TEI Group Listed in 2026 USA TODAY Top Workplaces

When crafting a vision for what would ultimately become the TEI Group, I reflected on the jobs I have had over my work life commencing at 14 years of age. Working as a teenager for a small produce store owner, I learned about caring for your "people" i.e. family of customers, employees, and suppliers. I also learned that everyone had an equal importance in the business. My first full-time job was in a forklift repair facility and teamwork was tantamount to success. Salespeople, repair technicians, drivers, accounting, and executives all strove daily for customer satisfaction.

Later, I worked for a period within the NYC transit system, and my tenure was short lived. Nobody seemed to care about the customers, other workers, or their respective jobs. There was no camaraderie, and poor morale.

I was fortunate to land my first job in the elevator business by chance but also in a large independent company (namely Millar Elevator Inc.) and found myself at home with people deeply committed to their careers, their peers, and their company. The most important thing was, of course, the customer.

One of the first business books I read was "Good to Great" by Jim Collins and the lasting impression was the quote "Good is the enemy of Great". Striving to be good can get in the way of being great. Many people and companies become complacent and comfortable with a life or business that is "good" and do not go further to see if they can become "great". Another useful analogy from Jim is getting the "right people on the bus and the wrong people off the bus".

In short, we live in a rapidly changing age and must consistently improve to maintain greatness as it is much harder to maintain than achieve. Champions come and go but dynasties can last forever.

TEI Group has managed to keep the bus moving while continuing to find seats for the "right people" who share our mission and values. To the people who have been here for decades - I commend you for your outstanding leadership over the years. To the young people joining our veterans - take advantage of working with some of the greatest people the elevator industry has to offer.

This all started with a thought in my head that "not if but when I have my own business the most important thing will be happy employees". That thought has matured over the years into "the right people who are smart, hardworking, share our values, and wish to make an impact on the world through our expertise in vertical transportation."

Lastly, I would say we are proud to maintain a culture of openness, trust, and continual learning, and we honored to be listed in the USA Today Top Place to Work, New York City Top Workplaces and Tampa Bay Top Workplaces.