Kaskaskia College has honored McKay Corporation NAPA Auto Parts President Earl Flack as its 2023 Entrepreneur of the Year.
The award came during the Teachers and Coaches Entrepreneur program held Thursday night at Bretz Wildlife Lodge and Winery in Carlyle sponsored by an anonymous donation to the Kaskaskia College Foundation.
College President George Evans says other than graduation this is his favorite event of the year because they get to honor a local business that has succeeded. He noted Flack began as an entry level employee in 1984.
“Earl, who is the current President of McKay, actually worked for the McKay brothers years ago. Through true grit and that work ethic he has worked his way up to become a shareholder and later become President of the company.”
Evans asked the students to pay attention to Flack’s story because it is something they can work towards in their career.
Flack said he was honored to receive the award.
“I was humbled but honored to be able to accept this award on behalf of McKay/NAPA Auto Parts. I guess 40 plus years in the parts business has taught me to work together as a team and I think it was proven tonight with the crowd that attended.”
Flack was pleased to see many of the college’s automotive students in attendance.
“My comments to students is step forward while others step back. What does that mean? Get out of your comfort zone. Do things that you just don’t normally do. And when you’re asked to do it, it’s ok. You take a degree from KC that you are going to move on to a 4-year degree or Bachelors, that’s great. But whoever you go to work for they are recognizing work ethic. It’s the number one thing I look for in an employee. You have work ethic and it’s recognized.”
McKay Corporation has been family owned for 86 years. They currently own 24 NAPA stores and will soon add a 25th along with a warehouse in Litchfield. The company has 250 employees, some at stores located in the Kaskaskia College District. Through a cooperative effort, one of the stores is set up in the automotive department at Kaskaskia College.
Kaskaskia College business students with Earl Flack.
Kaskaskia College Automotive Students with Earl Flack.
