WILLIAM REMINDER:
 




 
 
 
 
 
President and COO, Extang Corp. of Ann Arbor. Extang manufactures soft tonneaus (truck bed covers) for more than 30 percent of the North American market. Prior to joining Extang, Reminder was Vice President of Finance at Strategic Staffing Solutions. Reminder graduated from Eastern Michigan University and volunteers with the Detroit Executive Service Corp.


WHERE BORN: "Detroit."

MOST INFLUENTIAL PERSONS: "Believe it or not, Ronald Reagan. I'm 42 years old and Ronald Reagan was in office when I was in high school. I really remember to this day that his dream for America was really compelling to me. His belief in America being great had an impact on me and has helped me in my business decisions. The greatness we have before us requires us to do great things. He always inspired me."

LAST BOOK READ: "Just finished a Dean Koontz book."

WORDS THAT DESCRIBE ME: "I always use the words ‘smarter than the average bear.' I just get it. I'm a fast thinker. No-nonsense. I see things in black and white."

WHERE MY FIELD/INDUSTRY IS HEADED: "The industry I'm in, automotive aftermarket, is continuing to do wonderfully. There's a lot of spirit. It provides things you can buy for your vehicle after it leaves the factory. Lots of folks [in the field] will start out of their garage, then move to a bigger building. They make great products, all from American ingenuity. It's a great opportunity for anyone that wants to start a business."

FAVORITE TECHNOLOGICAL GADGET: "My Treo phone and my GPS in my car."

FAVORITE PLACE: "My home up north."

FAVORITE HOBBIES: "Landscaping and gardening."

FAVORITE FOOD: "If I had to pick one, probably Italian food."

MY HIDDEN TALENT: "I'm actually a nice guy at heart. I do a lot of volunteer work. People think you're all business, but I try to help people."

HOW I WANT TO BE REMEMBERED: "I can tell you with a little story. At Arlington National Cemetery, where JFK's grave is, down the path a bit is his brother Robert Kennedy. The only thing on his tombstone is his name, but that says it all. It's a statement. Just have your name say it all, in a good way. You could say I was outspoken but was kind at heart."

Grant Thornton Website At the annual awards reception in April 2014, one Leader & Innovator from the previous 12 months will be selected as the Grant Thornton Leader & Innovator of the Year.