About Us: The Elevator Service Company in Connecticut
Great Northern Elevator Company is a locally owned, owner-operated family business serving all of Connecticut, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Maine. As an elevator service company in Connecticut that many building owners trust, we combine hands-on experience with a commitment to friendly, professional service and practical solutions tailored to each property.
Family-Owned and Customer-Focused
Our whole family takes part in the business operation: Phil Johnston is owner and operator (along with Murray, his best friend); MaryEllen handles mailings and communication; Jamie runs the office; Daryl, son-in-law, serves as a field mechanic; and daughters Emma and Audrey provide support in the networking and outreach department.
Longtime mechanics of the company have also become family, which keeps overhead low and helps us offer cost-conscious options without sacrificing quality.
Non-Proprietary Equipment and Flexibility
We install non-proprietary elevator solutions in Connecticut that building owners appreciate. Standardized parts and open systems allow any qualified contractor to source replacements and perform maintenance, reducing downtime and long-term costs. This flexibility contrasts with proprietary systems that restrict service to a single manufacturer with special tools and passwords.
Skilled, Consistent Technicians
Our mechanics are NIEP-trained and members of Local 91. We assign our technicians to specific accounts and strive to send the same people whenever possible, so they become intimately familiar with every unit, proactively identify potential issues, and limit future repair bills.
Service You Can Count On
We provide installation, proactive maintenance, and commercial elevator repair to ensure safe, reliable, code-compliant operation. Reliable, professional, and friendly—Great Northern Elevator is here to keep your buildings moving. Contact us to schedule service, receive estimates, or ask questions.
Serving ALL of Connecticut, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Maine Locally-owned, owner-operated, small family business
Licensed & NIEP-trained mechanics with years of experience
Expertise in servicing all elevator makes and models
Proactive maintenance to prevent issues before they arise
Reliable, professional, and friendly service
Services include installation, maintenance, and repair to ensure safe, efficient elevator operation
Non-Proprietary Equipment
Proprietary equipment is exclusive to a specific manufacturer and often limits flexibility in servicing and part replacement.Non-proprietary equipment uses standardized parts, allowing for more flexibility in maintenance and repair, and often reducing long-term costs.
Great Northern Elevator installs non-proprietary equipment that guarantees that replacement parts are accessible from multiple manufacturers, and all components are available to any qualified elevator contractor. In contrast, some major manufacturers use proprietary systems that can only be serviced by their own employees, requiring special passwords, tools, and instructions. This limits future service options for the elevator owner.
Small, Family-Owned Business
Our whole family is involved in our business- from Phil (owner) as the originator, Daryl (mechanic, son-in-law) out in the field, Jamie (daughter) in the office, MaryEllen (wife) in charge of mailings and communication and Emma & Audrey (daughter) working networking accounts. Our other mechanics have become family and we value the relationships with all of the people involved.
Because we keep it small, the customer benefits. We have lower overhead costs than the larger companies and can often provide solutions within your budget.
Our Technicians
Technicians are assigned to your account and become familiar with your elevator. We try, whenever possible, to send the same mechanic to your unit since they are the most familiar with the unit, hopefully saving you not only time or money, but they can also be proactive in finding solutions to issues that may arise and result in future repair bills.
NIEP Trained & Union Members
Our team consists of Local 91 Elevator Union members and NIEP-trained mechanics, ensuring that your elevator service is handled by highly skilled professionals. With this combination of union expertise and specialized training, we deliver top-quality, reliable service for all your elevator needs.
Phil Johnston- Owner & Operator & Murray, Man's Best Friend
Meet the Owner
Phil Johnston, a licensed elevator mechanic and owner-operator of Great Northern Elevator Company started our company 14 years ago with a focus on customers, honesty and value. After moving from a larger company, he knew he wanted to provide customers with efficient, reliable services, giving customers the time and energy that they deserve. As the heart of the company, Phil believes in staying local and supporting local businesses whenever possible.