Recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the National Science Foundation show a significant increase in Black or African American-owned firms. From 2017 to 2021, the number of these businesses grew by 30%, from 124,004 to 161,031. In the same period, their gross revenue jumped by 43%, rising from $127.9 billion to $183.3 billion, indicating a substantial economic expansion and the emergence of large Black-owned companies in the U.S. marketplace.
1. Coca-Cola Beverages Florida
Coca-Cola Beverages Florida, LLC (Coke Florida) stands out as a prominent family-owned Coca-Cola bottler.
Founded in 2015 and based in Tampa, Florida, the company has quickly ascended to notable heights within the industry.
A Major Player in Beverage Bottling
It holds the distinction of being the third largest privately held and the sixth largest Coca-Cola bottler in the United States.
Moreover, it is recognized as one of the largest Black-owned businesses nationwide and the largest minority-owned business in Florida.
Serving Millions
Coke Florida’s operations span an exclusive territory that serves over 21 million consumers across 47 counties, including key metropolitan areas such as Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando, and Tampa.
Inside Coke Florida’s Diverse Portfolio
The company’s portfolio is extensive, manufacturing, selling, distributing, and merchandising over 600 products from The Coca-Cola Company and other partner companies, including Monster Energy.
With more than 5,000 associates, Coke Florida is a significant employer in the region, playing a vital role in both the local economy and the broader beverage industry.
2. World Wide Technology
David Steward’s journey to founding World Wide Technology (WWT) in 1990 is a story of ambition and exponential growth.
From its modest beginnings with just a few employees and a 4,000-square-foot office, WWT has expanded into a global powerhouse.
WWT’s Remarkable Growth
Today, the company boasts over 7,000 employees and more than 4 million square feet of space dedicated to warehousing, distribution, and integration. This impressive expansion has positioned WWT as the largest Black-owned company in the U.S., according to its own accounts.
Ranked 10th on CRN’s 2022 Solution Provider 500 list, WWT’s rise reflects its significant impact on the tech industry.
Steward’s Journey from Substitute to CEO
Steward’s educational foundation—a bachelor’s degree in business management from Central Missouri State University—was just the beginning of his varied career path.
After college, he relocated to St. Louis with minimal belongings and initially worked as a substitute teacher while living with his sister.
The Diverse Career of a Tech Visionary
Steward’s professional journey took him through multiple industries, including executive and marketing roles at the Boy Scouts of America, Wagner Electric Corp., Missouri Pacific Railroad Co., and Federal Express.
These experiences paved the way for his ultimate venture into starting WWT, which has grown into a multi-billion-dollar enterprise under his leadership.
3. Thompson Hospitality
Thompson Hospitality stands as the nation’s largest minority-owned food service provider and ranks among the top retail food and facilities management companies.
Founded on the solid bedrock of family values and sustained through over three decades of fostering client, customer, and community relationships, Thompson Hospitality thrives as a family-operated enterprise.
Early Entrepreneurial Spirit
From his early teenage years, Thompson Hospitality’s founder Warren Thompson showed a remarkable sense of purpose and entrepreneurial drive. Beginning at age 14 with a grass-cutting business and quickly progressing to selling produce from a school bus the following year, Warren demonstrated an early knack for business.
His first significant venture was at 16, when he conducted his first leveraged buyout by purchasing his family’s hog business from his father.
Thompson’s Pioneering Spirit
Post-graduation, Warren started his professional journey with Marriott Corporation as an Assistant Manager at a Roy Rogers unit.
After nine years with Marriott, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish Thompson Hospitality in 1992, starting with a $100,000 personal investment.
Expanding Horizons in Food Service
Warren’s ambitions didn’t stop there—in 1997, he expanded into contract food service by forming Thompson Hospitality Services, LLC through a strategic partnership with Compass Group.
Today, Warren Thompson is recognized as a leader of the nation’s largest minority-owned food and facilities management company.
4. Bridgewater Interiors
Founded in 1998, Bridgewater Interiors started as a joint venture between Detroit’s Epsilon Technologies and Johnson Controls, Inc. (NYSE: JCI), focusing on manufacturing automotive seating systems for General Motors Corporation.
This strategic partnership marked the company’s commitment to innovation in automotive supply.
Hall’s Vision for Corporate Leadership
Ronald E. Hall, Sr., equipped with extensive experience in corporate management, entrepreneurship, and economic development, including a notable leadership period at the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council, was chosen as President and CEO to steer Bridgewater Interiors.
How Bridgewater Changed the Game
Bridgewater swiftly carved out its niche in the automotive supplier industry.
Its initial contract with GM, lasting five years, was unprecedented—it was the largest contract ever awarded to a racial minority-owned business by an automaker, setting a new industry standard.
A First for Black-Owned Firms in Education
In 2015, Bridgewater Interiors set a notable precedent by becoming the first Black-owned firm to endow a full academic scholarship at the University of Michigan.
This landmark contribution underscored the company’s commitment to education and its dedication to fostering future generations of talent.
Bridgewater’s Growth Story
Today, Bridgewater operates as a joint venture between Epsilon and Adient plc (NYSE: ADNT), having significantly expanded its operations. From a single Detroit facility with 133 employees, it now runs four facilities across two U.S. states, employing 2,400 individuals.
Expanding Influence in the Auto World
The company’s customer base has grown from one to four major automakers—GM, Honda Manufacturing of America, Ford Motor Company, and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.
This expansion supports production for 11 different vehicle models, highlighting Bridgewater’s significant growth and its influential role in the automotive industry.
5. Modular Assembly Innovations
Mr. Vickers began his business career as the plant superintendent at Ironton Castings in Ironton, Ohio, where he oversaw manufacturing operations, quality control, and the introduction of new products, including the successful launch of the Ford I-Beam suspension program.
His entrepreneurial spirit led him to a significant milestone in 2011 when he founded Modular Assembly Innovations, LLC.
Becoming a Major Player in Auto Manufacturing
This venture involved buying out TAG Holdings’ interest in GLA, GSA, and IA, subsequently becoming the majority owner of these three joint ventures with MEI, a Honda-owned company.
How MAI Leads With Quality
Modular Assembly Innovations (MAI) stands as a paragon in the automotive manufacturing sector, renowned for delivering world-class solutions alongside exceptional customer service.
Small Team, Big Revenue
Located in Dublin, Ohio, MAI operates with a lean team of 350 employees yet impressively generates $1.04 billion in annual revenue.
A Leader in Auto Parts Supply
As a provider of automotive manufacturing solutions, MAI specializes in supplying auto parts to companies nationwide, demonstrating a robust capacity for high-quality production and efficient service despite its relatively small workforce.
This combination of high revenue generation and acclaimed customer satisfaction underscores MAI’s status as an award-winning leader in its field.
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Kate Smith, a self-proclaimed word nerd who relishes the power of language to inform, entertain, and inspire. Kate's passion for sharing knowledge and sparking meaningful conversations fuels her every word.