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 career and ultimately led him to co-found HydraSafe Brake, a company dedicated to improving elevator safety with cutting-edge braking systems. We explored Kevin's insights on career growth, planning ahead, and the critical role of safety in the elevator industry.

Chapters: 
0:00 – Introduction
1:26 – How Kevin Broke Into the Elevator Industry
3:57 – Starting as a Helper vs. Modern Apprenticeships
4:29 – 20 Years in the Field: Construction, Service & Modernization
5:06 – Why Elevator Modernization Is So Complex
6:04 – The Challenge of Old Wiring & System Integration
10:15 – Learning Through Mistakes in the Field
12:23 – Mentorship & Earning Trust in the Trade
14:16 – Transitioning from Field Work to the Office
16:02 – Learning to Write Reports as a Consultant
18:02 – Using Templates & Understanding Client Needs
18:43 – Entering Manufacturing & Building a New Product
19:40 – The Reality of Supply Chain Challenges
21:16 – Process, Systems, and Scaling Manufacturing
22:20 – Career Advice for Newcomers & Sales Professionals
22:44 – Two Keys to Success
25:12 – Closing Thoughts

Resources:
Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@elevatorcareers/
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

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 a staff position  in 2021 with a desire to drive safety education throughout the industry. David loves the elevator industry and loves helping keep people safe; he is passionate about learning and believes every question is worth asking. 

Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
0:50 Meet David Smarte, NAEC Safety & Education Leader
1:30 Why He Still Loves the Elevator Industry After 40+ Years
2:40 What Makes the Elevator Industry Unique
4:50 How David Got Started
6:00 Discovering a Passion for Safety & Training
7:30 Why Safety and Training Go Hand-in-Hand
8:15 What Drives Safety in the Industry
9:30 The Role of OSHA & Industry Collaboration
11:00 The New Elevator Safety Handbook Update
12:00 How Safety Codes Are Created & Evolve
14:30 Changing “The Way It’s Always Been Done”
16:00 Technology, AI, and the Future of Elevators
18:40 Supporting Small & Independent Contractors
20:00 The Power of Networking in the Industry
21:15 Final Advice

Resources:
Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@elevatorcareers/
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

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 Field Employee’s Safety Handbook. Ray discusses the evolution of safety practices in the industry, including the development of the "9 Safety Absolutes" that have become an industry standard. His motto has always been, “Your family depends on you to come home every night safely.”

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:49 35 Years in the Elevator Industry
01:45 Starting in Safety at General Motors
02:18 Transition to Otis & National Safety Leadership
03:24 Role at TEI Group & Safety Culture
04:33 Early Career Lessons & Mentorship
06:56 Developing the Elevator Safety Handbook
10:01 What Are the 9 Safety Absolutes?
11:26 Most Common Elevator Industry Injuries
12:07 How Safety Has Evolved Over Time
15:55 Challenges in Safety Training Today
17:10 The Role of Field Managers & Compliance
21:40 Making Safety Standards Industry-Wide
23:28 The One Change That Could Improve Safety Everywhere
24:43 Training New Employees Effectively
25:30 Advice for the Next Generation
27:20 The Future of Elevator Safety Technology
28:44 Final Thoughts

Resources:
Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@elevatorcareers/
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

#podcast #elevators #trades

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 addressed the safety, quality control, flexibility, and efficiency factors of modular elevators.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction 
00:51 Overview of Phoenix Modular Elevator
01:25 Chuck’s path to the company
04:05 What is a modular elevator?
06:45 Real-world project example
07:33 Key advantages of modular elevators
10:45 Where modular elevators work best
13:50 Market potential and industry adoption
14:25 Pricing vs. traditional elevators
15:50 Ideal customers and use cases
16:13 Growth in modular construction markets
18:02 Supplying hoistways vs. full elevator systems
19:00 Competing with major OEMs
19:24 How modular supports long-term service business
20:04 Working with general contractors
23:05 Phoenix’s approach to minimizing change orders
24:14 Efficiency, planning, and customer experience
25:01 Final thoughts

Resources:
Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@elevatorcareers/
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

#podcast #elevators #trades

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 and responsibility, and the value of planning in his work. Chuck advises professionals to find fulfillment in their roles; he loves what he does and is excited to be growing in a new niche of the industry.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction 
01:20 Growing up in the elevator industry
04:10 Early field experience
04:48 Challenges of learning in the field
05:40 Transition from field to superintendent
06:30 High-rise work vs. smaller markets
06:57 Mentors who shaped his career
09:05 The evolution of safety in the industry
10:50 Learning to plan work and improve efficiency
12:20 Safety culture and resistance to change
15:27 The reality of risk in the industry
16:05 Advice for the future of the industry
19:56 The importance of networking beyond your company
20:21 Closing

Resources:
Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@elevatorcareers/
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

#podcast #elevators #trades

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, Josh has found purpose in the elevator industry and shared many insights on that process. Josh is loving his work recruiting elevator professionals and has found some of the same camaraderie he enjoyed in the military.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:58 Process and Inspiration for Joining the Military
06:09 Early career and mentorship in the Air Force
07:31 Transition into recruiting
10:55 Challenges of learning the recruiting role
13:12 The most rewarding part of recruiting
14:21 Mentorship and leaving a legacy
15:26 What military recruiters actually do
21:18 Why credibility matters 
22:22 Transitioning from military to civilian life
23:18 Translating military experience to civilian jobs
25:08 Hidden struggles veterans face
26:34 Transition Assistance Program 
27:55 SkillBridge program 
30:22 Entering the elevator industry
31:11 Finding purpose again after the military
34:18 Unexpected path into elevator recruiting
35:00 Final thoughts

Resources:
Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@elevatorcareers/
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

#podcast #elevators #trades

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 and recent NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) code changes. Gary advises leaders to be humble, communicate openly, and be apologetic when mistakes occur.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:58 From Travel Agency to Private Equity
02:02 Researching Companies in Private Equity
03:30 Entering the Elevator Industry by Chance
05:29 First 3 Years in Elevators: Learning the Industry
06:04 Discovering a Passion for Compliance
08:05 Moving Into Elevator Compliance Roles
08:55 NYC DOB Licensing Requirements Explained
11:30 The Challenge of Passing the DOB Exam
14:03 Paperwork, Delays, and Approval Process
16:12 NYC Code Changes & Increased Fines
19:44 Why Gary Stayed in the Elevator Industry
20:24 Family Perspective & Industry Culture Shift
21:58 Leadership Advice & Career Wisdom
23:30 Closing Thoughts

Resources:
Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@elevatorcareers/
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

#podcast #elevators #trades

In this episode, I interviewed Chris Short, a 20-year elevator industry veteran who has led pioneering efforts for IoT technology to improve elevator service and efficiency while also increasing margin.
Recently, Chris co-wrote and delivered a presentation at the International Elevator and Escalator Symposium (IEES), entitled "Targeted Elevator Maintenance leveraging IoT: Achieving the Trifecta of Labor Efficiency, Profitability, and Customer Satisfaction." I spoke with Chris and explored these areas that are so critical to the success and growth of elevator contractors--now, and into the future.

Chapters:
00:00 Intro
01:48 The IoT Maintenance Presentation Explained
02:34 Problems with Traditional Elevator Maintenance
03:47 Maintaining Service While Protecting Margins
05:01 Current State of the Industry
05:50 Reactive vs. Proactive Maintenance
06:46 Challenges of Managing Large Portfolios
07:50 Why Data is the Key to Improvement
08:28 Why the Industry Has Been Slow to Adopt IoT
10:51 The Problem with Maintenance Contracts
12:48 Why the Industry Needs to Change
14:51 Vision, Leadership & Company Alignment
20:15 Solving Problems at the Right Level
23:19 90-Day Goals & Accountability 
25:50 What is Data-Driven Maintenance?
28:29 Why Contractors Miss Critical Issues
29:21 Building a Smarter Maintenance Program
32:04 Customer Trust Through Transparency
35:33 How IoT Actually Adds Value
41:14 Why IoT Alone Isn’t the Solution
42:36 Creating Value Customers Will Pay For
43:02 Impact on Employees & Company Culture
44:57 Biggest Challenges to Implementation
46:42 Where to Start 
50:01 Restoring Trust in the Elevator Industry
50:41 Final Thoughts

Resources:
Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@elevatorcareers/
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

#podcast #elevators #trades

In this episode, I interviewed Steve Broom, a regional sales manager with VDA. Steve joined the elevator industry 25 years ago after spending his early career as a golf professional. Starting as a sales representative, he worked his way up to the executive team with a major elevator company. Steve recently transitioned to a consulting role, which allows him to work directly with clients again and have more impact. In consulting, he appreciates the strong team and resources available at his firm, which helps him provide the best possible solutions for clients. Steve's advice for newcomers to the industry is to find a mentor, be ethical, and have the humility to ask questions and learn.

Chapters: 
00:00 Intro 
01:09 From Golf Pro to Elevator Industry
02:45 Getting Started at ThyssenKrupp
04:12 Building Relationships in Sales
06:19 Mentors Who Shaped His Career
08:27 Early Career Lessons 
10:55 The Importance of Honesty with Clients
11:28 Transitioning into Consulting
14:35 Balancing Clients & Contractors
16:26 Why Contracts Matter So Much
17:19 Key Industry Trends 
21:36 Career Reflection
24:15 Advice for Newcomers
26:46 Closing Thoughts

Resources:
Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@elevatorcareers/
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

#podcast #elevators #trades

In this episode, I interviewed Evan Rahey, Sales Executive with Wurtec with a specific mission to sell and promote The WURCOM Two-Way Communication Solution in compliance with 2019 ASME & code requirements. Evan finds a lot of satisfaction working in the elevator industry and is happy to have found his niche. With his experience, Evan is uniquely qualified to educate the industry on this topic, Evan sees a lot of companies who are reluctant or unaware that they can build their communication platform using digital technology while saying goodbye to outdated analog lines and it's his job to bring that message to the market. 

Get in touch with Evan with any 2019 ASME / CSA code questions, and to learn how the Wurtec system may be best for your project.

Chapters: 
00:00 Intro 
02:20 First In-Person Podcast 
03:07 How Evan Entered the Elevator Industry
05:07 Lessons Learned Early in His Career
06:10 What Makes the Elevator Industry Unique
07:45 Overview of the ASME 2019 Code
08:47 Why Two-Way Communication Matters
10:01 Analog vs Digital Systems 
13:45 Why You Should Go Fully Digital
15:01 Adoption Rates: Analog vs Digital
16:05 How Digital Systems Simplify Everything
21:01 Cost Savings for Owners & Contractors
22:06 The Biggest Opportunity in the Code
24:02 Why Adoption Is Still Low
24:27 Code Adoption in Canada
25:05 How Code Rollout Works
26:08 The Role of Inspectors
27:32 Final Thoughts: Building for the Future
29:04 Closing

Resources:
Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@elevatorcareers/
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

#podcast #elevators #trades