Kadie Thompson

One of my most notable achievements is building a reputation for being fair, consistent, and dependable. I strongly believe leadership is about balancing expectations — doing what’s right for the company, while also doing what’s right for the customer and the people who work beside you.

The accomplishment I’m most proud of is watching the success of my teams. Whether it’s modernization, repair, or service work, there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a job completed successfully and hearing customers thank us because we made their lives easier again. A big part of leadership is knowing your people — understanding who is best suited for each challenge and how to bring a problem to resolution efficiently and safely.

I’ve also learned the importance of humility. Early in my career, I had a close call on a jobsite that completely changed my perspective. It taught me that elevators don’t care about ego, emotion, or pride — they demand respect, focus, and discipline every single day. Once I let go of the chip on my shoulder and understood that paying your dues is part of the process for everyone, not because I was a woman but because I was learning the trade, everything changed for me professionally.

My work ethic and mindset come from my parents, who are both deeply blue-collar and taught me that leadership starts with being willing to work with your hands, do the hard jobs, and earn respect through action. That foundation has shaped how I lead teams, approach challenges, and build trust with both customers and employees.

The best career advice I ever received was to put my head down and learn a skill — because real confidence is built through knowledge, hard work, and perseverance. I was told that I was built to be a force, and more importantly, built to raise the bar for the little girls watching behind me so they could dream bigger and go further than I ever imagined possible.

That advice stayed with me. It taught me that strength isn’t always polished. Sometimes it looks like dirt under your fingernails, a disheveled ponytail, and the pride that comes from an honest day’s work. There is dignity in showing up, working hard, and proving that determination and grit belong in every room and every trade.

I encourage women to take the step, learn the trade, and become leaders in it. This industry can absolutely be rewarding if you come in willing to learn, work hard, and earn your place. Confidence is important, but there’s a difference between confidence and arrogance — the best crews are built on teamwork, respect, and proving yourself through your work.

You may have to work harder and smarter at times, but that doesn’t mean you don’t belong here. Learn how to use your strengths to your advantage, ask questions, and keep improving every day. People will respect you when they see your work ethic, your attitude, and your willingness to grow.

Most importantly, know the difference between someone trying to help you grow and someone trying to discourage you. Stand proud, keep your head up, and lead by example. When you do that, you help create a stronger industry for everyone who comes after you.

There aren’t enough good trained tradespeople.

Honesty and transparency are values I hold deeply in every aspect of my life. I believe trust is built through openness, fairness, and a willingness to communicate with integrity — even when conversations are difficult. My goal is for people to know that I genuinely care enough to provide complete and honest information, not just details that benefit one side over another. I believe everyone deserves clear communication, thoughtful explanation, and the respect that comes from being treated fairly and truthfully.