Diversity at Work
As people, we value diversity on principle. As a company, we value diversity for its business potential. But we're not going to try to convince you of what we know. These folks have already done that for us.
“Diversity leads to better business practices, more innovation, and improved risk taking.
Companies in the top quartile for gender diversity are 15% more likely to have financial returns above their respective national industry medians.”
-Vivian Hunt, McKinsey Consultants
Of various sized teams including more than 4,600 people, the teams that had more women outperformed other teams in terms of collaboration, problem analysis, and faster problem solving.
- 2015 Study conducted by MIT, Carnegie Mellon, and Union College
We're All in This Together
As a responsible corporate citizen, we take our role in the communities we serve very seriously. Whether it’s environmental or social, we are actively involved in everything from our advanced recycling programs and organic garden to our support of non-profit organizations, both local and international, that provide care for those in need.
Taking Things Personally
Our team ensure that we live up to the expectations both of our customers and ourselves.
Carol Piccaro
CEO and Account Executive
After several years in the financial world, Carol joined her father in 1983 as a Junior Account Representative. 37 years later Carol continues to enjoy sales and the thrill of uniting world-class suppliers and customers. Carol's outside interests include yoga, kayaking, skiing, and exploring the world with her family.
Patty Craven
Senior Logistics Manager
Patty's deep history of customer service has come full circle and once again found a home with USC. With an eye on diversity in the chemical industry, Patty's experience plays an integral role in our premium quality process and unparalleled relationship building. She came to us after serving as a customer service specialist for both manufacturing companies and distributors for many years. When not at work, Patty can be found on the golf course or reading and spending time with family and friends.
Michele Piccaro
Account Executive
Michele joins the team after working in the technology industry, including Amazon as a Product Manager for 4 years. Continuing the work of her grandfather, founder Howard T. Von Oehsen, and her mother, CEO Carol Piccaro, Michele brings her entrepreneurial spirit, creativity, and problem-solving skills to the company. Michele enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, and staying active.
Chris "CJ" Piccaro
Chief Innovation Officer
Chris brings to the company his diverse experience in software engineering, legal licensing, accounting, and business. His addition marks the third generation of the company Howard T. Von Oehsen founded in 1960. Outside of work, Chris can be found rock climbing, cycling, and playing board games.
Erin Carr
Controller
On her way to the third level of the Master Sommelier examination series, Erin's career took a serendipitous turn into the wonderful world of Accounting. Building on her experience as a controller with a top hospitality group in New York City, Erin is thrilled to collaborate with the great team at USC. Erin loves drinking wine and watching vegetables, dogs, and babies grow.
Lauren Weiss
Client Support Strategist
Lauren comes armed with a background in chemistry, psychology, business, and licensing. Her laser-like and galvanizing approach to systems and organizational processes are instrumental in the company's mission to continue to grow into diverse business sectors. Outside of work, Lauren enjoys skiing, cycling, and hiking the Pacific Northwest.
Advisors
Diane Vinci
Suann Ingle
John Shrekgast
A Strong Foundation
From the day we opened our doors, we've operated according to Howard T. Von Oehsen's belief that "If our customers are not successful, then we are not successful". That selfless philosophy and pointed understanding of how we are all connected has guided us through our endeavors, for the good of our company, our customers, and world around us.
2017
U.S. Chemicals sold to The Maroon Group.
U.S. Chemicals, A Woman-Owned Business is established to solely focus its efforts on companies that value diversity
2009
Office relocates from New Canaan, CT
to Darien, CT
1995
Howard Von Oehsen dies
after battling ALS for several years.
Carol Piccaro elected President
and CEO of U.S. Chemicals
1983
Carol Piccaro joins company as a
Junior Account Executive with a territory of Western NY, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Indiana
1963
Sales exceed one million dollars
2018
Advisory Board created to help specialize in engaging other companies that value diversity
2011
Becomes active member of
Women Presidents' Organization
2003
Certified Membership in The Women's Business Enterprise National Council
1985
Special services launched to include micronizing, re-packaging, and toll manufacturing
1965
First full containers of products imported from top-quality international suppliers
1960
Company founded by Howard T. Von Oehsen, with funding from William Wishnick, President of Witco Corporation
