Kohtler President, CEO, and Co-Founder, Veronica Querales got her start in the elevator industry nearly 30 years ago—working for her family’s elevator service company while she was still in high school.

She continued to work for the family business while she pursued her education. She obtained a B.A. in Business Administration and Accounting and and Electrical Engineering degree from the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico, then received her MBA in Business Administration International Management from the University of Phoenix.

Throughout her career, her father was always her biggest inspiration, and together, they dreamed of starting their own elevator manufacturing company in Miami. When he passed away, Veronica was at a crossroads: should she continue on the safe route, or should she face her fears and take the monumental risk to make this business something entirely new—in a country that isn’t hers and in an industry that is led by men? Just when she was coming to terms with closing down the business, something clicked. And she was determined to make it happen.

Veronica has since built a successful business by learning as much as possible about the industry, market, customers, and competitors, and knowing her product extremely well.

Today, Kohtler Elevator Industries exports its products throughout the USA, Caribbean, and Virgin Islands. And under Veronica’s leadership, Kohtler was nominated for the 2017 TOP Entrepreneurial Award by the Miami Chamber of Commerce.

As Kohtler’s success continues to grow, so does Veronica’s appreciation for everything her father gave her. Her father continues to be her greatest personal and professional inspiration for everything she does. Despite not having him with her physically, his light still shines her way.