Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Shri Thanedar

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 18, 2025

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Shri Thanedar made an impact.

Shri Thanedar is an American politician and businessman currently serving as the U.S. Representative for Michigan's 13th congressional district since 2023. A Democrat, he previously served in the Michigan House of Representatives (2021-2023) and ran for Governor of Michigan in 2018. His background is primarily in business. He authored a book, highlighting his entrepreneurial path and his move into politics.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1982: Completion of PhD

In 1982, Shri Thanedar completed his PhD at the University of Akron.

1984: Started Working at Petrolite

In 1984, Shri Thanedar began working at Petrolite in St. Louis.

1990: Worked at Chemir/Polytech Laboratories

In 1990, Shri Thanedar took a job working nights and weekends at Chemir/Polytech Laboratories to learn the business.

1991: Bought Chemir

In 1991, Shri Thanedar took out a loan to buy Chemir for $75,000.

1999: Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award

In 1999, Shri Thanedar was named the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year for the Central Midwest Region.

2003: Azopharma's Growth

Starting in 2003, one of Thanedar's acquisitions, Azopharma, grew rapidly from $1 million.

2004: Publication of Autobiography in Marathi

In 2004, Shri Thanedar published his autobiography in Marathi, titled ही 'श्री' ची इच्छा! (This is Shri's Wish).

2005: Chemir's Revenue Growth

By 2005, Chemir's revenues reached $16 million and employed 160 people, including 40 PhD chemists.

2007: Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award

In 2007, Shri Thanedar was named the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year for the Central Midwest Region.

2007: Offered $132 Million for Azopharma

In 2007, Shri Thanedar was offered $132 million to sell Azopharma.

2008: Peak of Azopharma and Mansion Built

In 2008, Azopharma reached $55 million in revenue, and Thanedar's group of companies employed 500 people. He also built a mansion in Ladue, Missouri.

2008: Self-Published Memoirs in English

In 2008, Shri Thanedar self-published his memoirs in English, titled The Blue Suitcase: Tragedy and Triumph in an Immigrant's Life.

The Blue Suitcase: Tragedy and Triumph in an Immigrant's Life

Check it on Amazon

2010: Launch of Avomeen Analytical Services

In 2010, Shri Thanedar came out of retirement to launch Avomeen Analytical Services with his son Neil.

March 31, 2011: Sale of Chemir

On March 31, 2011, Chemir was sold for $23 million, covering Thanedar's debt to Bank of America.

2015: Avomeen Named to INC 5000 List

In 2015, Avomeen was named to the INC 5000 list of fastest-growing U.S. companies (#673).

November 2016: Sale of Majority Stake in Avomeen

In November 2016, Thanedar sold the majority stake in Avomeen Holdings LLC.

2016: Sale of Majority Stake in Avomeen

In 2016, Shri Thanedar sold a majority stake in Avomeen to High Street Capital and shared $1.5 million of the proceeds with his employees.

2016: Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award

In 2016, Shri Thanedar was named the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year for the Central Midwest Region.

April 5, 2017: Filed Paperwork for Gubernatorial Campaign

On April 5, 2017, Shri Thanedar submitted paperwork to raise funds for a potential gubernatorial campaign in Michigan.

2017: Thanedar's Run for Governor

In 2017, Shri Thanedar had not held elective office before running for governor, leading to scrutiny of his political history.

February 2018: Ran Super Bowl Ad

In February 2018, Shri Thanedar ran a statewide Super Bowl ad and quickly became the best-known Democratic candidate for governor.

2018: Michigan Gubernatorial Election Campaign

In 2018, Shri Thanedar entered politics and ran in the Michigan gubernatorial election as a Democrat.

2018: Candidate for Governor of Michigan

In 2018, Shri Thanedar was a candidate in the Democratic primary for Governor of Michigan.

August 2019: Filed to Run for State Representative

In August 2019, Shri Thanedar submitted paperwork to run for state representative in Michigan's 3rd district.

August 4, 2020: Won Democratic Primary

On August 4, 2020, Shri Thanedar won the Democratic primary for the state representative seat in Michigan's 3rd district.

November 3, 2020: Elected to State House

On November 3, 2020, Shri Thanedar was elected to the Michigan State House.

January 1, 2021: Assumed Office in State House

On January 1, 2021, Shri Thanedar assumed office in the Michigan State House.

2021: Member of the Michigan House of Representatives

In 2021, Shri Thanedar became a member of the Michigan House of Representatives, serving until 2023.

2022: Won Election to Congress

In 2022, Shri Thanedar gave up his state house seat, moved to Palmer Woods neighborhood, and won the election for Michigan's 13th congressional district.