Innovate + Elevate

Industry veterans talk about launching NYC-based VT consultancy Clarkson + Varick, and how they expect it to evolve.

A meeting of the minds happened approximately eight years ago at the intersection of Clarkson and Varick streets in Lower Manhattan when Danny Girgis (DG), at the time an elevator consultant for a NYC firm and Lucas Kairdolf (LK), then co-owner of Vertical Elevator out of Brooklyn, New York, worked on a challenging but rewarding elevator project for a high-profile technology client. The project was a success, and Girgis and Kairdolf never forgot the thrill of the process. Starting a vertical-transportation (VT) consultancy together was in the back of their minds after recognizing their ability to work together so effectively. The idea began materializing in earnest several years ago.

In the interim, each partner would go on to gain additional VT industry experience: Kairdolf, with NYC-based Champion Elevator Corp., which acquired Westech (Westech and Vertical Elevator merged with in 2019) in fall 2020 (ELEVATOR WORLD, December 2020). After the acquisition, Kairdolf helped Champion navigate its own mergers and acquisitions for nearly two years. This followed stints in the NYC area as a managing partner at Vertical Elevator, president of marketing for Summit Elevator Company in Bronx, New York, and account manager at Otis. Before joining the VT industry, Kairdolf was a showroom manager for Wholesale Supply Group, which offers products for the plumbing, electrical and HVAC industries, after earning a degree in marketing from Middle Tennessee State University. 

We feel our technology capabilities are unmatched, and will ultimately create an avenue for Clarkson + Varick to become a benchmark leader in the industry very soon.

— Clarkson + Varick Managing Partner Danny Girgis and CEO Lucas Kairdolf

Girgis got his start in VT thanks to attending a job fair at which Schindler was present. Prior to that, with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from New Jersey Institute of Technology, Girgis had interned at Duane Reade and Colgate Palmolive. He spent more than five and a half years with Schindler, helping lead major projects including new high-rise elevator installations with the NYC’s World Trade Center Group. Later, he was a NYC account/project manager for BOCA Group International and the Chief Executive of Project Operations at Liberty Elevator Corp. (during which time one of Liberty’s projects, the Hudson Yards Vessel, was recognized as an EW Project of the Year in the Elevators, New Installation, category [EW, January 2020]). He joined United Cabs as vice president of operations before pulling the trigger on Clarkson + Varick in September 2021, as managing partner. Kairdolf joined him in May of this year as CEO. Here, the pair talk to your author (KW) about the evolution of their young company and what the future might hold.

KW: When and why did you decide to launch a VT consultancy?

DG & LK: This is something that has been in the works for years. As the industry continues to transition — relying on technology more — there is going to be a need for knowledge and experience. By understanding the challenges contractors are facing, we are better equipped to bridge the gap between contractors and owners. The elevator industry is filled with talented individuals who have dedicated their careers to the craft. Our goal is to be an advocate for the owner to get the job done effectively.

KW: Tell me about the name, Clarkson + Varick.

DG & LK: About eight years ago, we met on a project to modernize two 6000-lb manual freight elevators, one of which was raised an additional floor to service a rooftop terrace for a high-profile technology leader’s global headquarters. This was a challenging project, with intricate detail. The building was on the intersection of Clarkson and Varick streets, hence the name of the company. Our desire to meet our clients’ needs at whichever journey they are on is fitting. The lantern in our logo is the image on top of a lamppost at the intersection where we meet and travel the road together with our client to achieve a common goal. These same beliefs appealed to us from our first interaction to now starting Clarkson + Varick to always shedding light on all paths for our clients.

KW: For each of you, when you were young, what did you want to be when you “grew up,” and when and how did elevators enter the picture?

LK: I worked for a plumbing, electrical and HVAC distributor when I was working my way through college. I always wanted to own my own business, but never knew what. I happened to go to a job fair and interviewed with Otis. After some time working there, I met a veteran in the industry, Yamil Quinones, and we launched our own elevator contracting company (Summit).

DG: I’ve always had a passion for innovative design, particularly in the automotive industry. As a graduating mechanical engineering student, I attended a career fair and several companies offered opportunities to kick off my engineering career. One of those companies was Schindler. At first glance, elevators weren’t as exciting as automotive design. But to my surprise, I was incredibly inspired by Schindler’s engineering capabilities. That’s when elevators entered the picture.

KW: What was the most valuable — or some of the most valuable — things you learned during your previous careers?

LK: My most valuable lessons came before that, when I started my own contracting company. Over 10 years and a few mergers and acquisitions, the most valuable thing I learned is, no matter what hurdles are in your way, keep your head up and treat people with dignity and respect. Keep grinding. Eventually, things will turn in your favor and you can sleep soundly when you lay your head on a pillow at night.

DG: My most valuable lesson was to always be the hardest worker in the room. Going above and beyond for clients, colleagues, family and friends gives a reassurance to those individuals: that they are in good, trusted hands. I learned that being productive and passionate is how to achieve results. Do what’s right, do good for others and handle projects as if they are your own. This is how respect is earned.

KW: How do you feel Clarkson + Varick will set itself apart from the competition, including the big international firms?

DG & LK: There are two main things that set us apart: our dedication and attention to our clients, and our desire and ability to be ahead of the times. We call this our ability to “Innovate + Elevate.” We understand the nuance of a personal relationship. Additionally, we understand that we have to build a team and culture that values this. As we grow, our focus will be to instill those values in our staff. In addition, we feel our technology capabilities are unmatched, and will ultimately create an avenue for Clarkson + Varick to become a benchmark leader in the industry, very soon. 

KW: Of the geographical areas you cover — NYC, Florida and Los Angeles — which are busiest right now and why?

DG & LK: Definitely NYC, considering our past relationships, years of experience and our presence in the NYC metropolitan market. Florida has and is growing a rapid rate, and we are grateful to be a part of that growth. Clarkson + Varick has already built a solid foundation there, and are well known with local city inspection offices. With many evolving safety code updates, our national clients trust us to upgrade their locations with the finest tailored modernization solutions in many jurisdictions, such as Los Angeles and New Jersey.

KW: How does elevator business in each geographical area differ from the others (for example, in terms of customers demanding energy-efficient features in L.A. or stricter safety regulations in New York)?

DG & LK: We say all the time that elevators are easy; people are the challenge. Knowing the elevators is only one part. Understanding our clients’ goals presents an opportunity for us to explore. We try to analyze every property as if we owned it. That is the goal — short, long and anywhere in between. Markets are different, but, at the end of the day, the end goal is to protect and operate safe elevators for the riding public. There is nuance to each market, but most of the clients have similar goals.

KW: Where do you see Clarkson + Varick in 10 years?

DG & LK: We’re taking it one step at a time, but our goals at Clarkson + Varick aren’t limited by elevators. We aim to hire and partner with professionals who know their field inside and out. Whether it be boilers, HVAC or solar and green energy solutions, our goal is to bring on team members who can create innovative and knowledgeable solutions for building owners and operators. We will continue to Innovate + Elevate, be ahead of the times and continue to re-invest in the industry to assure the best practices from previous generations are carried on.