William Davidson, president and CEO of global glass manufacturer Guardian Industries Corp., has earned a place in professional sports history, becoming the first team owner to win championships in dif…
William Davidson, president and CEO of global glass manufacturer Guardian Industries Corp., has earned a place in professional sports history, becoming the first team owner to win championships in different sports in the same year. During a two week span in June 2004, Davidson“s professional ice hockey team, the Tampa Bay Lightning, won the NHL title and his professional basketball team, the Detroit Pistons earned the NBA title. The Lightning defeated the Calgary Flames in game seven of a best-of-seven series on 7 June 2004 to win the Stanley Cup. The Pistons beat favorites the Los Angeles Lakers in game five of a best-of-seven series on 15 June 2004 to win the Lawrence O“Brien Trophy. Both winners join the WNBA“s defending champion Detroit Shock in Davidson“s successful sports stable. “These victories are a tribute to the talent and work ethic of our players, our coaching staff and the organization that supports them,” said Davidson. “Everyone worked together unselfishly in a total team effort.” In a press release, Guardian said Davidson“s success in sports “stems from the same philosophy he applies to his manufacturing business: hire talented, hard-working people and trust them to take risks that deliver rewards. For Davidson, this approach continues to pay off.”