Our Story
Our story is built on 3 generations and over 50 years of growth, expansion, strong partnerships and whole lot of fun working together.
For over 50+ years, SKKR has built its reputation on trust, performance, and collaboration. We remain committed to delivering exceptional service, representing quality brands, and creating an environment where every partner—vendor and retailer alike—can succeed.
In 2024, SKKR expanded its coverage to 37 states, strengthening our presence and enhancing our ability to serve both vendor and retail partners more effectively than ever before. This growth reflects our ongoing commitment to adaptability, responsiveness, and partnership-driven results.
Timeline
This timeline highlights the key milestones that have shaped our company, from our humble beginnings to our vision for the future. Every step of our journey has been guided by one goal: serving our manufacturers and retail partners better. Thinking outside the box and believing that success comes from showing up every day with a positive attitude and putting forth your best effort.
Explore our timeline to see how we’ve grown, adapted and continued to bring value through the decades.
Early 1950’s
Olsen & Krug, Inc
States covered: IL, IN, WI and MN
Categories: Lawn & Garden, Housewares, Outdoor Living
Original Founders
Robert F. Krug
The late Robert F. Krug (known as Bob) was the original founder of the Robert F. Krug Co. which started in the early 1960’s after the dissolution of Olson & Krug, Inc. (1950s-1960) A graduate of the University of Illinois, he was a Civil Engineer graduate and a recipient of the Ira O. Baker Award. He was a father to 10 children and was married to our mother, Patricia Krug Stout.
Early in his career he made the choice to switch gears from engineering and move to sales. Our Dad was known for his quick wit and exceptional sales acumen. He loved people and socializing and building relationships in business came natural to him. Back in the early days socializing with business partners was common and he loved team building events, BBQ picnics and demonstrating product to gain the trust needed to lay the foundation for what was to come. In all his endeavors, he infused a sense of humor, bringing warmth and levity to his work and enriching the experience of those around him.
Patricia Krug Stout
Our mother, the late Patricia Krug Stout (known to many as Patt) was married to our father, Robert Krug and after his untimely death in 1977, she later married James Stout. Patt worked alongside Robert Krug and Jim Stout.
She was business oriented and had a knack for driving creative ideas and thinking outside of the box. Patt was a force to be reckoned with in business . She was often heard on the Lee Phillips Show and The WGN Show enthusiastically talking about Weber Products and her love for backyard BBQ’s with family and friends. Despite obstacles and headwinds, she remained focused and committed, ultimately delivering lasting success. A devoted mother of six, she juggled a big career, integrating us at an early age into the business. She had us selling representative samples door- to- door, demonstrating on Weber Grills as teenagers but most importantly teaching us the core values of business integrity, accountability, respect and teamwork. Her intuition was truly unmatched and guided every aspect of the business.
James Stout
The late James Stout (known by many as Jim or JJ), a scholar that graduated from The University of Illinois. Jim came with a wealth of knowledge and experience in the Houseware and Hardware Industry, owning a manufacturer representative business called Wessolhoff & Stout early on. He later formed the J.J. Stout , Inc. and together, he and our mother, Patt Stout built what later became the beginning of SKKR. (Stout, Krug, Krug & Ryan)
Jim was an astute man, known for his 1st class and keen business knowledge. Highly respected in the industry, it’s with no surprise that his career spread over 6 decades, working well into his late 80’s. Jim played a pivotal role in SKKR’s early expansion and together with our parents , he instilled in us the principles that continue to guide our business today. He was kind and gentle in nature and had a gift for making each of our partners feel special thru his exceptional communication which fostered collaboration and understanding, leaving a lasting impact on everyone he worked with.
Early Partnerships
