It began with a promise: build something better. For William McGrath, that promise wasn’t just about the machinery of elevators—it was about elevating people, standards and expectations. Now serving as president and chief executive officer of South Jersey Elevator, McGrath has spent the past decade transforming a modest service provider into a regional powerhouse known for reliability, safety and performance. That ascent has earned him Titan 100 Honoree recognition, honoring not just a career of impact, but a mindset that refuses to accept limits.
McGrath didn’t start South Jersey Elevator because the market was calling for another company. He founded it because he believed the industry could do more—offer better service, care more about technicians and treat clients like partners. From day one, he built the business around integrity, accessibility and hands-on leadership. The company quickly gained a reputation for responding faster, fixing smarter and delivering peace of mind.
Over the past three years, McGrath has steered the organization through exponential growth. Through expanded coverage, enhanced safety protocols and aggressive investment in training, he’s turned South Jersey Elevator into a company others in the industry now try to emulate. Yet despite its rise, the culture remains grounded. McGrath’s door is open, his phone is on, and every employee knows their contributions matter. That accessibility is intentional—and it’s non-negotiable.
The future of work in McGrath’s world isn’t about automation replacing people—it’s about equipping people to do their jobs better, safer and with greater pride. His investment in workforce development goes beyond technical certifications. It includes leadership training, emotional intelligence workshops and creating opportunities for advancement from within. He believes when people are supported as whole individuals, they deliver exceptional service in return.
What keeps McGrath’s fire lit is simple: he loves the work. The early mornings, the on-site visits, the problem-solving—it all fuels him. But more than anything, it’s watching his team succeed. Whether it’s a technician rising through the ranks or a client calling to express gratitude, those moments are what he considers the real victories. That energy spills into every corner of the business, setting a tone that is both ambitious and collaborative.
If he could master one skill instantly, McGrath would choose advanced public speaking. Not for the spotlight, but because he understands the power of voice to inform, inspire and bring people together. He wants to tell the company’s story with the same clarity and conviction he brings to his work.
He’s most proud of South Jersey Elevator becoming a trusted partner to hundreds of clients across the region—and a family to its employees. McGrath has created an environment where excellence is expected, but compassion is never compromised.
What makes him a Titan is the way he’s redefined leadership in a trade often overlooked. He didn’t just build a company; he built a culture—one where accountability and authenticity coexist. And through that, McGrath has proven that true elevation starts from within.
