A Leader in Business and Education
U of M Regent David Brandon
Brings Re-election Bid to March Forum
David A. Brandon, first elected a University of Michigan regent in 1998, brought his re-election bid to the ERC Forum in Grosse Pointe Farms on March 21, 2006.
Speaking at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial, Brandon shared his enthusiasm for the job saying, “From 2007 to 2014 a lot of important things are going to happen.” He pointed out that over the next eight years, it is likely the U of M would deal with appointment of a new president, athletic director, and a new football coach.
The Board of Regents is charged with general supervision of U of M, and the control and direction of all expenditures from the university's funds. The regents meet once a month in a public session and serve without compensation. >>More about the U of M Regents.
Comparing his role as regent to his private sector responsibilities as chairman and CEO of Domino's Pizza, Brandon said, “I've never worked so long and hard, and never been paid anything!”
Reasons for Seeking Reelection
Answering the question, “Why would I want to run again?” Brandon offered three reasons.
First, in recognition that Republicans are in the minority on the Board of Regents, he said, “I want to know what it would be like to serve in the majority!”
A second reason, Brandon said, is because he believes he is making a difference in governance of the university. He cited his experience and knowledge of university operations. Recognizing the university's value to him as both a student and a successful athlete, Brandon said his service as regent provides him the opportunity to “give back” to the university.
Finally, Brandon cited a number of unfinished jobs at the school.
He noted that there is ongoing pressure to reduce taxpayer support for state institutions. When it comes to managing scarce financial resources, Brandon said, “That's what I do for a living.” He supported the statement by noting that Domino's annual sales are $5 billion per year.
Another unfinished task is the university's campaign to raise capital from private sources. Brandon said the effort has already raised $1.9 of the campaign's $2.5 billion goal.
On the medical front, he noted that a cardio-vascular medical center project is under construction, and an October, 2006, ground breaking is set for a new Mott Children's & Women's Hospital to replace the existing children's and women's hospitals.
Difficult Waters for University
Faced with reduced government funding and pressure to hold down tuition, Brandon said, “We're in difficult waters.” But he expressed confidence saying, “I know how to run multi-billion-dollar businesses.”
He noted the university's medical complex alone is a $2 billion annual business.
Brandon gave as one example of cost pressure the fact that an additional $21 million will be required over the next 12 months, merely to pay the increased cost of university-purchased natural gas.
He said the university culture is not driven by efficiency. When it comes to financial restraint, he said, “Nobody's `incentivized' to do any thing except to spend money!” Because there is no reward for saving, he said, “They spend it--more money is more power!”
Brandon said he is motivated to perpetuate the university's greatness as one of the top 25 universities in the U.S., and one of the top three public universities.
He also spoke of the quality of the students and quality of the faculty. A testimony to its status, he said, is the $800 million in federal research projects granted last year, more than any other university.
The U of M Board of Regents consists of eight members elected at large in biennial, statewide elections. They serve for overlapping terms of eight years. Brandon, in his role as regent, has served as chairman of the U of M regent's finance, audit, and investment committee.
Brandon Plays Key Role
In DeVos for Gov. Campaign
In January, David Brandon was named chairman of Republican Dick DeVos' campaign for Governor of Michigan.
The position is a natural for someone who has been a major donor to GOP causes and candidates. Brandon has also served as finance director for the Michigan Republican Party.
Speaking to the ERC on March 21, Brandon said, “DeVos has a very viable shot at winning the election, and is 100% committed to be successful.” >>DeVos for Governor campaign.
Of Granholm, he said, “She hasn't done anything.”
On a national basis, he said, it is unfortunate that Michigan is being labeled the “Mississippi of the North.”
Brandon said, “The campaign will show Michigan voters what has happened, what hasn't happened, and what can happen.”
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He also serves as a director of the TJX Companies, Burger King Corp., and several not-for-profit organizations, including Detroit Renaissance.
Brandon & Football
Brandon grew up in rural Washtenaw County and spent several years of working at a commercial egg business owned and operated by his family. After-school activities were superseded by the family business, and it wasn't until reaching high school that he was free to pursue his interest in football.
That's when his athletic ability and competitive spirit prompted his parents to close their family business, enabling Brandon to play the sport.
His natural ability earned him athletic recognition at South Lyon High School, where, during his senior year, he gained the attention of legendary U of M football coach Bo Schembechler. As a result, the university offered Brandon an athletic scholarship. After completing his studies and playing for coach Schembechler on three Big 10 championship teams, Brandon received an A.B. degree and teaching certificate from in 1974.
Brandon & Business
When Procter & Gamble food products division, as part of their sales management recruiting, approached Schembechler to ask who possessed solid leadership skills, Brandon was recommended.
After being hired and establishing himself in P&G sales management, Brandon moved to Valassis, an international sales promotion company. There, he assisted in moving the company from a family-owned operation to a professionally managed enterprise.
His influence was expanded across the entire operation upon his appointment as COO, and eventually, chairman, president and CEO. Under his leadership, Valassis was three times named one of the Best Companies to Work for in America. As a result of his leadership, by 1992 Valassis became a publicly owned company.
Brandon has served as chairman and chief executive officer of Domino's Pizza since 1999. Under his leadership, the company has achieved significant growth, and made significant improvement in product quality and customer service.
In 2004, Domino's completed the largest IPO in restaurant history, and now operates a network of 8,000 franchised and company-owned stores in the U.S. and more than 50 other countries.
Brandon and his wife, Jan, reside in Ann Arbor and have three sons, Scott, Nick and Chris, and one daughter, Carli.
The Eastside Republican Club Forum is held at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial on the third Tuesday of each month from September through June. Admission is free and the public is always welcome.