Chris Pearce is a co-owner of Skytec Elevator in Austin, Texas. Chris started his career as a union apprentice with Omni Elevator at age 19, but after a few years he left to finish his degree and also work as a technician in the high tech industry.  After returning to the elevator industry, Chris realized he loved working on elevators and wanted to stay.  Chris is passionate about using technology and transparency to drive results and deliver customer satisfaction.

Chapters:
Intro and early career - PLAY @0:01
An innovative new technology - PLAY @7:00
Getting into consulting - PLAY @14:54
Leveraging technology to offer more transparent and valuable services to clients - PLAY @22:25
Incorporating data while maintaining a human touch, celebrating wins, and advice for newcomers to the elevator industry - PLAY @29:19

In this episode, Matt Allred interviews JT Peelle, President and CEO of Peelle Company, about his career path from truck driving to sales, accounting, and management in the elevator industry. Peelle Company is a 5th generation family business that manufactures elevator doors. JT discusses how he got involved in the business, the importance of treating customers like family, and advice for those starting careers in the elevator industry.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:31 Overview of Peelle Company and JT Peelle's role
01:26 Starting his career at Peelle
02:31 Aspirations to join the family business
03:24 Challenges of working for a family business
05:14 Importance of letting the next generation lead 
08:10 JT's college studies 
09:28 Early history of Peelle Company 
14:19 Peelle's continued elevator door installations
16:16 Importance of customer service exemplified
18:08 Advice for careers in the elevator industry
20:32 Mentoring future generations

T. Bruce MacKinnon is the CEO of Elevator World Magazine. T has been with Elevator World for 27 years; 3 years as CEO. Elevator World is a family business that was started by T’s Grandpa, Bill Sturgeon in 1953; this year being the 70th anniversary. Although he was initially hesitant to join the business, T fell in love with the elevator industry. He loves the people who make it all happen and finds his work very rewarding.

Bob Sinram has been working in the elevator industry for 23 years on his second time around. Bob’s first exposure to elevators was from 1980-1984 as a weapons elevator technician on an aircraft carrier for the US Navy. After the military, Bob chose to work in industrial maintenance, which he did for 16 years. Eventually Bob made his way back to the elevator industry, and has been here ever since. Bob loves making people happy by keeping their elevators running, and finds his work very rewarding.

Jim Comley is the President and Owner of Embree Elevator. Jim Started in the industry when he was 19 years old in 1950. After a few years in the Navy, Jim returned and worked for Payne Elevator for many years. In 1973, Jim bought Embree Elevator and to his day, he continues to work because he wants to. Jim is now 92, and he has been in the elevator business for 70 years. Jim loves what he does and has no intention of retiring any time soon.

Ray Miller is the Business Development Manager for Elevators with Schmersal, USA & Canada. Ray started his career with Southern Elevator & Electric Supply (SEES) in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in 2008. In 2009, Ray moved to Los Angeles, California, to take a promotion with SEES, and shortly thereafter, he took on the role of Sales and Operations Manager with Draka Elevator. Ray has been in the industry 16 years and loves the nuances of working with elevators. He loves the fact that there is always something new to learn, and he plans to stay with elevators for the rest of his career.

Josh Miller is the Sales Manager for Services & Solutions for Kone in the San Francisco Bay area. Josh has an MBA from St. Mary's College of California and spent about 20 years working outside of the elevator industry before joining Kone in 2020. Josh's prior experience prepared him to hit the ground running in the elevator industry. Although Josh admits he has more to learn, his unique perspective brings a lot to the table, and challenges all of us to look outside of our direct competitors in our quest for the best talent.

Darrin Porch is the Founder and CEO of SafeRise, LLC.  Darrin founded SafeRise as a solution to safely address elevator installation issues throughout the US, particularly around hoistway safety. Darrin has worked in the elevator and construction industry for over 20 years, including significant time with Otis and Schindler. He is excited to help make the industry he loves even safer.

Matt Jackson is the president and founder of Blackstone Elevator Consulting. Matt started in the elevator industry with Kone as an Account Manager, and worked in Denver and Houston before landing in Chicago. When Matt joined VDA and began to see that the business runs best when founded on solid relationships. Matt brought this philosophy into his new venture and works to create relationships that stand the test of time.

Cornelius Walls is the Global Vice President of Elevator Sales with Formula Systems, North America. Cornelius has been in the industry since 1995, when he stared with Adams Elevator as a receiving clerk. Cornelius has served on the board of directors of the EESF for 14 years, including being chairman of the board for three years. He has also served on the board of the NAEC. Cornelius loves the wonderful people of the elevator industry; he is passionate about educating kids on elevator safety, and about helping to create amazing opportunities for the next generation