South Jersey Strong

Your author (SG) speaks with NAEC president and South Jersey Elevator (SJE) CEO Bill McGrath (BM) about his career evolution, company and association goals.

SG: Where are you from and where did you grow up?

BM: I spent my childhood in Fishtown, Philadelphia, until 1988 when my family decided to relocate to Southern New Jersey. I went on to attend Glassboro High School and proudly graduated with the class of 1992.

SG: As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? When and how did elevators enter the picture?

BM: I grew up wanting to be a carpenter like my father, who owned his own company. I spent much of my childhood on job sites with him, and I admired his craftsmanship. When I told him I wanted to follow in his footsteps, he gave me some advice that I didn’t fully understand at the time: “I can teach anyone how to put two pieces of wood together, but you should focus on learning a specialty trade.”

Following his guidance, I was accepted into an electrical trade class in high school. After graduating, I attended night school and became a licensed electrical tradesman in New Jersey. Along the way, I also became a certified welder because it was a requirement for the industrial electrical work I was doing at the time.

My career took an unexpected turn when my father-in-law, who worked at a local power plant, connected me with a neighbor in the elevator industry. He passed along my résumé, which led to an interview with Otis Elevator. I still laugh thinking about how, during the interview, I asked if Otis was a big company —something the interviewer found amusing. Little did I know, this opportunity would take me in a completely different direction, shaping my career in ways I never imagined.

SG: I see that your career includes time with TK Elevator as a maintenance mechanic and Amtech Elevator as a modernization mechanic. You have also served as an industrial electrician. Would you consider maintenance and modernization (and electrical systems) your specialties?

BM: Yes, I would say so. I was rarely involved in new construction projects unless it was for the adjusting side. My true specialties have always been in modernization, service and maintenance. These areas allowed me to focus on improving and maintaining existing systems, which I found both challenging and rewarding. I had the privilege of working alongside some incredible teams in these departments, and their expertise and collaboration made a significant impact on my career.

SG:When and why did you decide to launch South Jersey Elevator (SJE)?

BM: I always dreamed of owning my own business, even when I was working as an electrician. Watching my father run his company and seeing the values he instilled in customer service had a lasting impact on me. Over time, I started thinking about opening my own shop, especially as I saw changes in the industry that didn’t align with those values. However, working for someone else often left my hands tied, and the idea of owning my own business remained just a dream.

That all changed when I lost my job — not because of my performance, but due to a personality conflict with a new general manager. It was a tough moment, but my wife, Debra McGrath, saw it as an opportunity. She encouraged me, saying, “This is your time to open shop!” Her support felt like the iconic moment in Rocky when Adrian told Rocky to win. Inspired by her words, I went for it and founded SJE.

The name itself has a special meaning, as it was inspired by my son, William R. McGrath, playing in the SJE (South Jersey Elite) Most Valuable Player football game. That connection made it even more personal and meaningful to me. Looking back, it was the best decision I could have made.

SG: Describe the company – its specialties, geographical areas served and growth drivers.

BM: SJE is built on a foundation of hard work, family values and a passion for delivering outstanding service. We specialize in modernization, service and maintenance — areas where I’ve spent most of my career and developed a true expertise. Rather than focusing on new construction, we excel at breathing new life into existing systems and ensuring they operate safely and efficiently for our clients.

We serve Southern New Jersey and the surrounding areas, with a mission to provide a level of care and attention that larger companies often overlook. I’ve always believed in treating customers the way I’d want to be treated, a value I learned from watching my father run his own business.

Our growth has been driven by the trust of our customers, word-of-mouth recommendations and the relationships we’ve built over the years. To me, this company is more than just a business — it’s a way to honor the lessons my father taught me, show my son what it means to build something meaningful and offer a service that truly makes a difference in people’s lives. At SJE, we’re not just here to fix elevators; we’re here to support the people who rely on them every day.

SG: What are SJE’s main challenges and growth drivers right now and going forward five years?

BM: SJE focuses on serving Southern New Jersey and the surrounding areas. Our priorities and challenges center on providing exceptional service in our local communities, building long-term client relationships and adapting to industry changes. Growth drivers include our commitment to modernization, personalized customer service and staying ahead with new technologies. By focusing on our core region, we ensure that every client receives the attention and care they deserve, maintaining the high standards that set us apart.

SG: How many employees does SJE have right now? Is the company hiring?

BM: SJE is proud to have a dedicated team of 23 staff members, and we’re always looking to grow by bringing in fresh talent. Our company thrives on a high-energy culture where excellence is the standard and “failure is not an option.” We seek individuals who share our passion for delivering outstanding service and who are ready to contribute to a team that values hard work, innovation and a can-do attitude. At SJE, every new hire isn’t just an employee — they’re part of a family that’s driven to succeed together

SG: What is most challenging and rewarding about running an independent elevator company?

BM: Running a business over the last five years has been challenging for everyone, and SJE is no exception. From workforce development to supply chain disruptions, we’ve faced our share of hurdles. However, I believe the changes in our industry are laying the groundwork for an incredibly bright future.

What truly keeps me motivated is seeing my team rise to the occasion and exceed the goals we set — not because they have to, but because they genuinely want to. Watching new people enter this industry, learn, grow and thrive is the most rewarding part of what I do. It’s their passion and dedication that fuels my drive to keep pushing forward and building something meaningful at SJE.

SG:What do you hope to help National Association of Elevator Contractors (NAEC) achieve during your tenure as president?

BM: My tenure as NAEC president is only a year, but I’m determined to make every moment count. My primary focus is on advancing education within the industry, which I believe is crucial for its continued growth and evolution. The Learning Management System initiative that NAEC is rolling out is a key step in equipping professionals with the tools and knowledge to adapt to an ever-changing landscape.

I also aim to establish meaningful traditions that strengthen communication and collaboration. This year, I’ve introduced a new initiative where the president, vice president and committee chairs hold a lunch at the convention to ensure alignment between the board and committees. It’s about working together toward a unified vision.

Another initiative I’m proud of is dedicating a day to visit the NAEC staff for one-on-one meetings. This gave the staff an opportunity to voice their ideas and concerns while allowing me to connect with them on a personal level. My hope is that this becomes a lasting tradition for future presidents, fostering stronger relationships and a deeper understanding of the organization.

In the end, my goal is to leave the NAEC stronger, more united and better prepared to lead the industry into the future.

SG:Why do you think it’s important for associations such as NAEC to exist?

BM: Associations like NAEC are vital for the independent contractors and vendors in our industry. They provide essential education, promote safety standards and ensure members stay informed about advancements in technology. Beyond that, NAEC serves as a crucial support network — a place where industry professionals can connect, share experiences and work together to tackle challenges. It’s about fostering a sense of community while equipping members with the resources they need to thrive in an ever-evolving industry.

SG: Tell me about your family.

BM: I’ve been married to my incredible wife, Debra McGrath, for 26 years. She was a dedicated nurse for 25 years and joined SJE during the COVID-19 years, bringing her unwavering work ethic and compassion to the business. Together, we’ve built not just a company but a legacy for our family.

We have two amazing children. Our daughter, Brianna McGrath, is 23 and currently applying to veterinary schools to pursue her dream of becoming a veterinarian. Our son, William R. McGrath, works alongside me at SJE, which has been an absolute joy. Watching him contribute to the business and grow in his role has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

Family is everything to me, and having their support and involvement in both life and business is a privilege I’m deeply grateful for.

SG: What do you like to do in your spare time?

BM: In my spare time, I love spending quality moments with my family and friends. I’ve never really had one specific lifelong hobby — what I enjoy most is trying new things and embracing different experiences as life unfolds. Over the years, I’ve coached pee-wee football for seven seasons, spent time on the golf course, enjoyed fishing and taken to the water on my boat.

But above all, what truly matters to me is being with my family. Life is too short, and I believe in making the most of every moment we have together. For me, those shared experiences and memories are the greatest dividends life has to offer.

SG: Where do you see yourself, personally and professionally, in 10 years?

BM: In 10 years, I’ll be 61 years old, and I hope to be living a life that balances personal fulfillment and professional transition. Personally, I aim to check off the items on my bucket list — experiencing new adventures, making lasting memories and cherishing time with loved ones.

Professionally, my vision is for my son to take the reins of SJE, running the company with the same dedication and values that built its foundation. This transition would allow me to focus on the educational side of the elevator industry, where I can give back by sharing my knowledge and experiences to help others grow and succeed.

While the future is always uncertain, I feel blessed to be part of this incredible journey. My goal is to leave a legacy of opportunity, service and growth — not just for my family, but for the industry I’ve been privileged to be a part of.