Introduction:
Kendra Glenn is the Managing Partner of BTS Elevator Packages. Kendra grew up in the industry, but wasn't sure she wanted to be part of the family business. After Graduating from college and working in hospitality for a few years, Kendra realized she wasn't being challenged or feeling fulfilled. Kendra decided to join the family business, G-Tech Elevator and after a few years she helped create BTS. Kendra has found the challenge she was looking for and is thriving in the elevator industry.
Summary of the interview:
- Kendra Glenn grew up in the elevator industry but pursued hospitality in college before realizing she wanted more challenge. She joined the family business G Tech Elevator and helped start BTS Elevator Packages.
- BTS was created to sell elevator equipment after years of installing with G Tech. As an independent, BTS focuses on customized packages, field surveys, and cost-effective solutions to help other independents compete.
- Kendra discussed overcoming initial challenges like learning drawings and the visualization aspect without formal training. Spending time in the field with her father and brother was most helpful for gaining hands-on knowledge.
- BTS saw its biggest year yet in 2022 and Kendra plans to continue growing through relationships and unique service offerings. Future goals include expanding product lines with a potential hydro package.
- The interview highlighted the collaborative culture of the elevator industry where professionals are passionate about sharing knowledge to help each other succeed, unlike some cutthroat industries.
- Kendra advises those interested in the industry to be willing to work hard, as there are many career paths and opportunities to continually learn and grow.
Show Notes with Time Stamps:
0:00:00 Introduction - Kendra grew up in the industry but wasn't sure she wanted to be part of the family business. After graduating college and working in hospitality, she realized she wasn't being challenged and joined the family business G Tech Elevator.
0:01:43 Welcome and introduction from Kendra
0:02:04 How did you get started in the elevator industry? Kendra discusses growing up in the industry and joining the family business after trying hospitality.
0:03:53 Why did you choose to study hospitality in college if you grew up in elevators? Kendra discusses wanting to try something new but ultimately missing being challenged.
0:09:15 Starting BTS Elevator Packages - Kendra discusses starting BTS to sell equipment after installing with G Tech for years.
0:11:13 Challenges of selling as an independent - Kendra discusses the challenges of competing on cost for new installations and how BTS addresses this.
0:16:09 Overcoming knowledge gaps - Kendra discusses her biggest challenge of learning drawings and calls out the importance of asking questions.
0:20:25 Growth and reception of BTS - Kendra discusses last year being their biggest and plans to continue growing through relationships and unique services.
0:25:07 Overcoming visualization challenges - Kendra discusses struggling with drawings but learning through time in the field.
0:28:33 Elevator industry culture - Both discuss the collaborative nature unlike some other industries.
0:31:00 Closing and parting thoughts.
