We spoke with Margery and Erica from the Residential Lift Co. to learn more about their family business — the manufacturing company behind RESiLIFT®: Australia’s pioneering through-floor residential lift.
Tell us about your business?
The Residential Lift Company manufactures RESiLIFT, the world’s first through-floor home elevator.
When Peter van Emmerik invented RESiLIFT 20 years ago, it was literally ground-breaking. Not only a revolutionary design, but also the beginning of a new market. Supported by his wife, Rosemary, their passion was to make it easier for people to stay in their home as they age, by pioneering a lift that was easily retrofittable and affordable.
RESiLIFT is sold through a network of distributors across Australia. Two of his daughters, Margery and Erica now run the manufacturing company and their own distributorships in Tasmania and Victoria, respectively. Kate, Erica’s daughter, is the first representative of the third generation to work full-time in the family business.
What has been your greatest success?
Designing (and continuing to improve) a product that makes such a big difference in our customers’ lives is very rewarding. Having a RESiLIFT adds ease for moving people or items between levels and allows older people to remain connected in their community.
We are told that very few ideas ever commercialise successfully. It is an amazing achievement that we have been able to make Peter’s idea a reality, especially when it all started after their retirement.
We’re also incredibly proud that our product is made in Australia. Despite fierce pressures, the Residential Lift Company works with a trusted local supply chain. We have recently received Australian Made registration.
What do you value about FBA?
Knowing we’re not alone! One of the most valuable things about being an FBA member is discovering that many of the challenges we face are not unique to us. Connecting with other business owners is inspiring. Family businesses often navigate similar hurdles and being part of a like-minded community is very reassuring. We particularly enjoy the annual Conference to learn together.
What advice would you give to other family businesses?
Put as much energy into your family as you do into your business. Running a business often feels urgent and can be all-consuming – but it’s just as important to spend meaningful time with family and invest in those relationships outside of work. To make that possible, you need to learn to delegate, trust your team to handle the work or hire someone to help share the load. Bringing on a new team member can feel risky – especially when you’re unsure if the business can support the expense, but every time we’ve made the investment, it’s paid off. The increased capacity has helped us move closer to our goals.
Learn more about The Residential Lift Company
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