Growing up, I really didn’t have many mentors or people in my life to help guide me. So I had little direction! After High School, I went to Macomb Community College and got a Liberal Arts degree. Paying for my own schooling, I had to work part time and go to college part time. My life took a huge turn when I went into the Army during the Vietnam war. The Army sent me to helicopter maintenance and later for jet engine repair training. I learned a great deal while working at an air base in Vietnam. When I got home, I finished my associate’s degree in Liberal Arts. I’ve had lots of different jobs since then—working at a food warehouse, part of the Teamsters Union, assistant to a controller for a glass company, and accountant for the Letterman Elevator Company.
As fate would have it, the Letterman Company led to the Westinghouse Corporation, which then became Schindler Elevator Corporation. Across these three companies, I’ve spent 20 years in the elevator business. I love numbers, money and accounting, so for 11 years I worked in accounting. Looking for a change and having the right opportunity arise, I’ve enjoyed being in sales and marketing for the past 9 years.
Being part of a huge international corporation can bring employees lots of chances to change career directions, to move to different places in America or the world, and to meet diverse people and gain from their education and experiences. FYI: the Schindler Group is the largest supplier of escalators and the second largest manufacturer of elevators in the world! Globally, there are 40,000+ employees. An interesting fact is that 900 million people use Schindler equipment to “move” every day!
I love the variety in my work. I like to research and learn about elevators and systems. I enjoy going to the variety of training programs offered by my company on everything from sales and marketing strategies to state inspection codes and policies. I enjoy meeting with clients to help them solve their problems—whether that is upgrading an older elevator or considering a newly designed and high-tech model.
Many people enter this business via Union #85 in Lansing. Jobs are also posted on the Schindler website. Visiting any building that is two or more stories can be fun, as there will likely be an elevator! Generally, a work ethic and an ability to work with others are important for any future career or job. Volunteer with a community organization, get involved with a club or youth group, or find a part-time job. All of these experiences help you build character and responsibility, which are keys to your future in the “world of work”!
Some of our elevators were designed and installed in the 1920s! It is often a challenge to research and figure out the best ways to repair and try to upgrade these systems to meet the state and federal safety standards we have today. One client in Jackson has an elevator that still requires a person to be the operator! Ever-changing technology and high-tech designs are both challenges and exciting factors in my work.
To design and improve elevator and escalator systems you would need an engineering degree. For sales and marketing of elevators and escalators, you would need an associate or bachelor’s degree in business. People who do installation, repairs and upgrades are skilled-trade certified. An interesting fact is that Elevator Journeymen/women can earn $40+ an hour—making this the highest paid “blue collar” job today.
Marketing and sales, accounting and bookkeeping, general business talents for any business or organization.
I have lots of flexibility. I plan my daily schedule and do much of my work at home, like making phone calls to check in on clients, writing sales proposals, or arranging meetings and visits.
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