Breaking the Glass Ceiling: How Women Are Transforming the Elevator Industry

Like many other technical and engineering fields, the elevator industry has long been a male-dominated space. However, an increasing number of women are breaking through the glass ceiling, not just to participate, but to lead, innovate, and inspire others along the way. As the industry moves forward, it’s important for business owners to recognize the true value women add to the field. Supporting gender diversity in the workplace is not only the right thing to do—it's also a catalyst for innovation, improved performance, and sustainable growth in your elevator business. 

The Power of Perspective: Why Women Matter in the Elevator Industry 

Diverse teams are known for being more innovative. When you bring in different perspectives and ways of solving problems, businesses can come up with creative solutions that really hit the mark. Women in the elevator industry bring fresh ideas that help keep us competitive and moving forward. 

A study by McKinsey & Company found that companies with more gender diversity are 21% more likely to achieve above-average profits and 27% more likely to create more value. This goes to show when elevator companies include and support women in key roles, they can expect better business performance and increased innovation. 

As leaders, we manage every aspect of our business. Our responsibilities are endless, but the one responsibility we can’t overlook is the responsibility we have to our people. We should be focused on building a culture that values them. Many women in the elevator industry are great at creating inclusive, people-first environments. These environments can create happier, loyal employees and better collaboration. This kind of leadership helps businesses thrive. 

One industry leader, Veronica Querales of Kohtler Elevator, is known for her dedication to building lasting relationships and creating a positive work culture. Veronica recently joined me on an episode of The Elevator Entrepreneur. She emphasized the importance of prioritizing people over profits, a philosophy that has led her company to success and her to become a respected leader in our industry. 

“That’s the most important thing I can say. Of course, the numbers are important, but our people are more important... Be human.” — Veronica Querales, The Elevator Entrepreneur 

Women in the elevator industry are showing that gender doesn’t have to stand in the way of success. Their accomplishments will inspire the next generation to step into this field and pave the way with more women in technical and leadership roles. 

Shattering the Glass Ceiling: Success Stories 

Veronica Querales is a perfect example of how resilience and determination can break down barriers. Starting her career in her father’s elevator service company in Puerto Rico, she is now the CEO of Kohtler Elevator and serves on the Board of Directors for the NAEC. Her journey shows that dedication, hard work, and staying true to one's values can lead to success, regardless of the obstacles. 

Anita Seymour, another notable figure, has contributed to the elevator industry through her innovative strategies and leadership as President and Founder of Expert Service Solutions. She proudly serves on the Board of Directors for the NAEC. Her ability to pour into her employees through incentives and opportunities to drive morale and business success is a testament to the significant impact women have in the field. 

Susie Madden is another incredible woman who has achieved great success in the elevator industry. Starting from the administrative side of Madden Elevator, Susie found a knack for hiring and retaining talent. With this ability, Susie became a co-founder of Elevator Services Group. Her commitment to servicing the elevator industry shines through her charisma and impressive people skills. (I may be biased because she’s my wife, but her ability to connect with people on their level proves she is an invaluable asset to the elevator industry.) 

Veronica, Anita, and Susie have proven that women can break through the glass ceiling and lead businesses to incredible success. Their experiences are a testament to their resilience and talent. 

Why Business Owners Should Value Women in the Elevator Industry 

As we all know, the elevator industry is dealing with a talent shortage. Bringing more women into the mix can help close that gap and build a more diverse and skilled workforce. 

When business owners start recognizing the fresh perspectives women bring, it leads to stronger, more innovative teams. McKinsey’s Delivering Through Diversity report backs this up, showing that companies with more gender diversity tend to have higher profitability and create more value. 

Clients and partners are paying more attention to inclusivity these days. Businesses that make it clear they’re committed to diversity set themselves apart as leaders in the industry.

How You Can Foster Inclusivity and Growth in Your Elevator Business 

1. Encourage Mentorship Programs- Mentorship plays a big role in helping women move up in the elevator industry. Setting up formal mentorship programs, where experienced professionals are given the opportunity to guide new female talent, can make the transition into leadership or technical roles smoother for them. 
    
2. Promote STEM Education- Supporting programs that encourage women to explore STEM careers is a great way to develop their skills. The more we promote engineering and tech fields, the bigger pool of diversity we’ll have for future recruitment.
    
3. Build an Inclusive Culture- An inclusive workplace is where everyone feels valued and supported. This means having policies that focus on equal pay, career advancement opportunities, and a healthy work-life balance. Creating this kind of environment leads to loyal employees and better overall productivity. Veronica emphasized that simply taking the time to ask employees about their day or what they’ve got going on can make them feel valued and prioritized. 

Women are reshaping the elevator industry in ways that are nothing short of exciting. They’re breaking barriers, driving innovation, and leading companies to new opportunities. Business owners who recognize the value women bring are positioning themselves for long-term success. It’s easy to overlook diversity when hiring focuses solely on talent and skill. However, a predominantly male workforce can make it harder to retain female talent and foster an inclusive culture. 

By promoting mentorship, supporting STEM education, and fostering inclusive workplaces, we can ensure the industry continues to evolve, stay competitive, and thrive. Encouraging and embracing breakthroughs of the glass ceiling is key to securing a bold and successful future for the elevator industry. 

If you’d like to hear more about women in business and see more of Veronica’s story, check out my latest episode of The Elevator Entrepreneur. 

As always, stay safe out there, and I will continue to empower my fellow elevator entrepreneurs.