No fear from the 98th floor

No fear from the 98th floor

Andy Borkowski Jr. hated heights when he started working at KONE some 20 years ago. Fortunately, he conquered that fear and now works to deliver safe, smooth people flow in a Chicago skyscraper that rises 423 meters above ground.

Published Nov-01-2019

Service technician Andy Borkowski Jr. routinely finds himself on top of the 98-story Trump Tower's elevators. Heights like those aren’t for everyone – including Andy, initially.

“When I started in the elevator trade nearly 20 years ago, I hated heights,” he admits. “But I soon learned not to be scared. Now I have no fear at all.”

Solving problems

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Previously Andy worked in elevator modernization, installation and adjusting.

“I really like to troubleshoot, so I asked for a position in maintenance and that is how I ended up on this job.”

It was a bold move for someone who had no high-rise experience. And Andy’s feet remain solidly on the ground.

“The way I look at it, a three-stop elevator has to run the same as a 90-stop elevator,” he says. “It just has more door openings, and the building is a lot taller.”

As a child, Andy took things apart to see what made them work. It was a sign of things to come.

“Working in the elevator trade is the best decision I ever made,” he says. “Every day, there are new challenges. I love working with tools, electrical systems and computers. Fixing an elevator makes my day. It’s an accomplishment.”

One step at a time

Safety is a constant focus for Andy, and a top priority for KONE. “That’s what I think about most while working in a supertall high-rise. My job is to make sure the elevators are safe and run well, so the people who use them can get where they need to go – and get there safely without wait.”

To keep himself safe on site, Andy follows standard KONE maintenance methods closely.

He also responds to service-related issues and shutdowns, day or night. At a high-profile property like Trump Tower, it’s a role that can be stressful. “I have learned to take one step at a time, and that makes my work much more efficient.”

The elevator trade is not for everybody. But for someone like Andy, who has great hand-eye coordination and the willingness to tackle new challenges, it’s a great fit.

“Elevator equipment in a high-rise is massive,” he says. “That makes it fun to work on. You can’t help but learn something new every day, and that keeps the job exciting.”

ANDY BORKOWSKI JR.

Why do you love what you do?
Every day offers a new challenge, and no two days are ever the same. Getting people from the 90th floor to the first floor safely, every day, is amazing.

How do you unwind?
I unwind during my drive home. When I get home, if work is still on my mind, I just leave it in my car.

Life lesson?
Anybody can earn a paycheck, but if you don’t love what you do, you will not be a happy person.


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