Tom Gores

After college, Gores had a short stint at Continental Telephone before helping found a lumber-logistics software firm (Ventech). In 1989, Tom and his wife drove from Michigan to Los Angeles in a used Cadillac to run the firm's West Coast operations.[5][8] In 1995, Gores founded Platinum Equity in his home in Sherman Oaks. At the outset, Gores cold-called businesses to see if they had any divisions they were looking to offload. He found his first project with Litigation Services, Inc. (LSI), a then unprofitable firm that created computer-generated re-creations of accidents for courtroom evidence and testimony. He acquired it for $200,000, reorganized some of the corporate structure, and had returned it to profitability within six months. Between 1996 and 2001, Gores led 32 acquisitions, including those of Pilot Software, Racal, and Williams Communications.[5][8] By the following year, Platinum Equity's portfolio included units of Motorola, Fujitsu, and Alcatel.[9]

Gores was first listed on the Forbes 400 list of the wealthiest Americans in 2002.[9] In 2006, he led a deal to acquire PNA Steel, ultimately selling it to Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co. in 2008 for a net profit of $512 million. In May 2009, Gores purchased The San Diego Union-Tribune for an estimated $30 million[5] (the newspaper was sold in 2011 for $110 million).[10] By 2009, Gores had facilitated in excess of 100 deals through Platinum Equity.[5]

Gores had shown interest in purchasing and was one of the front runners to become the owner of the NBA's Detroit Pistons after the death of long-time owner, Bill Davidson, in 2009. In October 2010, it was reported that then-Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Tigers owner, Mike Ilitch, would purchase Detroit's NBA franchise.[11][12] But, after Ilitch's exclusive 30-day negotiating period with Davidson's widow (Karen) ended, Gores showed renewed interest.[4] He secured an exclusive negotiating period of his own in January 2011 and was presumed to become the next owner of the Pistons.[13]

On June 1, 2011, Gores and Platinum Equity bought Palace Sports and Entertainment (PS&E) (the parent company of the Pistons and their former arena, The Palace of Auburn Hills) becoming the third owner in the franchise's 70-year history.[4][6] The purchase price of $325 million was referred to as a "shocking bargain" by Crain's Detroit Business, although, in January 2011, Forbes had valued it at only $35 million more than eventual purchase price.[14] Early in his tenure as owner, Gores approved $10-million worth of renovations to the Palace of Auburn Hills.[15] He also instituted programs like "Seats for Soldiers"—which provides free tickets for PS&E events to U.S. military members and their families—[16] and "Come Together"—a program celebrating community service, leadership, and volunteerism throughout Michigan.[17]

In September 2015, Gores purchased Platinum Equity's stake in the Pistons to become the franchise's sole owner. He had previously held a 51% stake while Platinum held 49%.[18] Gores has played an integral role of supporting the Detroit Pistons and is known for his personal connection with the players. Most recently, he hosted the team at the Platinum Equity headquarters to motivate and “impart his experiences in life and in business”.[19]

In April 2016, Gores and Cleveland Cavaliers owner, Dan Gilbert, announced their intention to bring a Major League Soccer franchise to Detroit,[20][21] although that deal is currently in limbo as the MLS considers multiple expansion options.[22]

Later in 2016, Gores reached an agreement with the Ilitches (who own Olympia Entertainment and the Detroit Red Wings and Tigers) to allow the Pistons to share the new Little Caesars Arena in downtown Detroit with the Red Wings.[23] The deal went into effect at the beginning of the 2017 season and marked the first time the Pistons regularly played in the city of Detroit proper since 1978.[24] Gores and the Ilitches entered into another joint venture with their businesses (PS&E and Olympia Entertainment) called "313 Presents." The new business schedules shows and handles production, marketing, and media for the six Detroit-area venues owned between the two companies.[25]

As of February 2018, the Pistons were valued at $1.1 billion, a gain of $775 million since Gores' purchase in 2011.[26] In June 2018, Gores hired former Toronto Raptors head coach and the reigning NBA Coach of the Year, Dwane Casey.[27] Outside of sports, he has also acquired numerous properties usually in the Los Angeles area,[28] including 301 North Carolwood Drive in Holmby Hills.[29][30]