The Elevator Entrepreneur

I sat down with Doug Vanden Bosch, President of Total Service, to talk about one of the biggest shifts happening in our industry right now — artificial intelligence. We unpacked how AI is changing the way elevator companies operate, where automation is creating new opportunities, and why systems have to come before technology if you want AI to work for your own business. Doug also shared where sof...

In this episode, I sat down with Jim Fox, CEO of ATIS, to talk about what he’s seeing inside the elevator industry from a different perspective. Jim’s only been in the industry about 15 months, but his background across multiple industries gives him a unique lens on what’s happening right now, especially when it comes to service quality, data, and where things are headed. We got into the challenge...

The majority of communication issues in elevator businesses are coming from a lack of clear expectations, missing structure, and conversations that are happening way too late. In this episode of the Elevator Entrepreneur, I sat down with Lisa Diaz from Turf Elevate to talk through why breakdowns between owners, the field, and clients tend to show up before cash flow problems do, and why repeating...

In this episode of The Elevator Entrepreneur Podcast, I sit down with Jeff Hanson , owner of Genesis Elevator Services in Lewisville, Texas, to talk about one of the toughest parts of running a company: finding and keeping the right people. With nearly 40 years in the elevator industry and experience across multiple OEMs, Jeff brings a seasoned perspective on what it takes to build a dependab...

In this episode of The Elevator Entrepreneur Podcast, I sit down with industry veteran John Koshak, founder of EMCP and long-time advocate for elevator safety and education. John shares how he went from wiring hydros at Westinghouse to creating one of the most trusted maintenance control programs in the industry. His decades of experience offer a rare perspective on how training, safety, and accou...

In this episode of The Elevator Entrepreneur Podcast, I sit down with Chris Gutkes, President of Island Elevator, to talk about the realities of leadership, growth, and tough decision-making as an elevator business owner. Despite the numerous tech hiccups, me and Chris got to discuss some tough topics in our industry. Chris shares his journey from fourth-generation elevator mechanic to company pre...

  In this solo episode, I’m opening up about one of the hardest years of my career — the year I lost nearly $1M  in my elevator business. I’ll walk you through the mistakes that cost me big, the mindset that kept me from giving up, and the plan I built that pulled our business (and our family) back stronger than ever. It’s real and my hope is that it shows you these setbacks don’t d...

In this solo episode, I walk through the system I use to run my week: find your prime time (morning/evening/midday) and split your time into thirds—in the business, on the business, and personal. I’ll also share how short weekly 1:1s and a simple scorecard keep me out of micromanagement and focused on momentum. If you’re still stuck fighting daily fires, this will give you a rhythm you can keep. W...

In this episode of The Elevator Entrepreneur Podcast, I sit down with Shae Sealey of Lift Keeper to explore the power of data in today’s elevator industry. We hash out scorecards and KPIs to data integrity and decision-making, break down how tracking the right numbers can help entrepreneurs cut costs, improve efficiency, and uncover growth opportunities. It doesn't matter if you’re running a small...

In this episode of The Elevator Entrepreneur Podcast , I sit down with Amber Catlin-Kolodziej, Executive Director of the Elevator Escalator Safety Foundation. Amber shares her journey from nonprofit leadership into the elevator space and we dive into one of her biggest passions—leadership. We talk about the gap that exists when technicians move into management roles without the right leadership tr...

In this episode, I sit down with Chuck Tyler to break down how tariffs are quietly shaping the elevator industry’s bottom line. Chuck shares some of the real numbers he's experiencing, supply chain realities, and the strategic adjustments his team has made to keep projects on track despite rising costs. [00:00] – Intro [01:45] – Tariffs hit the industry [04:20] – Steel price spikes [07:10] – Modul...

The elevator industry is facing a workforce crisis — a retiring generation, too few mid-career pros, and a shortage of incoming talent. Amy DiPaolo of American Elevator Group shares her 30+ years of experience, the generational gap she’s seeing, and how companies can recruit, train, and keep the next wave of elevator professionals. [00:00] Intro [00:50] Career highlights [04:30] Workforce challeng...

To close out Season One of The Elevator Entrepreneur, I'm sharing my favorite moments from 2024 and reflecting on the different stories from prominent members in our industry. I'm eager to get YOUR feedback in the comment section on what you'd like to see more of in the upcoming season, what you'd like to see less of, and how I can uplift your entrepreneurial journey. If you'd like to learn m...

In this episode of The Elevator Entrepreneur Podcast, I sit down with James Fitzgerald, owner of Advantage Elevator System, to discuss his unconventional entry into the elevator industry, the power of networking, and the keys to scaling a business for growth. James shares his inspiring journey from buying a company with no prior industry experience to creating a thriving business while empowering...

In this episode of the Elevator Entrepreneur Podcast, I’m joined by William Odell of All Services South Florida Elevator. William takes us through his journey into the elevator industry, from his childhood, where he was inspired by tradesmen in his family, to eventually launching his own business with his wife. He opens up about the challenges he faced, especially when it came to grasping the busi...

In this episode of The Elevator Entrepreneur, Veronica Querales of Kohtler Elevator joins me to discuss how she went from working in her father’s elevator service company in Puerto Rico to becoming a respected industry leader and board member of the NAEC. Veronica’s resilience, drive, and positive mindset propelled her to success. She hopes to make her father proud through continuing his legacy. S...

In this episode of the Elevator Entrepreneur Podcast, Anita Seymour from Expert Service Solutions joins me to discuss her experience in the elevator industry. Anita developed a mobile app early in the tech wave that has led to creating a comprehensive ERP system for the field. Anita emphasizes the need for having a robust HR strategy, fostering a culture that values continuous education and growth...

In this episode of The Elevator Entrepreneur, I’m joined by Christopher Short, former CEO of Southern Elevator to explore the leadership strategies that have helped him build a successful career and business. Christopher talks about how having a business operating system in place can give your team a clear structure to rally around. He also dives into why being involved in company culture matters...

A MUST WATCH for aspiring elevator entrepreneurs kicking off their journey! Adam Thomas of Albany Elevator shares his experience in the elevator industry, coming from a third-generation family business. We discuss leadership transitions, emotional intelligence as a business owner, and the benefits of educational courses in developing leadership skills. Learn more about our services! 🌐 https://www...

In this episode of the Elevator Entrepreneur Podcast, Kassie Robinson of Robinson Elevator joins me to discuss navigating the early years as an elevator business owner. Kassie shares what led to the creation of Robinson Elevator and the critical challenges of managing cash flow and maintaining talent. Kassie outlines the importance of staying true to one’s moral compass, and  the perseverance...

Welcome Brad Hoersten! We discuss his innovative approach to converting leads into sales in the elevator repair industry. Brad's journey began at a college job fair, leading to the establishment of ElevatorZip over five years ago. He highlights the critical need for improved communication between sales representatives and mechanics, explaining how ElevatorZip streamlines this process through autom...

In this episode of The Elevator Entrepreneur, John Dodds of Kencor Elevator joins me to recall his transformation from a hands-on role, to a strategic leader in the elevator industry. John emphasizes strategic planning, the trust and verify process, and stepping back to prevent bottlenecks and allow your team to do what it needs to do to grow. Learn more about our services! 🌐 https://www.elevator...

In this episode of the Elevator Entrepreneur Podcast, Chris Carey from Vertical Environmental Solutions shares his unique story in the elevator industry. Chris recalls starting as a helper to becoming a niche service provider specializing in cleaning and environmental services for elevator pits. He discusses challenges in marketing these services, the impact Hurricane Sandy had on his business, an...

In this episode of The Elevator Entrepreneur Podcast, Vong Keovongsa from Elevator Services Group joins me to discuss talent acquisition and retention in the elevator industry. Vong shares his journey in the industry, highlights the challenges faced during talent shortages, and offers his best practices for hiring and retention. We explore the importance of a structured recruitment process, employ...

Don Gelestino of Champion Elevator, shares his unique journey from a rock-n-roll hopeful to a successful entrepreneur in the elevator industry. We sift through Don’s early struggles, like nearly going out of business due to a common misconception, and how he turned things around by hiring a business consultant. Don emphasizes the importance of understanding financial metrics, finding the right peo...