Jo-Kell Sales Representative Edwin Rodriguez, from left, CEO Suzy Kelly, Channel Manager John Kelly, Vice President Jim Baur, COO Adrian Marchi, President Marty Kelly, and Inside Sales Manager Dan Sherman
A 1977 Toys for Tots program was Jo-Kell Inc.’s first philanthropic effort. Four decades later, the Chesapeake-based electrical supply and engineering firm continues its community outreach.
The company has donated at least 5,000 pounds of food each year to the food bank since 2004. For more than a decade, company-wide fundraising has generated between $6,000 and $8,000 annually for St. Mary’s Home for Disabled Children.
The staff demonstrates its appreciation for public safety personnel by supplying their meals during the Chesapeake Jubilee weekend.
Other organizations assisted by the firm include the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Ronald McDonald House and Union Mission. Both the company and individual personnel have been honored by the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, the Chesapeake Police Department, the Chesapeake City Council, the YWCA, Northrop Grumman, VOLUNTEER Hampton Roads and the National Association of Women Business Owners. Community is one of Jo-Kell’s seven values, in addition to courage, courtesy, excellence, integrity, passion and humor.
Joseph A. Kelly founded the business in his garage in 1977. Armed with $5,000, a phone and a card table, the former supply officer wanted to help the Navy get necessary, hard-to-find parts. Known as “the human internet,” Kelly procured $100,000 in circuit boards and propelled his company into the naval shipboard electrical field.
Today, Jo-Kell is the one of the largest suppliers of control panels at Newport News Shipbuilding. Joseph Kelly retired in 2002. His daughter-in-law Suzy and son Marty serve as CEO and president respectively.
Suzy has been treasurer, secretary and executive vice president. A former captain with the Army Corps of Engineers, Marty Kelly directs the sales, product and marketing development and vendor/customer relations divisions. COO Adrian Marchi completes the leadership team.
The use of technology – in sales, inventory control and on work devices, coupled with a high regard for employees – undergirds the company’s success, according to Suzy Kelly. The business averages three times the industry norm in revenue per employee, she said.
Jo-Kell hasn’t experienced a layoff in its history, thanks to an efficient hiring method. Would-be employees can expect to meet with 10 people during the interview process. Jo-Kell has a mentoring program that prepares those with the potential and desire to become leaders within the company.
Inside sales manager Dan Sherman began in the warehouse. Another former warehouse staffer, Edwin Rodriquez, worked his way into the engineering division and is now an outside technical sales representative.
Company leaders would like to see 10 percent annual growth on an ongoing basis. Jo-Kell may consider a future acquisition or merger given the right circumstances.
“The products, services and systems would have to complement and enhance our existing offerings. In addition, the corporate culture must be one that is employee and community focused,” Kelly said.
Though Jo-Kell has offices in Richmond, Jacksonville, Fla., Atlanta and San Diego, this area will always be home base.
“Hampton Roads has been very good to us,” Kelly said. “Our vendors and customers are very loyal and have contributed greatly to our success.”
– Pamela Nichols
