We are fortunate to have so many amazing female contributors at Elevated to celebrate during Women’s History Month. In the elevator industry, it’s important to shine a light on the women who keep our operations running smoothly every day. We want to take a moment to highlight an incredible member of our team whose leadership and dedication are vital to the success of our Southeast operations. Candy Reeves, our Regional Operations Manager, is the backbone of our Southeast division. We sat down with Candy to learn more about her journey at Elevated.
How long have you been in the elevator industry? 14.5 years
How long have you been with Elevated? I began working for Elevated, formerly Premier Elevator, in 2010.
What is your current role with Elevated? I am the Regional Operations Administration Manager for the Southeast Region. I oversee processes and procedures related to all lines of business and serve as a liaison between our branches and our corporate office. This would include assisting with benefits, technical support, licensing, job costing, etc. I work closely with our Regional Vice President to facilitate that all things in our region run smoothly, and any new processes are implemented.
What do you find is the key to success in working in a predominantly male industry? I have been most successful when I focus on my own skills, growth, and goals. Whether a male dominated industry or not, hard work with emphasis on the end goal and thoroughness shines through. Always be yourself and know your “Wow” factor and the rest will follow.
Do you recommend or have advice for other women looking to get in the elevator industry? Go for it! Whether it’s an administrative or technical position that interests you, take the leap. This industry if full of great people with varied expertise. It is a wonderful family to be a part of.
What does leadership mean to you, and what makes you a great leader? Leadership, to me, is about creating an environment where people feel inspired and empowered to reach their fullest potential. It’s not just about telling others what to do, but about leading by example, being adaptable, and encouraging collaboration. A leader listens, guides, and makes decisions with integrity, always keeping the greater vision in mind while also considering the needs and growth of the team. Throughout my career, I’ve discovered that empathy, decisiveness, and fostering a strong “team” environment have been key to effective leadership. These are the qualities I value in a leader, and they are what I strive to embody for others. It’s about building meaningful connections with my team while also driving tangible results.
What would you recommend to early career women entering the workforce? Women are complex beings, and we are extraordinary in our talents and capabilities. We are also tasked with many extraordinary things as life progresses. Throughout my life I have been a daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, teammate, and leader. When these identities start to coincide, I would start to have self-doubt, guilt, and insecurity. I struggled with these things knowing I could do more in my career while also knowing I needed to be present in my personal life. Work-Life balance was not easy to attain. You won’t always get it “right”. That is OK! Stay fully present in each moment, understanding that life is a journey made up of steppingstones. Every experience you have will guide you to the next, and the knowledge you gain along the way will prepare you for whatever comes next.
Recognize your value, and don’t hesitate to negotiate your compensation when the time comes. Remember that women negotiate differently than men. I am of the generation that was not encouraged to do this but came to learn that I was just a worthy as my male counterparts.
Lastly, be kind to those around you. Life is challenging enough without us making it harder on each other.
Anything else you would like to share? Have faith that you are where you are meant to be at any moment. Opportunities open where you least expect them. Don’t be afraid to take a chance. It just might change your life.
