Vinnie Johnson is a native of Brooklyn, New York. He attended Baylor University and completed a distinguished college basketball career in 1979. Mr. Johnson was the 7th overall selection in the National Basketball Association player draft by Seattle. After two successful seasons with the Supersonics he was traded to the Detroit Pistons. Mr. Johnson's career with the Detroit Pistons was outstanding. He played a key role in driving the Detroit Pistons to consecutive NBA championships in 1989 and 1990. His distinguished career with the Detroit Pistons culminated in the retirement of his "15" jersey number honoring his years o excellence and commitment.

Upon retirement Mr. Johnson entered the automotive industry. He made a commitment to create a successful automotive company in Detroit's inner city. In 1995 he established Piston Automotive in the heart of the Detroit Empowerment Zone to create job opportunities and improve the community. Mr. Johnson is President and CEO. Starting with fewer than 15 employees in 1995 it is now a successful assembly and sequencing company employing close to 200. The future is bright for Piston Automotive. The company continues to develop its workforce and continuously improve. QS9000 was passed and certification awarded in June of 2000.

Piston Automotive formed JL Automotive, a strong joint venture company in partnership with Lear Corporation in April 2000. JL Automotive supplies interior module assembly and sequencing services. This will create over 100 more jobs in the inner city. Two new joint ventures with key Tier 1 system suppliers are planned for Summer 2000. This will provide further opportunities.