mainline National Association of Elevator Contractors Newsletter | Winter 2024
in this issue… 1
Letter from 2025 NAEC President: Bill McGrath
2
Upcoming Events
3
Welcome New Members
3
QEI Code Update
4
Hytec High Rise
5
NAEC Hosts the First Ever Give-Back Event
6
CEU Recap: Leveraging AI for Elevator Contractors with Microsoft Copilot
7
Expo Highlights
on – United 2024 Highlights
1500 Klondike Rd SW, Ste A211 Conyers, Georgia 30094 770.760.9660 1.800.900.6232 info@naec.org
www.naec.org
Thank you for trusting me to serve as the 2025 NAEC president. It’s a role I don’t take lightly, and I’m both honored and humbled to accept it. Looking back on the journey that led me here, it’s hard not to acknowledge the role NAEC and its members played in my career. The ability to network and build relationships with the best companies and vendors in our industry provided me with the ability to grow, learn, and successfully chase my dream of opening my own elevator company, South Jersey Elevator, LLC (SJE). Along with the love and support of my family, I wouldn’t be in this position without NAEC. Starting out young and learning trades first-hand like so many of us, I often accompanied my father, a general contractor, to work where I learned the ins and outs of his business. When it came time to start my own career, I considered finish carpentry. I told my father my plans, and he said, “No, anyone can put two pieces of wood together, become a specialty tradesman… that’s where the money is!” As the saying goes, father knows best. I took his advice and became a licensed electrician and certified welder. These skills opened doors for me at Otis Elevator where I found my passion for the vertical transportation industry. Over my 32 years in VT, I’ve obtained my NJ electrical license and my elevator license in NJ, Delaware, and Florida as well as NEIEP,CETS and QEI certifications. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of serving as the as the Chair of the Associated Builders and Contractors NJ Chapter and I even shared my story at the ABC National Conference. Most significantly, in 2013, with the encouragement of my wife, Debbie, I opened South Jersey Elevator, LLC (SJE). Debbie told me, “it’s time to follow your dream, and make a difference”, and I did just that. With SJE thriving and in my new role as your NAEC president, I can confidently say the best is yet to come. What inspires me today is building the next generation of industry leaders and tradespeople. It’s of paramount importance to me that we ensure education is available for the next generation. It’s a vital component in continuing to move our industry forward. I look forward to working with the NAEC staff, committees, board and of course, my Vice President, Amy DiPaolo, to ensure the future of the elevator industry is bright. I know that together, we’ll rise to the next level! Bill McGrath, NAEC President 2025