Villa Barone Magic

ECNY Supplier Showcase 2024 offers an energized atmosphere in a familiar setting. 

Laughter and the buzz of hundreds of conversations filled the air at Villa Barone Manor in Bronx, NY, on April 10 for the Elevator Conference of New York (ECNY) Supplier Showcase, now in its 23rd year. The event opened at noon to sunny skies and temperatures in the upper 50s as a cozy fire crackled in the fireplace just inside the entrance — ELEVATOR WORLD’s traditional booth location under one of many large crystal chandeliers alongside the Elevator Escalator Safety Foundation (EESF), the Elevator Learning Center, NAESA International and the National Association of Elevator Contractors (NAEC).

The Showcase’s 87 exhibitors were happy to share information about their company’s latest innovations and offerings, as well as a lot of swag — hats, pens, Koozies^®, insulated cups, candy and — arguably most popular — generously sized bags of caramel and cheddar popcorn from Chicago’s iconic Garrett Popcorn Shops handed out by none other than Cornelius “Corn” Walls at the Formula Systems booth.

Also on hand, of course, were Mongrain Vertical Transport’s (MVT) hand-rolled cigars. At the MVT booth, visitors could have a nice conversation with the always-personable Sylvain Mongrain, who snagged an April issue of EW so he could display an MVT ad that contains one of his quotes at his booth. He flipped through the magazine to proudly show it off: “Twenty years ago, some people were saying that the Hydros would not survive. We have a different opinion.” Headquartered in Quebec, Canada, Mongrain’s company has exhibited at the showcase since its inception, and MVT solutions — particularly its hydraulic high-capacity freight lifts — can be found in some of NYC’s most iconic and high-end properties. 

More than 800 people attended this year’s showcase, which was preceded by a meeting of NAEC’s Women In Motion group downstairs (see sidebar). From a supplier’s perspective, the 2023 showcase was the “best one ever,” according to FIELDBOSS President Jonathan Taub, who observed:

“Booth traffic was consistent throughout the day, with a mix of both prospects and existing customers. There was a noticeable upbeat energy, as contractors are generally quite busy, but seemed to enjoy a break at a nice venue with a buffet lunch and lots of friends to catch up with.”

Matthew Jackson, business development manager, Delaware Elevator Manufacturing, Diversified Elevator Products, agreed, stating: 

“For me, the showcase provides a chance to catch up with a diverse group of customers and suppliers. It gives me the opportunity to be able to gauge business trends, supply-chain issues and what the expectations are for our industry. It’s also a great way to catch up with friends and associates I don’t see very much. The interaction is always good for our collective businesses.” 

Taub said the most common industry theme was a shortage of good field labor. Discussions about the state of the industry were punctuated by emerging business deals. Columbia Elevator President and CEO Louis “L.J.” Blaiotta and colleague Alice Luo hosted a steady flow of prospects who wanted to know more about the complete door system – Robusta – the company now offers thanks to its partnership with US Door Equipment Corp. (ELEVATOR WORLD, April 2024). Several vendors displayed complete elevator controller setups that attracted a lot of attention. 

Showcase organizer Bobby “Bobby Dee” DeFrancesco told EW it’s hard to believe that the show has gone on for 23 years, and that this year’s iteration is indicative of a robust New York. “I think people are fully coming back after a few slow years,” DeFrancesco said. “It’s a good year for New York.”

Unquestionably, a highlight of the day was a wonderful promotional card with FIELDBOSS information on one side and a colorful caricature of “ECNY Legend” Bobby Dee on the other created by FIELDBOSS/Rimrock Corp. Marketing Coordinator and freelance illustrator Jacque Armijo. The card even had a place for an autograph. DeFrancesco said: 

“It was hilarious! I was walking around, and every exhibitor had one. People were coming up to get my autograph. I started to think somebody was setting me up for something!”

Doubling down on the adoration, Benfield Electric’s Paul  Sickler invited passersby to “kiss the ring” as he and colleagues posed with DeFrancesco for a photo at the Benfield Electric booth. 

As always, Villa Barone was resplendent with elaborate flower displays, an all-day Italian buffet in the expansive dining room, a full bar and an impressive selection of pastries and bagels lining the hallway. Your mobility-challenged author took a tumble in said hallway, sending at least four pastries flying. Reflective of the showcase’s friendly atmosphere, several people quickly jumped in to help her to her feet, and she sincerely thanks them. 

As is familiar from year’s past, the morning was characterized by company executives and representatives from exhibiting companies and others, while the afternoon saw a steady flow of mechanics — by and large young, tattooed and full of enthusiasm. Many took an issue of EW with them, as well as an always-popular EW tape measure or two. They wore T-shirts advertising their employers, among them Gotham Elevator, Slade Elevator, Hudson Elevator and Spider Staging. 

Some exhibitors held raffles, with prizes including a Yeti cooler and cold, hard cash. EESF’s “split-the-pot” raffle raised more than US$800 for the Foundation, with the lucky winner Gerry Adams of Adams Elevator. “It was great,” said EESF Executive Director Amber Catlin-Koloziej. “He was so genuinely surprised!” 

The showcase goes by in a flash, taking place in a span of only six, action-packed hours. Taub said he feels lucky to exhibit, as there is a waiting list. He plans to be back next year — same month, same place: in April 2025 at the Villa Barone. 

“Always Move Forward”: NAEC WiM Meets

In welcoming approximately 20 attendees to the National Association of Elevator Contractors’ (NAEC) Women in Motion (WiM) meeting in a basement room of Villa Barone prior to the Supplier Showcase, showcase organizer Bobby DeFrancesco said he remembered a time when elevator companies would hire gameshow-style models to attract visitors to their booths. These women were hired more for their looks than their elevator smarts, and more often than not had little to offer in terms of industry or product facts. That began to change in the 1990s, DeFrancesco said, with female powerhouses such as the late Tennessee-based elevator consultant Martha Hulgan becoming more outspoken and visible. Today, he said, women elevator professionals have earned respect and risen in the ranks, he said, adding: “It’s a new era now, and we are all equals and partners. Today’s female elevator professional never looks back, but always moves forward.” 

In the absence of WiM Chair Kelly Oberhardt of KONE Spares, who was unable to attend, WiM Vice Chair Veronica Querales of Kohtler Elevator Industries read the Mission Statement. Each person (including one man — Evan Petrower of Day Elevator and Lift) stood up and introduced themselves. Querales emphasized that women in the industry should inspire and support one another, adding that “Amy (DiPaolo of Champion Elevator) inspires me a lot.”  

NAEC National Development Director Lori Wolking passed around a sign-in sheet that included a QR code to enable people to follow WiM’s LinkedIn page. Discussion revolved around the possibility of additional virtual meetings, getting speakers and assessing which sectors of the industry WiM members are in. “We know it is 50-50 supplier/contractor, but not people’s actual roles,” Wolking said. Margaret Lourenço of Smart Elevator Tech said better knowing the audience would “allow us to better craft presentations.” Potential upcoming presentation topics include transitioning from sales to management, dealing with “imposter syndrome” and safety in sales. 

Considerable discussion was about workforce development and greater outreach to students as early as eighth grade. DiPaolo praised efforts like the nonprofit Mike Rowe Foundation, which celebrates the trades as a great way to earn a living, rather than a “consolation prize” for kids unable to attend college. Petrower pointed out, “Odds are, in the elevator industry that you’re going to pretty quickly be making US$125,000 a year — and that’s base — no overtime or bonuses.” Few graduates of four-year colleges can claim that, he added. Looking beyond eighth graders, programs through organizations such as Boys and Girls clubs and the YMCA could be pursued, attendees said. “Any of us committee members would be happy to talk about mentorships anytime,” WiM member Kathy Forgie said.