10 Within 10 Recognition
Lorron James '08
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City and state: Detroit, MI
Job title and employer: Vice president of James Group International, a supply-chain management firm, and president of two of the company’s subsidiaries
Lorron joined his family business, James Group International, in 2007, shifting into a business development role and reaching customers outside of the automotive industry. The business grew from $23 million to $110 million. Today, Lorron is vice president of business affairs. He also has served as president of the Intermediate Council at the Detroit Athletic Club and is on the Michigan High School/College Athlete of the Year Selection Committee. Lorron is a part of Riviere XXVIII, an extension of the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, and also serves on the DMC Children’s Hospital Leaders for Kids board.
What is the best resource young people have to contribute to the world?
“Their youth! It’s up to young people to refine the rules as the world changes.”
What motivates you?
“I consider myself a spiritual person, so pleasing God is probably the No. 1 thing. My mother motivates me to go above and beyond to keep our family together. My father motivates me to carry on his professional legacy of over 44 years.”
What is your proudest achievement so far?
“When Detroit emerged from bankruptcy and control returned back to the mayor and city council, Gov. Snyder appointed three people to serve on a financial review commission to approve all city contracts over $750K and to oversee how Detroit spends its money for the next several years. I was honored when I got the call to serve on that board.”
What is the best piece of advice you have received?
“"Overprepare, then go with the flow.’”
Why is it important for you to stay connected to CMU?
“Because CMU has made great efforts to stay connected with me. That’s a quality of a good friend!”
10 years of 10 within 10 - 2023 update
Current city and state: Bloomfield Hills, MI
Current job title and employer: CEO at James Group, Inc.
What is happening in your life today that you didn't expect when you were named one of the 10 within 10?
CURRENT professional/community involvement:
- St. Jude’s Gala, Chairman
- Detroit Athletic Club- Board of Directors
- YPO Southern 7 & Scottsdale Chapter
- Grand Rapids Gold Basketball Team- Part Owner (Denver Nuggets G-League Organization)
- Children's Foundation Board of Directors
- Dean’s Council, W.P. Carey School of Business (Arizona State Univ.)
- The Detroit Sessions
- Battier, Take Charge Foundation
PAST Professional/Community Involvement:
- Detroit Regional Chamber Board of Directors
- Detroit Wayne County Port Authority, Chairman- Mayoral Appointment Detroit Riverfront Conservancy Board
- Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council (MMSDC)
- Southern Regional Minority Supplier Development Council
- National Business League
- Leadership Detroit XXXI
- Financial Review Commission Board- Gubernatorial Appointment
- Leaders for Kids (Children's Foundation Advisory Board)
- United Way Cabinet
- Emerging Philanthropists
- Boys & Girls Club of Southeast Michigan Board
- Founders Junior Council (FJC)
- Henry & Clara Ford Estate Planning Committee
Past Awards/Recognition
- Sun Devil 100 (2023)
- W.P. Carey Hall of Fame, Arizona St. Univ (2022)
- Crain’s 40 under 40 (2022)
- EY Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist (2021)
- Michigan Chronicle Men of Excellence (2017)
- Central Michigan 10 Within 10 (2015)
- dBusiness 30 in their 30’s (2015)
- Elite 40 Oakland County Executive Award (2014)
- Minority Business Enterprise Rising Star (2012)
- Frontpage Detroit.com 40 (2012)
- RainbowPUSH, Emerging Leader Award (2011)
- Crain’s 20 in their 20’s (2011)
When you think of CMU today, what word comes to mind?
Community. I have best friends whom I was lucky enough to meet while I was at CMU and after I graduated. These people are a part of my family, and I will always be grateful for CMU being one of those things that brought us together.