Steve Phillips: Magical Things can Happen

Intro:
Steve Phillips is the Chief Operating Officer at Southern Elevator based in Greensboro, NC. Steve started his career outside of the elevator industry, gaining knowledge and experience in operations, from the military, NASCAR, emergency services and management for over 20 years. When Steve started at Southern, he found that the management skills and knowledge he had acquired elsewhere were perfectly transferrable to the elevator industry. Steve has learned a lot since starting and plans to retire from this industry. He has learned to love the elevators and is excited to continue to grow and innovate.

Summary:
Steve Phillips, COO of Southern Elevator, discusses his transition from the military and NASCAR to the elevator industry, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and respect. He highlights the challenges of adapting to the industry's unique culture and the necessity of understanding union agreements. Phillips shares his approach to management, focusing on crisis management, respectful communication, and fostering a culture of professionalism. He advocates for hiring individuals with strong leadership skills over those with elevator experience. Phillips also stresses the importance of balancing service with technology to ensure long-term sustainability and customer satisfaction.