In this episode, I interviewed Jeremy Metzger, CEO of Axxiom Elevator.  Jeremy graduated from Penn State and joined the elevator industry with Kone as a Sales Rep, with his first assignment in Tampa FL.  After Kone, Jeremy spent over 15 years at Otis in multiple management roles and following Otis, Jeremy spent two years as COO of Oracle Elevator.  In 2023, Jeremy became one of the founders and CEO of Axxiom Elevator. Jeremy is excited about the future and is looking forward to partnering with independent owners who are seeking the support of a partner to help them take their businesses to the next level.

Chapters: 
00:00 Introduction
01:20 Career Overview
07:30 Learning Sales & Customer Relationships
09:10 The Challenge of Finding New Business
10:50 Sales Without Commission vs Commission Structures
14:20 Early Mentors & Lessons Learned
15:50 Safety in the Elevator Industry
20:40 Biggest Early Career Lessons
21:10 The Power of Responsiveness in Sales
24:40 Advice for Newcomers to the Industry
26:00 Why the Elevator Industry is a Strong Career Path
27:00 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 Corinne Nawrocki, CEO and Founder of Abel Elevator Consulting, Inc. Corinne entered the vertical transportation arena in 2015, leading new sales strategies for TKE.  She later moved into project management and on-site development with Schindler Elevator, where she learned the key factors contributing to the operational side of the elevator trade.  With her boots-on-the-ground approach, she always made time to be in the field and learn from the mechanics; this allowed her to develop and hone her skills to continue her journey which brought her to Abel in May of 2023.  Corinne loves the challenges of the elevator industry and is passionate about growing, innovating, and facilitating her clients and industry partners to get to the next level.

Chapters: 
00:00 Introduction 
01:15 Early Career in the Elevator Industry
07:00 Building Trust with Mechanics
08:30 High-Stakes Job Story: Federal Reserve Project
10:50 Leadership & Team Growth
15:30 Why Corinne Started Abel Elevator Consulting
18:30 Elevators, Real Estate & Tenant Retention
23:00 What Makes a Great Consultant
24:00 Balancing Clients, Contractors & Expectations
26:00 Vision for the Future of the Industry
27:20 Being a Woman in a Male-Dominated Industry
29:00 Valuable Career Lessons and Advice
33:40 What Able Elevator Consulting Does
34:30 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

In this episode, I interviewed Ed Rivera, a Regional Modernization Trainer with TK elevator. Ed is also known as "Your Elevator Pal" and has been in the industry many years. He has a passion for continuously improving the elevator industry and those in it. In the near future, Ed wants to start a live, in-person elevator industry networking group to continue to build each other. Message Ed on LinkedIn if you are interested in participating.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
01:37 Meet Ed Rivera – “Your Elevator Pal”
02:18 Returning to the Podcast After Two Years
02:42 Why Ed Left TEI Group After 15+ Years
05:02 The Opportunity That Changed His Career
13:45 Leaving a Company That Felt Like Family
16:26 Biggest Fears About Changing Careers
17:45 Why Career Decisions Can Feel Lonely
22:33 What a Regional Modernization Trainer Actually Does
27:04 What Brings Ed the Most Joy in His Work
30:35 Why the Industry Needs More Real Connection
31:56 Ed’s Idea for an In-Person Elevator Industry Group
33:17 Helping Mechanics, Managers, and Apprentices Grow
37:25 Mentorship and Learning from Experienced Professionals
39:14 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 Gutkes, President of Island Elevator. Chris shared his path of developing as a business owner in the elevator industry.  Having been on this journey for a while, Chris has learned many lessons along the way; some harder than others.  Though it's not always easy to develop self awareness and empathy, Chris shared that these are two of the critical skills for growing as a leader.

Chapters:
0:00:00 Introduction
0:01:26 How Chris's perspective has changed since his previous interview
0:02:47 What it takes to run a business in the elevator industry
0:05:06 The importance of self-awareness, empathy, and personal growth
0:10:21 Empathy-building exercises that improve communication and efficiency
0:13:02 Addressing urgent requests without disruption
0:16:26 Leadership skills, problem-solving techniques, and overcoming fears
0:23:37 Advice for entrepreneurs

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

Interview Part 2: Elevator Consulting

In this episode, I interviewed Michael Caputa, Regional Vice President with Blackstone Elevator Consulting in Florida. Michael started his career with Thyssenkrupp elevator as an Account Manager in Atlanta and has grown in several different roles and companies. Michael is an endurance athlete and has proven over and over the power of the mind over matter. Michael believes the best bet you can make is on yourself. He likes to say; "Hard work beats talent. Stay humble, hustle, and never give up.”

Chapters:
0:00:00 Introduction
0:02:03 Transitioning to consulting
0:04:53 Biggest value as consultant
0:07:02 Advocating for customers
0:11:24 Contractor perspective on consultants
0:16:59 Improving communication
0:20:23 Industry trends
0:25:51 Words of wisdom

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

Interview Part 1: Elevator Career Journey

In this episode, I interviewed Michael Caputa, Regional Vice President with Blackstone Elevator Consulting in Florida. Michael started his career with Thyssenkrupp elevator as an Account Manager in Atlanta and has grown in several different roles and companies. Michael is an endurance athlete and has proven over and over the power of the mind over matter. Michael believes the best bet you can make is on yourself. He likes to say; "Hard work beats talent. Stay humble, hustle, and never give up.”

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
01:40 Meet Michael Caputa – Regional VP at Blackstone Elevator Consulting
02:03 Overview of the Interview (Part 1)
02:11 How Michael Got Started in the Elevator Industry
04:47 When the Elevator Industry Started to “Click”
05:56 Mentors Who Helped Shape His Career
08:45 What Michael Loves Most About the Elevator Industry
09:36 Biggest Changes in the Elevator Industry Over Time
11:09 Supply Chain Issues and Industry Evolution
15:42 The Most Important Skill for Success in the Elevator Industry
16:58 Why Delivering Bad News Quickly Builds Trust
20:06 Advice for Someone Just Starting in the Elevator Industry
20:24 Why Attitude and Effort Matter More Than Experience
21:26 Michael’s First Sales Experience in the Elevator Industry
22:39 Final Advice
22:47 Conclusion

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 Mike Balsamo, Senior Vice President with VDA in New York City. Mike started his career with PS Marcato working summers as a helper and he credits his early time in the trade to being foundational to the work he does does today.  Mike says responsiveness to customers is critical because that is how you build trust. Mike is also a champion of continuing education, knowing education is the key to opportunity.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
01:18 Meet Mike Balsamo – Senior VP at VDA
01:43 How Mike Got Started in the Elevator Industry
05:39 Learning the Elevator Business
06:12 Passing Knowledge to the Next Generation
11:07 Challenges of Starting a Career in Elevator Sales
12:03 Why Responsiveness Builds Client Trust
13:55 How Elevator Maintenance Contracts Work
16:04 How Mike Learned the Elevator Trade Early On
17:00 Advice for Helpers and Apprentices
19:08 Mentors Who Shaped Mike’s Career
24:06 His Role at VDA Today
25:00 Why Client Relationships Matter More Than Sales
26:01 The Most Critical Skill in Elevator Consulting
30:35 Advice for Young People Entering the Industry
34:17 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

Interview part 2: Discussing the challenges and lessons of starting a new business.

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 a vision to become the "Elevator Service Provider of Choice." Ed believes personal and business growth is not easy. It takes a lot of courage to have honest and open conversations, but is essential to see your blind spots and grow effectively.

Chapters:
0:00:00 Introduction
0:01:02 Starting a new elevator service provider with Ed Stachowiak of Axxiom Elevator
0:02:18 The motivation behind starting Axxiom Elevator
0:03:36 Understanding the underserved segment seeking better customer service
0:05:04 How customer expectations have changed with the rise of on-demand culture
0:07:22 Ed's motivations for starting Axxiom Elevator and the opportunity he saw
0:08:56 Building a strategic plan and culture around core commitments
0:10:54 Partnering with the right people who share the company's vision
0:12:29 Benefits partnerships provide for small business owners
0:14:14 Supporting partners' growth through expertise and resources
0:15:04 Flexibility in partnership structures based on partners' needs
0:18:03 Building partnerships through open communication and alignment
0:20:55 Addressing fears around partnerships through transparency
0:22:54 Partnership as a mutually beneficial relationship
0:25:35 Creative strategies for scaling businesses in unique markets
0:28:06 Parting words of wisdom on growth, communication, and blind spots

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

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 a vision to become the "Elevator Service Provider of Choice." Ed believes personal and business growth is not easy. It takes a lot of courage to have honest and open conversations, but is essential to see your blind spots and grow effectively.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
01:11 Meet Ed Staak – COO of Axiom Elevator
01:41 Overview of the Interview (Part 1)
01:55 How Ed Entered the Elevator Industry
05:25 The Unique Culture of the Elevator Industry
06:07 Mentors Who Shaped Ed’s Career
08:01 Challenges of Learning Elevator Technology
08:49 Why Field Experience Matters
09:55 Understanding Operations vs Sales in the Elevator Business
10:29 Managing Bottlenecks and Business Growth
11:09 Why Team Trust Is Critical in Operations
12:19 The Most Important Leadership Lessons
15:37 Mentorship and Training the Next Generation
16:36 How Companies Evolve as They Grow
17:43 Advice for People Entering the Elevator Industry
22:39 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 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 join the family business, G-Tech Elevator and after a few years she helped create BTS.  Kendra has found the challenge she was looking for and is thriving in the elevator industry.

Chapters:
0:00:00 Introduction
0:01:43 Welcome and introduction from Kendra
0:02:04 Getting started in the elevator industry
0:09:15 Starting BTS Elevator Packages
0:11:13 Challenges of selling as an independent
0:16:09 Overcoming knowledge gaps
0:20:25 Growth and reception of BTS
0:25:07 Overcoming visualization challenges
0:28:33 Elevator industry culture
0:31:00 Closing and parting 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