CLARKSTON, Mich., June 26, 2012 – Chase Plastic Services, Inc., a leading North American distributor of specialty, engineering and commodity thermoplastics, announced today that founders Kevin and Carole Chase have been honored with the 2012 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award in the distribution category, Michigan and northwest Ohio region.
“Twenty years ago, our husband-and-wife start-up set out to provide ‘outrageous’ customer service to plastic processors with small- to medium-size applications that were overlooked by mega-distributors, and adapt to their unique needs,” said Kevin Chase, president, Chase Plastics. “Today, that mission remains unchanged. Carole and I are humbled by the support that we’ve received over the years from our loyal customers, suppliers and, of course, Chase Plastics team members; without them, this award would not have been possible.”
Kevin and Carole formed Chase Plastics with more sweat equity than capital equity, and in May 1992, Kevin’s long-standing dream of small business ownership was realized through the birth of Chase Plastic Services, Inc. Carole and Kevin built the company from the ground up: He made sales calls during the day, delivering materials from the trunk of his car, and she handled administrative tasks into the morning hours so the couple could spend time with their young children in between.
“Since day one, our philosophy has always been to provide our customers with service so ‘outrageous’ that they talk about it and recommend us to others,” said Carole Chase, vice president, Chase Plastics. “This can only be done by forming personal relationships, which allow our team to understand the unique needs of each plastic processor. By doing so, we are able to provide customized material solutions and value-added services that help our customers become more efficient and that increase profitability.”
Headquartered in Clarkston, Mich., Chase Plastics, a $165 million enterprise, comprises a team of 86 plastic professionals and distributes more than 6,400 specialty, engineering and commodity thermoplastics via its South Bend, Ind., distribution center and 34 strategically placed warehouses. The company grew 22 percent in 2011 over 2010 and, as a result, added 13 new positions in 2011 and has hired 12 additional employees to date in 2012. Continued revenue and personnel growth are expected this year.
Kevin and Carole are now eligible for consideration for the National Entrepreneur of the Year 2012 Award, which will be presented in Palm Springs, Calif., on November 17, 2012.
ABOUT CHASE PLASTICS
Chase Plastics distributes more than 6,400 varieties of specialty, engineering and commodity thermoplastics from the industry’s leading manufacturers and global suppliers. In addition, Chase delivers engineering expertise, technical service, application development assistance, blending, repacking, inventory management and logistics services via a network of distribution centers, warehouses and sales locations throughout North and Central America.
Chase Plastics is redefining resin distribution with an approach to business that puts customer needs first. Formed in 1992, Chase Plastics has built its business on the ability to respond quickly with all of the flexibility and agility that its customers require. Based in Clarkston, Mich., Chase Plastics was founded by Kevin and Carole Chase, who serve as the company’s president and vice president, respectively. Find more information at ChasePlastics.com.
About Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year®
Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year is the world’s most prestigious business award for entrepreneurs. The unique award makes a difference through the way it encourages entrepreneurial activity among those with potential, and recognizes the contribution of people who inspire others with their vision, leadership and achievement. As the first and only truly global award of its kind, Entrepreneur Of The Year celebrates those who are building and leading successful, growing and dynamic businesses, recognizing them through regional, national and global awards programs in more than 140 cities in more than 50 countries.
About Ernst & Young
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