Donna R. Anderst — Top Women in Business 2016 Honoree
SCS Elevator Products Inc. CEO, President and Chairwoman
MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL BUSINESS JOURNAL TOP WOMEN IN BUSINESS 2016
Special Edition, May 27, 2016
SCS Elevator Products Inc. has a view from the top floor of its industry thanks largely to the leadership of CEO Donna Anderst.
Anderst joined the Red Wing-based company, which makes specialty elevator products like buttons, in 1983 following the death of its founder, Robley Cook. She previously worked for a firm that provided accounting services to SCS. Over the following decades, she expanded the company from eight employees to 62. Today, SCS sells its products to about 400 customers, including major players across the elevator industry. The business also has expanded its reach internationally, with customers in countries ranging from Canada to Israel.
In addition, Anderst is chairwoman of the Red Wing Area Chamber of Commerce, a community board member of Mayo Clinic, and serves on the advisory board tor the Center Region of Merchants Bank.
Lynne MK Morioka, Contributing writer
What’s the smartest business decision you ever made?
Purchasing a small manufacturing business.
What’s your most memorable elevator ride?
Riding in an elevator with first-grade students while teaching them about safety when riding on elevators and escalators.
If you weren’t in the career you’re in, what would you be doing?
I would be writing children’s story books.
Who is your hero/mentor?
My hero is my father — he taught me how to work hard, believe in myself and always keep faith. My mentors are my partners and board members.
Words to live by:
Believe in yourself, work hard, listen and care. Always!
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a pediatrician.
Guilty Pleasure:
Del Coronado, California.
Where would we find you on a Saturday afternoon?
Reading Elevator World magazine.