Hall of Fame Induction Year
1993
Preview
Inductee Biography
Mr. Elmore founded Hardrives in 1946 at age 27 after he saw an opportunity to provide paved driveways to wealthy homeowners. The company brought him financial independence before his 40th birthday, but he never stopped working, following his own motto to "enjoy what you do and be good at it." He sold Hardrives to his brother, George, and his nephew, Craig, in 1985. The company remains headquartered in Delray Beach. Mr. Elmore maintained ownership in two additional companies he formed, Road Rock, Inc. and Excavators, Inc. His entrepreneurial spirit spilled over to the community where he lived for 64 years. Mr. Elmore touched more than 50 different organizations in his lifetime. Robert Elmore was born in New Castle near Pittsburgh, PA on March 11, 1919, to Margaret Christine Pattison, a teacher, and James Henry Elmore, a salesman for New Castle Merchant Company. When he graduated from Penn State University in 1941 with a bachelor's degree in metallurgy, he joined U.S. Steel in Pittsburgh as a metallurgist. That same year he also married Geraldine Covert. After five years, he was ready to start his own company. He decided to seek opportunities and warmer winters in Fort Lauderdale, FL, where the idea for Hardrives was born and he spent the next five decades raising his children in Fort Lauderdale. Mr. Elmore had visual problems beginning in his youth, but starting in the 1950s, he learned he would lose his sight. "He may have lost his eyesight, but he never lost his 'vision' for his family and community," said Joan Elmore. "He was a passionate man who loved deeply and cared for and respected others."
Digital Collection
Huizenga College of Business and Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame
Disciplines
Business
Rights
Educational use only, no other permissions given. U.S. and international copyright laws may protect this item. Commercial use or distribution of this digital object is not permitted without written permission of the Nova Southeastern University Archives.
Copyright
© Nova Southeastern University