Sid E. Taylor has witnessed too many jobs leaving the city of Detroit and has made a commitment to bring manufacturing jobs and other employment opportunities back to the city. He decided to locate his “New” manufacturing company (SET Construction, Inc.) in the city as his commitment to walk like he talks. Mr. Taylor has been successful in founding and developing companies due to his outstanding leadership style which stresses excellence, customer service, employee empowerment and continuous improvement of processes and products.
This ability to inspire others to succeed first became apparent while serving as a U.S. Marine in the Vietnam Conflict. As he fought in the jungles of Vietnam, his fellow soldiers instinctively followed him and emulated his ability to forge ahead through difficulties and fears. The loss of some of his fellow marines in that war strengthened his determination to lead a life that would serve as an example to others. Nowhere has this been more apparent than in his commitment to community service. One of Mr. Taylor's businesses is located in the economically challenged area in Detroit. He hires employees from the surrounding areas and forges relationships with community leaders and residents.
In 1997, Mr. Taylor founded the Real Life 101 Scholarship and Mentoring Program with a group of business owners, community leaders, government representatives and residents ready to take action. The association cleaned up and beautified the 100-acre industrial park in the city of Detroit. The organization is a 501 (c) 3 organization.
The Real Life program is now in its 12th year. The program is servicing 250 students in 25 high schools in 10 states this year as it is now a NATIONAL organization. Real Life's plan is to have at least 1 inner city school in every state by December 2012. The value-add of the Real Life program to date includes: Scholarship dollars, laptop computers and other expenses to more than 400 at risk black males exceeding $4 MILLION! Please visit Real Life by going to www.reallife101.org
Mr. Taylor also established a "Feed The Needy Program" where SET employees provide complete dinners for over 300 families during the Thanksgiving holiday each year.
Mr. Taylor's innovation within his organization and the community has not gone unnoticed. In 2001, he was named the Ernst and Young Michigan Entrepreneur of the Year in the manufacturing category. The award celebrates Entrepreneurs who are building and leading successful, growing and dynamic businesses. In 2009 he received the “Award of Excellence” which is the highest award offered by the Tuskegee Airmen. In 2012 Mr. Taylor was chosen by Madonna University in Michigan to receive an Honorary Doctorate Degree of Humane Letters for his work with Real Life 101.
In 2009 he was named “Vetrepreneur of the Year” by the National Veteran-Owned Business Association (NaVOBA). He has received multiple awards from Chrysler and Ford Motor Company since SET began in 1989 for his business and community commitment.
Mr. Taylor is a board member and SET Enterprises is a certified member of the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council (MMSDC) He was elected president of the National Association of Black Automotive Suppliers (NABAS) in 2003. Prior to becoming president of the organization, he served as president of their Scholarship Fund. Mr. Taylor is also a certified member of The National Minority Supplier Development Council Corporate Plus Program, the NAACP, the Economic Club of Detroit, the Detroit Golf Club and various other organizations. In addition Mr. Taylor served a three year term as an Advisory Board Member of Jackson State University, Jackson, MS. Most recently, in 2011 he was presented with the MMSDC Diamond Award. This award is presented to minority business owners who exemplify the spirit of minority entrepreneurs conducting business with other minority business enterprises.