Elevator Careers

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, and let us help you take your business to new heights!
To contact us go to: http://allredgroup.com

Intro:
In today's episode, we sit down with A...

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, and let us help you take your business to new heights!
To contact us go to: http://allredgroup.com

Intro:
In a world of rapidly changing technology, s...

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, and let us help you take your business to new heights!
To contact us go to: http://allredgroup.com

Intro:
Today our guest is Shannon Drezek, an I...

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, and let us help you take your business to new heights!

Intro:
Welcome to today's episode, where we explore the critical intersection of leadership, communication, and organizational success.  Duration: 00:50:26

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, and let us help you take your business to new heights!

Intro:
Welcome to today's episode, where we explore the critical intersection of leadership, communication, and organizational success.  Duration: 00:41:40

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, and let us help you take your business to new heights!

Intro:
Today our guest is Will Fleischer, a 25 year veteran of the elevator industry. 
Will first go...

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, and let us help you take your business to new heights!

Intro:
Today our guest is Jared Stearns, Sales Manager for Encoder Products, a supplier to multiple industries, i...

Intro:
Today, we're sitting down with 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 company, HydraSafe Brake, isn't just creating a product - they're creating peace of mind for everyone who steps into an elevator. 
This is a story of how a commitment to safety can transform an entire industry, proving that with vision and determination, we can make the world a little bit safer, one elevator at a time.

Summary:
Kevin Cunningham discusses the Hy...

Intro:
Welcome to today's episode of The Elevator Careers Podcast. Our guest today is 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 episode, Kevin shares how his hands-on experience in the field shaped his career and ultimately led him to co-found HydraSafe Brake, a company dedicated to improving elevator safety with cutting-edge braking systems. We'll explore Kevin's insights on career growth, planning ahead, and the critical role of...

Intro:
Today our guest is David Smarte, Global Education and Safety Officer with the National Association of Elevator Contractors. 
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 throughout the industry. David loves the elevator industry and loves helping keep people safe; he is passionate about learning and believes every question is worth asking. 

Summary: 
David Smarte, Global Education and...

Intro:
In this episode, we sit down with 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 along with many dedicated safety professionals from the NEII and NAEC safety committees have just completed revising the Elevator Industries Field Employee’s Safety Handbook. Ray discusses the evolution of safety practices in the industry, including the development of the "9 Safety Absolutes" that have become an industry standard. His motto has always been “your family depends on you...

Intro:
Today we are talking about Phoenix Modular Elevator with with Chuck Tyler, Director of Operations and Business Development. 
Phoenix Modular has been in business for 15 years and primarily serves North America. They are growing rapidly in an innovative side of the industry. 
Phoenix Modular is able to pre-manufacture and ship their product, cutting down site impact and installation by 75 percent." They have an innovative product and approach that is driving healthy growth and industry change.

Summary:
Chuck Tyler, Director of Operations and Business Development at Phoenix Modular Elevator, discusses the benefits of mo...

Intro:
Today our guest is 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. Chuck loves what he does and is excited to be growing in a new niche of the industry.

Summary:
Chuck Tyler, Director of Operations and Business Development at Phoenix Modular Elevator, discusses his career journey in the elevator industry, which began at age 18 with a family history in the trade...

Intro:
Today our guest is Josh Gray, Sr. 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 been successful and has many insights to share on that process. Josh is loving his work recruiting elevator professionals and has found some of the same camaraderie he enjoyed in the military

Summary: 
Josh Gray, a senior recruiter at t...

Intro:
Today, our guest is Gary Mosleh, Director of compliance at UNITEC Elevator in New York City. Gary joined the elevator industry mid career. After spending 10 years in the private equity world, he has learned to love the elevator industry, even though it's very different from where he started. Gary plans to make the elevator industry his final career stop, and finds his work very satisfying. Gary, welcome to the show. 

Summary:
Gary Mosleh, Director of Compliance at UNITEC Elevator, transitioned from a 10-year career in private equity to the elevator industry. Initially working in n...

Intro:
Chris has been in the industry 20 years and has led pioneering efforts to use 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 Trifecta of Labor Efficiency, Profitability, and Customer Satisfaction."
Join us now as we talk with Chris and explore these areas that are so critical to the success and growth of elevator contractors now and into the future.

Summary:
Chris Short, a leader in...

Intro:
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 have more impact. In consulting, he appreciates the strong team and resources available at his firm, which helps him provide the best possible solutions for clients. 
Steve's advice for newcomers to the industry is to find a mentor, be ethical, and have the h...

Intro:
Today our guest is 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,
Evan sees a lot of companies who are reluctant or unaware that they can build their communication platform using digital technology while saying goodbye to outdated analog lines and it's his job to b...

Intro:
Today our guest is 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 seeing his software and innovations being used and appreciated by customers.  While working in the software realm, he has also been fortunate to spend a lot of time in the field at job sites alongside man...

Intro: Today, we are joined by 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 their elevator systems.

Summary:
Aaron Bailey, Sales Director at Star Elevator, discussed his career trajectory, starting with a mechanical engineering degree and roles at TK Elevator and Otis. He highlighted the importance of...

Intro:
Today our guest is 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 has met many amazing people from all over the world. He is grateful for the global elevator community and the richness it has brought to his life, and he finds a lot of satisfaction bringing h...

Intro:
Steve Phillips is the Chief Operating Officer at Southern Elevator based in Greensboro, NC. 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 perfectly transferrable to the elevator industry. Steve has learned a lot since starting and plans to retire from this industry. He has learned to love the elevators and is excited to continue to grow and innovate.

Summary:<...

INTRO:
Chris Miller is the 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 succeed alone. Chris is a student of leadership and strives to become a better leader every day.

SUMMARY:
Chris Miller, General Manager at Kone in Salt Lake City...

Intro:
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 family. She is passionate about safety and wants each and every person to be safe and return home at the end of the day

Summary:
Emerald Kuhns, Executive Director of NAESA International, emphasized the importance of safety in the elevator industry...

Erin Scott is the 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, Erin found many people who were as eager to teach as she was to learn. Erin loves the industry and loves being connected with those who are solving problems and making the magic happen.

...

INTRO: 
Nathan Hall is the Chief Elevator Enthusiast at Vasile Elevator, a designer,  manufacturer, and installer of premium commercial elevator interiors, cab shells, entrances and doors. Vasile Elevator was started with old-world grit, determination and an absolute dedication to quality. Nathan Joined Vasile 13 years ago, and with his background in the hospitality industry, he has brought passion, enthusiasm and an ever present desire to learn and improve.

SUMMARY:
Nathan Hall and Matthew Allred shared their experiences and insights on navigating the elevator industry. Hall discussed his 13-year journey at Vasile Elevator, emphasizing the importance of de...

INTRDUCTION:
Today our guest is 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 assist both clients and contractors in finding mutually beneficial solutions to projects and / or issues and help foster relationships; his only regret is that wishes he found consulting sooner.

SUMMARY:

INTRODUCTION:

Jeremy Metzger is the 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 of Axxiom Elevator. Jeremy is excited about the future and is looking forward to partnering with independent owners who are seeking the support of a partner to help them take their businesses t...

INTRO:
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 of Axxiom Elevator. Jeremy is excited about the future and is looking forward to partnering with independent owners who are seeking the support of a partner to help them take their businesses to the next lev...

INTRODUCTION:
Corinne Nawrocki is the CEO and Founder of Abel Elevator Consulting, Inc. headquartered in Boston, MA. Ms. Nawrocki 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 the ground approach, she always made time to be in the field and learn from the mechanics; This allowed her to develop and hone her skills to continue her journey which brought her to Abel in...

INTRO:
Today our guest is Ed Rivera, Also known as "Your Elevator Pal." Ed is a regional modernization trainer with TK elevator, based out of New York City and has been in the industry many years. Ed 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 Ed on LinkedIn if you are interested in participating."

SUMMARY:
Starting an elevator industry networking group in NYC.

Today, our guest is Chris Gutkes, President of Island Elevator.  In this interview Chris shares his path of developing as a business owner in the elevator industry.  Having been on this journey of a while, Chris has learned many lessons along the way; some of them the hard way.  Though it's not always easy to develop self awareness and empathy, these are two of the critical skills for growing as a leader. 

Show Notes with Time Stamps:
0:00:00 - [0:01:26] - Introduction, Matthew Allred welcomes Chris Gutkes to discuss his path developing as a business owner in the elev...

INTRODUCTION: 
Michael Caputa is the 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. Michael believes the best bet you can make is on yourself. He likes to say; "Hard work beats talent. Stay humble, hustle, and never give up.”

SUMMARY:
0:00:00 Introduction - Matthew Allred introduces the podcast and guest Michael Caputa.

0:02:03 Transitioning to...

INTRODUCTION: 
Michael Caputa is the 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. Michael believes the best bet you can make is on yourself. He likes to say; "Hard work beats talent. Stay humble, hustle, and never give up.”

SUMMARY: 
0:00:00 Introduction and background on Michael Caputa's career path
0:02:04 How Michael got started in the...

Mike Balsamo is the 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, knowing education is the key to opportunity.

Show Notes with Time Stamps:

[0:00:00] Introduction - Mike Balsamo's career path and dislike of term "business development"
[0:00:52] Matthew Allred introduction and b...

Ed Stachowiak is 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 believes personal and business growth is not easy. It takes a lot of courage to have honest and open conversations, but is essential to see your blind spots and grow effectively.

This is part 2 of the interview with Ed. In part one, we discussed h...

Ed Stachowiak is 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 believes personal and business growth is not easy. It takes a lot of courage to have honest and open conversations, but is essential to see your blind spots and grow effectively." 

SUMMARY:
This interview discusses Ed Stachowiak's early career journey in the el...

Introduction:
Kendra Glenn is the Managing Partner of BTS Elevator Packages. Kendra grew up in the industry, but wasn't sure she wanted to be part of the family business. After Graduating from college and working in hospitality for a few years, Kendra realized she wasn't being challenged or feeling fulfilled.  Kendra decided to join the family business, G-Tech Elevator and after a few years she helped create BTS.  Kendra has found the challenge she was looking for and is thriving in the elevator industry.

Summary of the interview:
- Kendra Glenn gr...

Michael Frangias is the CEO of New York/New Jersey Elevator Company. Mike literally grew up in the industry, with his father taking him on the job at an early age. He didn’t like school, but he learned quickly while in the trade and came to love elevators. Mike has worked for several different companies, both large and small, and has gained many valuable insights over the years.  Mike believes in employees and he trusts that if he tells them what he expects, they will come through.

Otter

2 minutes ago

Sho...

Introduction:
Tom McMahan is the Business Development Manager with Delaware Elevator, headquartered in Salisbury, MD. Tom started his career at Miami Elevator right after graduating from Florida State University in 1990, and after two years, Tom left the industry for a time to experience international business. After returning to the elevator industry, Tom was able to apply his international experience, opening Lerch Bates' first office in Latin America in 2017. Tom values his friendships, connections and all he has learned in the elevator industry; he believes your name and reputation are like gold that should not be gambled...

Scott Akin is the owner of Elevator Sill Solutions by Archi-Tread, a manufacturer and installer of elevator cab and hoistway sills. Scott has been in the elevator industry over 30 years, starting at the bottom and working his way up in manufacturing.  Scott first worked for a family-owned elevator manufacturing business, and after selling, he started his own company. With the intent to reinvent how this industry approaches the challenges with elevator sills both new and existing.  Scott fully understands the value of creating and maintaining relationships and is a firm believer in being honest even though it may no...