Brian Marchegiani, co-founder of Mack Brothers Elevator, found his calling in the skilled labor field. He gives back to the veteran community, providing jobs for former military members and military families.
When most people envision a post-military career, they picture offices, classrooms or federal jobs — not elevator shafts and steel fabrication shops. But for Brian Marchegiani, founder of Mack Brothers Elevator, the transition from service to civilian life was built on something tangible: craftsmanship, grit, and a mission to uplift others, literally and figuratively.
Based in Vermont, Mack Brothers Elevator is far from your average mechanical contractor. It’s a veteran-owned and operated company that specializes in elevator design, modernization, manufacturing and service. What sets them apart? A commitment to American-made excellence, an uncompromising standard of safety and quality, and a culture built on military values: leadership, cohesion and mission execution.
Marchegiani is the special guest in the third installment of The American Legion Tango Alpha Lima podcast’s special four-part series on veteran entrepreneurs, highlighting innovative leaders who are reshaping industries, and creating space for veterans and military families to thrive in business. The four episodes drop Monday through Thursday of this week, along with a resource guide for each one. Find today’s guide here.
From combat boots to steel-toed boots
After completing his military service, Marchegiani sought a path that blended technical know-how with hands-on impact. The elevator industry, often monopolized by legacy firms, wasn’t the obvious choice.
So, he didn’t wait for a door to open. He built one.
Marchegiani launched Mack Brothers Elevator with a bold vision: to create a veteran-forward, integrity-first business delivering long-term value in an often-overlooked sector in the skilled trades.
“We are trying to set the standard and put the paying customer first. Which has not been the norm in this industry for quite some time,” he shared during his interview on the Tango Alpha Lima special series.
Doing the hard right, over the easy wrong
Marchegiani and his team are not just building elevators, they are building an ethics-driven environment for present and future elevator mechanics.
Entering a heavily regulated, certification-intensive field without generational trade experience is no easy task. But rather than be discouraged by the steep learning curve, he leaned into the two things he knew best from military life:
- Leading through adversity.
- Training as a tool for empowerment.
The Mack Brothers team is actively involved in training/mentoring new hires, some of which are transitioning servicemembers and disabled veterans. This is an investment for any companies future, it is not easy, it is not fun, it is necessary for success.
The power of vertical integration
“Many elevator companies produce and manufacture their own equipment internally,” Marchegiani said. “In our eyes this doesn’t allow us the opportunity to diversify our portfolio and capabilities, nor does it allow us to give a competitive product to the end user. If we design and install components that are compatible with other manufacturers then any elevator service provider has the ability to find an appropriate price and lead time. If a customer can only buy components from one vendor with technologies that are very specialized and not industry wide, you don’t have much of a choice but to pay and do as your told. That is not a healthy environment as a paying customer.”
This approach to vertical integration gives them several advantages:
- Uncompromising quality control.
- Faster turnaround times.
More importantly, it ensures that each component meets the highest standards, from the welding bench to the top floor.
This model offers a blueprint for other veteran-owned businesses in manufacturing and construction, especially those navigating licensing hurdles, industrial safety concerns, or government procurement barriers.
Key takeaways
- Veterans bring grit, leadership and mission focus to industries that thrive on precision and reliability.
- Owning a business in vertical transport requires deep knowledge of safety standards, union relationships and technical licenses.
- Mentorship isn’t optional, it’s a force multiplier.
- Train others like your business depends on it because it does.
- If the right door doesn’t open? Build the elevator.
Ashley Gorbulja is a National Guard veteran, communications expert, business owner, and member of American Legion Post 139 in Arlington, Va. She is the host of The American Legion’s special podcast series on veteran entrepreneurship.
- Tango Alpha Lima