First Brands Bankruptcy

Debt-Fueled Growth, Aggressive Lending and Fraud

Wednesday, November 4, 2026

7:30 am - 9:30 am

The Kingsley Bloomfield Hills

39475 Woodward Ave., 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

Learn more about Meagan

Walter Popiel

Riveron

Learn more about Walter

Marc Swanson

Miller Canfield

Learn more about Marc


John Trendell

Republic Business Credit

Learn more about John


Moderator: John Klehm

SPECTRUM

Learn more about John


For any questions or help getting registered with sponsor tickets, please contact:

Amber Dunn, Executive Director at sfnet.michigan@gmail.com or (248) 760-8333.

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.