The Elevator Careers Podcast

In this live episode, I met with Matt Jackson and Jose Perez from Blackstone Elevator Consulting, a rapidly growing firm focused on helping building owners, property managers, investors navigate some of the most complex and expensive challenges in vertical transportation. Matt, the company's founder, brings more than 16 years of experience in elevator consulting, modernization planning,  maintenance evaluation and capital planning with a strong reputation for helping clients reduce risk and make smarter long-term decisions. Joining him is Jose Perez, regional vice president for the Midwest, whose background spans consulting, modernization, planning, maintenance audits, service agreements, and equipment evaluations with experience at firms including VDA, Schindler, TK, and Urban Elevator. We discussed how building owners can avoid costly mistakes in elevator management and implement creative solutions.

Chapters:

• 00:00 Introduction to Elevator Consulting and Industry Challenges
• 01:27 Market Trends and Modernization Insights
• 04:43 Understanding Deferred Maintenance and Cost Implications
• 10:13 Navigating Elevator Modernization Estimates
• 12:44 Creative Solutions in Elevator Upgrades
• 20:12 Building Strong Contractor Relationships
• 29:42 The Importance of Communication in Contractor Relationships
• 34:01 The Importance of Communication and Relationships
• 35:28 Budgeting Strategies in the Elevator Industry
• 37:29 Navigating Elevator Service Contracts
• 39:39 Building Trust with Contractors
• 42:18 Creating Fair Contracts for All Parties
• 45:40 The Role of Consultants in the Industry
• 48:06 Common Mistakes Made by Building Owners
• 49:42 Understanding Contract Expectations
• 53:16 Misconceptions About Modernization
• 55:36 Rapid Fire Insights on the Industry

Resources:
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Submit a Topic Idea for the Podcast
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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: https://linktr.ee/AllredGroup
Join our Newsletter - Episodes, Elevator Jobs, Insights, and more: https://eepurl.com/jnVaOM

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 sat down with Michael Carter, a partner of MR Elevator in West Texas, to discuss his career journey. Michael shared the process of learning empathy, resilience, self-investment, and leadership on his way from apprentice to business owner. We also discussed the importance of continuous learning and the positive impact that it can have both within the elevator industry and in our communities at large.

Chapters:

00:00 The Journey Begins: Leaving the Corporate World

04:26 Early Lessons: Growth Through Challenges

07:14 Mentorship and Self-Discovery

09:47 Empathy in Leadership: Building Stronger Teams

12:52 Taking Ownership: The Power of Personal Accountability

15:30 Transitioning to Office Roles: A New Perspective

18:28 Starting a Business: Lessons from Experience

20:55 Investing in the Future: The Elevator Industry

23:52 West Texas: A New Frontier for Opportunity

26:49 Building Community: Education and Collaboration

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

Resources:
Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@elevatorcareers/
Submit a Topic Idea for the Podcast: https://elevatorcareers.net/
Connect With Us: https://linktr.ee/AllredGroup
Join our Newsletter - Episodes, Elevator Jobs, Insights, and more: https://eepurl.com/jnVaOM

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 sat down with Jared Giblin from Draper Elevator Interiors. We talked about how their business evolved into a highly specialized niche, what goes into designing and installing custom elevator cabs, why interiors require such attention to detail, and what’s next for this area of the elevator industry.

Chapters:

00:00 Intro

01:41 The Evolution of Draper and Its Niche in Elevators

07:35 Family Business Culture and Its Impact

10:47 Expectations vs Reality of Entering the Business

12:06 Navigating Challenges in Custom Elevator Interiors

15:03 The Importance of Early Involvement in Projects

23:54 Reliability and Quality in Elevator Projects

27:07 The Complexity of Cab Interiors

29:16 Trends in Elevator Interior Design

32:43 The Future of Draper and Industry Innovations

33:39 Rapid Fire Insights and Closing Thoughts

35:02 The Importance of Recruitment in the Elevator Industry

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: https://linktr.ee/AllredGroup
Join our Newsletter - Episodes, Elevator Jobs, Insights, and more: https://eepurl.com/jnVaOM

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 Kris Garcia about his journey from the automotive industry to the elevator business. We discussed his passion for sales, mentorship in the trade, and important lessons he learned throughout his career. Kris emphasized the importance of relationships and shared that he and many others are happy to help newcomers to the elevator trade.

Chapters

00:00 Kris Garcia's Journey into the Elevator Industry

04:09 Mentorship and Relationships in the Elevator Business

06:52 Sales Passion and Industry Insights

09:39 Lessons Learned and Mistakes Made

12:27 Advice for the Next Generation

14:49 The Value of Relationships and Career Growth

17:26 Reflections on Career Choices and Regrets

20:18 The Future of the Elevator Industry and Opportunities

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

Resources:
Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@elevatorcareers/
Submit a Topic Idea for the Podcast: https://elevatorcareers.net/
Connect With Us: https://linktr.ee/AllredGroup
Join our Newsletter - Episodes, Elevator Jobs, Insights, and more: https://eepurl.com/jnVaOM

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 met with Jeremy Avraham, founder of LiftSync, to discuss how all parties working on an elevator installation can work together to save money, reduce stress, and enjoy the process.

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

Resources:
Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@elevatorcareers/
Submit a Topic Idea for the Podcast: https://elevatorcareers.net/
Connect With Us: https://linktr.ee/AllredGroup
Join our Newsletter - Episodes, Elevator Jobs, Insights, and more: https://eepurl.com/jnVaOM

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 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: https://linktr.ee/AllredGroup
Join our Newsletter - Episodes, Elevator Jobs, Insights, and more: https://eepurl.com/jnVaOM

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 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: https://linktr.ee/AllredGroup
Join our Newsletter - Episodes, Elevator Jobs, Insights, and more: https://eepurl.com/jnVaOM

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 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: https://linktr.ee/AllredGroup
Join our Newsletter - Episodes, Elevator Jobs, Insights, and more: https://eepurl.com/jnVaOM

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 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: https://linktr.ee/AllredGroup
Join our Newsletter - Episodes, Elevator Jobs, Insights, and more: https://eepurl.com/jnVaOM

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 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: https://linktr.ee/AllredGroup
Join our Newsletter - Episodes, Elevator Jobs, Insights, and more: https://eepurl.com/jnVaOM

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