Throughout most of his adult life, Sean Wilson has had a special connection to Detroit’s big events such as the Detroit Jazz Festival, North American International Detroit Auto Show, Detroit Grand Prix, and America’s Thanksgiving Parade. I have felt it. In these cases, Wilson’s public relations and marketing expertise helped make each luxury event a huge success.
But the Detroit businessman says he also experiences moments of immense pride while spending time virtually anywhere in his city, state or country. And those feelings are coupled with a true sense of patriotism that comes from Wilson’s eight years of service to his country in the U.S. Marine Corps, including participation in Operation Desert Storm.
Considering what Wilson, 54, has accomplished after serving his country, it’s no surprise that he’s looking forward to Veterans Day. And you can’t deny that there’s a proud tone in his voice when he speaks on this subject.
“Veterans Day is huge,” said Wilson, founder and managing partner of Cadence LLC. Cadence LLC, headquartered in Detroit, is a veteran-owned small business specializing in public relations, strategic communications, marketing, and business development. “For me, Veterans Day is a reaffirmation of the warrior bond I have built with the men and women who served alongside me, some of whom, frankly, were not successful. On Soldiers’ Day, we honor their contributions to our country, but I also want to celebrate and embrace our brothers and sisters who are still with us.”
On Tuesday afternoon, Wilson spoke at a coffee shop on Wayne State University’s campus. A little earlier in the day, he spent time with client Chris Collins, president and artistic director of the Detroit Jazz Festival Foundation, and the two worked together to learn more about the Hillberry Theater, which is being renovated to create Gretchen C. Hall. We toured the space on campus. Valade Jazz Center. Scheduled for completion in 2024, the center will host a number of high-profile jazz concerts and serve as an educational hub for Wayne State University’s jazz music students and faculty.
Wilson was at Wayne State University on Tuesday, visiting the modernized campus where she began studying the subject that had intrigued her since she was a teenager in 1992. That’s what Wilson calls “good PR.” And he began learning the field as he began his transformation into a full-fledged Detroiter.
“Most people tend to fall into PR, but I’ve been interested in public relations and the power of good PR since high school,” said Scott, who graduated from Albion High School in 1987 and attended Wayne State University after four years. Wilson said. He is on active duty in the Marine Corps. “I graduated from his PR department at Wayne State University and have worked in PR and marketing for most of my career, and I feel blessed to have been able to do that.”
When Wilson arrived at Wayne State University, he said he was “driven by a sense of purpose” due to his experience in the Marine Corps. Once he became part of the campus scene, Wilson was introduced to Michelle Vernon-Chesley, then director of the Wayne State University Institute for Minority Journalism (now the Institute for Media Diversity Journalism), who helped him earn a scholarship. I ended up acquiring it. That paid for his education. Mr. Wilson also had the opportunity to demonstrate his leadership skills as president of the American Chapter of the Wayne State University Public Relations Student Association. But with all of this happening to him, Wilson will need a ton of connections to succeed in his chosen industry as a professional. And for help in that area, Wilson says he didn’t have to look any further than the city of Detroit.
“The first thing I noticed about Detroit was how beautiful the people were,” Wilson said. His wife, Crystal, is the assistant superintendent for the Detroit Public Schools Community District. “No matter the challenges people faced or the weight of life, everyone was strong, resilient, and helpful. In many cases, people opened doors for me, but I didn’t have to, but I should have. I’ll always be grateful for the people and community of Detroit.
“And in business, we were able to take advantage of the black business ecosystem that Detroit has always had. Black Enterprise[magazine]lists the top black businesses in the country, and they are among the first 10 to 20. If you remember when the company was a Detroit-based company. I asked you to open the door.”
These opportunities Wilson mentioned were: William Pickard, Roy Roberts, Ray Eisbrenner, John Bailey, Dave Bing, Vinnie Johnson, Mark Perry, and Gerald Smith. , said it was made possible by the support of a diverse group of mentors and supporters, including Sam Logan. , John Barfield and others, Wilson was able to hold senior executive positions at multiple companies before founding Cadence in 2018. But over tea Tuesday, Wilson will use the opportunity he’s been given to give Detroit’s youth access to his signature event in a little-known and meaningful way.
“Think about the auto show, which is a highlight here in Detroit. And think about 300 to 400 preschoolers and their parents having access to these exhibits before the show even opens.” Mr. Wilson also demonstrates his commitment to the Detroit community by serving on the boards of several nonprofit organizations that enrich the Detroit area. Includes Cranbrook Institute of Science, Detroit Public Television, Mariner’s Inn, Music Hall Performing Arts Center, and Sphinx Organization. “When we did this, we could only see the eyes. And we realized that opening children’s eyes is the key to them exploring other opportunities. I know. I have participated in educational programs built around Grand Prix, as well as Parade Company. Being able to participate in those experiences and really contribute to the community and the children was a great experience for me. It was a big deal for me.”
While Wilson said he still respects the Detroit business legends with whom he shared their wisdom, he confessed Tuesday that he believes he has earned enough recognition in his profession. This means Mr. Wilson will have more choice over the projects his company takes on in the future.
“I serve clients, and they receive the Marine-like services we provide,” Wilson explained. He combines his love of Detroit and jazz through the services he provides at the Detroit Jazz Festival Foundation, which offers programs throughout the year. “But now that I am in control of the agency, I can choose which clients I work with and want to make an impact.”
As of Tuesday evening, Wilson still had to make a different kind of choice, one that is very special to veterans, starting Friday, the day before Veterans Day, a Marine Corps holiday. I hadn’t decided yet where to go to celebrate the weekend. Birthday is celebrated. And while Wilson hasn’t made a decision yet, he has some well-intentioned advice for civilians looking to show their appreciation for veterans in the coming days and beyond. provided some.
“I don’t mean to disparage or criticize anyone, but the words ‘thank you for your hard work’ have to be more than a platitude,” Wilson said. “If you go to a bar and see a veteran, buy the veteran a drink or buy the veteran a meal. It can be as simple as that. Or you know a veteran who needs something. If so, please be available at least that day.
“I would like to see some action behind those words. I may not know much about the military, but I can participate in programs where veterans are recognized. You can find a lot of information by visiting the VA’s site (va.gov). Detroit also has military units like the Montford Point Marine Corps that do a lot of work. There’s a program (Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency) and Brian Love was just appointed director. And the Detroit City Council also has a veterans program. So these agencies are providing programs for veterans. It’s great to see, and now is a good time for people to learn more about veterans.”
Scott Talley is a native Detroiter, a proud alumnus of Detroit Public Schools, and a lifelong lover of Detroit culture in all its forms. On his second tour with the Free Press, which he grew up reading as a child, he is excited to cover the city’s neighborhoods and the many interesting people who define their various communities. I feel humble. Contact: stalley@freepress.com or follow @STalleyfreep on Twitter. To learn more about Scott’s story, visit www.freep.com/mosaic/detroit-is/. Become a subscriber and help us grow great, community-focused journalism.