History

Since EMKAY’s inception in 1946 we have been the leader and driving force in creating what the fleet management industry is today.

View our history timeline

Mission Statement

We are dedicated to being the premier provider of fleet management solutions.

We optimize fleet performance by delivering innovative products and technologies, expeditious service, and proactive consulting. We create a client experience that is simple, better, and different.

Leadership 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

Our Awards

Year after year, truly a winning team.

101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For

National Best and Brightest Companies to Work For

SME Canada's Top Small & Medium Employers

History to Date

A timeline of EMKAY's history

1939

Midway Chevrolet was founded in Chicago

Samuel Katzin and Morton Weiss are the founders.

March 29, 1946

EMKAY Car Leasing Co. Inc. begins business inside Midway Chevrolet

Samuel Katzin and Katzin’s brother-in-law Michael Braude are owners of the new fleet leasing Company. Michael Braude is named President

May 2, 1952

EMKAY Car Leasing Co. Inc. relocates to its own facility in Chicago

and is renamed to EMKAY, Inc.

May 1955

EMKAY, Inc. purchases the leasing accounts of Wilson Automotive Service

1965

EMKAY Inc. announces plans to lease vehicles in England, France and Germany

In addition to vehicles already on lease in Venezuela, EMKAY, Inc. announces plans to lease vehicles in England, France and Germany.

Feb 1973

Michael Braude and Samuel Katzin sell EMKAY, Inc. to Indiana Capital Corp, headed by Samuel Rae

Steven Benedict - Executive V.P., is hired as President and Samuel Rae is elected Chairman of the Board for EMKAY, Inc.

1973

Dean Milburn, Salesman for EMKAY, makes case with Management and EMKAY creates an industry “First” by providing fuel credit cards to lease customers

Western Electric is the first customer to sign onto the fuel card program.

October 24, 1977

Steve Benedict, President of EMKAY, passes away.

1977

EMKAY relocates to 19th Floor of the Kemper/Civic Opera Building in downtown Chicago.

Jul 1978

Gary Tepas, hired as V.P. Sales for EMKAY

1979

Industry “First” to employ a Network based computer system, (instead of a Mainframe) utilizing Datapoint concept.

Jun 1980

Gary Tepas, named President of EMKAY

May 1981

EMKAY, Inc. (Parent, Illinois) and EMKAY Leasing Corporation (Subsidiary, Delaware) merge and becomes EMKAY, Inc. (Illinois)

1982

Industry “First” to have a magazine type annual product guide that combined editorials, industry information, and upcoming model year vehicle specifications.

1983

Industry “First” to provide all sales and operations employees with their own desktop PC.

1985

EMKAY Motors founded in Schaumburg to act as a service shop, body shop, daily rental provider, and new vehicle deliverer for all leasing customers in the Chicago area.