What does it mean to dream big? For Jack Hartman, a bright and energetic elevator enthusiast, it means seeing the world from a new perspective—one floor at a time.
Jack’s passion goes beyond simply riding elevators. What truly excites him is their engineering: the hum of the motors, the smoothness of the ride, the speed and height, and the intricate mechanics that make it all possible. At just 15, Jack already knows what he wants to be—a dedicated elevator mechanic, ready to power up the world, one vertical journey at a time.
A Family on the Move
With the steadfast support of his family, Jack’s passion has taken him far beyond his hometown. Together, they’ve traveled to cities across the United States and Canada, planning their excursions around the most unique and exciting elevators, and meeting the people who keep these marvels moving. Their journeys aren’t just about sightseeing, they’re about connection, understanding, and learning.
In January 2025, Jack reached out with a bold question about an upcoming planned trip to NYC: Could KONE help him experience a special behind-the-scenes tour? What happened next exemplified the very best of KONE’s values of Care, Customer, Collaboration, and Courage.
KONE’s Vanessa Kline, District Sales Manager, inspired by Jack’s story and determination, quickly rallied a team that included Vincent Caracappa, Service Sales Manager. Together, they arranged an exclusive tour of Robert DeNiro’s newly opened Wildflower Studios—featuring state-of-the-art KONE elevator technology.
A Day to Remember at Wildflower Studios
KONE secured a private tour at the newly opened Wildflower Studios in Astoria—a cutting-edge film production facility equipped with state-of-the-art KONE elevators. This wasn’t just a look behind the curtain; it was a full backstage pass. Jack explored the facility, and talked one-on-one with Wildflower’s KONE resident mechanic, Matthew Cook.
Jack’s eyes lit up as he toured the facility, asking insightful questions that impressed even the seasoned professionals, while also sharing his extensive knowledge of elevator equipment. For the KONE team, Jack’s passion was a powerful reminder: the next generation is already here, ready to innovate, connect, and make the world a better place.
“After months of getting to know Jack virtually and then getting the chance to meet him in person with his family, it was so refreshing to know that we have a generation of young adults that love the business as much as we do,” said Vanessa Kline. “Jack is primed to begin his path to becoming a mechanic and to soon run circles around some of us. We are excited to see what the future holds for this promising young man!”
Connecting Passion and Purpose
Jack’s story is about motion—upward, forward, always reaching. It’s about the courage to ask questions, the bravery to pursue your passion, and the trust that comes when people come together to lift each other up. At KONE, we believe in leading the industry by putting people first—whether it’s our employees, our customers, or young dreamers like Jack.
Vanessa Kline summed it up best: “Jack reminds us why we do what we do. Elevators may be our business, but it’s the people—like Jack—who give our work meaning. We’re honored to have been a part of his journey and look forward to seeing where his passion takes him next.”