By John Counts
Review Editor
While the organizations the Detroit Pistons? President Tom Wilson runs may be a tad larger than most, many of the same principles apply to all businesses as tough economic times seem to be getting tougher.
‘We haven’t faced anything like we’re facing right now. Success in business comes down to two things, you please your employees, and you please your customers,? Wilson said, addressing the Orion Area Chamber of Commerce at its Oct. 2 luncheon.
The employees Wilson refers to include hundreds of workers at Palace Sports and Entertainment, DTE Energy Music Theater, Meadow Brook Music Festival and the Detroit Shock, in addition to the Pistons, which he joined in 1977.
The customers, of course, are the thousands of screaming fans at basketball games and concerts at the various venues.
to games in the past.
‘It was a challenge to get people to bring the family out when they could watch it on the TV at home. Everything they wanted was there cheap: beer, food and popcorn.?
Operations at the Palace underwent an even more rigorous assessment after it was found they weren’t doing so great in a National Basketball Association ranking of arenas. Wilson got his staff together and surveyed everything, from cleanliness to customer service.
‘We want to make the game more than a game. Life is a lot of little things. Sometimes it comes down to just saying thanks.?
After tightening up on those basic business practices, the Palace was recognized as Arena of the Year eight years in a row.
Wilson said it also helped when they realized the game-going experience needed to pack a punch.
‘Not only is it going to be filled with ‘wow? moments, you’ll be wanting to share the experience with people you know,? he said.
The chamber’s next event will be a coffee connect at the Coscto on Brown Road on Tuesday, Oct. 28 starting at 8 a.m.