Proud to be considered a minority- and veteran-owned business enterprise, the father and son team of Kenneth and Chad Elliott are looking forward to becoming a premier distributorship in the western Pennsylvania region. “We offer experience that puts us in a unique position, which will keep us ahead of the industry,” said 29-year-old Chad. He indicated that together he and his father offer more than 36 years experience in sales and 13 years in business management.
In 1997, Kenneth initiated his business by becoming an independent AMSOIL dealer. “I was introduced to the business but did not do anything with it,” he said. “Throughout the years I kept renewing the dealership. To day I am glad I did,” he said.
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| FATHER AND SON DUO—Owners of The Elliott Group, Chad and Kenneth Elliott, display just a few of the items from their distributorship business aimed at providing cost-effective procurement solutions for public and private businesses.
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AMSOIL is recognized as the leading manufacture of synthetic lubrication technology. Elliott explained that the non-petroleum-based product is synthetic motor oil made from chemicals specially designed to protect engine components, to reduce emissions, to last longer, to reduce fuel consumption and to prevent environmental pollution. “We provide products that are preserving the environment.”
As an AMSOIL dealer Ken and Chad are qualified to sell the automotive and diesel performance products to large and small companies and some residential customers. “We are looking to do business with businesses like Quick Lube companies, the Port Authority, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and companies like Transportation Solutions,” said Ken.
Founded to help public institutions and private businesses procure their necessary goods and supplies in the most cost-effective method, The Elliott Group developed from a sole proprietor to a partnership in 2009. Its business philosophy is based on the belief that their customer needs are of the utmost importance. Ken said he and his son are committed to meeting those needs. “As a result, a high percentage of our business is from repeat customers and referrals.” The father son duo insists that The Elliott Group is committed to the values of hard work, self-motivation, reliability, integrity, respect, accountability, customer service, innovation, teamwork and diligence in the pursuit of excellence which they believe are the keys to their success.
The Elliotts describe their company as a small disadvantaged and veteran-owned business specializing in the distribution of synthetic lubricants, construction tools and equipment, disinfecting surface and equipment wipes, antibacterial hand wipes, hand sanitizers, supplies and parts for copiers, printers and plotters.
Once the business became a partnership with Ken and Chad serving as general partners, the company expanded its manufacturers to include Athea Laboratories, Inc., Bon Tool Co., Diversified Compounded Products, Inc, Steel Shield Technologies and Randall Industries, LLC. “We now carry a wide range of products to suit a variety of budgets and needs,” said Ken, hoping that the hand sanitizer products open the doors to expand into schools, gyms, hotels or any place with large numbers of people.
A South Carolina native, Ken is a graduate of Claflin University. He worked for Corning Glass in New York and located to Pittsburgh in 1975 after serving in the Army for three years, including a stint in Viet Nam. He worked at the Upjohn Pharmaceutical Co. until he became a consultant for a small business that sold office supplies. Always wanting to own his own business, Ken said he bought the AMSOIL dealership to fulfill his entrepreneurial dream.
“Our strategic partnership dates back to my 11th grade year,” said Chad. “My dad and I started discussing the next steps of my future by planning, what I was going to major in and what college I was going to go to.” As a result, he attended South Carolina State University and majored in agribusiness. “South Carolina State was one of the few Historically Black Colleges and Universities that offered such a major,” he pointed out. While attending the university, he said he had the opportunity to participate in two summer internship programs that really guided his career. The internships were at the USDA, the United States Department of Agriculture and the other at Archer Daniels Midland, the largest food processing company in the world. The internship at ADM transferred into six years of employment where he says he learned a lot and had the opportunity to face many obstacles while working in Illinois, Iowa, California and Miami, Fla. The Miami branch closed in 2008 and he returned to Pittsburgh to become a partner in The Elliott Group.
Looking to position their company to conduct business with federal, state, county and city entities as well as private and public establishments, Ken said the Elliott Group is applying for all certifications including the Western Pennsylvania Minority Supplier Development Council which provides them national exposure. “With the wide range of products we provide, being established as certified disadvantaged, minority- and a veteran owned-small business puts us in the position to participate in all supplier diversity programs,” said Ken. “We are able to provide cost-effective procurement solutions to all size companies.
As a team, Chad feels that the future of The Elliott Group looks good. Their goal is to expand to a limited partnership to include other family members and to create a legacy to be passed on.
(For more information, call 1-800-450-0901 or visit www.theelliottgroup.org.)
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