Leon C. Richardson

Metro Detroit native Leon C. Richardson is the founder and president of The Chemico Group, LLC, and (Chemico) one of the largest minority-owned chemical management and distribution companies in the United States. For 27 years, Richardson has guided what was originally Chemico Systems, Inc., from a single employee start-up to an internationally recognized player in the chemical and environmental services space. Today, Chemico employs more than 300 people across 22 states and three countries, and in 2015, saw sales of more than $100 million.

Chemico is a highly regarded Tier 1 supplier to automotive original equipment manufacturers and has been recognized as a General Motors “Supplier of the Year” for the past seven consecutive years. The company has received similar recognition from Toyota and Chrysler Capital. Beyond automotive, Chemico has made a name for itself in other industries, including aerospace and biopharmaceuticals.

Richardson is a passionate champion for Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) development. He is a long-time supporter of the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council (MMSDC) and currently serves on the organization’s Board of Directors. Richardson is a devoted mentor working formally and informally with up to 10 students or young professionals at any given time.

Richardson holds a business degree from the University of Maryland and is a United States Marine Corps veteran having served his country for eight years as a non-commissioned officer.