SFNet Michigan Chapter First Brands Bankruptcy Breakfast Panel with TMA Detroit
November 4, 2026 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM (Eastern Standard Time)
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304
In July 2004, Patrick James acquired his first company in Detroit—launching what would eventually become First Brands.
Join SFNet Michigan & TMA Detroit for breakfast and CPE credit as an in-person panel examines how the First Brands empire was built—and how it ultimately unraveled. Panelists will explore the company’s unsustainable growth, aggressive debt structures, corporate complexity, and alleged fraud, which led to an unsalvageable Chapter 11 case, substantial lender losses, and the liquidation of most of its businesses.
Panelists:
- Meagan Hardcastle, Harmon Partners
- Walter Popiel, Riveron
- Marc Swanson, Miller Canfield
- John Trendell, Republic Business Credit
- Moderator: John Klehm, SPECTRUM
Cost:
Members: $65 | Nonmembers: $90
CPE Credits Offered: Participants will earn 1.0 CPE credit
Field of Study: Specialized Knowledge
Prerequisites: None
Advanced Preparation: None
Program Level: Overview
Delivery Method: Group Live
Click here for more information.
To monitor attendance all attendees wishing to earn CPE credit must sign in and out at the check in desk and complete a post event evaluation form.
Registration
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