see are empty production facilities?" Regardless, I fell in love with the city's resilience and spirit. But it still bothers me to this day why I didn't ask more questions about the history of Flint, the reason there were no longer factories there, and how a university established to produce the next wave of automotive talent could be all that's left.

My professional journey began with a Co-op position at 福特 and eventually a tenure at Chrysler now Stellantis , I never made it to 通用汽车 , the original goal I had when moving to Michigan. During this period, I experienced the automotive bankruptcies of 2008 and witnessed the resurgence of electric vehicles in the industry. The era of bankruptcy was certainly an interesting phase in my career. Chrysler ended up being sold to Fiat due to a perceived lack of small car technology, a rationale that still confuses me whenever I reflect on it. Despite Chrysler having legacy products like the Omni, which demonstrated its capability in producing small cars, the decision was made to usher Chrysler off to Fiat. What's more fascinating is that most domestic auto manufacturers have since shifted their focus away from almost all car product lines, concentrating instead on trucks and SUVs. The landscape has dramatically changed since 2008.

In my opinion, a prerequisite for anyone planning to enter the automotive industry should be to watch the documentary Roger & Me. For those of you who have never seen the movie, it documents how General Motors pulled most of its operations from Flint in the '80s, seeking lower-cost labor in Mexico. Flint went from being one of the richest cities in the United States in the '50s and '60s to now being one of the poorest. It is sad to witness history seemingly repeating itself. Observing friends and former colleagues being laid off now recalls the harsh lessons learned from Flint. Jobs are being transferred to low-cost countries, with the notable difference now being that the white-collar workforce is affected.

Again reflecting on the conversation I had with my friend, I couldn't help but wonder if the automotive industry we both moved here for no longer exists.? I recently learned that California now offers more high-paying jobs in the automotive sector than Michigan does. This realization leaves those of us who came here dreaming of revolutionizing the automotive world questioning our place within the industry and the state.

For me, my path has shifted towards entrepreneurship. I am hopeful about still making my mark on the industry and our state. It may not be about preserving the industry in its traditional form but rather about adapting to and thriving with it, seizing new challenges and opportunities. I urge this generation to learn from history and consider it might be time to rethink our approach to conducting business. Perhaps it's time to reconsider the justification for $20 million per year salaries for CEOs while jobs continue to leave the US. We might also do well to show more kindness to those who have dedicated their lives to an industry that has not reciprocated their loyalty. I am optimistic that those arriving in Michigan now will be equipped with historical knowledge and can positively influence the direction of this industry.