The Elevator Careers Podcast

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

Intro: 

In this conversation, Don Gelestino shares key points of the presentation that he gave last year at the International Elevator and Escalator Symposium. Don is on the road again this fall. He recently spoke at the NAAC Expo 2025, Interlift 2025 and he will be presenting again at the IEES in Buenos Aires in December. Don emphasized the importance of adapting to technological advancements, the challenges posed by supply chain issues and the growing focus on sustainability. Looking ahead, Don predicts a future where predictive maintenance and AI play crucial roles in the industry, while also highlighting the enduring value of independent operators. 

Summary:

In this conversation, Donald Gelestino shares his extensive experience in the elevator industry, discussing the impacts of consolidation, globalization, and technology on safety, efficiency, and competition. He emphasizes the importance of independent companies, the challenges they face, and the role of technological advancements like AI and predictive maintenance in shaping the future of the industry. The discussion also touches on sustainability and the evolving landscape of manufacturing and supply chains.

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

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

Intro: 

In this episode, I sat down with Jonathan Latham, Don Gelestino, Carrie LeFeber, Norm Nelson, Lynndi Tennyson, and Stuart Smith for live interviews at the NAEC Expo 2025. We talked about their experience with the conference, the messages they want to share with the elevator community, the biggest challenges facing the industry today, and lessons they’ve learned along the way. These were just a few of the many great conversations I had at this year’s event.

Summary: 

Recorded live at the 2025 NAEC Expo, this episode features a series of insightful interviews with elevator industry professionals discussing key challenges, lessons learned, and advice for those in the elevator trade. Topics include navigating current industry changes, such as tariffs, and reflections on what keeps people passionate about their work.

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

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

Intro:

In this episode, Jordan shares his journey in the elevator industry, discussing his experiences from his first day on the job to current projects. 

He highlights the challenges faced during installations, the importance of safety, and the evolving technology in the field. 

Jordan also emphasizes the significance of teamwork and camaraderie on job sites, and offers valuable advice for those considering a career in the trade.

Summary:

Jordan Ryan, an elevator mechanic, discusses his journey in the elevator industry, emphasizing the importance of humility and teachability. He recounts his first day on the job, where a mistake led to a messy cleanup, highlighting the need for careful sequencing. Ryan describes a typical installation process, detailing steps from setting jacks to wiring. He shares his most memorable and challenging projects, including a duplex setup in Lehi, Utah, and a fun installation in Holiday, Utah. Ryan also discusses the evolving technology, such as destination dispatch, and the dangers inherent in the trade. He advises aspiring technicians to stay humble and embrace the rewarding nature of the work.

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

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

Intro:
Today our guest is Lawrence Wolf.  Lawrence talks about his journey from the Merchant Marine to the elevator industry, discussing the challenges and rewards of transitioning careers. 
He emphasizes the importance of technical skills, community, and the satisfaction derived from helping others. The discussion also touches on the future of the elevator industry and the need for more young people to enter the trade.

Summary:
Lawrence Wolf discussed his career transition from the Merchant Marine to the elevator industry. He shared his initial challenges, including troubleshooting and repairing old elevators, and the satisfaction of helping people. Lawrence highlighted the importance of technical skills, community, and the need for more young people in the trade. He mentioned his new company and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on his commute. Lawrence also emphasized the variety of career paths in the elevator industry, including sales, inspection, and management, and the importance of continuous learning and adaptability.

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

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

Intro:
In this conversation, Warren Tweer shares his unique journey into the elevator trade, detailing his early life, challenges faced during his apprenticeship, and the adventures he experienced while working in various international locations, including conflict zones. 
Warren reflects on the evolution of elevator technology, the importance of mentorship, and the personal growth he achieved through his career. 

Summary:
In this episode of the Elevator Careers Podcast, host Matt Allred sits down with Warren Tweer to explore his fascinating journey in the elevator industry. From unexpected beginnings to working in international conflict zones, Warren shares his experiences and insights on the evolution of elevator technology, the importance of mentorship, and the personal growth he achieved along the way. Tune in to discover how a career in elevators can take you to places you never imagined.

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

A Message from our Sponsor:

This episode is brought to you by Cloud Monitoring. Visit CloudMonitoring.us to learn more.

Intro:

This episode of Elevator Tools & Tech is sponsored by Cloud Monitoring, a cloud based remote monitoring systems that offers hosted, all in one monitoring of your equipment - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and accessible from anywhere. Now, let’s dive in.

Summary:

In this episode of the Elevator Tools and Tech podcast, host Matt Allred engages with industry experts Angelo Mottola, Bali Harmath, and Anthony Marchese to discuss the transformative impact of AI and IoT on elevators. They explore how intelligent elevators can enhance urban mobility, improve user experiences, and provide predictive maintenance to reduce downtime. The conversation also delves into energy efficiency, cybersecurity concerns, and the importance of integrating smart technology into building management systems. The experts share insights on the industry's technological advancements and the necessity for building owners to adapt to these innovations for better operational efficiency and tenant satisfaction.

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

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

Intro:
What if the only thing standing between you and a great career was showing up with the right attitude?
In this episode, I talk with Ryan Jones, an elevator pro whose journey started with a little encouragement from his then-girlfriend’s dad and grew into a full-blown career in the trade. Ryan’s story is a reminder that no one starts out knowing everything—but those who bring a desire to learn can go far.
From climbing into escalator pits to reprogramming controllers, Ryan shares the hard-earned lessons, funny moments, and the mindset that keeps him passionate about the elevator industry.

Summary:
In this episode of the Elevator Careers podcast, host Matt Allred interviews Ryan Jones, an experienced elevator professional. They discuss Ryan's journey into the elevator industry, the challenges and rewards of modernization, the importance of training and mentoring new talent, and the unique aspects of working in this niche field. Ryan shares insights on recruitment challenges, the differences between large and small companies, and what keeps him passionate about the industry. He emphasizes the importance of having the desire to learn and the various career paths available within the elevator trade.

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

A Message From Our Sponsor: 

This episode is brought to you by Access Elevator & Escalator supply, and Quality Elevator Products. Visit AESupply.com and QualityElev.com to learn more.

Intro:

This episode is sponsored by Access Elevator & Escalator Supply, an elevator industry supplier of a wide range of components for elevator and escalator maintenance, repair, and modernization. And by her sister company, Quality Elevator Products, which specializes in the manufacturing and distribution of elevator and escalator parts and accessories. Together, they are more than just parts suppliers—They are solutions providers. Now, let’s dive in.

Summary:

Rick Milefchik, leader of Access Elevator Supply and Quality Elevator Products, discusses the importance of creating positive customer experiences. He emphasizes the need for responsive, transparent, and personalized service. Milefchik highlights the impact of Extreme Ownership culture, where employees take full responsibility for their actions. He also addresses the challenges of short product life cycles and the necessity of adapting to changing customer needs. Milefchik's companies focus on maintaining inventory to ensure timely delivery and value customer feedback to improve processes and services. The conversation underscores the importance of continuous improvement and customer-centric strategies in the elevator industry.

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

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

Intro:
From fixing cars on Staten Island to installing elevators in the heart of Brooklyn—and eventually helping shape elevator innovation overseas—Ken Hickey’s 37-year journey in the industry is anything but ordinary. 
Today, he opens up about the tough early days, the mentors who shaped him, the shift from union to non-union work, and the leadership lessons that have helped him build teams and move elevators. If you’ve ever wondered what it means to really grow in this business, Ken’s story gives a great example.

Summary:
Ken Hickey, with 37 years in the elevator industry, discusses his journey from automotive to elevators, influenced by a mentor who taught him hands-on skills. He transitioned from union to non-union work for broader opportunities, including management, engineering, and sales. Hickey highlights a significant project with LG Otis, designing and installing MRL elevators in New York City, which required six weeks in South Korea and approval from the Department of Buildings. He emphasizes the importance of safety, teamwork, and continuous learning, advocating for passion and dedication in the industry.

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

A Message From Our Sponsor: 
This episode is brought to you by Elevator Zip. Visit https://elevatorzip.com/ to learn more.

Intro: 
This episode of Elevator Tools & Tech is brought to you by Elevator Zip, creators of Elevator Zip and the all new BOLT, an AI powered estimation and proposal tool for elevator mechanics and sales reps. Learn more at elevatorzip.com. Now, let’s dive in.

Summary: 
Brad Hoersten discusses Elevator Zip and its new AI-powered tool, Bolt, designed to streamline the sales process in the elevator industry. Elevator Zip helps mechanics capture and propose repair sales leads more efficiently, reducing the time it takes from weeks to minutes. Bolt allows mechanics to create estimates, convert them to proposals, and secure customer signatures on-site, eliminating the need for office intervention. This empowers mechanics to act quickly, potentially increasing sales and customer satisfaction. The tool also includes AI-driven recommendations to ensure accurate proposals. The rollout process is expected to take about two weeks.

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