Interview Part 1: Ed’s career journey with Otis In this episode, I interviewed Ed Stachowiak, 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…

In this episode, I interviewed Kendra Glenn, 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…

In this episode, I interviewed Michael Frangias, CEO of New York/New Jersey Elevator Company. Mike grew up in the elevator 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…

In this episode, I interviewed Tom McMahan, the Business Development Manager with Delaware Elevator. 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…

In this episode, Matt Allred interviews Scott Akin, 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,…

In this episode, Matt Allred interviews Sammy Kolker, who represents the fifth generation working at Matot Corporation, her family’s dumbwaiter manufacturing business. She discusses growing up in the industry and how she became involved after graduating college. Sammy talks about common family dynamics challenges in multi-generational family businesses. She shares the creativity involved in marketing…

In this episode, Matt Allred interviews Sean Madden, Innovation Manager at Southern Elevator, former founder of Madden Elevator, and current President of the National Association of Elevator Contractors. Sean shares his journey growing up in the elevator industry, studying engineering, and eventually building his own elevator company. After starting Madden Elevator from his basement in…

Matt Allred interviews Chris Strawn about his career in the elevator industry. Chris is the owner of Elevator Safety Training Services (ESTS). He started in the industry as an apprentice, after serving two tours in the US Navy. After 10 years in the field, Chris joined his brother and another partner, building a firm which…

In this episode, Matt Allred interviews Amber Catlin-Kolodziej, the Executive Director of the Elevator escalator Safety Foundation. The EESF’s mission is to educate the general public on the proper and safe use of elevators and escalators. Amber’s goal is to further enable the EESF to keep our friends and family safe when they are using…

In this episode, Matt Allred interviews Scott Drummond, president and founder of Emi’s Elevator and founder of Nokes Mountain Benefit Corporation. Scott has has over 20 years in the trade as an elevator mechanic and has seen the disparity of dilapidated elevators through the country. He decided to tackle this problem head-on by creating a…