Dr. Sid E. Taylor

United States Marine, Vietnam Combat Veteran & Visionary Business Leader

Sid E. Taylor, a proud United States Marine and Vietnam combat veteran, boasts a remarkable 48-year journey in the automotive industry. His leadership legacy began with a 22-year tenure at General Motors, ultimately culminating in the founding of SET Enterprises, Inc. in 1989.

Under his guidance, SET Enterprises flourished into the 8th largest African American–owned company in the U.S., surpassing $500 million in revenue. The company became a powerhouse in metal processing services, expanding to six facilities across four states—North America—with an impressive roster of clients including Ford Motor Company, Chrysler, General Motors, Honda, Nissan, and FCA. This growth followed strategic acquisitions: Noble Metal Forming and Noble Metal Processing–Midwest in 2001, and Michigan Steel Processing in 2003.

    SET Enterprises also maintained an unwavering commitment to excellence—earning Ford’s Q1 status, ISO 9002, QS 9000, and TS 16949 certifications, Ford’s World Excellence Award, and DaimlerChrysler Gold Awards in 2001, 2002, and 2004.

    Honors & Awards

    Mr. Taylor’s leadership has been celebrated with numerous prestigious awards:

    * 1997 Supplier of the Year (Category III) – MMSDC
    * 2001 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year (Manufacturing – Michigan)
    * 2007 Chrysler Supplier of the Year
    * 2009 General Lucius Theus Award of Excellence – Tuskegee Airmen (Highest Honor)
    * 2009 Vetrepreneur of the Year – National Veterans Association
    * 2011 Global World Excellence Award – Ford Motor Company
    * 2011 Diamond Award – MMSDC
    * 2012 President’s Award – MMSDC
    * 2012 Men of Excellence (Community Commitment) – Michigan Chronicle
    * 2013 Impact Award for Community Service – DTE Energy
    * 2014 Spirit of Detroit Award – Detroit City Council
    * 2014 Ranked 10th Largest African American Business in America – Black Enterprise BE100s

    He was also recognized as one of Crain’s Detroit notable veterans, highlighting his dual legacy in military service and business leadership.

    Community & Civic Leadership

    Sid Taylor’s commitment extends beyond business into influential civic engagement. He contributes as a board member to:

    * Detroit Police Chief’s Public Safety Committee
    * President Obama’s My Brother’s Keeper Steering Committee
    * Tougaloo College (Canton, MS)
    * National Veterans Business Development Council (NVBDC)
    * National Veterans Association
    * Michigan Minority Business Development Council
    * Jackson State University

    A former Chairman of the National Association of Black Automotive Suppliers (NABAS), he has also served as District Manager for the Boy Scouts of America and currently oversees the Finance Committee at Hope United Methodist Church.

    Education & Honors

    Mr. Taylor holds an Honorary Doctorate from Madonna University. His educational journey includes studies in business management at General Motors Institute (GMI); business administration at the University of Detroit; and executive management programs at Dartmouth College, Northwestern University, the University of Pittsburgh, and the University of Wisconsin.