In 1996, Les and Ian Johnston left Schindler and commenced the installations business that grew to be Lift Shop today.

After nearly 15 uninterrupted years as Managing Director (during which time he has also worked on the tools) plus his background in Accounting and Finance, Les is a stable long term lead to the company.

With a home in nearby Maroubra, a wife (gorgeous he adds), Les is a family man with 3 school age children. After 15 years in the role, he feels that he's still good for at least another 30.

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We are having fun, and feel extra-ordinarily privileged to be in such a dynamic industry at such an innovative and exciting time. It is a complex business so I am grateful for my business training.
We never predicted how necessary the need was for our services, lets face it, it's a new-new thing and customers were poorly served.

We have been surprised and lucky and probably aggressive in pricing to make the range affordable. I cannot take credit for the company's success, we work hard sure, but the emphasis is on WE.
There is a great culture at Lift Shop, its rare, it's a special thing, we have genuinely special people.

As the leader of our Sales and Design team, Bernard is heavily involved in product development, sales and marketing and training. He is also responsible for our National network of showrooms and lift designers, as well as simplifying the significant amount of information that clients are required to evaluate.

Based in the Shire, happily married Bernard has two wonderful teenagers at home. Like the rest of the Lift Shop team, Bernard is a committed, and focused professional, who particularly enjoys his occupation. His current slogan of choice…. Put in a full day to go to sleep satisfied at night. Other interesting life facts…. As a kid, he played Rugby League in the same team and alongside Andrew Ettinghausen. (ET)

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It has been hectic, our growth is quite significant and few people realise how much training goes on behind the scenes. Certainly, watching a new person graduate from our training school is most satisfying. Their confidence and skill rises with their knowledge… its fun to watch. Sometimes I think I should have been a teacher - I like that part. I also like going out to site at the end of the job, and seeing what we actually made happen. We have done some really interesting projects and to think that we made that happen….. it just feels good.

Ian and Les (MD) met in 1995 at Schindler and it was in the following year that they left to begin the lift installations business.

Ian Johnston is a major asset to Lift Shop, his qualifications, maturity and ability to lead and train has ensured that Lift Shop is able to grow with the expertise required to deliver, complex electrical product safely.

With nearly 30 years of lift experience under his belt and a perfect track record, Ian is responsible for a large team of installations and service technicians as well as 8 support staff to help insure that the lift is delivered, installed, and maintained as planned.

At home is Maryanne, 3 boys (who may never move out!) and some animals including his favourite pet, the Hobi-Cat.

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This is what I know, its what I am really good at... Do we have to do this, I don't like this interview stuff, I wish I could give up smoking.

He is a major asset to the team, helping follow up on the all important details required to ensure a smooth lift installation project. John has a background in engineering and computers (when it was hard) and is a great help to our sales team and customers. He enjoys seeing the diverse variety of interesting homes and projects that we work on.

He occupies the reception desk in Sydney (because he likes to chat to the clients).

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I am too old to learn golf, too young to play bowls, I have to work for my sanity and I like it here - don't you dare ask me to make coffee - and I am not the receptionist!!

Her secrets to success are numerous, including the ability to speak fluent Italian, which makes it much easier to deal with our significant partners in Italy.

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I like my job, its not that hard really, I have 3 sons, I kept them organised and raised three fine young men. Now if I could just get them to leave home…… did I tell you, I was nearly a grandmother

They have done an incredible job, writing and developing our custom integrated management system (Named TRIP). They keep it working perfectly, giving the Lift Shop staff and our clients the ability to track lift projects in real time over the net from anywhere in the world.

World class systems are required for world class products. Lift Shop customers get a world class experience.

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We control the information, so of course we do no evil. What did you expect us to write about ourselves, that we are dry computer nerds without a sense of humour - NO WAY DUDE - WE ROCK