MARY VITT: THE PORTRAIT

At 39, with a husband, two kids, and a full-time position at Schindler Elevator Corporation in Chicago, Mary Vitt says her “to do” list is what propels her through the day.

“It’s kind of how my brain is wired because the life I’m living is nuts,” Vitt says. “The more I am challenged and the more I get done the more rewarded I feel. It’s like dopamine for me.”

One does not anticipate a career in the elevator business, but Vitt says her workingclass background served her well when she landed a coveted spot in a leadership program at Kone Elevetor after graduating from The Ohio State University. Elevators are a generational business.

“The grandpa works there, the dad works there, the son works there,” she says. “I come from a really blue collar family in Cleveland so it’s an industry that I can relate to.”

Vitt is now a Senior Account Manager with Schindler Elevator Corporation in Chicago and says the work is challenging but she draws satisfaction from solving problems, and there are few problems like a stuck elevator.

“In many ways, I’m like an elevator doctor. I don’t just sell one product. Every single elevator in our portfolio, it’s very technical and electrical,” she says.

Vitt lives in Lake Forest with her husband, Andrew, and their two children, Mackenzie and Michael.

What is the favorite thing about your job? Elevators are one of the most vital industries—besides cars, trains, airplanes—of transportation. People often call me when they’re stuck in an elevator but I rely on front line individuals to assist in that facet. What inspires you, both professionally and personally? I am really goal driven. I’m a working mom and it’s really challenging to balance both work and kids. I keep a list of things I want to accomplish and once I get those checked off, I’m extremely happy. Biggest challenge as a working mom? Time management. You have to be able to effectively plan your day and if things do not go to plan, you have to be able to pivot, reevaluate, and just understand what your priorities are. Key values that you think are important to your kids to learn and live by? There’s no substitute for hard work is definitely an important one, and this is a big universe, and my kids need to think outside of themselves and leave the world a better place. Also, to be generous. Favorite meal to make at home? My husband actually does 90 percent of the cooking but I’m very good at making gourmet salads. Favorite recreational activities? Places to travel? As a family, we love to ride bikes together. My husband and I like to play golf. We’re a big skiing family and we go to Snowmass every year. In the summer I like to hike. Favorite thing to do in Lake Forest? I love to go to Lake Forest Beach with my kids in the summertime right before or after dinner. It’s more quiet and so beautiful down there. Favorite television series? I loved Ozark; it was fantastic, but I will always say Schitt’s Creek. It was nice therapy during the pandemic. So funny and light. Preferred music choice? All different types, but it needs a beat. Early bird or a night owl? Early bird. Advice you would give to others? Everyone has to earn their racing stripes. You’re not going to go from entry-level to CEO. Dogs or cats? Dogs, but my husband doesn’t want a dog, so we don’t have one. Which three people would you want to share one of your gourmet salads with? The late Patrick Swayze, because I’m obsessed with him from the ’80s. Kyle Richards (from The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills) because I love her. And Mother Teresa.