BUCKS COUNTY, PA — A former union ironworker has started a Bucks County-based business that offers temporary construction elevators to companies in several states.
David Haeussler worked as a foreman while he was employed through Local 401, installing and dismantling elevator cars and construction hoists for a Philadelphia-based hoist company. Having worked as an entrepreneur before, Haeussler quit his job back in August to start his own company, Anchor Hoist, which he launched back in December.
"I ran these projects," Haeussler said. "I was working for another company and kept seeing that I could put this business together myself. I got the entrepreneurial itch again."
Anchor Hoist, which is based in Bristol, is one of three hoist companies in the greater Philadelphia region that implements temporary elevators that run on the outside of a building until permanent elevators are constructed. According to Haeussler, hoists are used in buildings that are at least seven stories high.
"I was a foreman for some of the biggest jobs in the city, like Comcast 2," Haeussler said. "Most construction projects in Philadelphia with a hoist on it in the last seven years I had my hands in."
The Bucks County-based company provides temporary elevator installation services in the greater Philadelphia area, as well as Pittsburgh, Washington D.C., and Cleveland, Ohio.
Haeussler, who owned a painting and restoration company before becoming a foreman, utilized the services of SCORE Bucks County mentor Steve Wolfson to ensure that his business had proper liability insurance and financing.
"He helped me out of a couple significant issues," Haeussler said. "Steve gave me really good advice. He's very smart. I really appreciate him. He was a good person for me to bounce ideas off of. He was an asset for me."
Anchor Hoist is the largest startup Wolfson has taken on since he joined SCORE Bucks County.
"Dave has the right negotiating experience to move the company in the right direction, especially with limited competition, and a strong commercial building market in Philadelphia, Baltimore, Boston, New York City, and Pittsburgh, which are all potential markets," Wolfson said."His experience in rigging, hoisting, safety, and manpower is excellent."
A new business endeavor for Haeussler, Anchor Hoist is providing a service many construction companies need today.
"At Anchor Hoist, our top priority is to provide a well-engineered temporary elevator that also optimizes safety and production metrics to their full potential," the company's offical website says on its main page. "Our build techniques have a proven track record of efficiency and safety, and have met industry standard."
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