Anthony Soave: Difference between revisions
Created page with "Anthony "Tony" Soave is an American businessman and founder of Soave Enterprises, a Detroit-based holding company with diverse business interests including waste management, real estate, transportation, and beverage distribution. Soave remains one of Michigan's wealthiest and most politically connected businessmen, with his companies' assets reportedly exceeding $1 billion by the early 1990s.[1] == Early life and education == In 1961, with a $15,000 loan from his fath..." |
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* Checker Sedan, which provides luxury transportation services at Detroit Metro Airport[14] | * Checker Sedan, which provides luxury transportation services at Detroit Metro Airport[14] | ||
== Arrest in FBI Sports Betting Probe == | |||
In 1971, Soave was arrested in an FBI operation against sports betting, but the case was thrown out of court and records of the arrest were expunged.[16] | In 1971, Soave was arrested in an FBI operation against sports betting, but the case was thrown out of court and records of the arrest were expunged.[16] | ||
== Investigation for Defrauding City and Revelation of Mob Ties == | |||
In 1977, City Disposal Systems was investigated by Detroit authorities for allegedly inflating the weight of city garbage trucks by as much as 3,000 pounds and overcharging the city by up to $10,000 a month. The investigations also revealed that Soave had formed a business partnership in 1971 with Frank Mudaro, who had been described in 1963 Senate hearings as a section leader for the Mafia in Detroit.[15] Soave claimed he was unaware of Mudaro's mob ties initially. No charges were filed against Soave in the weight inflation case. | In 1977, City Disposal Systems was investigated by Detroit authorities for allegedly inflating the weight of city garbage trucks by as much as 3,000 pounds and overcharging the city by up to $10,000 a month. The investigations also revealed that Soave had formed a business partnership in 1971 with Frank Mudaro, who had been described in 1963 Senate hearings as a section leader for the Mafia in Detroit.[15] Soave claimed he was unaware of Mudaro's mob ties initially. No charges were filed against Soave in the weight inflation case. | ||
== Warren firebombing allegations == | |||
In 1993, government informant John Pree testified that Detroit mob boss Vito Giacalone had ordered the 1991 firebombing of an Oakland Disposal facility in Warren, Michigan, to drive the company out of business so that Soave could take over Warren's $16 million trash contract.[17] Following the firebombing, Warren Mayor Ronald Bonkowski awarded the contract to Warren Waste Transfer, a company incorporated just one week before the firebombing by Soave and Quirino D'Alessandro, a longtime friend of Bonkowski.[18] | In 1993, government informant John Pree testified that Detroit mob boss Vito Giacalone had ordered the 1991 firebombing of an Oakland Disposal facility in Warren, Michigan, to drive the company out of business so that Soave could take over Warren's $16 million trash contract.[17] Following the firebombing, Warren Mayor Ronald Bonkowski awarded the contract to Warren Waste Transfer, a company incorporated just one week before the firebombing by Soave and Quirino D'Alessandro, a longtime friend of Bonkowski.[18] | ||
Soave denied any involvement in the firebombing, with his public relations firm calling Pree's testimony "absolutely and categorically false."[19] Soave was never charged in connection with the incident. | Soave denied any involvement in the firebombing, with his public relations firm calling Pree's testimony "absolutely and categorically false."[19] Soave was never charged in connection with the incident. | ||
== | == Bribery of Kwame Kilpatrick administration == | ||
In testimony during the corruption trial of former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, Soave stated that he had provided Kilpatrick with approximately 20 round-trip flights on his private jets at a cost of $389,000, along with luxury gifts including an $800 pair of shoes, a $1,200 purse, and a $6,000 Cartier watch for Kilpatrick's father, Bernard Kilpatrick.[20] | In testimony during the corruption trial of former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, Soave stated that he had provided Kilpatrick with approximately 20 round-trip flights on his private jets at a cost of $389,000, along with luxury gifts including an $800 pair of shoes, a $1,200 purse, and a $6,000 Cartier watch for Kilpatrick's father, Bernard Kilpatrick.[20] | ||
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Despite these admissions, Soave was never charged with any crime related to his dealings with Kilpatrick. Federal prosecutors described Soave as a victim of extortion rather than a willing participant in corruption.[23] | Despite these admissions, Soave was never charged with any crime related to his dealings with Kilpatrick. Federal prosecutors described Soave as a victim of extortion rather than a willing participant in corruption.[23] | ||
== 2019 towing controversy == | |||
In 2019, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan's administration banned several towing companies with connections to towing magnate Gasper Fiore from doing business with the city for up to 15 years. Critics noted that this potentially benefited Soave, who owned a tow company and several impound lots in Detroit.[24] Media reports questioned why Soave's company continued to receive city business despite his past admissions regarding gifts to Kilpatrick, while companies with more tenuous connections to Fiore were debarred.[25] | In 2019, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan's administration banned several towing companies with connections to towing magnate Gasper Fiore from doing business with the city for up to 15 years. Critics noted that this potentially benefited Soave, who owned a tow company and several impound lots in Detroit.[24] Media reports questioned why Soave's company continued to receive city business despite his past admissions regarding gifts to Kilpatrick, while companies with more tenuous connections to Fiore were debarred.[25] | ||
Revision as of 11:21, 28 February 2025
Anthony "Tony" Soave is an American businessman and founder of Soave Enterprises, a Detroit-based holding company with diverse business interests including waste management, real estate, transportation, and beverage distribution. Soave remains one of Michigan's wealthiest and most politically connected businessmen, with his companies' assets reportedly exceeding $1 billion by the early 1990s.[1]
Early life and education
In 1961, with a $15,000 loan from his father, Soave purchased a crane and truck and began his first contracting business.[5] Soave entered the landfill business in 1967 by becoming half-owner of Hamlin Development Corp. in Shelby Township.[6] His entry into waste management came in earnest in 1975 when Michigan National Bank offered him financing to take over trash facilities from Sanitas Service Corp., which was pulling out of Michigan. The deal included a trash compacting station at Harper and St. Aubin in Detroit and a closed landfill in Sumpter Township, along with Sanitas' existing contract with the City of Detroit.[7] This acquisition formed the foundation of City Disposal Systems Inc., which later became City Management Corp.
Soave's waste management business expanded dramatically in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Taking advantage of Michigan's 1978 Public Act 641, which required counties to develop waste management plans and imposed stricter environmental regulations on landfills, Soave's City Management Corp. acquired numerous landfills and independent hauling companies throughout Michigan.[9] By 1986, Soave Enterprises reportedly had 450 employees and $63 million in sales.[8] By 1992, City Management sales had reportedly reached $301 million, growing nearly five times in five years. The company expanded beyond Michigan to include operations in Florida and Missouri.[10]
In the Detroit area, Soave received more than $170 million in city contracts since 1975, according to Detroit City Council records reviewed by the Detroit Free Press.[11] His companies received particularly significant business from the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department, with contracts totaling at least $109 million by 2008.[12]
Beyond waste management, Soave's business empire has included:
- Beer distributorships in Illinois and Kalamazoo, Michigan
- Eagle Brand snack distribution
- A bolt manufacturer in Memphis, Tennessee
- A titanium company in Farmington Hills, Michigan
- A Lincoln-Mercury dealership in Independence, Missouri
- Real estate developments including the Lofts apartments on East Jefferson in Detroit and investments in Harmonie Park downtown[13]
- Checker Sedan, which provides luxury transportation services at Detroit Metro Airport[14]
Arrest in FBI Sports Betting Probe
In 1971, Soave was arrested in an FBI operation against sports betting, but the case was thrown out of court and records of the arrest were expunged.[16]
Investigation for Defrauding City and Revelation of Mob Ties
In 1977, City Disposal Systems was investigated by Detroit authorities for allegedly inflating the weight of city garbage trucks by as much as 3,000 pounds and overcharging the city by up to $10,000 a month. The investigations also revealed that Soave had formed a business partnership in 1971 with Frank Mudaro, who had been described in 1963 Senate hearings as a section leader for the Mafia in Detroit.[15] Soave claimed he was unaware of Mudaro's mob ties initially. No charges were filed against Soave in the weight inflation case.
Warren firebombing allegations
In 1993, government informant John Pree testified that Detroit mob boss Vito Giacalone had ordered the 1991 firebombing of an Oakland Disposal facility in Warren, Michigan, to drive the company out of business so that Soave could take over Warren's $16 million trash contract.[17] Following the firebombing, Warren Mayor Ronald Bonkowski awarded the contract to Warren Waste Transfer, a company incorporated just one week before the firebombing by Soave and Quirino D'Alessandro, a longtime friend of Bonkowski.[18]
Soave denied any involvement in the firebombing, with his public relations firm calling Pree's testimony "absolutely and categorically false."[19] Soave was never charged in connection with the incident.
Bribery of Kwame Kilpatrick administration
In testimony during the corruption trial of former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, Soave stated that he had provided Kilpatrick with approximately 20 round-trip flights on his private jets at a cost of $389,000, along with luxury gifts including an $800 pair of shoes, a $1,200 purse, and a $6,000 Cartier watch for Kilpatrick's father, Bernard Kilpatrick.[20]
Soave testified that he felt pressured to provide these benefits to protect his business interests with the city. According to Soave's testimony, when he first met Kilpatrick in 2002, the newly elected mayor had held up approval of a $50 million contract until Soave dropped one minority contractor and hired Kilpatrick's friend, contractor Bobby Ferguson.[21]
"I wanted to keep him happy. I didn't want him holding a job up," Soave testified. "He held one job up and I always had that in my mind and I didn't want that happening again."[22]
Despite these admissions, Soave was never charged with any crime related to his dealings with Kilpatrick. Federal prosecutors described Soave as a victim of extortion rather than a willing participant in corruption.[23]
2019 towing controversy
In 2019, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan's administration banned several towing companies with connections to towing magnate Gasper Fiore from doing business with the city for up to 15 years. Critics noted that this potentially benefited Soave, who owned a tow company and several impound lots in Detroit.[24] Media reports questioned why Soave's company continued to receive city business despite his past admissions regarding gifts to Kilpatrick, while companies with more tenuous connections to Fiore were debarred.[25]
Political connections
Soave has maintained extensive political connections throughout his career, contributing significantly to both Democratic and Republican campaigns.
In 1988, Soave was one of only 18 people in Michigan and 249 nationally to personally contribute $100,000 or more to the Republican National Committee.[26] During the 2000s, political action committees linked to Soave contributed $55,000 to Kwame Kilpatrick's campaigns.[27]
Former Michigan governor James Blanchard was a guest in Soave's private suite at the Palace of Auburn Hills, and Wayne County Executive Ed McNamara reportedly vacationed at Soave's oceanfront condominium in Florida.[28] During the 1992 presidential campaign, Barbara Bush was the honored guest at a luncheon for 200 people at Soave's $1.9 million Grosse Pointe Farms mansion.[29]
More recently, in 2021, Soave contributed nearly $42,000 to Michigan House Republicans and $40,000 to Michigan Senate Republicans, making him one of the largest individual donors to both caucuses.[30]
References
[1] Montgomery, Lori and Shellum, Bernie. "King of the Heap." Detroit Free Press, July 6, 1993.
[2] "Life and Times." Detroit Free Press, July 6, 1993.
[3] Montgomery, Lori. "Moose's Rise: Football star turned construction worker surprised many with his business success." Detroit Free Press, July 6, 1993.
[4] Ibid.
[5] "Life and Times." Detroit Free Press, July 6, 1993.
[6] Ibid.
[7] Montgomery, Lori and Shellum, Bernie. "King of the Heap." Detroit Free Press, July 6, 1993.
[8] Ibid.
[9] Ibid.
[10] Ibid.
[11] Ibid.
[12] Snell, Robert. "Kilpatrick padded pal's contracts, witness says." The Detroit News, October 22, 2012.
[13] Montgomery, Lori and Shellum, Bernie. "King of the Heap." Detroit Free Press, July 6, 1993.
[14] McDonald, Maureen. "Checker limousines, cabs take off at Metro - Its exclusive contract obligates company to give customers hassle-free service." The Detroit News, November 30, 2007.
[15] Montgomery, Lori and Shellum, Bernie. "Soave dismisses unsavory rumors." Detroit Free Press, July 6, 1993.
[16] Ibid.
[17] Montgomery, Lori and Brasier, L.L. "Informant ties mob to arson: Giacalone ordered crime, he says." Detroit Free Press, June 19, 1993.
[18] "Informant tells of arson." Detroit Free Press, June 19, 1993.
[19] Montgomery, Lori and Brasier, L.L. "Informant ties mob to arson: Giacalone ordered crime, he says." Detroit Free Press, June 19, 1993.
[20] Wilkinson, Mike and Snell, Robert. "Contracts tied to favors, cash, trips." The Detroit News, December 6, 2012.
[21] Ibid.
[22] Ibid.
[23] Snell, Robert and Wilkinson, Mike. "Kilpatrick deals entangle big-name Metro contractors." The Detroit News, December 17, 2010.
[24] Neavling, Steve. "How Duggan created a costly towing scandal that helps a Kwame crony." Motor City Muckraker, February 20, 2025.
[25] Ibid.
[26] "Life and Times." Detroit Free Press, July 6, 1993.
[27] Snell, Robert and Wilkinson, Mike. "Kilpatrick deals entangle big-name Metro contractors." The Detroit News, December 17, 2010.
[28] Montgomery, Lori. "Perks often go with trash deals: But some critics view generosity simply as attempts to buy favors." Detroit Free Press, July 6, 1993.
[29] Ibid.
[30] LeBlanc, Beth. "Republicans in Legislature outraise Dems in third quarter." The Detroit News, October 26, 2021.