The Elevator Careers Podcast

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

The Elevator Careers Podcast, hosted by Matt Allred, contains discussions with professionals across the elevator industry about the challenges, innovations, opportunities, and experiences shaping the trade today. Our goal is to share lessons and insights from all areas of the trade, from apprentices in the field to industry leaders and business owners. By sharing these experiences, we hope to educate others on similar journeys, preserve valuable industry knowledge, and connect the elevator community one conversation at a time.

  1. 3d ago

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. Jul 27

    Preparing Your Elevator Business for a Successful Exit | Jessica Hellman

    Today's guest is Jessica Hellman, a business advisor specializing in mergers and acquisitions with Lift Business Advisors, Inc. With a background in applied mathematics and data analysis, Jessica has helped business owners understand what drives value, growth, and successful transitions. In this episode, we discuss private equity, business valuation, trust, and the steps owners can take today to build a stronger company. Chapters: 00:00 Intro01:17 Jessica’s Background02:32 Transitioning into the Elevator Industry06:00 Elevator Business Dynamics08:04 Implementing Change in the Business11:46 People and Relationships: Make or Break the Business14:54 Private Equity and Market Trends20:29 Valuation and Business Saleability22:51 Challenges in Mergers and Acquisitions28:02 Getting into M&A29:39 Advice for Elevator Business Owners32:08 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

  7. Jul 20

    Elevator Expertise & AI: Preserving the Past While Building the Future | Carlos Escobar

    Today’s guest is Carlos Escobar, Traction Elevator Aficionado with Hyperion Solutions. Carlos grew up in a machine shop surrounded by craftsmen who could turn raw metal into solutions and that mindset still drives everything he does today. Carlos has spent his career tackling the toughest elevator modernization challenges and preserving century-old machines. More recently, he has been thinking deeply about where AI, training, and the future of the trades are headed next. Chapters: 00:00 From Machine Shop to Mastery04:58 The Allure of Legacy Equipment07:32 Lessons from the Old Machines09:56 Complex Challenges in Modernization12:45 The Importance of Technical Expertise15:42 AI: The Future of Training18:24 Training the Next Generation20:50 Mentorship and Industry ConnectionsResources: 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. Jul 13

    The Voice of the Elevator: Smart Maintenance & Connected Buildings | Robert Schram

    In this episode, I sat down with Robert Schram from Cedes to talk about how technology is reshaping the elevator industry. Robert’s path into elevators started in construction, laying flooring to fund surfing trips, before eventually working his way from field repair into some of the most advanced conversations happening around IoT, predictive maintenance, and smart buildings. We discussed the evolution of elevator safety, what it means to “unleash the voice of the elevator,” and how new technology could transform the way elevators are maintained. Chapters: 00:00 Intro 01:40 Journey into the Elevator Industry 05:52 Innovations in Elevator Safety Technology 07:49 The Future of Elevator Maintenance 10:14 Data-Driven Decision Making in Elevators 13:35 The Role of IoT in Elevators 15:45 Challenges in Adopting New Technologies 19:22 The Importance of Transparency in Elevator Services 27:41 Smart Behavior and Future Innovations 31:36 Elevators in the Connected Building of the Future 34:38 Advice for the Next Generation in the Industry 35:55 Outro 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, hosted by Matt Allred, contains discussions with professionals across the elevator industry about the challenges, innovations, opportunities, and experiences shaping the trade today. Our goal is to share lessons and insights from all areas of the trade, from apprentices in the field to industry leaders and business owners. By sharing these experiences, we hope to educate others on similar journeys, preserve valuable industry knowledge, and connect the elevator community one conversation at a time.

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