Arrow Lift

Accessibility and home elevator company credits success to faith, family and teamwork.

Duluth, Minnesota-based family business Arrow Lift has been serving clients through sales, installation and maintenance of accessibility lifts and home elevators since 1985. CEO Bob Newstrom founded the company, and his sons, Andy, Joe and Peter Newstrom, joined in 2001, 2004 and 2011, respectively. Also on the leadership team is Brian Nichols, a good friend and business partner of the Newstroms.

Arrow Lift specializes in stair lifts, luxury home elevators, commercial accessibility lifts and material lifts such as dumbwaiters. The company has several regional offices in California, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and Ohio, and also operates in the neighboring states of Nevada, North and South Dakota and Michigan. Arrow’s team is made up of more than 100 employees located throughout the Midwest and California/Nevada. “The level of talent that our coworkers bring to work each day is tremendously humbling,” Joe Newstrom said, adding:

“When someone reaches their 10- or 15-year work anniversary or refers a friend or family member to join our team — those are some of the most rewarding moments that fill us with immense gratitude.”

The company’s culture is reflective of what Bob Newstrom calls “the Trinity of Success:” taking care of team members, taking care of clients and taking care of the organization. Arrow Lift’s core values are safety, integrity, a spirit of service and the pursuit of excellence. “These are not just platitudes; they truly are what we are all about, and what we continue striving for each and every day,” Andy Newstrom said.

The Newstrom family finds working together rewarding and enjoyable because of the common values they share.

“Sometimes we do argue, but we never doubt the love that we have for each other through thick and thin,” added Pete Newstrom. Their plans for Arrow Lift include steady and sustainable growth to serve more clients and employ more team members. It’s important to the Newstroms that this development comes in a way that’s consistent with — and not at the expense of — Arrow’s culture and core values.

When asked if they expect the family business to carry on with the next generation, the Newstroms said, while it would be a blessing, they are focused on the here and now. Arrow Lift is actively looking to recruit, train and motivate the company’s next generation of leaders with its current team. “You never know what might happen in the next 40 years though!”