ROyAL TREATMENT - US Chemicals

U.S. ChemiCalS, llC:
Offering the
rOyal treatment
As US Chemicals prepares for its 50th anniversary, President Carol
Piccaro says the company has never lost sight of a simple concept –
our success is directly related to our customers’ success
Written by Ulrika G. Gerth & Produced by Sean Bakke
At treated like royalty. “We’ve got lots of
U.S. Chemicals, LLC, the customer is
king. Suppliers and employees are also
kings and queens here!” says CEO and President
Carol Piccaro with a laugh.
That royal treatment of everyone involved in the
success of U.S. Chemicals, a chemical distributor
based in New Canaan, CT, is key to the company’s
longevity. Celebrating 50 years in business in 2010,
the philosophy of Piccaro’s father and company
founder Howard T. Von Oehsen – “if our customers
are not successful, then we are not successful” – is
December 2009 | www.ManufacturingDigital.com
still in effect today.
“It’s something we’ve never lost sight of,”
Piccaro says. “My dad was a master at developing
long term relationships. His customers and
suppliers were treated royally,” Piccaro proudly
states. “One of my dad’s first customers is still a
customer today. This is a huge asset.”
U.S. Chemicals serves as a single source for
chemical acquisition needs of many industries,
including: paint, ink and coatings, chemical and
textiles, cosmetic and personal care products,
flame retardants, food and pharmaceutical, plastic
and rubber. The company also maintains 12
warehouses in the United States, one in Ontario,
Canada, and another in Barcelona, Spain.
WORKiNG aS a Team
Ten employees with over 100 years combined
experience in sales and service related to
chemicals take part in every order. Uniquely, U.S.
Chemicals’ census is 80% woman. In a male
dominated industry this make up sets them apart.
Turnover is low, allowing customers and suppliers
to develop personal relationships with the staff.
Manufacturing US Chemicals 3
Customers know the entire U.S. Chemicals team,
most by name.
“We love challenges,” she continues. “On a
Friday afternoon, if a plant is going to shut down,
we will all pull together as a team to ensure the
customers’ needs are met so that plant continues
to run. Working together to help others gives us all
a sense of accomplishment.”
“We all share our mission to provide
extraordinary customer service. Even outside
the office, our employees value philanthropic
initiatives,” states Piccaro. This tight-knit group
www.ManufacturingDigital.com | December 2009