Elevator Careers

In this episode, I interviewed Tom Esch, a renowned expert in workplace dynamics and conflict resolution. Tom brings over two decades of experience in helping leaders understand the nuanced 'people stuff' that can make or break a business. We dove into how leadership skills, emotional intelligence, and conscious communication can transform workplace culture, prevent costly mistakes, and...

In this episode, I interviewed Will Fleischer, a 25 year veteran of the elevator industry. Will first got into elevators by answering a newspaper ad and has never looked back. He has worked in and around Texas throughout his career, in a variety of roles and companies and currently owns and runs his elevator inspection company. Will emphasized the industry's benefits, including a pension and...

In this episode, I interviewed Jared Stearns, Sales Manager for Encoder Products, a supplier to multiple industries, including elevators. Jared started his technical training as a helper to his father, repairing tractors and other farm equipment in Eastern Connecticut. After some time in the military and a close brush with school teaching, Jared became a technician working on Servo Motors, which p...

In this episode, I interviewed Kevin Cunningham, an elevator professional and entrepreneur who, along with his partner Tim Toan, turned a critical safety challenge into a mission to safeguard lives.  Their product, HydraSafe Brake, is a device designed to prevent unintended ascending movement in elevators, mandated by the A17.3-2020 elevator code. It uses disc brakes to clamp onto rails in case of...

In this episode, I interviewed Kevin Cunningham, an industry veteran with over 40 years of experience in elevator construction, modernization, and consulting. Kevin's journey started with sheer determination: calling every day until he got his first job in the elevator trade. In this interview, Kevin shared how his hands-on experience in the field shaped his career and ultimately led him to c...

In this episode, I interviewed David Smarte, Global Education and Safety Officer with the National Association of Elevator Contractors (NAEC). David started his career in 1978 as a union apprentice in Ocean City, MD and spent over 20 years in the field. David started specializing in safety over 20 years ago and joined the NAEC in a staff position  in 2021 with a desire to drive safety education th...

In this episode, I interviewed Ray Downs, a 35-year veteran of the elevator industry. Ray started with Otis in 1989 as Regional Manager of EH&S and retired from TEI as Senior Vice President of EH&S.   Ray and many other safety professionals from the NEII and NAEC safety committees have just completed revising the Elevator Industries Field Employee’s Safety Handbook. Ray discusses the evolu...

In this episode, I interviewed Chuck Tyler, Director of Operations and Business Development with Phoenix Modular Elevator. The company has been in business for 15 years and primarily serves North America. We discussed the benefits of Phoenix Modular's ability to pre-manufacture and ship their product and their specialization in 2-4 stop hydraulic elevators. We also addressed the safety, quali...

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...