As we wrap up 2025, the Hoist Division at MMI Industrial & Steel has seen tremendous growth—and we’ve learned some valuable lessons along the way.
This year brought momentum, challenges, and a clearer vision for what it will take to elevate the division in 2026 and beyond. Here are the three biggest lessons that shaped our year and will continue to guide our strategy in 2026.
1. A Service Department Isn’t Optional—It’s Essential
One of the biggest lessons we learned this year is that a dedicated service technician or service department is a critical key to scaling.
Yes, growth can happen even without it (we’ve proven that). But reaching the next level is going to require consistent, face-to-face customer interaction. We need boots on the ground—a knowledgeable service tech who can represent MMI and discuss the customer’s material handling challenges with them.
Why does this matter? Because good service builds trust.
When a technician steps into a facility, they’re not just fixing equipment—they’re building a relationship. And those relationships create opportunity. In fact, based on our experience, adding a service tech can generate 25% more bid requests annually for new equipment. Better yet, those bids tend to convert at strong rates, because the customer already trusts the people behind the product.
Think of it like a local car dealership. If your Nissan dealer treats you well during repairs or inspections, you’re going to know exactly where to go when it’s time to shop for your next car. The material-handling world is no different.
2. A Little Help Goes a Long Way
Another lesson we learned this year is the power of teamwork. 2025 taught us that the right team, when they’re supporting each other, can transform performance.
For a long time, the MMI Hoist was run by just a couple people who had to wear many different hats. That spread us thin—too thin. Our time, attention, and energy were severely divided, which had a negative impact on quality, cash flow, and morale.
Adding just one more person to the team changed everything.
With additional support, we were able to shift our focus back to what matters most: details. In our business, details are everything, and the smallest detail can make the biggest difference. Whether it’s confirming voltage requirements or verifying dimensions, it’s the details that make or break a project. They’re the difference between a flawless install and costly rework.
The extra help meant fewer distractions, more focus, and more precision, which led to better outcomes across the board.
One person made all the difference.
3. Never Assume. Always Verify.
Our third big lesson from 2025 is simple: assumptions are expensive.
We’ve learned that nothing can be taken for granted. From size and capacity to voltage and clearance, every specification must be verified.
Customers don’t always follow the requirements set for them. And even if they mean to, information can get lost or miscommunicated. Any assumptions can lead to costly mistakes.
This is yet another reason why more support in the office made a difference this year: with more help and less overload, we were able to give details the attention they deserve, so we could avoid mistakes before they escalated into major problems.
Looking Ahead: How These Lessons Shape 2026
This year’s lessons gave us some clarity. As we look forward to 2026, we start thinking about how to implement them.
Our game plan for 2026 is clear:
Build the Service Department
Establishing a department built around service will be a game-changer, and we consider it a primary focus for 2026. It will reduce subcontracting costs and will allow us to service our own cranes in Mesa and El Centro.
Increase Customer Interaction
Service techs will be able to have regular, meaningful touchpoints with customers. Being in front of the customer, literally working on their crane, builds trust in a way that over-the-phone RFQs never will.
Expand Advertising Efforts
We want to leverage vendor co-op ads to help us expand our advertising efforts and get our name out there. Not only will this build brand authority, but it will also strengthen our strategic partnerships with those vendors.
Launch the MMI Hoist Systems Catalog
An established catalog will be a major step toward standardizing our offerings, improving efficiency during the quoting process, and giving our customers a clear look at what we can do.
A Strong Foundation for Future Growth
2025 gave us the insights we need to seize opportunities in 2026. With the right people, the right systems, and the right mindset, the hoist division is ready to take the next leap forward and turn today’s lessons into long-term growth.
MMI Hoist is gearing up for our strongest year yet. Reach out today to see how our service and expertise can support your operation in 2026 and beyond.