The Elevator Careers Podcast

Matt Allred
  • 5.0 (13)
  • Careers
  • Updated Weekly

The Elevator Careers Podcast explores the careers, challenges, and innovations shaping the elevator industry. Through conversations with professionals across the trade, we share career journeys, lessons, business advice, and more. We aim to educate, share experiences, and connect the community. Hosted by Matt Allred of The Allred Group, a leading elevator industry recruiting firm.

  1. Sep 21

    A General Contractor’s Honest Take: Working with the Elevator Industry | Zane Andersson

    Today’s guest is general contractor Zane Andersson, who's spent decades coordinating projects that depend on successful elevator installations. In this conversation, he offers an external view of elevator projects: what general contractors appreciate from elevator companies, where projects often go wrong, and how communication can prevent costly mistakes. This conversation shares valuable ways that contractors, project managers, and elevator companies can build stronger partnerships. Chapters: 00:00 Intro01:18 Experience as a General Contractor03:52 The Most Costly Elevator Mistake Zane Witnessed06:27 Requirements for Elevator to be Emergency Egress08:40 How it Could Have been Caught Sooner10:16 Lessons for Architects, Owners and Developers12:15 Why Elevator Problems Show Up Late in a Project14:57 Percentage of Elevator Projects That Cost More Than Expected17:11 The Difference a Pre-Inspection Makes18:53 The Headaches Caused by Elevator Issues19:55 How Building Owners Accidentally Create Elevator Problems21:37 Flipper vs Owner Mindset23:56 Innovative Solutions for Accessibility…A Decade Late29:54 How Much a Project’s Success Depends on Relationships31:46 What Companies Could Change34:17 The Way Toward Better Collaboration with the Elevator Trade38:13 OutroResources: 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: 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: https://allredgroup.com

  2. Sep 15

    What Will AI Mean for Your Career—and Your Company? LIVE BROADCAST

    AI is changing how businesses operate, and the elevator industry isn't immune. In this live conversation, I met with Jonathan Taub, President of Fieldboss, who has over twenty years of experience in software strategy, implementation, and customer success running high-performing operations. We discussed what AI means for elevator professionals and companies, what opportunities and concerns are emerging, and how it could affect company valuations, job responsibilities, and the value of employees’ skills. The goal of this conversation is to clarify: where an elevator company should start with AI, what risks companies should consider before adopting new technology, and what AI could mean for your business, your skills, and your career. Chapters: 00:00 Intro: AI and the Elevator Industry00:54 Jonathan’s Journey Into Software and Elevators07:03 How AI Has Changed Since the NAEC Conference10:28 Why Elevator Companies Need to Pay Attention to AI12:35 What AI Means14:24 AI Governance, Security, and Guardrails20:26 What AI Can Do for Elevator Companies 23:22 The Future of AI, IoT, and Predictive Maintenance26:19 Where AI Can Have the Biggest Impact31:00 AI Opportunities for Independent and Large Contractors34:33 AI Adoption Starts With Operations38:01 Making Technology Transformations Work42:59 AI, Technology, and Elevator Company Valuations45:51 How AI Could Change Elevator Careers49:18 The Human Skills That Will Matter More52:16 How Elevator Companies Can Start Using AI 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: 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: https://allredgroup.com

  3. Sep 7

    Elevator Careers: The Power of Saying "I Can Do That" | Evelyn Adams

    Today, I’m joined by Evelyn Adams, General Manager of Texacone, whose career is a great example of what can happen when you’re willing to learn, step up, and do whatever needs to be done. Evelyn began her career as an accounts payable clerk and, through hard work, curiosity, and a willingness to take on new challenges, eventually worked her way into leadership.  In this conversation, we talk about her career journey, what makes the elevator industry feel like a family, and her creation of Elevator 101 to help newcomers better understand the industry. This is a conversation about curiosity, lifelong learning, and the opportunities that can open up when you're willing to keep growing. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Evelyn Adams  03:59 Discovering the Elevator Industry  07:26 The Birth of Elevator 101  10:35 Career Growth and Learning  12:26 Overcoming Limitations Without a Degree  16:15 The Importance of Knowing Who to Ask  17:51 Traditions and Values of Texacone  18:40 Private Equity in the Elevator Industry  20:16 Women in the Elevator Industry  22:27 Opportunities for Women Today  23:54 Advice for Newcomers to the Industry 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: 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: https://allredgroup.com

  4. Aug 31

    Why Elevator Technician Turnover is Hurting Customers—and What Can Help | Bernard Lee

    Today’s guest is Bernard Lee, a longtime property manager who has spent more than thirty years working with elevator service companies. He's seen the value of having technicians who know a building inside and out, and he's also seen what happens when that continuity disappears. In this conversation, we discuss trends he’s seen in elevator service over the years, why technician turnover matters so much to customers, and how mentorship can strengthen the industry as a whole. Chapters: 00:00 - Intro01:13 - How Elevator Service Has Changed Over 30 Years02:37 - The Customer Impact of Technician Turnover04:04 - Why Long-Term Technicians Know a Building Differently07:25 - What Constant Turnover Signals to Customers09:01 - When Turnover Creates Costly Problems10:19 - Why Mentorship Is Critical to the Elevator Industry12:33 - What Makes a Great Mentor?16:34 - What the Elevator Industry Loses When Experience Walks Away19:27 - Hands-On Learning22:33 - How Elevator Companies Can Rebuild Customer Relationships24:21 - Building the Next Generation of Elevator TechniciansResources: 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: 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: https://allredgroup.com

  5. Aug 24

    How Elevators Built the Modern World | Lee Gray

    Today's guest is Lee Gray, an architectural historian whose career took an unexpected turn when a graduate school research paper sparked a lifelong fascination with elevators. More than forty years later, he has become one of the world's leading authorities on the history of vertical transportation. His research has been featured by National Geographic, CBS Sunday Morning, and the History Channel, and today he joins us to explore how elevators transformed cities, real estate, and everyday transportation. Chapters: 00:00 Intro1:19 Lee’s Journey to Becoming an Elevator Historian6:15 Impact on Life and Career8:25 The Impact of Elevators on Urban Development10:05 The Relationship Between Skyscrapers and the Modern Elevator13:55 The Economic Shift in Real Estate17:39 The Importance of Safety Devices in Elevators23:00 Evolution of Elevator Safety Systems26:27 Innovations in Elevator Technology28:45 Global Elevator Revolution33:02 Cultural Perspectives on Elevator Design35:28 The Shift in Elevator Industry Leadership39:00 The Success of Early Elevator Pioneers40:03 Today’s Societal Issues with Elevators41:39 Essential Takeaways from Early Elevators44:27 OutroResources: 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: 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: https://allredgroup.com

  6. Aug 17

    Elevators, Codes, and Consequences: Lessons from 55 Years in the Industry | Lee Rigby

    Today's guest is Lee Rigby, an elevator code expert who has spent more than 55 years in the elevator industry as a mechanic, contractor, inspector, instructor, consultant, and now expert witness. In this episode, Lee shares insights from decades of interpreting and teaching elevator codes and explains some of the industry's most common misconceptions about modernization and code compliance. We also discussed what years of expert witness work have taught him about the role safety practices and documentation play when accidents lead to litigation. Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction02:17 - Working on aircraft carrier elevators04:04 - The complexity of elevator codes and evolving standards08:28 - A practical definition of modernization10:02 - The importance of proper documentation11:45 - A code puzzle: the Citrus Tower13:50 - Handling old equipment with missing records16:50 - Code interpretations19:13 - Solving code puzzles and continuous learning22:12 - Code puzzle: Fire service upgrade23:38 - Human nature with accidents and litigation25:17 - Mechanics’ mistakes during deposition26:33 - Critical safety checks for door forces30:37 - The significance of documenting and safety measures32:38 - Most memorable expert witness cases37:01 - The risks of skipping safety procedures40:45 - Shortcuts during inspections and maintenance42:36 - What separates excellent documentation44:44 - Case study: documentation gaps46:34 - What the industry still needs to learn about code and safety48:07 - The roles Lee has peformed: lessons from a well-rounded career51:06 - Lee’s ongoing passion for the industryResources: 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: 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: https://allredgroup.com

  7. Aug 10

    Elevator Traveling Cables: Innovation, Codes, and Reaching New Heights | Dillard Green

    Today's guest is Dillard Green, a manufacturing and engineering expert with over four decades of experience supporting the elevator industry. Throughout his career, Dillard has worked at the intersection of manufacturing, engineering, code compliance, and innovation, helping develop solutions for everyday buildings and iconic projects like the Burj Khalifa and Disney's Tower of Terror. In this episode, we explore the role of elevator traveling cables and the lessons he's learned throughout his career. Chapters: 00:00 Intro01:31 Dillard’s Career Journey03:59 The Importance of Elevator Traveling Cables07:13 Navigating Industry Standards and Regulations09:27 Innovation vs. Code Regulation in Elevator Technology20:46 Audio Visual Code Change21:58 Unique Projects: Burj Khalifa and Disney's Tower of Terror28:46 Advice for New Professionals in the Industry29:45 OutroResources: 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: 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: https://allredgroup.com

  8. Aug 4

    From Mechanic to Business Owner: Residential Elevator Franchising

    This episode is a live discussion about residential elevators and franchise ownership with Casey Dyon and Alex Martin, owners with Nationwide Lifts. Residential elevators are becoming an increasingly practical accessibility solution, and franchising provides experienced elevator professionals a supported path from technician to business owner. Alex and Casey share their journeys from elevator mechanics to business owners while discussing customer misconceptions, hiring challenges, accessibility solutions, and the value of building a business franchise with the support of an established network. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction  02:13 Journey from Technicians to Business Owners 10:02 The Importance of Residential Elevators 21:08 Educating Homeowners on Elevator Installation 28:05 Homeowner Insights Before Installation 30:53 Modernization and Lifespan of Residential Elevators 34:24 Challenges in Finding Talent for the Elevator Industry 44:34 The Ideal Franchise Owner Profile 50:25 Franchise Ownership vs. Independent Business Ownership 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: 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: https://allredgroup.com

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About

The Elevator Careers Podcast explores the careers, challenges, and innovations shaping the elevator industry. Through conversations with professionals across the trade, we share career journeys, lessons, business advice, and more. We aim to educate, share experiences, and connect the community. Hosted by Matt Allred of The Allred Group, a leading elevator industry recruiting firm.

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