Elevator Careers

In this live episode, I met with Nick Tucker and Brian Thibault. Nick has been in the elevator industry for over 10 years and is a licensed elevator mechanic with experience in service, repair, modernization, and commercial operations. He currently serves as the Commercial Operations Manager at South Jersey Elevator. In addition to his operational role, Nick is a CET instructor. Brian is the Vice...

Today's guest is Michael Ryan, vice president of business development with the Peelle company. Mike is a long-time elevator industry leader whose career spans more than 46 years. From being hired over the phone into the wrong role to becoming one of the industry's most recognized experts in freight elevator doors, Mike has seen decades of change across the elevator world. As he prepares...

In this episode, I sat down with Ricky Williams, a seasoned elevator industry leader whose career spans engineering, sales, business development, and executive leadership. Ricky is currently serving as vice president of business development and sales at ESI. Over the years, he's built a reputation for combining technical knowledge with a practical people-centered leadership style. Ricky'...

In this episode, I sat down with Mike Luraschi, VP of Safety and Risk Management at TEI Group, to talk about safety in the elevator industry: how it’s evolved over the years, why complacency creates the biggest risks, safety resources for small companies, and why mental health support is essential for making sure everyone gets home safely. Chapters: 00:00 Intro 01:07 Getting into the Elevator Indu...

Today's guest is Mark Boelhouwer, a respected industry leader whose career spans Otis, Oracle Elevator, Vantage, and the founding of American Elevator Group. Mark has helped shape the modern elevator landscape through hundreds of acquisitions, decades of leadership, and a front row seat to the industry's biggest shifts. In this conversation, he shares lessons on growth, leadership, talen...

In this live episode, I met with Matt Jackson and Jose Perez from Blackstone Elevator Consulting, a rapidly growing firm focused on helping building owners, property managers, investors navigate some of the most complex and expensive challenges in vertical transportation. Matt, the company's founder, brings more than 16 years of experience in elevator consulting, modernization planning,  main...

In this episode, I sat down with Michael Carter, a partner of MR Elevator in West Texas, to discuss his career journey. Michael shared the process of learning empathy, resilience, self-investment, and leadership on his way from apprentice to business owner. We also discussed the importance of continuous learning and the positive impact that it can have both within the elevator industry and in our...

In this episode, I sat down with Jared Giblin from Draper Elevator Interiors. We talked about how their business evolved into a highly specialized niche, what goes into designing and installing custom elevator cabs, why interiors require such attention to detail, and what’s next for this area of the elevator industry. Chapters: 00:00 Intro 01:41 The Evolution of Draper and Its Niche in Elevators 0...

In this episode, I interviewed Kris Garcia about his journey from the automotive industry to the elevator business. We discussed his passion for sales, mentorship in the trade, and important lessons he learned throughout his career. Kris emphasized the importance of relationships and shared that he and many others are happy to help newcomers to the elevator trade. Chapters 00:00 Kris Garcia's...

In this episode, I met with Jeremy Avraham, founder of LiftSync, to discuss how all parties working on an elevator installation can work together to save money, reduce stress, and enjoy the process. Resources: Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@elevatorcareers/ Submit a Topic Idea for the Podcast: https://elevatorcareers.net/ Connect With Us: linktr.ee/AllredGroup A Message From Our Sponsor:  Loo...

In this episode, I sat down with Blake Pilgrim, president of Wurtec, to discuss his experiences with leadership in the elevator industry. Blake shared key lessons he’s learned, difficult decisions he’s had to make in his position, and his views on the future of elevator technology.  Chapters: 00:00 Intro 01:39 Journey into the Elevator Industry 02:33 Key Lessons in Leadership and Culture 04:43 The...

In this conversation, I sat down with Lisa Diaz as she shared her unique journey from Wall Street to the elevator industry. We discussed the need to find and maintain your best customers, and addressed how AI and technology are changing the trade. Lisa also emphasized the importance of human capital and skilled labor for long-term success in the elevator business. Chapters: 00:00 From Wall Street...

In this episode, I interviewed Rick Sayah, the senior vice president of VDA, a New York elevator consulting company. We discussed the process of making an elevator design functional for high-rise buildings, how building standards can vary internationally, and some interesting observations on how human behavior affects transportation. I also asked Rick to share his advice for the next generation of...

In this episode, I sat down with Matthew Montesano from DTM Elevator Consulting. A family-owned business with a rich history dating back to 1982. We discussed the unique challenges and opportunities of New York's elevator consulting market and the importance of being physically present to provide client support. We also addressed the evolution of elevator regulations in New York, the role tec...

In this episode, I interviewed Jeff Pugh about his journey from an apprentice in the elevator industry to becoming a Vice President. We dove into his mindset transition from a worker to a leader, including many difficult lessons learned along the way. Jeff discusses some of the tough decisions necessary for preserving a positive work culture, stepping out of one’s comfort zone for personal and tea...

In this conversation, Ryan Schuett and I discuss his role as the business manager of the International Union of Elevator Constructors, Local 31 in Houston, Texas. Ryan addresses the significance of mentorship, the challenges of recruiting, and the importance of perseverance. We also discuss his own journey as a first-generation elevator constructor, and he offers his advice for aspiring elevator c...

This episode brings together advice and lessons from four consultants in the elevator trade that were previously interviewed on the podcast, each with their own unique path and perspective. Featuring Mike Balsamo from VDA, Joe McAnulty who serves as chair of the Elevator and Escalator Safety Foundation (EESF), Matt Jackson with Blackstone Elevator Consulting, and John Koshak with Elevator Safety S...

TW: suicide, depression, substance abuse In this episode, I sit down with Stephen Hook, a former elevator mechanic with 36 years in the trade, to talk about his journey through the industry and his long struggle with addiction and depression. Stephen shares how his father's pride in the union first drew him into the profession and then how he battled internally for years before seeking help....

In this conversation, I spoke with Erin Fabian with MODPROS Elevator, about her journey from property management to working in the elevator industry. We discussed the complexities of elevator systems, the importance of elevator-related education for property managers, and the challenges involved in maintaining trust with elevator contractors. Erin emphasized the need for a service mindset and the...

A Message from our Sponsor:  This episode of Elevator Tools and Tech is brought to you by LiftComm, a product of TEC Solutions, and providers of high-end elevator emergency communication systems. For more information, please visit https://www.liftcomm.com/ or email Joe at jbarone@tecsolutionsinc.com . Intro: In this episode, I met with Joe Barone, Senior Client Manager at LiftComm. We discussed th...

A Message from our Sponsor:  Looking for top-tier talent to join your team? Call The Allred Group for your elevator recruiting needs! With a deep network and unmatched industry expertise, we quickly connect you with skilled professionals who are ready to elevate your team.  Let us handle the hiring process, so you can focus on growing your business with the best in the industry. Reach out today, a...

A Message from our Sponsor: If you're interested in working with PTL Equipment or learning more about their products, contact their office at 1-800-736-2120, or visit http://ptlequipment.com/ to learn more. Intro: In this episode, I visited an elevator industry supplier called PTL Equipment in Toccoa, Georgia. I met with Jonathan Wright, the owner of the company, who started in drafting, work...

A Message From Our Sponsor:  Looking for top-tier talent to join your team? Call The Allred Group for your elevator recruiting needs! With a deep network and unmatched industry expertise, we quickly connect you with skilled professionals who are ready to elevate your team.  Let us handle the hiring process, so you can focus on growing your business with the best in the industry. Reach out today, a...

A Message from our Sponsor: This episode of Elevator Tools and Tech is brought to you by Express Elevators and Lifts, a "one-stop shop" providing various vertical transport solutions like passenger, freight, and custom lifts. For more information, please visit https://www.expresselevatorslifts.com/.  Intro: In this episode, I interviewed the President and CEO of Express Elevators & L...

A Message from our Sponsor:  If you’re interested in becoming an NAEC member and learning about the many benefits they offer, please contact Paula Sanchez at (770)-760-9660, or by email at membership@naec.org. Intro: In this conversation, I sat down with Amy DiPaolo, the president of the National Association of Elevator Contractors, to discuss her personal experiences with the NAEC, the benefits o...