IE: What does it mean to join the family business?
Yohan K John (YKJ): The legacy begins with my grandfather K J John, who started the company in 1963 in Chennai. It evolved from servicing imported lifts to manufacturing elevators locally. My father and uncle carried forward this vision, with my uncle Thomas leading the engineering and manufacturing side. Being a part of a family business means growing up with the assumption that you will someday join it. I couldn’t have found a similar platform elsewhere. The experience, access and responsibility are truly special, and I value this privilege deeply.
Family business gives vast exposure. I benefited immensely by working across departments, factories and projects. But joining a family company also means that one must work hard to earn their place and respect. It comes with privileges but also expectations.
IE: What is your vision for Johnson Lifts?
YKJ: We are evolving from a national to a global player. Over the next 20 years, I envision Johnson Lifts becoming a prominent multinational company with deep presence in at least 20 countries, maintaining Indian values while growing internationally.
IE: How are technology and innovation shaping Johnson Lifts?
YKJ: We are heavily investing in IoT(Internet-of-Things) and predictive maintenance, monitoring the health of elevators and replacing parts before they fail. This smart technology reduces downtime and allows less skilled engineers to diagnose issues effectively. AI adoption is nascent in other organisational areas but is expected to grow.
IE: What are the major challenges you face as a business leader today?
YKJ: One ongoing challenge is attracting and retaining skilled manpower, especially for physically demanding field jobs. Many young people prefer more flexible or less physically taxing roles. Retention in the first few years is tough, but once employees commit long term, many stay for decades, building solid careers.
IE: What kind of organisational culture do you foster at Johnson Lifts?
YKJ: We encourage a healthy work-life balance, trusting employees and avoiding undue pressure. Our strong culture of belonging ensures that even employees who leave often want to return. Many stay for 30+ years because they feel valued and respected.
IE: Beyond business, how does Johnson contribute to society?
YKJ: Our CSR focuses on inclusive initiatives like sponsoring autistic schools (Sankalp), supporting eye hospitals and helping old-age homes and charitable organisations. We maintain a secular, non-religious approach, focusing on impactful causes in education and healthcare. – With Mohamed Ameen M