The Elevator Careers Podcast

By Matt Allred

The Elevator Careers Podcast is dedicated to the people who spend their lives and careers working in the vertical transportation industry. It is produced for the benefit of both elevator companies

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FAQs about The Elevator Careers Podcast:

How many episodes does The Elevator Careers Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 138 episodes available.

The Elevator Careers Podcast episodes:

April 27, 2026 Experiences as President of an Elevator Industry Supplier | Blake Pilgrim
In this episode, I sat down with Blake Pilgrim, president of Wurtec, to discuss his experiences with leadership in the elevator industry. Blake shared key lessons he’s learned, difficult decisions he’s had to make in his position, and his views on the future of elevator technology.
Chapters:
00:00 Intro
01:39 Journey into the Elevator Industry
02:33 Key Lessons in Leadership and Culture
04:43 The Importance of Integrity in Leadership
06:43 Difficult Decisions as a CEO
08:27 Wurtec's Unique Position in the Industry
11:00 Addressing Inefficiencies in the Field
13:09 The Role of Technology in the Elevator Industry
15:51 Future Challenges in the Elevator Industry
18:10 Advice for Future Elevator Professionals
19:38 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: http://allredgroup.com
Resources:
Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@elevatorcareers/
Submit a Topic Idea for the Podcast: https://elevatorcareers.net/
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
...more
21min
April 20, 2026 Growing in the Elevator Business by Utilizing Lean Startup Principles | Lisa Diaz
In this conversation, I sat down with Lisa Diaz as she shared her unique journey from Wall Street to the elevator industry. We discussed the need to find and maintain your best customers, and addressed how AI and technology are changing the trade. Lisa also emphasized the importance of human capital and skilled labor for long-term success in the elevator business.
Chapters:
00:00 From Wall Street to Elevators: A Unique Journey
04:49 The Importance of Relationships in Business
07:33 Navigating Industry Changes and Challenges
10:36 The Role of AI and Technology in Elevators
13:15 Understanding Customer Value and Loyalty
16:10 Lean Startup Principles for Innovation
18:58 The Future of the Elevator Industry
22:02 Valuing Human Capital in the Workforce
Resources:
Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@elevatorcareers/
Submit a Topic Idea for the Podcast: https://elevatorcareers.net/
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: http://allredgroup.com
Resources:
Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@elevatorcareers/
Submit a Topic Idea for the Podcast: https://elevatorcareers.net/
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
...more
32min
April 14, 2026 Negotiating Functional Elevator Design for NYC Skyscrapers | Rick Sayah
In this episode, I interviewed Rick Sayah, the senior vice president of VDA, a New York elevator consulting company. We discussed the process of making an elevator design functional for high-rise buildings, how building standards can vary internationally, and some interesting observations on how human behavior affects transportation. I also asked Rick to share his advice for the next generation of elevator professionals.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
03:28 Surprising Complexity of Elevator Systems
05:07 Deciding on a Career in Elevators
06:10 Memorable Elevator Projects and Challenges
07:58 Global Building Codes and Regulations
09:00 Designing Elevators for Tall Buildings
10:34 Impact of Amenities on Elevator Traffic
12:45 Mixed-Use Developments and Elevator Planning
14:29 Economics of Elevator Design in Skyscrapers
16:21 Technological Changes Over 20 Years
18:04 Training the Next Generation of Elevator Engineers
19:46 Industry Talent Gap and Knowledge Transfer
21:50 What Rick Looks for in Buildings
22:10 Human Behavior and Elevator Interaction
22:54 Final Advice for Aspiring Professionals
Resources:
Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@elevatorcareers/
Submit a Topic Idea for the Podcast: https://elevatorcareers.net/
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: http://allredgroup.com
Resources:
Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@elevatorcareers/
Submit a Topic Idea for the Podcast: https://elevatorcareers.net/
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
...more
24min
April 06, 2026 Navigating New York's Elevator Consulting Landscape | Matthew Montesano
In this episode, I sat down with Matthew Montesano from DTM Elevator Consulting. A family-owned business with a rich history dating back to 1982. We discussed the unique challenges and opportunities of New York's elevator consulting market and the importance of being physically present to provide client support. We also addressed the evolution of elevator regulations in New York, the role technology plays in the industry, and how to navigate the influx of new tech while also relying on the expertise of trusted consultants.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to DTM Elevator Consulting
03:38 The Importance of Being Present in NYC
05:49 Collaboration vs. Owner Advocacy
09:39 Navigating New York's Unique Regulations
12:39 The Role of Technology in Elevator Consulting
21:15 Understanding Violations and Compliance
27:54 Custom Reporting and KPIs
34:50 The Future of Technology in the Industry
38:04 The Importance of Recruitment in the Elevator Industry
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
Resources:
Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@elevatorcareers/
Submit a Topic Idea for the Podcast: https://elevatorcareers.net/
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
...more
39min
March 31, 2026 Difficult Leadership Lessons as an Elevator Company VP | Jeff Pugh
In this episode, I interviewed Jeff Pugh about his journey from an apprentice in the elevator industry to becoming a Vice President. We dove into his mindset transition from a worker to a leader, including many difficult lessons learned along the way. Jeff discusses some of the tough decisions necessary for preserving a positive work culture, stepping out of one’s comfort zone for personal and team growth, and his experience with turning around struggling branches.
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:43 From Apprentice to VP: A Journey in the Elevator Trade
3:44 The Role of Mentorship in Professional Growth
8:13 Transitioning from Worker to Leader
15:23 Assessing and Addressing Toxic Employees
20:35 Building a Positive Culture Across a Large Organization
23:45 Pushing Beyond Comfort Zones
26:07 Turning Around Struggling Branches
32:53 Lessons for Future Leaders
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: http://allredgroup.com
Resources:
Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@elevatorcareers/
Submit a Topic Idea for the Podcast: https://elevatorcareers.net/
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
...more
37min
March 23, 2026 What Does it Take to be an Elevator Constructor? | Ryan Schuett
In this conversation, Ryan Schuett and I discuss his role as the business manager of the International Union of Elevator Constructors, Local 31 in Houston, Texas. Ryan addresses the significance of mentorship, the challenges of recruiting, and the importance of perseverance. We also discuss his own journey as a first-generation elevator constructor, and he offers his advice for aspiring elevator constructors.
Chapters:
00:00 Passion and Dedication in the Elevator Trade
07:31 The Role of a Business Manager
10:21 Path to Becoming an Elevator Constructor
18:50 Challenges and Opportunities in Recruitment
24:02 Mentorship and Community in the Trade
33:23 Preparing for Success in the Elevator Industry
40:45 The Future of the Elevator Trade

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
Resources:
Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@elevatorcareers/
Submit a Topic Idea for the Podcast: https://elevatorcareers.net/
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
...more
43min
March 17, 2026 Interviews with Four Elevator Consultants
This episode brings together advice and lessons from four consultants in the elevator trade that were previously interviewed on the podcast, each with their own unique path and perspective. Featuring Mike Balsamo from VDA, Joe McAnulty who serves as chair of the Elevator and Escalator Safety Foundation (EESF), Matt Jackson with Blackstone Elevator Consulting, and John Koshak with Elevator Safety Solutions, sharing advice they've learned throughout their careers.
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:47 Mike Balsamo: Communication
3:17 Joe McAnulty: Getting involved
6:30 Matt Jackson: Partnership and Integrity
9:00 John Koshak: Honesty and Tenacity
11:33 Outro
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
Resources:
Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@elevatorcareers/
Submit a Topic Idea for the Podcast: https://elevatorcareers.net/
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
...more
12min
March 09, 2026 Elevator Mechanic to Addiction Recovery Advocate | Stephen Hook's Story of Resilience
TW: suicide, depression, substance abuse
In this episode, I sit down with Stephen Hook, a former elevator mechanic with 36 years in the trade, to talk about his journey through the industry and his long struggle with addiction and depression. Stephen shares how his father's pride in the union first drew him into the profession and then how he battled internally for years before seeking help. Stephen speaks openly about resilience and honesty in recovery, the power of community and the construction industry's growing willingness to address mental health. Now a recovery advocate, his story is a reminder that asking for help is strength, and that recovery is a lifelong process.
To get in touch with Stephen, email [email protected] or call 347-939-8551.
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: http://allredgroup.com
Resources:
Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@elevatorcareers/
Submit a Topic Idea for the Podcast: https://elevatorcareers.net/
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
...more
38min
February 23, 2026 Having a Service Mindset: A Former Property Manager’s Perspective in the Elevator Industry | Erin Fabian
In this conversation, I spoke with Erin Fabian with MODPROS Elevator, about her journey from property management to working in the elevator industry. We discussed the complexities of elevator systems, the importance of elevator-related education for property managers, and the challenges involved in maintaining trust with elevator contractors. Erin emphasized the need for a service mindset and the importance of women in supporting each other in a male-dominated field.
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: http://allredgroup.com
Resources:
Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@elevatorcareers/
Submit a Topic Idea for the Podcast: https://elevatorcareers.net/
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
...more
27min
February 17, 2026 LiftComm's EAV Elevator Phone: High-End Safety and Accessibility
A Message from our Sponsor:
This episode of Elevator Tools and Tech is brought to you by LiftComm, a product of TEC Solutions, and providers of high-end elevator emergency communication systems. For more information, please visit https://www.liftcomm.com/ or email Joe at [email protected].
Intro:
In this episode, I met with Joe Barone, Senior Client Manager at LiftComm. We discussed their EAV Elevator Phone, an audio and text communication solution in compliance with ASME 17.1 codes that allows speaking or hearing-impaired people to communicate in case of emergency. We also addressed the progression of elevator emergency communications, the rigorous testing processes for these devices, and available integrations.
Resources:
Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@elevatorcareers/
Submit a Topic Idea for the Podcast: https://elevatorcareers.net/
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
...more
29min

FAQs about The Elevator Careers Podcast:

How many episodes does The Elevator Careers Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 138 episodes available.