BILOXI, MS, March 02, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- James H. Finley Jr. has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Mr. Finley has established a distinguished career spanning six decades, marked by leadership, innovation and a steadfast commitment to empowering others. Since 2008, he has been the owner of Finley Services LLC, where he coaches clients on a national level to grow their companies, advises them on avoiding common business pitfalls and collaborates with executive committees to finance startup ventures. Mr. Finley's expertise in business coaching and startup financing has enabled numerous startups and established businesses to advance to the next level. Through his guidance, companies have received critical financial and professional support to achieve their goals. As the owner of Craft-Co Enterprises, a tier one supplier of electrical/electronic components to all US automotive manufacturers and many international manufacturers since 1992, he set up and conducted the on-site Learning Center at Craft-Co, along with Educators from East Central Community College (ECCC). The company was engaged in strategic business alliances and joint ventures with companies located in Canada, Japan, Mexico, and South Africa.

Before his current role, Mr. Finley was the chair and chief executive officer of Craft-Co Enterprises Inc. from 1990 to 2007. Under his stewardship, Craft-Co became one of the top 100 companies in Mississippi, ranked 40th among the state's fastest-growing businesses, and was listed among the 100 largest minority-owned companies in the U.S. Mr. Finley's most notable achievement at Craft-Co was the launch of workforce education programs that allowed employees to earn General Educational Development diplomas and associate degrees through on-site classes. These initiatives included annual open houses for employees' children and the awarding of savings bonds to honor roll students, fostering educational advancement within the community.

Between 1975 and 1990, Mr. Finley held positions in purchasing and production management at Ford Motor Company, where he honed his operations and supply chain oversight skills at a major global manufacturer. His earlier experience included his role as a production superintendent at Chrysler Corporation (now FCA US LLC) from 1967 to 1975.

Among other notable opportunities, Mr. Finley owned The Growth Coach, a nationally recognized business coaching program known for its effectiveness in supporting entrepreneurs and executives including at Jackson State University Business Innovation Center.

He also demonstrated leadership through his roles as vice chairman of the board of directors and board member of Blue Cross Blue Shield of MS, past chair of both the Mississippi Better Business Bureau and the Mississippi District Export Council, and former board member of the Mississippi World Trade Center.

Mr. Finley's academic background includes a Bachelor of Science in business management and a master's degree in industrial management, both from Central Michigan University. His educational achievements provided a strong foundation for his ascent through increasingly responsible roles in the automotive industry and later as an entrepreneur and business coach.

Throughout his career, Mr. Finley has been an active member of several industry-related organizations. He contributed as a board member of the Mississippi Manufacturers Association and participated in the Municipal Economic Council. Mr. Finley's civic involvement included enhancing workforce development through his service on the State of Mississippi's workforce development council, his service on the executive committee of the South Mississippi Angel Fund, and his support for organizations such as St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and Special Olympics. He is also a life member of Knights of Columbus.

Mr. Finley has received several awards, including being named a Top Business Coaching Franchise by Entrepreneur Magazine for The Growth Coach in 2013 and an SBA Emerging Leaders Award from the U.S. Small Business Administration in 2015. Moreover, his contributions during his tenure at Craft-Co were featured in Industry Today, highlighting his dedication to workforce development and community empowerment, a legacy he regards as his most meaningful contribution. He is also elated and honored to receive a second esteemed Who's Who Award, having received his first award in 1992, as well as being a third generation award winner - Grand Father Dr. James A. Franklin, Sr., Father James H. Finley, Sr., and Sister Dora F. Finley.

Attributing much of his success to the unwavering support of his family, particularly his wife, whose encouragement over nearly 60 years has been fundamental to his accomplishments, Mr. Finley also notes the influence of his father, a pioneering African American pharmacist who founded Alabama's first chain of African American drugstores. Meanwhile, his mother's dedication as an educator, recognized as the first teacher of African American history at her school, further shaped his commitment to education and social progress.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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