Kaitlyn McElrath
Kaitlyn McElrath is a results-driven professional working in fuel sales across the Carolina market, where she supports wholesale sites, including gas stations and convenience stores, helping dealers with operations, vendor recommendations, billing issues, and brand compliance. She is passionate about relationship-driven service and believes that true influence comes from making a meaningful impact in every interaction. Kaitlyn values integrity, authenticity, and compassion, and these principles guide her work with small business owners and her broader professional approach.
Kaitlyn’s career has been marked by versatility and entrepreneurial spirit. She began as a cosmetologist and licensed instructor, owning and operating a salon while teaching trade skills to both adults and high-school learners. After selling her salon, she transitioned into healthcare as a certified medical coder and later ran marketing and operations for a wedding venue and event-focused floral shop, earning industry recognition. She then entered the lubricants marketing field, advancing from marketing coordinator to marketing director at Del Mar Oil Company before moving into her current role in fuel sales.
Kaitlyn holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Western Governors University and a liberal arts degree. Outside of her professional work, she is committed to community service, volunteering with local high school booster clubs and donating regularly to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Across her varied career, Kaitlyn has leveraged her ability to connect with people, lead with empathy, and combine strategic thinking with operational execution to deliver measurable impact for clients and teams alike.
• Spartanburg Community College- Associate's
• Western Governors University- B.S.
• Best in Florals
• Top FTD 500 placement
• St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my desire to keep learning and challenging myself—after working in medical coding, I finally found fulfillment in the oil and gas industry. I also rely on emotional intelligence, reading a room, leading interactions thoughtfully, and building strong, practical relationships that make a real impact.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is that competence commands respect, and that emotional intelligence often matters more than IQ. I’ve also learned that attention to detail—because the devil’s truly in the details—can make all the difference.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is that influence isn’t about your title—it’s about the impact you make. Lead every interaction, focus on building strong relationships, and embrace challenges without limiting yourself.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in the wholesale and distribution oil sector is that it can be slow to innovate. Opportunities include modernizing private labeling and trade-show strategies, while also helping small-site operators navigate compliance and immigration-related issues.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both work and life are integrity, authenticity, and compassion, guiding how I interact with others and make decisions.