Michael Loeffler: Surround Yourself With the Right People

INTRDUCTION:
Today our guest is Mike Loeffler, Senior Vice President/General Manager with VDA Vertical Transportation Consulting. Mike started in the industry working in the field and loved it from the very beginning.  He values that early learning as being key to his success and continues to learn everyday even well into his career. Mike enjoys working as a consultant and loves being able to assist both clients and contractors in finding mutually beneficial solutions to projects and / or issues and help foster relationships; his only regret is that wishes he found consulting sooner.

SUMMARY:

• Mike Loeffler's career paths and industry insights
•   - Mike Loeffler regrets not surrounding himself with more knowledgeable people earlier in his career
    - Mike Loeffler values early learning as key to success in the elevator industry
    - Mike Loeffler's mechanical skills from motocross and carpentry helped him in his elevator job
• Mike Loeffler's career path and mentorship in the elevator industry
•   - Mike Loeffler describes his 44-year career in the elevator industry, mentioning the various roles he's held and the camaraderie he's experienced
    - Mike Loeffler highlights the competitive aspect of his work, citing the need to work harder to complete projects faster when other teams were involved
    - Mike Loeffler describes his career journey, including working as a construction foreman, Operations Manager, and consultant
    - Mike Loeffler highlights mentors who invested in him, such as his first manager and Arian Steve Bailey, and discusses his motivation for taking an opportunity in North Dakota
• Challenges and conflicts in the elevator industry
•   - Mike Loeffler worked on modernizing space shuttle launch pads at Cape Canaveral, which became a 15-month project with $1.5 million in change orders
    - Mike Loeffler found it interesting to learn about what goes on outside of the elevator story at the f8, despite having no qualms about spending money
    - Mike Loeffler describes conflicting issues within his previous company, leading to a decision to become a consultant
    - Mike Loeffler finds fulfillment in finding common ground with clients and elevator companies, despite initial frustration
• Contractor agreements and maintenance services
•   - Challenging negotiations arise when clients want new components or changes to existing agreements, and contractors must justify the costs and benefits
    - Mike Loeffler describes common scenarios where clients call for help mid-project, such as elevator issues or maintenance agreements not being met
    - Mike Loeffler explains that some companies prioritize consulting services over maintenance agreements, which can lead to higher costs in the long run
    - Mike Loeffler highlights the importance of having a comprehensive maintenance agreement that covers most aspects of elevator maintenance, rather than a basic oil and grease contract
• Challenges in construction management, including client resistance and team collaboration
•   - Mike Loeffler discusses challenges of working with condominium boards, including resistance to recommended solutions and changing board members
    - Mike Loeffler reflects on his 44-year career, suggesting he has learned from every situation but may not change anything if given the chance
    - Mike Loeffler emphasizes the importance of having the right people on the team, with the right skills and expertise
    - Mike Loeffler regrets not surrounding himself with more knowledgeable people earlier in his career
• Career development, relationships, and work ethic in the elevator industry