Celebrating the Profession

Why Wurtec campaigned to make National Elevator Mechanics Day a reality

by David Steingass

When people ask me what I do, I answer, with some hesitation, “I work in the elevator business.”

Technically, it is a true statement. For seven years, I’ve worked in the marketing department at Wurtec, a globally recognized supplier of tools and components to the vertical-transportation industry. At the same time, what I do — producing advertisements and running promotional campaigns — feels so far removed from the hard, dangerous and essential work performed by elevator mechanics that I’m reluctant to place myself in the same category.

In fact, when one considers every profession that contributes to the successful installation and operation of elevator systems, from engineers to equipment manufacturers to the mechanics themselves, a guy designing ads in a cubicle seems the last person who should claim credit.

Yet, while I can never equal the contributions of the men and women in the field, through my years at Wurtec I’ve developed an unshakable sense of solidarity with them. It’s a feeling that’s grown through several experiences: 

• Learning about the long hours, intensive training and jobsite dangers that define a career as an elevator technician
• Meeting real mechanics in the field and observing their camaraderie and pride in their work
• Receiving messages from loyal customers expressing their enthusiasm for the tools that make their jobs safer and easier
• And discovering that I, too, can get excited about rail blocks, plumb line tensioners and counterweight stacking pins

I’m proud to be a part of a company whose raison d’être is to supply and serve the people in this profession.

These are just a few of the reasons why I’m proud to be a part of a company whose raison d’être is to supply and serve the people in this profession. And it’s why I’m excited to announce, on behalf of the whole team at Wurtec, the creation of National Elevator Mechanics Day, to be observed on May 19. The National Day Archives has approved our application to officially recognize this as an annual observance, so mark your calendars!

In my time on Wurtec’s marketing team, I’ve aimed to celebrate mechanics in promotional materials like our 2018 short holiday film An Elevator Mechanic’s Christmas and our video series, Elevator Mechanic’s Toolkit.

Now, I’d like to invite all our industry colleagues across the country to join Wurtec in putting the spotlight on these hardworking men and women. On May 19, we’ll be hosting festivities at each of our branch locations. If you’re in the neighborhood, join us for food, music and fun.

OEMs and independents, we encourage you to host your own celebrations. No matter how you choose to observe this new holiday, it’s an opportunity for each of us in the business (even the guy designing ads in a cubicle!) to come together and create a lasting tradition for future generations of elevator professionals.

I’d love to see how you celebrate. Send me your pictures at feedback@wurtec.com and post to social media with the hashtag #NationalElevatorMechanicsDay.