Growing Along the Gulf

Each Erwin family member brings a particular strength to the family business.

Starting in 1982 as Southeast Elevators and bought in 2019 by Robyn and Steve Erwin, Elevated Fabrication Systems (EFS) has provided the U.S. Southeast with experienced manufacturing and elevator installation for more than 40 years.

The EFS manufacturing “shop” is located in Florala, Alabama. “It is on the Florida-Alabama state line, an old thoroughfare that everyone headed to the beach would take until the freeway was built,” owner Robyn Erwin said. “It’s a small Andy Griffith town with only a Hardee’s, a pizza place and one red light.”

Majority woman owned, EFS is growing along the Gulf Coast and further into the southeastern U.S. as the company designs and manufactures commercial and residential elevators and lifts. EFS specializes in the manufacturing of high-quality and efficient elevator cab shells, interiors, cladding, ceilings, components and flooring. EFS also works with customers on custom interior designs for specialized needs. The company prides itself on preserving and maintaining its products while striving for excellence in customer service. The importance of customer relationships and service is the cornerstone of everything done at EFS. “Using EFS is knowing that the customers are using a one-of-a-kind custom system for their elevators,” Robyn Erwin said.

EFS has extensive knowledge in the elevator maintenance and construction business. Steve Erwin, chief operating officer, is a CET-licensed elevator technician in Florida, Alabama and Mississippi. He has worked alongside highly regarded elevator consultants, inspectors and master mechanics. Leaning on his years of experience in routine elevator maintenance, construction, car manufacture, interior design and safety measures, he offers a balanced approach and an all-inclusive product offering.

Shortly after Robyn and Steve Erwin purchased Southeast Elevators and renamed the company, their son, Hayden Erwin, and daughter, Allie Erwin, began working alongside them in the new family business.

Hayden Erwin has helped assist the family in “setting a vision of greatness for the entire company.” He wears many hats: working in the shop when needed, making sales calls and being a liaison to customers when scheduling installations and deliveries. With a goal to expand nationally and across the globe, he initiated a new project-management position where he has been able to expand the company’s reach.

As a former firefighter, Hayden Erwin takes pride in providing the company with a new perspective on safety and management. His experience in the fire service has built a more structured approach to his business-management practices. Robyn Erwin said:

“His training in maintaining a calmness in emergencies is invaluable in this role because we all know in the elevator industry a schedule is just a goal and not reality, and almost every elevator situation is an emergency to someone.”

Hayden Erwin is also always looking for new ways to increase efficiency and productivity without much increase in cost. Looking for new “cutting edge” technology and marketing is always part of the conversation.

Allie Erwin knew she wanted to work as part of the family business when her parents purchased it. “We are a close family,” she said. “With my parent’s help, I was able to go to college. Now, I use the skills I learned in college to support and grow their business.”

With a background in interior design, Allie Erwin is the graphic designer and 3D rendering specialist for EFS. With her assistance, the company is able to provide customers with a visual representation of the elevator before it is created. She is able to provide graphics of new technologies and state-of-the-art interiors for customers to provide a truly customized elevator experience. Allie Erwin said:

“When meeting with a client, we select the appropriate materials and style. I then use software programs to build the elevator, apply the materials and create a render that puts our thoughts on paper (or screen) for our client to view. This method prevents any miscommunication and allows the client to preview their custom design.”

Elevated Restoration Plus is another subsidiary of EFS offering seamless resinous floors for elevators. Each technician is certified in the Applicator Training Program, a comprehensive course designed to train aspiring installers of Dur-A-Flex flooring systems or refine the skillsets of existing installers. Seamless resinous floors are not “one size fits all,” meaning each technician carefully inspects, surveys and recommends the best product for a project. Options include seamless resinous epoxy, MMA, urethane, hybrid and accelera coatings.

Reflecting on the challenges and benefits of a family business, Robyn Erwin said:

“As parents first and business owners, the challenges and benefits are all one together. A struggle Steve and I talk about often is in owning and leading a business but also the managing aspect with your grown children. We want them to learn from experience, and that means we must let them make mistakes. When it’s the family’s livelihood, those lines can get blurred. We want them to always feel empowered but stay humble. Our biggest challenge is, as parents, we have time and wisdom on our side. The business will one day be theirs to own, and building a strong ownership investment requires us to help them navigate sometimes and sit back and be ready to do damage control sometimes.”

Altogether, EFS plans to expand into the northern region of the U.S. using a familial approach to business and an all-new perspective on elevator manufacturing, which they are looking to assist them in becoming a significant player in the national elevator industry.