Veronica Querales: Leading the Charge

Born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Veronica Querales started working in her parents’ elevator installation and Service Company during high school. From the outset, Veronica was determined to learn every aspect of the business, starting from the bottom as a cleaner and working her way up to becoming a general manager.

While continuing to work in the elevator industry, Veronica pursued her education and obtained a degree in Electrical Engineering from the prestigious Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico. Fueled by an insatiable curiosity for knowledge and passion for business, Veronica received a B.A. in Business Administration Management and Accounting and an MBA in Business Administration International Management from the University of Phoenix.

Later in 2006, Veronica relocated to Miami, Florida, with her husband. During her stay in Miami, Veronica’s parents embarked on a new venture, and she took the responsibility of overseeing all the accounting departments. Eventually, in 2008, Veronica’s father approached her and said, “The time is here; let’s do this together.” This laid the foundation for Kohtler Elevator Industries.

Today Kohtler Elevator Industries primarily serves other elevator servicing and installation firms, with a handful of architecture and design firms also among its clientele. The brand is at the forefront of revolutionizing the elevator industry by prioritizing the needs of its clients. Kohtler is a winner of the Ellies Award for Best Supplier Cabs/ Doors 2022 and a runner up of the Minority Business Women Owned by Elevator World magazine.

Initial Struggles

Established with a resolute mission and deep sense of familial ties, Kohtler Elevator Industries was helmed by Veronica’s father until he was diagnosed with cancer in 2010, which brought a significant transformation. Veronica experienced one of the darkest moments of her life when her father passed away in 2012, forcing her to decide to abandon the business and the substantial sacrifices that had been made or to persevere and uphold her father’s legacy. However, something changed in her, and Veronica became more committed than ever to pursuing her dreams. Every negative idea she had was transformed into a positive one, and every challenge she faced was turned into an opportunity to advance in her field. Realizing that abandoning her father’s legacy and altering the trajectory was not an option, Veronica resolved to carry on the mantle.

“My own experiences have shown me that it is possible to keep hope and find fresh methods to move forward, even in the face of difficulty. I want to encourage others to live out their own legacy by pushing on and carrying on my father’s work,”– she states.

The Dynamic Leader

Veronica believes effective leadership is about providing a clear direction, uniting individuals towards a shared goal, and inspiring and motivating them to achieve it. As the CEO of Kohtler Elevator Industries, Veronica leads an exceptional team and highly prioritizes continuous learning and development in her leadership approach.

One of Veronica’s biggest challenges is leading a team composed of individuals from different age groups. Recognizing that various generations may have different needs and expectations, Veronica emphasizes the importance of building a solid emotional bond with her team to lead by example. She firmly believes in John Maxwell’s philosophy: “Leaders touch a heart before they ask for a hand,” and establishes a powerful emotional connection with her team to motivate them and follow her as their leader. Additionally, she ensures that her team’s skills are continually developed and expanded to help achieve shared objectives. Veronica’s accomplishments have garnered international recognition in her industry, as evidenced by her inclusion in Elevator World’s prestigious “The People Issue 2022” list, which celebrates 10 exceptional individuals worldwide whose unwavering dedication, hard work, innovative ideas, and remarkable achievements have contributed to the success of their respective industries. In the current year, Kohtler Elevator and Veronica have once again received well-deserved accolades, being named among the top 100 Women-Led Businesses in Florida for 2023 by The Women’s Edge.

“The key to inspiring creativity and innovation while upholding a positive work environment is to develop a culture that values teamwork and is receptive to fresh perspectives,”- states Veronica. “We at Kohtler Elevator Industries encourage our staff to collaborate and brainstorm as a group. In our opinion, every concept has the potential to lead to something amazing, and there are no negative ideas.”

Tackling the Rising Costs

Kohtler Elevator Industries is not immune to the challenges posed by the current state of the industry’s supply chain. As a manufacturer, the company has had to navigate rising costs and limited access to raw materials, which have affected production output and revenue. Veronica has implemented various strategies to address these issues and improve Kohtler’s supply chain management. These include establishing partnerships with multiple suppliers, monitoring inventory levels, and exploring alternative materials without compromising quality. Veronica and her team also regularly assess and adjust their pricing strategy to remain competitive. Despite the obstacles, Kohtler Elevator Industries remains committed to delivering exceptional products and services to its clients.

The Growing Demand for Vertical Transit Options

As smart building technology develops, elevators will become more critical to a building’s overall efficiency and sustainability. Veronica believes that with rapid urbanization, the elevator business will witness a growing demand for vertical transit options, especially in developing nations. She also feels that there will be greater demand for touchless, hygienic solutions after the pandemic due to the aging population and shifting demographics and user needs. Finally, more emphasis will be placed on designing and developing energy-efficient and ecologically friendly elevators as people become more aware of how buildings affect the environment.

The Future

Veronica intends to develop as a leader and keep up with the most recent technological developments in the elevator business. As a part of this commitment, she also plans to pursue a license as an elevator inspector to ensure the greatest safety standards for her clients. She strongly desires to provide teen girls with the necessary resources to boost their self-confidence and self-esteem. Thus she will launch her foundation to help young women reach their full potential and become productive members of their communities.

She also looks forward to speaking at conferences and events to share her knowledge and experience with other business owners, assisting them in expanding their enterprises and achieving their objectives. Lastly, she pledged to take Kohtler Elevator Industries to new heights, aiming to attain a 20-30% growth rate each year by offering top-notch services and creating cutting-edge technology to satisfy the demands of its clients.

Veronica is a genuine revolutionary leader in the world of business, as evidenced by her recent acquisition of a powerhouse warehouse for her growing business. As a female entrepreneur, she had the conviction and drive to take bold measures in pursuit of her vision, even in the face of obstacles and challenges. Veronica is not content with merely maintaining the status quo, but instead, she is always stretching the boundaries of what is possible for her company and her industry. Her proposal to move Kohtler to a new facility is just one example of this. By optimizing operations and creating a better work environment for her employees, she is setting the stage for even greater success in the future.

Veronica’s long-term vision for Kohtler is equally remarkable, as she plans to expand the company’s manufacturing capabilities and reach new customers nationwide. This forward-thinking approach is what sets her apart as a leader, as she is constantly looking for new ways to remain ahead of the competition and meet the changing needs of her customers. Her commitment to innovation is evident in the establishment of an in-house product development department, which allows Kohtler to speed up the pace of innovation, reduce development costs, and maintain greater control over the quality of its products. Through these initiatives, Veronica is not only establishing a brighter future for her business but also paving the way for other female entrepreneurs to follow in her footsteps.

In summary, Veronica is a true trailblazer, a revolutionary leader who is not afraid to leverage her strengths, take bold action, and break through barriers. She is setting an example for others in the business world, particularly for women who aspire to leadership roles in their industries. By staying loyal to her vision and remaining committed to innovation, Veronica is transforming the landscape of her industry and inspiring others to do the same. But the most important for her is to continue her legacy!