K40 Electronics owner honored with Entrepreneurial Excellence Award
Peggy Finley, owner/president of K40 Electronics in Elgin, was recently recognized with the 2013 Entrepreneurial Excellence Award in the Lifetime Achievement category sponsored by the Daily Herald Business Ledger, a Chicago suburban publication.
Honorees were recognized for demonstrating the best traits of entrepreneurship, including willingness to take risks, drive, perseverance and business creativity.
In response to receiving the recognition, Finley said, “I accept this award on behalf of all our K40 employee-entrepreneurs. All of the products that have been designed, all of the policies that are in place, all of the people that have been hired, all of the community work and charitable donations, all of the joy of creating, and all of the love given, are co-creations. We do it together.”
Finley added, “As for myself, I have done an amazing job of discovering and exploiting the entrepreneurs within each employee. If I could offer a piece of advice, it would be to release control for a moment, if only to see that you are surrounded by undiscovered co-creators.” She proudly noted that “their individual talents and insights are unopened gifts waiting to be seen.”
K40 Electronics manufactures and distributes the most advanced line of Radar Detector and Laser Jamming Systems in the world to luxury auto dealerships. K40's unique culture is dedicated to its customers who are guaranteed 24/7 customer service support through direct personal response.
Finley's entrepreneurial spirit and leadership style has provided her the opportunity to grow her successful business in non-traditional ways. She empowers employees, most of whom have been with K40 from 10 to 20 years, in the company's decision-making. Finley rewards employees for their contribution to the business with 10% of the profits. K40 employees receive a myriad of benefits including opportunities for personal growth and time to volunteer during work hours. Finley cherishes and encourages a workplace environment and atmosphere that is a safe place to nurture creativity and learn new skills.
A believer in giving back to the community, K40 Electronics also gives back 10% of its profits to local not for profit organizations, including the Boys and Girls Club of Dundee Township. In addition to offering paid employee volunteer time with the club, K40 has purchased a new van for the Boys and Girls Club of Dundee Township and recently painted the club's administration office.
K40 Electronics was founded in 1977 and Finley joined the company in 1981 as an executive assistant. With her previous experience of working with foreign customers, agents and distributors, she quickly became an integral part of the sales team.
By 1985, Finley started a new division in the company with K40 that concentrated on sales of customized products strictly to luxury auto dealerships throughout the country. Sales skyrocketed and by the end of four years, annual sales were up to $4 million. In 1989, Finley's new division was folded back in to the company and in 1992, she was named president of the company. She has owned the company since September 2009.
As owner/president of K40 Electronics, Finley directly oversees the 20 employees, management of the company and its operations.
K40 Electronics is located at 600 Tollgate Road, Elgin, IL 60123. For more information, call 800-323-5608 or visit their website, k40.com