Few people have shaped Lansing’s business landscape quite like Gregory Eaton.
A trailblazer whose entrepreneurial journey began more than 60 years ago, Eaton built a career defined by determination and service — from founding Greg’s Janitorial Services to co-founding Metro Cars and owning and operating Gregory’s Soul Food for more than half a century.
At 85, he remains as driven as ever, guided by faith, gratitude and a deep commitment to the employees and community that helped him succeed.
517 Business sat down with Eaton to talk about what keeps him motivated after all these years, the legendary figures he’s met along the way and the legacy he hopes to leave behind.
Many people look forward to slowing down in their later years. What keeps you motivated to stay involved and keep building the business?
I don’t want to retire. One day, I will. I’ve lost two wives to breast cancer. It was tough. But when you’re single, you just try to stay busy. (The business) keeps me going. Once my kids were grown up and gone, what else was I supposed to do? My grandkids are my favorites now. I always tell people, “I should have had my grandkids first!” They’re more fun.
What advice would you share with young entrepreneurs — especially those in the Black community?
Don’t give up on your dreams. It won’t be easy, but work hard and stick with it.
In your lifetime, you’ve met some iconic figures; who were you most excited to have a chance to meet?
Martin Luther King Jr. His nephew had a church on Hillsdale and Martin Luther King, and he used to come into town. He brought the world together. He went through some tough times. He didn’t get to finish his life, but he was a great man. (Also) Malcolm X. … I went to school and played football with his brother. And Malcolm introduced me to Cassius Clay (Muhammad Ali) in 1964 when we went down to Miami to watch him fight Sonny Liston.
Looking back at the past 60 years, what are you most proud of — and what do you hope your lasting legacy will be, both personally and through the businesses you’ve built?
The most important thing is that I have given people jobs. My employees are the most important thing to me. Because without them, I wouldn’t have had the success I’ve had. The Lord has blessed me with the ability to give back, and that’s something I take pride in.
Jason Schmitt
Jason Schmitt is a social media manager for M3 Group. Originally from St. Johns, he spent more than 20 years in the field of journalism, working for several newspapers across the state. He and his wife, Sue, currently reside in Royal Oak and enjoy golf, pickleball, bowling and traveling to warm destinations.
