Elevator Careers

In this episode, I interviewed Chuck Tyler, Director of Operations and Business Development with Phoenix Modular Elevator. Chuck started his career in the field at 18, and with a family history in the trade, every meal he has ever eaten has been provided by this industry. We discussed the importance of safety as a mindset and responsibility, and the value of planning in his work. Chuck advises pro...

In this episode, I interviewed Josh Gray, Senior Recruiter with The Allred Group, a leader in elevator industry recruiting. Josh spent 24 years serving his country in the US Airforce, with 15 of those years working as an Airforce Recruiter. Although the transition from military to civilian life can be a challenge for many people, Josh has found purpose in the elevator industry and shared many insi...

In this episode, I interviewed Gary Mosleh, Director of Compliance at UNITEC Elevator. Gary transitioned from a 10-year career in private equity to the elevator industry. He has learned to love the elevator industry, even though it's very different from where he started. We discussed the rigorous process of obtaining a Director of Inspection license and recent NYC Department of Buildings (DOB...

In this episode, I interviewed Chris Short, a 20-year elevator industry veteran who has led pioneering efforts for IoT technology to improve elevator service and efficiency while also increasing margin. Recently, Chris co-wrote and delivered a presentation at the International Elevator and Escalator Symposium (IEES), entitled "Targeted Elevator Maintenance leveraging IoT: Achieving the Trifec...

In this episode, I interviewed Steve Broom, a regional sales manager with VDA. Steve joined the elevator industry 25 years ago after spending his early career as a golf professional. Starting as a sales representative, he worked his way up to the executive team with a major elevator company. Steve recently transitioned to a consulting role, which allows him to work directly with clients again and...

In this episode, I interviewed Evan Rahey, Sales Executive with Wurtec with a specific mission to sell and promote The WURCOM Two-Way Communication Solution in compliance with 2019 ASME & code requirements. Evan finds a lot of satisfaction working in the elevator industry and is happy to have found his niche. With his experience, Evan is uniquely qualified to educate the industry on this topic...

In this episode, I interviewed Jason Armistead, Software Engineering Manager with G.A.L. Manufacturing.  Jason started in the elevator industry as a 17 year old after responding to an ad in the newspaper in Sydney, Australia, moved to the USA in 2006 and has worked in the industry 38 years.  Although the work of an elevator engineer is often behind-the-scenes, Jason finds great satisfaction in see...

In this episode, I interviewed Aaron Bailey, Sales Director at Star Elevator, based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Aaron holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering and began his career with TK Elevator immediately after graduating. With over a decade of experience in sales and sales management, Aaron takes pride in sharing his expertise with customers, helping them make informed decisions about thei...

In this episode, I interviewed Richie Lobert, Founder & Co-Director of LML Lift Consultants in Melbourne, Australia. Richie has been in the industry for many years starting right out of high school and has traveled the world working on and with elevators as a mechanic, engineer and consultant. Richie is a true "Lifty" as they say in Australia. Richie loves the elevator industry and h...

In this episode, I interviewed Steve Phillips, Chief Operating Officer at Southern Elevator. Steve started his career outside of the elevator industry, gaining knowledge and experience in operations, from the military, NASCAR, emergency services and management for over 20 years. When Steve started at Southern, he found that the management skills and knowledge he had acquired elsewhere were perfect...

In this episode, I interviewed Chris Miller, General Manager with Kone in Salt Lake City, UT. Chris joined the elevator industry after several years in the US Air Force, where he took to heart the Core Values: INTEGRITY FIRST, SERVICE BEFORE SELF and EXCELLENCE IN ALL WE DO. Chris loves what he does and has come to know that the elevator business is truly a "team sport"; nobody can succe...

In this episode, I interviewed Emerald Kuhns, Executive Director of NAESA International. Emerald joined NAESA after working in sales leadership and she has never looked back. After 8 years administering the QEI certification program, Emerald was promoted to Assistant Executive Director and in 2023, she became the Executive Director. Emerald loves the fact that the elevator industry is one big fami...

In this episode, I interviewed Erin Scott, Chief Operating Officer-US Inspections at ATIS. Erin joined the elevator industry after being a Naval fighter pilot and aviation maintenance duty officer in the US Military and quickly found her niche. Erin is passionate about learning as much as possible and knows the value of asking questions. Although she wondered if she was in the right place at first...

In this episode, I interviewed Nathan Hall, Chief Elevator Enthusiast at Vasile Elevator. Vasile Elevator is a designer,  manufacturer, and installer of premium commercial elevator interiors, cab shells, entrances and doors that was started with grit, determination, and absolute dedication to quality. Nathan shares his background in the hospitality industry and how he came to join Vasile 13 years...

In this episode, I interviewed Mike Loeffler, Senior Vice President/General Manager with VDA Vertical Transportation Consulting. Mike started in the industry working in the field and loved it from the very beginning.  He values that early learning as being key to his success and continues to learn everyday even well into his career. Mike enjoys working as a consultant and loves being able to assis...

In this episode, I interviewed Jeremy Metzger, CEO of Axxiom Elevator. Jeremy graduated from Penn State and joined the elevator industry with Kone as a Sales Rep, with his first assignment in Tampa, FL.  After Kone, Jeremy spent over 15 years at Otis in multiple management roles and following Otis, Jeremy spent two years as COO of Oracle Elevator. In 2023, Jeremy became one of the founders and CEO...

In this episode, I interviewed Jeremy Metzger, CEO of Axxiom Elevator.  Jeremy graduated from Penn State and joined the elevator industry with Kone as a Sales Rep, with his first assignment in Tampa FL.  After Kone, Jeremy spent over 15 years at Otis in multiple management roles and following Otis, Jeremy spent two years as COO of Oracle Elevator.  In 2023, Jeremy became one of the founders and CE...

In this episode, I interviewed Corinne Nawrocki, CEO and Founder of Abel Elevator Consulting, Inc. Corinne entered the vertical transportation arena in 2015, leading new sales strategies for TKE.  She later moved into project management and on-site development with Schindler Elevator, where she learned the key factors contributing to the operational side of the elevator trade.  With her boots-on-t...

In this episode, I interviewed Ed Rivera, a Regional Modernization Trainer with TK elevator. Ed is also known as "Your Elevator Pal" and has been in the industry many years. He has a passion for continuously improving the elevator industry and those in it. In the near future, Ed wants to start a live, in-person elevator industry networking group to continue to build each other. Message E...

In this episode, I interviewed Chris Gutkes, President of Island Elevator. Chris shared his path of developing as a business owner in the elevator industry.  Having been on this journey for a while, Chris has learned many lessons along the way; some harder than others.  Though it's not always easy to develop self awareness and empathy, Chris shared that these are two of the critical skills fo...

Interview Part 2: Elevator Consulting In this episode, I interviewed Michael Caputa, Regional Vice President with Blackstone Elevator Consulting in Florida. Michael started his career with Thyssenkrupp elevator as an Account Manager in Atlanta and has grown in several different roles and companies. Michael is an endurance athlete and has proven over and over the power of the mind over matter. Mich...

Interview Part 1: Elevator Career Journey In this episode, I interviewed Michael Caputa, Regional Vice President with Blackstone Elevator Consulting in Florida. Michael started his career with Thyssenkrupp elevator as an Account Manager in Atlanta and has grown in several different roles and companies. Michael is an endurance athlete and has proven over and over the power of the mind over matter....

In this episode, I interviewed Mike Balsamo, Senior Vice President with VDA in New York City. Mike started his career with PS Marcato working summers as a helper and he credits his early time in the trade to being foundational to the work he does does today.  Mike says responsiveness to customers is critical because that is how you build trust. Mike is also a champion of continuing education, know...

Interview part 2: Discussing the challenges and lessons of starting a new business. In this episode, I interviewed Ed Stachowiak, the Chief Operating Officer at Axxiom Elevator. Ed started his career as a sales rep with Otis Elevator in Syracuse, New York where he learned and grew rapidly. In 2023, Ed became one of the founders of Axxiom Elevator with a vision to become the "Elevator Service...

Interview Part 1: Ed's career journey with Otis In this episode, I interviewed Ed Stachowiak, the Chief Operating Officer at Axxiom Elevator. Ed started his career as a sales rep with Otis Elevator in Syracuse, New York where he learned and grew rapidly.  In 2023, Ed became one of the founders of Axxiom Elevator with a vision to become the "Elevator Service Provider of Choice." Ed b...