Rising to the Top: South Jersey Elevators’ Bill McGrath’s Path to Excellence and Innovation
In the competitive world of elevator installation and maintenance, few stories resonate as deeply as that of Bill McGrath, the founder of South Jersey Elevators (SJE). Bill’s journey from humble beginnings to establishing a thriving business over the last 12 years showcases the resilience, hard work, and lessons learned from setbacks. His story is an inspiring tale of entrepreneurship, dedication, and the importance of family support, all while navigating the ups and downs of building a company in a challenging industry.
The Beginning: Taking a Leap of Faith
Bill McGrath’s path to entrepreneurship wasn’t an immediate leap, but rather, a series of calculated risks and learning experiences. With a background in the elevator industry from working at ThyssenKrupp, Bill took a chance and founded South Jersey Elevators. It was a decision that came with both personal and financial challenges, but Bill’s unwavering belief in his own abilities and the support of his wife, Deb, were crucial to his success.
He recalls the tough start, “I didn’t take a paycheck for a year and a half. My wife went back to work full-time as a nurse, which was never part of our plan.” The couple knew that the risks were great, but Bill was determined to make it work. He even sat his children down and explained that they would need to prepare for a tough time ahead, including simpler holidays and tighter finances. But despite the early struggles, Bill remained resolute in his vision of building a successful business.
A Game-Changing First Contract
One of the defining moments in Bill’s entrepreneurial journey was securing his very first client: the Ronald McDonald House in Camden. This wasn’t just a commercial client; it was a special place to Bill, as he had taken care of the house during his time at ThyssenKrupp. When he reached out, he learned that the existing company wasn’t meeting expectations, which opened the door for SJE. His honesty and the relationships he had built over the years paid off in a big way.
“Failure’s not in our vocabulary,” said Frank Catrambone, a close friend and mentor, who inspired Bill to push through any setbacks. That mindset stayed with Bill, helping him navigate the rocky start and rise above challenges.
The Ronald McDonald House became an anchor client for SJE, and their satisfaction with Bill’s services proved that his vision was on track. From there, the business began to grow, albeit slowly at first. “You have to be in it for the long haul,” Bill notes. “The commercial world takes time, but residential elevators brought in faster cash, allowing us to stay afloat while we built that momentum.”
A Turning Point: Family Support and Resilience
As Bill continued to build his business, there was a point where he almost gave up. He recalls a critical moment when his partner decided to leave, and Bill considered walking away from it all. But as Bill was about to give up, his wife, Deb, and his uncle stepped in with strong encouragement. “My uncle called me and told me to get up, get a cup of coffee, and get back to work,” Bill remembers. It was that wake-up call that inspired him to push forward and find a way to buy out his partner, keeping the business alive.
Bill also acknowledges the role his wife, Deb, played in his success. “Deb’s my backbone support,” he says. “She has always been there for me, and when things were tough, she was right by my side.”
Building a Legacy: The Role of Family and a Strong Team
Over the years, SJE’s growth has been fueled not only by Bill’s drive but also by the involvement of his family, especially his son, Bill Jr. Bill Jr. took on the residential side of the business and transformed it into a major revenue generator. “We were doing maintenance and service for residential elevators, but Bill Jr. saw the potential for bigger projects and turned that into a significant part of our revenue,” Bill says proudly.
Today, SJE employs 24 people, and Bill Jr.’s work in growing the residential sector has made it 40% of the company’s revenue. “He’s a hustler. He’s more data-driven, systematic, and has a way of making things happen,” Bill explains. The father and son duo have created a dynamic business culture that’s not only about the work but also about the people behind it. Bill is keen on building a strong team, and part of that strategy includes personality testing for all employees to ensure they are working harmoniously.
Bill’s approach is not just about numbers but about creating relationships and a positive work environment. He believes that even in tough moments, it’s important to address mistakes together and learn from them. “If you made a mistake, let’s fix it as a team, and learn from it,” Bill says. This philosophy extends to the way SJE handles client relationships as well. The company values honesty and openness, which has helped build a loyal client base.
The Future: Growth Without Sacrificing Quality
Looking ahead, Bill has big plans for the future of South Jersey Elevators. The company recently brought on a new Vice President, a highly experienced leader with a track record of running multiple offices and managing large teams. “We’re excited about this next chapter,” Bill shares. “But we’re not aiming to be the biggest. We want to be the best. We don’t want to be big and sloppy. We want to be small and sharp, and if we can grow big and still maintain that, then great.”
Bill’s goal for the next 5 to 10 years is to continue growing the company but in a way that remains true to its core values. Additionally, Bill is passionate about providing opportunities for the next generation, with plans to create an education center for high school students interested in trades. “I didn’t have the chance to learn a good trade when I was younger. I want to make sure that kids today have that opportunity,” Bill says.
The Bottom Line: Relationships Are Key
The success of South Jersey Elevators comes down to one simple fact: Bill and his team have built a company based on relationships. Whether it’s with clients, employees, or business partners, Bill understands the importance of trust, communication, and genuine care. His business isn’t just about elevators; it’s about people.
As Bill Jr. continues to grow the company, and with a strong leadership team in place, the future of South Jersey Elevators looks bright. The story of this family-run business is a testament to what can be achieved when passion, hard work, and the support of loved ones come together.
In the end, it’s not just about the elevators. It’s about elevating people’s lives through service, trust, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
102 WEST HIGH STREET, SUITE 200
GLASSBORO, NJ 08028
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