Brandon Ellis, President & Industrial Automation Expert

Brandon Ellis serves as President of elliTek, Inc., a Knoxville, Tennessee-based automation company he founded in 2009. elliTek began as an automation integration company with expertise in IoT, factory data management, advanced automation, and motion control, then expanded in 2018 into solutions-based automation distribution.  Brandon’s technical background includes 32 years in industrial automation, with hands-on experience in motion control, machine networks, Industrial Internet of Things applications, industrial and collaborative robots, and process automation. His formal education includes a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. One of Brandon’s most recognized accomplishments is the invention of the Data Commander™ MES Gateway Appliance. The product was created to help plant-floor engineers move data between operational technology and enterprise systems without relying on weeks of custom programming. It is now known as the IIoTA™ Industrial Internet of Things Appliance, which connects PLCs to databases and enterprise platforms through a secure industrial gateway architecture.  ​Brandon works closely with manufacturers, OEMs, machine builders, and system integrators that are standardizing on industrial automation architectures, modernizing legacy control systems, or improving visibility into machine and process data. His approach is built around technical competence, integrity, responsiveness, and practical guidance that helps customers move from automation challenges to workable next steps. ​Beyond project work, Brandon contributes to the automation industry through public speaking, technical training, workshops, and podcasting. He was on a panel at MDM in Anaheim, CA, discussing industrial data management and security methods within industrial manufacturing. He has spoken at The Assembly Show, elliTek’s elliVate events, Automation Expo, and Lunch & Learn workshops, and he hosts elliTek’s podcast, now branded as “elliTek’s Automation Know-How.” Outside of work, Brandon enjoys fishing and general aviation.