The Elevator Careers Podcast

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

The Elevator Careers Podcast is dedicated to the people who spend their lives and careers working in the vertical transportation industry. It is produced for the benefit of both elevator companies who are looking to hire great talent and for those who want to continue to grow professionally within the industry. This is an opportunity to create a dialogue with all of these stakeholders, learning from them and hearing the gems they have gleaned in their professions. The "Elevator Careers" podcast” is an opportunity to pay it forward" by sharing knowledge learned in the business and in the trade and helping others who are on similar journeys.

  1. 4d ago

    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

  2. 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

  3. Jul 7

    Building the Next Generation of Elevator Professionals (ABC Apprentice Program): LIVE BROADCAST

    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 President of Education and Training at Associated Builders and Contractors New Jersey. Since entering the construction industry in 2002, he has advanced through nearly every level of the profession. Now, as a licensed electrician, secretary, and instructor for the New Jersey Electrical Group, Brian is dedicated to developing the future of the skilled trades. In this conversation, we dove into one of America's only non-union elevator apprenticeship programs, and how it can give young people more access to the elevator trade. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction00:03 The Workforce Crisis in Construction02:00 Misconceptions About Skilled Trades04:48 The Importance of Apprenticeship Programs07:59 Corporate Investment in Workforce Development10:41 Nick's Career Journey in Elevators14:00 Brian's Career Path and ABC's Mission16:51 The Role of ABC in Workforce Development19:40 Finding Opportunities in Skilled Trades22:41 Elevator Apprenticeship Program Development25:52 Training Structure and Safety Protocols29:52 Skills for Modern Apprentices33:50 Opportunities After Completing Apprenticeship36:59 Starting an Elevator Apprenticeship Program39:53 Innovation in the Elevator Industry40:46 Recruiting for Apprenticeship Programs42:46 Apprenticeship Enrollment Process45:54 Middle School Construction Camps46:51 Rapid Fire Questions and Insights51:46 Future of Workforce Development and ApprenticeshipsResources: 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. Jun 29

    Reflecting on 46 Years in the Elevator Industry | Michael Ryan

    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 for retirement, Mike joined me to reflect on the lessons, relationships, and experiences that have helped define his remarkable career. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Mike Ryan's Journey04:56 The Evolution of the Elevator Industry07:36 Understanding the Collaborative Nature of Elevators09:31 Challenges and Misconceptions in the Elevator Industry12:13 Lessons Learned and Advice for the Next Generation15:03 The Importance of Community and Relationships17:56 Looking Back: Reflections on a Career20:06 Preparing for the Future of the Elevator 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

  5. Jun 22

    Leadership, AI, and Modernization in the Elevator Industry | Ricky Williams

    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's perspective is shaped by decades of hands-on industry experience and a strong belief that understanding both people and field operations is key to long-term success. Chapters: 00:00 Ricky's Current Role and Responsibilities05:09 Lessons from Early Career in Engineering07:39 Technology Evolution in the Industry10:32 Predictive Maintenance and Its Challenges13:23 Understanding Elevator Modernization16:31 Transitioning from Engineering to Sales18:13 Pros and Cons of Industry Consolidation20:36 Leadership Lessons and Team Collaboration23:30 The Future of Vertical Transportation Technology26:20 Reflections and Advice for the Future 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 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. Jun 15

    Establishing Elevator Safety: Habits, Risks & Responsibility | Mike Luraschi

    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 Intro01:07 Getting into the Elevator Industry03:23 The Importance of Safety in the Elevator Industry05:15 Transitioning to Safety Leadership06:38 Individual Responsibility for Safety09:19 Unique Challenges of Safety in the Elevator Industry12:06 Level of Acceptable Risk17:34 Complacency and its Dangers24:43 Building a Safety Culture28:00 Safety Resources for Smaller Companies30:45 Mental Health & Safety in the Workforce36:21 Final Thoughts on Safety and CommunityResources: Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@elevatorcareers/Submit a Topic Idea for the Podcast: https://elevatorcareers.net/Connect With Us: linktr.ee/AllredGroupA 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 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

  7. Jun 8

    40 Years in Elevators: Lessons from an Industry Veteran | Mark Boelhouwer

    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, talent, and why the future of the elevator business is still full of opportunity. Chapters: 00:00 Mark's Journey into the Elevator Industry 09:34 Building American Elevator Group 12:20 The Value of Experience in the Industry 16:27 Surprises in the Elevator Industry 20:14 Commitment to Elevators and Career Reflections 21:51 Navigating Career Transitions 24:00 Lessons from Starting Oracle Elevator 28:09 Key Insights on Team Dynamics 31:43 Future of the Elevator Industry 36:33 Advice for Newcomers in 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 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

  8. Jun 1

    What Building Owners Get Wrong About Elevators… That May Cost Millions: LIVE BROADCAST

    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,  maintenance evaluation and capital planning with a strong reputation for helping clients reduce risk and make smarter long-term decisions. Joining him is Jose Perez, regional vice president for the Midwest, whose background spans consulting, modernization, planning, maintenance audits, service agreements, and equipment evaluations with experience at firms including VDA, Schindler, TK, and Urban Elevator. We discussed how building owners can avoid costly mistakes in elevator management and implement creative solutions. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Elevator Consulting and Industry Challenges01:27 Market Trends and Modernization Insights04:43 Understanding Deferred Maintenance and Cost Implications10:13 Navigating Elevator Modernization Estimates12:44 Creative Solutions in Elevator Upgrades20:12 Building Strong Contractor Relationships29:42 The Importance of Communication in Contractor Relationships34:01 The Importance of Communication and Relationships35:28 Budgeting Strategies in the Elevator Industry37:29 Navigating Elevator Service Contracts39:39 Building Trust with Contractors42:18 Creating Fair Contracts for All Parties45:40 The Role of Consultants in the Industry48:06 Common Mistakes Made by Building Owners49:42 Understanding Contract Expectations53:16 Misconceptions About Modernization55:36 Rapid Fire Insights on the Industry Resources: Subscribe Submit a Topic Idea for the Podcast Connect With Us 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 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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The Elevator Careers Podcast is dedicated to the people who spend their lives and careers working in the vertical transportation industry. It is produced for the benefit of both elevator companies who are looking to hire great talent and for those who want to continue to grow professionally within the industry. This is an opportunity to create a dialogue with all of these stakeholders, learning from them and hearing the gems they have gleaned in their professions. The "Elevator Careers" podcast” is an opportunity to pay it forward" by sharing knowledge learned in the business and in the trade and helping others who are on similar journeys.

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