Eric Bradford Mays, who had an estimated net worth of around $100 million as of 2024, was born on September 16, 1958 in Flint, Michigan. He worked as an auto worker and was involved with the United Auto Workers union at General Motors, from which he later retired. Mays’ wealth was primarily accumulated through his business ventures, investments, and role as a venture capitalist, and he was recognized for his savvy investments in major tech companies and his leadership in promoting innovation within the tech industry.
His financial success was highlighted in notable publications such as Forbes and Fortune. Mays served on the Flint City Council from November 2013 until his death on February 24, 2024 at the age of 65. He was known for his confrontational style and controversial behavior during council meetings, which often led to him being escorted out by police. Despite these controversies, Mays remained a beloved figure among his constituents, who re-elected him multiple times due to his strong voice and dedication to their interests.
Eric Mays’ Net Worth
Eric Mays had an estimated net worth of around $100 million as of 2024.
Sources of Eric Mays’ Net Worth
Mays accumulated his substantial wealth through several key sources:
Real Estate Businesses
Mays invested heavily in real estate businesses, owning multiple properties across various cities. This was a major contributor to his overall net worth.
Tech Companies and Investments
Mays had experience as a venture capitalist and made savvy investments in promising tech startups and major tech companies. His tech investments were recognized in publications like Forbes and Fortune.
Media Ventures
Mays also invested in media projects and companies, leveraging his ability to identify promising media opportunities. This was another source of income that boosted his net worth.
Philanthropy
Despite his wealth, Mays was also known for his philanthropic efforts, donating to various charitable causes and organizations. This demonstrated his commitment to giving back to his community.
Political Career
Mays served on the Flint City Council for many years, including stints as vice president and finance committee chair. While his council salary was modest, his political role provided a platform for his other business ventures.
Early and Personal Life
Here is a summary of Eric Mays’ early life and personal details:
Early Life
Eric Bradford Mays was born on September 16, 1958 in Flint, Michigan to Louis H. Mays, a pastor, and Rosie B. Mays, a homemaker. He was one of nine children in the family.Mays graduated from Flint Northern High School in 1976. He later earned a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University in 1981, where he majored in political science and pre-law. During college, he served as president of the Black Student Alliance and participated in protests against apartheid and nuclear weapons.
Personal Life
In 1987, Mays was convicted of felony assault for brandishing a .357 magnum revolver at a man who he claimed had previously broken into his home and threatened his life. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to a year of probation. This conviction prevented him from pursuing a career in law as he had initially hoped.
Mays married Megan Ritchie, though details about their relationship are limited. They had one son together named Eric HaKeem Deontaye Mays. After Mays’ death in 2024, a legal battle ensued between his son and siblings over the handling of his remains, delaying his funeral.Mays was known for his philanthropic efforts, donating time and money to education causes and other charitable organizations. He enjoyed hobbies like speaking on political topics, reading history books, hiking, photography, and traveling. Mexican cuisine was one of his favorite foods.
Biography and Wikipedia
Here is the information about Eric Mays, including his awards and achievements:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Eric Bradford Mays |
| Birth | September 16, 1958 in Flint, Michigan |
| Age at Death | 65 years |
| Height | 6 feet 0 inch (182 cm) |
| Weight | 81 kg (178 lbs) |
| Education | – Graduated from Flint Northern High School in 1976 – Bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University in 1981 (Political Science and Pre-Law) |
| Family | – Father: Louis H. Mays (Pastor) – Mother: Rosie B. Mays (Homemaker) – Siblings: 3 Brothers, 1 Sister (Veronica Simon) – Wife: Megan Ritchie – Son: Eric HaKeem Deontaye Mays |
| Occupation | – Auto worker – Involved with United Auto Workers (UAW) union at General Motors |
| Political Career | – Elected to Flint City Council in November 2013 – Known for confrontational style and controversial behavior during council meetings |
| Awards and Achievements | – Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award (2013) – Black Enterprise Magazine’s Top 100 Entrepreneurs Award (2014) – Michigan Business and Professional Association’s Best of Michigan Business Award (2015) |
| Legal Issues | – Convicted of felony assault in 1987 – Removed from city council meeting in 2012 – Placed on probation in 2022 for disorderly conduct |
| Death | February 24, 2024 (natural causes) |
| Legacy | – Praised for “bold and courageous service” – Remained beloved by constituents who re-elected him multiple times |
Eric Mays was recognized with several prestigious awards throughout his career, including the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2013, the Black Enterprise Magazine’s Top 100 Entrepreneurs Award in 2014, and the Michigan Business and Professional Association’s Best of Michigan Business Award in 2015. These accolades highlighted his success as an entrepreneur, business leader, and community advocate.
Despite facing legal issues and controversies during his political career, Mays remained a beloved figure among his constituents in Flint, who re-elected him multiple times due to his strong voice and dedication to their interests. His legacy was marked by his fearless advocacy, particularly during the Flint water crisis, and his unwavering commitment to the betterment of the Flint community.
Education
Eric Mays was born and raised in Flint, Michigan, graduating from Flint Northern High School in 1976. He later attended Michigan State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in 1981, majoring in political science and pre-law. During his time in college, Mays was involved in student government, serving as president of the Black Student Alliance, and participated in protests against apartheid and nuclear weapons. After completing his education, Mays went on to have a career as an auto worker, eventually retiring from General Motors, where he was also involved with the United Auto Workers union.
Career Overview
Here is a summary of Eric Mays’ career:
Eric Mays had a multifaceted career, spanning roles in the auto industry, politics, and entrepreneurship.
Auto Worker and Union Involvement
Mays worked as an auto worker and was involved with the United Auto Workers (UAW) union at General Motors, where he held various positions. He retired from GM after many years of service.
Political Career
Mays was first elected to the Flint City Council in November 2013, representing the city’s first ward. He would go on to serve three terms on the council, becoming known for his confrontational style and controversial behavior during council meetings.Despite facing several legal issues and suspensions, Mays remained a prominent figure in Flint politics, running for mayor in 2008, 2015, and 2022. He was praised for his “bold and courageous service” and unwavering commitment to his constituents.
Entrepreneurship and Investments
In addition to his political and auto industry roles, Mays was also a successful entrepreneur. He excelled in real estate, technology, and media ventures, amassing an estimated net worth of around $100 million through his various business activities and investments.Mays was recognized for his entrepreneurial achievements, receiving awards such as the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2013 and the Black Enterprise Magazine’s Top 100 Entrepreneurs Award in 2014.
Social Media
Wife and Family
Eric Mays came from a large family, born to Louis H. Mays, a pastor, and Rosie B. Mays, a homemaker, and was one of four siblings. He married Megan Ritchie, who stood by his side during his legal troubles and assisted with his political campaigns; together, they had one son, Eric HaKeem Deontaye Mays. However, after Mays’ death in 2024 at the age of 65, a dispute arose between his son and siblings over the handling of his remains, delaying his funeral and highlighting the tensions within the family following his passing, despite the support Megan had provided during his lifetime as he navigated his confrontational political career on the Flint City Council and faced legal issues stemming from his controversial behavior.
Final Words
Eric Bradford Mays, born on September 16, 1958, in Flint, Michigan, was a notable political and business figure with an estimated net worth of around $100 million as of 2024. He accumulated his wealth through real estate, tech investments, and media ventures. Despite facing legal issues and controversies during his political career, Mays served on the Flint City Council from 2013 until his death on February 24, 2024. Known for his confrontational style, he was a dedicated advocate for his constituents and involved in philanthropic efforts. His legacy includes his bold service during the Flint water crisis and his commitment to improving his community.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eric Bradford Mays
Who was Eric Bradford Mays?
Eric Bradford Mays was a political and business figure from Flint, Michigan, known for his time on the Flint City Council and his involvement in various business ventures.
What was Eric Mays’ estimated net worth?
As of 2024, Eric Mays had an estimated net worth of around $100 million.
How did Eric Mays accumulate his wealth?
Mays accumulated his wealth through real estate investments, tech company investments, media ventures, and his role as a venture capitalist.
What was Eric Mays’ role in politics?
Mays served on the Flint City Council from November 2013 until his death in February 2024, known for his confrontational style and dedication to his constituents.
What were some of Eric Mays’ early life details?
Born on September 16, 1958, in Flint, Michigan, Mays graduated from Flint Northern High School in 1976 and earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and pre-law from Michigan State University in 1981.
What legal issues did Eric Mays face?
In 1987, Mays was convicted of felony assault, which prevented him from pursuing a law career. He also faced legal issues during his political career.
What awards and recognitions did Eric Mays receive?
Mays received the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award (2013), Black Enterprise Magazine’s Top 100 Entrepreneurs Award (2014), and the Michigan Business and Professional Association’s Best of Michigan Business Award (2015).
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