Since 1946
Our History
Scroll to explore key moments in EMKAY's story.
We are dedicated to being the premier provider of customer-centric, innovative fleet management solutions.
our mission from the start
Our Team
Greg Tepas
Chief Executive Officer, President, Chairman
Andy Griffith
Chief Technology Officer
Andrew Beinke
Vice President, Sales & Marketing
Brad Vliek
Vice President, Client Services and Sales Operations
Chelsea Hawk
Vice President, Operations
Gina LoCacciato
Vice President, Operational Excellence
Matt Guertler
Vice President, Finance
Awards & Recognition
We optimize fleet performance by delivering modern products and technologies, expeditious service, and proactive consulting.
We create a client experience that is simple, better, and different.
October 2025
The board of directors votes Greg Tepas as Chairman and CEO
February 2025
EMKAY announces partnership with Samba Safety
to enhance Safety offerings including Continuous MVR Monitoring, Canadian License Monitoring, and Driver Training.
2023
EMKAY achieves $2B in vehicle acquisition cost
November 2024
EMKAY launches "Project Road Ready" to enhance the new vehicle delivery experience for drivers
August 2024
EMKAY launches "Fleet Insights" as a Fleet Resource center for News, Insights, Blogs, Tools, Fleet Events, OEM Updates, and more
March 2023
EMKAY launches "Employee Navigator" as an enhancement for new-hire training.
A 12-month training program that introduces employees to all aspects of fleet management, beyond their normal daily scope. This approach to onboarding allows us to operate with more simplicity, collaborate better, and serve customers differently.
October 2022
EMKAY launches an all-new CRM system to revolutionize in-bound customer cases
Cases that can be resolved in one touch, are tracked and measured for responsiveness and accuracy. Cases that require follow-up, are tracked and measured providing daily tasks, visibility, and ownership to Client Support Specialists and managers.
March 2021
EMKAY celebrates 75th anniversary
Less than 1% of businesses from 1946 have survived under their original unique identity. EMKAY is proud to be one of the few who have stood the test of time-continuously innovating, staying true to our roots, and delivering value across generations.
April 2020
Employees return to office during COVID19
EMKAY was the first in the fleet industry to return to work. This came with temperature readers upon entering the building, mask mandates, and zoom meetings.
2019
EMKAY partners with Motorq to improve safety through mobile phones
Our partnership with startup Motorq aimed to improve fleet safety, streamline maintenance management, and improve operational efficiency
November 2018
EMKAY named Best in Biz Award
including Most Innovated Service of the Year and Technology Department of the Year.
2016
Greg DePace is named President and CEO
2015
EMKAY wins Canada's Top Small and Medium Employers
This award highlights organizations that "can compete with larger companies" because they're dynamic, innovative, and forward-thinking.
2014
EMKAY is first lessor to implement Auto Integrate
It manages the process of scheduling and fulfilling vehicles repairs and preventative maintenance tasks
2014
Selected by InformationWeek as a Top 100 Innovator
The theme of the 2014 InformationWeek Elite 100 was digital business: a movement rooted in data analytics, mobile computing, social networking and other customer-focused technologies.
2011
EMKAY expands into Canada
After an acquisition of JPL that significantly increased our presence in North America. This was a pivotal moment in EMKAY's story, because we were able to service our customers better and expand our offerings to make their lives easier
2011
EMKAY is named in Chicago Tribune's top workplaces
Ranking top 10 for small business. This award credits EMKAY with having a dynamic, supportive, and inclusive culture.
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2011
EMKAY launches Driver360 app
Revolutionizing the way drivers manage their vehicles, Driver 360 offers automated maintenance reminders, status updates on new vehicle orders, and access to a fuel station locator that displays the lowest prices in the driver's area.
2010
First FMC to have entire remarketing team CAR (Certified Automotive Remarketer) certified
The CAR program is recognized as the industry standard for education and certification in Vehicle Remarketing.
March 2008
Gary Tepas retires as President and Chief Executive Officer
Gary remains as Chairman of the Board
2007
Greg Tepas named President and CEO for EMKAY
2006
EMKAY acquires PHD Leasing
2005
EMKAY Mexico is incorporated
What started as a small operation quickly grew into an exciting expansion that required an addition to our brand
November 2004
EMKAY purchases leasing portfolio for Auto Rental Corporation
Division of AMI Leasing Corporation from Worcester, Massachusetts
2003
EMKAY offers a web-based vehicle emergency notification
This feature for fleet managers can also be combined with an e-mail alert to drivers
1996
EMKAY expands into the Caribbean
June 1996
Gary Tepas named Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer
1995
EMKAY utilizes "Total Server Mirroring"
This included a 100% unlimited Power Backup to ensure a "never down" system, commonplace now, but not at the time.
1994
Gary was appointed as AALA's Federal Legislation Chairman
Tepas represented AALA in discussions at the Treasury Department on depreciation useful lives of fleet vehicles, with the House Ways & Means Committee regarding taxation in the late nineties and as recently as 2017, and with the Department of Commerce leading the industry's efforts on odometer reform, which standards still apply. He then initiated AALA's first State Tax and Legislative Committee. While running the State Committee, Tepas negotiated the first acceleration of rental tax with the state of New York to avoid changing from a monthly rental tax state to an upfront sales tax state. This law remains in effect today.
1992
The first to have a "Big Brother" driver profile system
No other competitor came close to this until the 2000's. This system keeps the DMV and accident records by driver, and maintains these records for a moving ten-year period, regardless of employer
1990
Gary was named President of American Automotive Leasing Association
The American Automotive Leasing Association (AALA) is a national industry association comprised of commercial automotive fleet leasing and management companies. AALA remains the only industry association representing companies that lease and manage vehicle fleets for other businesses. Gary later served as Chairman for AALA from 1992-1994.
1990
Provided clients with a replacement vehicle analysis
We digitized this tool, which is now on demand through our website
1986
EMKAY is Majority Owned by Employees
Indiana Capital exits and distributes shares to EMKAY, Gary was then the largest shareholder and ownership was transferred
1985
EMKAY Motors is Founded in Schaumburg, Illinois
For all leading customers in the Chicago area, this acts as a service shop, body shop, daily rental provider, and new vehicle deliverer
1983
All sales and operations employees had their own desktop PC
1982
EMKAY Inc. releases the first product guide
We were the first to have a magazine type annual product guide that combined editorials, industry information, and upcoming model year vehicle specifications
May 1981
EMKAY, Inc. merges with EMKAY Leasing Corporation
EMKAY Leasing Corporation was a subsidiary based in Delaware
1980
EMKAY Inc. is the first to provide a check and balance system for used vehicle sales
June 1980
Gary Tepas named President of EMKAY, Inc.
1979
EMKAY, Inc. deployed a network-based computer system, in place of a mainframe
The network utilized a Datapoint Concept and a Datapoint Operating System with DBC Programs
July 1978
Gary Tepas, hired as Vice President of Sales
Gary held positions with General Motors, Hertz Car Leasing, and Donlen Leasing
1977
EMKAY, Inc. relocates to the 19th floor of the Kemper/Civic Opera Building in downtown Chicago
February 1973
Braude and Katzin sell EMKAY, Inc. to Indiana Capital Corp
Executive Vice President, Steven Benedict, is hired as President and Samuel Rae is elected Chairman of the Board
1973
EMKAY, Inc. provides fuel purchase cards to lease customers
Salesman, Dean Milburn, makes a case with Management and EMKAY, Inc. signs Western Electric as the first customer on the program.
1965
EMKAY, Inc. announces plans to lease vehicles in Europe
In addition to vehicles already on lease in Venezuela, EMKAY, Inc. announces plans to lease vehicles in England, France, and Germany
May 1955
EMKAY, Inc. purchases the leasing accounts of Wilson Automotive Service
May 2, 1952
EMKAY Car Leasing Co. Inc is renamed to EMKAY, Inc.
EMKAY, Inc. relocates to its own facility in Chicago
March 29, 1946
EMKAY Car Leasing Co. Inc. begins Business inside Midway Chevrolet
Samuel Katzin and his brother-in-law, Michael Braude founded what is now the second oldest fleet lessor. Michael Braude is named President.
