I interviewed the co-founder of Nationwide Lifts, Andy Darnley, to talk about what sets residential work apart, how diversification has fueled Nationwide Lifts’ growth, and opportunities for elevator technicians to step into entrepreneurship through launching a franchise with Nationwide Lifts. Nationwide Lifts is a leader in residential elevators and one of the first companies in…

In this episode, we talk with Paul Neal about how she found her path in the elevator industry, the challenges she faced early on, and how ADHD became her superpower. What may have seemed like a weakness became a real strength in helping customers solve problems, building relationships and thriving in a complex environment. Chapters:…

In this episode, I sit down with Sarah Trujillo to talk about how she entered the elevator industry and some of the challenges she faced. As Sarah dug in and asked questions, she became instrumental in transforming the company’s workflow through systems and innovation. Little did she know that it would lead to even bigger…

Today’s episode brings together the experiences of three women as they reflect on what it means to build a career in a male-dominated trade. Featuring Erin Scott with ATIS, Emerald Kuhns with NAESA International, and Shannon Drezek with the IUEC. They share the challenges they’ve faced, the programs and support systems that made a difference,…

In this episode, I interviewed Travis Hall, CEO of Alliance Elevator Solutions. Travis discusses the concept of being first in class in business, emphasizing authenticity and aligning with the right partners. He shares insights on navigating industry challenges, the value of educating customers, and the significance of understanding customer needs for long-term relationships. Travis encourages…

Today, I’m talking with Marc Hirsch, business development manager for the Americas region of Ziehl-Abegg. Ziehl-Abegg is a company headquartered in Germany that has been in the elevator industry for about 100 years. Their core products are gearless elevator machines and frequency inverters. Three years ago, Marc transitioned to the North American headquarters in North Carolina…

In this conversation, I talked with Bill McGrath, Loannie Reyes, and Veronica Querales about the staffing challenges in the elevator industry. We explored the need for language skills, the importance of training and development, and the creation of career paths for new talent. We also discussed cultural perspectives on work and the value of trade…

Today’s episode brings together advice and lessons from five entrepreneurs in the elevator trade, each with their own unique path and perspective. Featuring Corinne Nawrocki from Abel Elevator Consulting, Scott Akin from Archi-Tread, Richie Lobert from LML Lift consultants, Chris Gutkes from Island Elevator and Kevin Cunningham from HydraSafe Brake. They share what they’ve learned…

This episode is a special milestone: our 100th episode! This time, I got to switch seats and be the guest interviewed by Brad Hoersten. We talked about my journey into the elevator industry, and what inspired me to start the podcast. We dive into what makes this industry feel like family, the challenges and rewards…

Alan Jones, Vice President of Commercial Lines at Insuramax, discussed his 25-year experience in insuring elevator contractors. He highlighted the importance of proactive claims handling, which has led to a 16% loss ratio since 2020, resulting in significant rate decreases for clients. Jones emphasized the need for comprehensive insurance coverage, including labor law and residential…