A Father's Day Tribute

June 17, 2021
FLORENCE, SOUTH CAROLINA, UNITED STATES

The elevator industry, like others, has seen multiple generations of hard workers. For Father's Day, we thought it would be nice to highlight our own father-son pairs here in South Carolina!

In recognition of Father's Day, Kate Giovanni, General Manager for South Carolina & Savannah, Otis Americas, speaks with some of our colleagues on what it means to be working alongside family at Otis.

I met Stan Catchings and Richie Toole at a small cafe for lunch in downtown Columbia, near the University of South Carolina Campus on a beautiful, sunny day. Both men play an instrumental role servicing USC, one of our largest customers in the upstate.

Stan Catchings started with Otis in 1984 and over his 37-year-long career with Otis, Stan comments that "you never stop learning and there is always something to do." "It feels good to make a customer happy." When asked if he wanted his son, Travis, to go into the elevator trade, Stan said, "yes and no because of the economy at the time, I didn't know if it would be a good idea. You've got to work hard and earn your keep." Travis Catchings reiterated that there was a time in high school where he asked his dad about getting into the industry and his dad told him he wouldn't help. Travis would have to work hard and earn his spot.

Travis Catchings started his career with Otis after graduating from Clemson University and a stint in the Air National Guard working on weapons systems and fighter jets. He entered Otis through the Helmets to Hard Hats program. Stan commented on Travis starting with Otis, "he knew I liked it, the benefits are great and I knew he had time to make a name for himself.”

Stan and Travis both reflected on the great opportunity the Service side of the business afforded Stan. He was able to catch all of Travis' ballgames growing up. Stan recalled, "we were best friends. On the ballfield watching other games he would put his arm around me.”

“He wanted to do it, I'm behind him 100%”

- Richie Toole

When I asked Richie's son, Justin Toole, who is now a father himself, about the day he became a dad he shared, "It was emotional. Tears were coming uncontrollably.” Justin Toole works for our New Equipment team in the upstate and when asked if he knew he wanted to go into the elevator trade like his dad, Justin said, "I thought I'd make my own way. I thought I wanted to be an underwater welder."

Justin first applied to the Elevator Union and it was 4 long year before he finally got the call. "The opportunity finally came up and I jumped all over it," Justin exclaimed. When I asked Richie if he wanted his son to go into the elevator industry, he told me "I had no influence. He wanted to do it and I'm behind him 100 percent." Richie with his fatherly instinct, of course had concerns with his son Justin starting in the industry with a different company. "I didn't know their safety policies, I was happy when Otis picked him up!" Richie also shared, "he's a smart kid, he knows how to be safe."

Overall, these teams shared how they can share knowledge by working together in the elevator business. How the newer folks work on the New Equipment and can help share knowledge with their dads working in Service now.

I also had the opportunity to sit down with Emil Colin Junior and talk over the phone with his dad, Emil Senior. Emil, reflecting, shared that he told his dad growing up "I'll never do what you do." After an unfortunate 8th concussion and Emil Junior's scholarship at risk, Emil Senior told him to put in an application with the Elevator Union. Emil Junior got his start with Otis in 2015, "To pass up a job with pay and benefits, plus life skills would be foolish," he said.

Emil Colin Senior works for Otis in Augusta, GA now. He started with Otis in 2000. "I had no idea the elevator trade was even out there. I was at the right place at the right time and I'd never dreamed I'd be where I'm at now," Emil Senior expressed. Emil Senior also shared that he was a little hurt when his son didn't want to go into the elevator trade but when he eventually did, he was in full support, "I was excited when he got the job and passed the test.”

When I asked Emil Senior about becoming a dad he reflected, "It's life changing. Everyone tells you it's going to change your life, but when it happens it's indescribable.”

I feel honored and humbled that these six great men let me take a peak into their lives and relationships. It's so special to work in an industry where we have generations of families working to build a legacy. There are so many more family legacies on our team, most notably the Herndon Family! It's great to know you can still build a great career with an industry and a company who will take care of you and support you.

Hearing the stories from our team made me reflect on my own up-bringing. My father is a contractor and I loved getting to go to the construction sites with him when I was little. (I hope he put the proper PPE on me!) I can still remember the smells of the wood and drywall and the pride my dad took in the finished project when they wrapped up. Travis Catchings shared a memory like this, "dDad had a 1962 Chevy truck, Otis green, he loaded it up to get stuff out of a machine-room and we looked out from the top floor of the building. You should see all of Columbia and Lake Murray. That was awesome." Justin Toole also shared, "I remember getting into an elevator with my dad and he'd point and say 'look, what does that say?'" pointing to the Otis sill.

As my husband and I get closer to expecting our first born, it touches a special place in my heart to hear all these stories and I wonder what our little girl will grow up to be. I would be excited if she chose an elevator career, but of course I'm sure we'll be proud no matter where her path leads

Finally, thank you so much to all our fathers out there who work hard for Otis every day to provide for their families. Family is always number one. So stay safe, be vigilant, and don't get complacent. We want each and every one of you to go home to your families at the end of the day because that's what matters most.