Posts by Crystal Roberts

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…

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…

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…

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…

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 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…

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…

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…

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,…

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…