Dale F. Elliott

Dale Elliott earned a Master’s in Business Administration from Michigan Tech in 1979 and has accumulated more than 25 years of service to the University while leading major corporations in a remarkable career.

“My time at Michigan Tech was central to my career success,” he said. “It provided me a foundation that, along with my experience in related fields, allowed me to contribute to organizations in a significant way.”

Elliott joined Brunswick Corporation after graduation as an advanced management trainee. After completing the program, he secured a position in product management as it provided the opportunity to combine his knowledge of manufacturing with sales and marketing. Elliott spent the next 11 years with Emerson Electric, starting with the Dremel division as marketing manager. After a few successful years, he was promoted to general manager of Dremel and was selected to be vice president of marketing for the S-B Power Tool business, a joint venture between Emerson and Robert Bosch GmbH.

“Working in international settings early on exposed me to different cultures and the complexities of operating a global enterprise,” he said.

Looking to get back into a general management role, Elliott took a position with Snap-on Tools Inc., as president of the industrial and power tool business in 1995. He was named chairman, president, and CEO of Snap-on Tools in 2001 and over the next three years developed the strategy and tactical plans that set the stage for their future growth and profitability.

After retiring from Snap-on, Elliott was called on to become president of American Standard’s global bath and kitchen business, a market leader with 56 manufacturing locations around the world and over 26,000 employees. 

Currently, Elliott is president and CEO of FCM Advisory Group, Ltd. a business consulting company he founded in 2007. He has focused his efforts on a process called “Full Circle Management,” which ensures that the activities of the entire organization are aligned with company strategic goals and objectives. 

Elliott has been active in service to Michigan Tech since 1996. He volunteered for three stints on the Michigan Tech Fund Board in 1996–2006, 2009–13, and 2019–21. His roles included chairing the finance and audit committee, chairing the investment committee, and chairing the board. Elliott provided leadership through challenging financial times and changes in University administration.

In addition, Elliott has been a member of the President’s Advancement Council and the College of Business National Advisory Board. He was also granted an honorary PhD from the University in 2014 and was named to the Academy of Business in 2019. During his career, he has maintained a strong commitment to youth technical education and has worked with SkillsUSA on their National Board of Directors and as Chairman of the Youth Development Foundation.

“My father started a training program for young minority people in the 60’s when this was a rare occurrence,” said Elliott. “He was a firm believer in education and providing an opportunity to people who were willing to work. That ethos is central to my support of education and my belief in its importance to the future.”

Because of his long-time connection to the University, Elliott will receive the 2023 Michigan Tech Alumni Award for Outstanding Service.

Elliott and his wife Judy have two grown daughters and split their time between Traverse City, Michigan and Marco Island, Florida.