Elsa J. Brown has established herself as a passionate entrepreneur and philanthropist, renowned for her expertise in managing and growing businesses across diverse industries. As the owner and president of Bondtech Corporation since 1986, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership in the sales of autoclave systems, medical waste treatment, and composite bonding for the aerospace industry. She also excels as president of International Marketing Specialist, a company she founded in 1983 specializing in used autoclave systems. In this venture, she collaborates with partners in China to develop new products.
Ms. Brown’s career began at Wagner Electric, where she initially worked as a bilingual secretary before being promoted to sales coordinator. From 1976 to 1983, she held a notable tenure at Tiffany Industries, gaining valuable insights into the international market for used equipment, knowledge that would later inspired her entrepreneurial ventures.
Laying a solid academic foundation, Ms. Brown earned a business secretarial degree from Liceo Secretarial Bilingüe in Guatemala 1972. She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management with a minor in Spanish from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in 1987.
In addition to her business pursuits, Ms. Brown is actively involved in civic organizations. She serves on the board of directors for Citizens National Bank and acts as missions director for Outreach for Jesus. Her contributions have been recognized with accolades such as Woman of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce and the Pulaski County Colonels Award. In 2021, she published “Living to Love and Learn,” a personal memoir sharing insights from her life experiences.
Throughout her career, Ms. Brown has achieved remarkable success as a business leader, breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated industry. In 2005, her company became the first in its sector to collaborate with Korea, launching a food waste-to-animal-feed facility. Today, her business has surpassed the $20 million mark and employs around 40 staff across service and sales. Additionally, one of her ventures, Grupo Brocal, manufactures sharp containers used for the safe disposal of needles in hospitals throughout the U.S. and abroad.
Reflecting on her path, Ms. Brown has remained focused on her core strengths while emphasizing the importance of international expansion. She believes that businesses must grow beyond their domestic markets to reach their full potential. At various times, international operations have represented more than 50% of the company’s revenue. Within her areas of expertise, she and her team have successfully diversified across multiple industries.
In addition to her business acumen, Ms. Brown is deeply committed to philanthropy. In 2000, she founded the Somerset Foundation LLC, which supports marginalized communities in Guatemala, Romania, and Mexico. Her philanthropic journey began in 1981 with a mission trip to Romania, where she began helping the gypsy population. One of the foundation’s proudest achievements includes supporting a young woman from this community who later moved to England to become an attorney.
Ms. Brown considers her ability to uplift others her greatest accomplishment and remains dedicated to continuing this vital work. She notes that the most rewarding aspect of her profession is the opportunity to connect with people from diverse cultures around the world. For her, it is not just about selling equipment, it is about making a meaningful difference, building global relationships, and embracing the enriching experiences that come with international travel.
In her personal life, Ms. Brown cherishes time with her spouse and their children—Christina, Rodrigo, and Marilys. She also enjoys scuba diving and writing. Looking to the future, she aspires to continue pursuing innovative solutions for transforming medical waste into sustainable products to make a lasting environmental impact.