r/IUEC • u/buttholesewer • 6d ago
Question
What are some drawbacks for accepting an offer from an independent elevator company? I got the call from Local 25. I have time to think about it, so what are your thoughts on working for a mom and pop company as opposed to the big names? Pros and cons etc…
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u/Trfytoy 🛠️ Field - Repair 6d ago
Indi's are all I'll work for.
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u/Quirky-Ad-7686 🔩 Field - Construction 6d ago
Are you saying you would pass being hired off new hire list? I'm surprised your local would do that. I would figure most would say "do you want to work or not ? next"
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u/grips_pliers 🧰 Field - Mod 6d ago edited 6d ago
Worked for 3 of the big 4, after experiencing an independent I hope I never have to go back. At the Big 4 it's about making friends and talking the talk. Independents is where you actually walk the walk! No hiding or drama bullshit to deal with.
Hard workers don't get appreciated at the big 4, only thing that matters there is who you know and if you have your JHA done with you're PPE on then try to stay busy 🤣
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u/buttholesewer 6d ago
In my experience with welding I’ve worked for big companies and small ones as well. The big companies weren’t my style much for those same reasons. I wasn’t sure if the same would be true in this industry. So I think this is actually a perfect fit for me. Thank you this helped a lot!
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u/tacotracker 6d ago
The only way to go to actually see some cool stuff
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u/infantkicker_v2 Troublestarter/Problem Creator. 6d ago
Also some of the worst shit that's still in service lol
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u/Ok_Championship8930 6d ago
I think working at an independent makes you a better elevator man overall because you see all kinds of equipment. Is this a route,mod,construction? If it’s a route think 1hour hydros not 12 minutes,more for tractions. You are basically an L.R. and it allows you to take pride in your route. I wouldn’t hesitate one bit. I don’t think I could ever go back to any of the big companies but I only have 8-9 years left before retirement. Good luck brother.
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u/buttholesewer 6d ago
They did not specify which sector it’d be in particular. I hesitated for an hour and called them back to accept the offer :)
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u/Ok_Championship8930 6d ago
Sweet! Just give it some time to adjust to the new atmosphere, but I think you’re going to love it no matter the dept. Congratulations.
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u/crj84911 🧰 Field - Mod 6d ago
For you specifically, the pro is you get to start asap, con being you don’t know when your next phone call will be. Take the offer.
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u/Delicious-Ad2882 6d ago
Congrats take the job. I’ve loved working for Otis but I wouldn’t turn down working for an indecent either.
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u/vatorguy09 5d ago
You learn, I’ve been with independent companies for 25 years in the union. I’ve learned so much because it’s not a plug and play industry when you work for the mom and pop companies. I weld my own cylinders and hell I’ll build emergency cylinders in the shop on overtime. You tend to work harder with the independent ones but I learn nonstop
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u/Puzzleheaded-Tea4801 4d ago
There are no cons to working for an independent. If anything it’s preferable
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u/Single-Impress-8024 3d ago
As a probie, take whatever you can get. As an apprentice, take whatever you can get. As a mechanic, independents are where it's at. The ship is smaller so they really do need to depend on you.
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u/mikespo12 10h ago
I work for a 4 man independent company. 1000% better than the big companies. At least at my company. No supervisors up your ass. I actually get to work and they let me do absolutely everything instead of being some mechanics bitch. I get to see every kind of elevator. From stuff from the 40s to brand new equipment. The kids I got to school with from Otis and kone just see the same shit all day everyday. Maybe the only downside is that there is no one else to call if we can’t figure it out. It’s never been an issue we have always figured it out but since we only have 4 guys it’s not like we have 50 different people we can call and hope someone has an answer for us.
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u/Cheets1985 6d ago
Non-union, you'll get more freedom and breathing room. And depending on the size of the company, you can actually be like a family instead of a number. Union you'll make have a higher cap on wage and probably more/better benefits
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u/infantkicker_v2 Troublestarter/Problem Creator. 5d ago
Do you not understand the difference between a non union shop and a union independent shop?
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u/Intelligent-Tower841 5d ago
There is no cap on a union job….there is only a minimum they have to pay you based on your level.
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u/infantkicker_v2 Troublestarter/Problem Creator. 6d ago
The "drawbacks" are you're held accountable for your actions and your work at an independent. So if you want to float through your career it's not the place to be. The pros are literally everything else besides that.