Named Michigan's Entrepreneur of the Year, Richard Crawford has spent his career recognizing and creating value in the business world. Through over 40 years of entrepreneurial experience in starting, acquiring and operating successful businesses in diverse industries, Crawford has perfected a tested model for making the right investment decisions with the right people at the right time to create value for everyone involved.

Crawford's story is remarkable and uniquely American. After launching two successful startup businesses in 1967 while still a student the University of Michigan, he soon ventured into real estate and then later to business turnarounds, manufacturing, construction, and high tech industries, building what is now a respected multi-million dollar company recognized locally, nationally, and globally.

A true "jack of all trades," Crawford has served as a consultant to businesses and governments and has been a licensed builder and construction contractor for decades. He has built several thousand single and multi-family homes and numerous industrial, retail and office buildings.

Crawford has also owned one of the Midwest's largest structural steel contractors, one of Michigan and Florida's largest commercial landscape contractors, and Arizona's largest highway contractor. In 1988, he acquired his first manufacturing business and soon thereafter added 13 more manufacturers, growing revenues from $4.5 million to $650 million before selling the group of companies to an industry consolidator.

Crawford has received numerous accolades from his peers. He was named Michigan's Entrepreneur of the Year in 1995 and has twice been recognized by the Michigan Legislature for his accomplishments.