• Home
  • Magazine
  • News
  • Tech Center
  • Products
  • Management
  • Engine Builders of the Year
  • Video
  • Shop Solutions
  • Fantasy Engine Build
  • Engine of the Week
  • Ride of the Week
  • Buyers Guide
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe
  • Contact Us
Engine Builder Magazine Babcox
Engine Builder Magazine Babcox
Engine Builder Magazine’s 2019 Engine of the Year Winner

by Greg Jones

Engine Builder Magazine’s 2019 Diesel of the Year Winner

by Greg Jones

Sponsored Content
Forging a Stronger Piston: Aligned Grain Flow Technology

by JE Pistons

ASE Introduces Updated Electronic Diesel Engine Diagnosis Specialist (L2) Test

by Engine Builder

Comec Announces Comec Incorporated

by Engine Builder

Join PERA for a Webinar on High-Efficiency Induction Systems

by Engine Builder

Total Seal Hires Lake Speed Jr. as VP Sales and Marketing

by Engine Builder

Engine Parts Group Recognizes Dura-Bond with Opportunity Award

by Engine Builder

Specialty Auto Parts Wins Two SEMA Awards

by Engine Builder

Motor State Adds Pro-Race Performance Products

by Engine Builder

ACL Celebrates 70 Years

by Engine Builder

UEM Pistons Names Nick D’Agostino as Director of Product Development

by Engine Builder

Video: Engine of the Week – GSX-R1000 Nitrous Engine

by Greg Jones

Dayco Names New VP of Sales and Business Development

by Engine Builder

Permatex The Right Stuff 90 Minute Gasket Maker Named Best New Product

by Engine Builder

JE Pistons Partners with Parts Unlimited & Drag Specialties

by Engine Builder

Lubrication Specialties Names Nikki Stoughton Director of Marketing

by Greg Jones

Jon Shakill Named PRI Marketing Manager

by Engine Builder

Cloyes Earns Two Automotive Communications Awards

by Engine Builder

Erica Enders is the 2019 NHRA Pro Stock World Champion

by Engine Builder

PBM Performance Products to be Exclusive Distributor for Pro-Filer Cylinder Heads

by Engine Builder

Engine News/Elgin
Oct 6, 2015 11:32 am

Martin J. Skok Jr., Chairman of Elgin Industries, Dead at 87

Share Tweet
Print Print Email Email
Engine Builder

Engine Builder,Author

View bio

  • Bio
  • Recent Posts
  • Popular Posts

ASE Introduces Updated Electronic Diesel Engine Diagnosis Specialist (L2) Test

Comec Announces Comec Incorporated

Aeromotive Hellcat Swap Gen II Stealth Fuel Tank

MAHLE Motorsport 2020 Application Guide

Earl's Fuel Rail Adapters, Submersible Hose, Water Pump Adapters

OTC Fuel Injection Tools for H-D Detroit Diesel Engines

Sniper EFI Stealth 4150 Fuel Injection Systems

ACL Celebrates 70 Years

OTC Crank & Cam Tools for Detroit Diesel Engines

Dayco Names New VP of Sales and Business Development

UnknownMartin J. (Marty) Skok Jr., who helped build his father’s successful engine parts manufacturing business into a truly global enterprise serving original equipment manufacturers and replacement parts distributors, died Oct. 4, 2015, at his home in Elgin, Ill., following a brief illness. He was 87.

Born and raised in Elgin, Skok assumed control of Elgin Industries after his father, company founder Martin J. Skok Sr., suffered a stroke in the early 1960s. A graduate of Elgin Academy and Northwestern University, Skok over the next 50 years directed the growth of the company’s manufacturing and distribution operations, product line and portfolio of customers. He also built on his father’s legacy as a pioneer in professional motorsports. The Skok family campaigned the iconic Elgin Piston Pin Special in the Indianapolis 500, provided financial backing for the popular Elgin National Road Race, participated in Mexico’s La Carrera Panamerica, and were early partners to Anthony “Andy” Granatelli, who later became one of racing’s best-known engine builders, team owners and promoters.

Skok’s most significant success, however, was in guiding his father’s company, established in 1919, to international prominence while maintaining its focus on quality, leading-edge technology and exceptional customer service. Founded as a manufacturer of a single product line – piston pins – Elgin Industries today is a fully integrated, U.S.-based supplier of internal engine and chassis components and one of the world’s premier manufacturers of push rods and complete valve train packages. Customers include Fiat Chrysler, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Harley Davidson, Mack, Navistar, JASPER Engines and Transmissions, and several leading replacement parts distributors in North and South America, the Middle East and other regions. The company operates modern, expansive engineering, manufacturing and distribution operations not far from where its founder first rented a small production facility more than 96 years ago.

“My dad never lost his love for the Elgin community, and while many other manufacturers have moved their operations to low-cost countries, he passionately believed in the quality and value of products designed and built in the U.S.,” said his son, Elgin Industries President Bill Skok. Two of Skok’s other children – Cheryl Hogrewe and Thomas Skok – are active in the company’s daily operations, while his son John is retired. “We, and all of our employees, share his passion for quality and customer satisfaction, which is perhaps his greatest legacy,” Bill Skok said.

Skok, who also is survived by his wife of 65 years, Carolyn Doyle Skok, was equally committed to his community, church and other local organizations. He was a member of the Elk’s Club and American Legion, past board member of Elgin National Bank and Elgin Academy, and deeply involved in the St. Thomas More and St. Laurence Catholic parishes of Elgin. He was active in several industry organizations, including National Engine Parts Manufacturers Association, Automotive Sales Council, Automotive Engine Rebuilders Association, Production Engine Builders Association, and Auto Care Association.

In addition to his wife and four children, Skok leaves eight grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Memorials may be made to St. Laurence Catholic Church, 565 Standish St., Elgin, Ill. 60123, or the American Legion.

  • Tags:
  • Elgin
  • Martin J. Skok Jr.
Search for:
Buyers guide header

Nickels Performance

Nickels Performance
293 Industrial Park Rd.
Piney Flats TN 37686
Phone: 800-251-0331Phone: 423-391-0032Fax: 423-391-0208
293 Industrial Park Rd., Piney Flats TN 37686,
See More
Show Full Article
Copyright © 2019 Babcox Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved
  • Privacy Policy
  • Home
  • Magazine
  • News
  • Tech Center
  • Products
  • Management
  • Engine Builders of the Year
  • Video
  • Shop Solutions
  • Fantasy Engine Build
  • Engine of the Week
  • Ride of the Week
  • Buyers Guide
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe
  • Contact Us
Sponsored Content
Forging a Stronger Piston: Aligned Grain Flow Technology

by JE Pistons

650 cid Compound Marine Engine

by Greg Jones

Sponsored Content
Forging a Stronger Piston: Aligned Grain Flow Technology

by JE Pistons

466 cid LS7 Engine

by Greg Jones

6.7L Cummins-Based Enforcer Engine

by Greg Jones

Stage 2 Duramax 6.6L LBZ

by Greg Jones

370 cid LS3 Engine

by Greg Jones

Cummins R2.8 Turbo Diesel

by Greg Jones

OTC Fuel Injection Tools for H-D Detroit Diesel Engines

by Engine Builder

Sniper EFI Stealth 4150 Fuel Injection Systems

by Engine Builder

Utilizing Instagram

by Greg Jones