A packed crowd of Albany State University students, faculty, staff and community residents listen and take copious notes as veteran entrepreneur and investor, Dr. William F. Pickard shares advice about how to achieve business success. 

Pickard is the chairman and chief executive officer of Global Automotive Alliance and VITEC, a leading manufacturer and supplier of fuel delivery and fluid carrying systems based in Detroit. For its success as the third largest minority-owned automotive supplier in Detroit, Global Automotive Alliance was featured as a 2008 Black Enterprise “Top 100” company.

The LaGrange, Ga. native has owned multiple McDonald’s restaurant franchises and was chief executive officer of Regal Plastics Company, a manufacturer of plastic parts for automotive and other industries.

“It was such an honor and a privilege to host Dr. Pickard at Albany State University. His wealth of knowledge was appreciated and valued by all those in attendance,” said ASU interim Vice President of Institutional Advancement, Dr. Chanta M. Haywood.

Pickard’s day began with a lively business roundtable with Albany entrepreneurs as guests. “I just love small black businesses because they are people who serve our community,” Pickard said.  He recounted the history of Black Wall Street in the 1920’s and shared stories about successful African American business owners. During a session geared for students, Pickard explained the “seven principles of entrepreneurship” which are vision and attitude, opportunity, talent and knowhow, relationships, finance, failure and faith. He shared personal stories about success and failure. 

“Failure is built into life. It’s never fatal and success is never final,” said Pickard. “There is nothing that you can’t do if you resolve to do it. There is always a way,” he declared.

Pickard also highlighted the importance of globalization.

“Overall, the session was eye opening,” said David Lawrence, Jr., a senior Albany, Ga., native majoring in marketing and supply chain logistics management. “I think I can speak for a lot of students when I say Dr. Pickard was truly an exceptional speaker.”

The Marching Rams Show Band played tunes for the ASU guest after a campus tour. Pickard later met with ASU interim President Dr. Art Dunning.