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The hardest lesson.
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Uh I guess it's all the time you have lessons every day, uh new challenges that you have to face.
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And as you grow, I think it's even more.
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That's why I like I don't like to be stable.
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So yes, definitely as you grow, more problems, also more research, um, more people around.
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I started to get a bigger community, more technicians that I can ask questions, or like people like you in the industry that I can follow up have been very helpful for me.
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Yeah, I can't imagine the learning curve.
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Just by now, you you read the codes, but at some point along the way, maybe didn't even know what the codes were.
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It's like, okay, what do I start?
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Hello and welcome to the Elevator Careers Podcast brought to you by the All Red Group.
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I'm your host, Matt Allred.
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When talent is mission critical, call the All Red Group.
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With industry expertise, top talent, and exceptional customer service, you need the All Red Group on your side.
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Your priority is our priority.
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Call now 404-890-0445.
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In this episode, Monica Stepokovska proved that you don't need decades in an industry to make an impact.
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Monica arrived in the United States with no prior elevator knowledge, and just six years later founded Alpha Elevators.
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With curiosity, relentless persistence, and a commitment to serving customers, she overcame obstacles, earned trust in a male-dominated field, and built a respectable business.
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In this conversation, Monica shares what it's like to build an elevator business, why persistence beats experience, and how putting customers first has become the foundation of her company's success.
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Monica, welcome to the show.
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Thank you so much.
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Thank you for having me.
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Thank you.
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No, I appreciate you being here.
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I'm interested in learning more about your story and uh and how you've created your own company.
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I mean, it's and it's interesting to me, it's fascinating, really.
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You arrived in America, what, just six years ago, and now you're running an elevator company.
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What was going through your mind when you first stepped off the plane?
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And, you know, did you ever imagine that you would end up right here?
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Yes, no, absolutely never imagined that.
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Uh, I guess I came to America with an open mind.
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I was young.
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Uh, I was trying to create opportunities for myself.
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Um, never thought I will have an elevator company.
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Uh, I guess it just came naturally for me.
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I just wanted to, I had craving of creating something on my own and just making an impact, I guess.
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Okay.
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So so business ownership and business creation was always part of the plan.
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You just didn't think it would be elevators.
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Is that fair?
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Yes.
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Yes, absolutely.
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Elevators were, I never even thought an industry like this exists.
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So definitely not that.
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Yeah.
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Like I say, it's an amazing story.
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And and like you said, most people probably never think about elevators as a career.
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Um, what was it about the that first conversation you met?
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You you said you met an elevator technician.
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What was it that kind of captured your attention, your imagination, and said, hey, this is it?
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Yeah, I guess just I was just curious.
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Um, so when I heard a technician works on elevators, um I guess I was just very curious about it.
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I never thought about it and something new that I never heard, and I'm always open to learning things and having opportunities.
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What do you think emboldened you to say, yeah, that's the one I want to choose, even though you knew nothing about it?
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I I guess it's just my personality.
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Um, you're never ready for anything.
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Uh, so I just saw an awesome opportunity.
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Um, that nobody ever that I've heard personally in my life did anything like this, and elevator industry, like maybe different construction trades.
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Um, so I was just very fascinated.
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Yeah, no, that's awesome.
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Um, and like you said, you didn't come from the trade, uh, essentially kind of an outsider looking in.
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Um what do you think you came by the confidence to to jump into something that wasn't in your background, there was no tradition?
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Yeah, I guess um curiosity.
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Um also I think because it's a male uh dominated industry and I'm a female, so it's always like drives me.
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Uh I was always in sports, so I think that passion kind of like, oh, I want to prove something.
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So I guess that was my um my thinking.
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And which which is is fascinating too.
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So rather than being intimidated and rather than saying, oh, I can't, it was like, no, I'm going to and I'm gonna prove that I can't.
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Yes.
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Uh a little bit delusional, I think.
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Um, but yes, that's definitely my personality.
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No, that's uh it's awesome.
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Was there a moment when you thought this is either gonna work or I'm about to make a huge mistake?
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Uh I think it's always like crosses our mind.
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Um things like this, that oh, what if something is not gonna work out?
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I think in uh everything in life works the same way.
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You just have to go and learn from mistakes.
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So that's what I think.
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Yeah, that's that's a good point, right?
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I I remember hearing a quote from I think it was like George Patton, right?
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One of those uh World War II generals, and he said, Oh yeah, I have fears, but I don't I don't listen to them, right?
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It's like they're gonna be there.
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His point was you you can't really, what do you say, take counsel from something, right?
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He's like, I'm just not gonna listen and just gonna move ahead.
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You talked about, you know, working in this very male-dominated industry.
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And I'm curious, do you have moments when people maybe underestimate you?
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And how do you respond to that?
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Oh, yes, absolutely.
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I think um all the time I do get weird looks or uh maybe people questioning me, which is normal.
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I think also that drives me that people question me.
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So I'm like, okay, cool.
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I'm gonna prove you that I can actually make it happen.
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And I'll show you from the work I put in that I can make it work.
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So yeah, that's definitely something that customers see later on, like, okay, yes, if Monica said that way, then that's how I build trust.
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Like I just show my work ethic.
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If I don't have all the answers, I always try my best to get those answers and then just prove my customers and myself as well.
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Yeah.
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Do you have an example that you could share, maybe when somebody was questioning you and then you did exactly that, came through?
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And what did you create as far as the relationship and the trust?
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So if I have any questions or if we don't have answers to those questions, I know I'm always that person that I will get to the bottom and I'll find out how.
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So I had a meeting with uh general contractors, uh elevator technicians that were in the business for 10 plus years, and they just couldn't figure out.
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Uh, it was some power issues that we had, but nobody knew, like, okay, something's not right, but basically they brushed it off.
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Like, oh, it's just not, it's not gonna work.
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I'm like, no, it has to work.
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Uh, and they're like, okay, yes, she's she's gonna know.
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I'm like, no, I don't know, but I know it's always a solution to a problem.
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Sure.
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Uh so I just did my research, called a lot of different people, and I find my way to get to the bottom, and uh I prove to them.
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And I remember also I can get so people get so maybe annoying with me because I really want to get to the bottom.
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So uh now when I call different offices or for permitting or for any reason, they know, okay, Monica's calling, like she needs to know all the answers, and they provide me that because I can be very direct and like I need this information.
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Um but uh yes, so when I was uh at the meeting with the general contractor and uh technicians, and they didn't know the answers, and then I proved to them that okay, I found a way that we can do a little bit different, and then I spoke to the inspector to kind of approve my idea because uh I looked up the codes, I followed the codes, and then found a loophole that we can still follow the code, but was never said that we cannot do something, which I just thought about it myself after like hours of not sleeping and thinking about the way because the equipment was already ordered, very expensive, the timeline was ticking down.
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Yeah, yes, and it was a brand new apartment building, people about to move in, but we need to get this inspection done, but it's not going the right way.
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And then yeah, basically I found a loophole, and then everybody was surprised.
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Even the inspector was like, Oh wow, Monica, actually, yeah, that's that's not a violation.
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Everything is good, it's by code.
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You found a loophole, good for you, and approved.
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That was definitely a proud moment and something that everybody was like, oh wow, that I actually helped and found a way.
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Yeah, no, that's awesome.
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I mean, it it's it's obviously a huge win, but it but it also really speaks to your persistence and your just your willingness to find a solution, right?
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There's got to be a solution somewhere.
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Let's do the homework, let's make the phone calls.
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It's, you know, whatever legwork needs to be done to find it.
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And that's amazing.
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Obviously, they're they're gonna remember that, right?
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That okay, she's determined.
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She's gonna she's gonna make it work.
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And honestly, I think it builds a lot of trust with those other parties because they know that you're you're determined to be successful.
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Yes, I think determination.
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So now the general contractor, when he calls, he's like, okay, if you have questions, oh Monica, ask her.
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Even I don't have the answers right away, but I'm determined to get to the bottom.
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So that's great.
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Yeah, that's awesome.
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You've talked about you know, caring deeply about customers doing things the right way.
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Where do you think that mindset comes from?
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How has it maybe shaped the culture that you're building at Alpha Elevators?
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So I always focus on customers.
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I feel like they have a lot of pressure from owners, from other people around them.
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They have a lot of things going on that they want to solve.
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And I feel like just property managers, they feel attacked from different sides.
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And I just don't want uh alpha elevators just to be another trade, like, okay, um, yeah, just do the work and that's it.
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I want them to feel secure and that know, like, okay, we will complete the work correctly.
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And I guess just to be honest uh with the customer, uh, always try to explain the same way when I came, I didn't know anything about elevators.
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So I have some kind of understanding.
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So I guess it's also it helps me to provide that information in a simple way to property managers.
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That way they feel comfortable and understand the industry more.
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Yeah, yeah.
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So I mean, on one hand, it sounds like you know, giving them the support they need, the service they need, the information they need.
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But what also comes to mind is you said there's a lot of pressure, there's a lot of high stress.
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How do you diffuse or help your customers maybe diffuse some of that stress that comes their way?
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Oh, I I tell them, put the stress on me.
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I can handle it.
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Of course, uh I'm joking.
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But yes, I always say, okay, at the end of the day, we all want a solution to the problem.
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So let me help you with that.
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Right.
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So tell me what you need and I'll make it happen.
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I guess that's the only way to be with the customers because yeah, a lot of pressure from from the owners, from the residents.
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So I totally understand.
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I tell them, okay, hold on, deep breath.
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I also get sometimes stressed.
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Let's think about it, relax, and just get to the bottom.
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That's great.
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I mean, I'm sure they value having someone who is willing to help them carry that burden and solve the problem, right?
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At the end of the day, they've got a lot of different pressures coming at them, and this is just one of many.
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You know, it obviously they've got to worry about other issues, whether it's the roof or the foundation or the water or the electric or tenants, like you say.
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So um being able to provide that support has got to be huge.
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Um, so I wanted to bounce back, you know, just to your business.
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I'm curious what what would you say is the hardest lesson that you've learned in the first four years of being a business owner?
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Um, the hardest lesson, uh, I guess it's all the time you have lessons every day, uh, new challenges that you have to face.
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And as you grow, I think it's even more.
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It's always something, but I I always had an understanding that will always be something more.
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That's why I like I don't like to be stable.
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I like to always have new challenges.
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So, yes, definitely as you grow, more problems, but also more research, more people around.
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I started to get a bigger community, more technicians that I can ask questions, or like people like you in the industry that I can follow up.
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So I think that's also great and been very helpful for me.
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Yeah, I can't imagine the the learning curve, just day one, where to find certain things in the codes.
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You've read the codes, but at some at some point along the way, you may maybe didn't even know what the codes were.
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It's like, okay, where do I start?
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Oh, yes, yes, definitely.
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Sometimes uh I remember, especially the first year, when do I have to get a permit?
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For what work do I have to get for this?
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Yes or no?
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So sometimes I've been even talking to a customer or anybody else, and okay, oh yes, you need to uh follow this and that code.
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I'm like, oh, okay, no problem.
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And I didn't know, and I'm like, damn, okay, I need to go and do more research.
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So that's definitely something I was like surprised at.
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It's just so much things into elevators.
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Sure.
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Some people think like, oh yeah, elevators, they go up and down, and that's it.
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I'm like, well, actually, it's a lot more into it.
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I guess also like it makes me excited because I always can learn something new.
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I find out about new things.
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So that's been great.
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Yeah, yes.
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Yeah, if you learn love learning new things, there's so much to learn, right?
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And the phrase we sometimes say is, you know, drinking out of a fire hose.
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You've you've heard that one, right?
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Oh no, actually I didn't.
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I mean the fire.
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You can just imagine, right?
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You're you're trying to learn, but it's like, no, the information is just coming so fast, it's like, you know, I feel like you're getting blown away by a fire hose versus taking a drink.
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But yes, I think I was uh maybe in the beginning, more like, oh my gosh, okay, I think I will quit.
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It's just too much.
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I'm finding out, like I'm not ready.
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But I'm I always say, like, you're never gonna be ready for anything.
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Just keep going, keep learning, don't close out, you know, be open-minded, do your research, do your job, and uh I'll be fine.
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Yeah, yeah.
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No, I think that's a an amazing attitude, right?
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Is just stay the course, right?
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You keep walking, you keep moving, you keep learning.
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Even when you're getting blasted by a fire hose of information, it's like, okay, I'm starting to understand more and more and more.
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So um, that's awesome.
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You've said that uh finding people with both skill and passion has been a big challenge.
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What do you think separates the people who thrive in this industry from people who don't?
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I think passion, passion about the industry, but also caring about other people.
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Uh that's definitely something that has to be it just works together.
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Sure.
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Yeah, for sure.
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And and even if, you know, a lot of people maybe don't have to deal with a lot of people, maybe they're, you know, working on, you know, the equipment all the time, and yet it's still a very much a people business, right?
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There's still people, there's networks, there's even those folks that that are in the background working and fixing also have their network of, like you say, of caring about people and kind of building that that piece of it.
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So um is there anything in particular that you as a company do to try to find or develop those people?
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Oh, I wish there were more people like this.
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I mean, I know they are people like this.
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It's just very hard to to find uh those individuals, but um that's definitely my goal to have people that have both of it.
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And I I also try to show them that okay, I have passion, two elevators and two people, because it is a people business, like you said.
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So I try to show that to my employees and basically just you know try to be focused on not just fixing the elevators, but also caring.
00:17:22.000 --> 00:17:25.920
Well, let's let's talk for a minute about uh, you know, property managers again.
00:17:26.000 --> 00:17:30.720
You've you've said that they often tell you they're frustrated with other elevator companies.
00:17:31.200 --> 00:17:38.880
What are they saying is missing as far as you know, what are they frustrated with and how does Alpha do things differently?
00:17:40.079 --> 00:18:01.839
I think uh lack of communication and they just lost trust to other companies or in general trades because what they think, okay, they just want the money, they they don't care about the job or the customers, which in my company I want to care about the customers, about the jobs, about safety and reliability.
00:18:02.160 --> 00:18:04.160
So that's definitely a strong point.
00:18:04.319 --> 00:18:08.880
And I think I do a great job with that, building that trust with the customer.
00:18:09.279 --> 00:18:10.079
Yeah, yeah.
00:18:10.319 --> 00:18:19.359
Well, and and you mentioned to me that you're actively working towards becoming a licensed elevator mechanic, which probably helps you build more trust because you have more knowledge.
00:18:19.519 --> 00:18:28.640
And I'm curious, why would you say that's important to you when many CEOs maybe they don't need to be mechanics, but but tell me about that for you.
00:18:29.279 --> 00:18:30.400
Yes, definitely.
00:18:30.480 --> 00:18:31.920
I don't need to be.
00:18:32.079 --> 00:18:34.559
Uh, I do get questions like, oh, why?
00:18:34.720 --> 00:18:38.400
You can just sit in the office or do whatever you need to do.
00:18:38.559 --> 00:18:43.599
Uh for me, it is important so I can answer more questions.
00:18:43.759 --> 00:18:54.079
So I have more knowledge, so I have a better understanding, and then also to the customers, so they trust me because I have an understanding and I can provide that information.
00:18:54.240 --> 00:18:57.279
So I just feel like that is very important.
00:18:57.440 --> 00:19:00.799
And I guess I just like to know everything about everything.
00:19:01.039 --> 00:19:03.039
So Yeah, no, I I think it's great.
00:19:03.119 --> 00:19:08.559
And I think it uh again, I think it gives you more credibility, certainly with the customers, but also with your team, right?
00:19:08.799 --> 00:19:15.359
Because they may be out there working on things, and if you have that same credential, you you're gonna understand a lot better what they're looking at.
00:19:15.519 --> 00:19:19.599
And um, who knows, maybe you get your hands dirty at the same time.
00:19:19.680 --> 00:19:23.279
I don't know, but uh um Yes, I definitely like to do that.
00:19:23.440 --> 00:19:29.839
Actually, I um I had a new technician I hire a few months ago.
00:19:30.000 --> 00:19:33.519
He was working on an elevator and he sent me a report.
00:19:34.319 --> 00:19:38.720
And on that report, he was like, Okay, like something is not working.
00:19:38.960 --> 00:19:41.200
And I asked him, Oh, why it's not working?
00:19:41.599 --> 00:19:43.279
He's like, No.
00:19:43.680 --> 00:19:49.519
And then he questioned himself, but also asked me back, oh, like, why are you so curious about that?
00:19:49.599 --> 00:19:51.680
Because I'm like, Oh, because I know the answer.
00:19:51.920 --> 00:19:56.079
And he was just so blown away, like, oh, how do you know the answer?
00:19:56.160 --> 00:20:03.839
I'm like, because I had the situation, and I didn't just like okay, I didn't look at the report, oh, okay, not working, okay, next one.
00:20:04.079 --> 00:20:08.799
I'm like, no, he didn't give me the answer, and I know the answer.
00:20:09.200 --> 00:20:19.200
So uh that was definitely something I'm like, oh, you see, because people do get comfortable and you get lazy, as I do too, sure uh with a lot of things.
00:20:19.359 --> 00:20:27.920
Um but that's the that's the thing not to get lazy and catch those little things so you can improve.
00:20:28.160 --> 00:20:32.160
Uh so yeah I I'm definitely like to do that.
00:20:32.480 --> 00:20:33.200
Oh, for sure.
00:20:33.279 --> 00:20:40.160
And then like I said, it's a little bit of uh you know building trust and credibility with your team, but a little bit of you know accountability, right?
00:20:40.240 --> 00:20:43.599
It's it you can't just walk away and say, oh, it's not working.
00:20:43.680 --> 00:20:48.559
It's like, no, the the boss is gonna check your work and she's gonna know.
00:20:48.880 --> 00:20:49.279
Yeah.
00:20:49.519 --> 00:20:50.559
I think that's great.
00:20:50.799 --> 00:20:57.680
Um, I wish when once my company grows, I'll go to the job side and I'll know exactly like, oh, this is not right.
00:20:57.839 --> 00:21:03.200
You didn't do that, or that we can, you know, relate and just surprise people.
00:21:03.279 --> 00:21:04.640
I like to surprise people.
00:21:04.799 --> 00:21:15.359
And I feel like then my team is building like the stronger trust and stronger understanding, and they want to do better because I want to do better.
00:21:15.440 --> 00:21:16.640
So they do better too.
00:21:16.880 --> 00:21:17.680
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
00:21:17.759 --> 00:21:18.480
No, thank you.
00:21:18.640 --> 00:21:24.640
So um, as we're we're kind of getting close to the end here, and I've got a couple questions, just to have you reflect.
00:21:24.799 --> 00:21:32.240
And and the first one is when you look back at the 25-year-old gym teacher who decided to start an elevator company, what would you tell her?
00:21:32.400 --> 00:21:38.640
Like if you could look back a few years, as you know, maybe you're just at that beginning point, what would you say?
00:21:38.720 --> 00:21:40.480
What kind of advice would you give?
00:21:41.279 --> 00:21:45.759
Uh, I mean, I think everybody will say, okay, don't be scared, just do it.
00:21:46.079 --> 00:21:47.359
But I did that.
00:21:47.519 --> 00:21:52.240
To be honest, I wasn't, I was scared, um, but I did it.
00:21:52.480 --> 00:21:58.720
But definitely I will encourage her more to like, okay, uh, go full in.
00:21:58.880 --> 00:22:04.400
Um, good things are gonna be happening, and uh just go for it.
00:22:04.640 --> 00:22:06.079
Yeah, yeah, no, that's awesome.
00:22:06.240 --> 00:22:08.799
And obviously, the all the learning, right?
00:22:08.880 --> 00:22:13.440
It it probably looks like a a huge mountain to tackle, but it's like, no, you've got this.
00:22:13.599 --> 00:22:13.920
Yes.
00:22:14.160 --> 00:22:14.559
Awesome.
00:22:14.880 --> 00:22:16.880
So, yeah, last question I have for you.
00:22:17.119 --> 00:22:22.720
Five years from today, what would make you say we built the exact company we hoped we would build?
00:22:22.960 --> 00:22:27.519
I will love my company that I can be proud of.
00:22:27.680 --> 00:22:44.319
So for me to able to be proud of my company, I want all my customers, my clients to be an example saying yes, that alpha elevators get things done, uh, that we are reliable, but also trust uh worthy.
00:22:44.559 --> 00:22:53.200
So even if I make a mistake, and we will make mistakes, but I will tell the customer, listen, we did something wrong.
00:22:53.359 --> 00:23:08.880
We'll try to fix it just to be transparent and honest so that way I can be proud of my company, that we're not hiding anything, and uh just have a strong community within the clients that can always say something nice about us.
00:23:09.200 --> 00:23:16.319
Doesn't not necessarily have to be like the biggest company, that's not my dream, but I guess just a strong foundation.
00:23:16.880 --> 00:23:17.440
Absolutely.
00:23:17.599 --> 00:23:21.279
Monica, anything else you'd like to share with our listeners before we end?
00:23:22.960 --> 00:23:32.160
Um I guess to follow your dreams doesn't have to necessarily be what we envision for ourselves.
00:23:32.319 --> 00:23:45.599
I'm still young and I have a lot of ambitions, but the part that makes me happy is always just uh learning and being open to opportunities and see where it takes you.
00:23:46.079 --> 00:23:46.640
Awesome.
00:23:46.880 --> 00:23:48.720
Well, thank you so much for being with me today.
00:23:48.880 --> 00:23:50.319
I've enjoyed it very much.
00:23:50.960 --> 00:23:52.400
Thank you so much for having me.
00:23:52.559 --> 00:23:53.279
I appreciate it.
00:23:53.839 --> 00:23:54.799
Yeah, no, it's great.
00:23:54.880 --> 00:23:57.839
And I wish you the very best as you continue to build your business.
00:23:58.319 --> 00:23:58.799
Thank you.
00:23:58.960 --> 00:23:59.839
Thank you so much.
00:24:00.319 --> 00:24:07.039
Thank you for listening to the Elevator Careers Podcast, sponsored by the Allred Group, a leader in elevator industry recruiting.
00:24:07.200 --> 00:24:14.720
Please visit our YouTube channel at Elevator Careers or check us out online at elevatorcareers.net.
00:24:14.880 --> 00:24:16.240
Please like and subscribe.
00:24:16.319 --> 00:24:18.720
And until next time, stay safe.
00:00:00.160 --> 00:00:01.520
The hardest lesson.
00:00:01.679 --> 00:00:08.720
Uh I guess it's all the time you have lessons every day, uh new challenges that you have to face.
00:00:08.960 --> 00:00:11.519
And as you grow, I think it's even more.
00:00:12.000 --> 00:00:14.880
That's why I like I don't like to be stable.
00:00:15.359 --> 00:00:22.960
So yes, definitely as you grow, more problems, also more research, um, more people around.
00:00:23.679 --> 00:00:36.000
I started to get a bigger community, more technicians that I can ask questions, or like people like you in the industry that I can follow up have been very helpful for me.
00:00:36.320 --> 00:00:39.039
Yeah, I can't imagine the learning curve.
00:00:39.200 --> 00:00:45.439
Just by now, you you read the codes, but at some point along the way, maybe didn't even know what the codes were.
00:00:45.520 --> 00:00:47.520
It's like, okay, what do I start?
00:00:47.679 --> 00:00:52.159
Hello and welcome to the Elevator Careers Podcast brought to you by the All Red Group.
00:00:52.240 --> 00:00:53.920
I'm your host, Matt Allred.
00:00:54.159 --> 00:00:57.200
When talent is mission critical, call the All Red Group.
00:00:57.359 --> 00:01:03.840
With industry expertise, top talent, and exceptional customer service, you need the All Red Group on your side.
00:01:04.079 --> 00:01:05.920
Your priority is our priority.
00:01:06.079 --> 00:01:10.799
Call now 404-890-0445.
00:01:11.680 --> 00:01:17.760
In this episode, Monica Stepokovska proved that you don't need decades in an industry to make an impact.
00:01:17.920 --> 00:01:24.480
Monica arrived in the United States with no prior elevator knowledge, and just six years later founded Alpha Elevators.
00:01:24.640 --> 00:01:33.840
With curiosity, relentless persistence, and a commitment to serving customers, she overcame obstacles, earned trust in a male-dominated field, and built a respectable business.
00:01:34.079 --> 00:01:44.400
In this conversation, Monica shares what it's like to build an elevator business, why persistence beats experience, and how putting customers first has become the foundation of her company's success.
00:01:45.120 --> 00:01:46.400
Monica, welcome to the show.
00:01:46.719 --> 00:01:47.200
Thank you so much.
00:01:47.280 --> 00:01:48.239
Thank you for having me.
00:01:48.560 --> 00:01:48.879
Thank you.
00:01:48.959 --> 00:01:50.480
No, I appreciate you being here.
00:01:50.560 --> 00:01:55.840
I'm interested in learning more about your story and uh and how you've created your own company.
00:01:56.079 --> 00:01:58.719
I mean, it's and it's interesting to me, it's fascinating, really.
00:01:58.879 --> 00:02:03.439
You arrived in America, what, just six years ago, and now you're running an elevator company.
00:02:03.599 --> 00:02:06.799
What was going through your mind when you first stepped off the plane?
00:02:06.879 --> 00:02:10.400
And, you know, did you ever imagine that you would end up right here?
00:02:11.120 --> 00:02:13.919
Yes, no, absolutely never imagined that.
00:02:14.159 --> 00:02:17.520
Uh, I guess I came to America with an open mind.
00:02:17.680 --> 00:02:18.800
I was young.
00:02:18.960 --> 00:02:22.560
Uh, I was trying to create opportunities for myself.
00:02:22.879 --> 00:02:26.639
Um, never thought I will have an elevator company.
00:02:26.800 --> 00:02:30.080
Uh, I guess it just came naturally for me.
00:02:30.240 --> 00:02:36.400
I just wanted to, I had craving of creating something on my own and just making an impact, I guess.
00:02:36.719 --> 00:02:36.879
Okay.
00:02:37.120 --> 00:02:41.039
So so business ownership and business creation was always part of the plan.
00:02:41.599 --> 00:02:43.520
You just didn't think it would be elevators.
00:02:43.599 --> 00:02:44.560
Is that fair?
00:02:45.039 --> 00:02:45.439
Yes.
00:02:45.599 --> 00:02:46.719
Yes, absolutely.
00:02:46.960 --> 00:02:50.479
Elevators were, I never even thought an industry like this exists.
00:02:50.719 --> 00:02:52.000
So definitely not that.
00:02:52.319 --> 00:02:52.479
Yeah.
00:02:52.639 --> 00:02:54.000
Like I say, it's an amazing story.
00:02:54.080 --> 00:02:58.560
And and like you said, most people probably never think about elevators as a career.
00:02:58.719 --> 00:03:02.000
Um, what was it about the that first conversation you met?
00:03:02.159 --> 00:03:03.919
You you said you met an elevator technician.
00:03:04.000 --> 00:03:09.039
What was it that kind of captured your attention, your imagination, and said, hey, this is it?
00:03:09.919 --> 00:03:13.199
Yeah, I guess just I was just curious.
00:03:13.439 --> 00:03:21.280
Um, so when I heard a technician works on elevators, um I guess I was just very curious about it.
00:03:21.439 --> 00:03:29.599
I never thought about it and something new that I never heard, and I'm always open to learning things and having opportunities.
00:03:30.000 --> 00:03:36.639
What do you think emboldened you to say, yeah, that's the one I want to choose, even though you knew nothing about it?
00:03:37.680 --> 00:03:39.840
I I guess it's just my personality.
00:03:40.000 --> 00:03:42.639
Um, you're never ready for anything.
00:03:42.879 --> 00:03:46.080
Uh, so I just saw an awesome opportunity.
00:03:46.400 --> 00:03:55.360
Um, that nobody ever that I've heard personally in my life did anything like this, and elevator industry, like maybe different construction trades.
00:03:55.759 --> 00:03:59.120
Um, so I was just very fascinated.
00:03:59.520 --> 00:04:00.879
Yeah, no, that's awesome.
00:04:01.039 --> 00:04:06.639
Um, and like you said, you didn't come from the trade, uh, essentially kind of an outsider looking in.
00:04:07.039 --> 00:04:14.159
Um what do you think you came by the confidence to to jump into something that wasn't in your background, there was no tradition?
00:04:15.039 --> 00:04:18.560
Yeah, I guess um curiosity.
00:04:19.199 --> 00:04:26.959
Um also I think because it's a male uh dominated industry and I'm a female, so it's always like drives me.
00:04:27.120 --> 00:04:34.079
Uh I was always in sports, so I think that passion kind of like, oh, I want to prove something.
00:04:34.319 --> 00:04:37.680
So I guess that was my um my thinking.
00:04:38.560 --> 00:04:40.639
And which which is is fascinating too.
00:04:40.720 --> 00:04:47.600
So rather than being intimidated and rather than saying, oh, I can't, it was like, no, I'm going to and I'm gonna prove that I can't.
00:04:47.920 --> 00:04:48.319
Yes.
00:04:48.480 --> 00:04:50.879
Uh a little bit delusional, I think.
00:04:51.040 --> 00:04:54.240
Um, but yes, that's definitely my personality.
00:04:54.639 --> 00:04:56.000
No, that's uh it's awesome.
00:04:56.240 --> 00:05:01.680
Was there a moment when you thought this is either gonna work or I'm about to make a huge mistake?
00:05:02.800 --> 00:05:05.680
Uh I think it's always like crosses our mind.
00:05:05.920 --> 00:05:11.920
Um things like this, that oh, what if something is not gonna work out?
00:05:12.079 --> 00:05:15.920
I think in uh everything in life works the same way.
00:05:16.079 --> 00:05:19.199
You just have to go and learn from mistakes.
00:05:19.360 --> 00:05:20.639
So that's what I think.
00:05:20.720 --> 00:05:22.480
Yeah, that's that's a good point, right?
00:05:22.560 --> 00:05:26.240
I I remember hearing a quote from I think it was like George Patton, right?
00:05:26.319 --> 00:05:31.120
One of those uh World War II generals, and he said, Oh yeah, I have fears, but I don't I don't listen to them, right?
00:05:31.199 --> 00:05:32.720
It's like they're gonna be there.
00:05:32.879 --> 00:05:36.800
His point was you you can't really, what do you say, take counsel from something, right?
00:05:37.040 --> 00:05:40.399
He's like, I'm just not gonna listen and just gonna move ahead.
00:05:40.639 --> 00:05:45.360
You talked about, you know, working in this very male-dominated industry.
00:05:45.439 --> 00:05:50.639
And I'm curious, do you have moments when people maybe underestimate you?
00:05:50.800 --> 00:05:52.560
And how do you respond to that?
00:05:53.279 --> 00:05:54.720
Oh, yes, absolutely.
00:05:54.879 --> 00:06:03.040
I think um all the time I do get weird looks or uh maybe people questioning me, which is normal.
00:06:03.199 --> 00:06:06.160
I think also that drives me that people question me.
00:06:06.240 --> 00:06:07.680
So I'm like, okay, cool.
00:06:07.839 --> 00:06:11.600
I'm gonna prove you that I can actually make it happen.
00:06:11.680 --> 00:06:16.560
And I'll show you from the work I put in that I can make it work.
00:06:16.720 --> 00:06:25.680
So yeah, that's definitely something that customers see later on, like, okay, yes, if Monica said that way, then that's how I build trust.
00:06:25.759 --> 00:06:27.839
Like I just show my work ethic.
00:06:28.000 --> 00:06:36.079
If I don't have all the answers, I always try my best to get those answers and then just prove my customers and myself as well.
00:06:36.399 --> 00:06:36.560
Yeah.
00:06:36.720 --> 00:06:43.040
Do you have an example that you could share, maybe when somebody was questioning you and then you did exactly that, came through?
00:06:43.199 --> 00:06:47.279
And what did you create as far as the relationship and the trust?
00:06:47.600 --> 00:06:57.759
So if I have any questions or if we don't have answers to those questions, I know I'm always that person that I will get to the bottom and I'll find out how.
00:06:58.079 --> 00:07:08.079
So I had a meeting with uh general contractors, uh elevator technicians that were in the business for 10 plus years, and they just couldn't figure out.
00:07:08.160 --> 00:07:16.560
Uh, it was some power issues that we had, but nobody knew, like, okay, something's not right, but basically they brushed it off.
00:07:16.639 --> 00:07:19.519
Like, oh, it's just not, it's not gonna work.
00:07:19.680 --> 00:07:21.519
I'm like, no, it has to work.
00:07:21.839 --> 00:07:24.800
Uh, and they're like, okay, yes, she's she's gonna know.
00:07:24.879 --> 00:07:28.959
I'm like, no, I don't know, but I know it's always a solution to a problem.
00:07:29.199 --> 00:07:29.680
Sure.
00:07:29.920 --> 00:07:40.000
Uh so I just did my research, called a lot of different people, and I find my way to get to the bottom, and uh I prove to them.
00:07:40.079 --> 00:07:47.199
And I remember also I can get so people get so maybe annoying with me because I really want to get to the bottom.
00:07:47.519 --> 00:08:05.040
So uh now when I call different offices or for permitting or for any reason, they know, okay, Monica's calling, like she needs to know all the answers, and they provide me that because I can be very direct and like I need this information.
00:08:05.360 --> 00:08:48.240
Um but uh yes, so when I was uh at the meeting with the general contractor and uh technicians, and they didn't know the answers, and then I proved to them that okay, I found a way that we can do a little bit different, and then I spoke to the inspector to kind of approve my idea because uh I looked up the codes, I followed the codes, and then found a loophole that we can still follow the code, but was never said that we cannot do something, which I just thought about it myself after like hours of not sleeping and thinking about the way because the equipment was already ordered, very expensive, the timeline was ticking down.
00:08:48.399 --> 00:08:58.320
Yeah, yes, and it was a brand new apartment building, people about to move in, but we need to get this inspection done, but it's not going the right way.
00:08:58.559 --> 00:09:02.960
And then yeah, basically I found a loophole, and then everybody was surprised.
00:09:03.039 --> 00:09:07.840
Even the inspector was like, Oh wow, Monica, actually, yeah, that's that's not a violation.
00:09:08.000 --> 00:09:09.759
Everything is good, it's by code.
00:09:09.840 --> 00:09:12.720
You found a loophole, good for you, and approved.
00:09:12.879 --> 00:09:21.279
That was definitely a proud moment and something that everybody was like, oh wow, that I actually helped and found a way.
00:09:21.519 --> 00:09:22.399
Yeah, no, that's awesome.
00:09:22.559 --> 00:09:29.440
I mean, it it's it's obviously a huge win, but it but it also really speaks to your persistence and your just your willingness to find a solution, right?
00:09:29.519 --> 00:09:30.960
There's got to be a solution somewhere.
00:09:31.200 --> 00:09:33.279
Let's do the homework, let's make the phone calls.
00:09:33.440 --> 00:09:36.960
It's, you know, whatever legwork needs to be done to find it.
00:09:37.039 --> 00:09:38.080
And that's amazing.
00:09:38.240 --> 00:09:39.919
Obviously, they're they're gonna remember that, right?
00:09:40.080 --> 00:09:42.080
That okay, she's determined.
00:09:42.159 --> 00:09:44.399
She's gonna she's gonna make it work.
00:09:44.559 --> 00:09:51.440
And honestly, I think it builds a lot of trust with those other parties because they know that you're you're determined to be successful.
00:09:52.320 --> 00:09:54.240
Yes, I think determination.
00:09:54.399 --> 00:10:00.080
So now the general contractor, when he calls, he's like, okay, if you have questions, oh Monica, ask her.
00:10:00.240 --> 00:10:04.559
Even I don't have the answers right away, but I'm determined to get to the bottom.
00:10:04.639 --> 00:10:05.440
So that's great.
00:10:05.759 --> 00:10:06.639
Yeah, that's awesome.
00:10:06.879 --> 00:10:10.720
You've talked about you know, caring deeply about customers doing things the right way.
00:10:10.879 --> 00:10:13.279
Where do you think that mindset comes from?
00:10:13.440 --> 00:10:18.320
How has it maybe shaped the culture that you're building at Alpha Elevators?
00:10:18.799 --> 00:10:21.759
So I always focus on customers.
00:10:22.000 --> 00:10:28.480
I feel like they have a lot of pressure from owners, from other people around them.
00:10:28.639 --> 00:10:32.799
They have a lot of things going on that they want to solve.
00:10:32.879 --> 00:10:39.279
And I feel like just property managers, they feel attacked from different sides.
00:10:39.440 --> 00:10:48.559
And I just don't want uh alpha elevators just to be another trade, like, okay, um, yeah, just do the work and that's it.
00:10:48.639 --> 00:10:56.000
I want them to feel secure and that know, like, okay, we will complete the work correctly.
00:10:56.240 --> 00:11:06.080
And I guess just to be honest uh with the customer, uh, always try to explain the same way when I came, I didn't know anything about elevators.
00:11:06.480 --> 00:11:09.200
So I have some kind of understanding.
00:11:09.279 --> 00:11:16.080
So I guess it's also it helps me to provide that information in a simple way to property managers.
00:11:16.320 --> 00:11:20.320
That way they feel comfortable and understand the industry more.
00:11:20.639 --> 00:11:21.200
Yeah, yeah.
00:11:21.279 --> 00:11:26.799
So I mean, on one hand, it sounds like you know, giving them the support they need, the service they need, the information they need.
00:11:26.960 --> 00:11:31.440
But what also comes to mind is you said there's a lot of pressure, there's a lot of high stress.
00:11:31.600 --> 00:11:37.679
How do you diffuse or help your customers maybe diffuse some of that stress that comes their way?
00:11:38.399 --> 00:11:41.200
Oh, I I tell them, put the stress on me.
00:11:41.360 --> 00:11:42.720
I can handle it.
00:11:42.960 --> 00:11:44.799
Of course, uh I'm joking.
00:11:44.960 --> 00:11:50.080
But yes, I always say, okay, at the end of the day, we all want a solution to the problem.
00:11:50.399 --> 00:11:52.080
So let me help you with that.
00:11:52.240 --> 00:11:52.639
Right.
00:11:52.879 --> 00:11:56.559
So tell me what you need and I'll make it happen.
00:11:56.720 --> 00:12:04.480
I guess that's the only way to be with the customers because yeah, a lot of pressure from from the owners, from the residents.
00:12:04.639 --> 00:12:06.080
So I totally understand.
00:12:06.159 --> 00:12:08.879
I tell them, okay, hold on, deep breath.
00:12:09.039 --> 00:12:10.799
I also get sometimes stressed.
00:12:10.960 --> 00:12:15.440
Let's think about it, relax, and just get to the bottom.
00:12:15.840 --> 00:12:16.399
That's great.
00:12:16.480 --> 00:12:23.039
I mean, I'm sure they value having someone who is willing to help them carry that burden and solve the problem, right?
00:12:23.120 --> 00:12:27.759
At the end of the day, they've got a lot of different pressures coming at them, and this is just one of many.
00:12:28.000 --> 00:12:36.799
You know, it obviously they've got to worry about other issues, whether it's the roof or the foundation or the water or the electric or tenants, like you say.
00:12:37.039 --> 00:12:40.639
So um being able to provide that support has got to be huge.
00:12:40.799 --> 00:12:44.000
Um, so I wanted to bounce back, you know, just to your business.
00:12:44.080 --> 00:12:50.799
I'm curious what what would you say is the hardest lesson that you've learned in the first four years of being a business owner?
00:12:52.000 --> 00:13:01.279
Um, the hardest lesson, uh, I guess it's all the time you have lessons every day, uh, new challenges that you have to face.
00:13:01.440 --> 00:13:03.919
And as you grow, I think it's even more.
00:13:04.159 --> 00:13:09.360
It's always something, but I I always had an understanding that will always be something more.
00:13:09.679 --> 00:13:12.480
That's why I like I don't like to be stable.
00:13:12.720 --> 00:13:15.279
I like to always have new challenges.
00:13:15.440 --> 00:13:21.600
So, yes, definitely as you grow, more problems, but also more research, more people around.
00:13:22.240 --> 00:13:32.399
I started to get a bigger community, more technicians that I can ask questions, or like people like you in the industry that I can follow up.
00:13:32.559 --> 00:13:36.480
So I think that's also great and been very helpful for me.
00:13:36.879 --> 00:13:42.320
Yeah, I can't imagine the the learning curve, just day one, where to find certain things in the codes.
00:13:42.399 --> 00:13:48.000
You've read the codes, but at some at some point along the way, you may maybe didn't even know what the codes were.
00:13:48.159 --> 00:13:50.159
It's like, okay, where do I start?
00:13:51.120 --> 00:13:52.960
Oh, yes, yes, definitely.
00:13:53.200 --> 00:13:58.559
Sometimes uh I remember, especially the first year, when do I have to get a permit?
00:13:58.639 --> 00:14:00.960
For what work do I have to get for this?
00:14:01.120 --> 00:14:02.240
Yes or no?
00:14:02.480 --> 00:14:11.679
So sometimes I've been even talking to a customer or anybody else, and okay, oh yes, you need to uh follow this and that code.
00:14:11.759 --> 00:14:14.240
I'm like, oh, okay, no problem.
00:14:14.480 --> 00:14:19.679
And I didn't know, and I'm like, damn, okay, I need to go and do more research.
00:14:19.840 --> 00:14:22.559
So that's definitely something I was like surprised at.
00:14:22.639 --> 00:14:26.000
It's just so much things into elevators.
00:14:26.159 --> 00:14:26.320
Sure.
00:14:26.480 --> 00:14:31.279
Some people think like, oh yeah, elevators, they go up and down, and that's it.
00:14:31.360 --> 00:14:34.799
I'm like, well, actually, it's a lot more into it.
00:14:34.960 --> 00:14:39.360
I guess also like it makes me excited because I always can learn something new.
00:14:39.519 --> 00:14:41.759
I find out about new things.
00:14:41.919 --> 00:14:43.679
So that's been great.
00:14:44.000 --> 00:14:44.559
Yeah, yes.
00:14:44.960 --> 00:14:48.080
Yeah, if you learn love learning new things, there's so much to learn, right?
00:14:48.240 --> 00:14:51.039
And the phrase we sometimes say is, you know, drinking out of a fire hose.
00:14:51.120 --> 00:14:52.480
You've you've heard that one, right?
00:14:52.879 --> 00:14:54.960
Oh no, actually I didn't.
00:14:56.159 --> 00:14:57.440
I mean the fire.
00:14:57.759 --> 00:14:58.720
You can just imagine, right?
00:14:58.799 --> 00:15:06.480
You're you're trying to learn, but it's like, no, the information is just coming so fast, it's like, you know, I feel like you're getting blown away by a fire hose versus taking a drink.
00:15:06.559 --> 00:15:13.919
But yes, I think I was uh maybe in the beginning, more like, oh my gosh, okay, I think I will quit.
00:15:14.000 --> 00:15:15.039
It's just too much.
00:15:15.120 --> 00:15:17.279
I'm finding out, like I'm not ready.
00:15:17.440 --> 00:15:20.879
But I'm I always say, like, you're never gonna be ready for anything.
00:15:21.360 --> 00:15:31.039
Just keep going, keep learning, don't close out, you know, be open-minded, do your research, do your job, and uh I'll be fine.
00:15:31.360 --> 00:15:31.919
Yeah, yeah.
00:15:32.000 --> 00:15:34.399
No, I think that's a an amazing attitude, right?
00:15:34.480 --> 00:15:35.759
Is just stay the course, right?
00:15:35.840 --> 00:15:38.480
You keep walking, you keep moving, you keep learning.
00:15:38.639 --> 00:15:44.960
Even when you're getting blasted by a fire hose of information, it's like, okay, I'm starting to understand more and more and more.
00:15:45.120 --> 00:15:46.799
So um, that's awesome.
00:15:47.279 --> 00:15:52.320
You've said that uh finding people with both skill and passion has been a big challenge.
00:15:52.559 --> 00:15:56.480
What do you think separates the people who thrive in this industry from people who don't?
00:15:56.799 --> 00:16:02.639
I think passion, passion about the industry, but also caring about other people.
00:16:03.679 --> 00:16:09.039
Uh that's definitely something that has to be it just works together.
00:16:09.360 --> 00:16:09.759
Sure.
00:16:10.720 --> 00:16:11.679
Yeah, for sure.
00:16:11.759 --> 00:16:22.399
And and even if, you know, a lot of people maybe don't have to deal with a lot of people, maybe they're, you know, working on, you know, the equipment all the time, and yet it's still a very much a people business, right?
00:16:22.480 --> 00:16:35.279
There's still people, there's networks, there's even those folks that that are in the background working and fixing also have their network of, like you say, of caring about people and kind of building that that piece of it.
00:16:35.440 --> 00:16:42.320
So um is there anything in particular that you as a company do to try to find or develop those people?
00:16:43.600 --> 00:16:45.759
Oh, I wish there were more people like this.
00:16:45.840 --> 00:16:48.559
I mean, I know they are people like this.
00:16:48.799 --> 00:17:00.240
It's just very hard to to find uh those individuals, but um that's definitely my goal to have people that have both of it.
00:17:00.480 --> 00:17:08.319
And I I also try to show them that okay, I have passion, two elevators and two people, because it is a people business, like you said.
00:17:08.640 --> 00:17:21.759
So I try to show that to my employees and basically just you know try to be focused on not just fixing the elevators, but also caring.
00:17:22.000 --> 00:17:25.920
Well, let's let's talk for a minute about uh, you know, property managers again.
00:17:26.000 --> 00:17:30.720
You've you've said that they often tell you they're frustrated with other elevator companies.
00:17:31.200 --> 00:17:38.880
What are they saying is missing as far as you know, what are they frustrated with and how does Alpha do things differently?
00:17:40.079 --> 00:18:01.839
I think uh lack of communication and they just lost trust to other companies or in general trades because what they think, okay, they just want the money, they they don't care about the job or the customers, which in my company I want to care about the customers, about the jobs, about safety and reliability.
00:18:02.160 --> 00:18:04.160
So that's definitely a strong point.
00:18:04.319 --> 00:18:08.880
And I think I do a great job with that, building that trust with the customer.
00:18:09.279 --> 00:18:10.079
Yeah, yeah.
00:18:10.319 --> 00:18:19.359
Well, and and you mentioned to me that you're actively working towards becoming a licensed elevator mechanic, which probably helps you build more trust because you have more knowledge.
00:18:19.519 --> 00:18:28.640
And I'm curious, why would you say that's important to you when many CEOs maybe they don't need to be mechanics, but but tell me about that for you.
00:18:29.279 --> 00:18:30.400
Yes, definitely.
00:18:30.480 --> 00:18:31.920
I don't need to be.
00:18:32.079 --> 00:18:34.559
Uh, I do get questions like, oh, why?
00:18:34.720 --> 00:18:38.400
You can just sit in the office or do whatever you need to do.
00:18:38.559 --> 00:18:43.599
Uh for me, it is important so I can answer more questions.
00:18:43.759 --> 00:18:54.079
So I have more knowledge, so I have a better understanding, and then also to the customers, so they trust me because I have an understanding and I can provide that information.
00:18:54.240 --> 00:18:57.279
So I just feel like that is very important.
00:18:57.440 --> 00:19:00.799
And I guess I just like to know everything about everything.
00:19:01.039 --> 00:19:03.039
So Yeah, no, I I think it's great.
00:19:03.119 --> 00:19:08.559
And I think it uh again, I think it gives you more credibility, certainly with the customers, but also with your team, right?
00:19:08.799 --> 00:19:15.359
Because they may be out there working on things, and if you have that same credential, you you're gonna understand a lot better what they're looking at.
00:19:15.519 --> 00:19:19.599
And um, who knows, maybe you get your hands dirty at the same time.
00:19:19.680 --> 00:19:23.279
I don't know, but uh um Yes, I definitely like to do that.
00:19:23.440 --> 00:19:29.839
Actually, I um I had a new technician I hire a few months ago.
00:19:30.000 --> 00:19:33.519
He was working on an elevator and he sent me a report.
00:19:34.319 --> 00:19:38.720
And on that report, he was like, Okay, like something is not working.
00:19:38.960 --> 00:19:41.200
And I asked him, Oh, why it's not working?
00:19:41.599 --> 00:19:43.279
He's like, No.
00:19:43.680 --> 00:19:49.519
And then he questioned himself, but also asked me back, oh, like, why are you so curious about that?
00:19:49.599 --> 00:19:51.680
Because I'm like, Oh, because I know the answer.
00:19:51.920 --> 00:19:56.079
And he was just so blown away, like, oh, how do you know the answer?
00:19:56.160 --> 00:20:03.839
I'm like, because I had the situation, and I didn't just like okay, I didn't look at the report, oh, okay, not working, okay, next one.
00:20:04.079 --> 00:20:08.799
I'm like, no, he didn't give me the answer, and I know the answer.
00:20:09.200 --> 00:20:19.200
So uh that was definitely something I'm like, oh, you see, because people do get comfortable and you get lazy, as I do too, sure uh with a lot of things.
00:20:19.359 --> 00:20:27.920
Um but that's the that's the thing not to get lazy and catch those little things so you can improve.
00:20:28.160 --> 00:20:32.160
Uh so yeah I I'm definitely like to do that.
00:20:32.480 --> 00:20:33.200
Oh, for sure.
00:20:33.279 --> 00:20:40.160
And then like I said, it's a little bit of uh you know building trust and credibility with your team, but a little bit of you know accountability, right?
00:20:40.240 --> 00:20:43.599
It's it you can't just walk away and say, oh, it's not working.
00:20:43.680 --> 00:20:48.559
It's like, no, the the boss is gonna check your work and she's gonna know.
00:20:48.880 --> 00:20:49.279
Yeah.
00:20:49.519 --> 00:20:50.559
I think that's great.
00:20:50.799 --> 00:20:57.680
Um, I wish when once my company grows, I'll go to the job side and I'll know exactly like, oh, this is not right.
00:20:57.839 --> 00:21:03.200
You didn't do that, or that we can, you know, relate and just surprise people.
00:21:03.279 --> 00:21:04.640
I like to surprise people.
00:21:04.799 --> 00:21:15.359
And I feel like then my team is building like the stronger trust and stronger understanding, and they want to do better because I want to do better.
00:21:15.440 --> 00:21:16.640
So they do better too.
00:21:16.880 --> 00:21:17.680
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
00:21:17.759 --> 00:21:18.480
No, thank you.
00:21:18.640 --> 00:21:24.640
So um, as we're we're kind of getting close to the end here, and I've got a couple questions, just to have you reflect.
00:21:24.799 --> 00:21:32.240
And and the first one is when you look back at the 25-year-old gym teacher who decided to start an elevator company, what would you tell her?
00:21:32.400 --> 00:21:38.640
Like if you could look back a few years, as you know, maybe you're just at that beginning point, what would you say?
00:21:38.720 --> 00:21:40.480
What kind of advice would you give?
00:21:41.279 --> 00:21:45.759
Uh, I mean, I think everybody will say, okay, don't be scared, just do it.
00:21:46.079 --> 00:21:47.359
But I did that.
00:21:47.519 --> 00:21:52.240
To be honest, I wasn't, I was scared, um, but I did it.
00:21:52.480 --> 00:21:58.720
But definitely I will encourage her more to like, okay, uh, go full in.
00:21:58.880 --> 00:22:04.400
Um, good things are gonna be happening, and uh just go for it.
00:22:04.640 --> 00:22:06.079
Yeah, yeah, no, that's awesome.
00:22:06.240 --> 00:22:08.799
And obviously, the all the learning, right?
00:22:08.880 --> 00:22:13.440
It it probably looks like a a huge mountain to tackle, but it's like, no, you've got this.
00:22:13.599 --> 00:22:13.920
Yes.
00:22:14.160 --> 00:22:14.559
Awesome.
00:22:14.880 --> 00:22:16.880
So, yeah, last question I have for you.
00:22:17.119 --> 00:22:22.720
Five years from today, what would make you say we built the exact company we hoped we would build?
00:22:22.960 --> 00:22:27.519
I will love my company that I can be proud of.
00:22:27.680 --> 00:22:44.319
So for me to able to be proud of my company, I want all my customers, my clients to be an example saying yes, that alpha elevators get things done, uh, that we are reliable, but also trust uh worthy.
00:22:44.559 --> 00:22:53.200
So even if I make a mistake, and we will make mistakes, but I will tell the customer, listen, we did something wrong.
00:22:53.359 --> 00:23:08.880
We'll try to fix it just to be transparent and honest so that way I can be proud of my company, that we're not hiding anything, and uh just have a strong community within the clients that can always say something nice about us.
00:23:09.200 --> 00:23:16.319
Doesn't not necessarily have to be like the biggest company, that's not my dream, but I guess just a strong foundation.
00:23:16.880 --> 00:23:17.440
Absolutely.
00:23:17.599 --> 00:23:21.279
Monica, anything else you'd like to share with our listeners before we end?
00:23:22.960 --> 00:23:32.160
Um I guess to follow your dreams doesn't have to necessarily be what we envision for ourselves.
00:23:32.319 --> 00:23:45.599
I'm still young and I have a lot of ambitions, but the part that makes me happy is always just uh learning and being open to opportunities and see where it takes you.
00:23:46.079 --> 00:23:46.640
Awesome.
00:23:46.880 --> 00:23:48.720
Well, thank you so much for being with me today.
00:23:48.880 --> 00:23:50.319
I've enjoyed it very much.
00:23:50.960 --> 00:23:52.400
Thank you so much for having me.
00:23:52.559 --> 00:23:53.279
I appreciate it.
00:23:53.839 --> 00:23:54.799
Yeah, no, it's great.
00:23:54.880 --> 00:23:57.839
And I wish you the very best as you continue to build your business.
00:23:58.319 --> 00:23:58.799
Thank you.
00:23:58.960 --> 00:23:59.839
Thank you so much.
00:24:00.319 --> 00:24:07.039
Thank you for listening to the Elevator Careers Podcast, sponsored by the Allred Group, a leader in elevator industry recruiting.
00:24:07.200 --> 00:24:14.720
Please visit our YouTube channel at Elevator Careers or check us out online at elevatorcareers.net.
00:24:14.880 --> 00:24:16.240
Please like and subscribe.
00:24:16.319 --> 00:24:18.720
And until next time, stay safe.
