Savoy

Don Tinsley, Jr. is the epitome of a “hands on” CEO. He has a signature “roll up your sleeves” attitude, tireless work ethic and vision for growing his company in spite of Detroit’s economic downturn. Rochester Hills, Michigan based Acord Products is a cut and sew, injection molding, automotive interior manufacturer. As CEO, Tinsley has consolidated facilities, diversified the business and maintained the support of Boston based partners, Sankaty Advisors (a Bain Capital company).

Faced with dwindling orders from his largest clients, Tinsley made a critical and successful decision to diversify Acord’s manufacturing capabilities into the consumer electronics accessories business. In January of 2009, Tinsley negotiated an exclusive manufacturing agreement with fellow Rochester based business, Riot Outfitters, LLC to manufacture iPhone, iPod, MP3, mobile phone, netbook cases and accessories with global distribution. Within four months of the deal, Riot Outfitters landed six iPod cases in electronic retail giant Best Buy, both nationwide and on BestBuy.com. Acord continues to power Riot Outfitters’ growth and distribution. In April 2010, the brand will expand to 36 items in Best Buy stores, online and adding two new national retail chains to their distribution network.

While the landscape of Detroit based businesses impacted by the troubled auto industry seems unsure, Acord has broadened their scope, created stability and new revenue by expanding beyond their automotive roots. Riot Outfitters and Acord view their partnership as their contribution toward stimulating the economy by manufacturing domestically. “With the prevalence of off shore companies manufacturing products outside the U.S., we are committed to doing everything we can to assist our country’s economic crisis by making sure our products are designed and manufactured in North America,” said Tinsley.

Tinsley has entrepreneurship, Detroit and the automotive industry in his blood. As a Metro Detroit resident, Tinsley has seen challenging times before. Tinsley continues to build a successful career as an entrepreneur and executive within the automotive manufacturing industry. His father, Don Tinsley, Sr., retired from a career of over 50 years in the auto industry and was among the first black automobile dealers in the country. Tinsley grew up watching his father fight to keep minority automotive dealers in business through his work with the National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers. Tinsley is proudly following in his father’s trailblazing footsteps, becoming the first U.S. based African American manufacturer of electronic accessories with global distribution.

For more information about Riot Outfitters products visit www.riotoutfitters.com.