Woman-Owned Distributorship Lifts Stertil-Koni to New Heights in Pacific Northwest

Kayla and David Fay, owners of Northwest Lift & Equipment, are taking Stertil-Koni to new heights in the Northwest portion of the U.S. The couple took over an Oregon-based heavy-duty vehicle lift business in mid-2016. With Kayla as majority owner, the company is recognized as a woman-owned business.

Northwest Lift & Equipment has made its mark quickly. David, with nearly two decades of experience in shop equipment and construction industries, handles the construction, installation, service, and inspections. Moreover, Kayla, with a degree in Electrical Engineering, utilizes her keen insight and business skills to manage all other aspects of the company.

Since starting Northwest Lift & Equipment, the couple’s energy and ambition have paid dividends. With David’s comprehensive knowledge of the lift industry and Kayla’s drive to succeed, the couple was honored with one of six Aspire Program Awards by Stertil-Koni at this year’s annual Distributor Meeting.

The Aspire Program Award salutes Stertil-Koni distributors who have achieved marked incremental heavy-duty vehicle lift sales gains on a year-over-year basis, thereby placing them in a new, heightened level of performance.

“We are honored to receive this award,” says Kayla. “It really confirms that our hard work is paying off.”

 When the couple started Northwest Lift & Equipment, the Fays implemented several new business strategies.

“We expanded our sales and service departments, getting us into the shops and in front of customers more than ever before, We also implemented both a company website and CRM system. Northwest Lifts now uses social media, to share our products and expand our customer network,” notes Kayla. “And, by adding employees throughout our territory, the company provides more local coverage.”

Employees helping to serve and grow Northwest Lift & Equipment, are Brandon Terry and Johnny Evans, each of whom, brings broad product knowledge, sales and customer service to the team. 

“Kayla is an amazing person to work for,” says Brandon. “She's on top of everything for David and me with customers and Stertil-Koni. She's encouraging and gives praise when needed and working for her and David feels like I'm part of a family.”

The Fay’s have a family unit of their own. The couple balances their busy work schedule with an active home life – they are parents to three young boys, Benjamin, 11, Jonathan, 5, and Joseph, 4.

What’s next for Northwest Lift & Equipment? Kayla says, “…to emulate and take advice from other successful distributors. David and I learned a lot at the recent distributor meeting! Northwest Lifts & Equipment will continue to grow its sales and service departments, and of course, provide the best experience for our customers.”

“And, eventually put our sons to work,” she jokes.